Parish Directory

CHOIR
Do you enjoy singing and, perhaps, wish to learn more about music? If so, why not consider joining our choir which sings at the Sunday 10am Mass. Rehearsals take place in the church on Saturdays from 5 to 6.30pm. All ages and voices are welcome and don’t worry if you can’t read music – all the parts are learned separately. For more details, visit the Choir page.

CLUBS

BOOK CLUB
The Holy Name Book Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month in the Hall on Towers Avenue. The Club is open to all members of the community – you do not have to be Catholic to take part. Over a glass of wine, we have riveting discussions of the books chosen by the group. Admission is free and all are welcome. The only stipulation is that you have read the book before attending. Visit the Book Club page to find out what books have been chosen.

FILM CLUB
Film Club is open to anyone. Taking place monthly on a Friday at 7pm in the Holy Name parish hall on Towers Avenue, viewing is on a large screen with excellent sound facilities. All are welcome to come along. Admission is free and you may take along your own refreshments. Please refer to the newsletter or Film Club page on our website for up to date screenings at https://holynamejesmond.co.uk/

POETRY CLUB
The Poetry Group meets in the hall, Towers Avenue, on the third Wednesday of the month. We usually choose a theme which inspires a fascinating range of readings for sharing and discussing – over a glass of wine with the members of the group. We find, as always, that the process of choosing a poem relevant to the theme, as well as the shared personal explanation for that choice, enhances our understanding and pleasure in the listening. Do join us, with or without a poem.  You will be most welcome. For more details visit the Poetry Club page.

TRAVEL CLUB
Since October 2016, Friends and Members of Holy Name parish have enjoyed annual cultural and social trips to Krakow, Amsterdam, Aix-en-Provence, Lake Iseo, Malaga, Bergamo, Nantes and Lille. If you are interested in joining our trips abroad, information on future trips and contact details will appear in the newsletter.

WALKING GROUP
Around 50 people are members of the monthly walking group. Open to anyone who has contacted the parish office to register interest, the group walks on the first Thursday of every month with one of the members leading the way. Walks vary in length and location and normally 10 – 15 people take part each month. If you wish to become a member please email welcome@holynamejesmond.co.uk or call 0191 281 0940. Details are advertised in our weekly newsletter.

WINE CLUB
Membership of our Wine Club is open to all members and friends of Holy Name. You will be most welcome to join us. We meet about once a month to taste wines from all over the world.  The charge is £10 to cover the cost of wine. Bring your own food. Booking is essential. There is always a raffle with money raised going to charity. Contact Anthony or Carmel on knoxspitfire@aol.com or visit the Wine Club page

COMPLAINTS
Being a member or friend of Holy Name, as well as taking part in Mass, should be an uplifting experience. If you are dissatisfied with the service you receive or with any aspect of parish life, please let the Parish Office know. Our members’ satisfaction is paramount. If you wish to email Fr Campion in confidence, please use his private address frmichael@holynamejesmond.co.uk

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DONATIONS 
When you donate to Holy Name Church, your generosity does make a difference.  You can donate in a number of ways, but our preferred method is by Standing Order. Download and complete this Standing Order Mandate and send to your bank or use the information below to set up yourself through online banking. This is by far the most convenient method for us as it reduces the workload of the volunteer counters. It also means that we do not have to hold large sums of money on the premises. All donations are gratefully received and in the spirit in which they are given.

DHN NEWCASTLE THE HOLY NAME
Business Account
Sort code: 40-34-18
Account Number: 72010798

Other ways to donate are:

By cheque made payable to “Church of the Holy Name”, drop onto the offertory plate or into an envelope and post through the presbytery door.

In cash, on the offertory plate at Mass or place in an envelope and post through the presbytery door.

By using our contactless device stated at the back of Church where you can use you phone or bank card to make donations from £3 to £100.

