by Michael McG | Jun 5, 2020 | Catholic Bishop's Conference, Coronavirus
Cardinal Vincent Nichols has questioned why churches have not been allowed to open for private prayer. Speaking in his homily for Pentecost Sunday, the cardinal asks why churches have been excluded from a decision that has seen car showrooms and outdoor markets now...
by Michael McG | Jun 5, 2020 | Appeals and Special Events
Little Annabelle Anson has smashed through her fundraising target for Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice in Middlesbrough after completing a lockdown-style Ben Nevis challenge in her own home. Annabelle, aged seven, who lives with her family near Stokesley, climbed 612 flights...
by Michael McG | May 29, 2020 | Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention
This month Pope Francis asks that we pray that all those who suffer may find their way in life, allowing themselves to be touched by the Heart of Jesus. Our prayer with the Pope in both his monthly and his new daily Intentions is always oriented towards changing our...
by Michael McG | May 27, 2020 | Jobs
Diocesan Health & Safety Officers (Two posts) – Part-time Salary: In the region of £18,000 (£30,000 pro-rata) three days per week with pension contribution Fixed Period Contract of two years Starting: August/September 2020 The Diocese of Middlesbrough is seeking...
by Michael McG | May 19, 2020 | CAFOD, Organisations
Are you aged 18-30? CAFOD offers a gap year programme called Step into the Gap. As part of the ten-month programme you will be based in either a youth retreat centre, university chaplaincy or a secondary school chaplaincy team gaining new skills, developing as a...
by Michael McG | May 19, 2020 | Coronavirus, Lourdes
Click here to download our 2020 Virtual Pilgrimage Program Catholics from across the diocese are preparing for a “Virtual Pilgrimage” to Lourdes after their annual visit to the French shrine was cancelled. Bishop Terry and other clergy will lead a programme of online...
by Michael McG | May 17, 2020 | Catholic Bishop's Conference, Coronavirus
Bishop Terry is inviting you to join the National Rosary Rally taking place in dioceses throughout England, Wales and Scotland from 9am to 9pm on Pentecost Sunday (May 31). Pope Francis is encouraging Catholics to pray the Rosary in their family homes during the month...
by Michael McG | May 12, 2020 | Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention
In this month’s Pope Video, the Holy Father brings to the fore the role of deacons and asks us to pray that they may be “an invigorating symbol for the entire Church.” Pope Francis exhorts us to pray for these “guardians of service in the Church”, that they may be an...
by Michael McG | May 12, 2020 | Coronavirus
Francis Hannaway, from St Gabriel’s Parish, Middlesbrough, lives and works in Basankusu Diocese, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I got a new visa for the Congo in January. In early February I arrived back in Kinshasa. There was some little commotion at the...
by Michael McG | May 12, 2020 | Bishop Terry, Coronavirus, Papal Documents, Pope Francis
Bishop Terry introduces a request from Pope Francis for all people of goodwill to join in prayer, fasting and charitable works on Thursday (May 14) to pray together for deliverance from the pandemic… “May is the month of Our Lady. As a diocese we are doing a virtual...
by Michael McG | May 12, 2020 | Appeals and Special Events, World Day of Prayer
Parishioners from English Martyrs, York, and students from All Saints School were joined in English Martyrs’ hall by friends from neighbouring churches St Chad’s, St Clement’s and Southlands to celebrate World Day of Prayer.The service was written by the women of...
by Michael McG | May 11, 2020 | Coronavirus, Diocese, Schools and Colleges
A Year 9 student from St Francis Xavier School in Richmond has set his own “pedal power” challenge to help raise funds for his school’s Technology Department to supply face visors to key workers. Dean Cunningham, aged 13, has been completing circuits on his bike every...
by Michael McG | May 8, 2020 | CAFOD Appeals
CAFOD is asking Catholics to sign a petition asking Prime Minister Boris Johnson to ensure that the most vulnerable people are the priority in the UK’s international efforts as well as at home. The charity says: “We are living through the biggest public health crisis...
by Michael McG | May 6, 2020 | Coronavirus
The Diocese of Middlesbrough has launched what it believes is the country’s first Catholic Mass available to listen to directly by phone. The new Mass-by-Phone service, specifically provided for those without internet access, follows the success of online services...
by Michael McG | May 6, 2020 | Coronavirus, Lourdes
We all know we’re not able to go on to Lourdes this year, so we’re going to bring you the next best thing – a virtual pilgrimage! Bishop Terry has agreed to lead a programme of online services from St Mary’s Cathedral at around the times our various celebrations would...
by Michael McG | May 1, 2020 | Catholic Bishop's Conference, Coronavirus
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, The radiance of the risen Lord shines upon us. At a time when so many shadows are cast into our lives, and upon our world, the light of the resurrection shines forever to renew and restore our hope. In the words of our Holy Father,...
