The End

This will be the final posting on this blog as we demit office on 31st December 2014 & pass the flame to our new Local Representatives of the Latin Mass Society in the diocese of Hexham & Newcastle. We are remaining within the traditional flock & have promised Philip, Andrew & Jayne whatever assistance they may request. No doubt a new blog will be forthcoming very early in 2015 &, it is hoped, that the 2 monthly newsletter will continue to be sent both to local LMS members & to others who might find the contents useful and/or interesting. Our last official duty was to attend the annual meeting of LRs in London last Saturday & to meet those of our fellow representatives who managed to attend. It is always good to hear how others overcome difficulties which seem insurmountable initially.

Winding Down

We are coming to the end of our time as Local Reps for the LMS in the diocese of Hexham & Newcastle having (the old man) reached the age when the LMS statutes lay down we should offer our resignations. Having reached this milestone in May 2013 we were asked to remain in post for a further year. That year expires on 31st December 2014 & we are happy to be handing over to 3 younger people. They are Philip Dillon & husband & wife team Andrew & Jayne Armstrong. Not only are they taking on the roles of LRs but they have set up the first chapter of Juventutem in the diocese based at St Joseph's in Gateshead, begun Rosary & Adoration each Thursday prior to midday Mass, Arranged with Fr Michael Brown for Latin classes each Tuesday evening & are hoping to resurrect the First Friday devotions. For those unaware Juventutem is an organisation for young Catholics who have a love & preference for the EF Mass & all 3 are ardent members of the LMS. We are happy to be handing over the reins to 3 such keen young people who can only progress the Society further in this diocese. We wish them well. At the same time we would like to thank the clergy who have supported us in our endeavours over the years & to thank the laity for supporting both us & the clergy. We will continue to support the LMS & have promised Philip, Andrew & Jayne that we will be there to assist in whatever way they require.

Cardinal Burke celebrates Pontifical Mass in Vienna

I recommend strongly that everyone goes to the 'Rorate Coeli' bog page which includes the complete Mass celebrated by His Eminence. If only liberals could see what they have tried to destroy! This touches on how the Mass should be celebrated AMDG (for the greater glory of God)

Omission from Mass of Ages

We are grateful for the mention of Andrew, Jayne & Philip as our new LMS Reps in Hexham & Newcastle. Everything said is absolutely accurate but there is an omission. In addition to taking on the responsibilities of LMS representation they have between them begun a chapter of Juventutem to encourage younger attendees (of which there is a growing number) to take up the opportunity to meet together,socially, with likeminded people. Additionally they have asked Fr Michael Brown to restart his weekly courses in Latin, begun Eucharistic Adoration every Thursday lunchtime and are looking to start the devotion to the First Fridays. They are - all 3 - a great example to all in the parish, not just the youngsters!

All Souls in Liverpool

Today (Saturday) Theresa & I had the great privilege & pleasure of attending a Solemn Requiem Mass at the church of Our Lady Star of the Sea in Liverpool. The Mass was under the auspices of the Order of St Lazarus & was offered for the intentions of past members, friends & benefactors of the Order & the Latin Mass Society.

All Souls at Gateshead

What a splendid occasion at St Joseph's, Gateshead this evening with a Sung Requiem for All Souls. The celebrant was Fr Michael Brown with the Westland Singers from Sunderland singing Faure's Requiem. A wonderful female choir under organist Paul Dewhirst & conducted by his wife Theresa. The choir were absolutely superb with some quite exceptional voices. The 'In Paradisum' was especially moving & the 'Dies Irae' was sung antiphonally by Paul & the ladies. We hope to be able to persuade them to sing here more frequently. Many of the girls were students of Paul & Theresa when they taught at St Anthony's Girls' Academy in Sunderland. It was good to see a good congregation including a party of students from Newcastle University who obviously knew their way around the EF of Mass if not so obviously around the EF Requiem Mass which is seen too infrequently. We hope that more people will be persuaded to go to God with such a wonderful send off.

