St John the Evangelist

Introduction

The Books of Remembrance are kept beside the statues of Our Lady in Saint John's Church.

Parish life

The bereavement group visits bereaved families on behalf of the parish within the first few months of bereavement, with repeat visits if requested. The group offers a confidential listening service to anyone hurting or lonely after a death. The group helps organise the Annual Mass for families of deceased parishioners, held every November, and sends cards on the first Christmas, Easter and anniversary of the loss.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Children prepare for Reconciliation and First Holy Communion following a programme of guidelines set by the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. The preparation takes place within parish schools, supported by parish volunteer catechists in conjunction with the parish priest through sessions over weeks and months.

Baptism preparation includes meeting with a parishioner catechist who explains Baptism and the ceremony, either one-to-one or in a group. Adults who wish to be baptised are prepared through a special period called 'RCIA' (Rite of the Christian Initiation of Adults).

Couples preparing for marriage have an opportunity to meet for a day with other engaged couples to explore the Sacrament. The Confirmation programme usually takes place biannually and takes six weeks to complete, supported by the parish priest and parish catechists. On completion of the programme, young people are confirmed by the Bishop in one of the parish churches.