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.
Peters Pence Collection
The Collection taken every year on the Feast of St Peter and St Paul is called ‘Peters Pence’, it is the collection every Catholic Parish takes and it is forwarded to our Holy Father Pope Leo so that he can use the donations for charitable works he supports throughout the world.
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.
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.
Columban Fathers Mission Appeal
Father Tim Mulroy, a Columban Missionary Priest, will be present with us next weekend, 4th / 5th July, to make the annual Mission Appeal. Father Peter will be away from St Robert’s next Sunday morning at a Golden Jubilee Mass, so hopefully someone will look after Fr Tim!
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 some-one, then we will meet. So please contact and speak to Fr Peter asap.
Missio Donations in Hexham and Newcastle Diocese
Bishop Stephen has received information from Missio and he says “Thank you” to all of our parishioners for your generosity to Missio. By using the Red Boxes and other means of fundraising we raised £217,106 across the Diocese.
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.
“Live Simply” Herb Garden
As part of the Live Simply initiative, our herb garden has now been completed – with thanks to St Robert’s children, who helped with the planting. Special thanks to Peter Smith and Donald Marr, who helped prepare the ground, and Paul Oman, who built the raised beds. A huge thank you to Heighley Gate and Jewson, for supplying the herbs and the timber free of charge – it’s great that our community is supported by local businesses. Once the plants have become established, parishioners will be welcome to cut herbs to use in cooking for their families.
Come and Enjoy an Afternoon Tea
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.
Climate and Nature Crisis – ‘Peoples Emergency Briefing’
Bishop Stephen endorses the 50-minute film presented by Chris Packham which is now being shown in communities across the UK and has been endorsed by faith institutions including CAFOD and the Catholic Church. Watch this space for news next week about a showing the film in St Robert’s Church Hall very soon.
The 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
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. St Bede’s vacancy is now filled … Thank you; we just need someone to take on this role at St Robert’s Church. Get involved with parish life and promote the work of SPUC and promote life in all its aspects.
SPUC Join the Fightback
In April, the Crime and Policing Bill, received Royal Assent. It is now no longer criminal for a woman to abort her own baby, right up to birth, for any reason, in England and Wales. The work therefore for SPUC and all who believe in the protection of life for the unborn, is harder than ever before. SPUC therefore are launching a Fightback Campaign. There are postcards to sign if this interests you. Please take a card, sign it, and send it to SPUC. You will then be contacted by SPUC at a later date
Assisted Dying Bill
SPUC writes about the Assisted Dying Bill ….
“There is only one reason Lauren Edwards MP would reintroduce a Bill that even many supporters think is flawed. They want to use the Parliament Acts to override the consent of the House of Lords – and that can only be done if the Bill has already been approved by the Commons. But here is the problem the suicide lobby faces … The Bill failed to get through the Lords because scrutiny by Peers found so many dangerous flaws they ran out of parliamentary time to deal with them all. Those supporting this Bill don’t seem to care about those flaws. They want to force the Bill through without even one flaw being fixed. This means they are willing to see people coerced into suicide as long as their Bill gets through. The suicide lobby has contempt for human life. They also have contempt for our laws. The Parliament Acts have been used just seven times since 1911, and only to override the opposition of Peers to major Government Bills, like Home Rule for Ireland. Until now it was regarded as impossible to use these Acts to force through a Private Members’ Bill. SPUC’s lobbyists are hearing that even MPs sympathetic to assisted suicide hesitate at violating constitutional convention to secure passage of a Bill as flawed as Leadbeater. SPUC needs to convince 12 MPs to swap sides – and the Bill could be defeated. Victory is within reach – but those who support the Bill will throw everything into this fight. I (John Deighan, CEO SPUC) need you to stand with us again”.
Please check out their website and contact your MP to oppose the Bill and to encourage others to do the same. David Smith, MP for North Northumberland, remarked: “To bring assisted dying back now after it has so recently failed lacks wisdom.”
Live Simply Bitesize
The greatest danger to our future is apathy
Baptism Preparation
Please contact us if you are considering Baptism Preparation for your Child. We run a regular Baptism Preparation Course and all parents seeking Baptism for their children are asked to attend this meeting.
Partnership Consultation Document
The Partnership Council has now completed its Partnership Document that brings together all the common themes of the parish documents that were handed in earlier this year. Fr Peter is leaving it to the Parish Reps on the Partnership Council will arrange meetings to present this to you in the near future.
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.
