by Michael McG | May 13, 2026 | Aid the the Church in Need (ACN), Apostleship of the Sea, Appeals and Special Events, CAFOD, CAFOD Appeals, Missio, Organisations
Catholic charities CAFOD, Missio, Aid to the Church in Need UK and Stella Maris are coming together to host a unique online opportunity for the Catholic community to pray the Rosary for peace in our world.The event is inspired by the words of Pope Leo at his first...
by Michael McG | May 7, 2026 | Jobs
Senior Care Assistant (Days) Location: Whitby, St Joseph’s ConventHours: 27 hours per week (4 out of 7 days, 6.75-hour shifts)Job Type: Part-time | Permanent About the Role Sisters of Mercy Whitby provides high-quality care and support to the religious sisters. This...
by Michael McG | May 7, 2026 | Miscellaneous
On Saturday March 28, at St Mary’s Cathedral, FATHER DOUGLAS McKITTRICK became the first priest to be ordained for the Diocese of Middlesbrough by Bishop Marcus. Here, he looks back on this very special occasion… My ordination to the sacred priesthood was the...
by Michael McG | May 5, 2026 | Appeals and Special Events
All alumni, along with their friends and family, are invited to Leeds Trinity University’s Trinity Sunday Fun Day at the Horsforth Campus on Sunday May 31.This special day marks a joyful milestone in Leeds Trinity’s journey and is an opportunity to come together in...
by Michael McG | May 5, 2026 | Pope Leo XIV, Pope's Prayer Intention, The Pope Video
Pope Leo XIV lifts up his voice in prayer in a world in which millions of people do not have access to adequate food.His intention for the month of May, “That everyone might have food,” focuses on the most urgent challenges of our time: hunger and wasted food. Through...
by Michael McG | May 5, 2026 | Ecumenism, Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV held an audience with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally, and prayed with her in the Urban VIII Chapel in the Apostolic Palace. In his greetings, the Pope shared his joy to receive the archbishop...
by Michael McG | May 5, 2026 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
Archbishop of Birmingham Bernard Longley, chair of the Department for Dialogue and Unity, has issued a statement condemning the recent antisemitic terror attack in Golders Green.In his statement, Archbishop Longley prays for the victims and condemns rising and...
by Michael McG | Apr 28, 2026 | Appeals and Special Events, Evangelisation, Event Calendar, Talks, Retreats and Lectures
Wednesday May 13 at 7pm, via Zoom “Hope in Turbulent Times” Middlesbrough Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission is delighted to welcome Sir John Battle as this year’s speaker for the Anthony Storey Memorial Lecture.John was MP for Leeds West for more than 20 years...
by Michael McG | Apr 28, 2026 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales held a one-day plenary assembly on Saturday April 18, followed by a week of ongoing formation. The gathering took place at Convento Palazzola, the Venerable English College’s villa and retreat house just outside Rome....
by Michael McG | Apr 17, 2026 | Parishes, St Mary's Cathedral, Middlesbrough
A stunning painting that captures the story of Middlesbrough and its rich Catholic history in a single image has been commissioned to mark the 40th anniversary of St Mary’s Cathedral in Coulby Newham.Procession, by local artist Philip Meadows, begins at the foot of...
by Michael McG | Mar 31, 2026 | Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention, The Pope Video
At the beginning of Holy Week, Pope Leo XIV announces that his prayer intention for the month of April is dedicated to priests in crisis and the need to care for them, listen to them and accompany them.Through the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network’s Pray with the Pope...
by Michael McG | Mar 30, 2026 | Bishop Marcus
We were delighted to celebrate the ordination of Father Douglas McKittrick to the priesthood at St Mary’s Cathedral on Saturday April 29. Bishop Marcus’s first ordination in our diocese was a joyful and grace-filled moment for our diocesan family. We give...
by Michael McG | Mar 30, 2026 | Catholic Bishop's Conference, Holy Land
The Most Reverend Richard Moth, Archbishop of Westminster, has responded to Israeli police blocking Church leaders from celebrating Mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (March 29).Police prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His...
by Michael McG | Mar 20, 2026 | Bishop Marcus, News
Following the resignation of the Right Reverend Ralph Heskett CSsR as Bishop of Hallam, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Marcus Stock as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Hallam.This appointment is in addition to his office as Bishop of Leeds...
by Michael McG | Mar 20, 2026 | Bishop Marcus, News
A Message to the Clergy, Religious and Lay Faithful of the Dioceses of Hallam, Leeds and Middlesbrough My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Following the resignation of the Right Reverend Ralph Heskett C.Ss.R. as Bishop of Hallam, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has...
by Michael McG | Mar 19, 2026 | Appeals and Special Events, Bishop Marcus, Parishes, St Mary's Cathedral, Middlesbrough
Bishop Marcus will ordain Deacon Douglas McKittrick to the sacred priesthood at St Mary’s Cathedral at noon on Saturday March 28.He will continue to serve at St Leonard & St Mary, Malton, and St Joseph, Pickering, alongside Father Timothy BywaterPlease keep Deacon...
