Middlesbrough Voice History
Newspaper for the Diocese of Middlesbrough
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Dec 2015 edition of the Middlesbrough Voice
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Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic What’,s Inside Tony Meets The Pope Page 3 Hull’,s Golden Celebrations Page 12 St Hilda’,s Launch Page 5 Bishop’,s Column December 2015 Issue 425 FREE V OICE As we begin the Year of Mercy, I forward to you the letter sent to us all by Pope Francis explaining what is going to happen and telling you which are the special churches designated for the Holy Year…, Indulgence For The Extraordinary Holy Year Of Mercy With the approach of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy I would like to focus on several points which I believe require attention to enable the celebration of the Holy Year to be for all believers a true moment of encounter with the mercy of God. I wish that the Jubilee Indulgence may reach each one as a genuine experience of God’,s mercy, which comes to meet each person in the Face of the Father who welcomes and forgives, forgetting completely the sin committed. To experience and obtain the Indulgence, the faithful are called to make a brief pilgrimage to the Holy Door, open in every Cathedral or in the churches designated by the Diocesan Bishop, and in the four Papal Basilicas in Rome, as a sign of the deep desire for true conversion. Likewise, I dispose that the Indulgence may be obtained in the Shrines in which the Door of Mercy is open and in the churches which traditionally are identified as Jubilee Churches. It is important that this moment be linked, first and foremost, to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to the celebration of the Holy Eucharist with a reflection on mercy. It will be necessary to accompany these celebrations with the profession of faith and with prayer for me and for the intentions that I bear in my heart for the good of the Church and of the entire world. Additionally, I am thinking of those for whom, for various reasons, it will be impossible to enter the Holy Door, the sick and people who are elderly and alone, often confined to the home. For them it will be of great help to live their sickness and suffering as an experience of closeness to the Lord. Living with faith and joyful hope this moment of trial, receiving communion or attending Holy Mass and community prayer, even through the various means of communication, will be for them the means of obtaining the Jubilee Indulgence. My thoughts also turn to those incarcerated. May they all be touched in a tangible way by the mercy of the Father who wants to be close to those who have the greatest need of his forgiveness. They may obtain the Indulgence in the chapels of the prisons. Each time that one of the faithful personally performs one or more of these actions, he or she shall surely obtain the Jubilee Indulgence. Furthermore, the Jubilee Indulgence can also be obtained for the deceased. The tragedy of abortion is experienced by some with a superficial awareness, as if not realising the extreme harm that such an act entails. Many others, on the other hand, although experiencing this moment as a Conveyancing, Wills &, Probate Also covering Court Hearings, Family Problems, Crime, Housing, Personal Injury, Mental Health, Immigration Law For more information contact: Bill O`Hanlon, Sean Grainger, Helen Connelly, Peter Kilgour York House, 102 Borough Road Middlesbrough TS1 2HJ E: info@watsonwoodhouse.co.uk W: www.watsonwoodhouse.co.uk T: 01642 247656 Evangelisation Is Not Just For Christmas! In recent years, the December edition of the Catholic Voice has urged parishes to offer a joyful Christmas welcome to those people who may not come to church very often at other times. This has been part of a national campaign called Come Home for Christmas. It’,s not always easy to offer such a welcome. Naturally, we want everyone to be with us every week and we might sometimes feel torn between being critical when people don’,t come to church and being happy when they do. That’,s an attitude as old as the elder brother of the Prodigal Son, who complained that he “,slaved”, all year round for his father without so much as a word of thanks, while his younger brother got all the attention. This Christmas, though, also marks the beginning of the Year of Mercy. Pope Francis clearly wants us to make a special effort to welcome the “,lost sheep”, and to do everything in our power to help them to understand that God is a God of love, mercy and joy. The welcome we offer our occasional visitors at Christmas time will either help them to experience that, or convince them of the opposite. Of course, this is true all year round –, we must always be looking for opportunities to invite people to pray and worship with us and we should rejoice whenever they do. After all, as St Francis de Sales once said, we’,ll catch more flies with a teaspoon of honey than we will with several barrels of vinegar. Time and again, Pope Francis has asked us to be “,bold and creative”, in reaching out to those who seldom come to church. In this diocese, we are fortunate to have a Parish Evangelisation Fund to support our efforts. Continued on page 2 Christmas at St Mary’,s Cathedral WEDNESDAY 2 DECEMBER 7.00 pm Advent Carol Service with Bishop Terence SATURDAY 12 DECEMBER 2.00 pm BBC Tees Carols for Christmas (Proceeds to Children in Need) 4.00 pm Mass at the Lady Chapel, Mount Grace 6.30 pm Vigil Mass WEDNESDAY 16 DECEMBER 7.00 pm Deanery Advent Reconciliation Service SUNDAY 20 DECEMBER Normal Sunday Schedule followed by 6.15 pm Christmas Carol Service WEDNESDAY 23 DECEMBER 7.30 pm Knights of St Columba Christmas Service THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER CHRIS TMAS EVE 6.30 pm Family Mass at St Mary`s Cathedral 10.30 pm Carols for Christmas 11.00 pm Solemn Candlelit Midnight Mass with Bishop Terence FRIDAY 25 DECEMBER CHRIS TMAS DAY 10.00 am Christmas Day Mass with Bishop Terence SATURDAY 26 DECEMBER FEAST OF ST STEPHEN (Boxing Day) 10.00 am Morning Mass at St Mary`s Cathedral SUNDAY 27 DECEMBER Normal Sunday Service THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 11.00 pm New Year’,s Eve Mass at St Mary’,s Cathedral FRIDAY 1 JANUARY NEW YEAR’,S DAY 10.00 am Morning Mass A warm welcome is always guaranteed and particularly if you have been away from Church –, come back and celebrate your faith this year Continued on page 2
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2 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + December 2015 NEWS defeat, believe they have no other option. The forgiveness of God cannot be denied to one who has repented, especially when that person approaches the Sacrament of Confession with a sincere heart in order to obtain reconciliation with the Father. For this reason too, I have decided, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, to concede to all priests for the Jubilee Year the discretion to absolve of the sin of abortion those who have procured it and who, with contrite heart, seek forgiveness for it. A final consideration concerns those faithful who for various reasons choose to attend churches officiated by priests of the Fraternity of St Pius X. This Jubilee Year of Mercy excludes no one. I establish that those who during the Holy Year of Mercy approach these priests of the Fraternity of St Pius X to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation shall validly and licitly receive the absolution of their sins. Trusting in the intercession of the Mother of Mercy, I entrust the preparations for this Extraordinary Jubilee Year to her protection. From the Vatican, Bishop of Rome and Servant of the Servants of God Special Churches within the Diocese of Middlesbrough…, Cathedral –, Holy Door St Wilfrid, York –, Holy Door St Laurence Abbey, Ampleforth –, Holy Door St Peter, Scarborough –, Holy Door St Charles, Hull –, Holy Door Shrines and Pilgrimage Churches in the Diocese: The Shrine of the Lady Chapel, Mount Grace, Osmotherley Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Market Weighton Shrine of St Margaret Clitherow, The Shambles, York Blessed Nicholas Postgate: St Hedda, Egton Bridge and St Anne, Ugthorpe St Hilda, Whitby St John of Beverley, Beverley St Wilfrid, Hull Prayer for the Holy Year of Mercy Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved. Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money, the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things, made Peter weep after his betrayal, and assured Paradise to the repentant thief. Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman: “,If you knew the gift of God!”, You are the visible face of the invisible Father, of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy: let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified. You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error: let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God. Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing, so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord, and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind. We ask this of you, Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy, you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen Continued from page 1 Sue Paterson, from Christ the King Parish in Thornaby, and Peter Smith, from the Parish of St Paulinus in Guisborough, have shared some of the ways their parishes are responding to the Holy Father’,s invitation. Christ the King The parish has been looking for new ways to reach out since getting involved with the Crossing The Threshold project last year. “,Following on from Proclaim ’,15 this summer, though, we held a whole parish meeting and asked everyone to fill in a questionnaire on their vision for the parish both now and in the future, and on how they would be prepared to put that vision into action,”, says Sue. The results of this questionnaire were circulated to the parish and the Threshold team of 10 parishioners met to prioritise the ideas people put forward. There were almost 100 suggestions in all, but the areas identified for immediate action were…, •, A mother and toddler group as a means of involving families from the wider, non- churchgoing community •, An outdoor sign to make the church more visible •, Initiatives to strengthen school-parish links as a means of re-engaging young people •, An Alpha Course to begin next Lent as a means of reaching out to those who know little or nothing about God •, An Ascent group as a means of reaching out to our senior citizens and retired people Sue added: “,Everyone also felt that communication was vital, so a parishioner has volunteered to set up a parish website, and another