Thought from Fr. Colm - 3rd May 2026

I’d like to welcome, and thank, Gillian McArthur, who is our new Safeguarding Officer for the Parish of the Durham Martyrs. As you know, Kathleen Murray and Dennis Bradley have been our Safeguarding Officers for nearly twenty years. They have worked diligently to ensure safeguarding practices were of the highest priority. I’d like to thank both for their care, sensitivity and support, to me in particular over the years . Thanks to Gillian for taking on the roles of two. But from the parish perspective, it is better to have one.

We had a visit from the Youth Ministry Team last Saturday for our Youth Team. What a great evening it was. Well done to our parish team for organising it.

We welcome Bishop Stephen next Tuesday night for our Confirmations. We expect a full house with parents and sponsors joining us.

Thought from Fr. Colm - 26th April 2026

All questionnaires have been submitted and assessed for the Diocesan review of parishes and have some common themes, but the overarching concern is how to attract younger people back to church. It makes it more important therefore for us to support those who already attend. There were almost 150 questionnaires completed, which is a great response. Thank you. While the Parish Council had a meeting agenda, much of our lengthy discussion was focused on the Diocesan Questionnaire. Our next meeting is with the School Heads.

There are new lists of Training Days for Ministers of the Eucharist, Leaders of Eucharistic Services and Readers. Can I ask for support here, as the age profile really needs representation from all ages, and all cultures and nationalities. I’m hoping to have something similar for the vital roles of welcomers. If you are able to join any of these Ministries, please let me know…before I ask you!

I was privileged to lead a reflection in St Leonard’s last Monday morning (pre golf). This was particularly special, as it’s the beginning of a new era. Afterwards, there was a guided tour of the new building. Spectacular. Everything about its design (well done architect and parishioner Grant Sellers ) was brilliant. I was particularly taken by how every space is connected with very subtle use of natural light. That same sense of connection exists between the floors. Anyone visiting the Guggenheim in Bilbao will also get that same connection between floors of the building and light.  Your children are in for a treat!

Thought from Fr. Colm - 19th April 2026

Thank you all for your generosity of thoughtful responses to the questionnaire last weekend. This consultation, which is taking place across the Diocese, will assist the Bishop in his future decisions.

Easter has come and gone and judging by our numbers, though not counting, they appeared to be up on previous years. St Leonard’s begins a new era, and we are delighted. Well done to the present, and past staff members for their contribution to the education of our children. We look forward to celebrating our Sunday Parish Mass on the 12^th July in the new building.

In looking forward to the exciting challenges of the future, can I appeal for volunteers to be Ministers of the Eucharist and Readers of the Word of God at our Masses. Succession isn’t just a great TV series, it’s vital for preparing for the future. There were many constructive comments in the recent questionnaire, but getting the opinion of younger members of our congregation is imperative. If I’m wrong about this assessment, please do let me know.

New Durham and District Workman’s Club. Rumours abound (and with some credibility) that the future of the Club is uncertain. This is a sign, perhaps, of the social changes taking place throughout society. However, we (parish) will need to be more prepared than we were for recent new buildings at the corner of Mill Lane and the Sherburn Road. Unfortunately, we are fast becoming part of the university campus and this inevitably impacts on the availability of housing for locals, especially those less well off.  If there are any further developments on the Club’s future, I will keep you updated, and if any parishioners have definitive updates, please keep me in the loop. Thanks.

We are proceeding with the development of St Bede’s car park and expect developments there soon. It has been a long process, but we expect movement very soon. My continued thanks to parishioners who are investing a great deal of time and effort into this important project. The parish finance committee met this week. Tom Harrison outlined the relatively healthy state of the parish finances, but with a clear view to the challenges ahead.

Two excellent additions have been made to the Finance Committee in Greg and Swee. Esther Robson updated us on the continued value of the Gift Aid.