by Michael McG | Apr 11, 2023 | Appeals and Special Events
The St Bernadette Relic Tour team have released a film commemorating last year’s visit, which included stops at Middlesbrough, Hull and Ampleforth. The tour reached one in four UK Catholics, with thousands of people participating in the visit. The relics of St...
by Michael McG | Apr 11, 2023 | Flame Congress, Flame2, Youth
Tens of thousands of young Catholics from across England and Wales, including many from our diocese, gathered at the OVO Arena Wembley for the 5th CYMFed Flame Congress. The event was held 150 days before the 37th World Youth Day—to be held in Lisbon in...
by Michael McG | Apr 4, 2023 | Friends of the Holy Land, Organisations
Pilgrim Margaret Rooney gives a personal report on her recent visit to the Holy Land… High Mass at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, on the actual feast of the Annunciation (March 25), was a thrilling way to spend the last day of the St Barnabas Holy Land...
by Michael McG | Apr 4, 2023 | ADoRe charismatic renewal, Organisations
Charismatic leader to speak at ADoRE retreat Dr Maria Heath, leader of the country’s Catholic Charismatic Renewal Service, will be the guest speaker at April’s ADoRE mini-retreat morning for spiritual renewal.This is the latest part of the Zoom course to...
by Michael McG | Apr 3, 2023 | Organisations, St Francis Leprosy Guild
St Francis Leprosy Guild is offering parishes and families free Easter resources for children. There are three different Easter cards for children, each with an Easter design and the words Hallelujah! He is Risen! inside. You can download the card here.The charity...
by Michael McG | Apr 3, 2023 | Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention
The Pope Video for April is an appeal to build a culture of peace that should resort less and less to the use of arms because “a lasting peace can exist only without weapons.”Sixty years after St John XXIII published the encyclical Pacem in Terris, Pope Francis renews...
by Michael McG | Mar 16, 2023 | Bishop Terry, Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), Organisations
Caritas Social Action Network says it is profoundly concerned about the government’s Illegal Migration Bill, introduced in the House of Commons on March 7.In a statement signed by CSAN chair Bishop Terry and CEO Raymond Friel OBE, it says this bill, if passed, will...
by Michael McG | Mar 10, 2023 | Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention
This month’s Pope Video is an appeal to listen, accompany, and protect people who have been abused by members of the ecclesial community.Pope Francis’ message focuses on victims of this evil, who should be “at the centre” of everything.The Church is responsible for...
by Michael McG | Mar 10, 2023 | Voice Column
Lent is a time for renewal, Metanoia, change of heart. We began the season of Lent on Ash Wednesday. An action which reminded us of being humble. Life is a journey towards God. The end of Lent is the celebration of the Easter Vigil. The symbol of Light and Darkness...
by webmaster | Feb 25, 2023 | Bishop Terry, Bishop Terry's Pastoral Letters
Lent 2023 Dear Sisters and Brothers, You probably wouldn’t sing Christmas carols on your summer holidays. They would be out of place. More than likely, you wouldn’t turn up for a wedding wearing your gardening or DIY clothes. It just wouldn’t be respectful. If you...
by Michael McG | Feb 20, 2023 | Bar Convent, Pastoral Centres
The Bar Convent in York is inviting families to discover the story of the trailblazer Yorkshire woman, Mary Ward during the half-term break.It was Mary Ward’s mission to educate girls, and it is thanks to her that her followers established the first school for girls...
by Michael McG | Feb 10, 2023 | Evangelisation, Talks, Retreats and Lectures
Visit the Franciscan Centre Ladywell in Surrey and walk the Franciscan path of prayer with the saints of Assisi. All Praise Be Yours…Praying with Francis and Clare is the title of a time of retreat and reflection with Brother Adrian Peelo OFM. This weekend...
by Michael McG | Feb 7, 2023 | Friends of the Holy Land, Organisations
Time is running out to snap up tickets for an unforgettable evening of uplifting music to raise your spirits while also raising much-needed funds for those in need in the Holy Land. Ecumenical Christian charity Friends of the Holy Land (FHL) invites you to a rare...
by Michael McG | Feb 6, 2023 | Appeals and Special Events, Miscellaneous
A performance of Edward Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius will take place at the Sage Gateshead on Sunday February 26 at 5pm. The words, written by St John Henry Newman, tell the moving story of the death of a man of faith, the journey of his soul in the company of...