Missa Cantata on 3rd November

Due to lack of clergy the Solemn High Mass on Monday 3rd November 2014 will now be a Missa Cantata celebrated By Fr Brown. The Faure Requiem will still be sung

Solemn High Mass at St Joseph's, Gateshead for All Souls

A solemn High Mass will be celebrated at St Joseph's in Gateshead on Monday 3rd November 2014 at 7pm for Commemoration of All Souls. The music for the Mass will be the Faure Requiem sung by the Westland Singers of Sunderland under the direction of Paul Dewhirst. It is expected that the sacred ministers will be V Rev Dr Michael Brown, Rev Fr David Phillips & Rev Mr Andrew Bunce (transitional deacon).

Sunday lunch after Mass

Here at St Joseph's in Gateshead they have started lunch following the 12 noon EF Mass. This takes place in the church hall on the 3rd Sunday of each month & is immediately followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Initially attendees are asked to bring their own food with tea, coffee & soft drinks provided. Discussions are continuing as to whether soup could be provided. Not all of the congregation attend but sufficient to make it worthwhile. While some of us, including our Juventutem group, meet for coffee after the 11am EF Mass on Saturdays, the Sunday lunch gives an opportunity for likeminded people to socialise after Sunday Mass too. It is important that we socialise as it gives us armour against the negativity which sometimes exists within parishes.

A reminder

There will be no EF Mass on Saturday 25th October at St Joseph's, Gateshead due to Fr Brown being in Rome with the LMS pilgrimage. Sunday's Mass will be celebrated at the usual time of 12 noon at St Joseph's by Fr Paul Tully.

Clarification re Barrasford

It has been pointed out to me (by a priest of Clifton Diocese!! & confirmed by Fr Bede) that the Sunday Mass will be at St Mary's, Great Swinburne as Barrasford is the nearest village Fr Bede thought it best to use that in the address. For anyone going the postcode is NE48 4DQ. Many thanks to Fr Redmond of Clifton & Fr Bede for clarification. Pat on the back for me too - good to know someone reads my blog.

New Sunday Mass in the diocese

An extra weekly Sunday Mass in the diocese of Hexham & Newcastle is now available at St Mary's Church, Barrasford, Nr Hexham at 12 noon. The celebrant will be Fr Bede Rowe newly arrived from his post as Chaplain at Chavagne International School in France. Details of Fr Rowe's address & telephone number can be provided via this blogsite. Welcome Fr Bede, we hope you will be happy here.

Extra cancelled Mass at St Joseph's, Gateshead

A third Saturday morning Mass has been announced as cancelled at St Joseph's Gateshead. This is Saturday 11th October 2014 due to the absence of Father Brown. Please advise all who normally attend

LMS Calendars available soon

The LMS calendar for 2015 will soon be available from Local Representatives with an expected price of £8 - £9 plus postage. It will, as usual, be chock full of great pictures of LMS events from around the country together with details of Feast Days throughout the year. As the calendar is always oversubscribed we can only urge those wishing to avail themselves of this great buy to order as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Cheques from those subscribers in the Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle should be made payable to D & T A O'Neill or, alternatively, orders can be placed directly with the LMS London office. Please place your orders as soon as possible.

Rosary & Exposition at St Joseph's, Gateshead

At the request of the recently formed Juventutem Chapter Fr Michael Brown has announced that Rosary will be recited before Mass (OF) each Thursday & Mass will be followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Our Juventutem Chapter are making a strong start.

2 Cancelled Saturday Masses at St Joseph's in Gateshead

Saturday morning Masses at St Joseph's Gateshead have been cancelled on Saturday 27th September due to Fr Brown being at the official opening of St Walburga's in Preston and on Saturday 25th October as Fr Brown will be in Rome. Please advise any usual attendees who may not know.

