St Albans RC Church Redcar
Union of Catholic Mothers
Wilf Mannion
St Abans In The Past
We Were There In 1982
Lets Have A Debate
Norman Evans MBE
Lady Mayor
Crusade
The Cupid Cleric
First Communion 2004-2005
Obituary
Your Joking
New Beginnings
The Queen Arrives
A Meaning to Life
1933
The Cross-1900
For the Older Perso.
What's Your Hobby
AJourney of a Lifetime
Rowing the Atlantic
St Albans School
Sacred Heart and St Benedict- New Schools
Confirmation 2005
A Tale or Two to Tell
Redcar Cemetery
New Housing Estate
Sacred Heart School
Local Heroes
Out and About
Where does your Street Name come from?
Bishop Terry
My Old Banger
Post Cards
New Hospital
Do You Remember When?----
Human Fertililisation and Embryoligy Bill
A Dream Come True
Message Board
Guestbook
Event Calendar
Mail Form
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St Albans RC Church Redcar
 | St Albans, Yew Tree Ave, Redcar.
Tel 01642 485901 |
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Directions
St Albans RC Church,Redcar is situated at the junction of Low Farm Drive and Yew Tree Avenue.If you are travelling from East Cleveland, along the A174, take a right turn at Kirkleatham Roundabout signposted Redcar.Travel along and take the third turning on the right into West Dyke Rd. Immediately after, take the first left into Yew Tree Avenue.St Albans RC Church is at the bottom of this road on your right.
If you are travelling from Middlesbrough along the A174, turn left at the Kirkleatham Roundabout, signposted Redcar and follow as above.
If you are travelling along the Trunk Rd,towards Redcar, turn right at the first set of Traffic Lights, outside Cowie's Garage, into Kirkleatham Lane. Travel along Kirkleatham Lane and take the fifth turning on the left, into West Dyke Road.Take the next left into Yew Tree Avenue. St Albans RC Church is on the right at the bottom of the road.
OPENING
Before St Albans opened in 1972 the Congregation went to Mass at either,St Williams Dormanstown or Sacred Heart in Redcar.
Fr Philip Kiely was appointed Parish Priest to oversee the building of the new church and school. In the meantime Sunday Mass was held in the Lakes Social Club in Westmorland Rd, at 11.00am. Tragically Fr Phil,as he was known, was involved in a serious accident in Ireland and when he recovered was unable to carry out his duties and had to retire.Fr Peter Ryan took the reins and by this time we had St Alban's Primary and Junior School open on land opposite,and also St Josephs Primary School on Mersey Rd where Masses were said in the Hall till St Albans Church was built. It proved to be a short stay for Fr Ryan before Fr Louis Collingwood took over for the opening in 1972 by Bishop Gerard McLean.Fr Louis now Canon still lives in Redcar, in retirement and says Mass at St Williams.Click on St Albans in the Past |
Mass Times and Whats On
 | Fr Roger Guiver
MASS TIMES
Week ending- Saturday 22nd November 2008
Thirty third Sunday of Ordinary Time
Sunday 16th November 2008
9.00am-People of the Parish
11.00am- Tom Taylor(Anniv)
Monday-17th- 9.00am- St Hilda(Special Intention)
Tuesday-18th- 7.00pm Mass of the Day (Wayne Mallett)
Wednesday 19th- 9.00am Mass of the Day (Special Intention)
Thursday 20th 9.00am Mass of the Day (Freda Grainger )
Friday 21st- 9.00am- Presentation of Our Lady(Special Intention)
Saturday 22nd- 10.00am St Celia(Special Intention)
Please Note-During November unless stated Special Intention will include all November Masses for the Faithful Departed.(Holy Souls)
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Rosary after Morning Mass or Eucharistic Service
Confessions-After Saturday Mass or on request.
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Mission Sunday collection amounted to £69.60.Envelopes can be brought back today and forwarded.Thanks
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Sick-Please remember in your prayers,Dorothy Welsh Eileen Dye, Margaret Paul, Gladys Lambert(nee Robbins),Paula Littlefair, Rita Dooley, Steven Todd,Josie Jackson and Olive Sweet,
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The booklet Bible Alive is available this month free.Further monthly copies cost £1.60
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The Knights of St Columba urgently need used spectacles.Please see Notice Board.
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I am organising a Race Night in aid of St Albans Church on Monday 8th December (Please Note change of Date) in Redcar Cricket Club.Racing starts at 8.00pm and tickets are £2.50.You will be able to own a horse for £1 and sponsor a race for £5.Winning owners will receive a bottle of wine and rosette.Come along have a flutter and a good laugh.
