12 Days of Christmas - Day 6

Each year we make new year's resolutions that we try our best to keep but they often fall by the wayside before January is out. Today we want you to think about things a little differently. Read today's instalment and think about your own hopes and wishes for 2015...

12 Days of Christmas - Day 5

At this time of year it's easy to get caught up in rush. Everywhere you go there's people queuing and jostling to get from one place to another as quick as they can.

It's good to be able to withdraw ourselves from that hustle and bustle and spend a bit of time in silence. Read our reflection and think about the ways in which you can slow things down during this hectic time of year.

12 Days of Christmas - Day 4

Each year Igniter Media provide us with a fantastic set of reflections to guide us through the Christmas season. Enjoy this short video clip which makes a few comparisons between Santa Claus and Jesus.

Take a bit of time to reflect on who gives us what we want and who gives us what we need at Christmas?

12 Days of Christmas - Day 3

How did you do with yesterdays activity of making mini parcels with your old toilet rolls and wrapping paper? Fancy another bit of Christmas Craft?

Today's effort comes from the blog of Lisa Brown who has come up with a fantastic yet simple representation of the Holy Family.

12 Days of Christmas - Day 2

Here's a nice Crafty Christmas treat today to put some of those household objects to good use! Grab a few toilet rolls and pick up some of your leftover wrapping paper and you're ready to begin.

The idea for this activity came from this blog so be sure to check that out for more crafty ideas in future!

12 Days of Christmas - Day 1

Apple may not be doing their 12 Days of Christmas give away this year but that doesn't mean we can't share our goodies!

Here's our first reflection which might be a little familiar to you guys...

Made for Glory - 4th Sunday in Advent

Ours isn't a blind faith! Don't follow God without thinking - seek Him out, talk to Him...ask which path do YOU want me to take, how do YOU want me to do this.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us...

Decorating St. Cuthbert's

Not to be outdone, St. Cuthbert's have decorated a tree of their own, so large it's nearly scraping the ceiling! We hope Jim got down safely, otherwise he might be stuck on the top instead of the star! Thanks to Luke for the photos.

Decorating St. Joseph's

We've invited the young people of the parish to come and decorate the church for a few years now but we did it a little bit differently this year. Even so the results were just as impressive and everyone really liked the finished product, as did the rest of the parish when they joined us for the lighting of the tree. Well done every one. Only 4 days to go...

Flashmob!

Hartlepool Youth Ministry joined up today with the diocesan Christmas Flashmob to let everyone know what Christmas is all about. We visited Newcastle Central Station and Middleton Grange shopping centre right here in Hartlepool and brought the real joy of Christmas with us. Well done everyone!

Happy Christmas from the Family Fun Club!

Happy Christmas from St. Cuthbert Rainbows

Last Mass with Anne-Marie

It's goodbye Anne-Marie as she heads off to Stanbrook Abbey next month. Thank you, AM, for everything you've done for us- you  will be greatly missed! But we're also looking forward to the arrival of our new chaplain, Naomi, in the new year. Watch this space!

Advent Share the Adventure!

By special request STA was back in St.Teresa's for a one of Advent special. We used a parachute to retell the Christmas story Ann's then opened up our Christmas presents from Jesus- Good news for the poor, medicine for broken hearts and freedom. Forget X Boxes, these are real Christmas presents!

Made for Glory - 3rd Sunday in Advent

Our faith is a light that the world desperately needs... Here is the next part of the Made for Glory Advent series, helping young people go deeper in their personal relationship with Christ by reflecting on the daily Gospel.

St. Cuthbert's Family Fun Club Christmas Special!

St. Cuthbert's Family Fun Club celebrated Christmas this year at a wreath making workshop being run by Stuart White at Stranton school. I think the pictures speak fro themselves!
       

 

Made for Glory - 2nd Sunday in Advent

"The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight’ ”