St. Cuthbert’s Festival is the name given to the opening programme for our new Saint Cuthbert’s Centre – a place to complement the activities in our church and our local community and to enable us to be together, to learn, to socialise and to grow closer to God. Details of the events happening can be obtained by the clicking on the link to the programme of St. Cuthbert's Centre Festival.

It has come about as a result of prayer, great generosity and commitment from members of the parish and the wider community. We have raised funds in excess of £77,000 of which £63,000 arose from grants and donations received from national and local organisations and also from individuals. In addition to this, Foundation Members have subscribed £4,750. Our talented working group, the Zouaves, have carried out a huge amount of great work on the building and saved us thousands of pounds. For all that we thank God.

There are many things happening that week and this programme is just a taster of what the Centre can offer. We want other ideas and activities – so please help us to fill in the gaps – it would be great to have different people leading different activities with support from lots of the rest of us e.g. the Art Exhibition; a book group; a youth programme; a walking club; prayer group etc.

During the Festival week we also want to start and end the day with Prayer – sometimes sung, sometimes said – please try and join us for some of those moments of reflection. There are many opportunities for members of the parish and wider community to be involved during this week and beyond –not in a heavy way but in a way helps us grow our very special Christian Community.

To that end as well as coming along to the events as participants and observers, we also need volunteers to help out with programming, refreshments, stewarding, setting up and clearing up. Those of you who feel they can give an hour or two over the week and perhaps in in the year ahead, please telephone Fr. Gordon Ryan on tel 01388 762724 or email him by clicking on St. Cuthbert's Church, Crook, and he will pass on your name to the management committee. Please be generous with your time and help us all invest in the community which is Our Lady and St. Cuthbert’s Crook.