CAFOD Children’s Liturgy Resources
The CAFOD website has a full resource for Children’s Liturgy https://cafod.org.uk/education/groups_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. The day will begin at St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, where delegates from across the country will gather at 10.30am for presentations on Eucharistic Art and Life, alongside refreshments and information stands. At noon, the Congress will formally commence with the Adoremus Mass. There will be a keynote address from Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe OP, followed by lunch and fellowship. At 3.00pm, participants will join the Eucharistic Procession from St George’s Cathedral to Westminster Cathedral. The procession is expected to take approximately two hours. The day will conclude with Solemn Benediction, led by Bishop James Curry at 5.00pm, followed by Mass at 6.00pm. To enable to travel together as a diocesan family, we hope to secure group rail travel for all participants. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. We anticipate an early departure on Saturday morning and a late return that evening. Prospective pilgrims should be aware that the day will involve a long journey and approximately two hours of walking as part of the Eucharistic Procession. 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 adminfaith.mission@diocesehn.org.uk. Additional information about Adoremus 2026 can be found on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference website https://www.cbcew.org.uk/adoremus-2026/.
DBS Renewals – Online Update Service
The Online Update Service is a free online subscription service from the UK Government (https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service) that allows you to keep your enhanced DBS Certificates up to date. It enables the Diocese, with your consent, to complete your three yearly DBS check. Your Update Service Subscription requires an annual renewal. When this is due, you will receive an email from DBS which will help you to do not renew your Subscription if it will lapse and subsequently, when your DBS is due for checking, a full application will need to be completed, including full identity verification. If you need any further information regarding this, please speak to your Parish Safeguarding Representatives.
Bedlington and Morpeth Foodbank Donations
Donations of non-perishable food can be left in the boxes at our Churches for the Bedlington and Wansbeck Valley Food-banks.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi
Places are still available for those who would like to attend the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Rome in October 2027. The details of the pilgrimage and how to book can be found on the Diocesan website: https://diocesehn.org.uk/news/diocesan-pilgrimage-to-rome-assisi/
Newman Tyneside Circle
The Tyneside Circle of the Newman Association invites you to come and hear Tom O’Loughlin speak on “Luke 5:27-32 as a discipleship text: Christian hospitality and the contemporary rejection of Liturgy”, in the hall of Holy Name Church, Jesmond, Newcastle, NE2 3JX, on Tuesday 14th July 2026 at 7.30pm.
Music at St Bede’s Vigil Mass
We had a disappointing response on the discussion about music provision at St Bede’s and we have not been able to make a decision about the best way forward.
Bedlington and Morpeth Foodbank Donations
Donations of non-perishable food can be left in the boxes at our Churches for the Bedlington and Wansbeck Valley Foodbanks.
Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project
Thank You to everyone who continues to support with donations of food and other items for the Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project. The five regular items needed most are Toilet rolls, Tinned tomatoes, Tinned fish, Individual packet of biscuits and Chickpeas. Other Standard items are Rice (standard size packet), Sugar (standard size packet), Cooking oil, spices/dried herbs, Table Salt, Sweetcorn, Flour, Corned Beef, Cooking Sauces, Condiments, Cereals, Coffee, Long-life Milk, Cordials and Juices. Hygiene and cleaning products needed include, Deodorant, Toothbrushes and toothpaste, Shampoo, Washing -up liquid / surface & toilet cleaners and Detergents. With thanks to David Laux from St Robert’s who takes these donation from St Robert’s to the Justice and Peace Centre. Please leave all / any donations in the entrance of St Robert’s Church
Newman Tyneside Circle
The Tyneside Circle of the Newman Association invites you to come and hear Tom O’Loughlin speak on “Luke 5:27-32 as a discipleship text: Christian hospitality and the contemporary rejection of Liturgy”, in the hall of Holy Name Church, Jesmond, Newcastle, NE2 3JX, on Tuesday 14 July 2026, at 7.30pm.
DBS Renewals – Online Update Service
The Online Update Service is a free online subscription Service from the UK Government (www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service) that allows you to keep your enhanced DBS Certificates up to date. It enables the Diocese, with your consent, to complete your three yearly DBS check. Your Update Service Subscription requires an annual renewal. When this is due, you will receive an email from DBS which will help you to do this. If you do not renew your Subscription it will lapse and subsequently, when your DBS is due for checking, a full application will need to be completed, including full identity verification. If you need any further information regarding this, please speak to your Parish Safeguarding Representatives.
Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project
Thank You to everyone who continues to support with donations of food and other items for the Diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee Project. The five regular items needed most are Toilet rolls, Tinned tomatoes, Tinned fish, Individual packet of biscuits and Chickpeas. Other Standard items are Rice (standard size packet), Sugar (standard piece packet), Cooking oil, spices/dried herbs, Table Salt, Sweetcorn, Flour, Corned Beef, Cooking Sauces, Condiments, Cereals, Coffee, Long-life Milk, Cordials and Juices. Hygiene and cleaning products needed include, Deodorant, Toothbrushes and toothpaste, Shampoo, Washing -up liquid / surface & toilet cleaners and Detergents.
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