What’s Inside Caravan Of Love Page 6 Phillip Caps It All Page 3 Bishop’s Column January 2018 Issue 449 FREE V OICE In September of this year I found myself in a little village in Ontario, Canada, called Combermere where the Mother-house of our own Robin Hood’s Bay Madonna House is situated. There I met many people and learned much but I also encountered the spirit of a woman who died some 30 years ago, but whose legacy, influence and presence is still there to experience. Her name is Catherine de Hueck Doherty. She was born in Russia in 1896. She lived in many places because of her father’s work but eventually settled in St Petersburg, where she married Boris De Hueck in 1912. During the First World War she worked as a nurse, but after the 1917 Revolution she escaped to Finland, where she nearly died of starvation. She promised God that if she survived she would give her life to him. They headed to Canada via Scotland and England. And it was in England that she became a Roman Catholic – she had been brought up Russian Orthodox. They arrived in Canada in 1921 and moved to Toronto where their son was born. For many and varied reasons, by the early 1930s, the marriage was under great stress and so they separated and eventually received an ecclesiastical annulment. At this time the Communist movement was beginning to have a strong influence, especially among the unemployed. Catherine had seen this happen before in her native Russia. Her strong conviction was that the only way these social problems would be solved was by living out the gospel without compromise. She opened a house in the poor area of Toronto and called it Friendship House. Others joined her and they served meals and offered clothing and classes in the Social Teaching of the Church. Under the guidance of a spiritual director they followed a simple rule of life, taking promises and forming themselves into a dedicated little community. As often happens with new movements in the Church, as a result of misunderstanding and misinformation, opposition arose and they had to close and she moved to Harlem in New York where she opened a larger Friendship House. Once again she found herself surrounded by willing people who also wanted to be formed into lay-apostles. In 1943, after the annulment of her first marriage, she married Eddie Doherty, a well- known journalist of his time. Shortly after, ideological problems began to arise in the organisation. So in 1947 Catherine and Eddie parted company with Friendship House and moved to Combermere. Even in this quiet remote rural area, many were attracted to her radical evangelical life. She helped them to be formed into lay- apostles, showing them how to serve the poor and teaching them how to be enriched and nourished by the liturgy, community life and apostolic outreach. This was how Madonna House was formed and although, as I said earlier, she died in 1985, her legacy and influence lives on after her through her writings, but especially through the community of Madonna House and the small mission houses which are spread across the globe. The Madonna House Community consists of Catholic laymen, laywomen, and priests. I’ll tell you a little more about Catherine and Madonna House next month. Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic An independent family owned & run business providing a personal and efficient service • Practising Catholic Funeral Director within the company • Pre-paid funeral plans available • Guidance & Quotations willingly given 78 MAIN STREET, WILLERBY, HULL Tel: (01482) 656537 www.robertadrew.com Preparations are well underway for a major event for Catholics in England and Wales. A National Eucharistic Congress is to be held in Liverpool over the weekend of September 7 to 9 2018. If you’ve never heard of such an event before then you can be excused – the last one was held in 1908! Around 10,000 people are expected to attend and over three days there will be keynote speakers, workshops and, of course, time for Adoration, Holy Mass and a Blessed Sacrament Procession through the streets of the city. One of the speakers will be Bishop Robert Barron, founder of Word on Fire, which is based in the United States and evangelises through the media. He is the presenter of the much-acclaimed series Catholicism. Pope Francis says, “When Bishop Barron speaks, the airwaves tremble”. He’ll be worth hearing! The congress is called Adoremus, Latin for ‘Let us adore’. The Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament, is the only thing in the universe that we actually adore – with the reverence due to God. A few years back we had a Year of the Eucharist, called by St John Paul II and concluded by Pope Benedict XVI. There was also a Synod in Rome and clearer teaching on adoration was identified as a real need. Many Catholics under the age of 60 probably have limited or even no experience of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and even the word “adoration” is unfamiliar to many. After the 2005 synod, Pope Benedict sought to clear up some of the confusion. He admitted, “During the early phases of the reform [after Vatican II], the inherent relationship between Mass and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was not always perceived with sufficient clarity. Some have said, ‘the Eucharist was given to us not to be looked at but to be eaten’.” But, he insisted, this is a “false dichotomy”. And he quoted St Augustine, one of greatest of the Church Fathers. “No one eats that flesh without first adoring it; we should sin were we not to adore it.” The act of adoration outside Mass prolongs and intensifies all that takes place during the liturgical celebration itself. Indeed, only in adoration can a profound and genuine reception mature.” What is exciting but also a challenge for the dioceses of England and Wales is the intention for the congress to have an impact throughout our schools and parishes. Every Get Ready For Adoremus! Continued on Page 2 Pope Francis holds up the Blessed Sacrament during Mass – Photo courtesy of Mazur/catholicchurch.org.uk

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2 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2018 NEWS parish has been invited to send three delegates to Liverpool and staff at our diocesan schools are being kept informed and offered new resources in the hope that the insights, enthusiasm and revived faith in the centrality of the Christ our Eucharist will touch every parish, school and home. The bishops’ Liturgy Committee has identified some principal aims… • To rejuvenate Eucharistic Adoration in parishes and schools • To encourage greater love for the mystery of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar • To engender a deeper understanding of the place of the Eucharist in the life of the Church • To provide practical resources for Eucharistic Adoration for parishes and schools • To better form Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and to better equip parish catechists and schools. Bishop Terry has singled out the congress as a most significant “historic event” and has hopes for the impact it will have on our diocese. Over the coming months, short testimonies will appear in the Voice , written by Catholics from across our diocese, witnessing to the centrality of Jesus in the Eucharist in their lives. It is often said, “the Eucharist makes the Church” and so we will hear just how this is taking place in the lives of ordinary people – priests, religious, married couples, single people, teachers, carers, those working with the disabled. If the faith of others has an impact on our lives, then such testimony should bring us to our knees before the Eucharistic Lord in Adoration. Father William Massie, diocesan representative for the promotion of Adoremus Continued from Page 1 All For A Great Claus! Many volunteers dress up as Santa Claus at Christmas, but perhaps none are quite as dedicated as a Redcar man who has brought smiles to the faces of thousands of children. For selfless local hero George Robinson, preparation begins way back in summer. The 70-year-old begins growing his beard in August to be ready for the role, a responsibility he has taken on for the last 20 years. George has visited more than 45,000 children over two decades and raised more than £27,000 for charity. He said: “It all started when I worked for Cleveland Potash and the Santa they were using wasn’t giving them a good name – he was a bit grumpy! “I agreed to do it on one condition – if I could grow my own beard. This was in the middle of December so it didn’t look very good and it also still had a bit of black in. It has been grown earlier and earlier each year! “I usually do it in August but I ran out of shaving cream in July so started growing it even earlier than usual this year! It has become bigger and bigger after doing one visit in the first year, I’ve clocked up 14,000 miles travelling around the area. It has definitely been worth it.” George first started the role in 1997 and in 2016 he visited a staggering 88 schools, churches, centres and more. In 2017 the number has fallen slightly to 55. Since 2004 George has been raising money for charity alongside his role as Father Christmas. He said: “One time I was given a big hamper to say thank you and I asked them to donate it to a family who needed it. “The next year they offered to give a donation to a charity of my choice and it has stemmed from there. I am delighted to have raised more than £27,000 over the years.” George admits he may have to retire from his role after a horror car crash last year which caused an epileptic seizure. He said: “I have said it would be my last year but I think I may still do half a dozen in 2018. It really does take it out of you. But my son is preparing to step into my shoes, although he has to dye his hair and beard still!” Whenever George does finally finish his long stint as Santa Claus he will have accumulated a number of wonderful memories. He recalled one particular moment that stands out. George said: “I went into my grandson’s school and afterwards he asked me if I had been into his school as Santa Claus looked just like me! My reply was that Santa is far better looking than me! I wish I’d written all the memories down because there are just so many great ones.” Jonathan Barber Get Ready For Adoremus! Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, where some of the Adoremus services will take place. Photo courtesy of Mazur/catholichurch.org.uk

