Let the Church always be a place of mercy and hope,
where everyone is welcomed, loved and forgiven.
~ Pope Francis
Please remember the following who are ill – Diana Ross Richards, Deacon Jeremy Wynne, Mike Hannon, Fr John Skivington, Frank McCombie, Winifrede McCombie, George Taylor, Bob Murphy, a severely mentally ill person and Frs John Skivington, Ronnie Brown, Syd Riley, Seamus McGivern, Bernard Pitt, Leo Pyle and Deacon Michael Rowell . May the Lord grant them comfort, strengthen them in their weakness, take away their fear and give them his peace.
A Stay in Hospital – If you or any members of your family are going into hospital and would like to see the Catholic Chaplain, please ask a member of the ward staff to contact the Catholic Chaplain. Alternatively, you can contact the Chaplaincy Department Office directly. For the RVI and Freeman Hospitals here in Newcastle, telephone 0191 233 6161 (Catholic Chaplain: Fr Mariadass). In an emergency, please ask the Ward Sister to contact the on-call Catholic chaplain. Please do not contact your own parish priest who will be unable to respond due to hospital protocols.
Prayer for People Critically Ill or Facing Great Uncertainty
God of the present moment,
God who in Jesus stills the storm and soothes the frantic heart,
bring hope and courage to all who wait or work in uncertainty.
Bring them hope that you will make them the equal of whatever lies ahead.
Bring them courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you.
—Adapted from New Zealand Prayer Book, p. 765
Who We Are – Our parish has a growing, talented congregation – growing in the numbers taking part in Mass, in the diversity of participants, including young families, and in the range of social, educational, spiritual and cultural activities. Everyone is welcome to join us. If you are not a regular churchgoer but are searching for a spiritual home where you can find acceptance and God’s healing love, you will be especially welcome. You may be hesitant about doing this if you are visiting Holy Name for the first time or, perhaps, returning to church after an absence. If this is the case, and you so wish, our parish priest, Fr Michael Campion, would be happy to meet privately with you beforehand.
Fifth Sunday of Easter, 3 May 2026
Thursday is the first anniversary of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost being elected Pope and taking the name Leo XIV, succeeding Francis, who had died the previous month. The following is a long but worthwhile read about how Leo’s papacy.
Pope Leo has stirred awake a progressive Christianity. It can rise again
‘From Francis to Leo: the Catholic Church in a Change of Era’ – When Pope Francis died a year ago, the cardinals elected a pope who would continue and deepen his reform, which they said was key to evangelizing today’s world. This is what Francis and now Leo call “the change of era” — a new apostolic age.
In his lecture here at Holy Name on Saturday 16 May at 11am, Dr Austen Ivereigh, Pope Francis biographer and noted Catholic journalist and commentator, explains the nature of the Francis-Leo transition, how the Church is being called to change its way of operating, and why it matters for the future of faith in these islands. The lecture takes place in church, all are welcome, there is no charge and no booking is necessary.
In today’s Gospel, part of his Farewell Address to his disciples (John 14:1-12) – a text frequently chosen for Funeral Masses – Jesus declares: I am the way, and the truth and the life. (These words are carved in the gold lettering atop the church sanctuary.) Here is Ralph Vaughan William’s setting to the George Herbert poem ‘Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life’.
Mass Times and Intentions 2 – 10 May 2026
Saturday – Mass 4pm – Margaret Howard (A)
Sunday – Mass 10am – Pro Populo
Tuesday – Mass 10am – Michael Higginbottom (A)
Thursday – Mass 10am – Anney McLeish RIP
Saturday – Mass 4pm – Sydney Easton-Taylor (A)
Sunday – Mass 10am – Pro Populo
Sacrament of Penance – Confessions take place after weekday Mass and on Saturdays 3.30 – 3.50pm.
First Holy Communion – We welcome Indie Boo O’Donnell, and her family, as she receives the Holy Eucharist for the first time at Sunday Mass.
National Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse – This year’s day is marked on Tuesday with the theme: Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10). It looks this year at the scourge of domestic abuse which causes pain and fear that prevent its victims from living the life Jesus came to bring. Immediately before the much-loved part of this verse from the Gospel of John, we hear Jesus’s words: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” This is how abuse feels to those who experience it – their dignity and value as a unique child of God is stripped away and destroyed. Read more.
Church Family Area – Holy Name has an increasing number of young families, and we are happy to announce that our refurbished children’s area, at the back of church, is now up and running. Our aim is to enable parents to connect with and support one another in bringing their children to church.
We have used soft wood tones, clean lines, and neutral colours to create a calming space which is in keeping with the aesthetics of our beautiful church. The area is equipped with age-appropriate Christian books, liturgical toys and drawing materials and is designed so that children can access these easily. We hope that this area sends the clear message that Holy Name values families and is committed to the next generation. ~ Sheila Jackson
Newcastle: Centenary of the Miners’ Lock-Out and General Strike – At Newcastle City Library, Bewick Hall, Level 2 on Wednesday at 11:00am, join parishioner Tony Flynn for a talk on the impact of the General Strike on Newcastle and the North East 100 years on. Learn how local Trade Unionists supported locked-out miners who refused wage cuts and longer hours. Booking via Eventbrite and to reserve a place click here. For more information, telephone 0191 2787878.
Today is the birthday of Niccolò Machiavelli, born 1469, a Florentine] diplomat, author, philosopher and historian who lived during the Italian Renaissance. He is best known for his political treatise The Prince (Il Principe), written around 1513 but not published until 1532, five years after his death. He has often been called the father of modern political philosophy and political science.
Parish Registration – If you’ve never completed one before, or if you did but changed address or contact details in recent years, please complete and return a Registration Form available at the back of church or click on this link Parish Registration Form
Recent Collections – Last weekend’s retiring collection raised £841 for the Little Sisters of the Poor’s Care Home in Elswick. The appeal for the Sick and Retired Priests amounted to £1,077. Thank you very much.
Holy Name Book Club – The next meeting is on Wednesday 3 June (note change of date) to discuss the novel ‘Never Mind’ by Edward St Aubin. All are welcome.
Walking Group – Our next walk will be on Thursday 14 May in the Northumberland National Park – a lovely 4-5 mile moderate walk at Harbottle taking in the Drake Stone and surrounding area. Further details will follow shortly. If you wish to take part, you must register first by contacting the parish office welcome@holynamejesmond.co.uk and completing a permission to share form.
Thursday is the birthday of philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, born 1813, a Danish Lutheran theologian, philosopher, poet, social critic, and religious author who is widely considered the father of existential philosophy. His work touched not only philosophy, but also theology, psychology, literary criticism, and fiction. He also came up with two concepts that are commonplace to us today: One is “subjectivity,” the idea that we all perceive the world — and “truth” — differently; and the other is the “leap of faith,” that faith is not possible without doubt. One must doubt the existence of God to have faith in the existence of God. Belief without doubt is just credulity. Kierkegaard was unknown outside of Denmark until the early 20th century, when his work was discovered by European writers and philosophers. He influenced writers like Henrik Ibsen, Franz Kafka, and Albert Camus.
Tour of Jesmond Old Cemetery – On Thursday, 11am to 1pm, you are welcome to join the Friends of Jesmond Old Cemetery on one of their popular and informative tours. There are over 25,000 burials within the walls of this beautiful Victorian cemetery: hear the stories of some of the North East’s famous, and not-so-famous, ladies and gentlemen. To book a place email friendsofjoc@gmail.com.