GIFT AID
Parishioners who are taxpayers and who make weekly/monthly/yearly contributions to the parish are encouraged to sign a Gift Aid Declaration 2024 By doing so, they enable the parish to claim from the Inland Revenue – at no extra cost to themselves – 25p for every £1 they contribute. This is a valuable source of income for the parish. For further information, contact the Parish Office

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END OF LIFE

ANOINTING OF THE SICK
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is for people suffering either an illness or the various conditions and ailments due to ageing. It dates from the ministry of Christ’s apostles and first disciples – it is actually referred to in the New Testament Letter of St James – and consists of the laying on of hands, anointing with Holy Oil, and a prayer that asks God to heal and ‘raise up’ the sick person. This Sacrament is for the LIVING and is not to be confused with the ‘Last Rites’. It asks God to grant healing with the hoped-for effect that, if it be God’s will, the person will be physically healed of illness. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the sacrament is a spiritual one by which the person receives the blessing of acceptance, peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany illness or the frailty of getting old. If you are in needs of God’s healing grace – in mind or body – you are very welcome to receive the sacrament. Please contact the Parish Office  for further information.

FUNERALS
Funerals should be arranged directly with the Parish Priest. The non Catholic members of Holy Name may also have their funeral services held in church, especially if they have supported their Catholic partners in the practice of their faith and the upbringing of their children. Please contact the Parish Office  in the first instance or call 0191 281 0940 to speak to Fr Michael.

The Art of Dying Well is a new website that aims to help people make spiritual preparation for death. The website includes sections on planning for death and what a good death looks like. As well as practical advice such as making a will and funeral planning, the site contains spiritual guidance, prayers and reflections. It has sections for people who are facing death personally, people who face losing a loved one and doctors and nurses involved in their care. The Bishops have invited people to post pictures and memories of loved ones who have died to its Instagram account, @artofdyingwell, throughout November. Their names and photographs will be shared with five convents and abbeys where people will pray for them.

FUNERAL MINISTRY
It is not unusual for Funeral Masses at Holy Name to have few people in attendance, and remaining family members may not be Catholic.  Even at the larger funerals, there may not be many who can actively participate in the Mass responses and in singing the hymns.  The Funeral Ministry at Holy Name is for church members to provide a strong presence at funerals in church. Through participation in the Mass and assistance with the various liturgical ministries and rituals, our presence also can offer much needed support to the family members.

BURIAL OF ASHES
Following a cremation, the Catholic Church has a Rite for the Burial of Ashes. This short ceremony – which can take place sometime after the funeral – is held with the family and friends of the deceased at a place of their choosing. For further information, please contact the Parish Priest

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FINANCE COMMITTEE
This committee shares with the parish priest in the financial management of the parish. Members have some expertise and experience in financial matters. The current members are: Michael Howard (Chair), John Devine, Stephanie Grant (Health and Safety), Paul Lee, Joan Louw, Tony McPhillips and John Welsh. Clare Robson also sits on the Finance Committee in her role as Chair of Parish Council.  New members are always welcome. For further information, contact the Chair on (0191) 281 5769 or any member of the committee.

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HALL
The church hall is located on Towers Avenue and is used by parish groups and for parish functions throughout the year.  The hall is not available for commercial or private hire.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
We have a moral and a legal duty to ensure that our buildings comply with all statutory safety and health requirements. Risk Assessments are regularly carried out to all elements of our buildings. Our Health and Safety Officer is Stephanie Grant. Parishioners with relevant expertise or experience in this field are welcome to contact the Parish Office

HOSPITAL
If you are going into hospital, you need to notify the Catholic Chaplains directly if you wish them to visit you.  For the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) & Freeman Hospital, telephone (0191) 232 6953 or call (0191) 445 2072 for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

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INACTIVE?
At Holy Name Church we seek to reach out to alienated and inactive Catholics. In the spirit of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and Pope Leo, we welcome all to our home. The Parish Priest is available to assist anyone who is inactive in the life of the Church and wishes to explore the meaning and practice of our faith.