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January 2018 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 3 LOURDES Phillip’s Kindness Caps It All A selfless schoolboy plans to raise money for the Diocese of Middlesbrough Lourdes Sick Fund by auctioning off caps he wore during his treatment for cancer. Phillip Tosh was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in September 2015, just four months after visiting Lourdes for the first time as part of our diocesan pilgrimage. When he lost his hair due to chemotherapy treatment, 13-year- old Phillip acquired a large number of caps to cover his head. The Nunthorpe Academy pupil is now in remission and to the delight of everyone, his hair has grown back. Mum Mel explained where the idea to auction off the caps came from. She said: "When Phillip lost his hair, he would always have a cap on and we started a bit of a collection. He had a sensible one for school and somebody from the parish brought one back from Florida! "It just snowballed from there and his collection grew and grew – the vast majority were gifts from other people. He’s at the barber`s all the time now his hair has grown back! It was all Phillip`s idea to see if he could do something with the caps he thankfully no longer needs." Phillip and Mel plan to raise as much awareness as possible about the caps before selling them off in aid of the Lourdes Sick Fund, which helps sick and disabled people go on the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes at the end of May. To help them do this they sent them to celebrities including comedians Jimmy Cricket and Chubby Brown, Tyne-Tees presenters Ian Payne and Pam Royle and Heart Radio breakfast show DJs Justin and Kelly. Mel continued: "We chose the Lourdes Sick Fund because we had such a good time when we went there in 2015. It was the first time any of us in the family had been and it came after I had a liver transplant. "Once you’ve been touched by that spirit of kindness that is such a big part of Lourdes, it’s something that stays with you forever.” Phillip still takes tablets every day as part of his treatment, as well as having monthly blasts of chemotherapy. It’s been a difficult journey for the teenager, with treatment due to finish in January 2019. Mel continued: "We’ve lost a number of children along the way who had become Phillip’s friends, which has been very hard. But he’s amazing. He’s always been a bit of a sportsman and he’s back playing a bit of rugby.” This year, the diocese is celebrating its 65th pilgrimage. For more information visit middlesbrough-diocese.org.uk/Lourdes. Jonathan Barber Book Now For Lourdes 65! Booking forms and information on Lourdes 2018 are available from our travel agent Joe Walsh Tours. This year we are also offering an overland section, travelling by coach to Lourdes and staying in the Mediterranee, Alba or Agena hotels at a cost of £529 for six nights and £599 for seven nights. There is an optional one night, half board stopover in Nevers on the return journey from Lourdes, subject to confirmation of the entire group. Please book early for our 65th pilgrimage! Call 0161 820 8790 or email info@joewalshtours.ie. Phillip Tosh and, inset, TV`s Pam Royle and Catholic comedian Jimmy Cricket with the caps to be auctioned for the Lourdes Sick Fund Big Thanks To St Clare’s Knitters A huge thank you to the ladies knitting group who meet at St Clare’s Church in Acklam, Middlesbrough, every Friday afternoon. The group, led by Tess Daly, ran a coach trip to York for a Christmas shopping event, raising an impressive £240 for the Lourdes Sick Fund. I first met these lovely ladies when we had our blanket appeal and they produced not only blankets for Lourdes but some teddies too. Each year they send along cakes for our supported pilgrims staying in the accueil. It’s not only Lourdes that benefits from their generosity. I also collected donations they put together which made up 40 boxes of goodies to help seafarers celebrate the Christmas season. Chris Tillotson, Head Handmaid Back To School For Joe, 94 One of the first pupils ever to attend a 90-year-old Hull primary school was among the guests of honour at a Christmas party for local senior citizens. Joe McAllister, 94, could recall many of the events recorded in the Endsleigh Holy Child Primary School’s log from all those years ago, including a visit from Princess Mary in 1928. Around 20 elderly people attended the event, which was organised by chaplaincy coordinator Cath Holtby with the school’s Mini Vinnies, who were the perfect hosts. After a delicious buffet and cups of tea, the reception class and year two children sang Christmas songs before older pupils told the nativity story in verse and song. The school will celebrate the 90th anniversary of its opening next July and Joe was among many of the guests who were former pupils. It was a wonderful occasion and our thanks go to Cath, the Mini Vinnies head Lucy Windeler and all the staff and pupils for making everyone so welcome. Chris Cuthill The Mini Vinnies with head Lucy Windeler and chaplaincy coordinator Cath Holtby 16th-23rd May 19th- 26th September 2018 Flying from Newcastle Airport £589 Plus Insurance £30 if required CONTACT MARIE BEDINGFIELD 07544 540464/ 01642- 530739 Atol No:10206 MEDJUGORJE 2018 Early booking £20 Discount if booked before 13th February 2018 (plus single supplement )

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4 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2018 SCHOOLS Feast of the Month The Most Holy Name of Jesus Wednesday January 3 When you were born, your parents chose a name for you. When Jesus was born, his name was chosen by God.The angel Gabriel told Mary what her baby’s name was to be. The name Jesus means “Saviour”. St Paul wrote that God gave Jesus the name which is above all other names, so at the name of Jesus every knee should bow. Older people bow their heads when they pray the name of Jesus. Perhaps you could do this too, to show honour to our Saviour. Birthday Brothers Raise Cash For CAFOD Presents received at their party are the highlight of the birthday celebrations for many children. But for two selfless Middlesbrough brothers the fun was all in collecting more than £200 for charity. Six-year-old Benedict and four-year-old Patrick have their birthdays within three days of each other and enjoyed a joint celebration on Saturday November 18. But instead of asking for gifts, they requested coins to be collected in Smarties tubes which went out with the invitations sent to their friends – every member of both their classes. The boys, who attend St Edward’s Primary School in Linthorpe, raised an impressive £210 for CAFOD, the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. The charity works with communities across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, helping people to tackle the poverty and injustice, wherever the need is greatest. Benedict said: “We felt nice and very proud. Me and Patrick didn’t want any more presents as we already got lots. We wanted to help other people.” Mum Lyndsey added: “There were no complaints from the boys that they weren’t getting any more presents and I’m very proud of them for recognising that there are people in the world who need a lot more help than they do. “They are delighted with how much money they raised. We were truly amazed by the response. It clearly struck a chord with lots of people and we had one parent who brought a tube full of coins despite her child not being able to come!” CAFOD stands beside people living in poverty – whatever their religion or culture. Through local church partners, they help people directly in their own communities, and campaign for global justice, so that everyone can reach their full potential. CAFOD representative in Middlesbrough, Carol Cross, said: “This was an amazing act which not many young children would do. It’s worth noting that both Benedict and Patrick were so willing for this to happen. Well done to them both!” To find out more about CAFOD’s work, visit cafod.org.uk. Jonathan Barber A Million Prayers For Peace Pupils joined forces with a million other children throughout the world to say the Rosary together. Children at St Patrick’s Primary School in Thornaby prayed to Our Lady for peace in the world and for the sick members of the parish and community. Parishioners Nora Borg and Geraldine Morgan led the Rosary, as they always do in the months of May and October. This Rosary was extra special as children across the world prayed in unison on the same day, with a particular focus on children affected by the conflict in Syria. Head of school James Conwell said: “We were not alone praying the rosary and, as St Pio, once said, ‘When a million children pray the rosary, the world will change’. “The Catenian Association in England bought special Rosary beads for us to use, so a big thank you needs to go to them, as well as to Nora and Geraldine.” Benedict and Patrick with the money they raised for CAFOD

