Bishop Robert has written a Pastoral Letter for the 5th Sunday of Lent. You can read it here.
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Mass: Live Streaming on YouTube
We can now live stream Masses and services from St Cuthbert’s. To see our live stream search for ‘St Cuthbert’s Catholic Church, Durham’ on YouTube) or click here.
If you’re new to YouTube, the easiest way to access our livestreams and to check which Masses we have scheduled for streaming for the next week is to subscribe to our channel.
Once you have subscribed, if you go into YouTube, there’s a section called ‘subscriptions’ (probably at the bottom of the screen on a tablet or phone, but in the column on the far left if you are on a computer). That will take you to a screen with lots of videos from all the channels you have subscribed to.
Click on the picture of St. Cuthbert’s (in the column on the left on a tablet or phone, but you may need to click on Manage’ at the top right on a computer) and it will take you to our channel.
The top line will give you the videos we have already streamed, and if you scroll down you will come to ‘Upcoming live streams’.
St Cuthbert’s in lockdown
A new lockdown has been announced by the Government. However, churches can continue to celebrate Mass publicly, while maintaining the usual Covid-19 safety practices. The schedule for Masses at St Cuthbert’s remains as announced. Thank you to the volunteer stewards and cleaners, who have made it possible for us to continue celebrating Mass as a community.
Please do not come to church if you have been advised to shield, if you are showing any of the symptoms of Covid-19, or if you have any concerns about your safety. All obligations to attend Mass have been suspended by the Bishops of England and Wales, until further notice.
Please keep in touch. If you are in need of practical help, or if you just want to chat, contact Fr Andrew on parish.priest@stcuthberts-durham.org.uk or 0191 384 3442.
You can see a live stream of Mass from St Cuthbert’s on the parish YouTube channel.
For updates on the Church’s response to the pandemic, see the Catholic Bishops’ Conference website.
Pastoral message
Bishop Robert has written a Pastoral Message for the Feast of the Holy Family. Read it here.
Statement regarding the publication of the IICSA report
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), has published its investigation report into the Catholic Church in England and Wales today. This is based on the main public hearings held in October and November 2019.
Bishop Byrne CO and the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle fully support the response from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, which you can read here.
Lockdown @ St Cuthbert’s
The Government has announced a four-week lockdown in England, starting today. During lockdown, there will be no public worship. However, St Cuthbert’s Church will be open for private prayer this week, at the following times:
Saturday 7th November 9.30-10.30am.
Tuesday 10th November 12 noon – 1.00pm
Thursday 12th November 5.00-6.00pm
Saturday 14th November 10.00-11.00am
Morning Prayer of the Church will be celebrated on Zoom, Monday-Friday at 8.00am.
Virtual Parish Coffee Morning: Saturday at 10.30am.
Online Sunday Gospel Reflection: Sunday at 11.00am.
For details of how to take part in these online events, and for information about the opening of the church for private prayer, see the ‘St Cuthbert’s Parish Community’ Facebook page, or email Fr Andrew on parish.priest@stcuthberts-durham.org.uk
We hope to begin the live streaming of Masses from St Cuthbert’s soon, but in the meantime, you can find a list of churches in our diocese which are live streaming here.
During this new lockdown, it’s important that we all keep in touch and look out for one another. If you are in need of any practical help, eg with grocery shopping or collecting prescriptions, or if you just want to chat, please contact Fr Andrew on the email address above, or on 0191 384 3442. Or if you know of someone else who might need contact or support, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Parish bulletins and Catholic newspapers will be available for collection in a box outside the church door. Please pick up a copy of the bulletin and put it through the letterbox of a friend or neighbour who might not be able to get out.
You can read a statement from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales on the new lockdown here.
Lockdown restrictions begin Thursday 5th November
The Government has introduced lockdown restrictions from Thursday 5th November. Public acts of worship are forbidden from that date, and all Masses from this Thursday onwards will be celebrated privately.
Churches can still open for private prayer. This week, St Cuthbert’s will be open at the following times:
Thursday 5-6pm; Friday 12-1pm; Saturday 9.30-10.30am.
Watch the website and the parish and chaplaincy Facebook pages for details of future opening.
Meet a Columban Missionary
We are delighted to have received an invitation from the Columbans in Britain to join a virtual encounter with Marjorie Engcoy, a Columban Lay Missionary from the Philippines assigned to Fiji.
This event will happen on Zoom on WEDNESDAY 16th SEPTEMBER 2020 at 19:00, and is open to everyone.
Before joining the Missionary Society of St. Columban, Marjorie was an English teacher for five years. Growing up she met a number of Columban missionaries; priests, nuns, and lay. Their presence in her community helped to ignite her desire to become a lay missionary and establish her personal relationship with God. In mission, she has been involved in various different ministries such as youth, children, women, liturgy, evangelisation, leadership and JPIC. Marjorie looks forward to explaining some of these ministries in more detail and how through her mission work overseas she has experienced God’s love and His promise; “I will be with you, always.”
The webinar will include prayer, a short introduction and then time for questions. You will need a laptop, tablet or phone and a good internet connection. To take part, please register your interest here: http://tiny.cc/MeetaColumbanMissionary
Please pray
Please pray for the repose of the soul of James McAloon, who died recently, and for his family. His funeral service will be celebrated at St Cuthbert’s on Saturday 15th August at 10.00am. Please note that due to Government regulations, attendance at the funeral service is limited to family members and invited guests. Please join with us in prayer at the time of the service, rather than attempting to attend.
