by Michael McG | Feb 13, 2025 | Catholic Bishop's Conference, Justice and Peace
Racial Justice Sunday (February 16) is the day the Church focuses on the need to oppose racism and pursue racial justice with renewed vigour. This year’s theme is: “Pilgrims of Hope: Our Journey Together Towards Racial Justice” and invites Catholics to reflect on...
by Michael McG | Feb 7, 2025 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
Ahead of National Marriage Week, celebrated from February 7-14, Bishop Bosco MacDonald has said marriage is a vital building block for a flourishing society. In a message for the week, Bishop MacDonald, the lead bishop for marriage and family life, said we should all...
by Michael McG | Feb 4, 2025 | Appeals and Special Events, Catholic Bishop's Conference, Sacraments
National Conference: Reimagining BaptismPreparing for a lifetime in ChristKeynote: Abbot Hugh Allan OPraemWith workshops run by catechists and clergy from around the country Dates: Friday May 9 for clergy and repeated on Saturday May 10 for all Location: Amigo Hall,...
by Michael McG | Feb 4, 2025 | Appeals and Special Events, Catholic Bishop's Conference
Marriage Week (February 7-14) is an annual celebration offering the opportunity to support and promote marriage and family life. A Christian marriage is rooted in faith. That means faith in God as the giver of life and the one who promises eternal life to those who...
by Michael McG | Feb 4, 2025 | Voice Column
Beginning with the feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple and ending with the feast of the Chair of St Peter, the month of February is filled with many beautiful celebrations and saints’ days.And among these many other feast days this month, we remember...
by Michael McG | Jan 27, 2025 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
Auxiliary Bishops of Westminster Nicholas Hudson and James Curry, Anglican Bishop of Southwark Christopher Chessun and Archbishop of Glasgow William Nolan were among those who took part in this year’s Holy Land Co-ordination, from January 18 to 23. Afterwards, the...
by Michael McG | Jan 24, 2025 | Diocese, Obituaries
The Requiem Mass for Father Neil McNicholas took place at St Mary’s Cathedral on Friday February 14 before his burial in Redcar Cemetery.Father Neil passed died peacefully at the Butterwick Hospice in Stockton on the morning of Friday January 24.The night before the...
by Michael McG | Jan 9, 2025 | CAFOD, Organisations
Pope Francis has earmarked 2025 as a Holy Jubilee Year, calling for the global church to be “Pilgrims of Hope”, working together for God’s kingdom of justice, peace and love, and standing in solidarity with the world’s poorest communities.Chair of the Catholic...
by Michael McG | Jan 8, 2025 | ADoRe charismatic renewal, Organisations
Alton Day of Renewal (ADoRE) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and launches a special Jubilee programme on Saturday January 25 with an open Zoom meeting.ADoRE is a monthly meeting of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, dedicated to the encouragement of a...
by Michael McG | Jan 6, 2025 | Catholic Voice, Diocese, Voice Column
Happy New Year, or perhaps, happy feast of the Motherhood of our Blessed Lady.On January 1 we are reminded of the role Mary played in the salvation of humankind. The title “Mother of God” is a western derivation from the Greek Theotokos, which means “God-bearer”. Mary...
by Michael McG | Jan 6, 2025 | Diocese, Obituaries
Tributes have been paid to Father Peter Keeling, who served communities throughout the diocese and was the last parish priest of the “Old” St Mary’s Cathedral in Sussex Street, Middlesbrough.Bishop Terry was principal celebrant at Father Peter’s Requiem Mass at a...
by Michael McG | Jan 5, 2025 | Diocese, Homilies, Obituaries
Father Tom O’Neill’s homily at Father Peter Keeling’s funeral at St Francis Church, Middlesbrough, on November 26 2024… When Peter was in better health, he asked if I would speak at his funeral. My response was ‘Yes, on one condition that you speak at mine, if I go...
by webmaster | Dec 28, 2024 | Bishop Terry, Bishop Terry's Pastoral Letters
Dear brothers and sisters, Today, the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the Sunday within the Octave of Christmas, we begin the celebration of the opening of the Ordinary Jubilee Year 2025. At the Cathedral a cross will be carried into the Church....
by Michael McG | Dec 16, 2024 | CAFOD, Organisations
In the Old Testament, the Jubilee Year was a time of renewal, freedom and celebration.Debts were cancelled, people and the land could rest, prisoners and slaves were freed and land was given to those who didn’t have any.It was known as the year of the Lord’s favour....
by Michael McG | Dec 9, 2024 | Voice Column
The Ordinary Jubilee Year and Indulgences You can be sorry for something; you can confess your guilt, and the person hurt or offended can forgive you. But that does not mean to say that everything is as it was before. Take the obvious example of getting angry...