to be the co-ordinator for all the different groups in the parish.”, St Paulinus Peter explained that the parish’,s journey started just over a year ago. “,We realised our congregation was far smaller than we should expect, given the size of the town,”, he said. “,This could be because of rapid expansion in the late 1960s and early 70s, with young families arriving from all over the UK and beyond, who might simply have lost touch with the faith in the process of modern life.”, Peter said Proclaim ’,15 helped focus attention on this and that a group from the parish contacted other local parishes who were already engaging with similar concerns. “,We are engaged in a programme that includes an invitation to every household in the town, a bereavement group, a closer relationship with parents of our school children and a variety of social ventures,”, he said. “,We meet as a group on the first Wednesday each month to review progress and define objectives to be achieved for the next meeting. The programme is described briefly in the parish newsletter so people who may have an interest in the current items may join us for just that session, as well as keeping parishioners aware of all that is happening within the community.”, All these initiatives go to show that Evangelisation is for life –, and not just for Christmas! If you would like to explore ways your parish might reach out to those who seldom attend church, please don’,t hesitate to contact me at the Curial Office. Deacon Vince Purcell, Diocesan Advisor for Adult Formation and Evangelisation Evangelisation Is Not Just For Christmas! Continued from page 1 Bishop’,s Column Bishop Supports Advent Sleepout Challenge Bishop Terry will lead morning prayers on the morning of Saturday December 5 after the Advent Sleepout Challenge at the Holy Trinity Centre in Middlesbrough. The event is in aid of the Church Urban Fund and Depaul UK, which are both committed to fighting homelessness and other forms of poverty and work in partnership at the John Paul Centre. The Advent Sleepout Challenge invites you to swap your bed for a sleeping bag and stone floor and experience a unique and inspiring night. To join the sponsored sleepout, email middlesbroughsleepout@depauluk.org
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December 2015 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 3 NEWS Politicians Hear Of Social Action Efforts Canon Derek Turnham told politicians about some of the excellent social action work being undertaken in our diocese when he attended the Catholic Social Action Network’,s fifth parliamentary reception. The event was held to raise awareness of the work Catholic charities and voluntary organisations do throughout the country. CSAN is the domestic social action arm of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, with 43 charities under its umbrella. Bishop Terry is chairman of the trustees. “,CSAN is part of the worldwide Catholic organisation Caritas and draws together a range of charities dealing with groups such as the elderly, the disadvantaged, children in need and the homeless,”, explained Canon Turnham. “,Some of them are diocesan, but most are different types of social care organisations, including some whose work has been going on for 100 years or more. “,More recently, there have been gatherings in some dioceses of voluntary organisations who work for the common good.”, Although none of our local MPs were able to attend, the River Room in the House of Lords was packed for the occasion. “,The purpose was to communicate to MPs and other politicians the work being done by some very worthy organisations,”, said Canon Turnham. “,I thought it was a very useful event. I had an opportunity to talk to a number of members of the House of Lords. I was able to talk about my perception of the needs of the people of Redcar after the closure of the steelworks. “,I could also tell them about work that’,s being done on a voluntary basis throughout our diocese to support the disadvantaged in society.”, CSAN patron Cardinal Vincent Nichols addressed the meeting, calling on the government to step up their response to the current refugee crisis. “,He talked about the contribution Catholic charities make to the common good, but majored on the care we give to refugees being indicative of the kind of caring society we are,”, said Canon Turnham. Baroness Williams of Trafford, Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government and responsible for integration and faith, praised the work of CSAN members. “,Caritas Social Action Network changes lives and makes an important contribution to public life and this Government will continue to support the great work you do,”, she said. Canon Turnham, whose Blessed Nicholas Postgate parish includes the SSI steelworks, attended the event as coordinator of Caritas Middlesbrough, part of his role as Episcopal Vicar for Christian Discipleship. Kathy Warrick, diocesan president for the SVP, was also at the reception. Proud Moment As Tony Meets The Pope A surprise telephone call from his parish priest led to a personal meeting with Pope Francis for former Holy Name of Mary and St Francis, Middlesbrough, parishioner Tony Rovardi. Tony was invited to travel the 60 miles from Arpino, Italy, where he now lives, to Rome the following morning for a private Mass and audience with the Holy Father. He had to get up at 4.30am and was soon on the road with his parish priest and the local bishop, who is also in the photograph with him. They attended the early private Mass at 7am and then the Pope spoke to each of them. Tony was so overwhelmed to meet the Holy Father that he couldn’,t quite remember exactly what he said to him! Tony returned to his native village when he was 84, having lived in Middlesbrough from the age of 17. He has two brothers still alive in Arpino. He is now 93 and his wife, Hilda, is 92. He enjoys pottering in his garden and tending his olive trees and looks forward to frequent visits from his four children, 12 grandchildren and 15 great- grandchildren. Barbara Rovardi Cardinal Nichols addresses the reception Canon Derek at the House of Lords St Joseph’,s Party Enjoy Oban Trip A party of 36 from St Joseph’,s in Middlesbrough and other parishes were blessed with good weather during a five-day holiday in Oban, Scotland. The group enjoyed spectacular views of Glen Coe bathed in wonderful autumnal colours and visited the castle and jail at Inveraray and the underground power station at Cruachan. Sunday 22nd May to Sunday 29th May and Tuesday 13th September to 20th September 2016 Flying from Newcastle Airport £,539 Plus transport to from Newcastle For further information please contact MARIE BEDINGFIELD on 01642 530739 MEDJUGORJE 2016 Book before end of Feb and get £,30 discount Plus Insurance if required
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4 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + December 2015 SCHOOLS Ged’,s Quick Quiz Connection question 1. Which comedian was famous for his mother-in-law jokes and is remembered with a statue in St Anne’,s-On-Sea, Lancashire? 2. Which Catholic comedian was famous for his catchphrase “,It’,s the way I tell ‘,em”,? 3. Which comedian was famous for wearing a fez and performing magic tricks that went wrong? 4. The film Captain Blood starring Errol Flynn was based upon the life of which famous pirate? 5. What was the name of the character played by Melvyn Hayes in the sitcom It Ain’,t Half Hot Mum ? Thinking cap question Name the four UK number ones from the 1980s that have an animal in their titles. Talented Emmie Targets Chart Success A teenage soprano from St Augustine’,s School in Scarborough is releasing her debut single in a charity project alongside rock legend Rick Wakeman. Talented Emmie Beckitt and former Strawbs and Yes keyboard player Rick have collaborated on Welcome A Star, a song from his oratorio The New Gospels, which tells the real story of Christmas. Emmie sings in the St Augustine’,s Chamber Choir, at Our Lady &, St Peter Church, in Bridlington, and has also taken part in Pope Idol and Summertime Special at Middlesbrough Theatre. The pair met at a fundraiser for the Kids ’,n’, Cancer charity, where Rick was so impressed by Emmie’,s crystal-clear voice and effortless range that he asked to record a song with her. As well as singing, Emmie is also a member of her school orchestra and jazz band, playing tenor saxophone, violin and piano. Oliver Barron, head of music at St Augustine’,s, said: “,We are all so very proud of how far Emmie has progressed since joining the school. She is a delight to teach and an inspiration to many younger performers, showing just how much you can achieve.”, Welcome A Star was recorded by Emmie with the English Chamber Choir and the Orion Orchestra, with Rick on keyboards. It is released on Friday December 4 in CD and digital single formats, with a percentage of profits going to Kids ‘,n’, Cancer. Bishop Joins St Augustine’,s Celebrations Bishop Terry celebrated Mass at St Joseph’,s Church in Scarborough to mark the 50th Anniversary of St Augustine’,s School. The Mass was concelebrated by priests including Father William Massie and Father Albert Schembri of the Scarborough Catholic Parishes and was well attended by pupils, staff and governors, past and present. The Bishop’,s homily focused on the life of St Jerome and education being about the whole child and he emphasised that schools are not just about information, but also formation. He also praised the efforts of our parish priests, governors, staff and parents over the last half-century. The Mass was followed by a gathering at the school, where the Bishop gave an address. He then blessed and officially opened a new teaching block which has been built over the past year. Afterwards, Bishop Terry and guests were given a tour of the new facilities. The Bishop stayed on to meet parishioners and members of the school community, sharing in the hospitality provided by the school. Bernard Wilkins Photo by Bernard Wilkins