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Overheard two ladies talking- one said she ordered two drinks at a bar and was charged nine pound.She said to the barmaid "What!!! nine pound,nine pound, I don't know where you get your cheek from, even Dick Turpin wore a mask"
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Thee whole of the Diocese rejoiced when our new Bishop was enthroned in the Cathedral on Friday 25th January 2008 by the Bishop of Liverpool.The congregation of St Albans look forward to meeting and greeting our new Bishop in the near future.
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I have started a new section(click in the left hand column).One is 'My Old Banger'
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Can we have some feedback please,good or bad.We have notched up ten and a half thousand hits but only sixteen have written in.We need more so get those typing fingers going and lets hear from you- Cheers Ged.
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A new section has been added to the website watching the building of the new hospital on West Dyke Rd.See column on the left hand side.
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Thanks to Norman Evans who has donated £100 towards the cost of the heating of the Church and an anonymous donor who provided the paint for the recent decoration of the Church.
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As you notice when visiting St Albans the beautiful flower arrangement that are around the altar.These are done by one person and we would be very grateful if another person with a flair for flower arranging could come forward to help.
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Envelopes have gone missing from the collection plate so be aware and we ask you not to leave valuables lying around in Church maybe at Communion.
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There will be a short period of reflection after the readings as requested by the Bishop's Conference
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The Bishops Conference after much debate has decided that from next year the Epiphany,Ascension Day and Corpus Christi will be kept on the nearest Sunday.All other Feast Days will remain the same.
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The Parish Priest was visiting the children in School and telling them the story of the Nativity.He asked the class what was the name of the baby?.One little lad put his hand up and said "Wayne, Father"."How on Earth did you come up with that name?"asked the Priest "Cos at assembly this morning we sang 'A Wayne in a manger,no crib for a bed"said the little boy.
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The children Liturgy will be held in the Sacristy at 11.00am Mass.
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True Story-On Radio4 Weather Forecast,the announcer was giving Shipping Forecasts from weather ships.Some are manned and some automatic.The list went like this-Fairo Stormy,Dogger Bank, Gale force 6 increasing slowly,SCILLY AUTOMATIC etc.
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The Catholic Times and Universe are on sale at the back of the Church.Priced £1
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Care not Killing,there are leaflets at the back of the Church about proposed legislation and the thoughts of the Bishop's Conference.
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The views expressed on this website are not necessarily the views of the Clergy or Congregation of St Albans RC Church.As owner and builder of this site it has never been my intention to offend,in fact quite the opposite, as on the jokes page where I have stuck rigidly to good taste.After a complaint about an article on the 'Lets Have A Debate' section,this has now been omitted.If you are offended by any of the site's content please e-mail gedffleming@hotmail.com.Thanks for visiting-Ged Fleming
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Photographs of past events ie Weddings Christenings etc required for this website's St Albans in the Past.Use the guest book or e-mail gedffleming@hotmail.com. Remember it is your website.
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In the 1950's Fr Patrick Payton brought his round the World Evangelist Rally in devotion to Our Lady to Ayresome Park in Middlesbrough.Unfortunately there is very little information around(see crusade in the left column).I would be very grateful if anyone could send photo's of this event. Please send them and any stories to gedffleming@hotmail.com Thanks.ing
Update-This section has been updated and I hope you find it interesting
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Adoption-Catholic Care continues to seek adoptive parents for children four years and older,family groups three to five years and babies with Down Syndrome. For further details please either visit their website www.catholic-care.org.uk .
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Mass Stipends- Please write name and date on envelope and hand to Fr Roger.
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Going into Hospital- please notify Fr Roger.
Fr Bill Serplus the Catholic Chaplain to James Cook has now moved to Hull so please notify Fr Roger when you or your relatives are admitted.
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Wit and Wisdom- Marry young, so the grandparents can look after the children.
Silence is the great art of conversation.
Keep your face towards the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind.
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Many Thanks for the kind donation of £1000 from a Parishioner.
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A father and son paid a visit to their local cemetery and were reading some of the Epitaphs on the headstone.One said "Here Lies William ---- A Politician Good and True" and the son turned to the father and said"Are there two people buried here".
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Volunteers are also required to help clean the Church.
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We also require people to assist at Mass and at Funerals as doormen and women to act as ushers.
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100 Club- This is a very good way of raising funds and out of 200 codes available 91 are vacant.If you wish to join the fee is 50pence a week and the prize money is �20 �10 and �5. application forms can be found attached to your newsletter.Please support.
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Doormen and women are needed to welcome people into Church and hand out Mass sheets etc.
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Readers are to be congratulated on their very high standard.
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Many thanks for the donation £100.
