by Michael McG | Jul 8, 2019 | Apostleship of the Sea
As we prepare to celebrate Sea Sunday on July 14, we look at the work of Stella Maris, the Apostleship of the Sea… As Catholics in England, we take it for granted that we can always get to Mass somewhere. If you’re a Catholic working at sea, however, it can be months...
by Michael McG | Jul 8, 2019 | Book Reviews, Miscellaneous
The life of a Middlesbrough diocesan priest who had an extraordinary impact on the people he served is celebrated in a new biography. Father Tony Storey – known to many simply as “Storey” – was a gifted writer and preacher whose intellect, inspirational style and...
by Michael McG | Jul 8, 2019 | Historic Churches
Monsignor David Hogan represented Bishop Terry at a Mass to celebrate 90 years since the foundation of St Joan of Arc Catholic Memorial Church at Catterick Garrison. The church was intended to be a single, national, memorial to all Catholics of the Army and RAF who...
by Michael McG | Jul 8, 2019 | Bishop Terry, Sacraments, Vocations
Congratulations to Father Francis Sutcliffe, who was ordained to the priesthood at Saint John of Beverley Church on Saturday May 11. Father Francis is a former Anglican vicar and is married to Barbara. Our pictures show Bishop Terry laying on hands and requesting and...
by Michael McG | Jun 30, 2019 | Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention
During July we are invited to pray with Pope Francis for justice. “The integrity of justice: that those who administer justice may work with integrity, and that the injustice present in the world may not have the last word.” There are several ways of understanding...
by Michael McG | Jun 10, 2019 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
A four-day course for Catholics living and working with Muslims is taking place this September. “Understanding Islam”, presented by Father Damian Howard SJ, aims to help Catholics understand how the worldviews of the Muslims they come into contact with are shaped by...
by Michael McG | Jun 5, 2019 | Miscellaneous
Churches throughout the country are being invited to join next year’s celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. VE Day 75, on the weekend of May 8 to 10 2020, will be an international celebration of peace. Churches are being asked to ring...
by Michael McG | Jun 5, 2019 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
Christian leaders have called on the government to protect Christians facing persecution and to promote freedom of religion. In a joint Catholic and Church of England document, Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Archbishop Justin Welby argued that the government should...
by Michael McG | Jun 5, 2019 | Extraordinary Missionary Month October 2019, Pope Francis
As we look forward to Extraordinary Missionary Month October 2019, Canon Michael Loughlin reflects on the work we do to support the Church’s mission… Our diocese has a long history of supporting the Pontifical Mission societies. The chief way we support...
by Michael McG | Jun 5, 2019 | Voice Column
Although it is June already, I am casting back in my mind to the Chrism Mass held on the Tuesday of Holy Week, April 16. It was a wonderful celebration and gathering of the Church of the Diocese of Middlesbrough. Just about all parishes and institutions of the diocese...
by Michael McG | Jun 3, 2019 | Jobs, MYMission
The Diocese of Middlesbrough is inviting applications for the position of Middlesbrough Youth Mission (MYMission) Parish Development Officer. Job Description The Parish Development Officer is a new role in the Diocese of Middlesbrough, which will drive the...
by Michael McG | May 22, 2019 | Education Service, Schools and Colleges
The Governors of St Augustine’s School in Scarborough, in partnership with the Diocese of Middlesbrough, wish to appoint a head teacher. Group 5 ISR (5 pt. range between L23 & L28) Starting point depending on experience NOR: 602 Required for January 2020 “We are a...
by Michael McG | May 16, 2019 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales have published a statement and a number of resolutions following their spring meeting at the Royal English College of St Alban’s in Valladolid, Spain. At the end of our meeting in Valladolid, we thank Baroness...
by Michael McG | May 16, 2019 | CAFOD, Miscellaneous
CAFOD Middlesbrough has organised a coach to take supporters to the Time Is Now mass lobby of parliament for climate and environmental action in London on Wednesday 26 June. The coach leaves from outside of St Francis of Assisi at Acklam at 5.45am–6am. If you would...
by Michael McG | May 16, 2019 | Education Service, Schools and Colleges
Spectators are very welcome to come along to support teams taking part in the prestigious Primary Schools Catholic Cup football tournament. Spectators are very welcome to come along to support teams taking part in the prestigious Primary Schools Catholic Cup football...
by Michael McG | May 8, 2019 | Bishop Terry
Bishop Terry gave his blessing to what is thought to be the first NHS chaplaincy leadership of its kind during a visit to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough. Deacon Len Collings, from Blessed Nicholas Postgate Parish, Redcar, has been appointed as...
by Michael McG | May 8, 2019 | Voice Column
Usually, May is a month full of celebrations – First Holy Communions, Confirmations, and it’s the beginning of the “Wedding Season”. On May 11, Francis Sutcliffe will be ordained to the priesthood. Most of Francis’ adult life has been spent in ministering in the...