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December 2015 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 5 SCHOOLS We would like to thank the Schools on this page for supporting the Middlesbrough Voice. If you would like to show your support please contact Caroline at carolineg@cathcom.org or tel 01223 969506 Please send stories and photos of what’,s been happening in your school to catholicvoice@dioceseofmiddlesbrough.co.uk –, we’,d love to hear from you! St Margaret Clitherow’,s Primary School South Bank, Middlesbrough TS6 6TA Tel 01642 835370 Headteacher Mrs N Jamalizadeh email: stmargaretclitherows@smc.rac.sch.uk St Peter’,s Catholic Voluntary Academy Normanby Road, South Bank Middlesbrough TS6 6SP Headteacher: Mrs P J Hanrahan Tel: 01642 453462 office@stpeters-sch.com www.stpeters-sch.com St. Bernadette`s Primary School a Catholic Voluntary Academy part of St. Hilda`s Academy Trust Cookgate, Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough TS7 0PZ E Mail: stbernadettes@mcschools.org.uk Tel No - 01642 310198 Fax 01642 314801 Mary Cobbold - Co-Headteacher Paul Conway - Acting Co-Headteacher Love Live Laugh Learn St. Augustine’,s RC Primary School a Catholic Voluntary Academy (Part of St. Hilda’,s Catholic Academy Trust) ‘,Serve the Lord in gladness’, Gunnergate Lane, Coulby Newham Middlesbrough TS8 0TE Headteacher: Martin Macaulay Tel: 01642 599001 Email: staugustines@mcschools.org.uk Web: www.staugustinesmiddlesbrough.co.uk St Edward’,s Primary School a Catholic Voluntary Academy Part of St. Hilda’,s Catholic Academy Trust Eastbourne Road, Linthorpe Middlesbrough TS5 6QS Tel 01642 819507 Headteacher Mrs Mary Brown email: stedwardsrc@mcschools.org.uk www.stedwardsrc.eschools.co.uk Schools Unite Under Patronage Of St Hilda Thousands of children will benefit from seamless Catholic education as 11 Middlesbrough schools formally unite into a multi-academy trust. Trinity Catholic College and ten Catholic primary schools have become St Hilda’,s Catholic Academy Trust, bringing together more than 4,000 children and hundreds of staff under one umbrella organisation. Education experts Avec Partnership have been working with the schools since January on the project, its largest to date. Also involved in the St Hilda’,s initiative are Corpus Christi Primary School, Sacred Heart RC Primary School, St Alphonsus’, RC Primary School, St Augustine’,s RC Primary School, St Bernadette’,s RC Primary School, St Clare’,s RC Primary School, St Edward’,s RC Primary School, St Gerard’,s RC Primary School, St Joseph’,s RC Primary School and St Thomas More RC Primary School. St Hilda’,s has a single board of trustees, with individual management boards focussing on local issues in each school. The schools have been working together informally for the past four years as part of the Trinity Partnership, with joint training and professional development and working groups looking at issues such as inclusion and the transition from primary to secondary education. Board member and principal of Trinity Catholic College Peter Coady said: “,It is a really exciting opportunity for the Catholic community of Middlesbrough to bring together all the many wonderful aspects of each of our schools to provide three-to-19 education for all of our children.”, Operations director John O’,Boyle said: “,Ultimately, this is about offering children the very best possible start to their lives through seamless education, collective faith and an ethos that ensures Gospel values.”, Avec Partnership director Sarah Monk added: “,By grouping together there are many benefits to be enjoyed, including economies of scale and shared expertise and best practice.”, •, See back page for Canon John Lumley’,s homily from the Mass to celebrate the trust’,s launch. Year Six children from Hull’,s St Thomas More Primary School led a harvest celebration for our whole community. We gathered together in the hall and gave thanks to God for the wonderful gifts he has given us. Father Anthony Amadi shared the parable of the Good Samaritan and explained how Jesus wants us to care for each other and be friends. We also heard some of the message of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. She once said that the little she did was just a drop in the ocean, but the ocean is many drops. Everyone brought in a little bit of food and when we put it all together, we had a lot to send to the Hull Food Bank. A few weeks before, two people from CAFOD came to the school. Year six children were really inspired by them and wrote to the headteacher asking if the whole school could come dressed in bright clothes and donate money to CAFOD. We raised £,128 in total. To symbolise how everyone’,s little bit added together can have an impact, part of the celebration involved all of us placing our fingerprints on a map of the world. Jesus wants us to help our neighbour and we have managed to do our little bit for people in Hull and around the world. David Barwick Harvest Celebrations In Hull Members of the new St Hilda’,s Catholic Academy Trust board make the final arrangements with the help of education consultants Avec Partnership a Catholic Voluntary Academy Part of St. Hilda’,s Catholic Academy Trust Cargo Fleet Lane Middlesbrough TS3 8NL Tel: 01642 211597 Headteacher: Carolyn Baker corpuschristi@mcschools.org.uk www.corpuschristiprimaryschool.co.uk Corpus Christi Primary School St Clare’,s RC Primary School a Catholic Voluntary Academy part of St Hilda’,s Catholic Academy Trust Trimdon Avenue, Acklam Middlesbrough TS5 8RZ Head Teacher: Mrs J Smith Tel: 01642 815412 Fax: 01642 815525 Email: stclares@mcschools.org.uk Web: www.stclaresprimary.co.uk
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6 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + December 2015 CAFOD NEWS Leeds Middlesbrough Hallam When Yorkshire Priests retire or fall sick they receive support from THE YORKSHIRE BRETHREN FUND Under the patronage of Blessed Nicholas Postgate (founded in 1660) A NYONE CAN HELP THEM BY BECOMING A BENEFACTOR Each Benefactor will have five Masses offered during life or after Death as requested, and share in over 400 monthly Masses offered by Priest Members. Apply to your Parish Priest or The Secretary: Fr Timothy Wiley, Immaculate Heart of Mary (Parish of St John Vianney), Leeds, LS17 6LE Contribute £,30.00 Registered Charity Number 511025 Campaign Focuses On Paris Climate Talks This year has been an important one for CAFOD’,s Policy and Advocacy team. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its scientific analysis report, the new Sustainable Development Goals were agreed and Pope Francis’, encyclical Laudato Si’, was released. Thousands of campaigners from around the world are holding mass rallies calling on world leaders meeting in Paris to reach global agreements on cutting greenhouse gas emissions and set legally binding targets for their countries. CAFOD, along with over 100 other agencies that make up the Climate Coalition, want a fair and binding global climate change agreement with the needs of the world’,s poorest and most vulnerable people at its heart, a plan for providing timely support to poorer and vulnerable countries and a long-term target for “,decarbonising”, economies, reducing emissions to zero by 2050. Current projections suggest that up to 200 million people will be at risk of hunger over the next 20 years if the planet sees the possible two-to-three degree rise in temperature. In Laudato Si’,, Pope Francis says: “,The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all. At the global level, it is a complex system linked to many of the essential conditions for human life. A very solid scientific consensus indicates that we are presently witnessing a disturbing warming of the climatic system. In recent decades this warming has been accompanied by a constant rise in the sea level and, it would appear, by an increase of extreme weather events, even if a scientifically determinable cause cannot be assigned to each particular phenomenon. “,Humanity is called to recognise the need for changes of lifestyle, production and consumption, in order to combat this warming or at least the human causes which produce or aggravate it. It is true there are other factors...yet, a number of scientific studies indicate that most global warming in recent decades is due to the great concentration of greenhouse gases...released mainly as a result of human activity.”, (Chapter 23) If you want to show your concern, you can email David Cameron by following the links on the CAFOD website or join the People’,s Climate March in London on November 29, the eve of the Paris summit. There is also a regional event in Newcastle the same day. The North East’,s own Family Parade and Climate March, to be led by families with children and young people, takes place in Princess Square, Newcastle (upper entrance to Central Library). At 1.30pm there will be children’,s activities and face-painting and making placards, followed at 2pm by a 400-yard march to the Civic Centre. A CAFOD delegation will be in Paris for the talks from December 9 to 13, along with thousands of climate campaigners from around the world. Whatever you can do, please do it –, and keep this important issue in your prayers too. Carol Cross, Community Participation Coordinator, CAFOD Middlesbrough It’,s now more than six months since earthquakes struck in Nepal, the biggest disaster to hit the country in 80 years. Almost 9,000 people died, 2.8 million people have been displaced and 800,000 homes totally destroyed. CAFOD have been responding through our key partner, Caritas Nepal, in partnership with Trocaire, our sister agency in Ireland. More than £,3.7m was raised in response to our emergency appeal, and through the generosity of the Catholic community in England and Wales we have been able to provide shelter kits to 42,000 families and 22,000 water, sanitation and health (WASH) kits. Catholic Relief Services from the US are working in Gorkha districts giving multi- purpose grants to families and Cordaid (Caritas Netherlands) are supporting four internally-displaced people’,s camps in Rasuwa district. Remote communities in the mountains can only be reached by helicopter and strikes against the country’,s new constitution have caused blockages near the Indian border. Around 400,000 people are living in makeshift shelters or temporary camps in areas above 1,500 metres, where temperatures are likely to fall below freezing this winter. Janet Crossley, CAFOD’,s emergency programme manager for Nepal, said: “,Now the monsoon season is over, we have a very short window of opportunity to help these families prepare for the colder weather. That means making sure they have warm clothes, blankets, mattresses, solar lamps, fuel and the materials and techniques they need to make their shelters warm enough for winter.”, Training has been provided for skilled and unskilled labourers to help with the reconstruction work, rebuilding more secure homes and infrastructure. In Sindhupalchouk, 28 classrooms have been constructed in 15 schools with WASH facilities for hygiene. “,Dhere, dhere, Danibad!”, –, “,Thank you all!”, Nepal Earthquake Appeal Update Give A Life-Changing Christmas Gift CAFOD World Gifts are a range of life-changing charity gifts that are really two presents in one. These virtual gifts are presented in a light-hearted way to delight the people we love and care for. And importantly, they also represent and fund real examples of CAFOD’,s work. There’,s a wide choice, with price tags from as little as £,4 for a Happy Queen Bee to £,12 for Squirming Worms, £,20 for Chirpy Chickens, to the Donkey that Delivers for £,49 and the Pig that Provides at £,65 through to £,400 for the Camel that Carries, with many more in between and beyond. Each World Gift purchased comes with a beautifully illustrated card to give to the person in lieu of the gift, explaining how their gift will help change someone’,s life in the developing world. You can order online via cafod.org.uk/world gifts or by telephone on 08081 400014 (Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5.30pm). You can also use the Freepost order form attached to the World Gift catalogue available in your parishes. Thank you. Christine Renshaw, CAFOD Parish contact, St Thé,rè,se of Lisieux Parish, Ingleby Barwick
