January 2019 Issue 461 FREE V OICE 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 What’s Inside Plaque For Pilgrimage Of Grace Leader Page 11 Rugby Stars’ Guard Of Honour Page 7 Bishop’s Column Happy New Year, and perhaps more importantly, happy Epiphany! The celebration of Christmas and Epiphany only came about in the fourth century. Until then the need to celebrate the Incarnation, the Coming in Flesh of the Son of God, had not really entered people’s minds. It was mainly because of a heresy prevalent at the time – Arianism – that the feast of Christmas and Epiphany became key moments in the liturgical life of the Church. Arianism said that the Son of God was not God, or at least an inferior form of God compared to the Father, and that he came to exist in time. So the Church began to celebrate the Incarnation, the Coming in Flesh of the eternally begotten Son of God in the womb of the Virgin Mary. Thus in Jesus Christ we behold the Son of God become man for our salvation. For some time in the early Middle Ages the feast of the Epiphany began to take precedence. It was a feast with a triple meaning – the Incarnation of the Son of God, the showing of the Saviour to the Gentile World (hence the Three Wise Men) and the Baptism of the Lord in the Jordan. Then it became the final feast of the Christmas season which began on December 24 and continued right through until January 6 – Twelfth Night. So we have a wonderful period full of celebrations, full of meaning, full of different and varied holy people and events. However, the key to them all is the Coming in Flesh of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Son of Mary, who through his life, death and resurrection brings us salvation and the promise of eternal life. But to all who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to all who believe in the name of him who was born not out of human stock or urge of the flesh or will of man but of God himself. The Word was made flesh, he lived among us (John 1.12-14) Yes, but we have to accept him and believe in his name. It isn’t magic; it isn’t a fairy tale; it isn’t automatic. We have to accept and believe. To accept means to open our hearts, our minds, our spirit, our lives to him. We have to allow, welcome him to enter into our very depth. He has to be placed at the centre of all we are and all we do. We have to believe in him, commit ourselves to him as a person, alive and active in each of us now, alive and active in our world today. Our celebration can’t be just about something in the past, it must celebrate the state of our lives, of our world NOW, TODAY. Has Jesus Christ come into your life anew this Christmas and Epiphany-time? Have you accepted him and believed in his name? Has the Word become flesh in you? Does the Word of God live among you? Yes or no? Has it just been a tinsel Christmas or a real one? Yours in blessed hope, Parishes, schools and families throughout the diocese dug deep to support Caritas charities and help make it a happier Christmas for the unemployed, lonely, elderly and others in need. One of the biggest projects was the annual CAUSE appeal that saw a record 800 hampers distributed throughout Teesside, thanks to a fantastic response from kind donors and an ever-increasing number of families in need. CAUSE founder Pat McBride praised the spirit of generosity she has felt throughout the region as individuals, businesses and groups of work colleagues all did their bit to spread some festive cheer. “More and more people have heard about what we do over the last two years thanks to social media,” said Pat, a retired teacher from Newlands School FCJ in Middlesbrough. “That means we’ve been able to help more families across the whole of Teesside, including Middlesbrough, Stockton, Grangetown, South Bank and Redcar. “This year we have 22 schools involved, which is the most yet. We’re also getting more and more workplaces collecting instead of doing Secret Santa. That’s great, but sadly we’re also getting more and more referrals because so many people in our community just don’t have enough to make ends meet.” The hampers usually take over Pat’s house in the run-up to Christmas but this year Middlesbrough Football Club kindly let volunteers use the Riverside Stadium as a distribution base. CAUSE, which began 31 years ago as a group of Catholics who wanted to do something about poverty caused by unemployment, has supplied well over 11,000 hampers since then. Referrals come from a wide variety of sources including social services, schools and charities. “We know that the people who support us are happy to do so and they tell us they get a lot out of giving to others who are less fortunate than themselves at Christmas,” said Pat. “But it still makes me angry to know that in 2018 there are still so many families and single people who are left behind and don’t get the help they desperately need. “It’s lovely to be able to make their Christmas a little more bearable but we hear so many sad stories and we now work throughout the year to try to make a difference to people’s lives. “Every hamper is personalised. The donor is told the dynamics of the family and that means that as well as the food, there are also gifts for every child and for mum and dad. Caritas Supporters Spread Festive Cheer CAUSE founder Pat McBride with volunteers Lizzie Donaghy and Johnny Murphy Continued on Page 2

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2 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2019 NEWS There are also 150 hampers for single people living alone in bedsits who have no family support and will all get a bag of food and gifts.” Middlesbrough & Teesside Philanthropic Foundation have thrown their weight behind CAUSE in recent years and continue to give ongoing support. Pat also paid tribute to her loyal team of volunteer helpers who give up their time to help distribute the hampers and especially Pat’s great-niece Amy Crosby, who organises the allocations. As well as the CAUSE campaign, other groups and charities have been working to alleviate poverty and bring some joy into people’s lives this Christmas. Many parishes supported the Apostleship of the Sea by donating parcels for those seafarers who will be far from their families. St Clare’s in Acklam presented 120 parcels, having been helped by parishioners from St Mary’s Cathedral and St Francis. Each included a woolly hat and special thanks go to Eileen Stevens, who has knitted more than 800 hats over the years and hopes to reach 1,000 soon. The parishes of St Paulinus and St Wilfred in York donated many items of warm clothing, Blessed Nicholas Postgate Parish in Redcar and the parish family of St Gabriel`s, Ormesby, and Corpus Christi, Thorntree, collected more than 100 parcels each and Canon Eddie Gubbins of Scarborough Catholic Parishes made three trips to drop off warm clothing and Christmas boxes at the port. Parents, children and staff at St Benedict’s Primary School in Redcar collected presents and put a card in each one saying, “Love from all at St Benedict’s.” “I was told when I was appointed that I would be impressed by the generosity of the people in this diocese and that has proved the case,” said port chaplain Deacon Peter Barragan. “Each year their love and kindness toward the seafarers seem to know no bounds. It’s humbling to be part of their generosity to the people of the sea. On behalf of the seafarers, a very big thank you. Your kindness means so much to them. A Russian captain told me, ‘As seafarers, we often feel forgotten but you never forget us’.” Parishioners of Our Lady`s, Acomb, and St Joseph`s, Green Hammerton, collected toys to be distributed to needy children by the Salvation Army. The toys were brought up to the altar during the offertory procession at parish Masses as a sign of thanksgiving for God`s gifts and solidarity with the poor. Parish priest Father Tony Lester said: "The parish is tremendously grateful to everyone who has contributed so generously to bring some Christmas joy to children who live in poverty. This is a wonderful example of ecumenical collaboration between Christians of different traditions working together to try to improve the lives of our neighbours." In Hull, local SVP conferences gave out Christmas presents to children of the poorest families in the city’s primary schools. The St Charles Conference provides food trays to St Charles Primary School throughout the year, which are given out to families in need every Friday. They also organised a Christmas dinner for the homeless on December 27. SVP members also donated 300 packs containing a thermal hat, socks, gloves, and toiletries to be distributed to homeless and refugee charities throughout the diocese. They arrived after a nationwide journey as part of a scheme that began in the Diocese of Westminster with a gift of £40 from Cardinal Vincent Nichols. They now provide more than £20,000 worth of packs each year. We’ll be hearing more about the work of charities that form Middlesbrough Caritas Group, our diocesan social outreach here at home, in a regular Voice feature throughout 2019. Continued from Page 1 Caritas Supporters Help Spread Festive Cheer Live Life As A Response To God’s Call FATHER WILLIAM MASSIE, diocesan vocations director, makes an urgent request for support for an important initiative… How is it that from some parishes, from some families, there have come more than one priest? Our diocese boasts several sets of priest-brothers and a connection with perhaps a world record in the famous O’Hara brothers – eight priests of whom three were in Middlesbrough Diocese. The answer is found in the faith of that parish or family. Where the young live their lives listening out always for God’s call, there will be as many priests and religious and Christian wives and husbands as the Lord wants, as his Church needs. The bishop has written of the disturbing decline in numbers of those attending Sunday Mass in the diocese across recent years. The decline is all the more worrying when we consider the number of Catholics who have come from overseas to live here during the same period. Where the faith is not strong, where life is not lived as a response to God’s call, there can be no “vocations”. This is surely why we find ourselves with currently no young men in seminary and no one applying to the diocese. If the causes of this situation were unknown and the solution too, then we would have good reason to be despondent. However, this is not the case. We need to pray for a much stronger, living faith for ourselves and our young people. Many years ago, St John Paul II warned against speaking about vocation as, “God having a plan for our lives.” No