This weekend we welcome Fr. Frank Graham who is making an appeal for more of us to take a Red Mission Box.  The zealators who collect the money from the Red Mission Boxes will be calling during this month to empty them. Hopefully the next time they collect they will either have to collect from more homes and/or we will have more zealators.

Next Sunday is World day of Prayer for Vocations.

This weekend there will be a retiring collection for the Sick & Retired Priests of the diocese.  The fund remains open until 6th May for individual and group donations.

Our First Communion Programme continues on Wednesday.  The children meet in the Social Centre at 6pm.  Please remember to pray for them and their families

In future all items for the newsletter must be in writing and handed into the Presbytery by no later than WEDNESDAY AT 2PM.

Since our last sale in March we have sold £462.55 worth of Traidcraft goods  Our next sale is on 12th & 13th May.  In the meantime if you run want to buy anything contact Diane English.  With the new cupboards at the back of church it is much easier to access the goodies.  Many thanks for your continued support.

If you have put your name down for the bus for Walk n Hope the bus will leave St Josephs at 9.15am prompt next Saturday morning and will leave at 9.00pm on Saturday night from Blackfriars.

On Sunday the bus will leave here at 9.15am and Mass will be at 10.00am in St Dominic’s.  The main celebrant will be Bishop Kevin. The church is next door to Blackfriars hall.  The bus will return at 7.30pm on Sunday evening.

Tea and coffee and soft drinks will be available all day. Soup and sandwiches will be available for lunch and tea at £3.00 per head.

If you have not filled in a registration form you are advised to do so as last year there was a very long queue.  (People who have already paid will be fast tracked.)  Please also note that the amount quoted on the registration form is a suggested donation only. Don’t let this stop you coming, just pay what you can afford.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call Peter Hodgson (.

A man’s short red coat was picked up by mistake before the Easter Vigil in the change over between the services.  If anyone knows where it is can they please contact the Presbytery.

The next Justice & Peace Group meeting will take place in the Social Centre Lounge after 9.30am Mass next Sunday, 29th April.

The next African Mass is being celebrated on Sunday, 29th April at 2pm in St. Joseph’s Gateshead..  Fr. Jude will be leading the celebration.  There is a liturgy practice for this Mass on Monday, 23rd April at 6pm in St. Joseph’s Parish Centre, Gateshead.  Refreshments are available after the Sunday Mass.  All are welcome.

The Hermitage Ensemble from St. Petersburg are giving another Concert at St. Mary Magdalene’s on Monday, 30th April at 7.00pm.  Tickets are £5 each.  For more information please see the poster at the back of church.

Our next Journey in Faith starts on Tuesday, 1st May at 7pm in St. Cuthbert’s Chapel.  All candidates for Confirmation (young and old), couples preparing for marriage and any parent asking for Baptism for their child are asked to attend these sessions.  All are welcome to come along and support all the candidates for Sacraments and give them their experiences of their faith

Divine Mercy Conference – 5th May 2007

St Andrew’s Church, Worswick Street, Newcastle upon Tyne 10.45am – 3.30pm.  Mass to be celebrated at 3.30pm.  Speakers: Fr Sean Conaty; Fr J B Kelly; Mrs Patricia Fergus.

A Murder-Mystery performed by Dreambox Theatre Company for children up to about 13years.—Party afterwards!.—It’s FREE, a generous gift from the Parish to help celebrate our  centenary. Please sign up at the back of church as soon as possible, numbers are limited due to space.  Parents are asked to come along and help out and to provide a shared table.

Mass for sick and elderly; lunch will be served after Mass in the Social Centre.

Please sign up for the PILGRIMAGE   at the back of church as soon as possible.  We will give you more details about time of departure and also the tide timetables should you wish to go by car.

Concert in church with the Cobweb Orchestra and Music Makers.

Parish Flower Festival to finish off our year long celebrations ending on Sunday 14th October at 3pm with Centenary Mass.  Bishop Kevin will be the main celebrant.

Collection to date is £869.15.

4th May 8.00pm details later.

The Diocesan Rosary Rally this year is on 19th May at 2pm.  Please see the poster at the back of church.