We are asked to pray for
A Deeper Understanding between Christians and Jews; Those Who Suffer Persecution, Oppression and Denial of Human Rights; Europe; Human Life; Seafarers. Please pray for those we know who are unwell, as well as the many who have no one to pray for them; for those in hospital and for all undergoing treatment for serious illnesses and for all who are facing challenging situations. We pray for those who have died recently and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time.
Columban Fathers Mission Appeal
Today we welcome Father Tim Mulroy, a Columban Missionary Priest, who is present with us this weekend (4th / 5th July) to make the annual Mission Appeal for the Columban Missionaries.
Tea and Coffee
Don’t forget that we have tea and coffee available on a Saturday evening after Mass in the Church Hall at St Bede’s and also in St Robert’s Church Hall after 9am Mass. All welcome.
Journey in Faith 2026/7
The Journey in Faith is the series of meetings through which we instruct our potential converts to Catholicism. This normally runs from the end of September through to Easter. If there is anyone considering converting their faith, or anyone you know who may be interested in this, let them know that they should contact Fr Peter to have a chat about their situation, and their story so far. Fr Peter needs to know if there’s a need; if there’s no-one, we won’t do the Journey in Faith but if there is someone, then we will meet. So please contact and speak to Fr Peter asap.
Sea Sunday 12th July
Next Sunday is Sea Sunday, a Special Day of Prayer for Stella Maris and all who rely upon the seas for their livelihood. There will be a Retiring Collection next weekend. Seafarers and fishers play a vital role in all of our lives, but they often work in difficult, hazardous conditions. It is when the Church prays for all those who live and work at sea. Your support will make a big difference to seafarers and fishers in need. You can donate in church, by visiting https://stellamaris.org.uk/donate, or by texting ‘SEA’ to 70460 to donate £5. This collection is vital to enable Stella Maris to continue its important work, so please give generously. Thank you.
First Holy Communions 2026 Applications Online
St Robert’s First School and St Bede’s Primary School both sent out a notice this week from Fr Peter about registering children for First Confession and First Holy Communion and included this link to the online: https://form.jotform.com/Fr_Peter/first-confession-and-holy-communion. There may be other children not in our schools who may be eligible to receive these two sacraments. Please let their parents know about this link. This QR Code is also a link to the Online Registration. Thanks to those who have already signed up, we have two from St Bede’s School and five from St Robert’s School.
“The President’s Biggest Coffee Morning”
One of the Funeral Directors from William Purves Funerals, based in Ashington, is the President of The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors Association (SAIF) and as president he chooses a charity to support during his term in office. The local Morpeth office of ‘William Purves Funeral Directors’ are holding a Coffee Morning in St Robert’s Church Hall on Thursday 23rd July from 10am.
International Plastic Bag Free Day: 3rd July 2023
“Plastic Bag Free Day is a global initiative that aims to eliminate the use of single-use plastic bags in the world. This work centred around Plastic Bag Free Day, on the 3rd of July each year. Now, the campaign is part of the broader ‘Break Free From Plastic’ movement, which brings together an international movement of plastic pollution fighters to build a future free from plastic waste.” It’s a message we’ve been listening to for so long that perhaps we have grown a little immune to it. Today is a day to re-commit.
CAFOD Venezuela Appeal
On Wednesday, CAFOD launched its Emergency Appeal for Venezuela, following the recent earthquakes there. Please go check out their website … https://www.cafod.org.uk/. CAFOD is launching the Venezuela Earthquake Appeal to raise vital funds for communities affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. They are already working with trusted Church partners in Venezuela who are the first responders and are working closely alongside communities and Church leaders. They have allocated £100,000 from CAFOD funds to help provide emergency water, food and hygiene kits to people affected. People in Venezuela were already struggling with basic needs and services, especially healthcare, before the earthquakes. Since the earthquakes struck last week, our partner, Caritas Venezuela has been supporting people who have lost their homes and accompanying those affected by this tragedy with practical help and compassion. By joining with the DEC’s appeal today, we also reach the wider public in the UK to raise funds to respond to the growing needs in Venezuela in the days, weeks and months ahead. Thank you for keeping the people of Venezuela in your prayers and thank you for your ongoing support for CAFOD’s work. With thanks and prayers. We should have some CAFOD Emergency envelopes soon.
Diocesan Health and Safety Update
A recent reminder from the Diocese about the Annual Health and Safety Return brought with it several other health and safety notices and updated notes about food hygiene for Parish events. Providing any form of food for a parish event is considered extremely high risk and we are informed that … “Where food (any form) will be provided to the general public, at least 1 Volunteer with an appropriate level of food hygiene qualification must be on hand with food hygiene procedures in place.” We are also informed that “Where food is being provided to members of the public on a regular basis, the offering should be brought to the attention of the local authority, so their environmental team are made aware. To help further improve the hygiene standards for home prepared food, I’ve attached some guidance from our insurers and a home kitchen checklist. These papers can be made available by our Health and Safety reps. How safely is food prepared, cooked, stored and transported before being served?