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January 2018 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 5 SCHOOLS 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 Peter’s Catholic Voluntary Academy Normanby Road, South Bank Middlesbrough TS6 6SP Headteacher: Mrs Z Hammond Tel: 01642 453462 office@stpeters-sch.com www.stpeters-sch.com 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 St Margaret Clitherow’s Primary School South Bank, Middlesbrough TS6 6TA Tel 01642 835370 Headteacher Mrs N Jamalizadeh email: stmargaretclitherows@smc.rac.sch.uk We would like to thank these schools for always supporting the paper. If your school would like to do the same please contact Caroline on 07931 836926 or 01440 730399 or email carolineg@cathcom.org o book your advert St George`s Roman Catholic Primary School Yo r k Head Teacher: Mrs Deirdre Patton-Statham Phone: 01904 552440 Web: stgeorgesrc-york.org.uk Like: St George`s Roman Catholic Primary School York Follow: @StGeorgesRCSch Serving Food And Friendship Generous year nine pupils from Trinity Catholic College helped the town’s Sikh community feed some of Middlesbrough’s disadvantaged residents. They volunteered at a weekly free food kitchen run by the Gurdwara Sikh Temple for those who are struggling to feed themselves. Pupils and staff served food in the Zetland Car Park and chatted to the people who attended. “The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the experience and want to offer further support by fundraising and volunteering to make the food and serve again,” said year nine progress leader Steve McNicholas. More than 120 pupils expressed an interest in taking part in the caring initiative. Our picture shows some those who took part, along with year manager Dianne Irwin. Sending Our Troubles Up In Smoke Children at Christ the King School in Thornaby threw their worries into the fire in a symbolic activity as part of a day of prayer and worship organised by visiting group Expedition Worship. The definition of “expedition” is a journey undertaken by a group of people with a particular purpose, especially that of exploration. The day helped us to discover our true identity as children of God and to joyfully bring him praise. We were made for God and we want to pursue authentic, intimate encounters with him. It isn’t something we want to do alone. Expedition Worship help people gather in churches, schools, homes and countless other places and worship God together. Our children were certainly engaged throughout the day. We learned many different worship songs and Cody, who led the worship, talked about having hope and preparing for Advent. We ended the day with a whole school collective worship. What a celebration! We would highly recommend Expedition Worship to any school. Anna Martindale All Saints School in York played their part in World Day of the Poor by donating almost 1,000 items to a local food bank. Chaplaincy co-ordinator Elaine Wright came up with the idea of a home clothes day, with children bringing in food. “Each form was given a box to put their contributions in to and it rapidly became clear that the boxes were going to be far too small to hold all the donations,” said Miss Wright. “As a school we know our students and parents always rise to any challenge we set them but their generosity in this instance has totally overwhelmed us. We cannot thank them enough for supporting us in this initiative.” Generous Pupils Delight Staff St Benedict`s Primary Catholic Voluntary Academy ‘Together in God we love, learn and grow’ Part of St Nicholas Postgate Academy Trust Mersey Road, Redcar TS10 1LS Headteacher: Mrs Kendra Sill Tel: 01642 495770 E-mail: schooladmin@st-benedicts.rac.sch.uk Website: www.st-benedicts.co.uk Christ the King Primary School Part of Our Lady of Light Catholic Academy Trust Tedder Avenue, Thornaby, Stockton-On-Tees TS17 9JP Headteacher - Mr M Ryan Tel: 01642 765639 Email: christtheking@sbcschools.org.uk

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6 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2018 A Letter From Madonna House Do you need anything? These fateful words were uttered after we gave a day of recollection to Council 29 of the Knights of St Columba. I didn’t reply with practicalities such as food or garden supplies, but I blurted out, “We need another poustinia!” Poustinia is a Russian word meaning desert. It can refer to a way of praying with silence, solitude and fasting, or to a place where this kind of prayer can flourish. We already have a poustinia room and one little cabin, but so many people seek to enter the silence of God that we sometimes have to turn others away (including ourselves). When I made that innocent request, I imagined the knights driving an old caravan onto a corner of our garden and voila, we would have our second outdoor poustinia. Little did any of us know what lay ahead. After some sleuthing on the internet, a perfect caravan was found and then pulled into our driveway. Next came the discovery that the only place high, dry and level enough was where we had erected a small summer shelter. Made of bits and pieces, it made for an interesting afternoon of dismantling. Then their arduous days began. In harsh winds, our stalwart knights measured, levelled and poured concrete pilings for the foundation. Next, the caravan had to be pulled, pushed, prodded into place, and I can’t begin to describe the back-breaking effort required. Through all of this, their affectionate fraternity shone through, as well their joy in offering this gift. It was amazing. They were urged on by love and wouldn’t even stop for food – only cups of tea that instantly turned into iced drinks. Electricity and sturdy steps come next and, God willing, within a couple of months this new place of prayer will be blessed and ready to receive hearts seeking their Lord of love. Not all the Middlesbrough knights were free to help with the physical work, but the others were just as involved by paying and praying for the venture! When we were preparing for the day of recollection with our knights, we read their constitution and spirit and were deeply moved by their calling to faithfully serve God, the Church and each other, and to live a holy life. We’d seen them in action at various events and were always grateful for their attentive service. But watching them at work with our caravan revealed the depth of their sacrificial love. It was an icon of the Father’s love, making sure everything is completely secure and beautiful for his children. When retreatants begin making poustinias in this lovely little space, they will not see or know the toil, time, blood, sweat and tears that went into its arrival. But I am certain that as they step foot into this place of prayer, they will immediately feel embraced by love. To our beautiful knights in shining armour of love and faith, we say thank you. And we welcome you to our new poustinia, called, of course, St Columba! Cheryl-Ann Smith If you would like to visit or support us in any way, contact us at madonnahouserhb@gmail.com or 01947 880 169 or visit www.madonnahouse.org. Thank you so much. Knights In Shining Armour NEWS A Time of Encounter In his message for the first World Day of the Poor, celebrated on November 19 2017, Pope Francis asks all of us, whatever our means or background, to unite in love, acts of service to one another and genuine encounter. With this in mind, a retreat was organised for individuals who are helped by the various charities that work in the St John Paul Centre in Middlesbrough, namely Depaul UK`s Positive Pathways Out of Homelessness and Nightstop, along with the NE Refugee Service and Investing in People and Cultures. And where better for these individuals coming from the margins of our society to go than the beautiful retreat centre at Ampleforth, where they could receive the full Benedictine warmth of welcome from the monks and students living in a very different world? It was a time and place where two very different cultures could meet in a real and special holy encounter. And so on a cold, crisp winter’s morning, a small convoy of cars carrying 22 nervously excited individuals left the problems of central Middlesbrough behind to make the hour’s journey to the abbey, where the sun was shining to light up the valley and bring reassurance to the travellers that all was well. Most of them will not have been out of Middlesbrough for a holiday of any description all year, if at all for some. And what a couple of days it was, as encounter after encounter unfolded through the wonderful hospitality of Father Terence and Father Richard, who helped to organise the itinerary, and with Ali Rogerson from the college who arranged for students from various year groups to sit and listen to these visitors from just 40 miles away geographically, yet culturally a universe away. We should never underestimate the healing power of genuine and authentic listening to a person`s story as it affords the person being listened to the power of dignity, which can go a long way towards healing wounds and raising self-worth. So our meal times were spent sharing stories and laughter and as people began to relax more, defences came down and hearts were opened. People from the streets of an urban town, some born in the area, others dispersed there from various countries in Africa and Afghanistan, shared stories with young people from more privileged backgrounds, all meeting as fellow human beings learning from each other. One particularly beautiful session was held in the crypt underneath the abbey with the darkness illumined by an array of candles in the shape of a cross, as well as the smiles of everyone gathered there. A beautiful meditation followed, proving that when we become simple and enter the silence and stillness of the present moment, none of the outer differences of age, colour, wealth and background matter anymore. In the sacred space of the crypt, it felt as if we all met each other`s souls there in the silence. And what a sacred encounter that was. So thank you, Pope Francis, for reminding us what our faith calls us to and reminding us how Jesus showed total commitment and solidarity with those on the margins of society. And thank you to all those wonderful staff and students from Ampleforth who made our group feel so very genuinely welcome, that they mattered, that they were worth spending precious time with and listening to. Encounters such as these are what makes us Christian and in our fractured and troubled world, long may they continue to bring hope and healing to all involved. Terry Doyle Some of the visitors from Middlesbrough along with Ampleforth students Blessing For New Mini Vinnies Four new Mini Vinnies received their badges, prayer books and a blessing from Canon Michael Ryan at the New Beginnings Mass held in St Wilfrid’s, York. The group, who now number ten, meet for prayer and discussion on how best to help those in need in our world today.

