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HomeNewsVicariate for Faith & Mission Update (April 2022)

Vicariate for Faith & Mission Update (April 2022)

April 1 2022

Update from the Vicariate

We continue as a Vicariate to work faithfully with the Synod submission, praying that all of the efforts across the diocese bear fruit. It is clear from all that has been written and shared that we are a Church that cares deeply for our faith and our communities. You may be pleased to hear that there has been a huge amount of synergy in the thoughts that have been expressed, with many themes repeated and expressed with conviction and courage.

At present, the core group is working and praying with Bishop Robert to synthesise the submissions to form the Hexham & Newcastle Diocesan report for the National Bishops Conference of England and Wales. We have been committed to transparency throughout and all the finalised documents will be on our website over the coming weeks. We will have diocesan synodal gatherings to share the themes and to continue on this journey – watch this space and the website for further details.

Despite needing to condense our diocesan submission to just ten pages, none of the conversations that have taken place will be wasted. They have significance at parish, Partnership and diocesan level, and as we commit as a diocese to being a Synodal Church, we will take seriously hearing the good, the bad and the painful experiences of the people of God.

Amy Cameron

Lenten Reflections

Lent is the holy season when our heavenly Father invites us to return to Him with all our heart; an opportunity to seek healing and to know the transforming mercy of God.

We walk these forty Lent days with Jesus, the Son; a pilgrimage of grace in which we look to Him for new direction, for healing and for hope. Our participation in His way of the cross is one which is walked in weakness and need, and paced by the patient love he shows us on the road.

The Lenten Reflections are now available to download (in two parts) from the Diocesan website.

Father Sean Hall continues to offer his weekly reflections on the Sunday Readings – available to read online or download.

Year of the Eucharist

This Diocesan Year aims to celebrate the Eucharist at the heart of the life and mission of the Church and to gather people back to the Mass and the Sacraments. We are to grow as a Diocese in our love and appreciation of the Eucharist. We are to deepen our appreciation of its celebration through the liturgy. We are to revitalise and renew our faith through a deepening prayer and devotion of the Eucharist. And we are to go out and serve the world through the nourishment we receive.

Bishop Robert’s Reflection for the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord in this Diocesan Year of the Eucharist is now available on the Year of the Eucharist page.

The second Year of the Eucharist reflection booklet ‘Encountering the Son’ is available to download and read. The booklet contains reflections written by voices from across the Diocese and invite us to reflect on our relationship with the Son.

Liturgical Formation

The Liturgy Team are running a number of courses over the coming months for parishioners who are interested in becoming a Welcomer, an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion or a Sacristan. Further information about each of the courses, along with booking information, is available on the Liturgy and Prayer webpage.

Healing Ministry Training

The Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle is offering a new bespoke training course for those called to accompany people seeking healing. The nine-session programme focuses on a Catholic, holistic understanding of what it means to be healed exploring the role of the Sacraments, the prayer life of the Church and the power of the Holy Spirit. It gives a grounding in Scripture alongside practical and spiritual training in the art of accompanying and praying with others. It offers good practice guidelines concerning safe-guarding and boundaries and helps individuals discern whether this is what God asks of them.

This course is open to all who feel called to the ministry of healing, both those new to the ministry and those with previous experience. Due to the nature of the course, it would be ideal if your parish priest supports your attendance. For further information please contact adminfaith.mission@diocesehn.org.uk. The closing date for registrations is 3rd April.

CHARIS (Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service)

Thanks to the work of our Secretary, Alison Rebello as Editor, our first newsletter has now come together. A copy can be found on our page on the Diocesan website. In future editions we plan to share further accounts of “My life with the Holy Spirit” from team members, further contributions from communities and realities in our Diocese and news from the Diocese and beyond.

Bookings are coming in for “Encounter God through Praise and Worship” at St Mary’s Church, Sunderland on Saturday 30th April 2022 from 11 am to 3 pm. We are keen to stress that this is offered as an opportunity for everyone to add their voices in praise and worship, not just people in the music ministry. Bookings can be made on the following link https://forms.office.com/r/Syef8kR2fM or by ringing the Vicariate on 07375 934 713.

Arrangements are now in place for our team’s first hosting of a Charismatic Mass at the Cathedral at 1:00 pm on Saturday 28th May 2022. More details will be made available in the What’s On section of the Diocesan website and shared with sisters and brothers in our contact list.

On 11th March 2022, members of the team enjoyed a blessed opportunity to meet on-line with members of other Diocesan teams and members of the CHARIS National Service of Communion. Being part of a gathering of 72 provided great encouragement and the promise of further opportunities for Diocesan teams to support and learn from each other.

Please continue to pray for the work of the team.

John Wheeler

Coordinator

Hexham & Newcastle Diocesan Service of Communion.

Interreligious Relations

Interreligious Relations hopes to hold their annual Christian Muslim Prayers for Peace on Saturday 25th June at the Lady Chapel in Jesmond, followed by refreshments in the Holy Name parish hall. Further details will be made available shortly.

Advance notice: As part of the Diocesan Year of the Eucharist, Interreligious Relations is planning to hold a ‘Faith and Food’ event on Thursday 22nd September at 7pm, in the English Martyrs Church Hall, Stamfordham Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 3JR. More details to follow in due course.

Bereavement Support

Whilst bereavement is extremely hard at any time, the time spent in lockdown when funerals had to take place in very restricted circumstances have taken their toll on so many. Whilst family and friends can be immensely supportive, sometimes a bereaved person wants to talk to someone outside of their immediate circle. The Emmaus Bereavement Support Team, trained in the Ministry of Consolation, is available to support those who wish to talk about their loss. Due to current restrictions, such conversations will most likely take place on the phone, but we hope as restrictions ease, it may be possible for people to meet face-to-face again.

Since the launch of this service earlier this year, there have been a number of requests for support, and several of our listeners have been able to accompany others on their journey of loss and bereavement.

The Emmaus Bereavement Support Service number is 07732 980740 a member of the team will contact you promptly.

Association of the Eucharist

All are welcome to attend our monthly Holy Hour, held at St Andrew’s Church, Worswick Street, Newcastle between 2:30pm-3:30pm. Refreshments are served afterwards, so we invite you to spend time in front of the Blessed Sacrament, as part of the Year of the Eucharist.

 

Contact Us

Contact the Vicariate of Faith & Mission by email: adminfaith.mission@diocesehn.org.uk or by telephone 0191 243 3316 / 07375 934713 during office hours.

Visit our vicariate homepage here.

You can find out more about our current courses and events by visiting our courses and events page.