parent would speak about “having a plan” for their child’s life. Parents want for their children things that are good and bring happiness every step of the way. They want things for which they are well-suited, not to steer them towards a mysterious goal or “fate” which they have somehow to “discover” as a key that unlocks and reveals an abstract “plan” or “goal”. If young people are living close to the Lord in prayer, at Mass every Sunday and more, then they will know God’s daily will for themselves. Then a vocation will emerge as something obvious, attractive, exciting and beautiful that makes sense. This is life lived as a “marvellous and permanent dialogue” with God (St John Paul II). As vocations director, I have a simple request. The 2018 National Eucharistic Congress re- awoke many Catholics to the wonder of Jesus’ Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament at Holy Communion and in the tabernacles of our churches. Bishop Robert Barron at the congress implored us: to the Blessed Sacrament we can and should go often for “ad oratio”, to speak intimately to the Lord, to the “mouth” of Jesus, which is what the words mean. There are now prayer cards available in all our parishes, schools and religious communities. They both commemorate the National Eucharistic Congress and, I hope, offer a powerful means of strengthening our faith in the Lord’s nearness to us and desire to speak to us from the Blessed Sacrament. I ask you to carry the prayer card with you – it is small enough to go in your wallet or pocket. Please give one to young people in your family, parish or school who you know have faith. Encourage them and go yourselves to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament in our Catholic churches to pray the Prayer of Adoration followed by the Prayer for Vocations. Even better, pray the prayers after Holy Communion when at Mass. We probably all know those often repeated words of the Lord: “the harvest is rich”. Yes, it includes my daily vocation and yours, and how can that not also be exciting? And to reap the harvest, to learn the Lord’s will for us today and tomorrow? “Pray to the Lord of the harvest”. Father William Massie with one of the prayer cards inspired by the Eucharistic Congress Moving Service For Priests And Bishops A very moving Remembrance Mass for our deceased bishops and priests took place at St Mary’s Cathedral. Canons of the Cathedral Chapter gathered to concelebrate the Mass with Bishop Terry. At the end of the Mass, the congregation was invited to move in procession, outside to the crypt, where the bishop blessed the graves of his predecessors – Paul Bowen Bishop Terry, Father Phil Cunnah and Deacon Ken Senior at the blessing of the bishops’ graves – Photo by Mark Gallagher

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January 2019 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 3 SCHOOLS Bishop Commissions School Inspectors Bishop Terry celebrated Mass at Our Lady`s Church in York to celebrate the commissioning of six diocesan school inspectors. The inspectors undertake rigorous inspection visits to all diocesan primary and secondary schools to ensure the education each school provides continues to be authentically Catholic with a focus on the quality of religious education, collective worship and the wider Catholic life of the school. Those present were invited to renew their baptismal promises, as their mission to inspect and support schools is a deepening of their baptismal vocation. As a reminder of their baptism, they dipped their hands in holy water to make the sign of the cross and were given a baptismal candle to symbolise the light of Christ that they will embody in their relationship with schools. The inspectors were asked to publicly state their willingness to serve in this ministry and Bishop Terry then presented them with their certificates of commissioning. Three diocesan Nurturing Future Leaders programme coordinators were also recognised with episcopal blessings for their service to Catholic education. Johan Bergström-Allen Bishop Terry with recommissioned inspectors Meg Baines, Mary Brown, Michelle Ryan, Liz King and Anne Parr Retiring inspector Jenny Firth, to the right of Bishop Terry, with NFL coordinators Marie McClelland, Liz Cannings and Peggy Swinhoe All Saints Students Honour Bar Convent Tradition Students from All Saints School in York continued a 300-year-old tradition when they took part in a historic procession at the Bar Convent on the Eve of the Feast of St Michael The Archangel. The procession dates back to around 1696, when an anti-Catholic mob attempted to destroy the Bar Convent. Relics were hidden while the community waited for whatever might happen that night. Reverend Mother Bedingfield took the picture of St Michael that hung above the convent door and placed the convent under his protection. Those in the house opposite described how they saw a tall person on a white horse brandishing a sword above the convent and the mob retreated back down Micklegate, leaving the convent and its occupants unharmed. As usual, the procession began in the hall of the Bar Convent with Sister Anne retelling the story. As we sang the first hymn, Jessica Precious, the youngest student in the school, upheld tradition by leading the procession while carrying the picture of St Michael. Helen Gill and Jessica Stevenson walked behind her carrying candles while the rest of the students followed to the chapel, where they sang and listened to the prayers of intercession, including one read by Evie Greenaway. It’s wonderful that the school is able to continue to support its links to the convent by taking part in this great tradition. Elaine Wright, Chaplaincy Co-ordinator All Saints students Jessica Stevenson, Jessica Precious and Helen Gill

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4 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2019 We will continue now with the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. Find the fourth decade on your Rosary beads. While we say our Hail Marys we will think about baby Jesus being taken by Mary and Joseph to the temple to be presented to the Lord, as you were when you were baptised. There was a very holy man at the temple, called Simeon. God had promised him that one day he would see the saviour. When the holy family came in, Simeon took baby Jesus in his arms and blessed God, saying: “My eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see.” SCHOOLS A CATHOLIC VOLUNTARY ACADEMY Head: Mrs Janet Granycome Telephone: 01642 298100 Website: www.trinitycatholiccollege.org.uk granycome.j@trinitycatholiccollege.org.uk St. Augustine’s RC Primary School a Catholic Voluntary Academy (Part of Nicholas Postgate 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 The Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation St Edward’s Primary School a Catholic Voluntary Academy Part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust Eastbourne Road, Linthorpe Middlesbrough TS5 6QS Tel 01642 819507 Headteacher Mrs Mary Brown email: stedwardsrc@mcschools.org.uk www.stedwardsrcprimaryschool.co.uk St Margaret Clitherow’s Catholic Voluntary Academy South Bank, Middlesbrough TS6 6TA Tel 01642 835370 Acting Headteacher: Miss C McNicholas email: stmargaretclitherows@smc.rac.sch.uk St Benedict`s Catholic Primary School ‘Pray together, Learn together’ Part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic 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 A member of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust Tedder Avenue, Thornaby, Stockton-On-Tees TS17 9JP Executive Head Teacher: Mr M Ryan Head of School: Miss H Lickess Tel: 01642 765639 Email: christtheking@sbcschools.org.uk If you would like to advertise in the Schools section, please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 248225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org

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January 2019 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 5 SCHOOLS NPCAT Schools Launch `Called To Serve` Initiative The newly formed Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT) has launched the “Called to Serve” initiative within all 25 of its schools across the north of the Diocese of Middlesbrough. The initiative aims to ensure the trust and its schools unite to make a positive impact within their communities, building on the excellent work already being done. Chief executive officer Hugh Hegarty said: “Catholic Social Teaching doesn’t simply ask us to drop our spare change into the collection. It’s about showing daily care and concern for one another, our families and those around us who are less fortunate. “As Catholic schools, community and faith are at the heart of everything we do. Called to Serve is an initiative that aims to highlight and celebrate all the outstanding work our schools do in our communities throughout the year.” With more than 9,000 students and 1,200 staff, NPCAT is now the North-East’s largest Catholic trust and the second largest Catholic multi-academy trust in the UK. “As a trust, we naturally strive for academic excellence, but we also aim to develop well-rounded students with a sense of community, an understanding of where they fit into the world and a recognition that giving back and helping others is a core element of being part of that community,” said Mr Hegarty. “All our schools engage in charity work, whether in their parishes or within the local community by engaging with care homes, homeless shelters or children hospitals. “At this time of year, many our schools, including St Gerard’s, in Hemlington, Sacred Heart, Middlesbrough, and Corpus Christi, Thorntree, once again prepared hampers during Advent for CAUSE, a charity that delivers more than 800 hampers to local families across Teesside who for various reasons were struggling over the festive period. “In the New Year, St Clare’s in Acklam is developing a programme in which each class looks to support elderly or vulnerable neighbours throughout the year. All Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust schools also regularly go into local care homes and nursing homes to sit and talk and engage with residents. “Creating this connectivity to and with our communities is paramount in an age where there is more and more dependency on an online culture that can drive loneliness, isolation and sometimes mental illness. “Childline has seen a 14% rise in the number of children contacting the charity about loneliness. Nearly 80% of sessions offered by Childline went to girls, including some who said watching their friends socialise without them on social media made them feel increasingly