Prayer Vigil at Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre (DIRC)
The monthly prayer vigil held on the first Sunday of each month at 3.00pm at the barrier to the DIRC continues. The purpose is to pray for the women who are detained there, to stand in solidarity with them and to witness by our presence that their detention is inhumane, unjust and incompatible with our faith, which calls us to recognise the unique dignity of each person. All are welcome to come along to a short prayer service which incorporates a time of silence. The postcode for the Centre on Corbridge Road, Medomsley is DH8 6QY. If you are unable to join in person, please join in prayer from home at 3.00pm. The next in person vigil will be held on Sunday 5 February 2023 at 3.00pm.
However, we would urge you to pray from home for the people detained there and in detention centres elsewhere. You can find a copy of the prayers we use at the vigil, which you may wish to use here.
There has been lots in the news now around immigration detention centres and the worrying conditions that many are being detained in.
We believe that this is not the way to deal with vulnerable people and that it is contrary to what we are being urged to do by Pope Francis in Fratelli Tutti who calls on us to ensure that “all migrants are entitled like others to participate in the life of society” and reminds us “that they possess the same intrinsic dignity as any person”. Seeking asylum is a human right. Thus, there is no such thing as an illegal asylum seeker.
Future dates planned for Sundays in 2023 include; 5 March, 2 April and 7 May.
Visit the Justice and Peace webpage where you will find more details, including an online version of the prayer vigil (view here) or email: lizarchibald.justiceandpeace@gmail.com.
Tyne & Wear Citizens
On 8 December Tyne and Wear Citizens launched a new listening campaign. Can you please ask people at home, at work or in school or in your community: What is putting pressure on you, your family, and your community?
Please keep a note of the key themes and send them to Fr Chris Hughes by email: northshields.stjoseph@rcdhn.org.uk.
Church Action on Poverty NE
Church Action on Poverty NE are holding an event on Sunday 19 February at St Cuthbert’s Church, Albion Road West, North Shields to explore the importance of dignity agency and power in addressing the injustice of child poverty.
Speakers will include Sir Alan Campbell MP, representatives of Gateshead Poverty Truth Commission, Bay Food Bank, Shiremoor Savings Group, St John’s Baby Bank, Tyne & Wear Citizens and others.
All are welcome; refreshments afterwards.
For more information contact Fr Chris Hughes by email: northshields.stjoseph@rcdhn.org.uk or tel: 0191 257 5801.
Download the poster here.