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NEWS January 2018 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 7 Laura Makes History At The Cathedral History has been made in the diocese with the appointment of the first female MC and head altar server at St Mary’s Cathedral. Thirteen-year-old Laura Watson, from Marton, has succeeded Aidan Sleight, who has gone to university. Laura’s roles include organising serving duties at Sunday Mass, Vespers and Benediction during the week and on diocesan occasions when Bishop Terry is officiating at the cathedral. Laura said: “It’s a great honour to have been made the cathedral’s first female head altar server. “I have enjoyed altar serving since I was seven years old and I’m really looking forward to carrying out my new duties.” Monsignor Gerard Robinson, dean of the cathedral, said: “It’s delightful to see Laura and our dedicated team of altars servers so committed to serving the parish and the diocese and fully participating in our celebrations.” New servers are always welcome. Any boy or girl who would like to be a server should contact Laura at the cathedral. St Mary’s Cathedral’s first female MC and head altar server, Laura Watson Get Closer To Nature Older people in the Teesside area are being encouraged to get closer to nature as part of a major new community scheme. Tees Valley Wildlife Trust wants to connect with residents aged 50 or over as it tries to widen the diversity of its volunteers and is running a programme of outdoor events including meadow management, coppicing and guided walks. Free transport and lunch are available and all abilities are welcome. The initiative is part of Ageing Better Middlesbrough, a six-year, £6m programme to reduce loneliness and isolation for older people in Middlesbrough. It is supported by the National Lottery through Big Lottery funding and aims to empower local people to create stronger communities. Call 01287 636382 if you are interested in taking part and visit ageingbettermiddlesbrough.org.uk or call 01642 257034 to find out more about Ageing Better Middlesbrough. Free Holidays For Families In Need Youth charity YHA (England and Wales) is offering families in our diocese a free short break as part of a new initiative. It is giving a two-night stay in one of its hostels to families struggling with financial hardship, disability, long-term illness, bereavement, homelessness or other challenging circumstances and Hull and Middlesbrough are among the towns and cities covered by the scheme. The 87-year-old charity has found that families struggling with bereavement, homelessness or long-term disability and illness often struggle with financial hardships that limit their ability to take a break. Up to two adults and their children can apply to YHA’s Family Breaks programme and will be given a private room and meals throughout their stay. To apply, visit yha.org.uk/support- programmes/families and download an application form, email breaks@yha.org or call 0800 0191 700. To donate to the programme visit yha.org.uk/apply-support.

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8 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2018 NEWS Bishop Terry presided at a prayerful and joyful Advent and Carols by Candlelight service at St Mary`s Cathedral. The combined cathedral and diocesan choirs were conducted by Tim Harrison and the organist was Craig Cartwright. Photo by Les Clark Feeling The Heat As Tensions Rise Francis Hannaway, from St Gabriel’s Parish, Ormesby, in Middlesbrough, lives and works in Basankusu Diocese, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he is a lay missionary with Mill Hill Missionaries… It was already nine o`clock when I set off this morning from the outskirts of Kinshasa to go to my makeshift office at the Procure des Missions in central Kinshasa. I’m staying in the capital for a few weeks to sort out accounts for our Mill Hill Missionaries community here in the Congo. There were plenty of people waiting for shared taxis, too many, in fact, so I boarded a crowded mini-bus, with its tattered seats and hanging-off sliding door. Holding tight next to the open sliding door, we set off with a fair breeze wafting in and cooling us down in the overpowering heat. Depending on the traffic we should have arrived in Kintambo in about 25 minutes. From there I would look for another shared taxi or minibus to the centre of the city. We`d only gone about half a mile when we came to a halt. Perspiration soaked through my shirt as the breeze disappeared. The driver decided to do a three-point turn. "There`s trouble ahead," he said, pointing down the road. "They`ve killed a teacher at a secondary school – there`s mayhem! We`ll go a different route." Every vehicle followed suit. An elderly couple sitting next to me decided to get off. I asked where exactly the trouble was. Was it everywhere...? No-one knew. We were very soon in a solid traffic jam – it was like a quiet panic. I passed the place I`d started. I had three appointments today at the Procure des Missions...perhaps they could wait. Arriving in a place is one thing but if things got out of hand (and if it was linked to oppression of opposition supporters, it could get out of hand) it was possible there`d be no way back. Being a white foreigner I could easily attract the wrong type of attention: attention from rioters, corrupt police and the local thieves who hang around and wait for distractions like this. I touched the ticket man`s arm. "I`ve changed my mind,” I said. “I`ll get off here." Armed police appeared – a soldier with his Kalashnikov appeared. I went back to the house where I`m staying. After a while a friend who’d heard of the trouble called to see where I was. "Don`t worry," I said. "I didn`t go." "That`s good," continued my friend, "because this is a riot caused by the halving of the value of the currency against the dollar – but school fees are in dollars. The police and soldiers are now shooting at the crowd in Kintambo!" Kintambo is where I was heading. It`s where I would look for a second shared taxi. Well, it`s a wasted day – but I think I made the right decision, don`t you? •Follow Francis Hannaway on Facebook. Email: francish7@yahoo.com To support his projects send money via PayPal (type PayPal.me/FHannaway into your browser), or internet banking: Pay: St Joseph’s Society for FM, Ref: F Hannaway Congo, sort code: 16-00-15, account: 23114537. Cheques to: Mill Hill Missionaries, St Joseph’s Parish Centre, PO Box 3608, Maidenhead SL6 7UX. Pay: “Mill Hill Missionaries – F Hannaway (Congo)”. Parish Gives Grateful Thanks To Father Pat Father Pat Smith was presented with a cheque to mark the end of his active parish ministry in the diocese at the end of a packed family Mass at St Bede`s in Marske. His longtime housekeeper, Dolores, also received a bouquet. On the following Saturday an open house celebration was held in the Father Dutton Room, with a magnificent buffet and retirement cake provided by the ladies of the parish. Father Smith came to Marske some four years ago and quickly endeared himself to young and old alike with his welcome at the door as they arrived for Mass – and with his eagerly anticipated homilies. He will be long remembered for his Sunday message, pithily delivered with stories and jokes to make his point. The children of St Bede`s School will miss his visits and his lively Masses. Father Smith is now living in Redcar but will continue to say Saturday and Sunday morning Mass at Marske while his health permits. We wish him a long and happy retirement. Joan Gillis