isolated. “Getting children off their computers and taking them into their communities to engage with their peers and people from different backgrounds and religions not only helps their self- confidence and their understanding of the world they live in, but also increases friendship groups, helping them to grow as individuals.” NPCAT was formed in September with the aim of sharing best practice and excellence while delivering a safe, caring environment for all its pupils and staff. Four of the trusts primary schools have been named in the Sunday Times top 250 – Christ the King, in Thornaby, St Edward`s, in Linthorpe, St Thérèse, of Lisieux in Ingleby Barwick and St Bedes in Markse-by-the-Sea, which was also named State Primary School of the Year by the paper. Father Pat Day with pupils from St Pius School in Park End who collected food during Advent St Gerard’s School at Hemlington was one of many schools that collected hampers for CAUSE Pupils from the Sacred Heart Primary in Middlesbrough with information about the annual diocesan Mission Together collection Teesside School Named State Primary Of The Year St Bede’s Catholic Primary School in Marske- by-the-Sea has been named Sunday Times State Primary School of the Year. The school – part of the Nicholas Postgate Academy Trust – beat off the challenge of the country’s finest primaries to win the prestigious award. The honour came in the latest edition of Britain’s longest-standing newspaper school guide, The Sunday Times Parent Power, which recognises the country’s top-achieving schools in both the state and independent sectors. St Bede’s head Joanna Wilson said: “We are delighted that the school’s passion, drive and excellence has been honoured in this way. This achievement is testament to the amazing work carried out here at St Bede’s by the staff, its governors and our dedicated parents and pupils.” Sunday Times Schools Guide editor Alastair McCall said: "St Bede`s is the embodiment of what an outstanding primary school should be. Its children achieve excellent results, but the school offers so much more than that. Committed and talented staff tease the best out of the children in a school where moral and spiritual development counts as much as academic achievement. "The school works hard to build the self- confidence of all the children in its care, allowing everyone to contribute to school life. St Bede`s is a vibrant, happy school family that enhances the lives of the children within in and the wider community that it serves." Mrs Wilson added: “St Bede’s is rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and we are committed to excellence in all that we do. An all-inclusive school, we welcome everyone into our loving family, where we respect and care for each other, ensuring that each child is able to fulfil their potential spiritually, academically, socially, morally and culturally.” Excellent performance by year 6 pupils in the government’s new key stage 2 Sats last year propelled St Bede’s from 24th in last year’s Sunday Times Parent Power table to joint fourth this year. Pupils attained an average scaled score of 115 for reading, 113 for grammar and 114 for maths, giving them a combined score of 342 across all three assessments, which has led to St Bede’s being named State Primary School of the Year. St Bede’s recently joined the newly formed Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT), a family of 25 schools, a sixth form and two teaching schools. The trust is dedicated to academic excellence and the spiritual and moral development of its 9,000 pupils. “We are thrilled for one of our schools to receive this accolade so early in the life of our new trust,” said NPCAT chief executive Hugh Hegarty. “We are extremely proud to have a number of outstanding schools in and around the Middlesbrough area within our trust. We are determined to build on the excellent achievements of schools such as St Bede’s so that more and more children who attend Nicholas Postgate Academy schools will receive educational and pastoral care that is as good if not better than anything on offer anywhere in the country.” St Bede’s is one of four NPCAT primaries named in the Sunday Times top 250. Christ the King in Thornaby is ranked 143, St Edward`s in Linthorpe is at 184 in the list and St Thérèse of Lisieux in Ingleby Barwick is in 195th place. Praising St Bede’s in its report, the Sunday Times team said: “Collaboration is also important at St Bede’s, part of the Nicholas Postgate Academy Trust, the second biggest of its kind in England. Parents are encouraged to share their ideas as well as their children’s successes outside school. “The very active Friends of St Bede’s group organises events including Christmas and summer fairs to raise funds for school trips and extra resources. “Self-confidence also characterises the children at St Bede’s. ‘You shoot me down but I won’t fall, I am titanium,’ sings Leyla, a year 6 pupil to a whole school assembly at the end of the week. Her self-assurance, poise and the power of her voice belies her age and size – and the fact that this was the first time she had ever performed in front of an audience.” Happy pupils at the UK`s State Primary School of the Year, St Bede`s in Markse

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6 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2019 SCHOOLS A Letter From Madonna House As we enter into the New Year, ideas for resolutions begin to take shape in our minds. If you’re anything like me, you can think of dozens of areas in your life that need improvement. I was recently composing such a list which was growing longer and longer. As I turned to orchestrating a self- improvement plan – don’t be angry, eat less, pray more, be grateful, don’t waste time – I suddenly heard the words in my heart, “Be still”. All my resolutions fell away. Our lives can be filled with so much noise and busyness and if that isn’t enough, we can be very good at adding to it. There is a restlessness within us, a thirst, a loneliness which drives us, gnaws at us and begs to be filled at all costs. So we do all we can to fill it and drown it out. Yet somehow we continue to thirst. And yet the infinite thirst, emptiness, longing was created within us, to draw us to the infinite , to our true purpose and to that which will fulfil – knowing him and loving him in this life and perfect unity with him in the next life. Leading us to the one without which nothing will ever be enough. Be still. Let us not be too quick to move on from the mysteries which were brought to our attention last month, the birth of Emmanuel, which means “God with us”. Jesus doesn’t come once we’re perfect and have created him a nice cushy dwelling to live in. He was born in the smelly stable to show us that he wants to be with us in the messiness of our hearts. And also to show us that we need not be afraid and run from the emptiness we find there. The emptiness is a promise of fulfilment. In Our Lady, through her “fiat”, we see the emptiness of her womb turned into a vessel carrying into the world Emmanuel. She was asked to receive a gift, to let something be done to her. God took her ordinary life with Joseph and transformed it. He wants to do the same with us. He asks for our ordinary lives – our work, affections, fears, hopes and disappointments and he asks to become a part of them and transform them. This year, I’m making only one New Year’s resolution, to make time to “be still” with God. Perhaps you too can be challenged to take 20 minutes (or however long) out of your day to stop running from the emptiness, to receive and know that Emmanuel is there, growing and doing his work in you, even if you don’t see it or feel it, trusting that he will manifest his glory through you uniquely and that he has a plan. Through our everyday, ordinary life, at every moment we are united to him, we too can be vessels through which God is birthed on earth. Be still and expect a miracle. Be Still SCHOOL NEWS IN BRIEF Generous Pupils Feed The Hungry Children at St Hilda’s Primary School in Whitby are pictured with items they collected for Whitby Food Bank to help feed the hungry as part of CAFOD Harvest Fast Day. New Mini Vinnies At St Wilfrid`s Canon Michael Ryan presented five new Mini Vinnies with their badges and prayer books during the New Beginnings Mass held in St Wilfrid’s School in York. Now numbering nine, the group aim to do God`s work in the name of the St Vincent de Paul Society by showing love, care and concern for those in need within the school and beyond. – Kath Campbell Three Decades Of Lunchtime Service Lunchtime supervisor Georgina Martin was presented with a bouquet to celebrate 30 years of service at the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Middlesbrough. Staff and pupils were delighted to help Georgina mark this very special achievement. Flowers For St Vincent! The Mini Vinnies team from St Vincent’s VC Academy, Hull, created flower arrangements for a special Mass to celebrate their patron’s feast day. Working with Helen Marshall from St Vincent’s Parish and chaplaincy co-ordinator Mary Onn, the children selected seasonal blooms to fill vases decorated with colourful ribbons. The group meets weekly and are hardworking and dedicated, always looking for new and creative ways to put concern into action. St Bernadette’s Welcome New Mini Vinnies Children told the story of the Good Samaritan and then led the rest of St Bernadette’s School in Nunthorpe in prayer as 23 new Mini Vinnies were welcomed. Six members of St Bernadette’s parish SVP conference attended the special commissioning assembly. Their first task was to host a Christmas party for retired parishioners and friends, as well as helping pack hampers for needy families, before preparing cards to be given out to our supported pilgrims going to Lourdes. Some also help at Sunday morning church coffee mornings. Walking The Walk For CAFOD Year six children from Our Lady and St Peter School in Bridlington collectively walked 144 miles along the town’s seafront as part of CAFOD’s Share the Journey campaign. They wanted to do something practical after learning about the plight of child refugees during RE lessons on the Universal Church. Each child carried a campaign card about a named refugee and prayers were said along the way before a picnic lunch enjoyed by the children, staff, parents and governors. The miles have been added to the grand total on CAFOD’s website. Harvest For The Homeless Mini Vinnies at St Charles Voluntary Catholic Academy in Hull are pictured presenting the proceeds of their harvest festival collection to Chris Cuthill, from the St Charles drop-in centre for the homeless.