Cake Sale – Thank you so much to everyone for supporting last Sunday’s Cake Sale in aid of St Oswald’s Hospice (in memory of parishioner Christine Gill) which raised £618. Thanks also to the hospitality team and the Liturgy Group for accommodating us so well. ~ Jill Hearn
Holy Name Film Club – On Friday 22 May at 7pm Holy Name Film Club will be showing the 1949 drama/thriller The Third Man, directed by Carol Reed, written by Graham Greene and starring Joseph Cotten, Trevor Howard, Orson Welles and Alida Valli. Writer of Western pulp novels Holly Martin is caught up in the investigation of the criminal activities of his evil but charismatic friend Harry Lime in the ruins of post-war Vienna. Reed’s direction, all German expressionist alienation and atmospheric cinematography, the stars’ great performances, Greene’s screenplay and the now iconic musical score by Anton Karas all combine to make this what is universally considered to be one of the greatest films ever made. It will be a rare treat to see it on a big screen, so come and watch a classic described by Time magazine as “crammed with cinematic plums that would do the early Hitchcock proud … a deft commingling of the sinister with the ludicrous, the casual with the bizarre”. ~ Martin Wheeler
Quiz Night – Come to our Quiz Night in Holy Name Church Hall on Sunday 14 June, starting at 7pm. You can come with a team or join up with others to form one on the night. Tickets, £10 (students £5), include a welcome drink. All proceeds will go to Kabuyanda Health Centre in rural Uganda for which a summary of progress made and future plans will be presented. The event will include a raffle and a donations bar (cash only). Tickets are available by contacting the parish office welcome@holynamejesmond.co.uk. If you are coming as part of a team group, let us know so we can arrange to seat you together. ~ Hilary Cope
Thursday is the birthday of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, born 1840, the most popular Russian composer of all time. His music has always had great appeal for the general public in virtue of its tuneful, open-hearted melodies, impressive harmonies, and colorful, picturesque orchestration, all of which evoke a profound emotional response.
From Anne, a USA member of our Online Community – I appreciate your end of Mass comments on ‘he who must not be named’. I just finished reading the two articles you suggested in the newsletter. It still astonishes many of us that this man continues to deceive, deny, and destroy the bastions of democracy and his party just looks away or parrots his daily “suggestions”. Senator and former astronaut Mark Kelley said he doesn’t know how Republicans get out of bed in the morning without a spine. His and his family’s ability to make billions off his presidential power are not done in secret but boasted about. Now he wants to bring back the firing squad as capital punishment.
I write to all three of my Congressional representatives pretty much daily about abuses now being normalized. Concerning the firing squad, which he presented as a more efficient way of clearing the federal cases, had me saying this quick, efficient way of disposing of unwanted people was appalling and reminiscent of what happened in Germany. No pro-life there, as they claim to be. He already marks and stalks people of colour and those not in alignment with his authority, with his goon squad of ICE. Yet, his people declare themselves Christian! It’s an abomination. They think putting the ten commandments in every school makes them moral. How can they not see they continue to break every one of them. These signs are indictments!
You have no idea what it is like to live in a place where anger and greed are king. It is very stressful. Pray for us.
It’s no surprise Trump has met his match in Pope Leo – the US president represents the polar opposite of Christianity https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/apr/24/donald-trump-pope-leo-xiv-catholics-christianity?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Diocesan Pastoral Strategy Return – Due to the declining number of priests, and all the pastoral and management repercussions associated with it, all parishes in the diocese have begun a consultation with the bishop to determine their future. Informed by the public meeting of 50 attendees, the Holy Name response was drafted by a sub-committee of the Parish Council and then presented to the Parish Council and Finance Committee for discussion, editing and approval. (It also will form the basis for our Annual General Meeting later this year.) You can read the document by clicking on this link Pastoral Strategy Return. For those who do not have internet or printing access, a hard copy can be provided if they contact the parish office.
From Bishop Stephen: We next move to a second phase as we invite local parishes to discern together in their partnerships, or with others in their neighbouring area. Information and updates will be shared on our website. Please keep this discernment in your prayers as we seek to respond to the Lord’s call to worship Him and serve our communities in a flourishing and sustainable manner.
