by Michael McG | Sep 21, 2020 | Francis Hannaway
An update from FRANCIS HANNAWAY, from St Gabriel’s Parish, Middlesbrough, who lives and works in Basankusu Diocese, in the Democratic Republic of Congo… As the leaves turn to reds and gold and the sun starts to sit lower in the sky over the Diocese of...
by Michael McG | Sep 7, 2020 | Pilgrimage
Following the success of our Virtual Pilgrimage to Lourdes earlier this year, the diocese is holding a one-day Virtual Pilgrimage to Walsingham on Saturday October 3. CLICK THE LINK TO DOWNLOAD THE VIRTUAL PILGRIMAGE BOOLETDownload CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE VIRTUAL...
by Michael McG | Sep 7, 2020 | Coronavirus
Do you know a family, NHS or frontline worker in your area that has been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and needs a break? As part of the nation’s emotional and wellbeing recovery from the pandemic, the national charity YHA (England & Wales) wants to...
by Michael McG | Sep 7, 2020 | Liturgy and Music, Parishes, St Mary's Cathedral, Middlesbrough
St Mary’s Cathedral is delighted to announce the return of its Wednesday service of Benediction with Vespers.Take time out to join us online for a moment of peace and reflection. These prayerful services are filled with beautiful music from our cathedral consort,...
by Michael McG | Sep 7, 2020 | Book Reviews, Miscellaneous
Being in self-isolation with her husband helped local author Edna Hunneysett meet her challenge of finishing her latest book in time for her 80th birthday in July, writes MIKE MORRISEY. Great-grandmother Edna’s Greener Pastures And Brown Blazers is a heart-warming...
by Michael McG | Sep 7, 2020 | Our Lady of Lourdes, Saltburn
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Saltburn reopened for the first time since lockdown with a “heartening” attendance of 37 at Sunday Mass on August 23, writes JOHN ROCK. Parish priest Monsignor Ricardo Morgan said he was pleased with the numbers booking...
by Michael McG | Sep 7, 2020 | Aid the the Church in Need (ACN), Organisations
The trauma of the recent explosion in Beirut has left many of the city’s children in need of psychological support, according to a delegation from the heart of the recovery effort. Speaking to Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) in a live link to Beirut,...
by Michael McG | Sep 7, 2020 | Lourdes, MYMission, Youth
Four willing volunteers are in training to run a half marathon to raise funds to help support young people going to Lourdes – and they’d love you to sponsor them or even join in if you can! NPACT Catherine Kelly, Liz Jayasuriya, Chris Lovell and Father Phil Cunnah all...
by Michael McG | Sep 7, 2020 | Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention
September’s intention: “We pray that the planet’s resources will not be plundered but shared in a just and respectful manner.”The pope is asking us to pray that we, as individuals and all humanity, cease plundering the planet’s resources and share them fairly, writes...
by Michael McG | Sep 3, 2020 | Friends of the Holy Land
Friends of the Holy Land supporters from across the country gathered online for the Christian charity’s first ever virtual event was a great success. They heard from Father Mamdouh Abusada the director of the School of Joy, a school for children with special needs...
by Michael McG | Sep 2, 2020 | Lady Chapel, Our Lady of Mount Grace, Osmotherley, Parishes
The Lady Chapel will reopen for Masses every Saturday only at 3pm starting from Saturday September 12. The chapel will seat ten people, with further room for up to 15 in the barn area. Unfortunately, there will be no hospitality on offer due to the Covid-19...
by Michael McG | Aug 28, 2020 | Aid the the Church in Need (ACN), Organisations
The trauma of the recent explosion in Beirut has left many of the city’s children in need of psychological support, according to a delegation from the heart of the recovery effort. Speaking to Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Youmna Yammine, part of...
by Michael McG | Aug 28, 2020 | Aid the the Church in Need (ACN), Organisations
A lockdown project that invited high-profile personalities to record a children’s Bible from start to finish has reached its climax and is now available in full. Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) enlisted the support of bishops, a BBC...
by Michael McG | Aug 27, 2020 | Diocese, Obituaries
The funeral of Monsignor Ray Charlton, who played a major role in running the Diocese of Middlesbrough for more than 25 years, will take place in Stokesley this week. The oldest priest in the diocese, Monsignor Ray died peacefully at James Cook University Hospital on...
by Michael McG | Aug 24, 2020 | Miscellaneous
by Michael McG | Aug 11, 2020 | National Board of Catholic Women, Organisations
Bishop Terry has issued a Note of Recommendation for a new Domestic Abuse Booklet issued by the National Board of Catholic Women, which is available here. The booklet contains current information supported by Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales Dame Vera...
by Michael McG | Aug 6, 2020 | Aid the the Church in Need (ACN), Organisations
An emergency food package of £226,000 is to be rushed out by a leading Catholic charity in the wake of the huge explosion in Beirut. The Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) grant will target poor families worst affected by the blast which devastated the port area of the...