Beautiful Missa Solemnis at Brinkburn Priory

Today marked the 19th annual Mass at Brinkburn Priory in Northumberland. The Mass was a Solemn High Mass of Our Lady. The celebrant was V Rev Dr Michael Brown - the LMS Northern Chaplain - with Rev Fr David Phillips as deacon & Rev Deacon Andrew Bunce as sub deacon. The serving team was led by MC Leo Darroch & the music was provided by The Rudgate Singers of York augmented by The Westland Singers from Sunderland whose Director, Paul Dewhirst, both played the organ & conducted the choir. Our thanks are due to all involved with the day & to English Heritage who allowed us to use the beautiful building. As (almost) always the weather was kind to us although there was torrential rain in the area the night before. Congrgation numbers were down but we still managed about 40 in this very rural setting.

We have great news!! 3 new YOUNG Local Reps appointed for the diocese of Hexham & Newcastle!

This feels a little like announcing that we have a new Pope!! What Excellent news that the LMS Committee has appointed 3 young new LRs for our diocese. They are Philip Dillon and husband & wife team Andrew & Jayne Armstrong. You will recognise their names as they are the trio taking responsibility for the Juventutem Chapter recently set up. Andrew is also Chairman of St Joseph's, Gateshead Parish Council & both Andrew & Philip are regular servers at EF Masses. They already have a blog for Juventutem & we hope that they will carry on the LMS blog is some form too. They take office in January 2015 & both Theresa & I wish them every success. We will still be around to answer any questions they might have & to offer any advice they might ask for.

An Introduction to Juventutem in the diocese

Please note the new blog of the Juventutem chapter in the diocese. You are encouraged to visit www.juventutemgateshead.blogspot.co.uk to see the plans of this wonderful group of young people. Please support them by your prayers and by encouraging more young people to join them. Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam

Juventutem Chapter formed in Hexham & Newcastle diocese

Wonderful news for the youth of the diocese. Under the leadership of Philip Dillon & husband & wife Andrew & Jayne Armstrong a chapter of Juventutem has been started in the diocese based at St Joseph's Church in Gateshead. Aimed largely at the youth favouring the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite the chapter, which will meet monthly at St Joseph's, aims to strengthen the Faith of young Catholics as well as offering help to our priests and, hopefully, to ensure that traditional Catholic teaching is available. You may already be aware that Juventutem has a great presence both nationally & internationally and its members are always in attendance at World Youth Day, the Chartres Pilgrimage & the Walsingham Pilgrimage, organised by the Latin Mass Society, which has just finished. The founders of the chapter hope to be able to arrange things such as a Diocesan Rosary Rally which no longer seems to exist in the diocese. Please let everyone know of this new initiative and ask interested young people to contact Philip Dillon or Andrew & Jayne Armstrong to find out how to become involved. More especially remember these young people in your prayers. More details of contacts & meeting dates will be forthcoming soon.

LMS Calendars

The beautifully produced calendars are in production for 2015 and we strongly advise you to place your orders as soon as possible. The price is expected to be similar to last year - £8 each - and it is hoped that they should be available by mid - November. We encourage early ordering as this beautifully produced full colour calendar sells out very quickly. Those of you who have purchased in previous years will know that in addition to photographs of LMS events throughout the country it also gives details of feast days throughout the year. The bonus is that it is also raising money to allow the LMS to continue to support the EF Mass & the priests who celebrate it as well as the congregations who attend. First come - first served!!

Brinkburn High Mass Reminder

Just a quick reminder of the Solemn High Mass to be celebrated at Brinkburn Priory on Saturday 6th September at 12 noon. This is an annual event & has become very popular due to the idyllic nature of the priory and the opportunity to spend a day in the beautiful solitude of the Northumberland countryside. It can well be imagined why the Augustinian monks chose this setting for their priory. The priory is easily reached by road; from the A1 take the turnoff to Rothbury just north of Morpeth & the priory is well signposted some 10 miles along the road on the left. We look forward to welcoming returning attendees & offer a warm welcome to new friends.

