by Michael McG | Nov 17, 2021 | Voice Column
On the weekend of the First Sunday of Advent, November 27 and 28, the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation will be restored. Let me just share some thoughts on this with you. During the first and second lockdown there was a deep realisation...
by Michael McG | Nov 12, 2021 | Apostleship of the Sea, Organisations
To mark World Fisheries Day, Stella Maris (formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea) is holding an online panel discussion to look at the darker side of the maritime world – modern slavery aboard some fishing vessels. The expert panel, including Stella Maris chaplains...
by Michael McG | Nov 12, 2021 | Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), Organisations
Caritas Middlesbrough – the umbrella group for the many organisations in the diocese engaged in social outreach work – has produced its fourth newsletter. You can read the newsletter here…
by Michael McG | Nov 1, 2021 | Diocese, Obituaries
Father John James McKeever – known to many throughout the diocese as Father Jack – sadly died at James Cook University Hospital on Sunday October 31 at 7.45pm. Father Jack was born on March 7 1933 in Ardee, County Louth. He attended St Patrick’s seminary in Thurles...
by Michael McG | Nov 1, 2021 | Bishop Terry, Bishop's Engagements, Hull, Parishes
After months of negotiation, planning and preparation, we welcomed the Daughters of Divine Love into our diocese and the West Hull Parish (St Wilfrid’s, St Joseph and Corpus Christi) on Sunday September 5. It was a joyful and memorable occasion. The welcome Mass was...
by Michael McG | Oct 11, 2021 | Appeals and Special Events, Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), Organisations, World Day of the Poor
RAYMOND FRIEL, chief executive officer of Caritas Social Action Network, introduces the resources produced to help us mark the fifth World Day of the Poor, on Sunday November 14 2021… World Day of the Poor was initiated by Pope Francis in 2017 with the theme of “Let...
by Michael McG | Oct 8, 2021 | Bishop Terry, Bishop's Engagements, Parishes, St John of Beverley
Bishop Terry has been given special permission to celebrate Mass at Beverley Minster in a service to mark the 1,300th anniversary of the death of St John of Beverley. The service will take place on Sunday October 24 at 2pm. Born at Harpham, between Bridlington and...
by Michael McG | Oct 6, 2021 | Miscellaneous, Organisations, Pact
Prisoners’ Sunday – this year on October 10 – is the national day of prayer and action for prisoners and their dependants. It is a day to direct our thoughts and prayers to prisoners, their families and children, when we reflect on how we as individuals, as a Church...
by Michael McG | Sep 27, 2021 | Bishop Terry, Coronavirus, Parishes, St Mary's Cathedral, Middlesbrough
A message from Bishop Terry about two special Masses that will be celebrated at St Mary’s Cathedral in November… On the Feast of All Souls, November 2, there will be a special Mass for all the deceased bishops, priests and deacons of the diocese at St Mary’s Cathedral...
by Michael McG | Sep 21, 2021 | Bishop Terry, Catholic Bishop's Conference, Pope Francis, Synod of Bishops 2023
At the beginning of September, Bishop Terry sent us a pastoral letter, to be read out in parishes throughout the diocese. In his letter, Bishop Terry spoke of an invitation from Pope Francis to every Catholic in our diocese and indeed in dioceses around the world to...
by Michael McG | Sep 20, 2021 | Evangelisation, RCIA
Those who are involved in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) or who wish to become involved are invited to a Zoom meeting on Saturday October 9 from 10am to noon. The meeting will begin with a period of Lectio Divina prayer and will include a time for...
by Michael McG | Sep 20, 2021 | Pact
“I was in prison and you visited me…” (Matthew 25:36) Pact, the national Catholic charity that provides support to men, women and young people in prison, people with convictions and their children and families, is looking for volunteers to help with Prisoners’ Sunday...
by Michael McG | Sep 20, 2021 | Organisations, SPUC
St Thomas More’s Church, Middlesbrough, will hold a five-day SPUC Pro-Life Mission from September 27 to October 1. Programme Day one: Monday September 27 10.30am: Opening Mass11am: Opening Presentation – “Open Wide the Doors to Christ: a Pro-Life Journey” (SPUC...
by Michael McG | Sep 17, 2021 | Justice and Peace, Organisations
The Ursuline Sisters UK are asking supporters to sign back petition urging the government to rethink its current stance and sign the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. This treaty was adopted on July 7 2017 and after being ratified by its 50th state...
by Michael McG | Sep 16, 2021 | Bishop Terry, Bishop Terry's Pastoral Letters
Dear sisters and brothers During the pandemic, among many of the phrases which have frequently been employed, the fact that we are all in it together, stands out. Pope Francis has convened the Synod of Bishops to take place in 2023. The title is “For a Synodal Church:...
by Michael McG | Sep 15, 2021 | Bishop Terry, Catholic Bishop's Conference
In the next weeks, we face an unprecedented attach on the sanctity of life, with Baroness Meacher’s Assisted Dying Bill 2021, which received its First Reading in the House of Lords and is due its Second Reading with full debate on Friday October 15.The term “assisted...