by Michael McG | Mar 16, 2026 | Bishop Marcus, Diocese
by Michael McG | Mar 9, 2026 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
by Michael McG | Mar 4, 2026 | Catholic Bishop's Conference, Life Issues
In a Lenten statement, the Archbishop of Liverpool, the Most Reverend John Sherrington, clarifies the Church’s principled objection to the Terminally Ill (Adults) End of Life Bill and urges Catholics to pray for parliamentarians debating the Private Members’ Bill in...
by Michael McG | Feb 9, 2026 | The Pope Video
The Holy Father’s prayer intention for the month of February, distributed through the “Pray with the Pope” campaign, is dedicated to children with incurable diseases.Pope Leo invites the entire Church and all people of goodwill to join in praying for children who are...
by Michael McG | Feb 9, 2026 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
Marriage Week, February 7-14 2026 Bishop Bosco MacDonald, Bishop of Clifton and lead bishop for marriage and family life for the Bishops’ Conference, has praised the “ordinary heroism of married love, and the strength of family life” in a message to...
by Michael McG | Jan 23, 2026 | Organisations, St Francis Leprosy Guild
The UK’s Catholic Leprosy Charity, St Francis Leprosy Guild (SFLG) invites the Catholic community to support its mission by dedicating a Sunday service or short event in support of World Leprosy Day (Sunday January 25). To make it easier to talk about...
by Michael McG | Jan 23, 2026 | Bar Convent, Pastoral Centres
Yorkshirewoman Mary Ward is one of English Catholic history’s most significant yet most unsung figures.A pioneer for women’s equality, she founded the Congregation of Jesus and inspired an international following of people who are now campaigning for her...
by Michael McG | Jan 23, 2026 | Catholic Bishop's Conference, Holy Land
The Co-ordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church of the Holy Land has issued a final communiqué at the end of its visit from January 17 to 21. “You are the salt of the earth; you are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:13.14 Our pilgrimage...
by Michael McG | Jan 19, 2026 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
Bishop Paul Mason, lead bishop for healthcare for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has issued a statement expressing concern about a proposed clinical trial of puberty blockers involving children.Bishop Mason urges a path of supportive care for...
by Michael McG | Jan 14, 2026 | Jobs
Diocese of Middlesbrough – Financial Accountant – Full-time – 35 hours per week Salary in the region of £37,500 per annum The Diocese of Middlesbrough wishes to appoint a Financial Accountant to assist the Head of Finance in the financial management of...
by Michael McG | Jan 9, 2026 | Appeals and Special Events
The John Bradburne Memorial Society (JBMS) is calling on individuals, parishes and communities to support its mission on World Leprosy Day (Sunday January 25).This annual day of awareness shines a spotlight on the ongoing challenges faced by people affected by...
by Michael McG | Jan 9, 2026 | Appeals and Special Events, Parishes, St Mary's Cathedral, Middlesbrough
Riding Lights Theatre Company presents Night Falls, a new passion play by Paul Birch to be performed at St Mary’s Cathedral in Middlesbrough.Set over the four days leading up to the crucifixion, Night Falls retells the Easter story through two strangers sheltering in...
by Michael McG | Dec 30, 2025 | Voice Column
On the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, 2024, we began the celebration of the opening of the Ordinary Jubilee Year 2025. A year on, the Holy Door at the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls was closed on December 28 and the Holy Year concluded in...
by Michael McG | Dec 22, 2025 | Bishop Terry, Catholic Bishop's Conference
Today, the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has accepted my resignation as Bishop of Middlesbrough and has appointed Bishop Marcus Stock, the Bishop of Leeds, as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Middlesbrough.I am very grateful to His Holiness for having entrusted...
by Michael McG | Dec 22, 2025 | Bishop Marcus, Bishop Stock's Pastoral Letters, Bishop Terry, Catholic Bishop's Conference
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Following acceptance of the resignation in accordance with Canon 401 §1* of the Rt Rev Terence Patrick Drainey as Bishop of Middlesbrough, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed me as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of...
by Michael McG | Dec 19, 2025 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed the Right Reverend Richard Moth as Archbishop of Westminster. Ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Southwark on July 3 1982, Archbishop-elect Moth has served as Bishop of Arundel and Brighton since 2015. Before...
by Michael McG | Dec 10, 2025 | Miscellaneous
Pope Leo is inviting us to pray throughout December for Christian communities who live in war-torn or conflict zones. Leo XIV invites them to not feel abandoned and to be “seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope”, asking all Christians in the world “to not fall into...