Blog of 'LMS Chairman'

A blog exists titled 'LMS Chairman' & a recent article is entitled "To understand ISIS,look at Anglicanism". The blog can be viewed as the blog of the Latin Mass Society although, to be fair, Dr Joseph Shaw (Chairman of LMS) does try to distance his personal remarks from those of the Society. But who reads the disclaimer? Please read the blog & you will note that a number of people have taken issue with the article which, in my opinion, is unhelpful & being less that charitable is downright rude to Anglicans. Please read the blog & form your own opinion

Brinkburn music

The music for the Solemn High Mass will be provided by the Rudgate Singers accompanied by organist Paul Dewhirst. The choir will be augmented by singers from the Westland Singers of Sunderland. The Proper will be sung from the Graduale Romanum. The Ordinary of the Mass will be 'Mass a tre voci con Missa Orbis Factor' by Lotti arranged by Christian Spence. The Offertory motet will be 'O Virgo Splendas' annon gtom Liber Vermell de Montserrat The Comminion motet will be 'Adoro Te Devote' by Mariano Garau The final antiphon will be the Solemn Salve regina The sacred ministers will be V Rev Dr Michael Brown with Rev Fr D D Phillips and Rev Deacon Andrew Bunce

Brinkburn

Just a timely reminder of the Solemn High Mass to be celebrated at Brinkburn Priory in Northumberland at 12noon on Saturday 6th September. Over the years this has become an annual event which we hope will continue. The venue gives the congregation the opportunity to experience Mass in a truly historic place & should enable us to join our worship with that of the millions of Catholics who have shared the beauty of the Extraordinary Form of the Mass over the hundreds of years it was celebrated in this holy place. Watch this & other blogs for more details of the music &, most importantly, how to get there.

Apologies - AGAIN!!

For the second time this year our email account has been 'hacked'. We apologise to anyone who received an email purporting to originate from us in Ukraine saying we had been robbed and needed money. Most realised it was a scam but we did have numerous telephone messages on our phone when we returned from a 1 week absence. Whilst we were not robbed we do still need money so anyone who considered sending help to us in Ukraine may now send personal cheques directly to us - the postal rate is cheaper than to Ukraine!! LOL

Blessed John Ingram

Just a reminder about 2 events next weekend celebrating the life & martyrdom of Blessed John Ingram. On Saturday 26th we are requested to meet at St Edmund's Chapel on Gateshead High Street for a procession to St Joseph's Church for Solemn High Mass at 12 noon. The music will be provided by the Westland Singers from Sunderland & will feature music by Bonfitto, Bevenot & Mozart. Following Mass there will be refreshments. On Sunday 27th the annual John Ingram Walk will be led by V Rev Fr Michael Brown. We are asked to meet at St Andrew's Anglican Church on Newgate St in Newcastle upon Tyne to process to St Edmund's Chapel on Gateshead High Street for a service.

Solemn High Mass in honour of Bl John Ingram

A Solemn High Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon on Saturday 26th July 2014 in honour of Bl John Ingram martyred in Gateshead on that date in 1594. The Mass will be celebrated in St Joseph's Church, Gateshead by V Rev Fr Michael Brown. The music will be provided by the Westland Singers of Sunderland. John Ingram converted to Catholicism whilst a student at Oxford and from there studied for the priesthood in the Society of Jesus, first at the English College in Rheims then to the Jesuit College at Pont-a-Mousson then to the English College in Rome where he was ordained in 1589. In 1592 he travelled to Scotland but was captured on 25th November 1593. He was first imprisoned in Berwick-on-Tweed before being transferred first to Durham then York and finally the Tower of London where he was tortured. He was finally tried with John Boste and George Swallowell before being sent to Gateshead for execution. He was beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1929.

Possible pilgrimage to ICKSP Dome of Home in New Brighton

It has been suggested that we consider a 1-day pilgrimage to the Institute of Christ the King church in New Brighton (the Dome of Home). The suggested date is Saturday 2nd August 2014 when a Solemn High Mass is to be celebrated and a tour of the shrine. At this point we are simply asking that anyone who may be interested contact us without commitment. When we know approx numbers we will check out coaches. It is suggested that we would need to leave very early on Saturday 2nd August (probably from St Joseph's in Gateshead where cars could be left) and return probably late evening. To keep prices low we would expect participants to take responsibility for their own food either by way of packed meals or purchasing food there. Anyone interested in joining us MUST let us know by Saturday 5th July 2014. Expressing interest does not give commitment.

