Successful Solemn Requiem at St Mary's, Forest Hall for the Feast of All Souls

A most successful Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated at St Mary's, Forest Hall on the evening of Friday 2nd November. The celebrant was Fr Michael Brown, the parish priest and Northern Chaplain of the LMS, with Fr David Phillips of Stella as deacon and Deacon Andrew Bunce as sub deacon. The Ordinary of the Mass was sung to 'Missa pro Defunctis' by Gabriel Faure by the joint choirs of Jesmond Choral Group and The Priory Singers under their Director of Music, John Scott. The Schola Sancti Baedae sang those parts of the Proper not included in the Faure. As is quite well known here in the north the sanctuary of St Mary's presents its own great difficulties since the church was 're-ordered' many years ago placing the sanctuary on one of the long walls. Clergy and servers managed very well to overcome these difficulties. Following Mass refreshments were provided in the church hall which gave the congregation and those involved in the Mass to socialise. Some 50 were estimated to be in the congregation and apologies are made in advance to the person who feels we should physically count them. EF Masses for the feast were also celebrated at St Mary's in Barnard Castle and SS Joseph, Patrick and Cuthbert in Coxhoe where Fr Shaun Swales celebrated all 3 Masses allowed to be said by priests on this feast.