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JESMOND COMMUNITY

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN JESMOND
With Jesmond Methodist Church (St George’s Terrace), Jesmond United Reformed Church (Burdon Terrace) and the Anglican Churches of St George’s (St George’s Close), St Hilda’s (Thornleigh Road) and Holy Trinity (Churchill Gardens), Holy Name forms part of Churches Together in Jesmond. We share the common mission of proclaiming Christ’s Gospel and serving Him in people who are in need. We take part in ecumenical meetings and Services throughout the year and seek to play an active part in the life of the wider community.

JESMOND COMMUNITY FORUM
Jesmond Community Forum (JCF) was established in 2004 to celebrate, promote and support the work of community, resident and voluntary groups in Jesmond.  Member organisations include most of the schools and churches in Jesmond, residents’ associations, choirs and music groups, sports organisations, and groups promoting the interests of groups across the age spectrum. Information is shared and discussed at bi-monthly meetings.  Holy Name Church is represented at the Forum by our parish priest, Canon Michael Campion and a parish council representative, Susan Carr. JCF has an active Facebook page which is an excellent source information about Jesmond events and issues https://www.facebook.com/JesmondCommunityForum/?locale=en_GB

JESMOND COMMUNITY ORCHARD PROJECT
A public s pace created on previously derelict land displaying different forms of growing fruit trees.  They work with local schools, including West Jesmond Primary School and Percy Hedley School as well as running courses for adults. Community events, a refuge for wildlife and a quiet place to relax based in the North West corner of St Andrew’s Cemetery, hidden behind a natural tree belt, and is open to the public whenever the cemetery is open. There is a paved seating area as well as grass, trees, soft fruit, herbs and a wildlife garden. The Orchard has easy access for those with mobility difficulties and welcomes everyone. An annual fruit tree grafting course takes place in Holy Name Church Hall every year.

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LEGACY
As a parish we have benefited greatly in recent years from the generosity of deceased parishioners which has enabled us to do works on the church, for example, we could never have done otherwise. A gift in your Will costs you nothing now but one day it will make a significant difference to the on-going work of our parish. After you have made provision for your family and friends, leaving a legacy to your parish not only gives us the vital financial security we need in order to plan future work and develop long-term projects, it is also one of the most tax-efficient ways of giving. Gifts to charity are exempt from:

• Inheritance tax
• Capital Gains Tax
• Income Tax

Leaving a legacy simply means inserting an extra short paragraph (clause) in your will. We would always suggest that you use a qualified solicitor to assist you with this. For anybody who would like further information we have prepared a helpful and informative leaflet “Leaving a Legacy” which is available at the back of church or on request by email.

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LEVY
Every parish pays a levy, based on its offertory income and Mass attendance, to the diocese for a range of central services provided for all parishes – for schools, safeguarding, gift aid, bishop’s office etc. The 2024/2025 levy for the Holy Name parish was just over £21,000.

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MARRIAGE
Couples wishing to be married in the parish should contact the Parish Priest as early as possible. For further details about getting married at Holy Name, visit the Getting Married page under ‘Sacraments’.

MASS INTENTIONS AND INTERCESSIONS
A special way for Catholics to remember someone – for a birthday, an anniversary or in thanksgiving for something – is to have a Mass celebrated for them on a day of their choice, including Sundays. All you need do is write the person’s name, event or private intention and the date of your choice on a white envelope (available at the back of church) and then place it in the offertory collection basket. There is no ‘charge’ but donations are always welcome. Alternatively, you may send an email with the details to the Parish Office

If there is someone you wish to be prayed for at Mass please notify the Parish Office

There is also an Intercessions Book located in front of the Lady Altar where you can add your loved one’s name to request prayers from the congregation.

MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION
If you have not done so already, or if you have changed address in recent years, please take one of the Registration Forms at the back of church, complete it and pop into the blue box provided. Alternatively, download this Parish Registration Form 2024 complete and return by email to the parish office. We need to keep our record of parishioners and their contact details up-to-date. The information you provide will be treated in the strictest confidence and will not be shared with any outside organisations or other parishioners.