by Michael McG | Aug 6, 2020 | Bishop Terry
Bishop Terry has announced a number of clergy moves in our diocese. Father Albert Schembri has moved from St Mary’s Cathedral to become parish priest of Our Lady and St Peter, Bridlington. Father Paul Dowling is moving to Blessed Nicholas Postgate, Redcar, as...
by Michael McG | Aug 5, 2020 | Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), Coronavirus
The diocese has put together four directories – one for each deanery – packed with useful resources for anyone who needs extra help at this time.
by Michael McG | Aug 5, 2020 | Adult Formation, Evangelisation
Our diocesan adult formation coordinator Deacon David Cross has put together a special mini-retreat to help us celebrate the Assumption of Our Lady. The retreat runs from Saturday August 8 to Sunday August 16, which is the feast day itself. This year’s...
by Michael McG | Jul 24, 2020 | Diocese, Schools and Colleges
Children at St Wilfrid’s Primary School in York followed in their patron’s footsteps to rise to a challenge set by their teacher as part of their home-schooling. Year 4/5 teacher Dan Jones was inspired by St Wilfrid, who walked the 6,000 miles from York to Rome three...
by Michael McG | Jul 16, 2020 | Flame Congress, MYMission, Youth
CYMFed, the Catholic Youth Ministry Federation of England and Wales, is hosting a series of online talks for the youth ministry community featuring expert speakers from across the globe. “Journeying Together” aims to inspire, inform and encourage youth ministers...
by Michael McG | Jul 10, 2020 | Bishop Terry
Bishop Terry welcomed newly elected 98th Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell to pray alongside him in the shrine of St Margaret Clitherow in the city. The meeting came immediately after Archbishop Stephen’s Confirmation of Election service, which was broadcast...
by Michael McG | Jul 9, 2020 | Jubilees
More than 4,000 people viewed a Mass celebrated on Facebook to mark the diamond anniversary of the priestly ordination of Father Peter Ryan. Born in Limerick in the Republic of Ireland, Father Peter has ministered in the Diocese of Middlesbrough throughout that time,...
by Michael McG | Jul 8, 2020 | Knights of St Columba (KSC)
The Knights of St Columba is inviting young people aged 16 to 23 to take part in a virtual Zoom seminar on Wednesday July 22. The theme is “Our faith yesterday, our faith today and our faith tomorrow – what are the challenges ahead?” Programme 8.45am–9am: Roll Call,...
by Michael McG | Jul 7, 2020 | Apostleship of the Sea, Organisations
In the light of the uncertainty posed by Covid-19, the Catholic bishops of England and Wales have decided to postpone Sea Sunday 2020, which was due to take place on July 12. The date has not yet been finalised, but it is likely to be either Sunday December 13 or...
by Michael McG | Jul 6, 2020 | Diocese, Obituaries
Tributes have been paid to the former long-serving parish priest of St Joseph’s in Pickering Father Bill East, who died on Wednesday July 1 after a long illness. Father Bill, who was 72, spent 11 years at St Luke’s Parish Church in Pallion, Sunderland, from 1983...
by Michael McG | Jul 4, 2020 | Missio, Organisations
A Year 6 pupil at St Hilda’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Whitby has stunned the organisers of this year’s Mission Together appeal by single-handedly raising more than £200 for less fortunate children. The pupil went to extraordinary efforts to boost his...
by Michael McG | Jul 3, 2020 | Book Reviews, Miscellaneous
York-based children’s author and liturgical and eucharistic minister Sue Ellis has produced an interactive book to help families, schools and churches inspire children to share in the celebration of the Mass. The book is designed to help children aged from five to ten...
by Michael McG | Jul 3, 2020 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
A bishop has warned that a proposed amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill will lead to “abortion on demand.”Bishop John Sherrington, the lead Catholic bishop for life issues said: “We are expecting the Report Stage of the Domestic Abuse Bill to take place in week...
by Michael McG | Jul 3, 2020 | Aid the the Church in Need (ACN)
Mass was celebrated roughly every 23 seconds somewhere around the world last year for the intentions of a Catholic charity’s supporters. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) sends stipends from its benefactors to help priests where the Church is suffering or in dire need....
by Michael McG | Jul 3, 2020 | Book Reviews, Miscellaneous
North-East publisher Sacristy Press is publishing a new travel guide all about Yorkshire and its Christian Heritage. Yorkshire has a long and rich Christian history, stretching back beyond the Vikings to Roman Britain. Saints and Holy Places of...
by Michael McG | Jul 1, 2020 | Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention
Pope Francis invites us to pray with him during the month of July that families may be accompanied with love, respect and guidance. When the Holy Father decided on the intentions that would be presented to us each month this year, in consultation with...
