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Events at Minsteracres

The way of the embodied contemplative: This day will explore how the practice of meditation can also be encountered through the language of the body using breathing exercises, gentle stretching and slow Tai Chi movements to complement the seated meditation periods. Suitable for all ages and abilities. Please wear loose clothing. Led by Terry Doyle, a Benedictine Oblate with the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM.) Wednesday 11 October, 10am-4pm. Cost £25.

The Event

A youth prayer night for students in school years 6 – 8. Praise and worship, games and icebreakers, small group challenges, inspiring speakers and prayer and reflection – and food! There is no cost and everyone is welcome. All young people, whether in a group or alone, must be accompanied by an adult. Wednesday 18 October, 6.00-7.30pm at St Joseph’s Catholic Academy, Mill Lane, Hebburn NE31 2ET.

Reading Group

The Reading Group will meet at Orchard House, New Elvet, Durham DH1 3DB on Tuesday 24 October at 8pm to discuss David Eggers, The Circle. All are welcome, including undergradates and post-graduates.
If interested, just come to the entrance to the house, enter the lobby and read the instructions for entry. Dial 48 to be let in. Further information: tel [0191] 3840080 or email margaretharvey@uwclub.net

Young Adults Group

Juventutem is for those aged 18-35 who are attached to or interested in supporting traditional liturgy, prayer, catechesis and spirituality, and who enjoy socialising and charitable/parish works. The group meets in the Chaplaincy Room at 7pm on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month, beginning 23rd October. For more info contact Paul: juventutemdurham@gmail.com 

Tending God’s Vineyard

Isaiah’s story of the vineyard expresses God’s love for Israel – God’s chosen people, his pride and joy. And so, Jesus’ parable of the wicked tenants becomes a powerful reproach to the chief priests and elders. They have been given responsibility for God’s vineyard, but they have not taken good care of the property entrusted to them. Instead, they have exploited their position for their own ends and persecuted the prophets who were sent as God’s messengers. And Jesus foresees that they will also kill him, the Son of God. In their response to the parable, the leaders condemn themselves out of their own mouths: “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end…”

The parable reminds us that we are stewards of the gifts that God has given us. For those called to roles of leadership in the Church, Christ offers us the model: leaders should be servants, who give themselves for those in their care, as Christ gives his life for us. These are the fruits that God wishes to see from the vineyard.

Safeguarding

DBS rechecks are now required every three years. There are a large number of volunteers in the parish who have not had these rechecks done for a number of years, therefore the parish safeguarding rep, Stephanie Brown, will be providing you with a Safeguarding Self Declaration Form (DBS4) over the next few weeks. When it is your turn it would be appreciated if all forms could be returned as quickly as possible.

Prisons Week 8th-15th October

To support women in Low Newton Prison in Durham on release there will be a collection of essential toiletries on Sunday 8 and Sunday 15 October. Shampoo, shower gel, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes and Roll-on (not spray) deodorants are all very welcome. With winter coming on we are also being asked to help with warm clothing eg hats, gloves, socks, jeans (sizes 12-18) etc. For some women who were admitted in the warmer months the only clothing they have on discharge is the lightweight clothes they arrived in. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

Go and work in the vineyard today

Today’s Gospel sees Jesus, yet again, in conflict with the religious leaders of Israel – the chief priests and elders. They were concerned when they saw Jesus enter Jerusalem, acclaimed by the people as prophet and Messiah. They were furious when he drove the merchants and money-changers out of the Temple. By his teaching, Jesus called the people to repentance and conversion, just as John the Baptist did before him. Those regarded as “sinners” – the tax collectors and prostitutes – responded with joy to the Good News brought by Christ. They knew their need for God’s mercy, and they embraced the hope that Jesus brought them. The chief priests and elders, in contrast, felt secure in their own righteous observance of the Law. Believing that they had no need of repentance, they rejected first John, and then Jesus, whose coming John had foretold. With this parable, Jesus challenges the leaders of the people. God looks at our actions, and not our words – God is pleased when we repent and live our lives in accordance with his will. The challenge that Jesus offered to the “righteous” people of his own time is a challenge to us, too – are we truly seeking to do our Father’s will?