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Fr. Colm Hayden
Fr. Colm is from Dublin, Ireland. He was appointed our parish priest in 2005. In 2015 Bishop Seamus further appointed Fr. Colm as the Episcopal Vicar for the East Durham and Sunderland area.
Thoughts from Fr. Colm
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23rd March 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
The Barren Fig Tree By John Newton The church a garden is In which believers stand, Like ornamental trees Planted by God's own hand: His...
Mar 211 min read
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16th March 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
Thank you all who contributed to such a wonderful event last Sunday. The International Meal was everything it should be. The dishes were...
Mar 141 min read
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9th March 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
A marvellous Parish retreat was had by all at Keswick last weekend. In an atmosphere of stunning natural beauty, we celebrated times of...
Mar 72 min read
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2nd March 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
The Season of Lent Do you want to fast? Fast from hurting words and say kind words. Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude. Fast...
Feb 281 min read
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23rd February 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
We have a parish council meeting next Tuesday. Please let me know if you have any issues you’d like raised. Nothing trivial, mind you. ...
Feb 211 min read
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16th February 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
LOVE IS PATIENT IS KIND DOES NOT ENVY DOES NOT BOAST IS NOT PROUD IS NOT RUDE IS NOT SELF-SEEKING IS NOT EASILY ANGERED KEEPS NO...
Feb 141 min read
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9th February 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
As you know, we have a new translation for the Sunday and weekday readings. New Mass books may be a necessity. They don’t come cheap (£5...
Feb 71 min read
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2nd February 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
There are some questions being asked about Liturgy in our churches. From welcoming people at the door, to coffee at the end of Mass. All...
Jan 311 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm -26th January 2025
Perceiving Human Dignity by Sandra Feldman Do good, Don’t harm others. Love, Nature And protect it. Respect all life Without exception....
Jan 241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm -19th January 2025
The Wedding at Cana The mother of God spoke to her son as the laughter and singing began to die (Though the feast had hardly just begun)...
Jan 171 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm -12th January 2025
Can I join our Capuchin Brothers in thanking everyone for the kindness and generosity at Christmas. I am very grateful to you all. Our...
Jan 102 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 22nd December 2024
As we reach the finale of the Christmas season, can I wish you all a very Happy Christmas. There is so much to be thankful for, but also...
Dec 20, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 15th December 2024
Christmas week is just upon us. Last gifts, last cards. Most of the school pantos over. Thanks to all the teachers in our schools. Do...
Dec 13, 20242 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 8th December 2024
Thanks to all our Confirmation group for contributing to last Sunday’s special Mass at St Godric’s. It was also a very clear sign that...
Dec 6, 20242 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 1st December 2024
“Making the House Ready for the Lord” An Advent Quiet Day ‘ Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ~Isaiah 40:3...
Nov 29, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 24th November 2024
A wonderful Christmas Fayre was enjoyed by many last Saturday. It was an expression of Parish Life at its best. My thanks to those who...
Nov 22, 20241 min read
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Statement from Father Colm and David Miller, Executive Head of St Joseph’s School
Sadly, we find ourselves having to inform you of recent acts of vandalism and antisocial behaviour that have affected both the school and...
Nov 15, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 17th November 2024
Congratulations to St Leonard’s on their wonderful Ofsted results. This is particularly excellent when one considers the obstacles the...
Nov 15, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 10th November 2024
The poem below has been written by one of our parishioners – James Gilman – and has been used in services at Durham Cathedral and...
Nov 8, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 3rd November 2024
Great news with the Journey in Faith beginning on Thursday, 14th November at 2.30pm. This is a journey we all need to be on, as Faith is...
Nov 1, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 27th October 2024
We begin the Journey in Faith shortly. This has always been an important activity in the parish down the years. It has been an excellent...
Oct 25, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 20th October 2024
Those fortunate enough to be at either concert at St. Godric’s last Saturday and Tuesday, will have appreciated the combined talents of...
Oct 18, 20242 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 13th October 2024
Sadly, Deacon Peter Lavery died after a short illness. Peter will be familiar to all those who participated in pre-marriage courses...
Oct 11, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 29th September 2024
Greetings from Vigo on the Camino Portuguése. I was warned by two North of Ireland tourists that the coasts of Portugal and Spain were...