Wonderful Solemn High Mass for Corpus Christi at Gateshead

We had a wonderful celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi at St Joseph's in Gateshead last night with Solemn High Mass. The sacred ministers were V Rev Fr Michael Brown, Rev Fr David Phillips and Rev Deacon Andrew Bunce. There was a full serving team led by Leo Darroch. The music was beautifully sung by the Westland Singers of Sunderland. Immediately following Mass we had an outdoor procession of the Blessed Sacrament which circled the church. Afterwards attendees socialised with coffee, wine & food. It was especially rewarding to have some first time attendees, one of whom was not aware that the EF Mass was celebrated twice weekly at St Joseph's. No doubt she will visit more frequently as she commented very favourably about the prayerfulness of this form of the Mass. Also in attendance were parishioners of Fr Phillips from Berwick on Tweed and two ladies from the Ordinariate parish in Gainford.

Change to Mass time in Darlington

With immediate effect the monthly Wednesday Mass celebrated at St Augustine's in Darlington will commence at 7.15pm.

Corpus Christi at Gateshead - final details

Just to confirm the details of the Solemn High Mass at St Joseph's in Gateshead for the Feast of Corpus Christi. The Mass will begin at 7.00pm with music by Bonfitto, Mozart, Elgar & Franck sung by the Westland Singers of Sunderland. As mentioned earlier it is the intention to have a Procession of the Blessed Sacrament & the evening will be rounded off with cheese & wine

Corpus Christi in Gateshead

A Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite will be celebrated at St Joseph's Church in Gateshead for the Feast of Corpus Christi - Thursday 19th June 2014 - together with a procession of the Blessed Sacrament. More details to follow

Change to EF Mass at St Joseph's on 24th May

As the bishop is celebrating Mass at St Joseph's for Womens' League at 11.30am on Saturday 24th May, Fr Brown will celebrate the weekly EF Mass on that day at 10am. Please pass on the details to all attendees you can contact.

Upcoming Masses at St Joseph's in Gateshead

In addition to the Solemn High Mass on the execution date of Bl John Ingram a Solemn High Mass is planned for Corpus Christi on 19th June 2014. Full details are yet to be announced so watch this blog or Fr Brown's bog www.gatesheadrevisited.blogspot.co.uk for details as they are released. The date of the Solemn Mass at Brinkburn Priory has been fixed as Saturday 6th September 2014 at 12 noon.

High Mass at St Joseph's, Gateshead

A Solemn High Mass is planned for Saturday 26th July 2014 to celebrate the martyrdom of John Ingram in Gateshead on that date in 1594. The Mass will be preceded by a procession from close to the site of martyrdom. John Ingram was born in Stoke Edith (Herts) in 1565 & was reconciled or converted to the Church whilst a student at Oxford University. From there he travelled to France & studied for the priesthood under Cardinal William Allen and was ordained in Rome. His first priestly ministry was in mainland Europe but he asked to serve the persecuted Catholics in England. His ship was blown off course & he landed in Dunbar & began serving the Scottish Catholics. As persecution in Scotland grew he escaped to England but was captured at Norham (near Berwick on Tweed). From there he was sent first to Newcastle upon Tyne then to York & finally to the Tower of London where he was 'examined' and tortured by Richard Topcliffe. From there he was sent to York in the company of John Boste & George Swallowell to be tried for treason. They were all, of course, found guilty & John Ingram was sent to Gateshead for execution which took place on 26th July 1594. He was aged 29 years. The site of his martyrdom is close to the present day Holy Trinity Church.

