The Parish of the Durham Martyrs

The Parish Council met on Wednesday. It was a very productive meeting with shared ideas on the Parish moving forward building on our strengths. The many groups, the changing face(s) of those attending our Masses. The new challenges of church usage. The outreach to the wider community. Loneliness and isolation experienced by those living alone.   The schools links with parish via welcoming, music and Youth activities. Building on the university’s expansion and increasing numbe

For my own part, I have never ceased to rejoice that God has appointed me to such an office. People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. Is that a sacrifice which brings its own blest reward in healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a glorious destiny hereafter? Away with the word sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege. Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or danger, now and then, with a forego

We continue our Partnership journey next Thursday evening in St. Leonard’s (see the note in the bulletin). The Finchale Partnership...

Because of unexpected weakness found in the old concrete window frames, it is taking more time than expected to install the new windows...

Restructuring the Parish Council was discussed at a recent Parish Council meeting, with a suggestion on how long one should be on the...

The weather forecast said it with prophetic accuracy;  that it would be bright and sunny until 2.00pm-then the rain would fall. And so it...

“Where words fail, music speaks.” Hans Christian Andersen   Last Saturday’s concert at St. Godric’s was excellent. That seems the...

The new windows at St Joseph’s will be installed the week beginning the 15 th September. Obviously, there will be a need to cease...

And so it’s back to school. I hope all our teachers have enjoyed a good summer break: the hottest on record and so while long distance...

The Narrow Gate by Deborah Ann Belka If we’re to get through the narrow gate . . . we need to work on our stance and gait. We need to...

A Poem by Deborah Ann Belka Soon the Lord will be coming, at any time He could appear and with Him those who believe in the clouds will...

Holidays await our tired teachers.   One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched...

A really lovely time was had by all who attended last Sunday’s Parish Picnic, despite many being scared away by the weather forecast,...

A few changes regarding Baptisms: It is no longer practical to have Baptisms during Mass.   Nor is it sensible to have teas and coffees...

Congratulations to the 22 young parishioners who celebrated their Confirmations last Tuesday. Thank you Sarah and Ciaran for your...

The Feast of Corpus Christi this weekend is a time to reflect on the importance of the Eucharist in our lives. It is also a time which...

I spoke to someone who seemed like a foreman about the intrusive building at the bottom of the Mill Lane. He told me they hoped to be...

Much is happening in the parish over the Summer. There’s the parish Picnic, the First Communions, Pilgrimage to Holy Island, concerts at...

The heart dies without space for love, without a moral horizon:
think of it then as a bird trapped in a box.
My heart goes out with love...

Last Monday’s concert at St Godric’s was a great success. Music and stories. Our thanks to Paul Martin and Team for giving their time and...

It is somewhat difficult avoiding drifting into the political sphere these days when most of the world is screaming ‘stop’, to the daily...

A momentous time for the Church. The first American Pontiff. A quicker than usual decision by the College of Cardinals. Our prayers are...

Thankful for God’s Plan – a poem by Catherine Pulsifer Christmas Day we gather round To celebrate a blessed birth, When God in heaven...

This Day You will be with Me Fr. Timothy J. Draper At Your right side there I hung On Your every word. To Your jaws did cleave Your...

A lovely evening was had at St. Joseph’s by all at the open event for altar servers. Thanks to all who organised. What a joy to see so...

The Barren Fig Tree By John Newton The church a garden is In which believers stand, Like ornamental trees Planted by God's own hand: His...

Thank you all who contributed to such a wonderful event last Sunday. The International Meal was everything it should be. The dishes were...

A marvellous Parish retreat was had by all at Keswick last weekend. In an atmosphere of stunning natural beauty, we celebrated times of...

The Season of Lent Do you want to fast? Fast from hurting words and say kind words. Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude. Fast...

We have a parish council meeting next Tuesday. Please let me know if you have any issues you’d like raised. Nothing trivial, mind you. ...

LOVE ​  IS PATIENT IS KIND DOES NOT ENVY DOES NOT BOAST IS NOT PROUD IS NOT RUDE  IS NOT SELF-SEEKING IS NOT EASILY ANGERED KEEPS NO...

As you know, we have a new translation for the Sunday and weekday readings. New Mass books may be a necessity. They don’t come cheap (£5...

There are some questions being asked about Liturgy in our churches. From welcoming people at the door, to coffee at the end of Mass. All...

Perceiving Human Dignity by Sandra Feldman Do good, Don’t harm others. Love, Nature And protect it. Respect all life Without exception....

The Wedding at Cana The mother of God spoke to her son as the laughter and singing began to die (Though the feast had hardly just begun)...

Can I join our Capuchin Brothers in thanking everyone for the kindness and generosity at Christmas. I am very grateful to you all. Our...

As we reach the finale of the Christmas season, can I wish you all a very Happy Christmas. There is so much to be thankful for, but also...

Christmas week is just upon us. Last gifts, last cards. Most of the school pantos over. Thanks to all the teachers in our schools. Do...

Thanks to all our Confirmation group for contributing to last Sunday’s special Mass at St Godric’s. It was also a very clear sign that...

“Making the House Ready for the Lord” An Advent Quiet Day   ‘ Prepare the way for the Lord, ​make straight paths for him.’  ~Isaiah 40:3...

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...

Sadly, we find ourselves having to inform you of recent acts of vandalism and antisocial behaviour that have affected both the school and...

Congratulations to St Leonard’s on their wonderful Ofsted results. This is particularly excellent when one considers the obstacles the...

The poem below has been written by one of our parishioners – James Gilman – and has been used in services at Durham Cathedral and...

Great news with the Journey in Faith beginning on Thursday, 14th November at 2.30pm. This is a journey we all need to be on, as Faith is...

We begin the Journey in Faith shortly. This has always been an important activity in the parish down the years. It has been an excellent...

Those fortunate enough to be at either concert at St. Godric’s last Saturday and Tuesday, will have appreciated the combined talents of...

Sadly, Deacon Peter Lavery died after a short illness.  Peter will be familiar to all those who participated in pre-marriage courses...

Greetings from Vigo on the Camino Portuguése. I was warned by two North of Ireland tourists that the coasts of Portugal and Spain were...

I am on pilgrimage from this weekend. I begin walking the Portuguese Way with my brother Joseph, on Monday. This route, familiar to a...