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January 2018 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 9 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 Twitter: @MbroDiocese Facebook: /MiddlesbroughDiocese The tombs of previous bishops of Middlesbrough were blessed at the annual Mass for deceased clergy at St Mary’s Cathedral. Photo by Mark Gallagher Papal Visit Will Have ‘Great Impact’ On Peace Process Pope Francis’ visit to Burma (Myanmar) will do much to bring peace and reconciliation in a country beset by a history of violence and tension, according to one of the country’s senior bishops. Bishop John Hsane Hgyi of Pathein told Catholic charity Aid to the Church he had high hopes regarding the four-day trip. “The theme of the Pope’s visit is love and peace,” he said. “The whole country is expecting peace and reconciliation in this transition time for the country, which finds itself in the process of democratisation, of building a new nation of Myanmar. “The visit will have a great impact on the peace process undertaken by the government, the religious leaders and civil society organisations.” Around 150,000 Catholics representing all of Burma’s 16 dioceses attended the Pope’s Mass at a stadium in Yangon (Rangoon). Last year ACN supported the Church in Burma with more than £950,000 for projects including the construction of churches, the training of priests and Christian education and formation. Let Us Bring Light CAFOD volunteers and supporters came together at St Anthony and Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Hull for a short but thoughtful service highlighting our current campaign, Power to Be. The liturgy focused on people living without access to electricity around the world. They were warmly welcomed by Father Anthony Chundellikat James, who acknowledged and affirmed the great contribution volunteers and supporters make to enabling others to progress in life. He said he was a beneficiary of such generosity himself, for which he was very grateful. Sometimes taking the small actions we are able to makes a great difference. Every child has the ability to achieve great things but with one in six people still living without electricity, the hopes of millions of the world’s children are all too often a distant dream. Safe, reliable, affordable and renewable energy is a major factor in more children living to their fifth birthday, more children completing primary school education and the increased literacy of those aged 15 to 24. This can be changed so easily with the right will. Renewable energy can transform lives for children so they don’t have to rely on unpredictable, dangerous and unhealthy energy sources such as candles, paraffin lamps and firewood. Whole communities can benefit from access to electricity, powering schools, health clinics and hospitals, homes and small businesses. The UK spends money on energy access for the poorest communities through the World Bank. This is supposed to help tackle poverty – yet currently only a tiny proportion of the bank’s energy spending supports the kind of energy we know benefits the poorest communities. So our campaign is calling on Melanie Robinson, UK executive director at the World Bank Group, to shift the balance and support local, renewable energy, which is usually the cheapest and most efficient way to bring power to the poorest communities. But currently less than three per cent of the bank’s energy spending goes on this. You can find out more by visiting our website where you can sign our petition cafod.org.uk/Campaign/Power-to-be/Energy- campaign. • Are you looking for a new opportunity? We are currently in need of volunteers to help to visit schools and parishes in the diocese to share our work with the Catholic community. Whatever your interests, talents or time, get in touch. We need you to stand with us as we work to end poverty and injustice. Call us on 01642 822301 or sign up online at cafod.org.uk/Volunteer/Volunteer-with-us. • Next month we will be welcoming Livison Chipatiso from Zimbabwe to our diocese. Livison is the programme officer for disaster risk reduction and climate and works in the CAFOD office in Harare. Details for his visit will be posted on our blog page soon. Happy New Year everyone! Carol Cross, Community Participation Coordinator Hull parishioners at the CAFOD Power to Be service

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10 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2018 NEWS The Fair Before Christmas HEATHER GITTINS brings us an entertaining, festive fundraising update on the Redcar parish building project… ’Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the town, people were stirring and running around. The tinsel was hung by the doorway with care, in the hopes that St Nicholas would turn up to the fair. The stalls were nestled all snug end to end, just waiting for customers with pounds to spend. A tombola, a raffle with bric-a-brac too, cakes and crafts, all ready? Breathe out now, phew! When ten o’clock came, there arose such a clatter! We sprang to our feet to see what was the matter. Away to the window, we flew like a flash. The doors were flung open with a bit of a bash. When what to our wondering eyes should appear, but a whole crowd of people, full of Christmas cheer. We jumped to our stalls, so lively and quick, the room was soon full and the sales were made slick. More rapid than eagles, the punters they came, there were whistles and shouts as we called them by name: “Now raffle, now tombola, now teddy-bear stall. On to cakes, cup of tea? Have you seen this nice shawl? To the books and the games! What’s on the back wall? Now, cash away, dash away, tell your friends all!” So out on the high street the coursers they flew, with their bags full of gifts and a cheeky cake too. And then, in a twinkling heard from afar, the sound of sleigh bells from the door left ajar. As we craned our heads and all turned around, in St Nicholas came with a bound! He was dressed all in red, from his head to his foot, with bells on his boots untarnished by soot. No bundle of toys had he flung on his back and he carried a bucket, instead of a sack. His eyes – how they twinkled! His smile, oh so merry! He cheeks were like roses, from the cold, not from sherry. His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow. And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow. He found a nice seat and then said, “Form a queue! Donation then photograph, you know what to do.” Kids’ eyes wide in wonder at this jolly old elf, and I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself. Three o’clock came, the people all fled, the empty stalls showing we’d had nothing to dread. As we tidied away, the counters went straight to their work, bagging up the pennies, then we all went berserk. After adding the totals, we’d raised more than we’d planned! Not bad for a days work, making over 1.3 grand! The people were generous, with their money and time, so we wanted to thank you with a bit of a rhyme. The building fund is growing, much to our delight! Great work, see you next at the fundraising quiz night! Fun at a Christmas fair in aid of the Redcar parish building project Striving For Peace In A Broken World The Justice and Peace Commission is delighted to welcome Pat Gaffney as the speaker for our January meeting in York. The theme is “Pope Francis calls us to non- violence to heal our broken world”. Pat is a peace activist, campaigner, educator and advocate who has been general secretary of Pax Christi UK for over 20 years. She regularly takes part in the Ash Wednesday demonstration outside the Ministry of Defence and attended a Vatican symposium against nuclear weapons. Peacemaking has been the focus of her life. The Catholic Nonviolence Initiative grew out of the landmark April 2016 Nonviolence and Just Peace conference, co-sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and Pax Christi International, and is focused on affirming the vision and practice of active nonviolence at the heart of the Catholic Church. The initiative is moved and inspired by these words of Pope Francis: “May we dedicate ourselves prayerfully and actively to banishing violence from our hearts, words and deeds, and to becoming nonviolent people and to building nonviolent communities that care for our common home. ‘Nothing is impossible if we turn to God in prayer. Everyone can be an artisan of peace.’” The meeting will be held at St Bede’s Pastoral Centre, Blossom Street, York, on Saturday January 20 2018 at 10am for 10.30am and will conclude with a shared lunch. Everyone is welcome. Barbara Hungin Talk Explores Pope’s Vision For Parishes Internationally renowned speaker Bill Huebsch gave an inspiring insight into how the message of Pope Francis can transform our parish at a study day in York. DEACON VINCE PURCELL reports on the event… Writing in The Joy of the Gospel, The Face of Mercy, The Care of our Common Home (Laudato ‘Si) and The Joy of Love, Pope Francis calls us to be a church of mercy. These inspiring documents are firmly rooted in the Second Vatican Council (1962-65). Thus, in The Joy of the Gospel he says: “The Church will have to initiate everyone – priests, religious and laity – into this ‘art of accompaniment’ which teaches us to remove our sandals before the sacred ground of the other.” (169). Chapter eight of The Joy of Love is entitled “Accompanying, discerning and integrating weakness”. We start with ourselves. Pope Francis invites us all to “a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her…no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord.’ (3). The aim of the day was to encourage every parish to explore how best to respond and give real, practical effect to this wonderful teaching. In particular, how should we reach out to those on the margins or who feel excluded from the church? Bill Huebsch is a gifted communicator, full of faith and pastoral sensitivity. He said the emphasis must be on God’s love and mercy, rather than on an imperfect and sometimes simplistic application of Church rules. When people are doing what they can within their limits, we should search for the good in those people and their concrete situations, even though those situations are rarely, if ever, ideal. He focused on two practical initiatives. Firstly, he encouraged us to use his booklet, The Art of Accompaniment, which comprises four conversations to help us become the kind of parish the church needs today. Most people in church are there because their parents were Catholic – only a small proportion joined the Church as adults. So his second suggestion focuses on the importance of Catholic parents passing on the faith to their children. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that, “Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children.” We should empower parents to teach their children, especially in preparing for the sacraments, rather than depriving them of this right and duty by handing these responsibilities to schools and parish catechists instead. Family catechesis is a way of gently coaching parents in passing on the faith to their children – and, on the way, reinforces it for parents. Bill gave us some practical examples of how we might set about this. It was an inspiring and challenging day. Bill Huebsch – Photo by Lars Karlsson Pat Gaffney