New Archbishop of Liverpool

We were happy & privileged to attend the enthronement of Malcolm Patrick McMahon OP as the 9th Archbishop of Liverpool on Thursday 1st May. It was especially pleasurable as both Theresa & I have known Archbishop Malcolm from his time as Bishop of Nottingham & Spiritual Adviser to the Knights of St Columba. When I served as a Director of the KSC I was able to get to know Archbishop Malcolm when we both served on the Action & Youth Committee which met at his home in Nottingham. Apart from anything else Archbishop Malcolm is one of a very small band of bishops who are prepared to celebrate the liturgy according to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite which, together with the appointments of other bishops to the Bishops Conference who are equally accommodating, gives hope for the future of the EF Mass & Sacraments. We say to Archbishop Malcolm 'Ad Multos Annos'

Help the Little Sisters of the Poor

Many will already be aware through our diocesan LMS newsletter that Theresa & I are quite involved in fundraising for St Joseph's Home in Newcastle. We collect many items which we can turn into cash to help provide funds for the elderly who are looked after by the sisters. We collect old military medals (any conflict, any country), gold & silver (broken chains, earring backs etc) & used postage stamps (including old albums or just the stamps off letters). Over the years we have managed to raise over £3500.00 in this way & even tiny amounts can, when put with other tiny amounts, result in worthwhile funds. Please help us & be remembered in the prayers & Masses of the sisters.

Latest from Hexham & Newcastle

Apologies are due for the lack of input to the blog but it has been impossible to put anything on for weeks. Easter went by with Sung Masses at St Joseph's in Gateshead on Palm Sunday with an excellent small choir from Sunderland. Easter Sunday was Plainchant. Sadly we had no EF Masses over the period throughout Holy Week although we had been used to them when Fr Brown was at Forest Hall. It is still the hope that a polyphonic choir can be formed as St Joseph's although prospective members are very slow coming forward. If anyone is interested please contact Fr Brown directly at St Joseph's, Gateshead

Where have we been?

With apologies for lack of postings for the past 3 months. Our blog would not allow us to access & publish new posts. The main changes are that the Saturday Mass at St Mary's, Forest Hall has been discontinued due to Fr Brown's transfer to St Joseph's, Gateshead where the Saturday morning Mass is now at 11am Due to changes at St Joseph's the Schola Sancti Baedae will no longer be singing at the sung Masses and we would like to record our thanks to them for their long & faithful service to the EF Mass. Perhaps in the fullness of time they will return. Fr Brown is still keen to have a polyphonic choir at St Joseph's & anyone wishing to join should in the first instance approach Fr Brown. It is expected that the director will be Peter Lock.

'Hacked' email account

On Sunday 5th January we were advised that our email account had been 'hacked' by persons unknown & this situation lasted until Wednesday 8th January. Within that period emails were sent to many of our contacts purporting to come from us advising that we were stranded in Ukraine having lost money, passports & tickets & requesting that funds be sent to enable us to get home. Hopefully anyone contacted would realise that this was a scam & ignored the request. Should anyone have been unfortunate enough to respond, please contact your local police as soon as possible. Additionally we were unable to receive emails & would ask that anyone having sent messages in the period 5th-8th January re-send them when they will be dealt with. We thank those of our friends who did contact us for their thoughtfulness.

Temporary changes at SS Joseph, Patrick & Cuthbert, Coxhoe

There will be no Thursday Masses from 16th January 2014 until 13th February 2014. Ash Wednesday 5th March 2014. Low Mass with Imposition of Ashes 12noon. No Mass on Thursday 6th March. Feast of St Joseph Wednesday 19th March 2014. Low Mass at 12noon. No Mass on Thursday 20th March.

Gift Aid can help

Can it be suggested that, like St Joseph's in Gateshead, congregations at EF Masses be encouraged to Gift Aid their contributions (by collection or otherwise). There is no extra cost to the donor, simply put your donation in a specially numbered envelope and the Government returns an extra 25% (or the current rate of income tax) of your donation to the church. The only stipulation is that you must be a UK taxpayer. The only person knowing who you are is the Gift Aid organiser of the parish and, hopefully, they will be so busy logging the envelopes they won't have the time (or inclination) to check which number refers to which member of the congregation. LMS subscriptions can also be treated in this way.