News in brief

 

Saint Augustine’s Day

It was a great pleasure to baptize William Chidozie NWOYE at the Mass on S Augustine’s Day.  The Liturgy was excellent and, in spite of the less than wonderful weather (it had been very hot the day before), everyone seemed to enjoy the barbecue.  If, by chance, you are in possession of some or all of the Vicar’s five white dinner plates, please could he have them back!

 

Society of Mary visit

A goodly number of the Society of Mary attended a Sung Mass here on 17th September.  It is a while since they visited and it was good to catch up with people’s news.

 

Saint Matthew’s Day

The celebration of our Patronal Festival was excellent again this year.  It was a pleasure to welcome the Dean of Newcastle to preach and many other friends as well.  The Church looked lovely and all the preparations ensured that the evening was a great success.

 

The music was superb; the work of Aidan and the choir, including some folks from S John’s Grainger Street, lifted the whole event; and the inclusion of a brass ensemble was truly a felicitous enterprise.  The refreshments afterwards were exactly what the PCC had in mind when they decided to change the format without compromising the quality.  Neither should we forget the bellringers, who rang a quarter peal before the service.

 

Michaelmas

It is probably right to say that the musicians were more anxious about S Michael’s Day than they were about the Patronal Festival, but in the event there was nothing about which to worry.  The practices before the day bore much fruit and it was wonderful to hear the Missa de Angelis sung during the Mass.

 

It was also a pleasure (as well as something of a surprise) to welcome a number of folks from other places for the event.  There was insufficient room in the Chancel for everyone …

 

Building

During September, Christopher Downs, our architect, began his Quinquennial Inspection of the church and hall.  Whilst much has been achieved, particularly in the Hall, there will clearly be quite a lot on his “to do” list.

 

In the near future, some asbestos will be removed from the Hall and some work on the roof and one of the lavatories will then be carried out.

 

In the Church, however, we know that the whole place needs to be rewired and new light fittings installed, the roof needs attention as do the walls; there is some work on the Tower in hand and more to do and, doubtless, the list will continue.  This will all cost a great deal of money and it is not a matter which the Vicar can manage alone.

 

Members of the congregations should be aware that there is now an alarm in the Hall and you should be careful about entering the premises if you do not know the code.

 

Nearly New Shop

This is now re-opened and is beginning to make an important contribution to our church work once again.  Contributions of clothing are always needed and we are grateful for the generosity of those who donate to the shop.

 

The usual hours of opening are: Monday – Thursday, 10am – 3pm.  If you are coming from some distance, please check that the shop will be open before setting out.

 

Funerals

Please pray for the souls of those whose funerals have been conducted by the Vicar:

 

 

May they rest in peace.

 

Home page: http://stmatthewsnewcastle.org.uk/