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NATIONAL AND WORLD NEWS December 2015 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 7 Cardinal Extends ‘,Hand Of Welcome’, Cardinal Vincent Nichols offered a “,hand of welcome”, to all who have left the church in tears as he reflected on his experiences at the XIV Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome. In a pastoral letter read out in Westminster`s parishes on the feast of All Saints, Cardinal Vincent said the work of the synod centred around “,fashioning fresh ways of thinking about the family in the plan of God”,. Of the many images of the family that emerged at the synod, which gathered to discuss the vocation and mission of the family in the Church and in the contemporary world, he said it was a “,reflection of the mystery of love which is the life of God”, and “,the flesh of the Church”,. He explained that participants met in small groups and “,shared together what we treasured most about our own family life”,. They also spoke about the challenges faced by families, including “,poverty, an absence of faith, a reluctance to speak of faith at home, the drama of being refugees or migrants, the breakdown of a marriage in the pain of divorce and the fact of people entering a second civil marriage”,. Cardinal Vincent said the synod’,s main work was to “,fashion the right response of the Church to many of these situations”,, including “,a patient accompaniment, a readiness to listen, a gift of time and attention to one another”,. He spoke of this as the “,pathway for us all to take”,. Echoing the call in the First Reading (Jeremiah 31.9) from the previous Sunday’,s Mass, the Cardinal said: “,To all who have left in tears I want to offer a hand of welcome, especially during this coming Year of Mercy.”, He expressed his hope that all “,may draw from this Synod of Bishops great encouragement for our family life and for the life of the family of the Church”,. Pope Francis ended his homily at Mass to mark the close of the synod with these words: “,Dear Synod Fathers, we have walked together. Thank you for the path we have shared with our eyes fixed on Jesus and our brothers and sisters, in the search for the paths which the Gospel indicates for our times so that we can proclaim the mystery of family love. “,Let us follow the path that the Lord desires. Let us ask him to turn to us with his healing and saving gaze, which knows how to radiate light, as it recalls the splendour which illuminates it. Never allowing ourselves to be tarnished by pessimism or sin, let us seek and look upon the glory of God, which shines forth in men and women who are fully alive.”, Cardinal Nichols meets families from the travellers’, pilgrimage to Rome at the Angelus in St Peter’,s Square during his trip for the synod ©, Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk Support Urged For Mental Health Campaign The Bishop for Mental Health, the Right Reverend Richard Moth, has urged Catholics to support a campaign to increase investment in mental health services. Speaking about Mental Health Equality, Bishop Moth said: ",The campaign to treat mental health equally with physical health and ensure that those in need receive proper access to treatment and help is extremely important. I urge people to join this campaign for more resources for mental health by contacting their MP.", For more information, visit www.equality4mentalhealth.uk Church Backs Living Wage In Schools Cardinal Vincent Nichols has reiterated his support for the Living Wage, which is now being paid to thousands of teaching assistants, catering and support staff in a growing number of Catholic schools. The move follows a joint campaign with public sector union UNISON. He said: “,For more than 100 years the Catholic Church has championed the cause of a just wage so that employees can meet the needs of their families. It’,s encouraging to see that this has now become a national movement with real momentum behind it. In accordance with Catholic Social Teaching, and as part of its mission to support the poor and vulnerable, the Bishops fully endorse the principle of the Living Wage.”, Holy Father Eats At Soup Kitchen Pope Francis ate lunch off a plastic plate alongside the poor during a visit to Florence. He sat down at St Francis` Soup Kitchen with 60 of the city’,s poorest citizens before celebrating Mass in the local football stadium. Pope Undeterred By Document Leaks Pope Francis said the recent stealing and leaking of the Holy See’,s confidential documents was “,a crime”, and “,deplorable act that does not help”,. However, he said this “,sad event”, would not in any way deter him from pressing ahead with his reforms of the Roman Curia with the help of his advisers. He asked Catholics to “,continue to pray for the Pope and the Church, without getting upset or troubled but proceeding with faith and hope”,. Cardinal’,s Prayers After Paris Attacks Cardinal Vincent Nichols expressed his “,horror”, at the terrorist attacks in Paris that left 129 people dead and many more seriously injured. “,This random killing of innocent people is utterly despicable and a course of action which must be rejected unequivocally by all,”, he said. Cardinal Nichols offered his prayers for the victims, the bereaved and those left traumatised. He also sent messages to the French community in London based at Notre Dame de France Church in Leicester Square and Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois, Archbishop of Paris. ©, Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk
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8 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + December 2015
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December 2015 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 9
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10 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + December 2015 NEWS Coffee and Community It seems to me that a parish should be a real community, a place where people know one another, support one another in times of difficulty, rejoice with one another in times of celebration and, in short, do what Jesus asked us to do: love one another. In my parish, our priest always invites us to go to the church hall after Mass for tea or coffee and to welcome any visitors. I go every Sunday because I really enjoy this time, to be with fellow parishioners and get to know them. Our priest has a word with everyone and it’,s good to be able to chat to him informally in a relaxed atmosphere. People who were formerly just acquaintances, become good friends. But there is something that troubles me slightly about all this. It’,s as though the “,coffee people”, are a separate community from the rest. The meeting is not in any way exclusive, because everyone is invited. Clearly some people can’,t manage it, and for very good reasons. When I have tried to persuade people to come, a few are literally unable to do so, but others say things like “,I don’,t like Fair Trade coffee”,, or “,I have to get home to put the Sunday lunch on”,. I could say, “,You could always drink tea”, or, “,Just come for a chat”,. But it’,s none of my business, or is it? Mary VIEW FROM A PEW Will You Join Pope Francis In Cracow? Every two or three years the Holy Father calls together the young people of the world to meet with him and each other. In July 2016, around two million young people will descend on Cracow in Poland –, and we will be with them. Pope St John Paul II began WYD with the intention of inspiring young people and sending them home to bring new life to the local Church. Over the years, many fine young adults have taken part in WYD and it has made a deep impression on them. Many of our young teachers, priests and youth ministers have a positive WYD experience as a part of their journey. The cost of our pilgrimage is around £,1,300, but thanks to generous sponsorship we are only charging young people £,500. We have 25 places only and we hope to fill them with young adults aged 18-plus. We are inviting young people aged 18-plus to think about making the most of this once-in-a- lifetime opportunity. We have a limited number of places available and a few places for young people aged 16-plus. Application forms can be downloaded from the MYMission website and should be submitted as soon as possible to domfinn@mymission.org.uk. Please contact Dom if you would like more information. The Big Sing Liturgy Thing Is Back! Following the success of The Big Sing Liturgy Thing in Middlesbrough last year, we are delighted to annouce two further events with CJM Music. They will take place at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough, on Wednesday January 20, and the following day at St Richard’,s VC Academy, Hull. Many will be familiar with CJM’,s music through hymns such as Bread of Life or the music at the Podium Mass in Lourdes. Key Stage 2 students from across the diocese are invited to join MYMission for one of these exciting days. Members of the CJM Music team have designed the Big Sing Liturgy Thing as a feast of music, song, prayer, sign-language, dance and liturgy. The format is the result of more than 20 years’, experience leading music and liturgy in a variety of settings, with people of all ages. The event involves a full band, two dancers, audio-visual presentation and a full lighting and PA system that will transform the venue especially for the day. The objective is to give young people an experience of vibrant, dynamic worship. But it is more than a jamboree of song. It also draws on CJM’,s understanding and experience of the liturgical tradition and contemporary liturgical music. Format of the day 10am: Arrival of schools 10.30am: The Big Sing –, introduction of team, songs, dance, prayer and activities 11.10am: Dance workshop 11.50am: Lunch (and liturgy preparation) –, all participants need to bring a packed lunch 1pm: Gathering –, songs to focus students and prepare for the liturgy 1.15pm: The Liturgy Thing 2.15pm: End The event will best benefit students in years four, five and six. The cost of The Big Sing Liturgy Thing is £,6.50 per child and places are limited. For more information or to book, schools should contact Louise Williams at louisewilliams@mymission.org.uk or 01642 825948. HEXHAM AND NEWCASTLE CATHOLIC PARTNERSHIP APPOINTMENT OF A PARTNERSHIP DIRECTOR Required for September 2016 or earlier This is a permanent post and the possibility of a secondment will be considered Leadership range L13-17 The Partnership is a family of 12 Catholic Secondary Schools within the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. The Partnership exists to enable school communities to work collaboratively with the aim of strengthening, promoting and celebrating the distinctive Catholic nature/ethos of our schools. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a senior role for our successful and vibrant Catholic Partnership. This post is well suited to a person seeking promotion to a Senior Leadership role or someone who is currently in a leadership role seeking a wider professional experience in Catholic education. Application forms or further details are available from Mrs S Thompson, Administrator, Hexham &, Newcastle Catholic Partnership, The Headlands, Darlington, DL3 8RW sthompson@catholicpartnership.org Closing date for completed applications is Tuesday 5th January 2016
