Part of my remit in terms of Spirituality and Worship is to look further than the home base to enhance our faith experience – through our vast faith history as well as modern teaching. To this end, Bishop Terence has agreed to lead what will be his first major Diocesan pilgrimage to the Holy Land in March 2013.

So our Bishop invites you to come with us as we walk in the footsteps of Jesus, pray in places where the Lord himself stood and join thousands of people who have made this great pilgrim journey. We will also have the opportunity to meet and talk with Christians who continue to live in the Holy Land and to be inspired as we share with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We will have the chance to visit the places associated with the life of Jesus and meet those who live there today and gain an understanding about the reasons underlying the severe decline in Christians in the Holy Land – the result of more than 60 years of turmoil. In 1900, the number of Christians in Israel, Palestine and Jordan stood at 17% – today it is nearer 1.5%. Throughout our visit, we will learn more about these issues.

We will experience the Bible, the peace and beauty of Galilee, feel the bustle and timelessness of Jerusalem, and pray in the birthplace of Christ.

We will fly from Manchester and stay at a good quality hotel on a half board basis; the cost will also include entrance fees to the Holy places, the services throughout of an experienced Christian guide who will open the treasured history of this land for us. We travel on quality, air-conditioned coaches throughout our pilgrimage.

Two thousand and thirteen has been designated by Pope Benedict XIV as ‘The Year of Faith’ and all our liturgies throughout our visit will reflect this theme.

The cost of our pilgrimage is £1,200 and I do realise this is a considered expense during these difficult financial times. At this stage, a deposit of £300.00 is required to be paid before the end of April 2012 and the remainder towards the end of the year which gives an extended period to save the balance, perhaps putting a little away each month. Your parish priest has the details, a poster and some application forms. If you require any more information, contact Kath Gallagher (details on the front page).

Very Reverend Canon Gerard Robinson

Episcopal Vicar for Spirituality and Worship

Come with us! Walk in the Holy Land, visit the Holy Places and meet with the Holy People. The trip of a lifetime led by the Bishop awaits as the scriptures come to life and as we offer support and solidarity to our Christian brothers and sisters in the Land of Christ.

£1,200 per person, half-board sharing a twin room.

More details and application forms from:

Kath Gallagher, Pilgrimage Co-ordinator: Tel (01642) 850505 ext 258

E-mail: kathg@dioceseofmiddlesbrough.co.uk

(Application forms are also available from your parish priest)

The pilgrimage will be organised by:

Palestine Pilgrimage

PO Box 161

St Ives

PE27 9BR

Tel 0800 612 3423