Saturday is the birthday of Billy Joel, born 1949, an American singer, pianist, and songwriter in the pop ballad tradition whose numerous hit songs in the 1970s and ’80s made him an enduring favourite on the concert circuit. Although he stopped releasing albums of new pop music in the 1990s, he continued to be a major concert draw and an influential performer in the 21st century. Among his iconic hits are “Piano Man” (1973), “Just the Way You Are”, “My Life”, “Uptown Girl” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire”. “I never wanted to be an oldies act, but I suppose I am,” he said in a recent interview. “I never wanted to be a nostalgia act, but I suppose I am. But I listen to Beethoven, and that’s really old stuff. Is that nostalgia? To me, that music is as alive as it ever was.”
Trump is too Deranged to Continue in Office – To say someone has lost his mind can carry a range of meanings. Accusations of mental instability may be merely a kind of insult, bandied around cheaply in politics, and not a serious diagnosis. But when I say the president of the United States is insane I must make clear that this is not meant as playground abuse. I mean Donald Trump is mentally ill; that he is of unsound mind; that he is suffering from substantial cognitive decline. I mean that were he in any lesser office than the American presidency, urgent discussions would be taking place among colleagues about his mental fitness for the post … to read the full article by Matthew Parris, click here.
Vocation
When the gong sounds ten in the morning and I walk to school by our lane
every day I meet the hawker crying, “Bangles, crystal bangles!”
there is nothing to hurry him on, there is no road he must
take, no place he must go to, no time when he must come home.
I wish I were a hawker, spending my day in the road, crying
“Bangles, crystal bangles!”
When at four in the afternoon I come back from the school,
I can see through the gate of that house the gardener digging the ground.
He does what he likes with his spade, he soils his clothes
with dust, nobody takes him to task if he gets baked in the
sun or gets wet.
I wish I were a gardener digging away at the garden with
nobody to stop me from digging.
Just as it gets dark in the evening and my mother sends me to bed,
I can see through my open window the watchman walking up and down.
The lane is dark and lonely, and the street-lamp stands like
a giant with one red eye in its head.
The watchman swings his lantern and walks with his shadow at
his side, and never once goes to bed in his life.
I wish I were a watchman walking the streets all night,
chasing the shadows with my lantern.
~ Rabindranath Tagore
Rosary Procession – Celebrating 100 years since the first Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, a Rosary Procession and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will take place at St Joseph’s Catholic Church,
Stanley, DH9 0BL at 3pm on Sunday 10 May. All are welcome.
SVP Camp Holy Island – Calling all young adults 18+. Do you have a week to spare to spend on Lindisfarne this Summer helping out at the Holy Island SVP Camp? Volunteers are needed to work alongside the children who stay in the SVP purpose-built centre on the island. Weeks, 3, 5 and 6 of the Summer have 60 children ready to have a great time rock pooling, walking, arts and crafting and enjoying outdoor activities but we need more helpers to ensure they have the best time!
• Week 3 Sat 1st August – 8th August
• Week 5 Sat 15th August – 22nd August
• Week 6 Sat 22nd – 29th August
If you are interested have a look at the website https://svp.org.uk/microsite/ozanam-camp or email Barbara Taws barbarat@svp.org.uk All helpers receive training and will need to be DBS checked.
Nature Notes – It is the springtime again, or as Shakespeare put it: “The only pretty ringtime/when birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding.” The bard might have had a song thrush in mind when he wrote these words in As You Like It. Song thrushes often sing vibrant staccato phrases that sound like “ding a ding, ding”. But skylarks also throw in equally resounding percussive notes during their high rise outpourings. The interjection “hey” might have been suggested to the playwright by the curiously intimate tones of the blackbird, or the black-ouzel as he called it. Out of all birdsong, the blackbird’s is closest in timbre and rubato to the human voice; it’s easy to think a blackbird is singing directly to us. Jonathan Tulloch in The Times, 29 April
A Blackbird Singing
R S Thomas
It seems wrong that out of this bird,
Black, bold, a suggestion of dark
Places about it, there yet should come
Such rich music, as though the notes’
Ore were changed to a rare metal
At one touch of that bright bill.
