THE CYCLE OF PRAYER-ORDINARY TIME (AUTUMN)

During Ordinary Time from September to Advent we are asked to pray for these intentions: The Spread of the Gospel; the Harvest; the Fruits of Human Work, and the Reverent Use of Creation; Justice and Peace in the World; All Victims of War; Young People; Prisoners and their Families.

JOURNEY IN FAITH

Our next Journey in Faith starts on Thursday 6th September in St. Cuthbert’s Chapel.  It is intended for parents who have asked for Baptism or First Holy Communion for their children, but everyone is welcome to come along and tell us your experiences of your faith.  You can choose to come at either 9.05 am or 7.00 pm.

RACIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY

Next Sunday is a Special Day of Prayer for Racial Justice.  This year’s theme is a world on the move—”Go to a land I will show you”.  Genesis 12:1

LIVESIMPLY SO OTHERS CAN SIMPLY LIVE

S —Switch off Standby  Shop locally and ethically.

 T — Turn off taps. Use public Transport

We are hosting an afternoon of reflection on the theme of Livesimply on Sunday 18th September from 2.00 - 4.00 p.m. 

“If you want to do something and you really feel in your heart you can do it, other people will copy you and then everyone will do the same….. I think if those of us who have few resources and difficult conditions can do something then surely you can too”  says Luis from El Salvador, one of a group of young people working with street gangs to help stop the violence in his community.

See the notice board at the back of church for the list of promises the Livesimply Campaign is asking us to consider and sign up to.  We will have a general promise covering all these issues for everyone to sign up to in two weeks time.

CERTIFICATE IN PASTORAL THEOLOGY

The Diocese is also offering this course starting on 29th September and involves 4 Saturdays in 2007/8.  It is aimed at all involved in parish ministry and enables participants to develop a more reflective way of working in the parish and to help make the connection between faith and parish ministry.  There are leaflets available with more information about this course.  Please see Father Gordon if you are interested as soon as possible.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS FOR PARISH CENTENARY

Fri 28th September

Come and enjoy an evening of light musical

Entertainment with the Cobweb Orchestra and the Music Makers Ladies Choir here in St. Joseph’s church, on Friday 28th September at 7.00 pm  This concert is part of our Centenary Celebrations. Tickets available from 8th September from Ann Earl (, Louis Dale ( and Ian Thompson (, Price £5.00

Thurs 11th – 14th October

Parish Flower Festival to finish off our year long celebrations ending on Sunday 14th October at 3 pm with Centenary Mass.  Bishop Kevin will be the main celebrant.  There is no 9.30am Mass that day.

WHO IS SIDE BY SIDE WITH THE LONELY?

See the poster at the back of church and see if you know who it is.

ANGELUS LUNCH CLUB

After our summer break we are once more back in business.  Our next lunch is on Wednesday 5th September.  If you wonder what we get up to -  chatter and eat  -  eat and chatter, now is the time to come and join us and give it a try.  Contact Leonora Conroy or Kath Jackson.

FAIR TRADE

Next weekend sees the return of our Fair Trade stall after a break for the summer.  There are two new items for sale whole almonds, which some of you have been asking for and organic dates.  The new Traidcraft Autumn catalogue is out, please take one and have a look through it.  If you want to order anything that we don’t stock it is advisable to do so as soon as possible as Traidcraft do sell out of products quickly at this time of year.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Marie Donkin who has been appointed Community Development Worker with Ford & Pallion Action Group.  Marie is to be inducted into her post on Sunday, 23rd September at 7pm in St. Luke’s Church.  Why not go along and support her.

ST. JOSEPH’S ASYLUM SUPPORT WORKER

The Diocesan Justice and Peace Council has obtained funding for the temporary appointment of an Asylum Support Worker.  The post will be  based at St. Joseph’s, Benwell.  For more information see the poster at the back of church.

DEANERY FORUM

The next Deanery Forum is on Tuesday 11th September at 7.30 pm. At St. Benet’s.  These meetings of the whole of the Sunderland Deanery are being held to discuss the way forward for the Church in Sunderland.  Everyone is welcome.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

The next Parish Pastoral Council is on Monday 17th September after evening Mass.  All parish groups are reminded that they should send a member to the council meeting as their representative.  The annual elections to the Parish Council are also overdue.  There are nomination forms at the back of church for anyone who is interested.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Today:  22nd Sunday of the Year:  

Wednesday:  11.45 am Angelus Lunch

Thursday:  9.05am & 7pm Journey in Faith

Friday: 7.00pm Indian Prayer Group

Saturday: 1.00pm.  El Shaddai Prayer Group

5.00pm.  Prayer Group

Sunday: 23rd Sunday of the Year

Racial Justice Sunday

Retiring collection at both Masses

Rotas week ending 8th/9th Sept 2007