On Sunday 27th December at 5.00 pm, Bishop Terence Drainey will celebrate Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, Middlesbrough. This day is the Feast of the Holy Family and the Bishop has specially chosen it for a Diocesan Mass to celebrate Marriage and Family Life.

Readers may remember that, for many years, there was an annual Diocesan Mass in celebration of marriage. Bishop Terence has decided to revive and extend this tradition, including the opportunity for married couples to renew their wedding vows.

The Mass will also reflect upon the joys and challenges of Marriage and Family Life, many of which will have been brought into focus as families have gathered together for the Christmas period.

Everyone is warmly invited to the Mass, whether married, widowed or single, and whatever the nature and shape of our family life. It will perhaps be especially appropriate to those celebrating a special wedding anniversary, or those with family and friends visiting for the Christmas festivities.

Marriage and Family Life is an area which has increasing priority in the life and work of the Diocese. Caroline Dollard, our ‘Celebrating Family’ Project Worker, is presently introducing ‘Home is a Holy Place’ throughout the Diocese – which seeks to raise awareness of God’s presence in all our homes and relationships, whether as spouses, parents, friends or neighbours.

Jane Cook