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January 2018 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 11 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 FUNERAL DIRECTORS If you would like to advertise in the Funeral Directors section, please contact Caroline on 07931 836926 or email carolineg@cathcom.org Hayley Owen Lady Funeral Director York Dip FD MBIE LMBIFD Qualified to care for all your needs, When you need us most Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 01904792525 136, Boroughbridge Road,York, YO26 6AL www.yorkfunerals.uk Independent family run business Fully qualified and licensed Berwick Hills Funeralcare 1 Norfolk Place, TS3 7PB 01642 211814 Guisborough Funeralcare Park Lane, Guisborough TS14 6NT 01287 637700 Hetherington Funeralcare Buxton House 10A High Street, Middlesbrough TS6 0JZ 01642 453097 Hilda House Funeralcare Dalby Way Parkway Centre, Coulby Newham TS8 0TW 01642 596600 Billingham Funeralcare 61 Station Road, TS23 1AE 01642 550737 Marton Funeralcare 36 Stokesley Road, TS7 8DX 01642 313184 Middlesbrough Funeralcare 398 Linthorpe Road, TS5 6HF 01642 828301 Queensway Funeralcare 68 Queensway, Billingham, TS23 2NP 01642 363798 Redcar Funeralcare 29 Station Road, Redcar TS10 1AN 01642 482275 Stockton on Tees Funeralcare 99-109 Norton Road, TS18 2BG 01642 674377 Besom Helps Sweep Away Suffering A Christian movement that started in a London basement in 1987 is helping make York a better place by narrowing the gap between those who have and can give and those who are in need. The Besom, which has operated in the city for ten years, enables people to contribute to the local community safely and securely, making it an experience you will enjoy. Recipients have a wide range of needs – they might be a single-parent family escaping domestic violence, a person who’s been given their first flat after years on the streets or a new mother unable to afford the usual paraphernalia for her baby. The core team meet regularly to pray for the gifts of time, money, skills and items to be offered by members of the Christian community. Professional agencies, interacting with a person’s needs, contact the Besom, who facilitate the giving by matching the gift to the need. The name Besom comes from a broom made of twigs. The York Besom can be contacted on 0300 302 0024 or by emailing info@thebesominyork.co.uk. Visit thebesominyork.co.uk to find out more. Carolyn Rorke More Volunteers Needed To Bring Joy Of Reading Volunteer reading helpers are making a big impact on children in Teesside through sharing their love of reading – but more are needed. Literacy charity Beanstalk works with 22 schools throughout the area to provide one-to-one support for children who struggle with reading. But North East representative Emma Rose wants to build on the programme’s success. “We really need more reading helpers to come forward to ensure that we are able to help more school children achieve the skills, confidence and imagination to reach their true potential," she said. According to the most recent SATS test results, more than 30 per cent of primary school leavers in Middlesbrough did not achieve the expected level in reading. For more information on volunteering, visit beanstalkcharity.org.uk or call 0845 450 0307. This Month`s Clergy Anniversaries 3: 2000 Rt Rev Mgr Canon Peter Storey 3: 2000 Very Rev Canon James Oliver Plunkett 5: 1887 Rev William Brown 7: 1981 Rev Michael McCarthy 7: 1991 Rev Christopher Pattison 9: 1956 Rev Charles Heslin 11: 1965 Rev Cuthbert Clifford 11: 1995 Rev Leo Dennett 13: 1964 Very Rev Canon James Knowles 16: 1965 Rev Bernard Pears 16: 1908 Rev Michael Aylward 17: 1978 Very Rev Canon T Lynam 18: 1957 Rev Alphonsus Van Den Bossche 20: 1939 Rt Rev Mgr Canon Richard F Sullivan 21: 2005 Very Rev David Fitzgibbon 21: 2007 Rev James Hughes 25: 2010 Rev Joseph O’Brien 27: 1993 Rev Edward Glynn 29: 1975 Rev Denis Manley 31: 1985 Rev Patrick Smyth 31: 2005 Rev Mark Crowley New National Prisons Chaplain Appointed Hexham and Newcastle priest Father Paul Douthwaite has been named as the new National Catholic Chaplain for Prisons. He succeeds replaces Monsignor Roger Reader, who is the new vice-rector of St Alban’s College, Valladolid, where Father Paul Farrer is rector. Father Douthwaite has been engaged in full-time prison ministry for the past eight years, mainly at Durham’s Frankland Prison but also giving sacramental support to prisons in our diocese. Please pray for the following clergy who served our diocese and whose anniversaries occur during January. This list was include d in the diocesan year book before the current abridged version was introduced and readers have asked for it to be published in the Voice .