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St Peters RC Church, in South Bank celebrated it's Centenary in June 2005 and I have started a website dedicated to the St Peter's history.Please log on to www.communigate.co.uk/ne/stpetersrcchurch.Use the guest book and if you have any photo's please send them to gedffleming@hotmail.com
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The Catholic Mother is available at the back of the Church.
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On the left you will see a heading based on the History of St Albans School.I require as many photographs as you can send.Thanks
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Wit and Wisdom-Adam and Eve were the happiest people on Earth because they had no Mother-in-law.
In spite of everything,I still believe there are good people in the World-Ann Frank
Where ever people live there is a story to be told.
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'Helping Hands' a befriending service started in the area is looking for volunteers.Please read the leaflet at the back of the Church.Please Support.
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The Yorkshire Brethren Fund.When a Priest retires or is sick he receives support from this fund.Membership and to contribute to this fund is �30.Five Masses will be offered and a share in over 400 Masses offered by Priest Member
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Flower Fund-A box is at the back of the Church for donations towards the cost of Altar Flowers.
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From Yorkshire-A Yorkshireman wanted an inscription on his wife's gravestone to read 'She Was Thine'.The engraver mistakenly 'She Was Thin'.The man wrote saying they had missed out the 'E'.
The next effort read--- 'E She Was Thin'
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Thanks to Fr Roger for that one.If you have any jokes you want to share e-mail me at the usual address.Thanks Ged.
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If this gave you a laugh there are many more when you click on 'Your Joking'in the left hand column
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Thanks to the kind donor of a new Silver Ciborium
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Click onto St Benedicts and Sacred Heart New Schools in the left hand column where more photo's have been added,this time of the inside of Sacred Heart.Grateful thanks to Mr Kevin Mitchell,Head of Sacred Heart and Mrs Pat Hibbert Acting Head of Sacred Heart for showing me, along with Governors,around the School.I would also like to thank Miss Garvey,Head Teacher of St Benedicts School for the recent tour.When the Schools are opened we can be proud we have two fantastic Schools for our children. Thanks-Ged
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Comment from a Parishioner, "Our Priests sermons always have a happy ending.The moment they've ended everyone is happy" Thanks to Fr Roger for that one.
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In Redcar Cemetery there are two Chapels, one was used by the Catholic Community and one the Church of England.The C of E Chapel is now a beautiful family home.No records exist as to who used this Chapel.They were built in 1874 and any information about their use would be gratefully appreciated.Please e-mail gedffleming@hotmail.com Cheers.Click on Redcar Cemetery in the left hand column
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A teacher was telling the children the value of prayer.One little girl, hands joined,head bowed prayed silently,"Dear God if you look at me next Sunday at Mass,I will show you my new shoes"
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True Story.
While I was researching the Stockton and Middlesbrough Gazette of 1874 in Redcar Library I came across this gem which I thought was very funny but it was not meant to be.
A Jeremy Diddler in Stockton.
A Caution to the Public,- A man of about 40, 5 feet seven tall, fair complexion with sandy hair, whiskers and a mustache dressed in a fine brown cloth coat, black cloth trousers and vest and wears a pair of long overalls, also a soft Billy cock hat, has been diddling the natives. The routine is as follows, he goes to a respectable house and states he is a clerk or a draughtsman at some large works, obtains food and lodgings, then states his boxes are at the railway station and that he is just a shilling short of paying the carriage, borrowing all he can and then absconding. This morning he got ten shillings and never returned it. Needless to say that this fellow is an impostor and the public would do well to be on the alert and if he should turn up to inform the police.
1874 Middlesbrough Gazette.
The term Jeremy Diddler seems to be Cockney slang for fiddler but it was wrote in a very serious manner.
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A Greengrocer opened a new shop and wanted it blessed so he invited his local Priest.The Priest came and said "Lettuce pray"
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Inside St Albans
| St Albans's Altar. |  |
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Inside St Albans
| Another view of St Albans. |  |
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Opening Plaque
| The Plaque commemorating the opening of St Albans in 1972 by Bishop McLean. |  |
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The Millennium Cross
 | The Millennium Cross was donated by my family in memory of my wife Margaret,who passed away on 8th May 2000. The Crucifix was supplied by St Bernard's Monastery in Leicestershire and the plinth and inscription were provided by Stanway and Garnett of Redcar. We are grateful to Fr Ryan, to the suppliers and erectors for all their help and co-operation. The Crucifix was blessed in a ceremony on 7th December 2000 by Fr Ryan and again by His Lordship Bishop John Crawley in 2001.
