by Michael McG | Oct 7, 2022 | St Francis Leprosy Guild
In the Gospel this Sunday (October 9), Jesus heals 10 people of leprosy. To coincide with the reading, the St Francis Leprosy Guild tells us more about this terrible disease and the charity’s quest to see it wiped out for good… We might think of leprosy as...
by Michael McG | Oct 5, 2022 | Organisations, Pact
Pact, the national Catholic charity that supports prisoners and their families, is asking for your support and prayers for its important work as we mark Prisoners Sunday this weekend (October 9).The charity’s services manager Claire Malarkey works at HMP Askham Grange...
by Michael McG | Sep 27, 2022 | Missio, Organisations
World Mission Sunday – the one day in the year when the entire global Church comes together in support of mission – is this coming weekend (Sunday October 23).Coordinated by Missio, the Pope’s charity for world mission, World Mission Sunday is an opportunity to...
by Michael McG | Sep 26, 2022 | Apostleship of the Sea, Organisations
Cases of ship abandonment are at record levels, leaving seafarers or fishers stranded in perilous situations – often completely on their own. Join global Catholic maritime network Stella Maris on September 27 at 7.30pm for an online panel discussion about this...
by Michael McG | Sep 26, 2022 | Catholic Union, Organisations
The Catholic Union of Great Britain is calling for fairness to be part of the government’s Plan for Growth, in response to the “mini-budget” statement from the chancellor of the exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng.Director Nigel Parker said: “The scale of the government’s...
by Michael McG | Sep 21, 2022 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
During an audience of faith leaders with King Charles III on Friday September 16, Cardinal Nichols, in his personal conversation with the King, assured him that the Catholic community had continued, during these days of mourning, in heartfelt prayer for his mother....
by Michael McG | Sep 20, 2022 | Appeals and Special Events, Lourdes, Parishes, St Mary's Cathedral, Middlesbrough
Preparations are well underway for the visit of the relics of St Bernadette to three locations in our diocese in October.The events are part of a national St Bernadette Relic Tour that followed a request to the Lourdes authorities by the Catholic bishops of England...
by Michael McG | Sep 20, 2022 | Appeals and Special Events, Pope Francis
The 108th World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2022 is celebrated on September 25 – the last Sunday of the month.The Holy Father has chosen the theme, “Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees”.The Church has been celebrating the World Day of Migrants and...
by Michael McG | Sep 16, 2022 | Appeals and Special Events, World Youth Day, Youth
Pope Francis will meet young people in Lisbon for the next World Youth Day in August 2023.We hope a group from the Diocese of Middlesbrough will travel with Bishop Terry from July 31 to August 7 to join in this wonderful event.If there are people in your parish who...
by Michael McG | Sep 14, 2022 | Organisations
The Legion of Mary is the largest apostolic organisation of lay people in the Catholic Church, with more than three million active members and reaching almost every country of the world.Its main purpose is to give glory to God through the sanctification of its...
by Michael McG | Sep 12, 2022 | Evangelisation, Talks, Retreats and Lectures
The Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality is offering a series of retreats by Rev Nigel Rooms, an Anglican priest, practical theologian, spiritual director and supervisor drawing on the Carmelite tradition. Each can be attended individually or as a full retreat of...
by Michael McG | Sep 12, 2022 | Appeals and Special Events, Pope Francis
This coming Sunday (September 18), churches will celebrate Evangelii Gaudium Sunday.Formerly called Home Mission Sunday, and now named after Pope Francis’ first (solo) Apostolic Exhortation on the Joy of the Gospel, the day offers Catholics the opportunity to...
by Michael McG | Sep 12, 2022 | Voice Column
How time flies! It only seems the twinkling of an eye and the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes was on the horizon, and now it is come and gone, together with the Postgate Rally and our Assumption Pilgrimage to Osmotherley. Soon we will be celebrating the Mass for the...
by Michael McG | Sep 9, 2022 | Diocese, Obituaries
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has paid tribute to The Queen. On April 21 1947, on her 21st birthday, Princess Elizabeth said, ‘I declare before you all that my whole life,...
by Michael McG | Sep 9, 2022 | Bishop Terry, Diocese, Obituaries
It is with profound sadness that I heard the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. What a loss she will be to our countries, to so many countries and peoples of the Commonwealth. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family as they mourn the loss of a mother,...
by Michael McG | Sep 9, 2022 | Diocese, Obituaries
Almighty God,You are the author and sustainer of all human life;grant that your servant, Elizabeth our Queen,whom you granted a long and happy reign as Monarch of these landsmay be forgiven her sins and rewarded with that eternal lifepromised to all those born againin...