by Michael McG | Dec 10, 2025 | Bishop Terry, Pope Leo XIV
Bishop Terry and Bishop Emeritus John had the honour of meeting Pope Leo during a special pilgrimage to Rome for jubilarians from throughout the country.Canon Michael Loughlin and Father Michael Keogh were also present, joining a group of about 35 in total.They were...
by Michael McG | Dec 9, 2025 | Parishes, St Mary's Cathedral, Middlesbrough
Organisers are hoping for the biggest audience yet as Cantabile return for their third Christmas at the Cathedral concert.It’s always one of the highlights of the festive season, with hundreds coming to enjoy stunning performances in the two previous concerts. Under...
by Michael McG | Dec 9, 2025 | Bishop Terry, Voice Column
Modern technology is meant to save us time by fulfilling all the humdrum tasks of the day with ease. But I find it somehow makes demands on me that I would never have demanded of myself in times past.Responses have to be made in seconds with barely time to think or...
by Michael McG | Nov 27, 2025 | Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), Catholic Bishop's Conference, Organisations
Bishop Richard Moth, chair of the Department for Social Justice for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has welcomed the government’s decision to scrap the two-child cap on Universal Credit payments. He said: “I warmly welcome the government’s...
by Michael McG | Nov 26, 2025 | The Pope Video
The Pope Video for the month of November is dedicated to Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention: “Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life.”In the...
by Michael McG | Nov 26, 2025 | Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), Organisations
In the lead-up to the Jubilee for Prisoners on Sunday December 14, Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) is sharing a new Call to Action Guide in response to last year’s Bishops’ Conference publication, Remember Me, which focuses on the criminal justice system in the...
by Michael McG | Nov 25, 2025 | Apostleship of the Sea, Lourdes, Organisations
Stella Maris is delighted to invite sick, retired and active seafarers, fishers and their families from the UK and EU to join the charity on its inaugural Stella Maris Lourdes Pilgrimage from May 25 to 30 2026.This pilgrimage brings together those who have lived and...
by Michael McG | Nov 25, 2025 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
Bishop John Arnold, Bishop of Salford and lead bishop for the environment for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has issued a statement after the Conference of the Parties (COP30) UN climate change conference, which took place in Belém, Brazil,...
by Michael McG | Nov 25, 2025 | Courses, Diocese
Applications are open for 2026-27 distance learning programmes in Catholic Theology led by Durham University’s Centre for Catholic Studies (CCS).The programmes are designed so participants can work through material at their own pace, studying in any time zone and in...
by Michael McG | Nov 19, 2025 | Appeals and Special Events, Parishes, St Mary's Cathedral, Middlesbrough
To welcome the start of Advent and the Christmas season, Newcastle University Chamber Choir presents Oh Holy Night, a beautiful selection of music at St Mary’s Cathedral. The choir is co-directed by alto choral scholar Laura Watson, who was a St Mary’s Cathedral...
by Michael McG | Nov 19, 2025 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
Bishop Terry joined the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales as they gathered at Hinsley Hall in the Diocese of Leeds for their autumn plenary meeting from November 10 to 13.Statements were issued on assisted suicide and abortion and on environmental matters. A...
by Michael McG | Nov 19, 2025 | Life Issues, Uncategorized
An overwhelming 72% of peers who expressed an opinion in the debate on the first day of the committee stage spoke in opposition to the assisted suicide bill. An analysis of the speeches completed by Right to Life UK’s policy team, found that of the 47 peers who...
by Michael McG | Nov 19, 2025 | Miscellaneous, Voice Column
I sit down to write this column having just packed my case to set off on the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Rome. We are going, of course, to take part in the Jubilee Year as “pilgrims of hope”. We hope to be able to celebrate Mass in some of the “holy” places in Rome and to...
by Michael McG | Nov 19, 2025 | Catholic Bishop's Conference, Miscellaneous
At the end of October, the city of el-Fasher in Darfur, western Sudan, fell to the Rapid Support Force (RSF) militia after 18 months under siege.Reports indicate widespread executions and mass displacement, with tens of thousands of civilians forced to flee or face...
by Michael McG | Nov 4, 2025 | Bar Convent, News, Pastoral Centres
After prayer, reflection and engagement of members, the two congregations of apostolic women religious, Congregatio Jesu (CJ) and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM- Loreto) today merged into one.The merged Congregatio Jesu, around 1,800 sisters worldwide,...
by Michael McG | Nov 4, 2025 | Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), Holy Land, Organisations
Middlesbrough Caritas statement on Palestine We are encouraged by the UK government’s recognition of the State of Palestine. This is a welcome act and a first step towards justice for Palestinians and Israelis.However, the people of Gaza and the West Bank continue to...
by Michael McG | Oct 22, 2025 | Friends of the Holy Land, Holy Land, Organisations
A bishop in Jerusalem has said that while the war between Israel and Hamas has ended, the causes of the conflict remain unresolved.In a message sent to Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Bishop William Shomali, auxiliary bishop of Jerusalem, urged all...
