Congratulations to Paul Murray, who becomes an Ecumenical Dean of Durham Cathedral this Sunday, 14th January. I hope we’re all settled back to regularity after the Festivities. Our final parish celebration was the SVP Christmas party. It was marvellous fare, as usual. Thanks to the Durham Martyrs SVP Conference for organising the occasion. The Sunday morning Mass time will change from 11.00am to 10.30am from Sunday the 4th February. The sound system at St. Joseph’s is inadequate. Can I ask our readers to increase their volume. A new sound system is under consideration. Next Thursday, 18th January, there will be a film evening at 7.00pm. We begin with a Seasonal showing of ‘The Dead’ from a short story by James Joyce. The film is directed by John Huston. Though humorous, it touches on the deeper issues of life, relationship, loss and Faith. We will share a glass-or two-of wine with cheese. All welcome.
Seamus Heaney (1939–2013)
Miracle
Not the one who takes up his bed and walks
But the ones who have known him all along
And carry him in —
Their shoulders numb, the ache and stoop deep locked
In their backs, the stretcher handles
Slippery with sweat.
And no let up
Until he’s strapped on tight, made tiltable and raised to the tiled roof,
then lowered for healing.
Be mindful of them as they stand and wait
For the burn of the paid out ropes to cool,
Their slight light-headedness and incredulity
To pass, those who had known him all along.