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.

Our Journey in Faith continues on Tuesday, 8th 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

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.

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.

Next Sunday 13th May we are having devotions and procession in honour of Our Blessed Lady. It starts at 4.00pm. The school children have been invited to come along and our First Communion children will take pride of place. Please come along and celebrate the gift of Our Lady in this her special month of May.

On Tuesday 15th May there is to be an Evangelisation Conference at Ushaw College from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Anyone interested telephone Father Stephen at (

Jim Sullivan and family would like to thank Father Ryan and members of St. Joseph's for their tremendous support given over their recent bereavement. Family and friends have collected £450 and BP will match-fund the amount (through Jim Sullivan jnr.) and therefore we will be donating £900 to St. Joseph's Centennial Window Fund. We are having a Mass said for the congregation in the near future in thanksgiving for their support. Once again thanks to you all.

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 (

Our 16th Birthday Lunch is on Wednesday 9th May. As part of the celebration we will be having The Bran Tub. At this lunch we will also be collecting deposits for our summer outing in June. Our birthday celebration for Hannah last month was a happy occasion enhanced with a Birthday Cake and wine kindly donated

by the Social Centre.

We are looking for a title for our Flower Festival and are open to suggestions. So if you are good with words and can think of an appropriate title (short and sweet) write it down and place in the box marked Flower Festival at the back of church as soon as possible. Our last Flower Festival was "Thine Be The Glory".

An Evening with Richard Rohr plus Father Chris Thomas & YMT at Ushaw College on Wednesday 30th May 7.00-9.30 p.m.

"My Grace is Enough for You" 2 Cor/ Tickets only: £7.00 Cheques payable to Ushaw College.

Stamped Addressed Envelope to Pat Kennedy, 42, Southwood Gardens. Kenton, Newcastle NE3 3BU.

Tickets will be limited so book early.

"We plant seeds that one day may grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise." Archbishop Oscar Romero.