by Michael McG | Sep 13, 2021 | Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention
As the Church began the annual Season of Creation on September 1, Pope Francis is inviting everyone to pray for “an environmentally sustainable lifestyle”, writes GRACE ATTU. In the Pope’s Video detailing his prayer intention for the month of September, he praised the...
by Michael McG | Sep 13, 2021 | Bishop Terry, Lady Chapel
A new section of the Cleveland Way has been declared open to walkers, marking a change in the route of the 109-mile national trail. The new pathway, which passes an entrance to the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Grace, was opened by Bishop Terry after the unveiling...
by Michael McG | Sep 13, 2021 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
Catholic bishops and organisations have voiced their opposition to the arms trade, as the UK prepares to host one of the world’s largest arms fairs next week. The DSEI arms fair takes place in London from September 14 to 17, bringing together governments...
by Michael McG | Sep 3, 2021 | Catholic Voice, Diocese, Voice Column
The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has inaugurated a special day for Grandparents and the Elderly on July 25. In his message he reminds us that Jesus promised his disciples he would be with them always (cf Mt 28.20). He says that in fact, the whole Church cares and loves...
by Michael McG | Sep 1, 2021 | Coronavirus, Online
Father Philip Cunnah will join the panel for a webinar to consider how to draw people back to Jesus and the Church in the post-pandemic world. The event is being organised by Alpha UK and Divine Renovation UK and will look at how the Church will be faced...
by Michael McG | Sep 1, 2021 | Appeals and Special Events, CAFOD, CAFOD Appeals, Organisations
People around the world have been shocked by the news and distressing images we have seen coming out of Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover.Afghan families are now feeling scared and abandoned. People are displaced inside their own country, while others have...
by Michael McG | Sep 1, 2021 | Organisations, SVP and Mini Vinnies
The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) is seeking a million gestures of kindness to address the trail of poverty and loneliness left in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Launching its Awareness Month campaign, which runs throughout September and includes the feast days...
by Giraffe | Aug 23, 2021 | Appeals and Special Events, CAFOD Appeals, Miscellaneous
By now, most of the priests and deacons of the diocese will have met Father Anil and Father Xavier, who have come to work alongside us. They belong to the Congregation of the Heralds of the Good News, and it is through their Provincial Superior that they have been...
by Michael McG | Aug 20, 2021 | Adult Formation, Diocese, Evangelisation, Study Days
All those who are involved in parish life are invited to take part in our forthcoming Inspirational Day. We would like to welcome all ministers, stewards, catechists and anyone who feels they would like to become more involved with their parish. The meeting will...
by Michael McG | Aug 11, 2021 | Bishop Terry, Bishop's Engagements, Encyclicals, Pope Francis
Bishop Terry is among the speakers who will discuss some of the challenging ideas presented by Pope Francis in his papal encyclical Laudato Si’ at an event in Hull. He will be joined by Dr Mark Charlesworth and Edward de Quay in Hull Minster on Trinity Square on...
by Michael McG | Aug 5, 2021 | Bishop Terry
Bishop Terry has issued the following message concerning preparations in our diocese and beyond for the forthcoming Synod of Bishops… I am sure that many of you will be aware that our Holy Father Pope Francis has convened a Synod of Bishops for 2023. The title...
by Michael McG | Aug 4, 2021 | Appeals and Special Events, Lady Chapel, Pilgrimage
The decision has been taken not to go ahead with this year’s Assumption Pilgrimage at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Grace, Osmotherley, on Sunday August 15. With rising levels of Covid infections in many areas of our diocese, the risk to our volunteers and our...
by Michael McG | Aug 2, 2021 | CAFOD, Organisations
I am happy to be a part of CAFOD in Middlesbrough as a communications volunteer, writes GRACE ATTU. I would like to share an inspiring experience that has brought me to this point in my life… In the summer of 2013, I embarked on a journey – one that would...
by Michael McG | Jul 29, 2021 | Catholic Voice, Miscellaneous
A special summer edition of the Catholic Voice will be available free of charge in churches throughout the diocese from this weekend. You can read it online on this page. Monthly editions will return in October – please send contributions in Word with photos as jpeg...
by Michael McG | Jul 29, 2021 | Lourdes
The organisers are asking for registrations of interest for the 2022 Diocese of Middlesbrough Pilgrimage to Lourdes, which is now being planned.”It is important for us in these early planning stages that we get a feel for numbers who would be interested in...
by Michael McG | Jul 26, 2021 | Bishop Terry, Bishop's Engagements
Bishop Terry’s Engagements For August 2021 1 Celebrates Mass (live streamed) at St Mary’s Cathedral, Middlesbrough 10am2 Attends the Funeral Mass of Rev John Wood at St Wilfrid’s, Hull 11am5 Celebrates Mass...
by Michael McG | Jul 26, 2021 | Knights of St Columba (KSC), Organisations, Youth
The Knights of St Columba has organised a Virtual Zoom Youth and Young People’s Seminar on Tuesday August 10 for those aged 16 to 23. Speakers will discuss the following topics… Mental Health, Faith and Young People Understanding Religious life and Religious Orders...
