Parish Groups of St Paul’s
At St Paul’s RC Church, we are a parish family, a community where people care for one another, pray together, and share life side by side. Our Parish Groups are at the heart of that family spirit. They are places where friendships grow, support is found, and each person’s unique gifts are welcomed and celebrated.
Whether you are new to the parish or have been here for many years, there is a space for you. You might feel drawn to music and liturgy, quiet prayer, study and discussion, social outreach, helping those in need, activities for children and young people, or simply lending a practical hand when it is needed. Whatever your interests or talents, your presence enriches our community more than you may realise.
We warmly invite you to explore the groups below and to consider joining one, maybe consider forming one. Becoming part of a parish group is a wonderful way to feel more connected, make new friends. Together, we continue to build a parish where everyone belongs, everyone is valued, and everyone is loved.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)
Social & Community
Knit & Natter / Craft group
Our Knit & Natter Group offers a warm, friendly space for all to come together in companionship. It doesnt matter whether you are an experienced knitter, a complete beginner, all are welcome to enjoy good company and conversation. Meetings take place on a regular basis. For upcoming dates and locations, please refer to the Parish Calendar and/or the News Bulletin. Alternatively, speak to June Etterley for full details and directions.
Tea & Coffee Morning Group
Require additional information.
Education & Faith Formation
Catholic Schools
St Paul’s R.C.V.A. Primary and Nursery School, Alnwick
Tel: 01665 602547
Headteacher: Mrs Eileen Lomax
St Paul’s serves the parishes of Alnwick, Seahouses, Wooler, Whittingham, Rothbury, Thropton and Longhorsley. It became a primary school in September 2016 and from September 2017 expanded to include Year 6. The Education Authority provides transport for Catholic pupils.
St Benet Biscop Catholic Academy, Bedlington
Tel: 01670 822795
Headteacher: Mr Kevin Shepherd
After completing their primary studies at St Paul’s, pupils typically transfer to St Benet Biscop Catholic Academy to continue their secondary education.
Charitable
Food Bank Collection & Volunteers
Require additional information.
CAFOD Parish Group
Require additional information.
Works of Mercy in Our Parish
The Sisters of Mercy in Alnwick (from 1890)
On 13th October 1890, Mother Evangelist and four Sisters arrived in Alnwick from Cordier Hill, Guernsey. They had been invited by the Parish Priest, Fr Edward Robert, with the approval of Bishop Wilkinson, “to take charge of the school, visit the sick, and instruct converts.”
At the time there were around one hundred Catholics in Alnwick and the surrounding areas. With no furniture, little money and no established tradition behind them, the Sisters placed complete trust in Divine Providence. The relatives of Mother Evangelist gave generous support, enabling the construction and expansion of the Convent, completed within twenty years.
The Sisters taught in St John’s and later in the Convent School, opened in 1895. Vocations flourished and many trained teachers joined the community, strengthening Catholic education and the Works of Mercy in Alnwick, Crook, Felton and Esh.
Today their apostolate is more limited, focusing mainly on visiting the sick and housebound and supporting the Church. Ven. Catherine McAuley once said, “You have given all to God. You must be happy and animate all around you.”
For over 125 years the Sisters of Mercy touched the lives of so many within our parish community. The Convent has now sadly closed, but their legacy remains deeply treasured.
Mercy Associates
The Alnwick Mercy Associates are a warm and friendly group who meet on the first Monday of each month at 1:30pm in the Parish Meeting Room. Fundraising events are held to support parish needs and charitable causes. Recent contributions include providing altar breads, supporting charities, and purchasing a new altar cloth. New members are always very welcome.
Bailiffgate – St Cuthbert’s Care
St Cuthbert’s Care, the diocesan charity, operates a residential home on Bailiffgate
for ladies with additional needs. For further information please contact:
Mrs Sheila McEwan
16 Bailiffgate