At 3.00pm on Good Friday 2006 the Passion was recited in St Albans with Fr Roger unwrapping the Crucifix wrapped in a purple cloth ceremoniously while walking down the aisle.The Crucifix used was the one illustrated above and for me and my family it was a very emotional experience.This was the first time it had been taken down and used for the benefit of the Congregation in such a practical way. |
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Our Lady Chapel
 | | Our Lady Chapel |
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Stations Of The Cross
 | | The Twelfth Station 'JESUS DIES' |
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St Albans Altar
 | | Another View |
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A Journey of a Lifetime
Please visit the story in the left hand column 'A Journey of a Lifetime'.You may find it very interesting. |
St Albans 1970
 | | St Albans under construction 1970(photogtaphs kindly provided by St Albans School) |
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Another View
 | | Construction continues. |
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Presbytery
 | | Presbytery being built 1970 (note the roof trusses waiting to be erected) |
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A New Era
 | | Bishop John cuts the turf to start the building of St Benedicts and Sacred Heart Schools off Mersey Rd |
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Sponsored Walk
 | | Pictured are members of St Albans UCM from left are,Margaret Horner,Stella Parvin,Fr Bluett,Pat Fulton,Chris Tierney and Cath Collins. |
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The First Snow
 | | Photo taken after the first snowfall on November 25th 2005 on Kirkleatham Lane |
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January Sunrise over St Albans
 | | The photo was taken on the 13th January 2006 overlooking St Albans Church. |
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Altar With Messages for Lent
 | | The colourful posters depicting Lent around the Altar |
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Bishop John Celebrates Mass
On Tuesday evening 4th April St Albans welcomed Bishop John to celebrate Mass as part of a series of Masses throughout the Diocese to prepare for the Passion,Death and Resurrection of our Lord during Lent.He concelebrated Mass in front of a packed congregation with his Vicar General Monsignor Morgan, Canon Madden,who is Dean of the area,Fr Roger,Fr Noonan, and Fr Nicholson.It was great to see Canon Louis Collingwood in the congregation.Refreshments were served in the school hall afterwards, which gave the Parishioners a chance, not only to meet with Bishop John but also gave a last opportunity to meet in the old St Albans school before it closes after Easter. |
Bishop John's Homily
 | | Bishop John preaching during his visit. |
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Bishop John's Visit.
 | | Bishop John prepares to give Communion |
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Quiet Reflection
 | | Bishop John,Fr Roger and other Priests,with the Congregation,in quiet reflection after Communion. |
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Easter Celebrations
 | | The Altar decorated for Easter with a tableau as centre piece |
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Local Heroes
A new section has been added, (click in the left hand column), which looks at the live's of local people buried in Redcar Cemetery.Some amazing stories of courage and endurance are told.This is part of our group 'Friends of Redcar Cemetery',where we look at epitaphs and reference books, old newspapers etc.The persons featured may not of been born in Redcar but made their home here, as in the case of Edgar Tyler Greenshield, who's epitaph reads 'A Friend to the Eskimo'.He was born and raised in the Isle of Wight but in later years was appointed Chaplain to the Teesside Mission to Seamen (1922-38).Three books have been published, telling the story of this remarkable man.Also featured are men who gave their lives saving others, in particular the Picknett family.These were true local heroes.Unfortunately their memorial stones have fell into disrepair and in need of some tlc, which our group will try and rectify in the coming months. |
Hanioti , Halkadiki, Greece
In the news this evening was the devastation faced by the Villages and holidaymakers from fire raging in the hills above, in the beautiful little village of Hanioti, on the Kassandra peninsula of Halkadiki,in Greece.The Kasandra peninsula is unusual because you cannot go across country because of the forest,each village hugs the coast.A few year ago,my family and I enjoyed a fabulous holiday in this village, surrounded by luscious forest on one side and the Agean Sea on the other.The people still practiced, the life long ritual of promenading each evening, when the days toil was done, the villagers would dress up their children and walk around the village, meeting up in the very tiny village square, where the children would have candy floss and the parents would mill around the nougat stalls, festooned with lights on the barmy evenings.
On one occasion our party were on the beach during the day and I went back to the Hotel for some money.Near the Hotel was a villager busy cooking steak on a barbecue,I passed the time of day and on my return he insisted I try some of his succulent steak,needless to say it was beautiful.
