Thought from Fr. Colm - 17th May 2026

We had a very lively and productive meeting about schools at our recent Parish Council meeting. Emma Bridon, head of St. Godric’s and Tom Hunt, head of St. Thomas More’s joined us.  Apologies from St. Leonard’s. We worked through better ways of communicating with each other at schools and parish levels. The possibility of more regular gatherings together for worship and other possible activities.

Our recent success with the Confirmation Groups and the development of our Parish Youth Group were highlighted as real positive signs for the future. Our parish Mass in St. Leonard’s on 12th July will also be a milestone in our commitment to supporting our young people. I expect a full house for that. In fact, I would ask you who struggle with school Masses to put aside whatever objections you have, just park them for that Sunday. 

John Hayton’s talk on benefits was first class and extremely informative, but poorly attended. The net needs to be cast now to those who would benefit most, especially the elderly and dependent. And a big thank you to John.

Thanks to all of you for responding so positively to my invitation to be Ministers and Leaders of the Eucharist. Don’t forget that date: 25 July at 10.00 am

Thought from Fr. Colm - 10th May 2026

On Wednesday evening I attended a gathering of clergy and laity as Bishop Stephen outlined his vision for the future of the Diocese. The meeting was a follow up to the Bishop Stephen’s recent Pastoral Letter and questionnaire, to which we responded to in great numbers. Thank you.

There were brief presentations from heads of various departments in the Diocese. I came away with the sense that we are all now experiencing a reality check, especially on the number of properties in the parishes, and diocese that are a financial drain. No surprise.  There will be follow-up meetings, especially at a local parish, and Partnership level, and you will be regularly updated.

Eucharistic Ministers:  Thank you all who responded to my appeal for Eucharistic Ministers. Fr Adrian Dixon has kindly agreed to come to the parish of the Durham Martyrs on Saturday 25^th July to give an in-house training day. The day will begin at 10.00am concluding at 3.00pm. There will be more information nearer the time.

Can names and contact details of all attendees please be given to Marjorie as soon as possible. I do realise some of you will be on holiday, but do give her your contact details anyway. Thank you. Don’t forget dates for your diaries re Holy Island Day Pilgrimage.

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.