You have heard it often, alone at your desk
In a green April, your mind drawn
Away from its work by sweet disturbance
Of the mild evening outside your room.
A slow singer, but loading each phrase
With history’s overtones, love, joy
And grief learned by his dark tribe
In other orchards and passed on
Instinctively as they are now,
But fresh always with new tears.
Poetry Group – The next meeting is on Wednesday 20 May at 7pm in the hall with the topical theme of ‘Peace’. You are very welcome to join our merry group and, if you can, take along a published poem of your choice, related to the theme, and share it in discussion with the other members.
On BBC Sounds : Love’s Moment: RS Thomas and Mildred Eldridge – Known as one of Wales’ greatest 20th-century poets, RS Thomas is often characterised as a difficult, even cantankerous figure. Twenty-five years since his death, fellow poet and friend Gwyneth Lewis uncovers a hidden, private side to his life and work – as she explores the tension and tenderness within his marriage to the painter Mildred Elsie Eldridge. RS Thomas wrote dozens of poems to his first wife, from early reflections on their courtship to moving elegies following her death. Yet his marriage, like much of his life, was complex and unusual – defined as much by silence and distance as by affection. When they met, Mildred Eldridge was the star – an established and award-winning painter – while RS Thomas was still finding his poetic voice. In this podcast on BBC Sounds, Gwyneth Lewis follows the journey of their life together and considers why their career trajectories diverged so sharply – his path as a poet ascended to ever greater heights, hers as an artist dwindled. With access to Mildred Eldridge’s unpublished journals, we hear her voice in the marriage for the first time – a perspective largely absent until now. Gwyneth considers what this remarkable relationship tells us not only about art but, more importantly, about love. To listen, click on the title above.
Holy Name Social Media – Are you a digital trendsetter or a hashtag hero?! We are seeking a volunteer to help manage the parish’s social media presence. This role may include maintaining basic tech systems, updating the website, and posting parish news on our social channels. If you have experience in these areas—or simply enthusiasm and a willingness to learn—please get in touch with Fr Campion.
Don’t Keep Mum: Write that Condolence Letter – On Monday morning she was sitting in bed drinking whisky, reading The Times and fuming about Trump. On Tuesday she was drifting, and on Wednesday afternoon she took the last breath of her 97th year, with my sister and me holding her hand and head. As I began to tell friends and family about my mother’s death, I stressed our gratitude for such a speedy, peaceful and companionable end. Messages arrived in their scores, from friends of 80 years’ standing and from ones she had just made; from tennis partners (she played until her late 80s) and fellow poets, from godchildren and great-godchildren (we’d lost count); from former colleagues and pupils of my Oxford philosopher father. The missives were by turns terse or florid, stylish or laboured, original or quote-laden (even a whiff of Chat GPT), but all heartfelt — and balm to our souls … to read the full article by Edward Lucas in The Times, click here.
Diocesan Refugee Project – The next collection is on Saturday 2 May from 9 – 10 am in the hall. The items requested are: Cooking oil, sugar, jars of instant coffee, plain white flour, porridge oats, (not instant porridge) corned beef, dates, basmati rice (not microwaveable), nappies sizes 5 and 6, unopened toiletries and washing up liquid. Spare plastic bags are always welcome. For an update on the work of the Project, currently supporting over 500 refugees, click here.
There won’t be many Daniel O’Donnell fans in Jesmond (any?) but I can’t avoid slipping in this song he recorded recently and which celebrates my home town in County Laois. ~ Fr Campion
Church Parking – Now that the students have returned, parking cars for Mass will be ‘problematical’ for the next two months or so. The Residents Parking Zone is most likely to be introduced in the summer while the students are away. Restrictions will not apply on Sundays, and we are hopeful they will not apply on Saturday afternoon/evening when the Vigil Mass is celebrated.