On another occasion we were enjoying a meal in a restaurant, when the waiter said how he was proud that his son was being Christened next day.He invited our table to join him at the Christening.I asked if I could film the Christening but he said the Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church would not allow it but for us to come anyway.What an eyeopener this was,when the child being Christened was about eighteen month old.The Godparents brought him to the front of the Church and the Priest said some prayers, at which the Godparents ceremoniously took all the child's clothes off, till he was stark naked.The Priest then held him by the ankles and submersed him in this large font of water,only for a moment, then he was laid on a towel to be dried.Meanwhile the parents, grandparents and family were at the back of the Church, cutting into slices, a huge Christening cake, which all the congregation were offered a piece, on the way out.Lets hope all the villagers of this beautiful picturesque village are well. |
Christmas Eve in St Albans 2006
 | | The Church was packed for the celebration of the first Mass of Christmas.The schoolchildren sang Carols and read readings of the Nativity before Mass began.The Mass concluded with Fr Roger placing the baby Jesus in the Crib. |
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Rainbow
 | | Photo taken over Redcar on December 30th 2006 |
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Altar Flower Arrangements
 | | The Altar was beautifully decorated at Christmas with floral arrangements by Mrs Angela Guiver. |
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Eclipse of the Moon 3rd March 2007
 | | It is quite rare for us to see a Lunar Eclipse mostly because of cloud cover but on 3rd of March it was clear |
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Going Going
 | | Patience is the order of the day |
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Gone
 | | Something to behold,a Total Eclipse 10.40 3rd March 2007.Photo's taken on Hambleton Ave. |
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Easter Altar
 | | The Altar on Easter Sunday 2007. |
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Bishop John .
It is with the greatest regret we hear of Bishop John stepping down as Bishop of Middlesbrough, due to illhealth.In the time he has been in our Diocese, I have met him many times and he liked to be called the Bish when talking to young people.He will be sadly missed and he can be content in the knowledge that he took the Church through some difficult times, mainly due to lack of Priests and although still a problem, his organisational skills and humour has left the Diocese in better shape.The people of St Albans, where he was always welcomed, wish him all the very best in what he chooses to do and hope his health improves. |
A Letter from Bishop John Crowley
To All People of the Diocese-
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Let me begin as always with a word of warmly effectionate greetings.
My purpose for writing now is to share with you the news that the Holy Father has given me permission on health grounds to step down immediately from my duties as Bishop of our Diocese.Very conscious of the fact that this news will come as a surprise and even a shock to many,I owe it to you the people of the Diocese to explain something of the background which led me to seek that permission.For some considerable time and particulary in the last few years I have found that my responsibilities as a Bishop were taking a big toll upon my health.Much more than any physical wear and tear,it it was the growing strain of those responsibilities upon my my nervous resources which had begun to reach a point where I could no longer adequately cope.With that realisation came also the clear awareness that the Diocese needed someone else with new energy and vision to take on its spiritual leadership.To reach this conclusion as you might imagine was far from easy but now my request to stand down has been accepted by the Holy See,I do feel at peace with the rightness of that decision.
There is of course a deep sadness within me at the thought of leaving a Diocese and its people in unexpected circumstances,a Diocese where I felt so much at home and one which it has been my greatest joy and privilage to serve as Bishop but I feel too and even more strongly, a profound gratitude to God for all the blessings of these past 14 years,years which in the main have been greatly rewarding and happy ones.This is a lovely Diocese to be part of and one where there is much happening to inspire well grounded hope for the future.
A lot of new life and energy is beginning to break thrrough at various levels and some exciting initiatives,for example,in Adult Formation and Youth Ministry.Above all there is an abundance of good human and spititual resources throughout the Diocese which should inspire real confidence for the years ahead.
What of my own personal future? Once my health has been restored I dearly want to excercise my Priestly Ministry again in some apropriate context but without those leadership burdons which I was no longer able to sustain.The how or where of that new Ministry have yet to emerge,thats in Gods hands but it is something to which I look forward to in due course.
As I think back on my Ministry anongst you,there are so many persons to whom I find myself indebted,not least colleques and friends-lay and clerical-who shared so closely with me over the years in both the pastoral work and the temporal administration of the Diocese and did it all with with such a spirit of dedication.In that regard it would be invidious to mention particular names but there are two persons in quite different context to whom I want to pay heartfelt tribute.Sisters Kitty and Shiela McManus.Congregation of Jesus(Mary Ward Sisters),have formed a very happy community with me during most of my time here.They helped to create not just a loving prayer centred home for me personally but made 'Bishop's House' a place of outstanding hospitality for everyone who came.How grateful I am to them and to their congregation for supporting the mission of the Church in such an exceptional way.As they now prepare for their new appointments within the Congregation of Jesus they can surely count upon the prayers of the many friends they made in the Diocese.
My final word through this letter must be one of renewed gratitude to God and to every single one of you-Priests, Deacons,Religous and Laity of this fine Diocese to which it has been a great honour to belong.Thank you dear friends for all the love and loving kindness you have given me so abundantly.I appreciate perticularly that generosity of spirit which enabled you to value my gifts and to be tolerant of my shortcomings.How good and how consoling to know that we will continue to hold each other in thought and prayer in the years ahead.May God continue to bless and watch over us all.
