The Parish of the Durham Martyrs

Easter is behind us and we are grateful for a marvellous celebration in all our churches. Thanks to all who worked particularly hard to make it so special. Lovely celebrating the 65th Wedding Anniversary of Ann and Bob, and the 60th Anniversary of Margaret and Roger Charlton on Easter Sunday. Sadly, Roger has since died. Our prayers and sympathies are with you Margaret at this sad time. We are delighted to welcome Bishop Stephen to the parish of the Durham Martyrs on the weekend of 8 th/9th June. There will be further updates on the Bishop’s visit.

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The Parish Council met on Tuesday. Again, big thanks to the many silently working away in the background as members of the various groups. We are hoping to have one representative from each group to give an update at future meetings. Reaching out to the local community is something we might build on. Some haven’t returned since Covid, but new faces have and continue to give great hope for the future. Thanks to those who responded to my invitation to be a reader and be a Minister of Holy Communion. Very encouraging for the future.

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Draconian Sunday parking laws have been implemented around the centre of Durham, and may impact on St. Godric’s on Sunday morning, so please be alert. We are looking at ways of challenging these new laws as Churches Together. However, we’re not too optimistic.

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Well done to the Bethapudi brothers, Ben and Rafa, on their prizes for debating. The prizes were given by the Catenians at St. Joseph’s last Sunday. Their achievements are all the more remarkable considering the challenges faced by St. Leonard’s. So well done to the school too.

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Exposition on Sunday afternoon at St. Godric’s continues to be a real strength to the parish. It’s inspiring seeing the increased number of young people sharing in the extraordinary peace afforded by this hour of prayer. Thanks to Kathleen and Dorothy for ensuring its continued availability. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament comes easily. Never feel worried if you find you have no thoughts whilst you are before the Blessed Sacrament. Never feel inadequate about being an adorer even if you have not developed a spirit of devotion, if you are numb, down and out, weakened by life. The all important factor is that you are there before the Lord. Before Him who knows you inside-out. He reads your innermost thoughts and He still loves you immensely. Imagine that! St. John Vianney once compared adoration to spiritual sunbathing. You are taking in the warmth of the grace and love radiating from the Sacred Host.