Faith in Food: Living in an age of degraded industrial food, depleted soil and an epidemic of food-related illnesses we explore what this means for people of faith. In the peaceful setting of our walled garden, at the height of the growing season, we embark on a spirited inquiry into the future of our food through story, engaging visuals, group work, quiet reflection, gentle ritual and the joyful sharing of food. Friday 22-Sunday 24 June. Cost £130.
Partnership Prayer
Risen Christ,
from your abundant grace,
pour out afresh your Holy Spirit upon our Diocese.
As we build on the deep foundations of faith
laid by the countless saints of these Northern lands,
by Aidan and Cuthbert, Hilda and Bede,
may our Partnerships continue the mission
of building your Kingdom on the earth:
to give living witness to your love,
and to your compassion and hope for our world.
We pray in trustful confidence
that your power working in us
can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.
Through the same Christ our Lord,
Amen
21st June: Mass at Ushaw
Thursday 21st June is the 450th Anniversary of the birth of Aloysius Gonzaga.
The Junior House Chapel at Ushaw was dedicated to the young Saint and his feast was celebrated as a Playday.
Mass will be celebrated in St Joseph’s Chapel, Ushaw, on Thursday 21st June at 12.30pm
The replica statue of O
ur Lady of Help which was originally in St Aloysius Chapel will be with us in St Joseph’s as we celebrate the 450th Anniversary Mass.
How well do you know the church?
Around the Church
Annual Alumni Mass of Thanksgiving and Garden Party
This takes place on the last Saturday in Easter Term, 16 June; the Mass starts at 12:15pm and is followed by a celebratory barbecue lunch and drinks. All chaplaincy alumni, current students and parishioners are welcome. Please email alumni@durhamcatholic.org if you are able to come, and pass the word to any alumni you know who may not have received the invitation.
Red Mission Boxes
We too believe
Jesus’ public ministry has only just begun, and already great crowds of people are following him, to hear his teaching and to seek healing from illness, disability or possession by demons. But others are not so sure. Jesus’ relatives, motivated by love and concern for him, are afraid that he must be out of his mind. Why else would he leave behind home and family for the life of a wandering rabbi? The scribes, meanwhile, are blinded by jealousy when they declare that Jesus’ power over devils can only come from Beelzebul, the prince of devils himself.
Jesus’ response to the scribes is to point to the fruits of his ministry. How can Satan cast out Satan? Jesus’ healing power comes from the Holy Spirit. And even for his own family, Jesus has a challenging reply. Anyone who hears his words and does his Father’s will is his mother, sister or brother. His disciples are his family. Jesus models for us a love that is inclusive and uncompromising – and he asks us to follow his example. What might be obstructing us from responding to Christ’s call?
Charity project in Peru
St Cuthbert’s Hospice Colourama
Alison Purvis is doing the Colourama fun run on June 16 along with members of the Watermelon Dance and Zumba Team, to help raise funds for St. Cuthbert’s Hospice. If you would like to support her and make a donation to help the work of this fantastic place, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/team-melons2018
Around the church
How well do you know the church?
Ministers of Holy Communion
Next Sunday
Catholic Theology Research Seminar
This is my body; this is my blood
In the Gospels, Jesus is often shown sitting at table with his disciples, sharing food and conversation and teaching them about the kingdom of God. At the Last Supper, Jesus does something radically new. As he shares the bread and wine with the Twelve Apostles, he tells them: this is my body; this is my blood. By the shedding of Jesus’ blood on the Cross, the new covenant is established between God and humanity, bringing the promise of eternal life. Every time the Church gathers to celebrate the Eucharist, Christ is present among us, as he was present to the Apostles at the Last Supper. The celebration of the Eucharist is the very heart of our life as a church. Our celebration unites us with Christ and with one another, and impels us to go out to the world and share Christ’s love with our neighbours. Today, as we celebrate God’s gift of the Eucharist, we also acknowledge the generous commitment of those who serve our communities as Ministers of Holy Communion.
Encounter
Reading Paul Today: Grace and Gift for Protestant and Catholic Theology
Transforming our lives with the Bible
Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage
Adult volunteers are urgently needed for our diocesan pilgrimage, which takes place from Friday 27 July to Friday 3 August. See www.rcdhn.org.uk for details.