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December 2015 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 11 LOURDES CORNER Our second afternoon of Rosary, readings and hymns followed by a wonderful afternoon tea party took place at the Sacred Heart Church in Hull. The service was led by Canon Michael Loughlin and attended by about 70 people. There was a wonderful atmosphere and an opportunity to catch up with old friends and some new ones. Tom O`Hagan, our coastal representative on the Lourdes organising committee, travelled from Bridlington with three lovely ladies who all signed up to be Handmaids on next year`s pilgrimage. We will hopefully have some more ladies from Hull joining us as well. Huge thanks to Jean Campbell, Alan Booth and all the team of helpers who provided the wonderful selection of cakes and sandwiches, served the food, made the tea, washed the pots and made everyone feel so welcome. We’,re looking forward to our next visit to Hull on December 6 for the Christmas party, again to be held at the Sacred Heart Church, Southcoates Lane, at 2pm. There’,s a role for anyone wanting to work as a Handmaid on our pilgrimage if you want to. I’,ve often heard ladies say that they are too old or have a disability. My answer is that no matter what age or disability you may carry, you will have the ability to help our supported pilgrims in the Accueil in some way, whether as part of the full rota or working as support and doing just a few hours over the week. You would be made very welcome and I’,m sure it would be a decision you wouldn’,t regret. To work on our pilgrimage you need to obtain a DBS certificate and join us on April 30 at Trinity College, Middlesbrough, for a day of formation. If you have any questions, please don`t hesitate to give me a call on 01642 324043. •, The Lourdes Christmas party planned at St Francis Church Hall has been cancelled owing to circumstances beyond the organisers’, control. Keep an eye out for our next social event, early in 2016. Chris Tillotson, Head Handmaid A Sense Of Belonging LYNDA HILL, a nurse at Hull’,s Dove House Hospice, was inspired to travel with the Middlesbrough Lourdes Pilgrimage last year after an encounter with a patient who had recently returned from the shrine. Here she tells us about her experience –, and why she hopes to go back…, I felt a great urge to go there myself –, a pulling force –, mainly to nurse and care for the sick. I just knew I had to go the following year. After winning the week off work, I knew it was a good sign and around 40 of us pilgrims set off from Hull on Friday May 22 2015. The Accueil Notre Dame is neither a hotel nor a hospital. It is exclusively reserved for sick and disabled pilgrims, as well as those who accompany them. It has an atmosphere of peace and calm. Lourdes is a very spiritual place, with amazing basilicas and, of course, the Grotto, where Our Lady appeared to St Bernadette almost a century-and-a-half ago. The Grotto at night, highlighted by many burning candles, is a deeply peaceful and prayerful place to be. There is also the Blessed Sacrament Procession and the Torchlight Procession, which take place every day. The pilgrimage was a very social week, as people made new friends and experienced a different culture. I met many wonderful pilgrims throughout the week, including a young woman of 26 who was visually impaired for 13 years and who sang like Patsy Cline. Would I go back? Well, I think I’,ve caught the Lourdes bug. It’,s amazing to think that some volunteers have been attending Lourdes and supporting pilgrims for 10 or 20 years. They proudly wear services medals for long-term service. I felt a sense of belonging in Lourdes and while nursing in the Accueil, which reminded me of the hospice. Tea Party Spirit Comes To Hull Fundraising For New Church Of St Thé,rè,se Of Lisieux The new parish church of St Thé,rè,se of Lisieux in Ingleby Barwick is due to be completed early in the New Year. Once the building work is finished, the parish is then tasked with providing fixtures and fittings for the interior of the church. The congregation are avidly fundraising in an attempt to raise the £,100,000 required for the church’,s internal furnishings and have currently raised more than £,60,000. People have already been extremely generous. If anyone would like to contribute, there are two fundraising initiatives they can take part in to help the parish reach their goal in time for the completion of this new diocesan church. Firstly, there is the Buy a Brick scheme. Bricks cost £,20 each and you will be able to write a message of your choice, with a family name on a chart comprised of a wall of bricks that will be framed and displayed inside the church. There is also a Wish List of items that are required and people are welcome to sponsor these items by purchasing them for the new church either individually, as a parish group, or as a school community. As St Thé,rè,se’,s parish will have to pay back to the diocese the cost of building the church, they are extremely grateful to everyone for their kind donations, welcome generosity and continued support and prayers. For further information regarding the new church and fundraising initiatives, please contact Father Pat Hartnett on 01642 751304 or email fundraising@stthereseingleby.org.uk Work in progress at St Thé,rè,se Cinemagoers will be given a rare opportunity to learn about present day life for Christians in Bethlehem when the film Open Bethlehem is shown in Middlesbrough this Advent. The Knights of St Columba Middlesbrough have hired a screen at the town’,s Cineworld to show Leila Sansour`s film on Monday December 7 at 6.45pm. The film is an autobiographical documentary showing the hardship of people living around the West Bank wall. Its title reflects Leila’,s mission to help create an open community in Bethlehem, where all faiths tolerate each other in peace. The film is not on general release or available on DVD. “,The purpose of this event is not just to create an evening of entertainment at the pictures, but also to support our fellow Christians in Palestine and to peacefully promote their cause,”, said the KSC’,s Joe Harrison. Leila, who was born in Moscow to an old Palestinian Roman Catholic family, made the film to publicise the Open Bethlehem Foundation, a non-governmental organisation she formed to promote and safeguard the life and heritage of Bethlehem. Her Palestinian father, Anton, taught at Moscow State University. The family returned to Bethlehem when he was asked to establish the Bethlehem University in 1973. Leila previously produced Jeremy Hardy vs. the Israeli Army, a film following the British comedian during the 2002 siege of Bethlehem. She also developed the Bethlehem Passport in partnership with the city council and governor of Bethlehem. Pope Benedict XVI became the first recipient of the Bethlehem passport when he accepted the citizenship of Bethlehem from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in December 2005. St Mary’,s Cathedral Justice and Peace Group are working alongside the Knights to promote and support this event. Tickets for the screening are £,6 and are available from Joe Harrison on 01642 320913. All profits will go to the Open Bethlehem Project. Knights Bring Glimpse Of Life In Bethlehem
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12 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + December 2015 NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF Remembering Loved Ones In Whitby Loved ones will be remembered during St Catherine’,s Hospice Light up a Life candle- lighting service in St Hilda’,s Church, Whitby, on Thursday December 3 at 6pm. Both the Scarborough Hospice and Whitby Day Hospice feature life trees lit with beautiful sparkling lights until Twelfth Night. Each light signifies the life of someone special. The service will be led by Christine Herbert, Saint Catherine’,s Hospice Spiritual Care Lead, and will be followed by tea, coffee and mince pies in the hall. Vacancy For Development Worker A permanent vacancy has arisen for a part- time Together Middlesbrough and Cleveland development worker. Together Middlesbrough and Cleveland is a joint venture between the Diocese of York and the Church Urban Fund that aims to enhance the capacity of the churches’, mission and neighbourliness in the communities of South Teesside, engaging the churches in addressing poverty. You must have excellent communication skills, an ability to develop relationships with a wide range of people, experience of working with the local church and an understanding of the issues and impact of poverty and deprivation. The post is for 20 hours per week and the closing date is noon on Monday December 7. For further details, including salary, job description and application form, visit http://dioceseofyork.org.uk/vacancies-and- appointments CAUSE Christmas Hamper Campaign Catholics Against Unemployment And Social Evils (CAUSE) would like to remind all its kind donors that its annual appeal to provide Christmas hampers for needy families is now underway. The recession has caused increased unemployment and CAUSE expect requests for help to rise accordingly. If you can spare just a little, it will go a long way and be greatly appreciated. Cash donations or cheques made payable to CAUSE can be sent to Pat Wilson (Treasurer), c/o