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PARISH COUNCIL
The Council meets every three months and shares with the Finance Committee and the parish priest in the management and development of the parish. The members, nominated by parishioners and appointed by the Parish Priest, are Clare Robson (Chair), Tessa Burton-Roberts, Susan Carr, Aaron Gamboa, Madeleine Hardy, Michael Howard (Finance Committee Chair), Sheila Jackson, Domenic Manfredi, Tony McPhillips, Nick Stonor, John Waddell and Deacon Jeremy Wynne.  For more information visit our Parish Council page.

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REFRESHMENTS
Tea and freshly brewed “Pumphreys” filter coffee are served in the Hall on Sundays after 10am Mass, providing parishioners with the opportunity to meet and enjoy each other’s company. We ask for a small donation towards the cost.

SACRAMENTS

Baptism is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation into the Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that Baptism is ‘the gateway of life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments’ (Catechism, 1213). Parents, one of whom must be a practising Catholic, must attend a face to face preparation course prior to the baptism of their first child, and be members of Holy Name parish. Preparation courses take place every three months or so.  Details will appear in the newsletter. More information is available in the Baptism section.

First Holy Communion includes First Reconciliation. A preparation programme led by our catechist takes place annually for parish children who attend non-Catholic schools. Children must be aged 8+ (by June) to take part. For further information contact the Parish Office

Confirmation is is the third of the sacraments that constitute the Sacraments of Initiation i.e. the completion of the process of full entry into the Church. In this diocese it is celebrated following Baptism and First Holy Communion but delayed until young people are in their second year at Secondary School. For further details, please contact the Parish Office

SAFEGUARDING
Here at The Holy Name Church we operate a safe parish. The parish priest and everyone involved in Church activities must operate according to a strict Code of Conduct where children, young people and vulnerable adults in church settings are concerned. All church helpers must have clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in order to prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. If at any time you have any concerns about a person’s behaviour with children or vulnerable adults, please contact Madeleine Hardy, our parish Safeguarding Officer, on 07964 178 422 or contact the Parish Priest

St Catherine’s Primary School, Greystoke Gardens, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 1PS, Headteacher Ms Lisa Hoey, Tel: 0191 232 6803.

St Mary’s Catholic School, Benton Park Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7PE, Headteacher Ms Emma Patterson, Tel (0191) 215 3260.

SECRETARY
Our Parish Secretary, Barbara Cooper, works weekdays from 9.15am to 2.15pm. Her role incorporates all the administrative work of the parish including accounts, volunteer rotas, hall management, church supplies, Gift Aid, and assisting the Parish Priest with the management and development of the parish.. You may contact Barbara at the Parish Office or on (0191) 281 0940

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TALKS AND LECTURES
Various talks and lectures are arranged throughout the year. Academics and other experts have been invited to talk on a wide variety of topics which have included matters such as theological, scientific, medical, cultural and controversial. Many people from parish and wider community attend these popular events and booking is often required to ensure a place. Some of our previous speakers have included:

Paul Murray – Catholicism Transfigured – The current Catholic moment

Stephen Regan – English Literature and Catholicism – The Poetry of Devotion

Professor Anna Rowland – Towards a Politics of the Common Good

Dr Elizabeth Powell – David Jones and the Art of Attention

Professor Jim White – The case for plastics

Dr Kathryn Mannix – The Art of Dying Well

Professor Julian Hughes – Assisted Dying

THE TABLET
If you wish to be well informed, The Tablet is the outstanding British Catholic weekly newspaper that reports on current affairs, politics, religion, social issues, literature and the arts. Available by subscription from www.thetablet.co.uk.

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VOLUNTEERING

AUTHORISED PERSONS FOR MARRIAGE
An authorised person’s responsibilities include: ensuring that the legal preliminaries of any marriages to be solemnised in Church have been completed by the couple before the marriage takes place and that the details are recorded accurately on the marriage schedule that is returned to the Civic Centre. An application form must be completed and submitted to the General Registrars Office before anyone can be appointed.  If you would like to assist in this important role, please contact the Parish Office

CATECHISTS
Catechists are parishioners who teach and assist children and adults with learning more about elements of our Catholic faith. In Holy Name, catechists prepare parents for the baptism of their children, prepare children and young people for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation, and lead the Children’s Liturgy on Sundays during morning Mass. Parishioners interested in this ministry will be warmly welcomed; please contact the Parish Office   for further details.