by Michael McG | May 1, 2020 | Diocese, Obituaries
We pray for the following priests of our diocese whose anniversaries are during May… 1 1994 Rev John Eaves-Tinsley Middlesbrough 1 2007 Rev Anthony J F Storey ...
by Michael McG | Apr 30, 2020 | Appeals and Special Events, CAFOD Appeals
Catholic aid agency CAFOD has launched an urgent appeal to respond to the unprecedented global challenge of tackling the spread of the coronavirus in some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable communities. “Coronavirus is a tsunami heading towards the homes of...
by Michael McG | Apr 29, 2020 | Catholic Women's League, Coronavirus, Organisations
Charities are to share a £1,000 windfall to help with their work during the coronavirus pandemic. The money has been donated by the Middlesbrough branch of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) to Teesside Hospice, food banks in Middlesbrough and Driffield Foodbank and to...
by Michael McG | Apr 29, 2020 | Appeals and Special Events, CAFOD Appeals, Coronavirus
A letter from CAFOD chair of trustees Bishop John Arnold and his fellow trustee Bishop Patrick McKinney appealing for support for the charities work during this time… We wish you, belatedly, a hope-filled Easter and we trust that you are keeping safe and well. What...
by Michael McG | Apr 24, 2020 | CAFOD, CAFOD Appeals
Graduates of CAFOD’s Step into the Gap programme are inviting other young Catholics to an online webinar to explain how their lives were transformed when they travelled to Cambodia to see the charity’s work first-hand – and maybe even to follow in their...
by Michael McG | Apr 20, 2020 | Coronavirus, Education Service, Schools and Colleges
The technology department at St Francis Xavier School in Richmond has been helping the national effort in the fight against Covid-19 by producing face masks for local care homes, hospitals, prisons and the ambulance service. Sandra Bradley and Stuart Lister in the...
by Michael McG | Apr 20, 2020 | A Letter From Madonna House
CHERYL ANN SMITH, of Madonna House at Robin Hood’s Bay, reflects on a life-changing Lenten experience… My life changed this Lent. Oh, you wouldn’t know it from the outside: I look the same. I act the same. I do the same things. But in my deepest heart, which I call my...
by Michael McG | Apr 20, 2020 | Appeals and Special Events, CAFOD Appeals
A gospel reflection and appeal from CAFOD… All of us are familiar with fear and how it can spread among us. After Jesus’ death, the disciples were holed up, together in a room, afraid of the authorities. We get a sense that they were in a tight space, feeding off each...
by Michael McG | Apr 17, 2020 | Bishop Terry, Catholic Bishop's Conference, Coronavirus, St Mary's Cathedral, Middlesbrough
A special Mass for the sick and their families, NHS frontline workers and those working in social care is to be celebrated in a different cathedral each week, including St Mary’s in Middlesbrough. Catholic bishops recognise that the pandemic is affecting everyone...
by Michael McG | Apr 15, 2020 | Coronavirus
During this time when we can’t attend Mass, the producers of the Magnificat have kindly provided free access to its online version to help people follow the Mass and pray from home. An Act Of Spiritual Communion Prayer of St Alphonsus My Jesus, I believe that you are...
by Michael McG | Apr 13, 2020 | Catholic History, Coronavirus
DR MARGARET TURNHAM delves into the archives to examine some of the historical parallels with the way we are experiencing Mass during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. Live streaming of Mass and other devotions is rapidly becoming a part of many Catholics’ lives during...
by webmaster | Apr 12, 2020 | Bishop Terry, Bishop Terry's Pastoral Letters
Dear Sisters and Brothers, It was very early on the first day of the week and still dark, when Mary of Magdala and the other Mary came to visit the sepulchre. Don’t they say that the darkest hour is just before the dawn? When we are troubled or sick, when...
by Michael McG | Apr 11, 2020 | Bishop Terry, Bishop Terry's podcasts, Coronavirus
Bishop Terry has recorded a special video message for Easter. You can watch it on the Diocese of Middlesbrough Facebook page or our YouTube channel.
by Michael McG | Apr 3, 2020 | Bishop Terry, Coronavirus, St Mary's Cathedral, Middlesbrough
Bishop Terry is encouraging Catholics to use symbols of greenery, a crucifix, a candle and some spring flowers to help them mark this year’s Holy Week services. The suggestion follows an initiative that has gathered pace in recent days as the faithful prepare for...
by Michael McG | Apr 1, 2020 | Adult Formation, Coronavirus, Evangelisation
Holy Week 2020 is going to be very different for all of us, as we will be unable to attend the usual church services under the restrictions imposed during the coronavirus crisis. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t still journey alongside Jesus from his...
by webmaster | Apr 1, 2020 | Voice Column
We call ourselves “Christians”, followers of Christ. But are we really followers and in what sense? Is our following of Christ like following a regime, say, for example, like “Dry January” or taking on a new diet, trying to bring some order and discipline into our...