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January 2019 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 7 SCHOOLS When I heard I had been nominated for the York Teacher Of The Year award, I thought it was all good fun and perhaps a little tongue in cheek. However, I was sent a copy of the nomination and discovered it was from an 18- year-old former student who came to St George’s in year six. He arrived after being the victim of terrible bullying at a different school. I remember him very well. He had been classed as low ability and was extremely shy, but he flourished and his smile returned after only a few days with us. His letter of nomination made me cry and I printed it out to share with my friends and colleagues at St George’s. They, too, were reduced to tears to read how much I had changed his life, helping him overcome his mental health issues and enabling him to reach expected levels in all subjects. I was totally humbled to read his letter. Up to that point, I had no idea that the work I do every single day could have such a profound effect on a child and could actually change someone’s life. When I actually won the Teacher Of The Year, I accepted it on behalf of all teachers. I know that the way we teach and care for each child at St George’s is outstanding. Our parents love us, the children are full of joy every day and the staff are truly amazing. Please come and see our amazing school in action. I am always delighted to show people round. If you are looking for a school in York for your little one, look no further. I believe St George’s RC Primary is the best school in the world. Deirdre Patton-Statham, Headteacher Award Highlights School’s Life-Changing Role Deirdre Patton-Statham Six year seven boys from St Augustine’s School were part of the Scarborough RUFC Under-12s’ team who formed the guard of honour for the England team ahead of their big game against the All Blacks at Twickenham. The boys – including St Augustine’s pupils Billy Kelly, Elliot Thompson, Seb Holloway, Alex Ward, Joe Logue and Oliver Burlinson – also played a friendly against Wallsend on the famous turf, showcasing their skills in front of the growing pre-match crowd. They then stood behind Prince Harry while he laid the remembrance wreath to represent 100 years since the end of World War One. Fly half Elliot Thompson summed up the experience when he said: “I enjoyed every minute of it and it was such a big opportunity to play in front of all those people and show how well we play as a team. I will never forget it.” Billy Kelly Young Rugby Stars In Twickenham Guard Of Honour Prince Harry lays a Remembrance wreath at Twickenham, with St Augustine’s pupils Oliver Burlinson and Billy Kelly in green shirts to his right Partnership Leads To New Kitchen A new kitchen has been installed at Our Lady`s parish hall in Acomb as part of a partnership with York College. The college approached the church when it was seeking a venue to host its Education and Life Skills Programme for young adults who have not been able to benefit from standard full-time education. The programme includes participants running a lunch club one day a week for the elderly of the area and local company Howdens donated and fitted a new kitchen in the parish hall to support this project. Adjustments have been made to make the facilities more accessible for those people with disabilities. Parish priest Father Tony Lester said: "It’s important in the church that our resources serve the wider community as much as possible. Two of the young adults on the programme are already mothers, and two will become mothers during their time with us. “A project like this is increasingly necessary and York College is to be complimented for dedicating resources to young adults whom society would prefer to forget. “The project and partnership were discussed and approved by the parish pastoral council. For our part, we are very pleased to be able to support the young people of our area and help them build friendships with older people. This valuable resource will help our existing parish and other community groups that meet in the hall." Johan Bergström-Allen Work on the new kitchen at Our Lady’s in Acomb

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8 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2019 Happy Birthday To Our LGBT+ Outreach Last year saw the first Masses organised by our diocese to give a warm and inclusive welcome to members of the LGBT+ community, family and friends. So, on the second Sunday of Advent 2017, at around 2.30pm, I had stood in the doorway of the Bar Convent ready to welcome any who might come along. We had no way of knowing if any would come. I had been advised that people would not come to Mass and that Mass was not what was needed. Gradually, though, people began to arrive and by the time Mass began we had some 60 people in the chapel, some of whom had travelled long distances from outside the diocese to be there. After that encouraging beginning, Mass has been celebrated on the second Sunday of every month since. The Congregation of Jesus Sisters at the Bar Convent have been generous in the warmth of their welcome, and each Mass is followed by social time in the atrium. Each month new people have found their way to us. For some, the second Sunday is a regular fixture in their diaries, and others come as they are able with work and family commitments allowing. From the outset, the time after Mass has been one of sharing of stories, and these have often been marked by the pain of rejection by family, by their priests and local parish communities. Our community welcomes, also, the parents and families of LGBT+ children who themselves have sometimes experienced rejection in their own parishes. Along with Canon John Lumley and myself, some of the sisters are involved in this important ministry of welcome and listening. Indeed the whole community is ministering to each other – offering friendship, support and encouragement in their lives as Catholics. All of us are called to holiness and to follow the Gospel, so in June 2018 we had a stall for the first time at York Pride, serviced by volunteers from our worshipping community. At the end of the day we all agreed we had never before had so many real conversations in such a short space of time. It was a wonderful day with very many people doing a double-take that there could even be such a thing as a Catholic LGBT+ Outreach and Service! No matter who we are or in what circumstances we find ourselves, we need to be ready to hear God’s word and be open to the challenge that it brings us, but always with the support of our brothers and sisters in the wider Church. Twelve months on, it is clear that the regular Masses have a place and meet a need. Many of those who come are to be found week by week in their local parishes. In the Catholic Church we have a long tradition of Masses which bring together members of particular groups, and our diocesan Mass each month in York is one such. What a joy then that Bishop Terry agreed to come and preside at our Mass on the Second Sunday of Advent 2018, our first birthday. It was a beautiful and prayerful celebration in which Bishop Terry affirmed us in the importance of this ministry of outreach to the LGBT+ community, family and friends within the diocese. The Mass also saw the formation of our pastoral council, made up of members of the community who will work alongside Canon John and I. We are aware that as a diocesan ministry we are currently very much focused in York, and that we need to find ways of being present in Hull and in Middlesbrough as well. Please keep this important ministry in your prayers and, if you have any positive suggestions or wish to offer help, email me at frtony@lgbtmiddlesbroughcatholic.org.uk. You can also visit our website at lgbtmiddlesbroughcatholic.org.uk. Father Tony Lester, Coordinator, LGBT+ Outreach and Service Dr Chris Godfrey-Murphy, Angela Bergström-Allen, Father Tony Lester and Canon John Lumley at York Pride Bishop Terry at the first anniversary Mass Red Wednesday Marked At St George`s Red Wednesday at Westminster Cathedral – Photo © Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk A red candle burned on the altar at St George’s in York from the Feast of Christ the King to Advent Sunday to mark Aid to the Church in Need’s “Red Wednesday” in support of persecuted Christians. At both the Masses parishioners heard about the plight of persecuted Christians throughout the world, the work of ACN and how we can help. On Red Wednesday itself, Canon Alan Sheridan led a Holy Hour after the daily Mass. ACN is asking all Catholics to go to an extra Mass and Eucharistic Adoration on behalf of a Christian somewhere in the world who is prevented from going themselves and St George’s parishioners are responding to this appeal. The parish’s Third World Group also donated the proceeds of its Christmas raffle to ACN. Cathedrals, churches, schools, colleges and universities across the UK took part in the Red Wednesday campaign. Iconic buildings including Marble Arch, Lambeth Palace and the Houses of Parliament were all floodlit red and people joined a candlelight procession to Westminster Cathedral. Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra, assistant secretary general of Muslim Council of Great Britain, spoke out against persecution by Muslim extremists. Help Us Pray For Persecuted Catholics For over three centuries, Catholic witness has taken place in this chapel in the upper room of the Church of Our Lady of Mount Grace in the centre of Osmotherley village. Under the protection of the Franciscans, this chapel provided a safe haven during the time of great religious persecution in the 17th century. This has inspired our intention to pray together in January for all who are persecuted today for practicing their religious faith. Persecution for religious beliefs and practices is still one of the great abuses of power in the world today. This month we are asked to make the journey in prayer with those who suffer and sometimes die for their commitment to the revelation of divine love. Jesus told his disciples this would happen. His life was a stark example of how goodness can apparently be trampled into the dust by force. He assured his disciples that in their suffering he would be with them and they would be with him in his kingdom. We will take time in our weekly midday prayers this month to ask Christ to carry all who are persecuted and suffering through their challenges, wherever they are. In our prayers we will also remember those Catholics in this region who refused to abandon their faith and who continued their prayer life in the old hall chapel during and after the Reformation. We hope and pray that all Christians will one day rejoice in free and prayerful fellowship. Please join us for prayer and reflection at noon every Wednesday in January at Our Lady of Mount Grace, North End, Osmotherley, DL6 3BB. Bring packed food if you would like to join us for lunch. Elizabeth Walmsley The upper room chapel of the Church of Our Lady of Mount Grace, Osmotherley

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The bishops of England and Wales have come together to support the Global Healing programme, which has been put together in response to Pope Francis` encyclical Laudato Si’. Some parishes, including ours, the Church of Our Lady in York, have already taken part. Laudato Si’, subtitled On Care For Our Common Home, makes the connection between world poverty and our treatment of the environment, which is closely connected to climate change. Global Healing includes a DVD in three ten-minute sections, with questions to consider after each one. There are plenty of ideas to suggest ways of doing these things. Education is an important part of this and we have been involving our younger parishioners in the programme. We have already responded to Laudato Si’ by forming a small group to carry out some of the ideas also found in this programme. They include caring for our church environment, encouraging recycling, planting bee-friendly bushes and flowers, celebrating the Season of Creation during September, living responsibly and looking at how to reduce our carbon footprints and reduce waste. As we have been a Fair Trade parish for several years, we are also aware of the connection between the use of products that damage the environment and those that don`t. We would recommend the Global Healing programme to any parishes or groups who recognise the importance of playing our part in helping to save the planet. As Christians, we cannot ignore the great need to act. As one young speaker on the DVD says, we can all do something. Yes, we really can. Let`s be part of it! The programme is available at ourcommonhome.co.uk. Nan Saeki January 2019 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 9 Last year we launched our Diocesan Environment Policy in response to Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ . The policy includes suggestions of changes we might make in our lives to take on the challenge of caring for our wonderful planet. To encourage us to consider what steps we might take, we will suggest two ideas each month this year as a regular Catholic Voice feature and we hope this will be helpful. For January • Review your local area recycling policy at gov.uk/recycling-collections • Recycle items according to your area policy – remembering Christmas cards and Christmas trees! Diocesan Justice & Peace Group • Peace campaigner Chris Cole will give a talk on “Peace in a Time of New Ways of War” on Saturday January 19 2019 at Our Lady’s, Acomb, York Y024 3AE from 10.30am, with tea and coffee from 10am. The meeting will conclude with a shared lunch. This year’s Peace Sunday is celebrated on January 20. Faithfully Caring For Our Common Home Don’t forget to recycle your Christmas tree! Environment Corner Three Wishes For The Congo Francis Hannaway, from St Gabriel’s Parish, Ormesby, in Middlesbrough, lives and works in Basankusu Diocese, in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a lay missionary with Mill Hill Missionaries… One of our diocesan priests, who works 500km from us, came to visit Basankusu. “How are things with Mill Hill?” he asked. “How are things with the Congo?” I replied. And so began our conversation. He had seen many changes in the country over the years. We sat with a cold glass of beer each. “You’ll be happy that the presidential elections will soon be taking place,” I continued. He looked cynical. “The elections are already two years overdue,” he said. “This imposter has stayed in power long enough. He’s either killed or imprisoned his opposition or driven them into exile. Demonstrations are brutally stamped on – even in January 2018, his police entered churches and shot people.” President Joseph Kabila came to power after the assassination of his warlord father in 2001. “But now at least we’ll have elections on December 23,” I replied. “Elections of a sort,” he said. “The opposition candidates are all prima donnas who can’t agree on a single candidate. The electronic voting machines haven’t been distributed to every village – and there won’t be the power to charge them. Anyway, tell me about Mill Hill. Where is Father John Kirwan?” “Father John went back to England with a bad back, but I’m happy to say he’s completely recovered,” I said. “I’ve known him over many years,” he said, his eyes sparkling. “He has given great service as a missionary here.” “Father John has been asked to consider retirement. It will be a sad loss after 38 years.” He looked troubled, but then asked, “What about your colleagues, Father Stan and Father Otto – and what about new missionary priests being appointed?” I told him about Father Stan having been ill but now on his way back to Basankusu, and of Father Otto in Kinshasa setting up our new seminary. As for new appointments, we have about 30 seminarians from Kenya, Uganda, Cameroon and Congo, so it’s quite possible new people will soon be sent. “Ah, yes, I knew Otto and Stan when they were at school. And what about yourself?” “I’m looking forward to continuing my work with malnutrition. In four years we’ve treated 2,500 children. Last week we gave our 17th wheelchair-bike – all paid for by kind donations sent by people from the Diocese of Middlesbrough.” A broad smile spread across his face as he lifted his glass. “Well,” he said. “Here’s to 2019. Let’s hope we have a new, good president, that your students do well and people continue to support your work with malnutrition and wheelchairs.” • Follow Francis Hannaway on Facebook. Donate 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” (enclose a note to say it’s for F Hannaway and request a gift aid form). Francis with children in Basankusu

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10 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2019 CAFOD From the Archives 50 Years Ago (From The Hull Catholic Magazine) The obligation of abstaining from meat on Fridays is now well behind us. Personal penance or sacrifice is now the obligation – not the suggestion – the obligation! This is probably of greater force than hitherto. Fish to many people was a pleasant alternative meal. Are we taking refuge in the dispensation by continuing to enjoy a pleasant alternative? That is not the object at all. The whole purpose of the ruling is to bring home to us individually the need to actively do something, and to actively refrain from something we like. Are we then fulfilling the spirit of the change? Are we attending Mass on Fridays? Or visiting a sick or lonely person? Or saying the Rosary? Or denying ourselves smoking; drinking; bingo; that favourite cup of tea? We should you know. 100 Years Ago (From The North-Eastern Daily Gazette, January 21 1919 The question of increased burial accommodation at North Ormesby came before a meeting of the Cemeteries Committee in Middlesbrough today. Alderman Dent, who presided, mentioned that several schemes had been before them. The proposal which found favour was for an extension at the back of the RC Cemetery, where they could get over three acres of very good ground. David Smallwood Help CAFOD Make A Difference Looking for a New Year’s Resolution? Could you mobilise your parish community? As a volunteer in your church community you can mobilise parishioners to act for global justice. Your unique relationship with the parish priest and other volunteers and your passion for a better world will help promote CAFOD’s work, connecting your community with those overseas. Most of all, your work will ensure that our sisters and brothers in the world’s poorest places can have more prosperous and fulfilling lives. You will make good friends and be part of an amazing team. “When people are in need, giving money is not the only way to help,” said one CAFOD volunteer. “With volunteering, you give your