Spirituality and On-going Formation—Tuesdays 7pm

Pope Francis has captured the hearts of the faithful throughout the world. He has something to say to all of us and in simple heart-felt language that reflects his own struggles and experience. In this retreat, there are six conferences that explore Scripture through the lens of the Pope’s writings, life stories and personal example. Each evening there will be input, prayer and reflection material to take away.

Retreat with Pope Francis

Sept 16th Let us journey together

Sept 23rd Who am I? A sinner!

Sept 30thThe church is for the wounded

Oct 7thThe mind of Ignatius and the heart of Francis

Oct 14th A Listening Pope

Oct 21st The Joy of the Gospel

Signs of the Times: seven paths of hope for a troubled world
These sessions are based on Jean Vanier’s book written to mark 50 years since the foundation of L’Arche communities. He is a great spiritual writer and interpretsfor us the signs of the times in the light of the Gospel and challenges us to respond.
28th Oct From humiliation to humility
4th Nov From conformity to conscience
11th Nov No meeting
18th Nov From power to authority
25th Nov From isolation to community
2nd Dec From strength to vulnerability
9th Dec From secret to mystery

16th Dec Advent Taize evening 7pm

Scripture Sessions

In response to several people desiring to go deeper into understanding Scripture. As an experiment we will meet on Mondays 1.30-3.30pm beginning Oct 6th . All welcome.

Evangelisation News

Pope Francis is bringing the Gospel Message to life and everything he does and says conveys Good News which is what Evangelisation is: the Good News of God’s love, his mercy, his forgiveness to each of us. He urges us to live in hope and in peace whatever our circumstances and difficulties.

1.Sept 21st isHome Mission Sunday which could be called Evangelisation Sunday. The theme this year is Reaching Out to those separated from the Church. All Catholics in England and Wales are encouraged to pray and work for this intention.

2. Oct: traditionally the month of the Holy Rosary. The Rosary is a Scriptural prayer which we are trying to encourage in parishes and secondary schools using credit-sized cards embossed with the mysteries of the Rosary . Look out for these in your parish and use them in your families. Available also from Sr Michael

3. Pray for five of us who are attending an Evangelisation Conference inRome – Sept 18-20th with Pope Francis. He is anxious to bring the Joy of the Gospel into the evangelising and pastoral work of parishes.

4. Christmas witness: last year we piloted Nativity Lapel Badges which were very popular. This year they are available to all schools and parishes. Contact Sr Michael

5. Flash Mob – following last year’s very successful Nativity Flash Mob we will repeat the event with variations in the Central Station and several other venues. Watch out for news of this on the diocesan web-site

6 A monthlyEvangelisation Newsletter is available on the

Diocesan Web site and will be sent to you automatically if you

register This will keep you up to date on all

evangelisation news

“The Church exists to evangelise – and if it doesn’t evangelise does it

deserveto exist at all?” Pope Paul V!

Prayer Shawl Ministry: a group of us meet every second Thursday of the month at 1.30 – 3.30 to crochet or knit shawls for sick and elderly people. We pray for those who will get the shawls as well as enjoy the chat and cuppa: Oct 9th; Nov 13th; Dec 11th.

Craft Day with Maureen Doyle - Sat Nov 1st – 10am -3pm

Working with straw silk on large glass bowls

and /or decorating glass plates – paint or straw silk .

Useful and unique Christmas presents

Other events

Sat 13th Sept: Day of Prayer and Reflection for PPC from North Shields

10-4.00

Wed 8th Oct: Evangelisation for Primary Schools Conference

Sat 18th Oct: Bereavement Groups from Jarrow and Hebburn – Day of Recollection

Sat 25th Oct: Day of Prayer and Reflection for Benton PPC 10 – 3pm

Tues &Wed Nov 11 and 12th - The Person of Jesus for Catechists 6-8pm

Thurs 4th Dec: The evil of Human Trafficking – Catholic Chaplaincy, Newcastle University

All queries contact

Sr Michael, Centre for Prayer and Mission,

1 Antrim Gardens,

Seaham SR7 7BN 0191 5813249