With deep affection.
John
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Thanks for your support
Once again I have to thank you for your continued support as we notch up 8,000 hits.I would appreciate more feedback either good or bad.Please leave a comment in the guestbook.If you have any articles that would be of interest,school photo's,Communion days in the past,football team photo's or wedding photo's please e-mail them to gedffleming@hotmail.com.Thanks again-Ged |
Volunteers
Since I started the cemetery group in 2004,I have been amazed at the dedication shown by volunteers, not only in our group but throughout Teesside.Some of these people are in their seventies,eighties and nineties and they will spend hours neatly sewing for example, lavender bags or making dresses for dolls to be sold on stalls throughout the area.They can be seen in all weathers collecting for their charity and witnessing this is a very humbling experience and one for which we should always be very grateful.One can only imagine the time and effort taken by these people sometimes unfortunately for little reward. |
A Letter of Thanks from Bishop John
The Catholic Voice has published the following letter from Bishop John-
Dear Sisters and Brothers-
Through the Voice I want to express once more my deep gratitude for the continuing stream of cards and letters which so many of you have sent in these past weeks.They have been a real encouragement to me, especially the constant reiterated promise within them that I was being held in prayer.It is good to be able to report then on a steady improvement of my health and that too is encouraging.
In common with all yourselves,I am at present praying hard for whosoever will eventually be appointed as your next Bishop,the person who will be chosen to give spititual leadership in these next years.
For my own part I look forward immensely to returning to the Diocese,God willing towards the end of the year to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral.It will be such a joy to meet at least some of yourselves again and be able to say a proper goodbye at the end of nearly 15 years fulfilling years since being installed as the sixth Bishop of our Diocese on 18th January 1993.
You will also be glad to know that Sisters Kitty and Shiela have now been given appointments within the Congregation of Jesus (CJ).Sisters Shiela and Kitty in their turn have also been very touched by the many letters and cards they have received and have asked me to express their gratitude.Both of them will of course be joining me at the Mass of Thanksgiving towards the end of the year.
With every affection, wish and prayer.
John
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The Virgin Mary (Like you have never seen her before)
 A good friend of mine was a teacher in a local boys school in the 1940's.Christmas was coming around and the Nativity play was being rehearsed.Mary and Joseph had been chosen and they threw themselves into the part with great gusto and enthusiasm.Just before the nativity was about to be performed all the boys went down with ringworm.The Doctor and nurse came to the school and having shaved the lads heads they painted on a purple dye, as was the normal treatment.The show must go on of course, so Mary and Joseph went on stage,Mary in her (his) long dress and Joseph in his flowing garments,each with a BALLACLAVA HELMET. |
St Albans Welcomes New Bishop
 The Holy Father has appointed Monsignor Terence Patrick Drainey as Seventh Bishop of Middlesbrough Diocese.Congratulations from St Albans Parish.
On his acceptance the Bishop Elect writes-
I give thanks to Almighty God for all his gifts and blessings,especialy the gift os Priestly Ministry.I personally thank the Holy Father,Pope Benedict XV1,for appointing me to Middlesbrough and for allowing me to serve the Church as a Bishop here.All my life as a Priest I have only wanted to be a pastor serving the Lord and his people wherever the church has sent me.So I sincerely rejoice to be given the ministry of pastor of this great diocese,rich in lives faithful to the Gospel throughout history and to this present day.
As your bishop elect,I come amongst you as a brother who,from personal experience,knows the need we all have of God's gracious mercy and forgiveness.The Gospel that we bring must proclaim God's invinate love and pardon.Even in darkness we trust that Christ will be our light and as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour,we can face all disappointments,broken promises and and even overcone despair.It is in this joyful hope that I look forward to serving the people of the Diocese of Middlesbrough as soon as I can.Particularly I would like to meet the clergy of the Docese at the earliest oppertunity for they are my helpers and councillors.