time and skills to make a difference.” We have vacancies for volunteers to help promote our work and campaigns across our diocese or to visit our schools – you don’t have to be a teacher. Training is provided and expenses are reimbursed, so if you have a few hours to spare and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you. Visit cafod.org.uk/volunteer for further details or email middlesbrough@cafod.org.uk or call 01642 822301 or 07779 804253. Norah Says Farewell Good volunteers are worth their weight in gold and this is certainly true of Norah Hanson, who has decided it’s time to end her role with CAFOD. Norah has been a tireless campaigner and advocate for the past 15 years and has actively promoted our work, both in her home parish of St Anthony and Our Lady of Mercy in Hull and nationally. Her passion and commitment to social justice at home and abroad is infectious and she has often kept her local MP busy with her concerns on many political issues, particularly when they have a negative impact on people’s lives. She has recruited others to support our work and was a representative on Hull Interfaith group, involving them in the annual CAFOD Advent services at St Charles Borromeo Church, which she led for the final time in December. The talented former teacher is a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, as well as being a published poet. She will be very greatly missed, especially at our Hull volunteer meetings, but we wish her well and I suspect she will still have a very full life! St Wilfrid’s Generosity Is Inspirational There are times when I’m pleasantly surprised by the unexpected, as I was when I read this email from Dan Jones, a teacher at St Wilfrid’s Primary School in York… “I attended an RE course led by CAFOD in York in the summer about the Universal Church. I was inspired by the story of Oscar Romero and my class were too when I took it back to them. “As part of an end-of-term project, the children created an information poster for each team in the World Cup. They were so good we decided to display them in our playground, alongside food and music from each country. Parents were invited and the children made up a round-the- world quiz, with all the answers on the posters. “We raised nearly £200 and the children wanted the money to go to people in El Salvador, which they studied through their work on Archbishop Romero. We have a cheque waiting for CAFOD at school. I was wondering if you would be interested in coming to York and we could present it to you.” I took Dan up on his offer and visited St Wilfrid’s and got another surprise as KS2 children were practicing their Christmas songs with their head teacher Mrs Conway. They sounded beautiful! Then I learned they had held a toy sale and they presented me with a cheque for £400. I was overwhelmed by their generosity and thoughtfulness and thanked them on behalf of the people who would benefit from their kindness. I would like to thank all our diocesan schools for the support they give CAFOD throughout the year. I am aware of many calls on their generosity from other charities and they always try to help when they can and truly demonstrate putting their faith into action and helping others. It’s very inspiring to witness it. Carol Cross Norah with Canon Michael Loughlin – photo by Bernard Swift Dan Jones with generous St Wilfrid’s children Our first intake of students on the Pastoral Ministry certificate course completed their first year of study with an integration day held in Darlington. The course is a collaboration between the Diocese of Middlesbrough and five other northern dioceses, instructing lay people – including those training to be deacons – how to lead fellow churchgoers in areas of ministry such as liturgy, catechesis, action for social justice and counselling. Teaching is delivered online by the Institute of Pastoral Studies (IPS) at Loyola University in Chicago, with occasional integration days in Darlington or Liverpool. The Darlington day brought our initial three students together with fellow students and tutors to reflect on the first year of the two- year course. Feedback was given to Dr Brian Schmisek, dean of the IPS, who travelled from Chicago especially to meet with students and talk about the Jesuit teaching philosophy that underpins the course. The distance-learning format is specifically designed to fit into the busy lives of lay Catholics who feel called to offer their services to the Church but aren`t free to study full-time. A second intake of students will begin the course this year. In a number of instances, the cost is being shared between students, the diocese, and parishes, in the realisation that the Church will increasingly rely on lay people to take an active part in ministry as the number of ordained priests declines. If you would like to know more about the certificate, contact Deacon Vincent Purcell at adultformation@dioceseofmiddlesbrough.co. uk. Please keep the students and tutors in your prayers. Johan Bergström-Allen Pastoral Ministry Students Reach Halfway The integration day for students on the Pastoral Ministry certificate course

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January 2019 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 11 NEWS 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 FUNERAL DIRECTORS If you would like to advertise in the Funeral Directors section, please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 248225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org This Month’s Clergy Anniversaries Please pray for the following priests of our diocese whose anniversaries are during the month of January… 3 2000 Rt Rev Mgr Canon Peter Storey Osmotherley 3 2000 Very Rev Canon James Oliver Plunkett Beverley 5 1887 Rev William Brown York 7 1981 Rev Michael McCarthy Scorton 7 1991 Rev Christopher Pattison Eston 9 1956 Rev Charles Heslin Redcar 11 1965 Rev Cuthbert Clifford Hull 11 1995 Rev Leo Dennett Egton Bridge 13 1964 Very Rev Canon James Knowles Hull 16 1965 Rev Bernard Pears Everingham 16 1908 Rev Michael Aylward South Bank 17 1978 Very Rev Canon T Lynam Westmeath 18 1957 Rev Alphonsus Van den Bossche Ulshaw Bridge 20 1939 Rt Rev Mgr Canon Richard F Sullivan Middlesbrough 21 2005 Very Rev David Fitzgibbon Castlebar 21 2007 Rev James Hughes Hessle 25 2010 Rev Joseph O’Brien Hull 27 1993 Rev Edward Glynn, RN Sleights, Whitby 29 1975 Rev Denis Manley Hull 31 1985 Rev Patrick Smyth Hull 31 2005 Rev Mark Crowley Kilmallock Bishop Unveils Plaque To Honour Pilgrimage Of Grace Leader Aske Bishop Terry unveiled a plaque in honour of martyr and Pilgrimage of Grace leader Robert Aske near the place of his execution in York. The plaque, near Clifford’s Tower, was a joint project between York Civic Trust and the Knights of St Columba. Aske, a lawyer, objected to Henry VIII’s religious reforms, especially the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and he ended up leading the growing revolt in Yorkshire, Northumberland, Durham and other areas. Thousands of insurgents marched on York and Aske met the king and was given assurances that their concerns would be addressed. However, Henry later had Aske seized and convicted of high treason in London. He was taken back to York where he was hanged in chains on a scaffold outside of Clifford’s Tower in 1537. York Civic Trust is a membership organisation open to all who wish to protect and enhance York`s architectural and cultural heritage. The trust has been placing commemorative plaques on buildings since the late 1940s and there are now around 80. Knights of St Columba with Bishop Terry and Andrew Scott of York Civic Trust at the unveiling of a plaque in honour of Pilgrimage of Grace leader Robert Aske – Photo courtesy of York Civic Trust

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1 Mon 10.30am Rosary/11am Mass, the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Grace, Osmotherley 4 Fri Events and articles for the February Voice are due by today 5 Sat 12 noon Christian Meditation Weekly Group, St John of Beverley, Church (11.45am for new meditators). Contact: christianmeditation. beverley@gmail.com 6 Sun 11am Mass at Our Lady of Mount Grace (18 North End, Osmotherley Village, DL6 3BB) (first Sunday) 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 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. 7pm Knights of St Columba Council 29 meet at St Mary’s Cathedral, Dalby Way, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough commencing with Mass in the Cathedral Chapel 7.30pm The Knights of St Columba, Council 95, meet at Council Chambers, English Martyrs Hall, Dalton Terrace, York 9 Wed 10.30am The Life Ascending Group at Our Lady of Lourdes, Hessle meets after morning Mass 10.30am Midday Prayer/Wednesday Word/Prayer Intention for January ‘Those persecuted for their faith’ followed by refreshments 12 noon The Life Ascending Group at St Leonard & St Mary, Malton meets 2-3.30pm ‘Music for the Mind’, St Mary’s Cathedral hall. All welcome, especially those suffering from dementia, their carers and friends. Contact 01642 710179 for details. 2-4pm Open Mass followed by cup of tea and short reflection by Fr Thomas Swaffer, Madonna House, Thorpe Lane, Robin Hood’s Bay, YO22 4TQ 2.30pm Prayer Group, John Paul Centre, 55 Grange Road, Middlesbrough. New members welcome. 