by Michael McG | May 1, 2019 | Miscellaneous
We continue to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection and will conclude the month with his Ascension, which brings us the absolute promise to remain with us in a new, original way. The warmer, longer days of spring have duly arrived – blossom and new crops flourish,...
by Michael McG | Apr 25, 2019 | Jobs
The Coordinator of Adult Formation is a new role in the Diocese of Middlesbrough. This role is full-time and a salary in the region of £45k, commensurate with experience, is offered. As a senior appointment in the diocese, the office holder will coordinate the...
by Michael McG | Apr 15, 2019 | Event Calendar
The thirteenth series of Ebor Lectures has got underway at York St John University with the theme of “Science: Wonder, Gift and Challenge”. The lectures promote a conversation between theology and public issues and contribute to the creation of personal...
by Michael McG | Apr 9, 2019 | Miscellaneous
Bishop Terry told the congregation to reflect on the love and guidance we receive from God in the sacraments during the Ordination to the Diaconate of Francis Sutcliffe. The ordination took place during the 10.45 Mass at his home parish of St John of Beverley Church,...
by Michael McG | Apr 2, 2019 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
Cardinal Vincent Nichols will join other churches leaders at a rally in Trafalgar Square this Saturday (April 6) to call for an end to knife crime. The church leaders will stand alongside young people, families and communities affected by the scourge of violent crime...
by Michael McG | Apr 2, 2019 | Pope Francis
Pope Francis’ post-synodal apostolic exhortation, Christus Vivit – Christ is Alive! Is now available to order from the Catholic Truth Society (CTS). The document is the fruit of six months of prayer and reflection on the conclusions of last autumn’s Synod on Young...
by Michael McG | Apr 2, 2019 | CAFOD, Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention
Among the many intentions we will bring to our prayer during April, the Holy Father invites us to consider also what is in his heart and his prayers this month. This month brings us Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Good Friday, then the bright triumph of absolute good over...
by Michael McG | Mar 29, 2019 | Bishop Terry's Pastoral Letters
Dear Sisters and Brothers, God never ceases to call us. He called us into existence in our mothers’ womb and continues to coax us into life. At baptism he called us into the life of the family of God, giving us the chance to share his very own life with the Son and...
by Michael McG | Mar 28, 2019 | Voice Column
They say that mud sticks and life experience tells us that this is absolutely true. It is the same with shame; it clings and actually seems to eat into the very marrow of our being, eating away at our self-esteem until we are, in some cases, completely floored. What I...
by Michael McG | Mar 28, 2019 | Appeals and Special Events
Middlesbrough’s only dedicated baby hospice has made a desperate appeal for support to prevent it from having to close its doors for two days a week. Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice issued a rallying call to the public to ensure this essential and unique service remains in...
by Michael McG | Mar 22, 2019 | Appeals and Special Events, CAFOD Appeals
CAFOD is appealing for help as it seeks to provide urgent humanitarian for the millions of people made homeless by Cyclone Idai. The charity says its priority is to reach the most vulnerable with food and clean water, basic shelter and hygiene kits in Mozambique,...
by Michael McG | Mar 21, 2019 | Apostleship of the Sea, Pilgrimage
Apostleship of the Sea invites you to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne for a peaceful day of prayer and reflection on Saturday June 8. Parish groups, families and individuals all welcome to join them and pray for seafarers and for everyone involved in our ministry and...
by Michael McG | Mar 6, 2019 | Appeals and Special Events, Pope Francis, World Youth Day
A group of 20 young people from our diocese plus Bishop Terry, Father William Massie, Father Phil Cunnah, Deacon Peter Taylor and two Franciscan sisters, flew out from Newcastle to Panama City – via Heathrow and Bogota – to join Pope Francis for World Youth Day. One...
by Michael McG | Mar 6, 2019 | Diocese, Study Days
Bishop Terry is inviting clergy and lay-faithful to a study day to explore Pope Francis’ vision of what the Church needs to be both now and in the future. Priests and deacons and two specially chosen representatives from each parish in the diocese will be asked to...
by Michael McG | Mar 6, 2019 | Vocations
Peter Taylor reflects on his ordination to the diaconate by Bishop Terry at St Mary’s Cathedral… Ordination as a deacon is an important, and final, step on their journey towards priesthood. Normally this takes place in the seminary in which the student is...
by Michael McG | Mar 6, 2019 | Voice Column
What did the Pope say at World Youth Day in Panama? At the end of January I went with a group of young people from the diocese to World Youth Day in Panama. It was a truly wonderful experience. Over a period of four days the Holy Father spoke to us all – young and...