Pastoral Care at Holy Name – We wish to set up a pastoral care team to visit the housebound and frail members of our parish. We hope to gather a group of volunteers who’d be happy to help in visiting and supporting as the need arises. If you are no longer able to come to church, you remain important to our community. Those of you who are content with the support of friends and family, perhaps happy to take part in the live-streamed Mass, may not feel the need of this service. However, if you or your family or friends feel you might welcome a friendly visitor and contact with Holy Name, please let us know. You can contact Deacon Jeremy Wynne or Fr Michael at welcome@holynamejesmond.co.uk We also need volunteers. The service would involve social visiting, Eucharistic ministry or practical support but it is not expected to be greatly demanding or time-consuming. If you feel that you could help with this project or would like to discuss it, please contact the parish office.
Giddy Up! – This year marks the 100th anniversary of Hexham and Newcastle Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. As part of the celebrations, St Teresa’s Church in Heaton is hosting the “Kellet Cup Race Night” on Friday 15 May from 7pm-10.30pm to raise funds for Lourdes Hospitalité, in memory of Fr Denis Kellet, a previous parish priest who was a great supporter of the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. All funds raised will support sick and disabled pilgrims from throughout the diocese to travel to Lourdes.
If you, your family, or your business, would like to sponsor a race for a donation of £50 per family/£100 per business please let us know and you can name your race. We are also selling horses (£5 each, 1 in 6 chance of winning a prize). Tickets for the evening £5 (to include 1 free bet) or pay at the door. Bring your own alcohol. For further information, sponsorship, horses and tickets please contact Pat Henzell on 07803 727799 or email at chris.henzell@gmail.com ~ Pat Henzell
Fire to the Earth! – Jesus’ parables were never meant to be comfortable. They were dynamite — startling stories designed to unsettle, provoke, and transform. And according to Fr Eamonn Mulcahy, we’ve become so familiar with them that we’ve forgotten just how explosive they are. At Minsteracres from Friday 1 May at 6.30pm to Sunday 3 May, 2pm, Fr Eamonn opens them back up — restoring their original force and making them urgent again for 2026. Fr Eamonn is a Spiritan priest with nearly 46 years of missionary and academic experience, having served across Africa, Asia, and the UK. He has spent decades lecturing in Systematic Theology and leading retreats all over the world. To book go to www.minsteracres.org
Beyond the Headlines: Refugees and Asylum Seekers – On Tuesday 12 May, 7–9 pm, at St Charles Church Hall, Gosforth, you are welcome to an evening of listening, learning, and reflection on the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers in Newcastle and beyond. The event will include lived experiences, local perspectives, and factual insight. Refreshments from 6.45pm. Advance booking preferred: asylumnewcastle2026@outlook.com
Office Hours – Excluding Bank Holidays, the normal parish office hours are Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm. Emails received outside these times will be answered on the next working day.
Used Stamps, Medals and Jewellery – To support the work of St Joseph’s Care Home in Elswick, Newcastle, used postage stamps (any country or period), foreign currency (notes and coins from any country), broken or unwanted pieces of gold/silver jewellery, military medals from any conflict and any old stamp albums may be left at the back of church in a marked envelope or dropped off at the presbytery for Barbara, our parish secretary, to deliver to David and Theresa O’Neill. David can be contacted on telephone 0191 264 5771 or email david-oneill3@sky.com
Dissatisfied? Taking part in Mass at Holy Name should be a prayerful and uplifting experience. If you are dissatisfied with the service you receive or with any aspect of parish life, including its management, please let Fr Campion know. Our members’ satisfaction is paramount. ‘The Christian faithful have the right and even at times, the duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters that obtain to the good of the Church and to make their opinion known’. (Code of Canon Law 212.3)
Sunday Mass: Saturday 4pm, Sunday 10am 