CLEANING
The cleaners are volunteers who vacuum and brush the floors, dust and polish the benches, and keep the toilet (with disabled access) at the rear of the church clean and in good order. This ministry – which is so easily taken for granted – is open to all and no special skills are required. Cleaning takes place after 10am Mass on Tuesdays. If you wish to join one of the teams, please email the Parish Office

EUCHARISTICE MINISTERS
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist (to give their full title) assist the Parish Priest to distribute Holy Communion during Mass.  They are responsible for cleaning the vessels after Mass. Some have additional duties such as visiting the sick and housebound.  Anyone wishing to train as a Eucharistic Minister must approach the Parish Priest in the first instance and undergo DBS (safeguarding) checks. A rota is prepared so that volunteers know when they are required to assist. For more information, please contact the Parish Office

FLOWER ARRANGING
The flower arrangers decorate the church with attractive displays according to the major liturgical seasons. Anyone interested in arranging flowers is welcome to contact the Parish Office

FUNERAL MINISTRY
It is not unusual for Funeral Masses at Holy Name to have few people in attendance, and remaining family members may not be Catholic.  Even at the larger funerals, there may not be many who can actively participate in the Mass responses and in singing the hymns.  The Funeral Ministry at Holy Name is for church members to provide a strong presence at funerals in church. Through participation in the Mass and assistance with the various liturgical ministries and rituals, our presence can offer much needed support to the family members.

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
Holy Name has extensive grounds and over 100 established trees, some 80 years old. Throughout the year, especially in autumn and winter, there are a lot of leaves to gather! Any help with landscaping, gardening, hedge cutting, weeding, power washing and making the church exterior and grounds more attractive will be warmly welcomed. Volunteers meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.30am. For details, contact the Parish Office

HEALTH AND SAFETY
Holy Name has a nominated health and safety representative, Stephanie Grant, whose role is to inspect the premises including Church, presbytery and hall to ensure they meet our legal requirements and to make recommendations for improvements or remedial action. They are also responsible for completing and submitting an annual return to the Diocese. Full training is given. Anyone else with relevant experience who is interested in assisting with health and safety matters is asked to contact the Parish Office

LIVE STREAM MASS – AV TECHNICIANS
All Masses are live streamed via You Tube which attracts a wide congregation of people who have moved away from Holy Name, are relatives of parishioners, are housebound and others from all parts of the nation and world. Volunteers operate the audio and sound equipment live during each service and occasionally at weddings and funerals. If you would like to volunteer as an AV Technician, you will receive training.  Please contact the Parish Office

READERS
Readers proclaim the Word of God (readings from Sacred Scripture) during Mass. The Office of Reader in the Church is a lay ministry and in our parish it is open to all. With support and training, anyone can read in church. If you are interested in becoming a Reader, please contact the Parish Office

REFRESHMENTS
Tea and freshly brewed “Pumphreys” filter coffee are served in the Hall on Sundays after 10am Mass, providing parishioners with the opportunity to meet and enjoy each other’s company. If you are willing to join the Rota for assisting with this, contact the Parish Office.

SACRISTANS
Sacristans prepare the church for Mass and other Services. They also deal with the daily tasks of looking after vestments, sacred vessels, altar linen, candles and various furnishings. For further information, please contact the Parish Office

WELCOMERS
Welcomers greet people as they enter the church, provide them with service leaflets, hymn books and newsletters. Welcomers are also asked to support families at funerals by handing out orders of service and hymn books, ensuring those visiting Holy Name feel welcome. This is an increasingly important ministry in the Catholic Church and one we all need to foster. For further details, please contact the Parish Office