As we move back to normality can I make a request of our choirs for more singers and musicians at our two Sunday Masses, especially singers. We are very fortunate to have the talents of Matthew, Paul and Roger. More singers in our respective weekend choirs are always welcome. Do join. Thanks.
Sadly, Richard Harrison joined the list of long-serving parishioners to leave us this week. Richard and wife Rita were received into the Church 20 years ago and Richard became very involved with the Knights of St. Columba especially. Our sympathies to Rita and family.
I attended a special ceremony in Newcastle this week when the family of legendary footballer Jack Charlton were presented with a special award from the Irish Government. It can’t be over-estimated how important a lad from a mining background in the North-East of England played in the development of modern Ireland. Jack’s importance, which transcends soccer, was highlighted in a speech by the Irish Ambassador to the UK, Adrian O’Neill. The Ambassador also visited the Centre for Catholic Studies here in Durham, where one of the main topics of discussion was ‘Reconciliation in Society’, and the contribution the Centre might make towards it. Exciting times.