by Michael McG | Dec 9, 2024 | Miscellaneous
English Dominican Father Timothy Radcliffe OP has been named by Pope Francis as one of the newest members of the College of Cardinals.The formal consistory for the creation of new cardinals took place at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome on Saturday December 7.As a member...
by Michael McG | Dec 5, 2024 | Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention
“For pilgrims of hope” is the prayer intention chosen by Pope Francis for the month of December in a message closely linked to the upcoming Jubilee 2025.The Pope asks us to “pray that this upcoming Jubilee strengthen us in our faith, helping us to recognise the Risen...
by Michael McG | Dec 5, 2024 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
Bishop Richard Moth has launched a new report that says restorative justice can offer healing to the victims of crime and rehabilitation for offenders.The document, published by the Department for Social Justice of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and...
by Michael McG | Dec 5, 2024 | Appeals and Special Events, HCPT, Lourdes, Organisations
HCPT has launched an urgent “Big Give” appeal in a bid to ensure its life-changing pilgrimages can continue for years to come – and the charity says donations made this week will be doubled.Each year, HCPT provides a pilgrimage to Lourdes for disabled and...
by Michael McG | Dec 3, 2024 | Jobs
Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust has a vacancy for a Lay Chaplain. Applications close on January 9.
by webmaster | Nov 30, 2024 | Bishop Terry, Bishop Terry's Pastoral Letters
Dear sisters and brothers, I’m not a conspiracy theorist, nor am I pessimistic by nature, rather I’m a glass half-full person at least, and can generally see light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how faint. However, reflecting on the words of the Gospel we have...
by Michael McG | Nov 27, 2024 | Jobs, Miscellaneous
Due to the retirement of the current director, Catholic Care (Caritas Leeds) is in the process of recruiting a new director/CEO. For more details, download the application pack below.
by Michael McG | Nov 21, 2024 | Apostleship of the Sea, Organisations
Parishes and schools also play an important part in making Christmas special for seafarers, says Anne McLaren, Stella Maris’ senior area port chaplain for the north of England.“We have run a woolly hat appeal with primary schools for a number of years. We visit...
by Michael McG | Nov 15, 2024 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
The Catholic Bishops of England, Wales and Scotland have issued a statement on assisted suicide ahead of the Second Reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. In it, the bishops explain exactly what “compassion” means at the end of life – caring for and...
by Michael McG | Nov 12, 2024 | Appeals and Special Events
Teesside Apollo Male Voice Choir is holding its annual Christmas concert at the Holy Name of Mary Church in Middlesbrough on Wednesday December 4.Tickets are £10, which includes refreshments. Call 01642 281826 or 0162 821866 for details or to book.The choir is always...
by Michael McG | Nov 12, 2024 | Diocese, Obituaries
We were saddened to hear the news that Father Peter Keeling died on Saturday evening (November 9) at James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.We keep Father Peter’s family in our prayers at this time.Funeral arrangements have yet to be made.Our picture shows...
by Michael McG | Nov 7, 2024 | Bishop Terry, Catholic Voice, Diocese, Voice Column
The Holy Father, Pope Francis, in accordance with a tradition which goes back 1,300 years, has declared an Ordinary Jubilee Year in 2025. The theme of the year is SPES NON CONFUNDIT – “Hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5). I take this opportunity to give the bare bones...
by Michael McG | Nov 1, 2024 | Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention
During the month of November, in which the Church traditionally remembers the faithful departed, the Pope invites us to pray with him for all those who have lost a child.Fathers and mothers who have experienced this “particularly intense” pain, which defies all human...
by Michael McG | Nov 1, 2024 | Aid the the Church in Need (ACN), Organisations
Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (CAN) is inviting all schools to take part in its #RedWednesday live stream on Wednesday November 20.This event offers a unique opportunity to learn, pray, and have fun while supporting children and young people living in...
by Michael McG | Oct 28, 2024 | Encyclicals, Pope Francis
Bishop of Shrewsbury Mark Davies has welcomed Pope Francis’ fourth encyclical letter Dilexit nos on the Human and Divine Love of the Heart of Jesus Christ, as a “great gift”.Bishop Mark said that as the Church seeks to grow in communion, participation and mission, “an...
by Michael McG | Oct 10, 2024 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
The focus for this year’s World Mental Health Day (Thursday October 10) is the mental health challenges facing employees in the workplace.In a statement, Bishop Paul Mason, lead bishop for mental health for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, says the dignity of...
by Michael McG | Oct 10, 2024 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, president of the Bishops’ Conference and Archbishop of Westminster, has issued a pastoral letter on assisted suicide that will be read in the churches of his diocese on the weekend of October 12-13. Referring to a private...
by Michael McG | Oct 9, 2024 | Missio, Organisations
This year’s World Mission Sunday takes place on October 20.This day of prayer, solidarity, and giving unites Catholics everywhere in sharing the Good News of God’s love, which has the power to transform lives and heal our world.Missio England and Wales invites every...