11 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 12 Sat 12 noon Christian Meditation Weekly Group, St John of Beverley, Church (11.45am for new meditators). Contact: christianmeditation. beverley@gmail.com 13 Sun 12 noon Sung Latin Mass at St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF 3pm Diocese of Middlesbrough LGBT+ outreach and service; Mass giving an explicit welcome to LGBT+ Catholics, their families and friends, in the chapel of The Bar Convent, 17 Blossom Street, York YO24 1AQ. All are welcome. 5pm Latin Mass, St Mary & Joseph, Baxtergate, Hedon HU12 8JN 5pm Mass in the Malayalam language at St Thomas More Church, Beechwood TS4 3EE; contact 01642 818203 for details. 6pm Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF 14 Mon 7.30pm Justice & Peace meet at St Bede’s Pastoral Centre, Blossom Street, York. Contact Nan Saeki (01904) 783621 for further details 16 Wed 8pm The Knights of St Columba, Hull Council 45, meet at St Joseph’s Church, West Hull 19 Sat 10.30am Justice & Peace ‘Peace in a Time of Conflict: Peace in a Time of New Ways of War’, Our Lady’s, Acomb YO24 3AE; speaker Chris Cole, co-ordinator of Fig Tree; meeting concludes with shared lunch 11.30am Centering (Contemplative) Prayer Group, St Gabriel’s Church, Ormesby, Middlesbrough. Contact Canon Lumley jl@rcdmidd.org.uk 12 noon Christian Meditation Weekly Group, St John of Beverley, Church (11.45am for new meditators). Contact christianmeditation. beverley@gmail.com 20 Sun 12 noon Sung Latin Mass, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF 12.30pm Cleveland Newman Circle New Year lunch, Parkmore Hotel, Eaglescliffe 3pm Catholic Fellowship Mass, Holy Name, Linthorpe TS5 6QT 6pm Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF 25 Fri 7pm Marian Prayer Group, St Anthony’s Church, Beverley Road, Hull. All welcome. Contact Pat (01482) 802483 for details 26 Sat 12 noon Christian Meditation Weekly Group, St John of Beverley, Church (11.45am for new meditators). Contact:christianmeditation. beverley@gmail.com 27 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 February Voice available from churches 30 Wed 12.45pm-3pm Life Ascending Group, York Central meets at St Wilfrid’s, York in the Upper Room after 12.10pm Mass 31 Thurs 7.30pm-9.30pm 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 First week of February 3 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 12 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2019 BISHOP TERENCE PATRICK DRAINEY ENGAGEMENTS FOR JANUARY 2019 13 Ordains Peter Taylor to the Order of Deacon St Mary’s Cathedral 10.00am 15 Attends meeting of Bishop’s Council at Bishop’s House, Middlesbrough 11.00am 18 Celebrates Mass for Headteacher of St Hilda’s Primary, Whitby, St Hilda’s Church, Whitby 9.30am 21 – 30 Attends World Youth Day in Panama 31 Meeting with SVP Regional Officers 11.00am Out & About around the Diocese 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@dioceseofmiddlesbrough.co.uk By Friday 4 January 2019 for the February issue By Friday 1 February 2019 for the March issue Where possible please send articles in Word and photographs as jpegs. Please confirm when you send in your photographs that those who appear in them have given their permission for publication. JOHN PAUL CENTRE 200+ CLUB DRAW Date of Draw – 6 December 2018 1st Prize - £80 Winning No 31 2nd Prize - £50 Winning No 24 3rd Prize - £30 Winning No 237 Next meeting and monthly draw Monday 7 January 2019 New members welcome – ask for details Tel (01642) 247831 Please support our advertisers. Revenue from advertising pays for the production of this paper and without them we would not be able to produce the Catholic Voice free of charge each month, so please support their businesses. Advance Notices 20 February – Cleveland Newman Circle ‘Egton Catholics 1600-1900’ (a case study in compiling a parish history) by David Smallwood, St Mary’s Cathedral, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough TS8 OTW, 7.30pm for 7.45pm The Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre is committed to serving local communities within the Diocese and so has been delighted to partner the Middlesbrough Voice who provide essential communications to share news, promote events and encourage fellowship. The Voice has enabled the Centre to launch its new multimedia exhibition with great effect, this fascinating exhibition covers over 300 years of Christian history from the period of Catholic recusancy to the work of the CJ Sisters around the world today.

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January 2019 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 13 OBITUARIES Please support our advertisers. Revenue from advertising pays for the production of this paper and without them we would not be able to produce the Catholic Voice free of charge each month, so please support their businesses. Pauline’s Life Of Service Ends A former teacher who played a key role in the Diocese of Middlesbrough’s Catholic Child Welfare Society and helped establish the Life Ascending movement has died peacefully at her home in Hull. Pauline Kiely, who passed away on Thursday October 25 at the age of 81, had endured a long period of illness that ended with the desolation of dementia. Educated at Endsleigh School in Hull, where her passion for sport developed, Pauline began a lifetime of service for the diocese as a PE and Biology teacher at Middlesbrough’s Newlands School FCJ in 1961. Supported by headmistress Sister Bernadette she developed a strong interest in Religious Education and encouraged her students to be aware of the needs of the local community, helping them with a “Hampers for Christmas” scheme. She gained a Social Work degree at York University in 1979 and for her dissertation work she pioneered the Parents and Children Together (PACT) scheme, which supports families under stress. She then joined the diocesan Catholic Child Welfare Society where, under the direction of Father Gerry Smyth and its director, Pat Welburn, she concentrated on adoption and fostering work, which she found immensely satisfying service. Pauline and her husband, Patrick, settled in Malton and attended St Leonard’s Church. After retiring she was invited by Bishop John Crowley to set up a group to consider initiating the Ascent movement (now Life Ascending), a Catholic movement for women and men in their middle to later years, in the diocese. After much work several enthusiastic groups began and happily still flourish in the diocese today, focusing on the movement’s three aims, spirituality, friendship and mission. May she rest in peace. Community Says Goodbye To Sister Imelda Sister Mary Imelda Dent RSM was born Molly Dent in South Bank, Middlesbrough, on September 1 1920, the eldest of the three children of Ellen and Harry Dent. She had a close-knit family of brother, Jack, who is now deceased, and sister, Joan, with relatives around the globe. Her primary school education was under the headship of Sister Mary Ninian, who later became mother general of the Mercy Sisters in the diocese, and her secondary education was with the FCJ Sisters. In 1938 she attended Endsleigh Training College and she taught in St Peter’s School back in South Bank before entering the noviciate at Endsleigh Convent in 1946. She recalled with a smile the disappointment of her former headmistress, Mother Mary Prendergast FCJ, when she joined the Mercy Sisters! She attended Reading University to read History and retained a lifelong love of the subject. After teaching in St Mary’s Grammar School in Hull from 1951 to 1958, she became head of Endsleigh Primary School. In 1964 she came back to teach in Middlesbrough, before returning to St Mary’s in Hull as head until her retirement in 1984. She was then asked to be part of a new community caring for student priests in the English College holiday villa at Palazzola, Rome. Returning to England in 1987 she rejoined the Endsleigh community, becoming involved in parish work in Our Lady of Lourdes and St Peter Chanel. Sister Imelda had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the history of the Mercy Sisters in Hull and of Blessed Nicholas Postgate, whose cause was first taken up by Mother Ninian. She enjoyed pilgrimages to Walsingham and Lourdes and wished any little money she left to go to the Lourdes fund to enable other people to enjoy this experience. Her last move was in 1995, when Endsleigh was closed as a convent and she came to Southcoates Lane Community, continuing as bursar and archivist. She died at home, surrounded by her sisters, on the feast of the Holy Rosary, Sunday October 7. Sister Imelda was a dedicated teacher with a great belief and optimism in the possibility of leading children forward to achieving their potential. The great number of past pupils who kept in touch with her is a testimony to this. Her links to her family were very strong and she loved visits from her many friends. We all have our cherished memories of Imelda – a woman of integrity and a deep commitment to her calling. Dear Imelda, rest in peace. Sister Nora Callaghan, RMS Pauline Kiely, who has died at the age of 81 Sister Mary Imelda, right, with her sister-in-law Myra Dent “Carmel Teacher Training Partnership are delighted to continue to advertise and promote via The Middlesbrough Voice. This marketing communication channel has enabled us to reach the wider catholic community across the diocese. It`s great to be able to let all of The Middlesbrough Voice readers know about our teacher training opportunities throughout the North East.”