Snowdrop lovers head for Guisborough
by Michael McG | Feb 6, 2023 | Miscellaneous
Tudor Croft Gardens in Guisborough will soon be open again for visitors to enjoy its collection of rare and beautiful snowdrops. The collection now numbers about 300 different snowdrops and is thought to be the biggest in the North-East. The opening weekends are...
by Michael McG | Feb 6, 2023 | Voice Column
“Journeying in dignity” is the theme of the ninth International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking, celebrated around February 8 2023.Pope Francis reminds us, “Human trafficking is an open wound of contemporary society. A scourge upon the body of...
by Michael McG | Jan 31, 2023 | Pope Francis, Pope's Prayer Intention
February’s Pope Video calls parishes to truly be communities, places of listening and welcome whose doors are always open. February’s Pope Video The second Pope Video of the year has just been published with the prayer intention that the Holy Father is...
by Michael McG | Jan 25, 2023 | Vocations
The Jesuits in Britain (the Society of Jesus) have launched a new series of videos focusing on vocations. The series of fascinating videos, which show members of the order living out their calling in pastoral, community and educational settings, are...
by Michael McG | Jan 20, 2023 | Catholic Bishop's Conference, Friends of the Holy Land, Organisations
A group of Catholic Bishops from across Europe were in Jordan for the annual Holy Land Co-ordination, from January 14 to 19 2023. Holy Land Co-ordination 2023 Final Communique Jesus set out from there and went into the district of Judea [and] across the Jordan. Again...
by Michael McG | Jan 19, 2023 | Miscellaneous
The Chosen – a groundbreaking crowd-funded television series about the life of Jesus and his followers – is to return for a second series on Easter Sunday. The first series of the drama was released in 2019. The series is the largest crowd-funded media...
by Michael McG | Jan 18, 2023 | ADoRe charismatic renewal, Organisations
A Zoom course designed to inspire parish evangelisation is being launched by ADoRE, a monthly mini-retreat morning for spiritual renewal.”Proclaim the Good News – we are called to be Missionary Disciples” will run from January to November, usually on the...
by Michael McG | Jan 18, 2023 | Appeals and Special Events, Synod of Bishops 2023
A message from Margaret Clark, president of the National Board of Catholic Women (NBCW)… I have been privileged this last year to have been involved in many discussions on the Synod.From a listening course, an NBCW conference in Durham, attendance at national forums...
by Michael McG | Jan 18, 2023 | Bar Convent, Pastoral Centres
The Bar Convent in York will mark Mary Ward Week (January 23-30) with a series of activities to raise awareness of this extraordinary Yorkshire woman who paved the way for ground-breaking local, national and international change.Mary Ward (January 23 1585-January 30...
by Michael McG | Jan 13, 2023 | Homilies
March 2 2023 will mark 100 years since Cardinal Basil Hume was born. By the time of his death, he was a much admired and respected figure in the country and greatly loved within his own Catholic community.The approach to his centenary gave Emeritus Bishop of...
by Michael McG | Jan 10, 2023 | Friends of the Holy Land, Organisations
Ecumenical Christian charity Friends of the Holy Land (FHL) invites you to an unforgettable evening of uplifting music to raise your spirits while also raising much-needed funds for those in need in the Holy Land.This rare musical experience is an evening of virtuoso...
by Michael McG | Jan 9, 2023 | Justice and Peace, Organisations
“Let us Dream: How can our parishes save our Common Home?” is the title of the Middlesbrough Diocesan Justice and Peace meeting at St Bede’s Pastoral Centre, Blossom Street, York, on Saturday February 4.We are very much looking forward to welcoming John Paul de Quay,...
by Michael McG | Jan 9, 2023 | Diocese, Safeguarding
Safe Spaces, the free national support service for victims and survivors of Church-related abuse, will increase operational hours under a newly appointed independent provider, First Light, which has taken over the service. Safe Spaces offers a confidential,...
by Michael McG | Jan 9, 2023 | Adult Formation, Evangelisation
Are you interested in finding out more about the Catholic faith or interested in becoming a Catholic? You may be a catechist or active in one of the many parish ministries in your parish. Then these online sessions could be for you. The Sycamore programme looks at the...
by Michael McG | Jan 9, 2023 | Voice Column
New Year’s Day has many historical and religious origins. In our part of the world, it owes its principal origins to the Roman god Janus. Janus was the god of gateways. He is depicted with two faces, one facing forwards and one facing backwards, the god of beginnings...
by Michael McG | Jan 9, 2023 | Diocese
As we continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic, the trustees have appointed a fundraising officer to help support its parishes and create a fundraising strategy across the diocese. Dan Woodgate takes on the role with a wealth of diocesan experience behind...
by Michael McG | Jan 4, 2023 | Bishop Terry, Parishes, St Mary's Cathedral, Middlesbrough
Bishop Terry will offer 9.30am Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral on the Feast of the Epiphany (Friday January 6) for Pope Emeritus Benedict. The Mass will be live-streamed on the Diocese of Middlesbrough YouTube channel.Pope Francis will preside at the late...
by Michael McG | Jan 3, 2023 | Justice and Peace, Organisations, Pax Christi, Pope Francis
Pax Christi, the international Catholic movement for peace, has produced online and paper resources to celebrate this year’s theme for World Peace Sunday (January 15). Pope Francis has announced the theme as: “No one can be saved alone. Combatting Covid-19 together,...
by Michael McG | Jan 3, 2023 | Pope Francis, Rome
Pope Francis will preside at the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, which takes place in St Peter’s Square on Thursday (January 5) at 8am UK time.The body of the Pope Emeritus has been lying in St Peter’s Basilica so the faithful can pay...
by Michael McG | Dec 31, 2022 | Bishop Terry
Bishop Terry has issued the following message following the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict at the age of 95… “Over the last few days we have heard the news of Pope Emeritus Benedict’s deteriorating health. “Even so, it is with sadness that we heard...