Live Simply Bitesize
The greatest danger to our future is apathy
Thank You
The Catholic Women’s League offer their thanks for the support given to our recent Coffee Morning, Raffle and Tombola. They raised a total of £400.00 for the ‘Missio’ Project for the training of future Priests and Religious Sisters, in this 90th Year for Missio.
Baptism Preparation
Please contact us if you have a Child to be Baptised. We run a regular Baptism Preparation Course and all parents seeking Baptism for their children are asked to attend this meeting. The Next meeting will be held on Thursday 9th July at 6.30pm at St Bede’s Church Bedlington. Anyone with a child to be baptised needs to speak to Deacon Stephen or Fr Peter to book onto this course as soon as possible please.
Missio Donations in Hexham and Newcastle Diocese
Bishop Stephen has received information from ‘Missio’ about the donations collected in diocesan parishes last year for ‘Missio’ and he says, “Thank you” to all of our parishioners for their generosity to Missio. By using the Red Boxes and other means of fundraising we raised £217,106 across the Diocese.
Afternoon Tea Event
There will be an Afternoon Tea in aid of the Hexham and Newcastle Lourdes Pilgrimage, on Saturday 11th July, from 2pm until 4pm. Admission will be by ticket only at a cost of £5 each. Tickets available from Elizabeth Dixon.
Confessions
Don’t forget that we have regular Confessions, at St Robert’s Church, on a Saturday morning after Mass from 10.30am until 11am and on a Saturday evening at St Bede’s Church, from 5pm until just before Mass. The Sacrament of Confession is a vital part of the Catholic Church’s spiritual life, offering several key benefits of Forgiveness of Sins, Reconciliation, Spiritual Growth, Personal Healing, and Community Support.
Wednesday Word
The Wednesday Word: Connecting Home, School and Parish through the Word of God. The Wednesday Word is a website with reflections on the forthcoming readings for the Sunday Mass and it is available each Wednesday beforehand. https://www.wednesdayword.org/ It has three Sections—one for parents, so they can use it with children, and within their families; one section for schools; and one section for Parishes to use. It is free to use. A great resource.
SPUC Parish Rep for St Robert’s
SPUC are looking for Parish Representatives in every parish. If you think this is something you can do, with particular reference to their White Flower Appeal each January, this is possibly a little parish role for you. We just need someone to take on this role at St Robert’s Church, please.
Assisted Dying Bill
Promoters of the Assisted Suicide Bill will be doing all they can to round up support for this Bill for a vote in September… Please do all you can to encourage others to oppose this Bill. Speak about this with your family and friends. Contact your MP and encourage your family and friends in other parts of the country to write to their MP as well. We must do all we can to encourage our MPs to oppose this Bill and safeguard the right to life for those who are vulnerable, and those who need proper end of life care.
St Bede’s Parish Anniversary Mass
Bishop Stephen will be with us on Friday 18th September to celebrate 7pm Mass for the 150th Anniversary of the Opening of the Parish and the celebration of the First Mass in the Parish. Put the date in your diary so you can be present.
Climate and Nature Crisis – ‘Peoples Emergency Briefing’
We will be showing the 50 minute “People’s Emergency Briefing” film presented by Chris Packham in the Church Hall at St Robert’s at 7pm on Friday 17th July. This hugely important film about the effects of climate change on our planet has been endorsed by faith institutions… Following the film we will have an opportunity for a facilitated and friendly discussion… (Note: Film is recommended for ages 16 plus).
CAFOD Children’s Liturgy Resources
The CAFOD website has a full resource for Children’s Liturgy groups every week. https://cafod.org.uk/education/children-s-liturgy This should be a good resource for all leaders.
Adoremus National Eucharistic Pilgrimage
The diocese is taking part in this Pilgrimage on Saturday 10th October 2026, and parishioners are invited to consider taking part in this event. An early expression of interest is essential and will help us secure train tickets at the most economical price. We expect the overall cost to be shared equally between the Diocese, the parish, and the individual pilgrim, making this opportunity as accessible as possible. The closing date for expressions of interest is 5th July 2026. For further information, please contact Deacon Alison Rebello at alison.rebello@diocesehn.org.uk To reserve a place, please contact Amy McDonagh at admin-faith.mission@diocesehn.org.uk.
Aid to the Church n Need
The website of “Aid to the Church in Need” – https://acnuk.org/ – highlights the struggles of so many people around the world, and particularly the stories of so many Catholics who struggle to live because of the fear of persecution. Please go online and read about the troubles that so many face every day and who never give in but trust in God.
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