Sep 27, 20243 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 22nd September 2024
I am on pilgrimage from this weekend. I begin walking the Portuguese Way with my brother Joseph, on Monday. This route, familiar to a...
Sep 20, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 15th September 2024
Laudate Deum prayer A prayer inspired by the Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum released by Pope Francis on 4 October 2023. Laudate...
Sep 13, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 8th September 2024
Welcome back schools’ staff and pupils. I hope you all had a good rest over the summer break. Always a challenge starting up again, but...
Sep 6, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 18th August 2024
I Am the Bread of Life Malcolm Guite Where to get bread? An ever-pressing question That trembles on the lips of anxious mothers, Bread...
Aug 16, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 11th August 2024
Statement by CEO of Caritas Social Action Network on recent public disorder 6th August 2024 At Caritas Social Action Network, we have...
Aug 9, 20242 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 21st July 2024
As we unwind for the summer holidays, I’d like to say thanks to our exceptional set of educators in our three primary and one secondary...
Jul 19, 20242 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 14th July 2024
We had a good parish meeting last Saturday. It was very productive with specific actions outlined. The notes from the meeting are...
Jul 12, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 7th July 2024
Following a Hometown Boy: Reflections on Mark 6: 1-6, Alyce McKenzie I picture Jesus' hometown family and friends squirming in their...
Jul 5, 20243 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 30th June 2024
We gather again with Fr. John O’Brien next Saturday, 6th July, to continue with our efforts at forging a way forward for our parish. I am...
Jun 28, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 23rd June 2024
John Kenneth Galbraith(a)OC (October 15, 1908-April 29, 2006), also known as Ken Galbraith, was a Canadian American Economist, diplomat,...
Jun 21, 20242 min read
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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...
Jun 14, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 9th June 2024
We welcome Bishop Stephen this weekend. This coming week also sees us gather for our Annual General Parish Council meeting. All are...
Jun 7, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 26th May 2024
“Watch a teacher with a classroom full of students, and you’ll see what real love looks like.” Teresa Kwant. Sadly, Bridget...
May 24, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 19th May 2024
A letter to all parishes from Bishop Stephen Dear Sisters and Brothers, In order to grow as a synodal Church, it is important that we all...
May 17, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 12th May 2024
We will have our follow-up and third meeting with Fr. John O’Brien on Saturday, 15th June at 11.00am. This is an important gathering...
May 10, 20242 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 5th May 2024
“We are not living an epoch of change so much as an epochal change, Pope Francis says. The forms of religion and their roles in different...
May 3, 20242 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 28th April 2024
I Am the Vine - A Sonnet by Malcolm Guite John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same...
Apr 26, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 21st April 2024
Easter is behind us and we are grateful for a marvellous celebration in all our churches. Thanks to all who worked particularly hard to...
Apr 19, 20242 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 14th April 2024
Thanks to everyone who was involved in our Holy Week and Easter celebrations and Masses. Our Mini Triduum was a lovely occasion, and the...
Apr 12, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 7th April 2024
Poem – Christ has No Body Christ has no body but yours, No hands, no feet on earth but yours, Yours are the eyes with which He looks...
Apr 5, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 24th March 2024
What a marvellous evening of music and song we had on Thursday night at the St. Leonard’s concert in St. Joseph’s. From Jazz to...
Mar 22, 20243 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 17th March 2024
Our International Meal was a joy. Dishes of many cultures were enjoyed but a good attendance. May I thank you all for your generosity of...
Mar 15, 20242 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 10th March 2024
Easter A Poem by: Eloise A. Skimings The clouds break - light thro' the darkness Penetrates the gloom with its effulgence, And from on...
Mar 8, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 3rd March 2024
We were blessed for our annual parish retreat. The weather may have been mixed, but the sense of togetherness and positivity of the group...
Mar 1, 20243 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 25th February 2024
We had an excellent turn out at last Saturday’s parish meeting. Thanks to all for your participation. We are at least moving in the right...
Feb 23, 20241 min read
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Thought from Fr. Colm - 18th February 2024
A Lenten Poem from Wendell Berry – Sabbaths, II from 1985 A gracious Sabbath stood here while they stood Who gave our rest a haven. Now...
Feb 16, 20241 min read
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