by Michael McG | Dec 23, 2022 | Ukraine War
Pope Francis has called on everyone to “renew our closeness to the battered Ukrainian people” and to persevere in “prayer for these our brothers and sisters who are suffering so much”. The Pope’s words came just before he gave his final blessing at the Wednesday...
by Michael McG | Dec 14, 2022 | ADoRe charismatic renewal
ADoRE Christmas worship online is holding a special one-hour Christmas worship session on Saturday December 17 from 11am to noon.“O come, let us ADoRE Him” is a one-hour programme of seasonal Scripture readings, prayers, carols and other worship songs.It’s designed to...
by Michael McG | Dec 14, 2022 | Adult Formation, Evangelisation, Talks, Retreats and Lectures
David Cross, our adult formation coordinator, has put together a beautiful nine-day Advent retreat, beginning on Saturday and running all the way to Christmas Day…
by Michael McG | Dec 14, 2022 | Evangelisation, Talks, Retreats and Lectures
St Francis of Assisi’s prayer “Who Are You, O God, and Who am I?” is the focus of a retreat at the Franciscan Centre Ladywell in January.In listening as Francis did to God’s self-revelation, we are able to come to a deeper appreciation and understanding of ourselves...
by Michael McG | Dec 7, 2022 | Mary's Meals, Organisations
Mary’s Meals Doubles the Love this winter Donations to school feeding charity Mary’s Meals this winter will be doubled by a group of generous supporters, up to £1.5m – meaning the public’s kindness will go even further to reach more desperately hungry children...
by Michael McG | Dec 6, 2022 | Voice Column
Deep down inside the human spirit there is a flame of hope. Sometimes that hope can be expressed crudely in wanton restlessness or it can be enshrined in persevering heroic trust against the odds. It is not optimism, though, like Mr Micawber, but genuine hope is...
by Michael McG | Dec 1, 2022 | Apostleship of the Sea, Appeals and Special Events, Organisations
As Christmas approaches, many of us will be with our loved ones at this special time for families.Most seafarers will not. At best, they may be in port with access to internet and mobile connections. At worst, they will be at sea with no opportunity to contact their...
by Michael McG | Nov 28, 2022 | Evangelisation, St Paulinus, Guisborough, Talks, Retreats and Lectures
Well-known US missionary Meg Hunter-Kilmer has agreed to give an Advent retreat at St Paulinus, Guisborough, during her tour of the UK.Meg felt a call some years ago to give up her “normal life” and follow the Lord by driving around speaking to people about Jesus.She...
by Michael McG | Nov 28, 2022 | Appeals and Special Events, Ukraine War
Ukraine is facing one of the severest air attacks it has been subjected to since Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24 2022.Peaceful Ukrainian cities have been hit with deadly missiles, civilians have been targeted and infrastructure destroyed, leaving...
by Michael McG | Nov 17, 2022 | Appeals and Special Events, National Board of Catholic Women, Organisations
Women at the Periphery Taking Centre Stage is the title of a National Board of Catholic Women conference at Ushaw College, County Durham. The event takes place from Friday November 25 to Sunday November 27 and a wide range of speakers will address subjects including...
by Michael McG | Nov 16, 2022 | Bar Convent, Pastoral Centres
The Bar Convent in York is continuing its tradition of creating a meaningful, community- spirited display for the Christmas period. This year, the convent has partnered with New Visuality, an award-winning charity based in York that seeks to advance the arts,...
by Michael McG | Nov 16, 2022 | Appeals and Special Events, Organisations, Pact
Every year, more than 300,000 children are separated from their parents through imprisonment.You can help to restore a little joy and hope for them this Christmas by donating to Operation Elf, an appeal organised by the national Catholic prison charity, Pact.Operation...
by Michael McG | Nov 14, 2022 | Courses, Diocese, Evangelisation, Talks, Retreats and Lectures
The Jesuits in Britain spirituality team is holding an online School of Prayer on Tuesday December 13 and again on Thursday January 19.This event is an ideal introduction to various types of prayer suitable for Catholics wishing to deepen their prayer life. See below...
by Michael McG | Nov 14, 2022 | Evangelisation, Talks, Retreats and Lectures
Theodore House, the stunning residential retreat and conference centre in the renovated Old Mill on the Stonyhurst College estate in Lancashire, has permanently reopened. It’s an ideal venue for small meetings, away/training days, group retreats and conferences,...
by Michael McG | Nov 14, 2022 | Evangelisation, Talks, Retreats and Lectures
ADoRE, the monthly meeting of Catholic Charismatic Renewal, is holding an online retreat on Saturday November 26. Guest speaker Father Anthony Meredith will speak on the theme of “Love one another as I have loved you” – we are called to receive and give...
by Michael McG | Nov 14, 2022 | Adult Formation, Evangelisation, Organisations, SVP and Mini Vinnies, Talks, Retreats and Lectures
The SVP is inviting students and young adults to a weekend retreat of prayer, reflection and mission in the Vincentian Spirituality this month. The weekend will include talks by inspirational speakers and moments of prayer and reflection, as well as a visit to...
