ST PHILIP NERI CHURCH – An important message from Canon Peter (updated 2 October 2026 – see text in bold below):
At the Parish Open Meeting on Wednesday 26 August, Andrew Gillingham, Diocesan Head of Property, gave a presentation concerning the necessary church roof replacement and electrical fixed wire renewal, with associated costs, at St Philip Neri Church (the presentation paper may be viewed via the link at the bottom of this page). Questions and discussion followed and the overall view of those present was that a decision needed to be taken about the present use of the church.
Having spoken with Bishop Stephen and following consultation with the Diocesan Head of Property and the area Dean, the decision is that, until further notice, the church will cease to be used. This is taking into consideration current health and safety concerns about the building with the need to ensure the safety of those using the building and those in its vicinity, not least the children and staff of St Philip Neri School. I appreciate this closure will come as sad news, but the safety of those using the building and those who may be in its vicinity is paramount.
The viability of the future of St Philip Neri Church will need to be considered within the context of the on-going discernment of the Pastoral Strategy for the Diocese and more information will be provided in due course.
The first meeting of our refreshed Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) took place on Wednesday 30 September. Tony Sacco and Catherine Hearne were nominated and accepted as our Chair and Vice Chair. They will introduce themselves at our Sunday Masses following the second PPC extended meeting planned for Saturday 21 November. The minutes of Wednesday’s meeting will be made available next weekend 10/11 October.
At the meeting on Wednesday, the PPC reflected on the current closure of St Philip Neri church and the effect on parishioners for whom St Philip Neri holds a special place and where they were used to regularly worshipping. While members of the PPC are truly saddened that one of our parish churches has currently closed, they agreed that, given the significant cost of repairs for the church and the health and safety concerns already highlighted, the right decision has been made for now.
The PPC discussed whether other changes to weekend Mass times might be made at this time. It is still very early days since the Vigil Mass at St Philip’s was suspended and the view of PPC members was that it seems sensible for the time being to maintain the current Mass schedule and assess how this is working for people before making any further decisions about Mass times which, of course, would be in consultation with parishioners. Fortnightly Wednesday Masses celebrated in St Philip Neri School have continued to be a real joy for children, staff and parishioners. The next Mass in St Philip Neri School will be at 9.30am on Wednesday 14 October.
Meanwhile, regular attendees at the St Philip Neri Saturday evening Vigil Mass are welcome to celebrate the Sunday morning Masses at St Mary, Whickham (9.00am) or Immaculate Heart of Mary, Lobley Hill (10.30am).
Alternatively, there are Saturday Vigil Masses at the following churches within the Gateshead area / John Ingram Partnership:
- Sacred Heart, Byermoor NE16 6NU 4.30pm
- St Alban, Queen Victoria Street, Pelaw NE10 0QN 6.00pm
- St Anne, Rokeby View, Harlow Green NES 7UD 5.00pm
- St Joseph (at St Barnabas CofE Church), Sterling Lane, Rowlands Gill, Highfield NE39 1PM 5.30pm
- St Mary and St Thomas Aquinas, Stella Road, Stella NE21 4LRB 5pm
Please find below the discussion paper presented at the Open Meeting held on Wednesday 26 August 2026.