All posts by Parish Secretary

Faith & Gratitude

Leprosy – Hansen’s disease – is a disease that causes disability and disfigurement. Today, leprosy can be easily cured, though there are still many people in the world who suffer from the disease because of poverty and poor hygiene. But in our Lord’s time, with no treatment, leprosy was a cause of fear and horror. Sufferers were labelled as ‘lepers.’ They were considered unclean, isolated from family and society.

In last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus taught his disciples about the power of faith. Today, ten men suffering from leprosy approach Jesus on the edge of the village. They have faith that Jesus can cure them, and he does. But only one man, finding himself cured, comes back to thank Jesus. His faith is completed by gratitude. Faith is a trusting readiness to receive the great things God does for us, and also a grateful recognition of what God has done and is doing in our lives. Ironically, the one man who comes back to give thanks is a Samaritan, a despised foreigner. Jesus welcomes everyone who has faith in him.

The Franciscan Legacy

From the 13th Century to the 21st: An international conference hosted by the Centre for Catholic Studies in partnership with the Capuchin Franciscans of Great Britain, to mark the 800th anniversary of St Francis’ meeting with Sultan Malek Al-Kamil. In Durham, Tuesday 5 – Thursday 7 November. Deadline for registration is Monday 14 October. Centre for Catholic Studies email: ccs.admin@durham.ac.uk or tel: 0191 334 1656.

Diocesan Church Music Association

The Diocesan Church Music Association have set up a link on their page of the Diocesan website, asking parish musicians to sign up to give them an idea of the resources around the Diocese and to keep people up to date with news of workshops etc.

If you would like to sign up the form can be found on the Diocesan website, clicking on ‘Departments’, then ‘Liturgy’, then Diocesan Church Music Association. Scrolling down will reveal a paragraph headed ‘Join our mailing list’.

The Power of Faith

In today’s Gospel, Jesus presents two challenges to his apostles. He tells them that a tiny amount of faith – the size of a mustard seed – can accomplish things that seem impossible. Then the Lord reminds his apostles that, although they have been chosen for a role of leadership in his Church, they are no more than God’s instruments. All that they achieve is brought about by God’s grace, and they are merely servants of God’s people.

Christian faith is not only belief that the teachings of the Church are true: even more importantly, faith is belief in Jesus as the Son of God. That faith in Christ can transform us. The apostles’ faith was found wanting when Jesus faced his Passion and death, but afterwards, with the help of the Holy Spirit, they accomplished amazing things in spreading the Gospel. As disciples of Christ, we can achieve remarkable things too, with just a little faith. But we are merely servants, and all that we achieve is God’s gift.

Blessed John Henry Newman

An afternoon celebrating the canonisation of Blessed John Henry Newman will be held by Tyneside Newman Circle on Saturday 12 October at St. Mary’s, Cullercoats. The timetable will be:

2.00pm Fr. Andrew Downie, “Newman and the Development of Doctrine”
2.45pm Prof. Terry Wright, “Newman and the Bible”
3.30pm Refreshments
4.00pm Dr. Sheridan Gilley, “Newman and Holiness”
5.00pm Mass

The event is free and everyone is welcome, but if you wish to attend, please contact Prof. Terry Wright on Terry.Wright@ncl.ac.uk or 0191 274 8653.

Cafod Harvest Fast Day

CAFOD Harvest Fast Day is this Friday, 4th October. This Fast Day, CAFOD asks us to fast, pray and give, so we can extend the hand of friendship to the world’s poorest people. Fabiano’s village in rural Uganda has been devastated by drought. Every day, children would trek miles for water, risking their education – and safety. Donations from parishioners across England and Wales helped install a solar powered water pump in the village. Now Fabiano and his friends can collect water quickly and safely. On Family Fast Day, CAFOD invites us to eat a simple meal for lunch or dinner and give the money we save to help children like Fabiano. Please take a Fast Day envelope and give generously.


The rich man and Lazarus

Luke tells us that the Pharisees ‘loved money.’ They saw their wealth as a sign of God’s favour. With this parable, Jesus challenges, indeed, reverses the Pharisees’ view. At the banquet in God’s kingdom, the last will be first; the poor man Lazarus sits in the place of honour, with Abraham. The rich man addresses Abraham as ‘Father,’ but he has not lived as a true son of Abraham. He has been indifferent to the suffering of the poor man at his gate, ignoring the teaching of Moses and the prophets that the rich are obliged to act justly and to show concern for the poor. Now the rich man is cut off by an unbridgeable gulf from the joys of heaven – just as he was apparently remote from the sufferings of Lazarus in life. The parable warns us not to think that we can remain secure in worldly wealth and luxury, but to open our eyes to the suffering of our brothers and sisters, and to respond with care and compassion.

The Source

Our diocesan event aimed at young people in school Year 9 and up (but everyone is welcome.) Praise and Worship, prayer, live music, faith sharing, social time and refreshments. The Source takes place at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Newcastle, this Wednesday, 2nd October, from 7.00–8.45pm.