A really lovely time was had by all who attended last Sunday’s Parish Picnic, despite many being scared away by the weather forecast, which almost to the hour the skys opened. Wonderful Irish dancing by such talented young parishioners. There was even a fusion of Irish and rock briefly to the sound of ‘Beat It’, which we all duly did beat it to the school hall, where we enjoyed a competitive game of bingo followed by a group of Mexican dancers who travelled all the way from Manchester to be with us. Thanks to all for organising.

“Life is always about striking the right balance…”.

A regular mantra of a very wise parishioner to me this week regarding Baptisms, teas and coffees. It seems that right balance wasn’t struck in my recent bulletin piece regarding baptisms during teas and coffees after Masses on Sunday. Mea Culpa. We will strike that right balance. Teas and coffees are  very important in both churches.

While on the subject of Sunday baptism, it’s an opportunity to thank Audrey and Stephen for ensuring that Sunday baptisms are prepared at St Joseph’s, with Kathleen and Philip doing likewise at St. Godric’s. Not forgetting Christine and Team for the important catechesis before baptisms. Team efforts all round.

The other issue I mentioned recently regarding Baptism was Baptism during Mass. While it’s a joy  welcoming a baptised child into the our midst, especially if it’s the child of parents who worship at one of our churches. However, other challenges arose recently indirectly related to baptism but as base as parking.

As you may know, the local council have imposed parking restrictions on Sunday mornings in the city centre and the traffic wardens implement these restrictions at times with draconian zeal. I have had many failed attempts trying to negotiate some kind of concession from them, but to no avail. This adds pressure on me for making a swift exit from St Godric’s to get back to St Joseph’s . More people now use the church car park on Sunday making it more difficulty for the parish priest to return to St Joseph’s. My driving skills are sorely tested trying to exit. Unfortunately, these skills have not avoided the scrapes from the narrow church gates.

So please, spare a thought. Please do not congest the St. Godric’s car park on Sunday mornings. Thanks!

I hope you like the new sound system at St. Joseph’s. More Security cameras have been added at St Joseph’s as a consequence of a recent meeting concerning the increased number loitering and syringes being left, particularly near the school entrance.

Our new windows will be installed soon at St. Josephs. This will cause major disruption to our church services. Watch this space. Donations towards the new windows gratefully received.

The car park at St Bede’s is now moving into a new and positive stage of development.

Our ongoing problems with the Lichgate near Red Hills cemetery nearly ended when a tree was blown down very close to it last week. An ominous sign?

Exciting challenges ahead. Thanks again to so many of you for keeping it all ticking over.

Can I ask your prayers for Kanute (Ken) Lewis, who was accepted by Bishop Stephen to begin his formation for the Diaconate in the parish of The Durham Martyrs.