Counters needed - weekly count

Dear Parishioners – Before the onset of COVID there were 24 parishioners willing to count the weekly collections, sadly this number has now reduced to 10 and we are trying to recruit more parishioners who would be willing to help with this important task making it less onerous for all concerned.

The count is done at St Joseph’s on either Sunday morning after the 10.30 mass or on Monday morning – the day and time is decided upon by each individual who would be placed in a group counting at the requested time. At present there are only 2 members in each team and it takes less than 2 hours. Obviously more hands make lighter and shorter work. The rota is very flexible and if any date does not suit it is possible to swap your turn with another counter on the rota.

All newcomers will join existing groups to learn the counting procedures. We really need more volunteers so if you are able to help your Parish please let Marjorie know.

Many thanks and God Bless.

Fourth Option of Giving by Debit/Credit Card LIVE

The Fourth Option of Giving by Debit/Credit Card This method is now live and Electronic Giving Devices are at the back of each church at both St. Joseph’s and St. Godric’s.

Making a Donation is relatively easy - similar to paying in a shop or withdrawing

cash from a Cashpoint:

1. Select one of the Funds eg Offertory Collection, Piety Stall (Papers/Cards), Ukraine or Special Collection (when there is one)

2. Then press one of the Donation Values - £1, £2, £3, £5, £10 or £20 Or choose your own value

3. Then tap your Card or Phone on the Card Reader (insert if over £100) -

Debit cards or Visa and Amex credit cards are accepted

4. After tapping/inserting your card the Card Reader will beep and the screen

will display payment approved

Cancelling a Transaction

If for any reason you need to cancel a transaction before completion - simply press

and release the power button on the right-hand side of the SumUp card reader.

This cancels the transaction and declines the payment.

Completing a Gift Aid declaration is optional:

1. You will be prompted after using your card to say YES/NO if you wish your

donation to be Gift Aided

2. If YES then there will be prompts to complete your name and address to

register for Gift Aid using this system

3. Future donations will be automatically recorded via the first registration

OTHER Methods of Giving are STILL AVAILABLE

Please note that the other three ways of Giving are still very much AVAILABLE - by

Standing Order (the preferred way), Envelopes or Cash on the Offertory/Collection Plate

Queries

There is always a chance for glitches with any IT system and no doubt there will be

some in due course and they will be resolved

Any queries or issues please email the Parish Secretary

(durham.martyrs@diocesehn.org.uk) and they will be forwarded to be answered.

Thought from Fr. Colm - 24th November 2024

A wonderful Christmas Fayre was enjoyed by many last Saturday. It was an expression of Parish Life at its best. My thanks to those who put so much effort into making it a success. Here’s to the next event.

Though she will be furious with me, I cannot allow the departure of Emma Turnbull from St. Joseph’s School to pass without a word of gratitude for the great work she did over the years. She was also such an important link between the school and the Parish. Thank you Emma. I am delighted she is remaining in our school system, as she takes up her new position at St. Leonard’s.

You will read the request in the bulletin for counters of the weekend collection. Please give serious consideration to this, as we have very few counters now, and many hands ……

Thank you to all our readers who participated in an evening to explore the new Lectionary. It was a very productive meeting on many levels. A special thanks to Leanne for leading the evening so well, and especially for her very helpful handouts following Leanne’s participation in the Diocesan course on the new translation. Leanne’s handouts are available for readers unable to attend.