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 bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

How might it feel to be part of the vine?

Not just to see the vineyard from afar

Or even pluck the clusters, press the wine,

But to be grafted in, to feel the stir

Of inward sap that rises from our root,

Himself deep planted in the ground of Love,

To feel a leaf unfold a tender shoot,

As tendrils curled unfurl, as branches give

A little to the swelling of the grape,

In gradual perfection, round and full,

To bear within oneself the joy and hope

Of God’s good vintage, till it’s ripe and whole.

What might it mean to bide and to abide

In such rich love as makes the poor heart glad?

St. Joseph’s – Use of premises as a Polling StationOn Thursday, 2nd May

 St. Joseph’s Jubilee Room will be in use as a Polling Station for the election of a Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham Police and the election of a Mayor for the North East Mayoral Combined Authority. Polling is from 7.00am until 10.00pm. There will not be any access to the church at any time during this day.

Drivers Declaration Form

The Driver's annual declaration (volunteers) form has been updated to its most recent version

The  Diocese  of Hexham  and  Newcastle  has  issued  a  Directive  stating  that  all  drivers involved  in  Parish  activities  that require  the  use  of  their  personal  motor  vehicle  must check  with  their  Insurance Company  that  sufficient  cover  is  provided  in  the  event  of an accident whilst carrying out Parish duties, as the Diocese does not hold any motor insurance for either employees or volunteers.This includes the following activities, although the list is not exhaustive:

•Eucharistic Ministers taking Holy Communion to the sick or housebound

•Driving to the bank to deposit collection monies

•A car rota to collect members of a lunch club

•Arrangements  where  parishioners  with  cars  pick  up  other  parishioners  to  bring them to Mass

If  you  drive  for  Parish  duties,and  you haven’t  yet completed an  Annual  Drivers Declaration Form, please collect one from the back of the Church or download a copy below.Completed forms should be placed in a sealed envelope marked “Driver Declaration” and returned to church or to the Parish Office or emailed to Marjorie .Thank you.(Buildings/Health and Safety Committee)

Please complete the forms which can then be emailed to Marjorie. 

8_Drivers_Annual_Declaration_DHN_V4[1]

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