Curial Office, 50a The Avenue, Middlesbrough TS5 6QT. CAUSE would also appreciate help with deliveries or any other assistance. If you have spare time and would like to help, please contact co-ordinator Pat McBride on 01642 310854. Prayers For Advent The Diocesan Women’,s Commission has produced a leaflet of prayers for Advent. During the busy time before Christmas, you may find it helpful to spend a few minutes of quiet reflection on Christ’,s presence in our lives. They will be in the parishes by the First Sunday of Advent, or you can email Catherine Rowland at cath.rowland@ntlworld.com, Pat O’,Connor at patriciaoconnor@ntlworld.com or Rita Morris at ritatmorris@hotmail.com for a copy. Islam, Peace And Human Rights The Justice and Peace Commission is delighted to welcome Maha Abdelwahed as the speaker for its January meeting. Maha is Egyptian and has extensive experience of the Arab world, working for 20 years as a solicitor in Dubai before moving to England with her family in 2013. The meeting takes place at St Bede’,s Pastoral Centre, Blossom Street, York on Saturday January 16 2016 at 10am for 10.30 am and concludes with a shared lunch. Everyone is welcome. Golden Jubilee Marked In Hull Bishop Terry was joined by 12 priests and parishioners and friends from around the diocese at celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the Inaugural Mass at St Anthony And Our Lady Of Mercy Church in Hull. The evening began with Mass and in his homily the Bishop outlined the history of the church, paying tribute to the Sisters of Mercy. The order built the church to serve the needs of students at their Teacher Training College in 1965 and gave it over to the diocese when the college closed in 1976. Bishop Terry focused on the readings of the day, exhorting us all to follow the example of the founders of this church and continue spreading the Good News. In his closing address, resident priest Father Antony Chundelikkat James thanked everyone who helped to create the parish and all the priests who served it, with special thanks to the parishioners who keep it going today. The evening ended with a wonderful party, complete with birthday cake and an excellent buffet. Bernard Swift adds: Father Bill Charlton was ordained priest at St Anthony’,s in June 1996. Because of the ordination, St Anthony’,s is very privileged in that all seven sacraments have been celebrated there. Tom Timpson Better Judgment A short Christmas story written by ANTHEA DOVE, author of The Man Yang Tree collection of reflections and insights, and a parishioner of St Hilda’,s, Whitby. I wanted to be Mary in the Christmas play at school. Our teacher, Mrs Grimshaw, said there’,d be an audition. I tried my very hardest and afterwards, I asked, “,Please, Mrs Grimshaw, can I be Mary?”, “,Oh, no, dear,”, she said, “,Mary has been chosen. It’,s Cressida Delaney.”, I could have guessed it would be Cressida. Cressida is beautiful. She’,s clever and she’,s good. But Cressida has long golden hair and bright blue eyes, and my Mam says the real Mary had black hair and bright brown eyes, like me. So I said to Mrs Grimshaw, “,Please, Mrs Grimshaw, can I be an angel?”, “,Certainly not, Polly Brown,”, she said, “,only good girls can be angels.”, I felt sad about this, but I said, “,Then can I be a shepherd?”, Mrs Grimshaw laughed. “,No, of course not,”, she said. “,You silly little girl! Everybody knows that girls can’,t be shepherds.”, “,But nobody will know,”, I said, “,when I’,m all togged up. Oh, please, Mrs Grimshaw!”, I begged and I pleaded till my teacher lost patience. “,Oh, very well,”, she said, “,but bear in mind, Polly, it’,s against my better judgment.”, My Mam found an old sack and cut holes for my arms. It was a bit scratchy, but I was too excited to care. My Mam was so proud of me being a shepherd in the school play. She covered my head with our very best tea towel, the one that has roses and writing on it, saying, “,A Present from Penzance”,. When Mrs Grimshaw saw it she snatched it off my head. She borrowed an old tea towel from the kitchen. It was a green check with stains on it. She tied it on me but not gently, like my Mam. There were five shepherds, Shepherd One and Shepherd Two had speaking parts. Shepherd Three had just one line, but Shepherds Four and Five, that’,s Johnny Binns, from Special Needs, and me, we had to stand behind the others, in a corner, and not say a word. On the night, it all went well. Cressida was perfect and the angels looked gorgeous. Peeping between the legs of Shepherds One and Two I could see my Mam, but I didn’,t know if she could see me. Suddenly, something came over me. I stepped right out in front of the other shepherds, squeezing past the angels. I knelt down in front of Mary. I knew it was only a plastic doll, but for a moment it felt real. And I shouted loud and clear, “,Jesus, do you love naughty children?”, Everything went dead quiet. I looked across to the side of the stage. Mrs Grimshaw stood there, red in the face, glaring at me. But then, suddenly, someone began to clap, and another joined in, and all at once everyone was clapping and clapping. Now Mrs Grimshaw was actually smiling! I wonder if I can be Mary next year? •, Anthea’,s book is available from the author at St Mary’,s, 22 Blackburn’,s Yard, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO22 4DS priced £,8.60 including P&,P. Bishop Terry cutting the cake with four Sisters of Mercy, Sister Olive, Sister Susan, Sister Bridget and Sister Kathleen, toget her with Father Antony Photo by Bernard Swift
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December 2015 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 13 NEWS Colin McGinley Independent Family Funeral Service Principal Funeral Director: Garry Savage 235a Acklam Road, Middlesbrough (01642) 826222 3 Beechwood Road, Eaglescliffe (01642) 786200 www.colinmcginleyfuneralservice.co.uk www.yarmfuneralservice.co.uk Independent Family Funeral Directors Pre-paid Funeral Plans Memorial Masonary 24 Hour Personal Sevice Telephone 01642 820 795 36b Cumberland Road, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough www.rosefunerals.co.uk Email: rosefunerals@outlook.com 454 MARTON ROAD, MIDDLESBROUGH, TS4 3AA TEL: 01642 818181 FUNERAL DIRECTORS MICHAEL V REA INDEPENDENT RC FUNERAL DIRECTOR AYTON AND DISTRICT FUNERAL SERVICES 01642 724796 74 Newton Road, Great Ayton, Middlesbrough TS9 6DG Members of the National Association of Funeral Directors Ethics: How Do We Decide? Why do controversies arise so often in matters of human morality? Brother Robert Moore OH aimed to provoke thought rather than provide answers when he addressed Cleveland Newman Circle on the subject of Ethics. Many ethical issues are met daily, while others, like the Chinese-Italian proposal to perform a human head transplant, are extreme. None should be avoided. We mostly know “,right”, from “,wrong”, instinctively, but sometimes the difference is unclear. If something is right for you, is it necessarily right for me? Is stealing always wrong? Is abortion as wrong as killing an adult? Can lying ever be justified? To save many people, could I actively allow one person to be hurt? There are many challenging scenarios like these. So how do we decide? The old penny catechism said God made us “,to be happy”,, yet we cannot agree on what promotes happiness. Brother Robert, a Brother of St John of God based in Darlington, said there are no such things as universal ethical laws, since principles can conflict. The Church’,s bases its social teaching on Scripture and a tradition that includes encyclicals from Rerum Novarum to Laudato Si’,. The Church has a clear stance on human dignity and on the stability of marriage, but even here conflicting principles can lead to controversy. How is the sacredness of human life upheld if the foetus threatens the mother’,s life, or when a state promotes capital punishment? How is human dignity upheld when someone in intractable pain is surely dying? How is the high priority of family life maintained when marriages die, or couples embark on irregular unions, or they decide to use family planning? The answers are not always clear. Hopefully, as Cardinal Newman desired, lay people are learning to make mature decisions and Brother Robert emphasised that decision making cannot exclude emotions. Overall, we should trust in our merciful God, who judges us by our intentions. Cleveland Newman Circle talks are on Wednesdays at 7.45pm in Middlesbrough Cathedral Hall. All are welcome. For information, contact Judith Brown on 01642 814977 or email tpj.egerton@virgin.net Patricia Egerton Diocese of Middlesbrough, Diocese of York, York and Hull Methodist District Joint Study Day on Laudate Sì, “,A Call to Care: Responding to the Challenge of Pope Francis’,s Encyclical Laudato Si”, February 24 2016 Central Methodist Church, York A unique opportunity to meet with Anglican and Methodist clergy and lay people and learn from the challenging document from Pope Francis, On Care for our Common Home, examining the environmental crisis alongside concern for the poorest people of the world. (The document can be downloaded at laudatosi.com ) “,Nothing less than a ‘,bold cultural revolution’, will do, given that ‘,we may well be leaving to coming generations debris, desolation, and filth.’,”, Pope Francis The Pope`s encyclical letter is addressed to the whole of humankind, not only Roman Catholics, and not simply Christians. He writes: ",I wish to address every living person on the planet.", Bishop of Sheffield This is a study day organised jointly between the diocese of York, the diocese of Middlesbrough and the York and Hull Methodist District. We will have a distinguished speaker to initiate our conversations, Professor David Clough. David is Professor of Theological Ethics at the University of Chester and the President of the Society for the Study of Christian Ethics He is also a Methodist Local Preacher. The Bishops of Selby and of Middlesbrough and the Chair of the (Methodist) District will play a part in the day. There will be plenty of time in small groups for discussion of the document and its impact. Date: February 24 2016 Timing: 10am for 10.30am start, finish at 3.30pm Location: Central Methodist Church, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NQ For further details please email: adultformation@dioceseofmiddlesbrough.co.uk or derekturnham@dioceseofmiddlesbrough.co.uk Deadline for booking: February 2 2016 There will be charge of £,10 to cover the costs of the event. Drinks will be provided but please bring your own lunch. To book a place please send the slip below together with a cheque made payable to The Diocese of Middlesbrough to: Reception, The Curial Office, 50a The Avenue, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough TS6 5QT Joint Study Day on Laudate Sì, - February 24 2016 - Central Methodist Church, York Please reserve: …,…,.. (number) places on the study for: Name:…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,..…,…,…,…,.…,…,…,…,…,…,Telephone Number…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…, Address…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,.…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…, …,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,Post Code…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,
