Due to limited space on our paper newsletter additional items will be published here. This will include articles surrounding the wider church and global issues as well as any charity and social justice initiatives. Please check back regularly for updates and keep an eye on our main newsletter and social media pages for more information.
CARITAS
The Vicariate for Caritas was established by Bishop Robert in January 2020. A prophetic step as three months later the church, along with the whole of society, was in lockdown, experiencing great loneliness, fear and need. Caritas Hexham and Newcastle helped to overcome these issues and continues to help us make real the vision of Pope Francis within our diocese, that of being one people, interdependent upon one another. It has seldom been more needed than right now.
If you follow the links you will discover the great work which is taking place, in your name, by a few dedicated staff and so many volunteers. If what you see moves you, then please respond. Perhaps you can offer your time and talents to one of the groups mentioned. You may be inspired to establish a local group or take up the call to advocate on behalf of someone in need. You may be able to support or lead a campaign to address injustice. You may be in a position to contribute financially to our work or you may be in need of the help and support that one of our groups provides. If I may speak on behalf of all involved we need your help and truly look forward to hearing from you.
Please follow the links below to read the stories, open your hearts so that together we can live out our Diocesan values and build God’s kingdom here on earth – Trust, Service, Respect, Integrity and Compassion.
The Art of Dying Well
What do we mean when we talk about ‘dying well’? This is one of life’s greatest questions. Dying well, or what constitutes a ‘good’ death will mean different things to us all. Our understanding is informed by a multitude of influences drawn from our individual journeys through life. But there are many universal questions, here we’ll explore some of the biggest questions and ideas, including what the Church says about death. The process of coming to terms with death and dying, can bring to the surface deeper questions about what life is all about. These questions can occur in relation to your own mortality, or surrounding the death of a loved one. It is quite natural to have these spiritual concerns.
In the Catholic faith it is believed that life is a precious gift from God and death simply opens the way to new life. Planning ahead can help to overcome fear and anxiety. Perhaps it is possible to take the sting out of death and encourage acceptance of it as a part of life itself. This service contains advice and options, and answers to frequently asked questions which will help guide you through what is often a very difficult time.
The Art of Dying Well offers practical and spiritual support to those faced with the prospect of death and dying. It is a site for everyone, please click the link below for further information:
Justice and Peace Refugee Project
Proud Catholics
LGBTQ+ History Month is for everyone, this takes place in February every year and offers a chance to connect and reflect on the past and present of the LGBTQ+ Community. It’s an opportunity to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and progress towards equality over time, and to explore what the lessons of history can teach us for the future. As members of the Body of Christ we seek to encourage one another both in faith and in acceptance of who we are. In our diversity we celebrate that we are all made in the image of God.
“God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.“
1 John 4:16
We are a support group for and run by Catholics in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, who identify as LGBT+ or who are questioning their sexual or gender identity. Friends and family members are welcome to join us. We meet on the third Tuesday of each month for a varied programme. We are back to meeting at St. Andrew’s RC Church in Newcastle, but it is also possible to connect through Zoom.
click below for further information