I realise that I tread on holy ground here where many great and saintly ones have gone before me.How can I not remember that especially today,the feast of St Hilda of Whitby.I am very proud and privalaged to follow a good and kindly pastoe like Bishop John Crowley.In my present position as President of Ushaw College I worked closely with him and was a frequent recipient of his patient,generous wisdom |
Prof David Bellamy Visits Redcar
 | | David Bellamy the famous botonist and TV Personality visited Redcar to present a trophy and £500 to the 'Friends of Redcar Cemetery' after they won the Northern Echo's 'Making a Difference'award.Approx 80 people attended in St Peters Zetland Rooms,Redcar Lane and David presented the trophy above afterwhich he mingled with guests and had photo's taken.Refreshments were then served by the Ladies of St Peters Church to whom we are very grateful.More photo's have been posted when you visit 'Redcar Cemetery' by clicking in the left column.The plaque and photo will hang in the Zetland Meeting Rooms, St Peters Church, Redcar Lane, Redcar by kind permission of the Rev. Canon John Weetman,Vicar of St Peters. |
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Norman Evans MBE
 | | Everyone in St Albans are very pleased to welcome Norman back to playing the organ at 11.00am Sunday Mass.He has not been too well lately but we are pleased he is feeling much better.All the very best Norman,the people of Redcar also miss you on the High St and I am sure wish you well |
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Christmas 2007 Celebrations
 | | Once again the church was packed for the first Mass of Christmas and the Altar was decorated beautifully and the Crib was once again the focal point of the whole celebration.A large Christmas tree added to the decoration and after the Church had just undergone a complete repainting it looked stunning.Thanks to everyone who has made this possible. |
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The Crib
 | | As this is the focal point of our celebrations it always takes up a prominent place in the Church and the children love to visit. |
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The Morning Mass on Christmas Day
 | | This again was well attended but the early evening Mass attracts families and is finished in plenty of time for the children to be tucked up in bed before Father Christmas comes.Fr Roger saying the concluding prayers. |
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Misunderstanding
Visiting an old friend in hospital I noticed she had a sore cheek so I asked her if HER CHEEK WAS SORE and she said "I DON'T HAVE TIME TO DO JIGSAWS" |
Office Speak
If a person spends the whole of their careers in an office they develop a language all their own.To the outsider this is alien and very strange and somewhat irritating to the point of distraction.Maybe the success of the television series 'The Office' helped.Here are a few of the most popular.
1 ASAP- As soon as possible.
2 Touching Base.
3 This is my favourite to set your nerves on edge.You have an answer phone and you arrive at the office to the familiar buzz.You press for your message and a not too familiar voice says 'IF YOU ARE THERE PICK UP' What's all that about?
4 Something about a ballpark!!!!!
5'Watch that BOD in the corner'
6 We need a level playing field
7 'I see where your coming from'
8 "Gather round YOU GUYS",never mind how
many ladies are in the room
9 We need to be transparent.
10 'If you mention me I will deny it'
11 Pass that ONVELOPE please.
12 Can't put you through he is in an important meeting (every hour of every day!!) |
10,000 HITS
 Easter 2008 will be remembered by St Albans as the time it's website reached 10,000 visitors.This is fantastic and I would just like to thank all visitors no matter where they maybe in the world.I hope you have found it not only informative but entertaining too.Thanks to the Clergy for being so helpful.I would also like to thank Karen the website administrator from the 'Communigate' team for all her help if things go wrong.Thanks once again. Ged. PS Please feel free to e-mail me by using the guestbook at anytime - gedffleming@hotmail.com |
Bishop Drainey Visits Redcar Cemetery
 | | The weather forcast for Wednesday 23rd April was not too promising,overcast with showers .The days before turned out to be sunny and we were hoping for the same for when our new Bishop,Bishop Terence Drainey kindly payed us a visit to Redcar Cemetery to pray at and bless the baby memorial.The 'Friends of Redcar Cemetery' are very grateful to Bishop Drainey for taking time out of his busy schedule and sparing a few minutes to attend what to us was a very emotional event.The full story is in the Bishop Terry section on the left hand side. |
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Recent Visitor
 | | Where did we see this beautiful creature.Click on Redcar Cemetery in the left hand column |
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The Churches Responsibility to Speak Out
In our Church today we hear of many Martyrs and we sing a hymn 'Faith of our Fathers' and what they went through to maintain our religious way of life.The Catholic religion as we know dates from the time of Christ and His followers in the twelve apostles.We now have a new Pope and indeed a new Bishop, so why are we so mealy mouthed,when it comes to dealing with the national media, bearing in mind each and everyone of us pay an arm and a leg for a license,and which is recoverable by law,only to have the BBC blatantly and without any comeback from the so called watchdogs, allow a script to be broadcast that calls Christ a BASTARD.The scriptwriter of the substandard programme, that was broadcast on Friday evening at 9.30 pm on BBC1 is obviously an atheist who is out for a cheap laugh by an audience that is generated by machine (canned laughter).If any other religion in this country, be it Muslim,Sikh,Hindu or Jewish were the subject of blatant blasphemy as this then there would be blood on the streets,mark my words.What on earth is the religious representative on the BBC Board thinking about or is he or her in it for the free-bee's.Lets get our act together and not let these type of people write scripts that put Jesus Christ in the same category as something you find on your shoe which is what is happening and are vetted by the lowest of the low on the so called 'auntie of television'.Your comments would be gratefully appreciated. |
Was it a Bargain?