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12 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2018 7 Sun 12 noon Sung Latin Mass, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF 6pm Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF 8 Mon 7.30pm Justice & Peace meet at St Bede’s Pastoral Centre, Blossom Street, York. Contact Nan Saeki (01904) 783621 for further details 9 Tues 12.45pm Hull and District Catholic Women’s Luncheon Club meet at the Kingston Theatre Hotel, Hull. 2pm-4pm The Life Ascending Group, York West meet at Our Lady’s, Acomb, York in the Fr Kelly room. 7.30pm The Knights of St Columba, Council 95, meet at Council Chambers, English Martyrs Hall, Dalton Terrace, York 10 Wed 10.30am The Life Ascending Group at Our Lady of Lourdes, Hessle meet after morning Mass 10.30am The Life Ascending Group at St Leonard & St Mary, Malton meets 2pm-3.30pm ‘Music for the Mind’ St Mary’s Cathedral hall; tea/coffee and cake on arrival all welcome especially those living with dementia, their carers and friends 2.30pm Prayer Group, John Paul Centre, 55 Grange Road, Middlesbrough. New members welcome. 12 Fri 7pm-8.30pm Divine Mercy Prayer Group meets in St Anthony’s Church, Beverley Road, Hull. Contact John (01759) 380415 for details. 7.30pm Marian Evening at the John Paul Centre, 55 Grange Road, Middlesbrough – Rosary, Holy Mass, talk, witness. Contact Marie Bedingfield, tel (01642) 530739 for details 13 Sat 12 noon Christian Meditation Weekly Group, St John of Beverley, Church (11.45am for new meditators). Contact: christianmeditation.beverley@gmail.com 14 Sun 12 noon Sung Latin Mass, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF 6pm Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF 6pm Mass in the Malayalam language at St Joseph’s Church, Marton Road, Middlesbrough. Contact tel (01642) 818203 for details. 17 Wed 8pm The Knights of St Columba, Hull Council 45, meet at St Joseph’s Church, West Hull 18 Thurs 7.30pm-9.30pm Bible study in Our Lady’s, Acomb looking at one complete set of Sunday readings (first, second and gospel). Contact Lukasz (07540981429) for details 19 Fri 7.30pm Aquinas Reading Group in the Upper Room at St Wilfrid’s, York. A guided reading of the Summa Theologiae. Contact Steve Evans, tel 07800697975 or e-mail: steve_evans21@tiscali.co.uk. Further details at http://readingthe summa.blogspot.com 20 Sat 10am for 10.30am Diocesan Justice & Peace Commission, St Bede’s Pastoral Centre, Blossom Street, York. Speaker is Pat Gaffney. Concludes with a shared lunch; all welcome 12 noon Christian Meditation Weekly Group, St John of Beverley, Church (11.45am for new meditators). Contact: christianmeditation.beverley@gmail.com 21 Sun 12 noon Sung Latin Mass, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF 3pm Catholic Fellowship Mass, St Thomas More, Kirkham Row, Beechwood TS4 3EE 6pm Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF 25 Thur 7.30pm-9pm The Pastoral Support Group for carers especially of people with mental ill health meets in Middlesbrough. Contact Margaret (01642) 865668 for venue and other details 26 Fri 7.30pm Marian Prayer Group, St Anthony’s Church, Beverley Road, Hull. All welcome. Contact Pat (01482) 802483 for details 27 Sat 12 noon Christian Meditation Weekly Group, St John of Beverley, Church (11.45am for new meditators). Contact christianmeditation.beverley@gmail.com 28 Sun 12 noon Sung Latin Mass, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF 6pm Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF 31 Wed 12.45pm-3pm Life Ascending Group, York Central meets at St Wilfrid’s, York in the Upper Room after 12.10pm Mass First week of February 2 Fri Dates and articles for March Catholic Voice must be received by today 7.30pm North Ormesby Working Men’s Club, annual charity evening in memory of Bernie O’Donnell, to fund sick pilgrims to Lourdes. Call 01642 312352/322267/312352 for tickets and information. 3 Sat 12 noon Christian Meditation Weekly Group, St John of Beverley, Church (11.45am for new meditators). Contact christianmeditation.beverley@gmail.com 4 Sun 12 noon Sung Latin Mass, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF 6pm Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF BISHOP TERENCE PATRICK DRAINEY ENGAGEMENTS FOR JANUARY 2018 16 Attends Northern Church Leaders Day of Prayer at Nether Springs 10.00am 22 Attends Northern Province Meeting at Bishop’s House, Leeds 10.30am 23 Attends meeting of Bishop’s Council at the Curial Office, Middlesbrough 11.00am 24 School Visit to St Bede`s, Marske 9.00am 31 School Visit to St Therese Primary, Ingleby Barwick 9.30am Out & About around the Diocese Advance Notices Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help takes place every Wednesday after the 9.30am Mass in St John of Beverley, North Bar Without. 9-11 February ‘Discernment Weekend’ for women considering religious life. Run by Congregation of Jesus at the Bar Convent, York. No charge; for initial contact/discussion prior to attendance e-mail: vocations@congregatiojesu.org.uk 28 February 7.45pm at St Mary’s Cathedral, Middlesbrough, Cleveland Newman Circle – ‘Communities of Hope: parishes without priests’ talk by Frank McDermott. All welcome. Our advertisers are great supporters of The Voice so please support them

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January 2018 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 13 Copy Deadline Copy and photographs for inclusion in the Catholic Voice should be sent to: The Editor, Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice, Curial Offices, 50a The Avenue, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, TS5 6QT. Tel (01642) 850505, email catholicvoice@dioceseofmiddles- brough.co.uk By Friday 5 January for the February 2018 issue By Friday 2 February for the March 2018 issue Where possible please send articles in Word and photographs as jpegs. JOHN PAUL CENTRE 200+ CLUB DRAW Date of Draw – on 4 December 2017: 1st Prize - £100 Winning No 89 2nd Prize - £60 Winning No 267 3rd Prize - £40 Winning No 93 Next meeting and monthly draw Monday 8 January 2018 New members welcome – ask for details Tel (01642) 247831 NEWS 16-18 March 2018 Wistaston Hall, 89 Broughton Lane, Crewe CW2 8JS HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS WEEKEND Speaker; Sister Patricia Mulhall CSB Sister Patricia is a Brigidine sister who has been campaigning in the area of human trafficking since 2006, nationally through TRAC and internationally through RENATE [Religious in Europe Networking Against Trafficking and Exploitation] . For more information contact Sophie Rudge sophierudge@btinternet.com SOCIETY OF THE HOLY CHILD JESUS Church Music Forums Calling all parish musicians and singers! Come and join us for a look at music that could enrich and refresh the liturgies at your church during Lent and Holy Week. Church music forums will take place in St Mary’s Cathedral, Middlesbrough, on Wednesday January 17 2018 at 7pm and on Saturday January 27 at 10am in Our Lady’s, Acomb. There is no charge for these events, but advance booking by emailing timothycraigharrison@gmail.com is essential. For more information visit https://sites.google.com/site/middlesbroughcathedralmusic/formation-for-parish-musicians. Choral Services At St Mary’s Cathedral During January Sunday 7 at 10am: Sung Solemn Mass for Epiphany (Cathedral Choir) Wednesday 10 at 6pm: Sung Benediction with Vespers (Cantor) Sunday 14 at 10am: Sung Solemn Mass (Cathedral Choir) Sunday 14 at 4.15pm: Sung Solemn Vespers (Cathedral Consort) Wednesday 17 at 6pm: Sung Benediction with Vespers (Ladies Schola) Sunday 21 at 10am: Sung Solemn Mass (Cathedral Choir) Wednesday 24 at 6pm: Sung Benediction with Vespers (Ladies and low voices Schola) Thursday 25 at 6.30pm: Sung Solemn Mass, Conversion of St Paul (Cathedral Choir) Sunday 28 at 10am: Sung Solemn Mass (Cathedral Choir) Sunday 28 at 4.15pm: Sung Solemn Vespers (Senior Girl Choristers) Wednesday 31 at 6pm: Sung Benediction with Vespers (Low voices Schola) Busy Time For St Augustine’s Musicians The weeks leading up to Christmas were a busy but hugely enjoyable time for the young people of St Augustine’s School in Scarborough’s music department. The highlight of the term was the school’s Christmas concert, when the department’s various ensembles performed to a full house of more than 500 people at Westborough Methodist Church. The chamber choir also entertained shoppers in Morrisons before heading off to sing at a carol service in Albemarle Baptist Church. The service, for people who had lost someone dear to them over the past year, proved to be a moving evening, with inspirational singing from the choir and readings. And the school’s jazz band, SAJO, entertained crowds in the town centre on a very cold day, with the highlight being four drummers playing one drum kit at the same time. Grange over Sands – Kents Bank Bungalow: Sleeps 4. Sea views, beautiful garden with summer house and free off road parking. Tel: 015395 32642 Web: www.kentsbankholiday.co.uk Luxury Self Catering Accommodation with sea view in Grange over Sands Kents Bank Holiday Lothlorien The Sons Of Divine Providence Only Charity will save the world Vocations Weekend Friday evening January 12, 13, 14 2018 Friday evening February 16, 17, 18 2018 For men and women thinking of becoming a priest or religious Contact: Fr John C. Perrotta 21 Lower Teddington Road, Hampton Wick, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 4HB Tel: 07921 125283 Email:johnperrotta208@gmail.com

