18th May 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm

It is somewhat difficult avoiding drifting into the political sphere these days when

most of the world is screaming ‘stop’, to the daily tragedy that is Gaza. Concern must

be expressed for what is happening in Gaza. 3% of the Gaza Christian population

have died in the last year. Pope Francis was in daily telephone communication with

them, and we hope and pray that Pope Leo will continue this support in his own

way.

Tom Fletcher is the former British Ambassador to Lebanon and is now Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator with

the United Nations. He is very outspoken and indeed brave, in his concerns for what

is happening in Gaza. Do watch his 15 minute speech. The link is:

https://youtube.com/shorts/XkoW3Bg-XQw?si=Zl1gNHxNoy3MjCqK

Back home now. Our concert next Monday night at St Godric’s promises to be very

special. Based around the life of St Godric: the evening will consist of music,

reflections and storytelling. All donations will go to the Durham Food-bank.

HOUSE BOUND. Can I ask that if you become aware of anyone who is housebound,

and might like a visit, or receive Holy Communion, do please let me know.

Our Masses on Sunday will be led by the young people of the parish. As you know,

we have been blessed with young student parishioners from St Leonard’s involved in

welcoming, helping with the collections, and playing the organ on Saturday evenings

and Sunday mornings. Their leadership of The Stations of the Cross on Good Friday

are remembered for their reverence and pathos. Thank you all for your continued encouragement of them.

“Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith.” From this weekend’s reading from the Acts of Apostles.

11th May 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm

A momentous time for the Church. The first American Pontiff. A quicker than usual decision by the College of Cardinals. Our prayers are with Pope Leo XIV. It’s an understatement to say there are challenging times ahead. These are positive times for the Church, especially in this country, where we’ve seen a noticeable increase in church attendance, particularly of the younger age groups. This positive upsurge has been noticed at our own services over Easter.

Thank you all who contributed to making our Easter Services so special. We have much to look forward to also.

Our concert to celebrate the life of St. Godric is on Monday the 19th May. Traditional music and reflections on the saints’ life, and dating back to the Middle Ages, will be a part of the evening’s programme.

“The foremost duty, therefore, of the rulers of the State should be to make sure

that the laws and institutions, the general character and administration of the

commonwealth, shall be such as of themselves to realize public well-being and

private prosperity. This is the proper scope of wise statesmanship and is the work

of the rulers. Now.”

Pope Leo XIII

Food for Thought

Who are those people ? Who are these clambering to enter our land, our homes, our hearts ? Why are they here disturbing our peace ? What do they want from us who have more than enough for ourselves ? Where do they come from, speaking such foreign words we do not understand ? We suspect they come to steal, harm or kill, to spoil our culture taking advantage of our good will. We fear most what they themselves flee : hunger, poverty, disease, violence, war, oppression. Most of all we dislike the truth they reveal about ourselves, who put conditions on God's unconditional love for all. God, it's your face we try not to see, your voice we strive not to hear, your word we'd rather not obey. Help us to recognise they are you and they are us. Joseph Veneroso MM

4th May 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm

Thankful for God’s Plan – a poem by Catherine Pulsifer

Christmas Day we gather round

To celebrate a blessed birth,

When God in heaven sent his Son

As a baby to this earth.

For this miraculous event so grand,

Our hearts are filled with thankfulness;

The babe Jesus’ birth was seen in our land,

Redemption sang in perfect harmony.

But a greater miracle was yet to come –

The resurrection of Christ divine;

In glory’s light death was overcome,

Life everlasting His favour shown.

Let us give thanks for such mighty grace –

A Saviour brought through love divine;

Let us honour His holy name in every place –

Thankful for God’s plan, so well designed.