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Fr. Colm Hayden
Fr. Colm is from Dublin, Ireland. He was appointed our parish priest in 2005. In 2015 Bishop Seamus further appointed Fr. Colm as the Episcopal Vicar for the East Durham and Sunderland area.
Thoughts from Fr. Colm
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10th August 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
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...
Aug 81 min read
20th July 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
Holidays await our tired teachers. One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched...
Jul 183 min read
13th July 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
A really lovely time was had by all who attended last Sunday’s Parish Picnic, despite many being scared away by the weather forecast,...
Jul 113 min read
6th July 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
A few changes regarding Baptisms: It is no longer practical to have Baptisms during Mass. Nor is it sensible to have teas and coffees...
Jul 41 min read
29th June 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
Congratulations to the 22 young parishioners who celebrated their Confirmations last Tuesday. Thank you Sarah and Ciaran for your...
Jun 271 min read
22nd June 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
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...
Jun 203 min read
15th June 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
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...
Jun 132 min read
8th June 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
Much is happening in the parish over the Summer. There’s the parish Picnic, the First Communions, Pilgrimage to Holy Island, concerts at...
Jun 62 min read
1st June 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
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...
May 301 min read
25th May 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
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...
May 231 min read
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...
May 182 min read
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...
May 92 min read
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...
May 21 min read
13th April 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
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...
Apr 111 min read
6th April 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
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...
Apr 42 min read
23rd March 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
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...
Mar 211 min read
16th March 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
Thank you all who contributed to such a wonderful event last Sunday. The International Meal was everything it should be. The dishes were...
Mar 141 min read
9th March 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
A marvellous Parish retreat was had by all at Keswick last weekend. In an atmosphere of stunning natural beauty, we celebrated times of...
Mar 72 min read
2nd March 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
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...
Feb 281 min read
23rd February 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
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. ...
Feb 211 min read
16th February 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
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...
Feb 141 min read
9th February 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
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...
Feb 71 min read
2nd February 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm
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...
Jan 311 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm -26th January 2025
Perceiving Human Dignity by Sandra Feldman Do good, Don’t harm others. Love, Nature And protect it. Respect all life Without exception....
Jan 241 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm -19th January 2025
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)...
Jan 171 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm -12th January 2025
Can I join our Capuchin Brothers in thanking everyone for the kindness and generosity at Christmas. I am very grateful to you all. Our...
Jan 102 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 22nd December 2024
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...
Dec 20, 20241 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 15th December 2024
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...
Dec 13, 20242 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 8th December 2024
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...
Dec 6, 20242 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 1st December 2024
“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...
Nov 29, 20241 min read
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...
Nov 22, 20241 min read
Statement from Father Colm and David Miller, Executive Head of St Joseph’s School
Sadly, we find ourselves having to inform you of recent acts of vandalism and antisocial behaviour that have affected both the school and...
Nov 15, 20241 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 17th November 2024
Congratulations to St Leonard’s on their wonderful Ofsted results. This is particularly excellent when one considers the obstacles the...
Nov 15, 20241 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 10th November 2024
The poem below has been written by one of our parishioners – James Gilman – and has been used in services at Durham Cathedral and...
Nov 8, 20241 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 3rd November 2024
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...
Nov 1, 20241 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 27th October 2024
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...
Oct 25, 20241 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 20th October 2024
Those fortunate enough to be at either concert at St. Godric’s last Saturday and Tuesday, will have appreciated the combined talents of...
Oct 18, 20242 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 13th October 2024
Sadly, Deacon Peter Lavery died after a short illness. Peter will be familiar to all those who participated in pre-marriage courses...
Oct 11, 20241 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 29th September 2024
Greetings from Vigo on the Camino Portuguése. I was warned by two North of Ireland tourists that the coasts of Portugal and Spain were...
Sep 27, 20243 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 22nd September 2024
I am on pilgrimage from this weekend. I begin walking the Portuguese Way with my brother Joseph, on Monday. This route, familiar to a...
Sep 20, 20241 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 15th September 2024
Laudate Deum prayer A prayer inspired by the Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum released by Pope Francis on 4 October 2023. Laudate...
Sep 13, 20241 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 8th September 2024
Welcome back schools’ staff and pupils. I hope you all had a good rest over the summer break. Always a challenge starting up again, but...
Sep 6, 20241 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 18th August 2024
I Am the Bread of Life Malcolm Guite Where to get bread? An ever-pressing question That trembles on the lips of anxious mothers, Bread...
Aug 16, 20241 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 11th August 2024
Statement by CEO of Caritas Social Action Network on recent public disorder 6th August 2024 At Caritas Social Action Network, we have...
Aug 9, 20242 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 21st July 2024
As we unwind for the summer holidays, I’d like to say thanks to our exceptional set of educators in our three primary and one secondary...
Jul 19, 20242 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 14th July 2024
We had a good parish meeting last Saturday. It was very productive with specific actions outlined. The notes from the meeting are...
Jul 12, 20241 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 7th July 2024
Following a Hometown Boy: Reflections on Mark 6: 1-6, Alyce McKenzie I picture Jesus' hometown family and friends squirming in their...
Jul 5, 20243 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 30th June 2024
We gather again with Fr. John O’Brien next Saturday, 6th July, to continue with our efforts at forging a way forward for our parish. I am...
Jun 28, 20241 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 23rd June 2024
John Kenneth Galbraith(a)OC (October 15, 1908-April 29, 2006), also known as Ken Galbraith, was a Canadian American Economist, diplomat,...
Jun 21, 20242 min read
Thought from Fr. Colm - 16th June 2024
Bishop Stephen was delighted with his visit to the parish last weekend and particularly by the welcome he received. The International...
Jun 14, 20241 min read
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