A message from Canon Peter:
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. 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 after the Vigil Mass on Saturday 29 August. 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 staffof 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.
During this closure, it may be prudent to consider adjusting the Mass times at our other two churches, St Mary and Immaculate Heart of Mary. However, this will need some consultation and careful consideration and I propose to facilitate this soon, initially by consulting the new PPC once it is established. 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.