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1 Tuesday 7.00 pm The Knights of St Columba, Council 29, meet at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Dalby Way, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough commencing with Mass in the Cathedral Chapel 2 Wednesday 6.30 pm Latin Mass at the Church of St Charles, Jarratt Street, Hull, HU1 3HB 6.30 pm The Secular Franciscan Order meets every first Wednesday of the month at More House, Heslington, York. Contact: Mrs Lyn Bradbury OFS, Tel: (01904) 470041 for further details 7.00 pm Advent Carol Service at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough. Presiding: Bishop Terence Patrick Drainey. All welcome 3 Thursday 6.00 pm Saint Catherine’,s Hospice Light up a Life Candle Lighting Service at St Hilda’,s RC Church, Whitby followed by refreshments in the hall. All welcome 4 Friday The Advent Sleepout Challenge 2015 at Holy Trinity Church Centre, Middlesbrough, organised by the Church Urban Fund and Depaul UK. Contact E- mail: middlesbroughsleepout atdepauluk.org for further information and to join the sponsored sleepout. Bishop Drainey will lead morning prayers on the morning of the 5th 7.00 pm First Friday Life Prayer Group meets at St Anthony’,s Parish Church, Beverley Road, Hull. Contact Frances, Tel: (01482) 574486 for further details 5 Saturday 2.00 pm Pilgrimage for Life to the Lady Chapel, Mount Grace, Osmotherley. Meet at the first Station of the Cross at 2.00 pm to pray for Life and an end to our abortion culture. Concludes with Vigil Mass of Sunday at 4.00 pm. All welcome. Contact: Patricia Sammon, Tel: 07747 698553 or 0113 258 2745 or E-mail: patriciamarysammon@btinternet.com for further details 6 Sunday 12.00 pm Sung Latin Mass in the traditional form at St Wilfrid’,s Church, Duncombe Place, York, YO1 7EF 2.00 pm Lourdes Christmas Party at Sacred Heart Church, Southcoates Lane, Hull 6.00 pm Latin Mass in the traditional form at Sacred Heart Church, Lobster Road, Redcar, TS10 1SH 6.00 pm Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction in the traditional form at St Wilfrid’,s Church, Duncombe Place, York, YO1 7EF 7 Monday 6.45 pm The Knights of St Columba Middlesbrough presents a screening at Cineworld, Middlesbrough of Leila Sansour’,s film ‘,Open Bethlehem’,. Tickets: £,6.00 with all profits going to the Open Bethlehem Project. Contact: Joe Harrison, Tel: (01642) 320913 for tickets and further details 8 Tuesday 12.45 pm Hull and District Catholic Women’,s Luncheon Club meet at the Kingston Theatre Hotel, Hull for their Christmas Luncheon 1.30 pm The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Grace, Osmotherley. 1.30 pm: Rosary, 2.00 pm: Mass. All welcome. Contact Tel: (01642) 597750 for further details 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm ASCENT Group, York West meet at Our Lady’,s, Acomb, York in the Fr Kelly Room 7.00 pm Mass to begin the Holy Year of Mercy at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough. All welcome 7.30 pm The Knights of St Columba, Council 95, meet at the Council Chambers, English Martyrs Hall, Dalton Terrace, York 9 Wednesday 10.30 am The ASCENT Group at Our Lady of Lourdes, Hessle meet after the Morning Mass 10.30 am The ASCENT Group at St Leonard and St Mary, Malton will meet 2.30 pm Prayer Group (second Wednesday of month) at The John Paul Centre, 55 Grange Road, Middlesbrough. New members welcome 11 Friday 2.00 pm Scarborough Medjugorje Prayer Group. Contact Joan Salt, Tel: (01723) 363321 for further details including venue 7.00 pm - 8.30 pm Divine Mercy Prayer Group meets at St Anthony’,s Parish Church, Beverley Road, Hull. Contact: John, Tel: (01759) 380415 for further details 7.30 pm Medjugorje Evening at The John Paul Centre, 55 Grange Road, Middlesbrough - Rosary, Holy Mass, Talk, Witness. Contact: Marie Bedingfield, Tel: (01642) 530739 for further details 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm Bible study at Our Lady’,s, Acomb, York. Contact: Lukasz Druzic, Tel: 07540 981429 for further details 12 Saturday Owing to circumstances beyond the organisers’, control, the Lourdes Christmas Party, which was due to be held at St Francis Church Hall, Middlesbrough, has been cancelled 2.00 pm BBC Tees ‘,Carols for Christmas’, at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough. Proceeds to Children in Need. For tickets and further details, contact BBC Tees, Tel: (01642) 225211 13 Sunday 12.00 pm Sung Latin Mass in the traditional form at St Wilfrid’,s Church, Duncombe Place, York, YO1 7EF 5.00 pm Blessing and opening of the Holy Door of Mercy during Mass at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough. All welcome 6.00 pm Mass in the Malayalam language at St Joseph’,s Church, Marton Road, Middlesbrough. Contact Tel: (01642) 818203 for further details 6.00 pm Latin Mass in the traditional form at Sacred Heart Church, Lobster Road, Redcar, TS10 1SH 6.00 pm Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction in the traditional form at St Wilfrid’,s Church, Duncombe Place, York, YO1 7EF 14 Monday 7.30 pm Justice &, Peace meet at St Bede’,s Pastoral Centre, Blossom Street, York. Contact: Nan Saeki, Tel: (01904) 783621 for further details 15 Tuesday 5.30 pm for 6.00 pm ‘,Early Modern English Catholic Spiritual Writings’, - Joint IMEMS/CCS Ushaw Lecture in the Exhibition Lecture Theatre, Ushaw College, Durham, to be delivered by Prof John Morrill, Cambridge University, organised by the Durham University’,s Centre for Catholic Studies. Pre-seminar drinks reception is offered from 5.30 pm. 14 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + December 2015 BISHOP TERENCE PATRICK DRAINEY ENGAGEMENTS FOR DECEMBER 2015 2 Attends meeting of Northern Province at Bishop’,s House, Leeds 10.30 am Attends Advent Carol Service at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough 7.00 pm 3 Visits Open Doors at Hull 9.30 am 4 Celebrates Mass for Nurturing Future Leaders Graduation at Our Lady’,s, York 4.00 pm 5 Attends Advent Sleep Out Challenge Morning Prayers, Holy Trinity Centre North Ormesby 6.00 am 5-6 Parish Visitation to St Joseph &, St Francis Xavier, Richmond All weekend 8 Attends Bishop’,s Council meeting at Curial Office, Middlesbrough 11.00 am Attends meeting of Council of Priests at Curial Office, Middlesbrough 2.00 pm Celebrates Mass for beginning of Holy Year of Mercy at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough 7.00 pm 10 Meets with regional representative of Friends of the Holy Land at Curial Office, Middlesbrough 11.00 am 13 Celebrates Mass and Blessing of the Holy Door at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough 5.00 pm 15 Attends meeting of Ushaw Trustees at Hinsley Hall 11.00 am 17 Attends meeting of Diocesan Trustees at Curial Office, Middlesbrough 10.00 am 22 Celebrates Mass at HMP Hull 9.00 am 24 Celebrates Mass at HMP Deerbolt 8.30 am 25 Celebrates Mass at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough 10.00 am 29 Attends Clergy Lunch at Ampleforth 12 noon Out &, About around the Diocese To advertise please contact Caroline at CathCom on 01223 969506 or email carolineg@ cathcom.org
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December 2015 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 15 The lecture will be followed at 7.30 pm by the Ushaw Carol Service, St Cuthbert’,s Chapel. All lectures are free but you must register for your free ticket. Contact E- mail: m.j.p.pound@durham.ac.uk for further details 16 Wednesday 7.00 pm The Knights of St Columba, Hull Council 45, meet at St Charles Borromeo Church, Jarratt Street, Hull 18 Friday 7.30 pm Aquinas Reading Group in the upper room at St Wilfrid’,s, York. A guided reading of the Summa Theologiae. Contact: Steve Evans, Tel: 07800 697975 or E-mail: steve_evans21@tiscali.co.uk Further details at http://readingthesumma.blogspot.com/ 19 Saturday 7.30 pm Sacred Heart Parish Dance (Paul O’,Sullivan) at the Erimus Club, Cumberland Road, Middlesbrough. Tickets from Eddie White, Tel: (01642) 860227 20 Sunday 12.00 pm Sung Latin Mass in the traditional form at St Wilfrid’,s Church, Duncombe Place, York, YO1 7EF 3.00 pm Middlesbrough Catholic Fellowship Mass at St Thomas More, Middlesbrough 6.00 pm Latin Mass in the traditional form at Sacred Heart Church, Lobster Road, Redcar, TS10 1SH 6.00 pm Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction in the traditional form at St Wilfrid’,s Church, Duncombe Place, York, YO1 7EF We would recommend those wishing to attend the following events check with the relevant organiser or parish to see if they are proceeding 27 Sunday 12.00 pm Sung Latin Mass in the traditional form at St Wilfrid’,s Church, Duncombe Place, York, YO1 7EF 6.00 pm Latin Mass in the traditional form at Sacred Heart Church, Lobster Road, Redcar, TS10 1SH 6.00 pm Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction in the traditional form at St Wilfrid’,s Church, Duncombe Place, York, YO1 7EF FIRST WEEK OF JANUARY: We would recommend those wishing to attend the following events check with the relevant organiser or parish to see if they are proceeding 3 Sunday 12.00 pm Sung Latin Mass in the traditional form at St Wilfrid’,s Church, Duncombe Place, York, YO1 7EF 6.00 pm Latin Mass in the traditional form at Sacred Heart Church, Lobster Road, Redcar, TS10 1SH 6.00 pm Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction in the traditional form at St Wilfrid’,s Church, Duncombe Place, York, YO1 7EF 5 Tuesday Dates of events and articles for inclusion in the February issue of Voice must be received by today 7.00 pm The Knights of St Columba, Council 29, meet at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Dalby Way, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough commencing with Mass in the Cathedral Chapel 6 Wednesday 6.30 pm Latin Mass at the Church of St Charles, Jarratt Street, Hull, HU1 3HB 6.30 pm The Secular Franciscan Order meets every first Wednesday of the month at More House, Heslington, York. Contact: Mrs Lyn Bradbury OFS, Tel: (01904) 470041 for further details 10 Sunday January issue of Catholic Voice available 12.00 pm Sung Latin Mass in the traditional form at St Wilfrid’,s Church, Duncombe Place, York, YO1 7EF 6.00 