by Michael McG | Sep 1, 2022 | Appeals and Special Events, CAFOD Appeals, Miscellaneous
Details of the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal after the devastating flood in Pakistan…
by Michael McG | Sep 1, 2022 | Appeals and Special Events, Season of Creation
The Pope’s message calls on us to listen to the voice of creation, the sweet song in praise of our creator, alongside the plea lamenting our mistreatment of our common home. Dear brothers and sisters! “Listen to the voice of creation” is the theme and invitation of...
by Michael McG | Aug 3, 2022 | Courses, Diocese, Pastoral Centres, St Bede's Pastoral Centre
St Bede’s Pastoral Centre has set up a new website that aims to connect churches and charities and provide an online ecumenical calendar to show what’s going on in the area and beyond.The website – called Mustard Seed York – is initially simple, but if it takes off...
by Michael McG | Aug 1, 2022 | Voice Column
I hope that the summer months have been good for you. It is wonderful that we will be able to celebrate the Mass of the Assumption at the Lady Chapel on Sunday August 14 this year. It is even more auspicious as we will have the joy and pleasure of the presence of...
by Michael McG | Aug 1, 2022 | Miscellaneous
In a special reflection, Emeritus Bishop of Middlesbrough John Crowley looks back on significant encounters during his priesthood and how they gave him encouragement when he needed it most… Every day as long as this day lasts keep on encouraging each other so that...
by Michael McG | Jul 28, 2022 | Pilgrimage
There are still places available on our annual Pilgrimage to Walsingham, which takes place on Saturday October 8 and Sunday October 9 and will be led by Bishop Terry. If you wish to express your interest in booking a place or receive further information about the...
by Michael McG | Jul 7, 2022 | Appeals and Special Events, Parishes, St Mary's Cathedral, Middlesbrough
Inspirational speaker Sister Imelda Poole MBE IBVM will visit St Mary’s Cathedral for a special event on Wednesday July 27. Sister Imelda, president of the Mary Ward Loreto Foundation in Albania, will speak about her work in the country and the launch of a new charity...
by Michael McG | Jul 6, 2022 | Appeals and Special Events
The relics of St Bernadette will be displayed at three venues within the diocese in October during what is being described as a “once-in-a-lifetime” tour of England, Scotland and Wales. The organisers say it is an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to...
by Michael McG | Jul 6, 2022 | Bishop Terry, Voice Column
On July 7 I will have the privilege of being present at the Million Minutes’ Celebrating Young People awards in the House of Parliament and I will have the great honour of presenting the St Josephine Bakhita award, for celebrating human dignity.Young people are often...
by Michael McG | Jul 1, 2022 | Evangelisation
Details of a Commissioning and Inspirational Day for Ministers of the Word and Holy Communion taking place in Scarborough in September…
by Michael McG | Jun 29, 2022 | Apostleship of the Sea, Organisations
A message from Stella Maris ahead of Sea Sunday (July 10)… Stella Maris area port chaplain for the north of England Anne McLaren has heard from seafarers how the war in Ukraine has ripped families apart. When a Ukrainian seafarer was transported Hull Royal...
by Michael McG | Jun 29, 2022 | Encyclicals, Pope Francis
The Holy Father has issued a new apostolic letter to bishops, priests and deacons, consecrated men and women and to the lay faithful, on the liturgical formation of the people of God.
by Michael McG | Jun 25, 2022 | Appeals and Special Events, World Meeting of Families
The 10th World Meeting of Families (WMOF) is taking place in Rome this week. Throughout the four days of the meeting, we’ve been publishing personal stories from people in our diocese who have different experiences of family.Today, in our final article, we hear from...
by Michael McG | Jun 24, 2022 | Appeals and Special Events, World Meeting of Families
The 10th World Meeting of Families (WMOF) is taking place in Rome this week, from Wednesday June 22 until Sunday June 26. Throughout the four days of the meeting, we’ve been publishing personal stories from people in our diocese who have different experiences of...
by Michael McG | Jun 23, 2022 | Appeals and Special Events, World Meeting of Families
The 10th World Meeting of Families (WMOF) is taking place in Rome this week, from Wednesday June 22 until Sunday June 26. Throughout the four days of the meeting, we’re publishing personal stories from people in our diocese who have different experiences of family....
by Michael McG | Jun 22, 2022 | Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), Organisations
Caritas Middlesbrough – the umbrella group for the many organisations in the diocese engaged in social outreach work – has produced its second newsletter. You can read the newsletter here…
by Michael McG | Jun 22, 2022 | Appeals and Special Events, World Meeting of Families
The 10th World Meeting of Families (WMOF) is taking place in Rome this week, from Wednesday June 22 until Sunday June 26. These meetings normally happen every three years and have been held all over the world. This year’s theme is, “Family Love: A Vocation and a Path...
by Michael McG | Jun 21, 2022 | Appeals and Special Events, CAFOD, CAFOD Appeals, Organisations
Millions of people are impacted by the food crisis in East Africa, as CAFOD director Christine Allen witnessed while visiting communities in Kenya. On the long road to Marsabit, a nine-hour drive, we saw charcoal sellers and women sitting behind small tables piled...