While I was trawling the internet I came across an American site which sold cut price CD's and DVD's to UK clients.I looked up Capt Corelli's Mandolin to be delivered to my door within four working days.The retail price was £5.40.After all the add on prices for delivery tax etc the price I was to pay was £22.50.I will call you back mate. |
A Merseyside Rant
Is Ringo Starr cracking up? A snarling, nasty.obnoxious Ringo Starr was given valuable airtime that I paid for to tell fans not to send fan mail or ask for autographs after a certain date otherwise they will be tossed out (his words)While he is ranting like this royalties from forty year ago come fluttering from the sky in such numbers that he does not bother to pick them up he probably gets a lacky to collect them.I say don't bite the hand that feeds you. |
Bringing Back Memories
 | If you drop relatives or friends off at Teesside Airport you will be directed to the side of the
terrminal drop off carpark.This carpark has over the years acted as a great vantage point to see some of the most famous aircraft in the world.
The Red Arrows were regular visitors at Teesside Airport Airshows but also they use Teesside Airport when Sunderland Airshow takes place.If the weather forcast is very low cloud the Red Arrows can't do their display so they line up in front of the carpark hoping the weather will pick up.
Twice we have had the privilege of playing host to Concorde.The first time visitors were allowed to walk around the outside.What amazed me was the height of the front wheel on it's extended hydraulic arm and the height from the ground to the cockpit.
The second time this majestic aircraft taxied close to the carpark.It reminded me of a rocket.slim,sleek and beautiful.
One cold morning I was sitting at my computer listening to the radio when it was announced that Airforce One and Airforce Two had landed at Teesside Airport.I drove there not knowing what to expect.I was met at the airport by a long queue of cars being checked.The banter was surprisingly lighthearted.After parking the car I wandered over to the vantage point with my camcorder.The sight of two gleaming brand new light blue jumbo jets will stay with me forever.The Presidential Crest shone in the morning sunshine.My camera lens scanned around and I was amazed to pick up very heavily armed police on the terminal roof and on scaffolding around the area.I enquired as to when the President was due back.Needless to say the police were tight lipped but I assumed it would not be for a long time.I made my way to the cafe for a meal then sauntered to the bar for a drink occasionally checking outside.At about three o' clock I took up a vantage point where I could see the steps leading into Airforce One.It was not long before a line of four helicopters could be seen in the distance and they landed with tremendous downdraft behind some buildings so I did not know which helicopter the President and the First Lady were in.I focused my camera onto the open door and it was not long before the President and Mrs Bush stood on the top step,turned and waved.Such a sight Teesside won't see again.
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Beautiful Sight
 | | Concorde soaring to twice the speed of sound |
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Fr Brian Nicholson
 | | Fr Brian Nicholson has retired as Parish Priest in St Augustine's Parish Redcar.He will be sadly missed.He has also retired from holding the post of spiritual leader of the Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage where he made many friends.The congregation of St Albans wish him a long,happy and healthy retirement. |
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Fr John Lumley
 | | St Albans welcomes Fr John Lumley as the new Parish Priest of St Augustines in Redcar.We would like to thank him for saying Mass on Sunday while Fr Roger is on holiday. |
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Quiz Time
Question-What have the following have or had in common?-
John McEnroe and Jonathon Ross,
Answer-They are crowd pullers who also can afford very slick lawyers.They can say and do as they wish and know in the end their employers stand to lose a small fortune if they get rid of their golden goose,How many times have we heard McEnroe shout obsceneties across the court with the snooty and stuck up 'Hello Henry' crowd listening and thinking it is frightfully funny yet get rid and these well heeled nobodies won't come back.
It always amazes me that a man with an impediment can be the darling of late night chat shows.'How Now Brown Cow' is out of the window with Jonathon Ross but he can be charismatic and the people who go on his show are desperate for publicity to shore up their flagging careers otherwise they would not be propositioned by Ross to sleep with them after the show.Decency has gone out of the window to cater for the younger generation who's philosophy is 'anything goes as long as you don't get caught'.Censorship is non existent because the powers that be are scared to lose their ratings.Food for thought when you are forking out for your disgustingly high licence fee to line the pockets of people who don't share your principles of decency and caring. |
What Was That?
 Picture the scene,three babies were quiet (unusual in our Church)during a very solemn part of the 11.00am Mass when all of a sudden without warning a large picture of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour came crashing down with a great thud and smashed.The congregation were perplexed as to what had happened except for those who saw it fall.Fr Roger carried on as nothing had happened but the babies were startled by the noise which set them crying.Soon peace was restored but the picture to quote a famous cowboy 'bit the dust' |
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