by Michael McG | Oct 7, 2024 | Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention
“For a shared mission” is the prayer intention chosen by Pope Francis for the month of October – a theme linked to the upcoming General Assembly of the Synod, about which Pope Francis reflects in his message entrusted to the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network. He...
by Michael McG | Oct 4, 2024 | Pope Francis
Pope Francis has called for a day of prayer and fasting for on Monday (October 7), the one-year anniversary of the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.“In this dramatic hour of our history, while the winds of war and the fires of violence continue to devastate entire...
by Michael McG | Sep 23, 2024 | Appeals and Special Events, Pope Francis, World Youth Day
Pope Francis has addressed a message to young people around the world for the 39th World Youth Day (Sunday November 24).The message, entitled “Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary,” centres on the theme of hope and endurance, drawing inspiration from...
by Michael McG | Sep 23, 2024 | Appeals and Special Events, Pope Francis
The Holy Father has chosen the theme “God walks with his people” for the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR)The Church has marked WDMR since 1914 and this year’s celebration is on September 29 – the last Sunday of the month.It’s always an occasion to...
by Michael McG | Sep 23, 2024 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
The government has announced that legislation to enact so-called “safe access” or “buffer” zones outside abortion facilities in England and Wales will come into force on October 31.This legislation, contained in section 9 of the Public Order Act 2023, criminalises a...
by Michael McG | Sep 20, 2024 | Organisations, Pact
Prisoners’ Sunday falls this year on October 13. With the support of liaison bishop for prisons Bishop Richard Moth, Pact invites parishes across England and Wales to bring people in prison, and their children and families, before the Lord in prayer. Pact is the...
by Michael McG | Sep 20, 2024 | Aid the the Church in Need (ACN)
A Catholic charity is hoping to exceed last year’s milestone of more than a million children joining a campaign to pray the Rosary for peace in the world’s conflict zones. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is holding its “One Million Children Praying the Rosary”...
by Michael McG | Sep 20, 2024 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has renewed its call for the government to scrap the two-child benefit cap on Universal Credit payments and is asking Catholics to contact their MPs to make their feelings known. The policy is currently under...
by Michael McG | Sep 12, 2024 | Evangelisation, Talks, Retreats and Lectures
A free retreat is taking place to explore how we can ask the Holy Spirit to stir up in us the gift of prophecy, for the encouragement and comforting of God’s people.The meeting is hosted by ADoRE, one of the longest-running charismatic days of renewal in the...
by Michael McG | Sep 2, 2024 | Pilgrimage
Bishop Terry invites the people of the diocese to join him in Rome from October 6 to 11 2025.This special pilgrimage will be one of the major events marking our celebration of the Jubilee year.The tradition of jubilee and pilgrimage traces its origins to the medieval...
by Michael McG | Sep 2, 2024 | Diocese, Obituaries
Father Dan O’Neill, a much-loved priest who served parishes throughout the diocese for more than half a century, has passed away at the age of 81 after a recent illness.Father Dan was born on January 29 1943 in Ayle, Cappawhite, County Tipperary, Ireland. He attended...
by Michael McG | Sep 2, 2024 | Appeals and Special Events, Parishes, St Mary's Cathedral, Middlesbrough
At noon on the Feast of St Henry (July 13), I was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Terry at St Mary’s Cathedral.It was such a joyful occasion for me. I was greatly moved to see all the people who had made the journey to be there – family and friends and...
by Michael McG | Sep 2, 2024 | Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention
Pope Francis’s prayer intention for September is for the cry of the Earth, which “has a fever and is sick, just like anyone who’s sick”. As part of the Season of Creation – that annual time during which the Church reflects on the care of our common home – it is a...
by Michael McG | Aug 27, 2024 | Friends of the Holy Land, Organisations
World Water Week has been organised every year since 1991 and is centred on water cooperation, for peace and security in its broadest sense.This year, from August 25 to 29, the theme Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future asks us to recognise...
by Michael McG | Aug 16, 2024 | Pope's Prayer Intention
(Vatican City, 23 July 2024) – Pope Francis’s prayer intention for August is for political leaders. The Pope Video accompanies the Pope’s request in that context, as he invites politicians “to be at the service of their own people.” In his...
by Michael McG | Aug 14, 2024 | Appeals and Special Events, Parishes, St Mary's Cathedral, Middlesbrough
It is a great privilege to be invited by Father Steven to give the homily at his first Mass in this beautiful cathedral.It is a day I am sure you will not forget, if for no other reason than the “air of firstness” about it: the first full day in the priesthood, the...
by Michael McG | Aug 14, 2024 | Appeals and Special Events, Lourdes, Miscellaneous
We are pleased to announce we have organised a Lourdes Hospitalité Ball for 2024. After the success of last year’s event, we wanted to celebrate in style, so we are returning to the picturesque setting of Gisborough Hall, Guisborough.The date for our ball is Friday...