pm Latin Mass in the traditional form at Sacred Heart Church, Lobster Road, Redcar, TS10 1SH 6.00 pm Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction in the traditional form at St Wilfrid’,s Church, Duncombe Place, York, YO1 7EF Copy Deadline Copy and photographs for inclusion in the February 2016 issue of Catholic Voice should be sent to: The Editor, Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice, Curial Offices, 50a The Avenue, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, TS5 6QT. Tel (01642) 850505, E-mail catholicvoice@dioceseofmiddlesbrough.co.uk by Tuesday 5th January 2016 JOHN PAUL CENTRE 200+ CLUB DRAW Date of Draw –, 4th November 2015 £,100 Winning No 62 £,60 Winning No 78 £,40 Winning No 249 Next Meeting and Monthly Draw Monday 7th December 2015 NEW MEMBERS WELCOME - ASK FOR DETAILS Tel (01642) 247831 ADVANCE NOTICES: 16 January 2016: 10.00 am for 10.30 am, ‘,Islam, Peace and Human Rights’, - Middlesbrough Justice and Peace Commission presents a talk by Maha Abdelwahed for its January meeting at St Bede’,s Pastoral Centre, Blossom Street, York. Concludes with a shared lunch, all welcome 17 January 2016: 1.00 pm, The Cleveland Newman Circle meet for their New Year Lunch. Contact: Judith Brown, Tel: (01642) 814977 for further details 15-17 February 2016: National Conference for Rural Catholics at The Old Lodge Hotel, Old Maltongate, Malton, YO17 7EG. Contact: Fr Robert Miller, Tel: (01747) 870228, E-mail: rwhm274@btinternet.com or visit www.ruralcatholics.org.uk for further details MADONNA HOUSE PASTORAL CENTRE The Madonna House Community is one of the new ecclesial communities in the Church, founded by Catherine de Hueck Doherty. We are an international community made up of about 200 laymen, laywomen and priests who take permanent promises of poverty, chastity and obedience. We are a Pastoral Centre of hospitality and prayer, and you are more than welcome to join us for our daily prayers, a cup of tea, a retreat, counsel, our various talks, ecumenical services. Advisable to telephone first. The Pastoral Centre is in Thorpe Lane, Robin Hood’,s Bay, North Yorkshire. Contact: Tel: (01947) 880169 or e-mail: madonnahouserhb@gmail.com ST BEDE’,S PASTORAL CENTRE Mondays 7.30 pm City Prayer Group Wednesdays 8.00 pm - 9.00 pm Christian Meditation St Bede’,s Pastoral Centre will be closed for Christmas from 19 December, re-opening on 4 January 2016. The Pastoral Centre is in Blossom Street, York. Contact: Tel: (01904) 464900 or e-mail: admin@stbedes.org.uk Our five superb hotels offer a warm, family welcome, providing the very best in Christian hospitality in some of the most beautiful parts of England We have 100 years of experience in arranging school visits, church conferences, group visits and holidays, so call or email us today! We’,re more than happy to discuss your requirements with you. Email groups@christianguild.co.uk or call 015395 32896 www.christianguild.co.uk Abbot Hall Hotel, South Lakes –, 015395 32896 Lindors Country House Hotel, Wye Valley –, 01594 530283 Sidholme Hotel, Devon –, 01395 515104 Treloyhan Manor Hotel, Cornwall –, 01736 796240 Willersley Castle Hotel, Derbyshire Dales –, 01629 582270 A Christian Guild hotel is the perfect venue for your School Visit, Church Conference, Holidays or Groups Visits January 2016 issue of Middlesbrough Catholic Voice The January 2016 issue of Catholic Voice will be available in the parishes on Sunday January 10 2016. Please note the change of publication date for this issue.
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16 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + December 2015 Designed typeset and printed by CathCom, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Blumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk. CB9 7BN. To Advertise call 01440 730399. or e-mail: ads@cathcom.org NEWS Serving Churches, Schools, Commercial and Domestic Sector. If you have worked for the Diocese and wish to be included in this section, please contact Caroline on 01223 969506 or email carolineg atcathcom.org Diocesan Suppliers Section Church Pews Uncomfortable? Why not try top quality upholstered foam pew cushions? Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33 Free Sample Pack of foam &, fabrics sent by first clss mail When phoning please quote MV101 Family Business since 1926 Property Maintenance, Extensions, Alterations and Repairs (Large and Small) , Private and Commercial Work undertaken , Many contracts completed with Middlesbrough Diocese for schools and church properties , All work guaranteed Contact: John Shipley 01642 319138 Mobile: 07831 822285 E-mail: john.shipley@ntlworld.com 66 Gunnergate Lane, Marton, Middlesbrough TS7 8JB J. M. Shipley Building Contractor CANON JOHN LUMLEY celebrated Mass in St Mary’,s Cathedral to launch St Hilda’,s Catholic Academy Trust. Here is the homily he gave…, The readings today speak of things old and new. Good readings for the start of a new Academy. St Paul tells us: “,For anyone who is in Christ, there is a new creation, the old creation has gone, and now the new one is here. It is all God’,s work.”, And there is a real sense hereof a new beginning –, a new creation, if you will –, not just a fresh start but also a new direction. Jesus tells us that “,every scribe”, –, that is, every learner, every person seeking wisdom –, “,who becomes a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out from his storeroom things both new and old.”, Things old and new. Building on the solid foundations of the past, but being open to new ways, new ideas, different approaches, new ways of thinking and patterns of behaviour. Not usually an easy marriage. A real challenge. Jesus speaks to us of the kingdom of heaven. That is what we are about as a Church, as school communities, as individual disciples. The kingdom of heaven –, to help bring about the reign, the rule of God in our world, to build that up, to help it grow, to help people –, especially the young - glimpse it, grasp it, fall in love with it, cherish it, commit to it. God’,s love and God’,s presence in the world. To find that –, to have that as your goal, your horizon, your guiding star. The thing that gives meaning not just to what you do with your life, but who you are as a person. The thing which guides not just the things you teach in your schools, but the kind of schools you seek to be –, not just in your words and policy documents, but in your actions too, in your commitment to justice, compassion and peace in your schools. The kingdom of God. Not a fairytale dream of pie in the sky, but a reality in the here and now. The presence of God. Like finding a buried treasure. Like discovering a precious pearl. Of course, you have to know what you’,re looking for. A few years ago, my sister and her husband bought a beautiful gold cross and chain while abroad on holiday for my Mam. Expensive –, but worth it. Except when they got home, it turned her neck black. It was worthless. A lie, a fake, counterfeit. Unable to deliver on its promise. Untrue to what it claimed to be. So Jesus tells us that the kingdom of God involves discernment –, sorting out the good from the bad, the valuable from the worthless –, not simply fish, but knowing what is true, beautiful, genuinely good and life-giving. We have to be able to be very clear about what we are about as a Church, and as church schools, or else we risk losing touch with our origins, with our raison d’,ê,tre in the present, with our direction in the future. Especially in the field of education, Church schools have to know what is of the kingdom, and what is of the world –, lest we too end up with something fake, counterfeit and of little value, something indistinguishable from what can at times be the shallow, dehumanising and crassly utilitarian values of secular education. We have to be immersed in the kingdom, soaked in it, radiating it. Sometimes you know we say that the Church has a mission –, to spread the Good News, to proclaim the nearness of God’,s kingdom, to witness to the presence of God. We say that’,s the Church’,s mission –, and that schools play an important role in that. Except that when we think like that, we put the cart before the horse. We say the church has a mission, schools have a mission. But actually it’,s the other way round. The mission has a church. The kingdom of God has a church, with schools and parishes and individuals. The institution is never primary. We aren’,t here to spread the Church, or grow our school communities, or increase our numbers. The Church, our schools, our parishes –, we as Christians –, are all in service of God’,s kingdom, God’,s mission, God’,s love. It is the kingdom which is the treasure, the pearl of great price. We are its servants, its heralds, its witnesses. When we lose sight of that, we start putting our Church first, or our school first, even ourselves first. We’,ve seen enough of that in the Church over recent years to know the dangers of putting the institution ahead of our ideals and values. So on this day of celebrating the old and the new, I pray that your new Academy, under the splendid patronage of the great St Hilda, will always recognise that it is not an end in itself, but that it is a servant of the kingdom of God. And that everything in the life of your schools –, from the curriculum to the admissions policy to your chaplaincy provision –, will bear witness to the kingdom of God: a kingdom of truth and love, a kingdom of justice, compassion and peace. Bearing Witness To The Kingdom Of God Quiz answers Connection question: 1. Les Dawson 2. Frank Carson 3. Tommy Cooper 4. Henry Morgan 5. Bombardier “,Gloria”, Beaumont Connection: A Question Of Sport team captains (Matt Dawson, Willie Carson, Henry Cooper, Cliff Morgan and Bill Beaumont) Thinking cap question: The Chicken Song (Spitting Image), Karma Chameleon (Culture Club), The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Tight Fit) and Eye of the Tiger (Survivor) Canon Lawyers Meet In York The diocese played host to the Northern “,Moot”, in October. It was held at the Royal York Hotel, York, and is an annual gathering of Judicial Vicars and Tribunal Staff from dioceses across the north of England. This year we were also joined by representatives from Down &, Connor and Birmingham. Bishop Terry opened the day, Father Stephen Maughan, our Judicial Vicar, hosted, while the main input was given by Father Christopher Dawson, Judicial Vicar of Salford. He spoke on the subject of proofs in the annulment process, the afternoon session being an open discussion on the Holy Father’,s recent reforms and their implications. A very enjoyable day was had by all and we look forward to hosting in another seven years’, time.
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