by Michael McG | Jul 23, 2021 | Pilgrimage
We are pleased to announce that after a year’s break, our annual pilgrimage to Walsingham will return this year. The pilgrimage, which takes place on Saturday October 2 and Sunday October 3, is subject to any further government restrictions. If you wish express an...
by Michael McG | Jul 23, 2021 | Adult Formation, Coronavirus, Evangelisation
For just about all of us, the last 18 months has been a very challenging time. We have all had to make some sacrifices to keep ourselves safe by keeping others safe too. It is fair to say that we are now in a very different place to where we were in March 2021. The...
by Michael McG | Jul 16, 2021 | Bishop Terry, Catholic Bishop's Conference, Coronavirus
Please find below the information sent by Bishops’ Conference on Thursday July 15. In order to help people feel safe and secure in our churches, I strongly recommend that we maintain the wearing of masks, social distancing, the service of stewards and the standard of...
by Michael McG | Jul 14, 2021 | Diocese, Obituaries
Prayers are being offered in churches throughout the diocese after the death of Father John Wood. Father John was born in Sheffield then moved to and remained in Hull. He was ordained on July 15 1978 in the Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Hull and was among the...
by Michael McG | Jul 13, 2021 | Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), Organisations
Caritas Middlesbrough – the umbrella group for the many organisations in the diocese engaged in social outreach work – has produced its third newsletter. You can read the newsletter here…
by Michael McG | Jul 13, 2021 | Diocese, Obituaries
Monsignor Seamus Kilbane passed away in Hull between Sunday night and Monday morning. Monsignor Kilbane was born in Mountbellow, County Galway, on July 28 1930 and attended St Patrick’s Seminary in Thurles. He was ordained priest on June 10 1956 and served in a number...
by Michael McG | Jul 8, 2021 | Bishop Terry, Bishop's Engagements
1 Attends meeting of Education Sub-Committee via video conference 3 Attends the Ordination to the Diaconate of Paul Griffin at St Joseph’s, Scarborough 4 Attends annual Postgate Rally at Ugthorpe CANCELLED DUE TO BAD...
by Michael McG | Jul 7, 2021 | Evangelisation, Talks, Retreats and Lectures
Minsteracres Retreat Centre near Consett, County Durham is inviting participants to two events thus autumn. “The God who Speaks” is the theme of a retreat from 7pm on Friday September 10 to 2pm on Sunday September 12. The retreat will offer a balance of input on the...
by Michael McG | Jul 6, 2021 | Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention
During July, we are invited to pray that, in social, economic and political situations of conflict, we may be courageous and passionate architects of dialogue and friendship.All the monthly intentions in 2021 are expression of the Pope’s oft-expressed plea for...
by Michael McG | Jul 6, 2021 | Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention
The latest Pope Video presents the prayer intention that Pope Francis is entrusting to the entire Catholic Church through the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network… “Let us pray that, in social, economic, and political situations of conflict, we may be courageous and...
by Michael McG | Jul 6, 2021 | Courses, Diocese
The Teresianum Pontifical Institute of Spirituality in Rome is offering an online study programme in English for the new academic year. The Certificate in Spiritual Theology course will be taught by qualified professors of different nationalities. It will focus on...
by Michael McG | Jul 2, 2021 | Diocese, Obituaries
Father Andrew Smith O.Praem died at the Priory in Muston, North Yorkshire, at 4.30am on Friday morning following a short illness. Father Andrew was originally from North Ormesby, Middlesbrough. He attended seminary with the Norbertines and was ordained to the...
by Michael McG | Jun 22, 2021 | CAFOD, Organisations
Pupils from four schools and representatives from three parishes put questions to Stockton South MP Matt Vickers on cuts to the aid budget, poverty, unjust debts, water and the COVID vaccine. The event was hosted by Christ the King Primary School in Thornaby in...
by Michael McG | Jun 22, 2021 | Diocese, Education Service, Schools and Colleges
St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Academy Trust, which covers 17 schools in North Yorkshire – two secondary and 15 primary – has been officially placed on the global Earth Day map due to their continued commitment to protecting the environment. The trust is the only...
by Michael McG | Jun 21, 2021 | Lourdes, Miscellaneous
Tudor Croft Gardens near Guisborough will open again for visitors this weekend (June 26 and 27) in support of three very special charities. There is no need to book and social distancing measures include a signposted one-way system around the gardens – which has the...
by Michael McG | Jun 18, 2021 | Bishop Terry, Catholic Bishop's Conference
A message from Bishop Terry… The Meacher Bill on “Assisted Dying” is currently awaiting its second reading in the House of Lords.The Department for Social Justice (DSJ) of the Bishops’ Conference is working with allied organisations to defeat this. Alongside...
by Michael McG | Jun 18, 2021 | Pilgrimage, postgate
Bishop Terry will celebrate Mass as the Postgate Rally returns this summer after the event was cancelled last year because of the pandemic. The rally, in honour of the English and Welsh martyrs and Blessed Nicholas Postgate, takes place at Ugthorpe on Sunday July 4,...