by Michael McG | Mar 5, 2019 | Appeals and Special Events, CAFOD, CAFOD Appeals
Friday March 15 is CAFOD’s Lent Family Fast Day. Traditionally, on each of our Fast Days we ask people to have a simple meal or give what they save to CAFOD, to help fund our work among some of the poorest people in the world. The collections we take in our parishes...
by Michael McG | Mar 1, 2019 | Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention
The Holy Father invites us to join our hearts to his, and together to Christ’s, praying about the concerns that face humanity and church. The purpose of this, his personal network of prayer, is to mobilise ourselves and each other, through prayer and action, to engage...
by Michael McG | Feb 25, 2019 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
Bishop Paul McAleenan has called for MPs to support a 28-day time limit on immigration detention, saying that detaining people indefinitely “does not reflect the justice due to every person that we as a nation pride ourselves on upholding.” In a letter, Bishop Paul...
by Michael McG | Feb 25, 2019 | National Board of Catholic Women
The National Board of Catholic Women actively seeks to promote the presence, participation and responsibilities of Catholic women in the Church and society in order to enable them to fulfil their evangelical mission and to work for the Common Good. It is a forum...
by Michael McG | Feb 13, 2019 | Catholic Bishop's Conference, Pope Francis
Cardinal Vincent Nichols has warmly welcomed the news that Cardinal Newman will be declared a saint. Pope Francis cleared the way for the canonisation of the much-loved educationalist by authorising the Congregation for the Causes of Saints to issue a decree...
by Michael McG | Feb 4, 2019 | Cleveland Newman Circle, Organisations
Diocese of Middlesbrough Archivist David Smallwood will speak on the subject of “Egton Catholics 1600-1900” at the next meeting of Cleveland Newman Circle. The event takes place at St Mary’s Cathedral Hall on Wednesday February 20 at 7.45pm, with coffee and tea...
by Michael McG | Feb 4, 2019 | Miscellaneous
Middlesbrough Catholic Fellowship has been running successfully for 46 years, forming friendships and making memories in our local community. Friends at the Fellowship are of different abilities and we all help each other to share in and enjoy the time we spend...
by Michael McG | Feb 4, 2019 | Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN)
TERESA DEAN, diocesan representative for the Medaille Trust, tells us about the charity’s mission to care for and empower UK victims of human trafficking, raise awareness of their plight and campaign on their behalf… On Friday February 8 the Catholic Church...
by Michael McG | Feb 4, 2019 | Miscellaneous
Teesside’s best-loved private garden, Tudor Croft at Guisborough, will be open for two days on Saturday and Sunday February 16 and 17 for everyone to enjoy its fabulous collection of snowdrops and early spring flowers. Home of the Heagney family, Tudor Croft provides...
by Michael McG | Feb 4, 2019 | NPCAT
With pupil numbers in the UK set to continue to rise and teacher numbers at an all-time low, it’s a challenging time for schools across the UK. Figures show that in 2017 there were 451,900 full-time teachers working in English state schools compared with 457,000...
by Michael McG | Feb 4, 2019 | Miscellaneous
JOHN CARROLL, World Apostolate of Fatima (WAF) of England and Wales promoter for the Diocese of Middlesbrough, introduces a new initiative to stimulate a Rosary revival… The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales have begun the rededication of our countries to Our...
by Michael McG | Feb 4, 2019 | Flame Congress
There’s still time to take part in the fourth CYMFed Flame Congress, at Wembley Arena on Saturday March 2. Many parishes and school groups have already booked tickets for their young people to enjoy this wonderful celebration of Catholic faith in a vibrant...
by Michael McG | Feb 4, 2019 | CAFOD, St Mary's Cathedral, Middlesbrough
CAFOD has developed a programme called Livesimply, which is an opportunity for Catholic communities – parishes, schools, religious orders and chaplaincies – to respond to Pope Francis’ invitation in his encyclical Laudato Si’ to “work with generosity and...
by Michael McG | Feb 4, 2019 | Courses, Diocese, Study Days
The Diocese of Middlesbrough and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in the UK are pleased to invite you to attend their one-day Sharing Hope In Crisis seminar in Hull. This invaluable training opportunity will help prepare you to serve people in crisis,...
by Michael McG | Feb 4, 2019 | Bishop Terry, Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), Catholic Bishop's Conference
Bishop Terry called for politicians to use their influence to take positive steps to address the housing crisis as he launched an important new report at the Houses of Parliament. He said greater preference should be given to community-owned and led housing...
by Michael McG | Jan 25, 2019 | CAFOD
Would you like to meet inspiring new people and make new friends in your community while learning new skills? As a volunteer with CAFOD, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, you will make a tremendous difference in the fight against global poverty and...
by Michael McG | Jan 25, 2019 | SPUC
A new Middlesbrough branch of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) will hold its first meeting at St Thomas More’s Church on Monday February 11 at 7pm. If you would like to join the new branch or if you are interested in getting involved in local...