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14 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2018 NEWS Fundraising Continues In Bernie’s Name An annual charity evening in memory of popular parishioner Bernie O’Donnell will still take place this February thanks to a last-minute change of venue. After usual hosts Marton Hotel and Country Club closed down, North Ormesby Working Men’s Club stepped in to allow the event to go ahead. The evening is on Friday February 2 and has been organised by the ladies of St Bernadette’s Church in Nunthorpe to remember Bernie, who worked very hard to set up the event many years ago. The annual gathering has now raised more than £50,000 for local charities such as the Catholic Fellowship and the Newman Holiday Trust. This year, money raised will be used to fund sick pilgrims to Lourdes on the 65th anniversary Middlesbrough pilgrimage. The fun evening starts at 7.30pm and will include a raffle, bingo and tombola. For more information and tickets, please call 01642 312352, 01642 322267 or 01642 312352. Eight altar servers at St Joseph’s Church in Scarborough are pictured after being enrolled into the Guild of St Stephen. Their medals were blessed and presented by Father Albert Schembri. Photo by Kevin O’Conner St Hilda’s Celebrates 150th Anniversary The parish of St Hilda’s in Whitby has celebrated the 150th anniversary of the opening of the church and the feast day of their patroness. Designed by Matthew Hadfield of Sheffield, the present church was the second built by the parish, which was established by a Frenchman, Father Jean Francois Richenet, in 1794. The earlier chapel was opened in 1805 by Father Nicolas Alain Gilbert and demolished in 1958. The current church was opened by Bishop Robert Cornthwaite of Beverley on Wednesday November 20 1867. The homily was given by Bishop James Chadwick of Hexham and Newcastle, who wrote the words of the carol Angels We Have Heard On High. Organist Mark Edwards spoke at both weekend Masses about the church’s development, linked to the life of St Hilda as shown in images around the church. He pointed out the only fittings the bishops would recognise – the altar table and tabernacle and the pews. Most of the rest of the decoration was installed in the 1890s during the time of Canon Benjamin Randerson. The choir of St Hilda`s led the music at the Sunday morning Mass, with Cheryl-Ann Smith from Madonna House leading the psalm. Father Brian from the Robin Hood`s Bay community concelebrated the Mass with Father Pat Keogh. In the week leading up to the celebrations Mark gave an illustrated talk based on his continuing research into the building. A display in the church included images of the surviving plans, held at Sheffield Archives. A book on the church`s history, published in 2007, is still available for £3 including postage from the Presbytery, Walker Street, Whitby. Building A Living Musical Tradition Singing together in church supports prayer and builds up the community of Christians. This is the philosophy of Timothy Harrison, director of music at St Mary’s Cathedral, who spoke to Cleveland Newman Circle about his life in church music. The talk was entitled “Building a living cathedral music tradition – the agony and the ecstasy” but covered much more, including Tim’s own musical roots and his ambition to involve even more people in liturgical music. Tim studied music at both Durham and Newcastle universities and taught in schools for 15 years. He started children’s singing groups in a Methodist Church (he is an Anglican) and a Catholic priest spotted his flair and invited him to help in his parish. Subsequently he started the South Tyneside Women considering religious life are invited to attend a discernment weekend run by the Congregation of Jesus at the Bar Convent in York. Last year nine women attended the weekend. Three are continuing discernment with the CJs, while another has joined a different congregation. “Our discernment weekends are not ‘Come and see the CJs’, but offer guidance on how to discern a vocation and also how to discern which congregation would suit,” said Naomi Hamilton CJ. “Along with specific talks on discernment there is time for prayer, reflection, questions, one-to-one meetings and social time. Just meeting and chatting with other women asking the same questions and with women in the early stages of formation with the CJ can be of huge help. “They are open to women of any age and there is no charge, although women are welcome to make a contribution. We do ask them to contact us first so we can make sure the weekend is appropriate for them and ensure there is a bedroom available.” The weekend takes place from February 9 to 11 2018. Email vocations@congregatiojesu.org.uk for more information. Deanery Choir and spent eight years as director of music at Ushaw. When Ushaw president Monsignor Terry Drainey became Bishop of Middlesbrough, he invited Tim to be director of music here. Tim spoke with great enthusiasm about developing the adult choirs and also building boys’ and girls’ choirs. He has started scholas for women’s voices and lower voices and developed a full programme of sung liturgies. In addition, he visits schools and encourages children to sing and he believes in investing in children’s musical development. For information about the Cleveland Newman Circle call 01642 814977 or email SANDAMerckx@btinternet.com. They hold six talks through the year, on Wednesdays at 7.45pm. On February 28 Frank McDermott will talk on “Communities of Hope: parishes without priests”. All are welcome. Patricia Egerton Discernment Weekend

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January 2018 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 15

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16 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2018 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 Schools, Business and Homes CCTV Systems Access Control Systems Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Fire Safety & Security Engineers TFS Ltd are a fully accredited BAFE and SSAIB company, offering expertise in the Design, Supply, Installation and Maintenance of Life Safety and Security Systems. Established for over twenty years, we have a dedicated team of professional, fully trained engineers and support staff, having experience in the Commercial Sector, Local Authorities, Schools, Colleges and Universities. We can provide solutions, guidance and upgrading on existing systems and advice on replacement and new systems, using the latest innovative technology. Conventional and Addressable Fire Detection Systems. 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What you may not have noticed was my name attached to the end credits as “Religious Adviser”. A rather grand title for what I actually contributed! Some time last year a former pupil of St Patrick’s School in Thornaby, Jen Rhodes, contacted me via Facebook. She was working with Kudos, the production company who were making the drama. Could I help with a bit of Latin pronunciation and would I go over to the set? This was something new for me so I willingly agreed (secretly hoping to meet the stars Liv Tyler (Arwen Evenstar!) and Kit Harington (Jon Snow!). The set was in Keighley (very unglamorous). I chatted to the production staff and recorded a few videos in Latin. They asked if I’d be able to give any advice on how Mass was said in secret at the beginning of the 17th century and asked how they hid the “evidence”. I came home and sent them a few videos (not that they seem to have watched them!). They invited me to the recording of the “religious” scenes – “We’ll be filming on Sunday”. “I’m quite busy on Sundays really…”. So that came to nothing. Jen mentioned in passing she was looking for an Archbishop of Canterbury, “Would you be interested?”. A Catholic priest playing one of the early Protestant Archbishops of Canterbury? I agreed! I turned up on set on a cold day in March, hoping to get a chance to chat to the “stars”. No such luck (although Liv Tyler kindly sent a signed photo and Kit signed a boxed set of Game of Thrones for one of my altar servers). I was bundled off to the “extras” bus where I met professional extras including Queen Elizabeth I. We waited around for hours before being called to makeup and costume. They even cut my hair! And then there was the waiting. The waiting. The waiting. All ambition to be an actor died in the boredom. Finally, the moment arrived. Fully costumed and made up, I went to crown King James I. Alas, “We only want to see your hands”. I felt a bit of a fool to be honest. That’s showbiz. When it was finally shown in the middle of October, the opening scenes were Queen Elizabeth and mine. We had both been cut! Not even my hands were in it! A fascinating experience and interesting to see how parts of the process worked. For dramatic effect they deliberately included “facts” which were anachronistic, such as the crushing of Lady Dibdale, based on the martyrdom of St Margaret Clitherow, and the escape from the Tower by Father John Gerard – which he did later but not at that time. The important point they were trying to show was what pushed the “Catholic conspirators” to attempt what they did. Not everything I suggested or contributed was acted upon but it was all listened to and weighed up against history, drama and the need to tell a coherent story. Would I do it again? Like a shot. Would I want to do it professionally? Never in a thousand years. It’s much more interesting doing my “day job”! Canon Alan Sheridan The signed photo that Gunpowder star Liv Tyler gave him 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 This space available, to book call 07931 836926 or 01440 730399 or email carolineg@ cathcom.org

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