A note from the SVP

The St. Vincent de Paul Society was founded in 1833 to provide help and support for those in need based on the Christian imperative “to love our neighbour as ourselves”. Over the years the Society has grown to include not only those in need locally but also those in the wider community, both at home and abroad. On a weekly basis the members visit the elderly, lonely, housebound and those in residential care keeping them in contact with the Parish.

During the year, we put on a Christmas Party, delivered Easter Eggs to the housebound and those in residential care. We took a group to Seaham for a fish and chip lunch which was enjoyed by all. We have also been able to help deserving families within the Parish meet their basic needs. One of our members is a regular prison visitor and others assist at Sanctuary21 in Durham. In addition, we have contributed to a National Disaster Fund, and supported the SVP food bank and Deaf Centre, both in Newcastle. We are also committed to help SVP Conferences in poorer countries to become economically independent. Financially, we began the year with a balance of £3563.55 and through your generosity raised the magnificent sum of £8,482.39.

Our total expenditure over the year amounted to £9856.31 which means we have a balance of £2189.63. Without your kindness and generosity none of this work would be possible. So, from us and all those we helped during the year may I extend a very big ‘thank you’ and we hope you will continue to support us in the future. We would also like to extend an invitation to anyone who can spare an hour or two each week to become an SVP member. The process involves an interview, a security check and induction. Anyone interested please contact an SVP member

Thought from Fr. Colm - 16th June 2024

Bishop Stephen was delighted with his visit to the parish last weekend and particularly by the welcome he received. The International Lunch was as successful as ever. Great effort goes into its preparation, and so a big thank you to those who put so much into the continued success of these cross-cultural gatherings. And, the food was wonderful too.

Sonnet 73: That time of year thou mayest in me behold by William Shakespeare.

That time of year thou mayst in me behold

When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang

Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,

Bare ruin'd choirs, where late the sweet birds sang.

In me thou see'st the twilight of such day

As after sunset fadeth in the west,

Which by and by black night doth take away,

Death's second self, that seals up all in rest.

In me thou see'st the glowing of such fire

That on the ashes of his youth doth lie,

As the death-bed whereon it must expire,

Consum'd with that which it was nourish'd by.

This thou perceiv'st, which makes thy love more strong,

To love that well which thou must leave ere long.

Read by Jenny Grehan-Bradley at the graveside of her mother, Bridget.

Bishop Stephen's visit

We welcomed Bishop Stephen to our Parish this weekend. We thank him for his testimony at our Masses and look forward to welcoming him again in the future. He also joined us for our international lunch after Mass at St Joseph's beautifully decorated with flags representing the internationally of our community.