by Michael McG | Jun 30, 2020 | Coronavirus, St Mary's Cathedral, Middlesbrough
Catholics will be able to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation St Mary’s Cathedral in Middlesbrough from Friday and attend Mass from Sunday as the lockdown rules ease. This week, confession will be available on Friday and Saturday from noon to 2pm, during the time...
by Michael McG | Jun 29, 2020 | Miscellaneous
Generous Friends of the Holy Land supporters have donated a remarkable £110,000 to trigger matched funds from of the charity’s backers. Money came from across the whole country, with creative ways to raise funds under lockdown conditions including distanced strawberry...
by Michael McG | Jun 29, 2020 | Appeals and Special Events, Miscellaneous
The charity Mary’s Meals, which helps children in some of the world’s poorest communities, has produced a video of its recent “Virtual Family Hour” for anyone who would like to see an update on its work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzZ7jnjQWZY For more information...
by Michael McG | Jun 29, 2020 | Apostleship of the Sea, Coronavirus, Pope Francis
Pope Francis has sent a video message of encouragement to seafarers recognising the difficulties they face as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the video, he expresses gratitude for their help in feeding humanity despite the risks involved and prays for those who...
by Michael McG | Jun 29, 2020 | Catholic Bishop's Conference, Coronavirus
“Actions speak louder than words.” was the message of Bishop of East Anglia Alan Hopes as he celebrated a Mass at St John’s Cathedral in Norwich to show spiritual solidarity with frontline medical, care and voluntary workers across the country. “The Lord Jesus teaches...
by Michael McG | Jun 26, 2020 | Bishop Terry, Catholic Bishop's Conference, Coronavirus
Dear brothers and sisters, The Metropolitan Archbishops of England have written a pastoral message to us all regarding the announcement made by the Government that Acts of Public Worship may be held in a limited way as from July 4. First of all, may I take the...
by Michael McG | Jun 25, 2020 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
Catholic and Anglican bishops from the Holy Land Coordination group have called on the UK government and parliamentarians to help prevent annexation of the West Bank, which could begin on July 1. Their intervention follows a recent statement by the Archbishop of...
by Michael McG | Jun 23, 2020 | Bishop Terry, Coronavirus
Bishop Terry was the first person to enter St Mary’s Cathedral when it reopened for private prayer. He was followed by a steady stream of people coming for private prayer. Thanks are due to the Dean and his dedicated team of volunteers who safely guide and...
by Michael McG | Jun 23, 2020 | Catholic Bishop's Conference, Coronavirus, Miscellaneous
Cardinal Vincent Nichols has welcomed the news that places of worship will be able to resume collective acts of worship from July 4.“This is welcome news for members of all religions in England,” he said. “I thank all who have worked hard to bring this about, not...
by Michael McG | Jun 19, 2020 | Catholic Bishop's Conference, Miscellaneous
In a message for the Feast of the Sacred Heart, the Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of all priests, Bishop of Plymouth Mark O’Toole has invited priests to look back on their ordination day “with a sense of deep joy.” Speaking through personal experience, he...
by Michael McG | Jun 12, 2020 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster have written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Israeli ambassador to the UK Mark Regev expressing opposition to any move by the Israeli government to annex West Bank territory after July 1. The...
by Michael McG | Jun 11, 2020 | Appeals and Special Events, CAFOD Appeals
CAFOD has launched a summer fundraising offer for children, young people, families, parishes and the wider Catholic community as part of the Coronavirus appeal. You and your family are invited to be part of a Summer of Hope to ensure clean water and food reaches some...
by Michael McG | Jun 11, 2020 | Miscellaneous
York storyteller F Mary Callan has found lockdown an unexpected opportunity. With other events cancelled it has spurred her to post Inside Stories from the Bible on Youtube. “I decided to film a character a day for 40 days ending at Corpus Christi,” says Mary. “In...
by Michael McG | Jun 10, 2020 | Catholic Bishop's Conference, Coronavirus, Miscellaneous
Cardinal Vincent Nichols has thanked the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation for its “exceptional and magnificent” £1m donation to help Catholic charities cope with poverty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cardinal Nichols praised the donation as “a remarkable gift...
by Michael McG | Jun 8, 2020 | Bishop Terry, Catholic Bishop's Conference, Coronavirus
You will be aware from the media that the government plans to allow the possibility that places of worship may be opened for private prayer as from Monday June 15, providing they are able to comply with the government’s strict regulations. Thorough preparations need...
by Michael McG | Jun 5, 2020 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
Catholic bishops in England and Wales have issued a statement in solidarity with those struggling for racial justice after the death of 46-year-old George Floyd in Minnesota. Bishop Declan Lang, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales lead bishop for...
by Michael McG | Jun 5, 2020 | Catholic Bishop's Conference, Coronavirus
In an extended pastoral message for the feast day of St Boniface (June 5), Patron of the Diocese of Plymouth, Bishop Mark O’Toole expressed his hope that the Government “will see sense soon” and permit the opening of at least some churches for personal prayer. ...
