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HomeNewsVicariate for Faith & Mission Update (August 2022)

Vicariate for Faith & Mission Update (August 2022)

August 1 2022

Update from the Vicariate

Synod update:

The Bishops’ conference of England and Wales has now published their national synthesis and reflections on the synodal process. This can be found via this link: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/bishops-reflection-synodal-national-synthesis/

What is clear in the local and national conversations is that no matter what emerges from the Synod of Bishops in Rome in 2023, the work which has begun in our dioceses and organisations must continue so that we focus on the mission of the Church in which all the baptised participate in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in today’s world. Here in Hexham and Newcastle Diocese we are committed to the synodal pathway with various groups now reflecting on what has been heard and forming plans for the next steps. The beauty of synodality is that everyone has a part to play, everyone is invited to reflect on what ‘walking together’ means for them and we can all contribute in growing as a synodal Church.

Amy Cameron

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. The Diocesan vision for this time is that we grow in our love and appreciation of the Eucharist, that we deepen our appreciation of its celebration through the liturgy. We hope to revitalise and renew our faith through a deepening of prayer and Eucharistic devotion inspiring us to go out and to serve the world through the nourishment we receive.

Visit our website for more information about the Year of the Eucharist.

Unpacking the Mass Reflections

As part of the Year of the Eucharist, the Vicariate for Faith & Mission is bringing together a series of faith filled reflections written by people from across the Diocesan family, that unpack what a certain part of the Mass means to them. Unpacking the Mass will be available for download from the Diocesan website at the beginning of September.

Bishop Robert’s Reflections are available on the Year of the Eucharist page.

Liturgical Formation / Days of Reflection

The Diocesan Liturgy team are planning more Liturgy courses for formation and Days of Reflection for the Autumn, including:

  • Courses for new Readers and new Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
  • A study day for leaders of Children’s Liturgy of the Word.
  • Days of Reflection for Readers and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
  • Refresher evenings for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

Liturgy Courses / Days confirmed:

Tuesday 13 September 2022 – Formation for new Readers (Day 2 on 17 September). View here.

Saturday 24 September 2022 – Day of Reflection for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (an alternative date will be offered in October). View here.

Wednesday 28 September 2022 – Refresher evening for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (this day will take place in the north of the Diocese). View here.

Tuesday 4 October – Refresher evening for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (this day will take place in the South of the Diocese). View here.

Saturday 15 October – Day of Reflection for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. View here.

Further information about each of the courses/events, along with booking information, is available on Liturgy and Prayer webpage.

Charismatic Diocesan Service of Communion (CDSC)

Check out our latest newsletter here. In our second sharing, you can read Fr Shaun O’Neill’s account of his life with the Holy Spirit, reflections on ‘Encounter God through Praise and Worship‘ at St Mary’s Church in Sunderland and our first experience of hosting a Mass for Pentecost at St Mary’s Cathedral.

The newsletter also includes an article from Gerry and Anne Connor with their experience of taking the Bethany Prayer Group online, details of the day with Bishop David Oakley hosted by Emmanuel on 5 November 2022, my reflections from attending the first National Assembly for CHARIS, and our hopes for taking CHARIS to the Vicariates.

Our next event will be on Saturday 22 October 2022 at St Augustine’s Church, Darlington with the theme ‘You are my beloved child‘. The day will include praise and worship and testimony starting in the Church Hall at 11.00 am and conclude with Mass and a final blessing in the Church starting at 2.00 pm. Whilst this event will draw on resources from the Cleveland and South Durham Vicariate, as always, we look forward to meeting again with brothers and sisters from across the Diocese.

John Wheeler
Co-ordinator
Charismatic Diocesan Service of Communion for the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle

Dialogue & Unity

The Interreligious Relations team are pleased to provide further details for their ‘Faith and Food’ event, which will take place on Thursday 22 September at 7.00pm. The venue is English Martyrs Parish Hall, 176 Stamfordham Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 3JR.

We are delighted to announce that we have guest speakers, representing the faiths of five of our major religions: Jaswinder Singh, from the Sikh faith; Ms Rupali Sonone from the Hindu faith; Mr Hassan Ameen, from the Islamic faith; Mrs Deanna Van der Velde from the Jewish faith; Fr Chris Hughes from the Christian faith.

Our speakers will each discuss the importance of faith and food in our lives, the nourishment we need for the spiritual and physical aspects of our lives. Each speaker will give a short talk lasting no more than 5 to 7 minutes. A café style discussion will take place afterwards. Vegetarian refreshments will be served.

For further information or to book a place please contact the Interreligious team by email.

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.

Reflections

Father Sean Hall continues to offer his weekly reflections on the Sunday Readings and Pat Kennedy her monthly reflections, both available to read online or download in the Prayer Resources section.

A Compass for Renewal in the Church

The Emmanuel Catholic Charismatic Community invite you for a time of sharing and prayer on Saturday 5 November 2022 with the Right Reverend Bishop David Oakley, Bishop of Northampton. The event is taking place at St Mary’s Catholic School, Benton Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7PE. To book, please contact Pat Kennedy by email:  pat.kennedy42@icloud.com or tel: 0191 284 1690.

Full event details are available here.

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.