by Michael McG | Mar 27, 2020 | Bishop Terry, Catholic Bishop's Conference, Coronavirus
In their letter of March 18, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales said: “In these emergency circumstances, and for as long as they last, the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days is removed. “This is, without doubt, the teaching of...
by Michael McG | Mar 26, 2020 | Bishop Terry, Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), Coronavirus
In his role as chair of Caritas Social Action Network, Bishop Terry has made a public statement urging Catholics to keep the poor, vulnerable and isolated members of our community at the forefront of our minds at this difficult time. There is an urgent need to support...
by Michael McG | Mar 26, 2020 | Coronavirus, Pope Francis
Pope Francis will give an extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing tomorrow (Friday) at 5pm UK time with the opportunity for Catholics to receive a plenary indulgence by tuning in via media. “I will preside over a moment of prayer outside of St Peter’s Basilica with...
by Michael McG | Mar 26, 2020 | Coronavirus, Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention
In a special edition of the Pope Video, the Holy Father asks us to pray for the sick and the suffering, while thanking all those who pray for those affected. With a special emphasis on the sick and those who are suffering most, Pope Francis asked that we all pray the...
by Michael McG | Mar 24, 2020 | Bishop Terry, Coronavirus
After the government’s latest announcement regarding restrictions due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, churches will now no longer be open for private prayer. In a letter to all clergy and religious houses of the diocese, Bishop Terry said: “In view of the latest...
by Michael McG | Mar 23, 2020 | Coronavirus
A special prayer for help and healing during the coronavirus pandemic… Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world. We come to you today with our fears and concerns. You know what is in our hearts. We love you, we trust you, we need you. We...
by Michael McG | Mar 23, 2020 | Coronavirus, Pope Francis
As more Catholics around the world find are unable to receive the Eucharist due to the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis has given an example of a spiritual communion prayer that can be said from home… My Lord Jesus Christ, who, for the love which you bear for...
by Michael McG | Mar 18, 2020 | Bishop Terry, Bishop Terry's Pastoral Letters, Coronavirus
We pray for ourselves and our world under the threat of the coronavirus pandemic, that the Almighty and Merciful Lord look with compassion on our afflictions and so lighten our burdens and confirm our faith that we may always trust without hesitation in his...
by Michael McG | Mar 18, 2020 | Bishop Terry, Catholic Bishop's Conference, Coronavirus
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has issued liturgical advice in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic, while Bishop Terry has added some additional points to clergy and parishioners. Bishop Terry added the following note to the letter you can read...
by Michael McG | Mar 18, 2020 | Catholic Bishop's Conference, Coronavirus
A letter from the President and Vice-President on behalf of all the Bishops of the Conference Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, so many aspects of our lives must change. This includes the ways in which we publicly express...
by Michael McG | Mar 17, 2020 | Lourdes
To all pilgrims and members of the Diocese of Middlesbrough Lourdes Hospitalité family We are writing to everyone once again to update you regarding the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the impact this has had on plans for this year’s Diocesan Pilgrimage to...
by Michael McG | Mar 13, 2020 | Lourdes
From the organising committee to all members of the Lourdes Hospitalité and the family of the Diocese of Middlesbrough. We are writing to update you regarding the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the impact this is having on plans for this year’s Diocesan...
by Michael McG | Mar 13, 2020 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
The following updated coronavirus advice has been issued to bishops and parishes by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales with immediate effect. The key things for parishes in these circumstances to do in Stage 2 are: It is likely you will need to...
by Michael McG | Mar 13, 2020 | CAFOD, Pilgrimage
The pilgrimage to celebrate the life of St Oscar Romero at Holy Island on Saturday April 4 has now been cancelled.
by Michael McG | Mar 4, 2020 | Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention
March’s Intention of the Holy Father, offered to the whole church and all people of goodwill through his own worldwide prayer-group, coincides with the 40th anniversary this month of the assassination of St Oscar Romero. It comes also as we suffer with the people of...
by webmaster | Mar 1, 2020 | Voice Column
As we continue to celebrate the year of “the God who speaks”, it is especially important that, as Lent begins, we focus on the Word of God, and try to listen to that word in a new way. The Sunday readings have a particular structure. The gospels on the first two...
by Michael McG | Feb 19, 2020 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
The Catholic Church in England and Wales stands in solidarity with all European citizens who have made their homes here. They are a valued part of our parishes, schools and communities. All EU, EEA and Swiss citizens living in the UK are required by the government to...
by Michael McG | Feb 19, 2020 | John Paul Centre, Pastoral Centres
The much-loved John Paul Centre, which has been a hub for community and voluntary services in Middlesbrough for many decades, is to close for safety reasons. The centre, on Grange Road, is home to a wide range of groups serving refugees, asylum seekers, the homeless...
