Pope Francis’ Appeal for Peace

My heart aches greatly at the worsening situation in Ukraine. Despite the diplomatic efforts of the last few weeks, increasingly alarming scenarios are opening up. Like me, many people all over the world are feeling anguish and concern. Once again the peace of all is threatened by partisan interests. I would like to appeal to those with political responsibility to examine their consciences seriously before God, from who is the God of peace and not of war; who is the Father of all, not just of some, who wants us to be brothers and not enemies.

I pray that all the parties involved refrain from any action that would cause even more suffering to the people, destabilising coexistence between nations and bringing international law into disrepute. 
And now I would like to appeal to everyone, believers and non-believers alike. Jesus taught us that the diabolical senselessness of violence is answered with God's weapons, with prayer and fasting.

I invite everyone to make 2 March, Ash Wednesday, a Day of Fasting for Peace.

I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day.

May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war. 

COVID–19, A Prayer of Pope Francis

Here is a translation of the prayer Pope Francis recited by video on March 11 asking Mary to protect Italy and the world during the COVID-19 pandemic

O Mary,
you always shine on our path
as a sign of salvation and of hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the cross took part in Jesus' pain, keeping your faith firm.
You, Salvation of the Roman People,
know what we need,
and we are sure you will provide
so that, as in Cana of Galilee,
we may return to joy and to feasting
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform to the will of the Father
and to do as we are told by Jesus,
who has taken upon himself our sufferings and carried our sorrows to lead us, through the cross, to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.

Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God.
Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger,

O glorious and blessed Virgin.

Latest COVID Guidance from Pontop Partnership 

The following guidelines still apply:

● Face coverings: Even though it is not compulsory, we continue to strongly recommend that people wear masks throughout our services unless they are medically exempt, and that they are particularly mindful of this if they plan to sing hymns (as we hope everyone will!). 

● Hand sanitising: On entering and leaving the building is also still highly recommended.

● It is still advisable to minimise close physical contact where possible between members of separate households. Communion will continue to be given under one kind for the foreseeable future and reception in the hand is still strongly recommended.

● If you have any symptoms that may be COVID, please refrain from attending services until/unless you are able to use a test to verify that it is not COVID.

Obligation to Attend Sunday Mass

The obligation for Catholics to attend Mass on Sunday and Holy Days is to be re-introduced in England and Wales from Pentecost.

The decision by the English and Welsh Bishops means that, from June 5th 2022 the faithful will be obliged to go to Sunday Mass each week for the first time in more than two years.  We understand that there will be still some members of our congregations who, for reasons of health, do not feel safe enough to return to Mass.  It has always been the understanding of the church that when the freedom of any Catholic to attend Mass in person is impeded for a serious reason, because of situations such as ill health, care for the sick or legitimate fear, this is not a breach of the Sunday obligation.  

Please check your local parish with regard to booking for Mass, either during the week or for a Sunday Mass.

Pontop Partnership

Parishes served:

Our Blessed Lady & St Joseph, Brooms

St Patrick, Consett

Our Blessed Lady Immaculate, Blackhill

St Pius X, Moorside

Our Lady of the Rosary, Shotley Bridge

All Saints, Lanchester

St Teresa, Annfield Plain

St Joseph, Stanley

Sacred Heart, Byermoor

St Patrick, Dipton

 Weekday Mass Times

Please see church newsletter or parish website

Saturday Vigil Mass Time

Our Blessed Lady & St Joseph, Brooms - 5.30pm

Sunday Mass Times

St Patrick's, Consett - 9.30am

St Mary's, Blackhill - 9.30am

St Pius, Moorside - 11.00am

Our Lady of the Rosary, Shotley Bridge - 5.30pm

Baptism Preparation Format

Please speak to Fr John (01207 502196) or Fr Tom (01207 502320) regarding Baptism.

For further information please see Parish Website/Facebook Page

Partnership Prayer

  Amen