by Michael McG | Jun 14, 2022 | Appeals and Special Events, Synod of Bishops 2023
The full text from JENNY SINCLAIR’s keynote talk at the Diocese of Middlesbrough’s Synod Day, a special gathering of clergy, laity and religious to mark the completion of our first step in becoming a “synodal” church and fulfilling our contribution...
by Michael McG | Jun 1, 2022 | Voice Column
World Meeting of Families Wednesday June 22—Sunday June 26 2022 The theme for the tenth World Meeting of Families (WMOF) is Family Love: a vocation and a path to Holiness. The World Meeting of Families was instituted by Pope St John Paul II in 1994. The week is...
by Michael McG | May 25, 2022 | Appeals and Special Events, World Meeting of Families
The Tenth World Meeting of Families (WMOF) takes place in Rome from Wednesday June 22 to Sunday June 26. Canon John Lumley has sent this letter to all parishes… For this event, (which normally takes place every three years), the theme is Family Love: A Vocation...
by Michael McG | May 23, 2022 | Evangelisation, Talks, Retreats and Lectures
Inspiring speaker Dr Carmody Grey will give this year’s Anthony Storey Memorial Lecture, which is organised by the Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission. Dr Grey, who is assistant professor of Catholic theology at Durham University, will speak on the subject of...
by Michael McG | May 18, 2022 | Aid the the Church in Need (ACN), Organisations
Patriarchs and bishops in the Holy Land have condemned police use of smoke grenades and rubber bullets against mourners in a funeral procession as “violent” and “disproportionate”. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, joined with the Greek...
by Michael McG | May 13, 2022 | Missio, Organisations
Main photo courtesy of Emmanuel Tran One of Missio’s founders – Venerable Pauline Jaricot – is to be beatified on May 22 in Lyon, France. This special celebration will be day of prayer and joy in recognition of a lay woman’s contribution to world mission....
by Michael McG | May 9, 2022 | Parishes, St Mary's Cathedral, Middlesbrough, Ukraine War
The Teesside Apollo Male Voice Choir will get back to doing what it does best – entertaining with its singing and raising charitable funds – in a special Concert for Ukraine at St Mary’s Cathedral. Like many choirs, the Apollo has been enduring an enforced rest...
by Michael McG | May 9, 2022 | Organisations, postgate, Postgate Society
The Postgate Society can trace its origins back to the 1960s when Father David Quinlan, then parish priest at Egton Bridge, assembled papers for the cause of canonisation of Nicholas Postgate.Mildred Raw, then headmistress of St Hedda’s School, was a stalwart of the...
by Michael McG | May 9, 2022 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
A Statement by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales In his 2014 message for the World Day for Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis wrote, ‘We ourselves need to see, and then to enable others to see, that migrants and refugees… are brothers and sisters...
by Michael McG | May 9, 2022 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
This is the bread come down from heaven (John 6:58) A beautiful hallmark of the Catholic faith is the profound desire to participate in the Holy Mass and share in the Eucharist. We do so with deep gratitude and joy.The Eucharist gives the Church her identity – “The...
by Michael McG | May 5, 2022 | Miscellaneous, Youth
Catholic youth social action charity Million Minutes has relaunched its popular Celebrating Young People Awards for 2022.These social action awards comprise six awards recognising children and young people who have been inspired by each of the values of Catholic...
by Michael McG | May 3, 2022 | Appeals and Special Events, Courses, Diocese
Catholic educators and catechists are invited to a conference exploring the interface between faith and digital media. Organised by Leeds Trinity University Conference, A Catholic Response to a Digital Age takes place on Thursday June 9 and Friday June 10. ...
by Michael McG | May 3, 2022 | Courses, Diocese
The Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst is inviting applications for the second year of its programme for students who are actively committed to their faith, intellectually gifted and committed to shaping a Christian society through their careers.The Christian...
by Michael McG | Apr 27, 2022 | Appeals and Special Events, Synod of Bishops 2023
Bishop Terry has approved the final Diocese of Middlesbrough synthesis document, which brings together views expressed during our synod journey so far. Parishes, religious communities, schools and individuals were all asked to contribute to the document, as well as...
by Michael McG | Apr 25, 2022 | Catholic Bishop's Conference
Bishop Paul McAleenan, the lead bishop for migrants and refugees for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, has commented on the government’s plan to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda. “The proposal to send some of those seeking asylum to Rwanda is at odds with the line...
by Michael McG | Apr 11, 2022 | Appeals and Special Events, Bar Convent, Pastoral Centres
The Bar Convent, York, is displaying its little-known True Cross relic along with new research and recently rediscovered documentation to mark Easter. This documentation, along with new research, shows a likely explanation as to how the relic eventually arrived at the...
