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...
by Michael McG | Feb 12, 2020 | Pope Francis
Pope Francis has spoken of his four “dreams” for the Amazon region in his post-synodal apostolic exhortation Querida Amazonia. The final document of the Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon region, who met in Rome from October 6 to 27 last year, has also been...
by Michael McG | Feb 3, 2020 | Jobs
The Diocese of Middlesbrough wishes to appoint an experienced, full-time, cross-departmental admin assistant. Applicants should have experience of implementing and maintaining office systems and procedures. The successful applicant must have excellent communication...
by webmaster | Feb 1, 2020 | Voice Column
I’m always glad when we get to February. Although it can throw the worst of winter’s weather at us, at least we are moving away from the dark and into the light, from the winter into early spring, from the bleak into the not-so-bleak. The lengthening of the days...
by Michael McG | Feb 1, 2020 | Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention
An urgent and tragic aspect of human life today is the suffering of millions of our brothers and sisters who have been forced to become refugees. A particularly harrowing dimension of this tragedy is illegal human trafficking. In his prayer Intention for February,...
by Michael McG | Jan 27, 2020 | Jobs, Safeguarding
The Catholic Diocese of Middlesbrough is seeking an individual to take over the role of Independent Chair of the Middlesbrough Safeguarding Commission. The commission provides independent oversight of all safeguarding matters that impact on the diocese and aligned...
by Michael McG | Jan 27, 2020 | Obituaries
Bishop Terry will be the main celebrant at a Memorial Requiem Mass for Father Colman Ryan, who died on November 12 last year. Father Colman, who was 77, served in parishes in Whitby, Middlesbrough, Hull, Scarborough and Thirsk. He had been in ill health for several...
by Michael McG | Jan 24, 2020 | CAFOD, Jobs
CAFOD currently has an opening for an administrative support and development officer on a one-year contract. The closing date for applications is February 10. Click here for more details.
by Michael McG | Jan 24, 2020 | St Mary's Cathedral, Middlesbrough, World Day of the Poor
More than 250 people gathered in our cathedral to follow Pope Francis’ call to stand in solidarity with those in poverty on the third World Day of the Poor. This inspiring event, organised by the Diocese of Middlesbrough Caritas team, brought together many agencies...
by Michael McG | Jan 15, 2020 | postgate
As part of the efforts of the Postgate Society to promote the cause of Blessed Nicholas Postgate we are planning to place a copy of a painting of Father Postgate in every church in the diocese. This ambitious project, which has the support of Bishop Terry, which will...
by Michael McG | Jan 15, 2020 | Appeals and Special Events, Parishes, St Mary's Cathedral, Middlesbrough
A gleaming new bus paid for by St Mary’s Cathedral parishioners and well-wishers throughout the diocese has finally arrived at the Padre Pio Rehabilitation Centre in Ghana amid joyous celebrations. An appeal for £50,000 was launched by Monsignor Gerard Robinson after...
by Michael McG | Jan 15, 2020 | Pope Francis, Religious Communities, St Wilfrid's, York
It has been announced in Rome that our Holy Father Pope Francis has erected the oratory-in-formation in York as an independent Oratory of St Philip Neri. The decree of foundation is dated November 9, the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. It became the...
by Michael McG | Jan 13, 2020 | Evangelisation, RCIA
Are you thinking of becoming a Catholic or involved in helping people on their journey in faith? Come and join us for a day retreat led by Canon Patrick Hartnett on Saturday February 1 from 10.30am to 3pm at Our Lady’s, Gale Lane, Acomb, York YO24 3AE. Take time out...
by Michael McG | Jan 8, 2020 | Bishop Terry, Diocese, Justice and Peace
The Diocese of Middlesbrough and the Diocese of Lancaster have announced their commitment to divest from fossil fuels, becoming the first Catholic dioceses in England and Wales to do so. Their announcements are made together with two Catholic religious orders – the...
by Michael McG | Jan 7, 2020 | Lourdes
Anyone wishing to go to Lourdes as a supported pilgrim this year is asked to apply immediately to register their interest. Our pilgrimage takes place from Friday May 22 to Friday May 29, with the main party flying direct from Teesside Airport. If you would like to...
by Michael McG | Jan 1, 2020 | Voice Column
Ten years ago, while still Pope, Benedict XVI wrote a Letter of Encouragement (an Apostolic Exhortation) after the Synod on the Word of God. The letter is full of many good things, it is rich and deep. Right at the heart of the letter is the message that the Word of...
by Michael McG | Dec 20, 2019 | Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention
For the Holy Father and all Catholic Christians, each new calendar year begins with a heartfelt plea for peace. Pope Paul VI proposed that January 1, the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, be dedicated to the cause of universal peace, and so this day of prayer was...
by Michael McG | Dec 17, 2019 | Adult Formation, Blessed Nicholas Postgate
The parish of Blessed Nicholas Postgate in Redcar has begun its Missionary Discipleship journey. Around 30 people attended the two initial meetings where Carole Bennett and Sarah Bowmaker gave a short introduction by sharing what had happened at Bishop Terry’s study...
by Michael McG | Dec 3, 2019 | Catholic Bishop's Conference, General Election
The Lord Jesus said: ‘I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full.’ (John 10:10) This General Election is profoundly important to the United Kingdom. Catholics cannot simply “watch from the balcony.”[1] Conscious of the common good of every person...
by webmaster | Dec 1, 2019 | Voice Column
While it is neither hardly possible nor right that we should remove ourselves from all the external and more peripheral preparations for Christmas during our Advent journey, at the same time it would be so sad if we forgot that through the Incarnation our God comes to...
by webmaster | Nov 12, 2019 | Bishop Terry, Bishop Terry's Pastoral Letters
Dear Sisters and Brothers, Less than two months ago I was present at the canonisation of Cardinal John Henry Newman. In his writings Newman pointed out very clearly that our faith cannot remain just a thought in our head. It has to be a real meeting with the person of...
by Michael McG | Nov 4, 2019 | Apostleship of the Sea, Organisations
Teesport ship visitors from Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) have won a global award for the work they do supporting seafarers’ pastoral needs and wellbeing. They were presented with the Shoreside Team of the Year honour at the annual IHS Markit Safety at Sea...
by Michael McG | Nov 4, 2019 | Bishop Terry, Religious Communities
Bishop Terry presided at the abbatial blessing of Dame Anna Brennan OSB, the newly elected abbess of Stanbrook Abbey in Wass. The blessing of an abbess, first recorded in the sixth century, has varied in form and expression over the centuries. Nowadays, the rite is...
