Today is World day of Prayer for Vocations.

Throughout the Easter Season we are invited to reflect on what it means to be baptised and to live as a member of Christ’s Body, the Church.  One consequence of our baptism is that we are called to live the Christian vocation, and each has a particular vocation in life.

Today the fourth Sunday of Easter is a day of prayer for priesthood and consecrated life kept by the universal Church.  We pray not only for those who are already in these life-states, but also that others will be called by God to these wonderful vocations.  We also give thanks to all those priests and religious in our diocese who celebrate important jubilees this year; Especially our own Father Daley who celebrates his Diamond Jubilee in July.

A parish is a community of individuals  and families.  God calls us all to do something with our lives.  We need to be open to the possibility that a call to priesthood or consecrated life might come to one of our own, even to me.  As a community of faith, family life and the work we do with our young people should include assisting them in the discernment of their life vocation.

The fund for Sick and Retired Priests remains open until 6th May for individual and group donations.

If anyone would like a rosary said in their home during the month of May, please contact Julia Burnham ( as soon as possible.

The Indian Community in Sunderland have invited Bishop Kevin to celebrate Mass here in St. Joseph’s at 6.30pm on Friday 4th May.  Mass will be in English. Refreshments will be available afterwards.  All are welcome.

The next African Mass is being celebrated today at 2pm in St. Joseph’s Gateshead.  Fr. Jude will be leading the celebration.  Refreshments are available after the Sunday Mass.  All are welcome.

Many thanks to Father Frank Graham who celebrated Mass with us last weekend and appealed for us to help APF/Mill Hill Missions by taking a red mission box or becoming an annual subscriber.  If you want to sign up please contact Kathleen or Ian Thompson.

The next Justice & Peace Group meeting will take place in the Social Centre Lounge after 9.30am today.

Many Happy Returns to Mrs. Bertha Appleton who celebrates her 90th Birthday on Monday.  She is currently a resident at the Little Sisters Home.

During May as part of our Centenary we are holding an Evening with Mary.  To prepare for this there is a meeting on Monday after evening Mass to decide what format the evening should take.  All are welcome.

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.

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.

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.

A Murder-Mystery performed by Dreambox Theatre Company for children up to about 13years. FREE Party afterwards! 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.

11am 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.

To Barry Robinson and the Federation of Master Builders for their very generous  donation of £100 towards the Church Centenary Window.

Maureen, Marjorie and the Walton Family would like to thank Father Gordon Ryan, Father Kevin Dixon and fellow parishioners, for their loving kindness and support on the sudden death of their dear brother Martin.  Also for Masses, messages of sympathy and prayers.  A Mass will be offered for your intentions.  God Bless you.

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.

On Saturday 19th May there is to be a Grand Concert by the Felling Silver Band, Music Makers Ladies Choir and an Organ Recital by Colin Wood.  For more information please see the poster at the back of the church.

The Annual General Meeting of the Members is to take place on Friday 4th May 2007 in the Lounge at 8.00p.m.  Notices for your information are placed on the Members Notice Board in the Centre.  If you have any questions to raise please put them in writing to the Secretary at least one week before the AGM.

Please also remember that your membership of the Centre needs to be up to date or you will not be eligible to attend.  The Meeting will start prompt at 8.00pm.  Late-comers will not be allowed in.

Volunteers are urgently needed to help at Holy Island Camp.

Helpers can work alongside children during the summer holiday camps or work in the kitchens.  Help is also desperately required during term time and weekends to support church and school groups in the kitchens.  If you feel you could offer help in any way please contact Barbara Taws for an application form, telephone (