Broadcast of Mass by the BBC
BBC Radio 4 Sunday Worship will broadcast Mass, celebrated by Cardinal Nichols in Westminster Cathedral, on Sunday 14 June at 8.10am. As an accessible radio broadcast, this is good news for the Catholic community. Please share news of this broadcast with any isolated parishioners who may not have access to the internet and therefore have been unable to attend online Mass services. For more information click here.
CAFOD Coronavirus emergency Appeal
CAFOD launched its coronavirus emergency appeal on 30 April. The effects of coronavirus on developing countries where CAFOD works are likely to be devastating. Families without enough to eat and without access to clean water and healthcare are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. The poorest and most marginalised communities will be pushed further into poverty. Your prayers and gifts are needed now more than ever to help protect the lives of those in poor communities.
You can find out more about CAFOD’s response to the coronavirus emergency, and donate online, here.
A Message from the archbishops
The Archbishops of England and Wales have written to all Catholics on behalf of their brother Bishops. The Archbishops encourage us to continue observing the lockdown restrictions in solidarity for the common good, and to pray and prepare for the moment when our churches can safely be reopened. You can read the full text of the Archbishops’ letter here.
Masses for the Sick and their Families, NHS Front-Line workers and those working in Social Care
Recognising that the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting everyone, special Masses will be celebrated for the sick, their families, care workers and NHS staff. These Masses will be celebrated each Thursday at 7pm, by a different Catholic Bishop in his cathedral. This Thursday, 7th May, Mass will be celebrated by Rt Rev Marcus Stock in Leeds Cathedral. You can watch the Mass on the cathedral’s Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-xVdN6rMCG0sSgxk8Rulow
You can find out more, including how to watch the live stream of the Masses, on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference website, here.
Church Is no longer Open
Following the latest announcement from the Prime Minister on the measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, we are no longer able to open the church for people to call in and pray. This is a necessary measure to protect us all.
Please keep in touch as we find other ways to support each other and to pray together over the next weeks and months.
St. Mary’s Cathedral, Newcastle are live streaming Mass, and this can be found on the Cathedral’s YouTube Channel and The Tablet has put together a useful summary of resources you can use.
Supporting one another during the coronavirus outbreak
Many of our parishioners are elderly, or at risk of infection because of an existing condition. Some are self-isolating, in accordance with NHS advice. If you would be able to help with shopping for food and medicine for a housebound person, or if you are in need of such help, please contact Fr Andrew on parish.priest@stcuthberts-durham.org,uk or 0191 384 3442.
We already have a number of volunteers, both parishioners and students (some of whom have been unable to travel home and are staying in Durham), who are ready and willing to help, so please do get in touch.
NHS England looking for volunteers
If you’re wondering what you can do to help:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/2020/03/your-nhs-needs-you-nhs-call-for-volunteer-army/
Suspension of public acts of worship
In accordance with the statement issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales, there will be no further public acts of worship at St Cuthbert’s after Sung Vespers on Friday 20th March, until further notice. This decision has been taken by the Bishops in line with official advice and in order to keep each other safe, save lives and support the NHS. The celebration of Sunday and weekday Mass will take place without a congregation.
An excerpt from the Bishops’ statement:
‘Knowing that the Mass is being celebrated; joining in spiritually in that celebration; watching the live-streaming of the Mass; following its prayers at home; making an act of spiritual communion: this is how we share in the Sacrifice of Christ in these days. These are the ways in which we will sanctify Sunday, and indeed every day. We want everyone to understand that in these emergency circumstances, and for as long as they last, the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days is removed. This is, without doubt, the teaching of the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2181). This pandemic is the ‘serious reason’ why this obligation does not apply at this time.’
You can see live streams of prayer and worship on the Durham Martyrs Parish Facebook page and at www.churchservices.tv/
St Cuthbert’s Church will not close, but will continue to open as a place for prayer and reflection. We will need stewards to watch the church during opening hours. If you are able to volunteer to steward for an hour or two, please contact Fr Andrew on parish.priest@stcuthberts-durham.org.uk or 0191 384 3442.
Please watch the parish website and Facebook page, and our e-bulletin, for updates. You can read the statement from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference here.
Covid-19 (Coronavirus)
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has now moved to Stage 2 guidance in its guidance to parishes. This means that, as from now, Holy Communion will not be administered from the chalice, and communicants will be asked to receive the host in their hand. There should be no physical contact at the Sign of Peace, and the holy water stoups will be emptied.
You can read the full guidance here.
Church Stewarding
The church is open apart from service times from 10 to 3 on Fridays and 10 –noon on Saturdays. This allows people to pop in and pray and gives visitors to Durham a chance to see inside a building of considerable beauty.
To enable this to happen there is a small but dedicated band of stewards. There are proposals to extend the occasions when the church is open but for this to happen we need more stewards. It is not an onerous task. It usually means sitting in the narthex and saying ‘Hello’ to people, keeping an eye on the place and answering, as best you can, questions visitors might ask. There is a folder containing information on just about everything to do with the church. It is possible that no one visits on some days so it is a chance to read the paper do a few lines of knitting or whatever.
If you would like to join this group please let Fr Andrew, Ciara or David Crookes (davidcrookes@talktalk.net) know. Students are eligible too. It means studying in the narthex rather than the chaplaincy for a while.
