Parish Council
Contact: Alan Hodgson
The aims of the Parish Council are:
- To help the parish discern and determine its vision through discussion, reflection and pastoral planning.
- To foster close understanding and collaboration between the clergy and laity in working for the good of the parish in the light of the gospel.
- To identify and address the pastoral and spiritual needs of all parishioners.
- To encourage the laity to assist the clergy in the effective management and organisation of the parish.
- To assist all groups and organisations within the parish and guide them in working towards a common goal and understanding within the boundaries set by the parish council and the Minsteracres Retreat Centre.
- To raise parish awareness of wider social challenges and foster and encourage appropriate responses.
- To foster and support ecumenical activities within the parish and surrounding district, including full and active participation in the Heavenfield Partnership.
- To ensure the needs of the Parish are served by the creation of appropriate sub-groups working towards the delivery of our shared vision.
- To foster and encourage the active and ongoing participation and formation of all parishioners, with a special regard to children, young people and families.
Choir / Music
Music Director – Camille Mazarelo
Choral Conductor – Jan Loughran
The organists, musicians and singers lead and accompany music at Mass and other Services. Their ministry greatly enhances our celebration of the liturgy. If you play an instrument and/or wish to join the choir, please contact any member of the choir.
Church Flowers
Contact: Frances McGheeThe flower team at St Elizabeth’s decorate the church with attractive displays according to the liturgical season and time of year. Anyone interested in arranging flowers is welcome to contact us.
Faith Development
Contact: Rev. David Collins
Every year a faith development programme is presented which enables parishioners to refresh and deepen their life of faith. Details of current and upcoming initiatives/sessions are carried in our weekly newsletter.
Randham-Korattur Mission, India
Contact: Jim DarlingtonSt. Elizabeth’s parish supports the work of the Passionists at Randham-Korattur Mission, Tamil Nadu, India, part of the Sneha Jyothi Charitable Trust Bangalore, Since 2021, more than £5000 has been raised by parishioners and given to help three charitable projects in the village of Randham Korattur, near Vellore. Funds have assisted villagers in the purchase of raw materials and livestock, and with the costs of education. A report prepared by the Passionist project administrator can be read here.
Justice and Peace
Contact: Jim DarlingtonThe Justice and Peace Group is open to any parishioner who wishes to take part. The Group supports the aims of the National Justice and Peace Network which works on global issues like the cancellation of Third World debt, groups and commissions around the country, and national and local issues such as poverty, inequality, credit unions, housing/ homelessness, supporting refugees/asylum seekers, and environmental issues. The main work of the Group centres on support for Traidcraft and Cafod, support for the refugee/asylum work in the west of Newcastle. An ongoing series of coffee mornings aims to highlight charitable causes and issues.
Newsletter
Contact: Frank BallochParishioners are kept up to date with regular email newsletters. A weekly newsletter is distributed at Sunday masses, and emailed to parishioners (please get in contact if you wish to be added to the email distribution list).
Film Club
Contacts: Pavan Martin (Passionist Community) Camille Mazarelo (parish rep)See posters at church or Newsletter for details
Retreat House, Sundays 3.30 p.m. With bar and refreshment break.
Social Committee
Contact: Sheila LongoThe Social Committee aims to to foster a vibrant community life in the Parish. It promotes trust and friendship and assists with Parish public relations. The committee organises activities that bring parishioners and families together to help form family bonds and fellowship.
Examples of activities include: supporting deanery and diocesan meetings, parish meetings, celebrating religious milestones and major life events, Parish dinners, coffee mornings, and occasional charity fund raising in response to humanitarian crises.