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14 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2019 NEWS Schoolfriends Gather In Scarborough Former teachers Margaret Johnson, Barbara Allaker, Gwendoline Watson and Dorothy Morrison were among the 120 who attended the triennial get together of the Convent of the Ladies of Mary in Scarborough. The event was held at St Augustine’s School, with thanks to headteacher Mark Taylor for his invaluable support. Those attending had the opportunity to see the restored statue of the Sacred Heart that once graced the gardens of the old convent and is now located in his school grounds. Canon Edmund Gubbins spoke with affection about the Ladies of Mary, who also served in his old parish in Middlesbrough but have since returned to the motherhouse in the south of England. Regrettably, sisters from the order were unable to attend, but Laura Lambe spoke on their behalf. Many of the girls shared their memories with Sister Agnes O’Shea’s sister, Ann. Sister Agnes, a stalwart of past reunions, sadly died in June. A permanent home is now needed for memorabilia that has been kept since the school closed in 1975. If anyone can offer help, this would be much appreciated. Jennie Eyre, Secretary, Friends of Scarborough Convent Those attending the Convent of the Ladies of Mary gathering included Sue, on the front row, who wore an original school hat – Photo courtesy of Ben Nolan, graphicsandmedia.co.uk NEWS IN BRIEF Entries Open For Public Speaking Contest Applications are open via Catholic schools for entrants from key stage three and four and post- 16 students for the annual Catenian Public Speaking Contest. The event takes place in Newcastle on Sunday March 10 2019 and is organised and sponsored by Province 5 of the Catenian Association. The winner of the post-16 category will be invited to take part in the national contest in Manchester next September. For further details email Joe James at jjames9241@aol.com. Brains And Broth At Quiz Night Eleven teams enjoyed a fun and informative quiz evening in aid of CAFOD at the Sacred Heart, Hull, including a soup and hot fruit crumble supper. The event, which was organised by Eileen France and Margaret Moxon, with Peter Nicholson as quizmaster, raised £266. Our picture shows the winning team of Jim and Sue Nicholson and Allan and Mary Glew with their prizes, bottles of fair trade wine. SVP Puts On Seaside Trip For Older People The SVP group at St Anthony’s and Our Lady of Mercy in Hull took older people including the housebound from local parishes to Bridlington. Some members of the group, which is led by Evelyn Hutton, have been helping throughout the 40 years the annual trip has been running. The SVP also organise monthly coffee evenings, where people are transported to the small Marist Hall for a quiz or a talk followed by supper. St Paul’s Store Open For Business Former customers of the St Paul’s Bookshop in York, which recently closed, are asked to note that its Leeds branch is still open for business. The shop is in the grounds of Hinsley Hall, the conference and pastoral centre for the Catholic Diocese of Leeds. It is usually open from Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm, closing at 3pm on Thursdays, but customers should get in touch before making a special journey. Email hinsleyhall@stpauls.org.uk, call 0113 275 4043 or visit St Paul’s Bookshop, Hinsley Hall, 62 Headingley Lane, Leeds, LS6 2BX. Teachers Troubled By Religious Studies Fall Religious studies teachers have expressed concern at a dramatic decline in the number of students taking the subject at A level. The Religious Studies National Association of Teachers of RE (NATRE) says the subject is more important than ever due to the need for community integration in our diverse society. There were 22.8% fewer RS entries last year, despite both universities and employers viewing the subject favourably. NATRE say headteachers are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit RE specialists. Could You Help Teach A Child To Read? Reading charity Beanstalk is stepping up its search for volunteers across the North-East to help reach more children than ever before with its potentially life-changing reading support programmes. The charity aims to support 500 children who are at risk of falling behind at school by recruiting volunteers to deliver one-to-one support in local primary schools. For more information visit beanstalkcharity.org.uk or call 0845 450 0301. How Co-op Members Can Help Dementia Group Music for the Mind sessions take place at St Mary’s Cathedral every second Wednesday of the month to support people living with dementia and their carers. Around 50 to 60 people attend each session, which starts with coffee or tea, homemade cakes and the opportunity to chat with volunteers and others. This is followed by music to inspire memories, happiness, dance movement and general wellbeing. Music for the Mind has been selected for a scheme that enables one per cent of anything members spend on Co-op products to go to charity, with members able to select which cause their donation benefits. Please select Music for the Mind by visiting copop.co.uk/membership. The scheme continues until October 26 2019.

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January 2019 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 15 NEWS Ecumenical Flavour To Parish Visit Bishop Terry was introduced to Egyptian Coptic Orthodox priest Father Tawadros Abd-Mariam during his canonical visit to St Anthony and Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Hull. Father Tawadros, who uses the church for his Sunday services, was among a multicultural congregation, including many dressed in national costume, who gathered to welcome Bishop Terry. Mass was concelebrated with Father Antony Chundelikkat James, assisted by Deacon Bob Shakesby and Peter Taylor, who will soon be ordained deacon for our diocese. Bishop Terry’s homily referred to Jesus’ teaching that to be true disciples we must imitate him and become servants not masters and in this way we’ll be “turning the world upside down”, as the old hymn puts it. As it was the Sunday nearest the Feast of St Luke, the Anointing of the Sick was celebrated during the Mass, a custom at St Anthony’s. The children’s liturgy took place as usual and Bishop Terry presented the certificates to two children who had been baptised the previous day. At the end of Mass, he thanked everyone for their warm welcome and asked us to pray for priests to serve in the diocese, quoting numbers of how many had retired or died since his last visit. Afterwards there was a multicultural buffet with foods prepared by parishioners from India, Africa, Poland, Lithuania, Indonesia and the Philippines, as well as Wales, Ireland, Scotland and England. It was a memorable spiritual and social occasion and a privilege to be present. Margaret Flood Bishop Terry meets Egyptian Coptic Orthodox priest Father Tawadros Abd-Mariam during his visit to St Anthony and Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Hull A Time To Remember Twenty-five years ago a Garden of Remembrance was established at the Church of St Anthony and Our Lady of Mercy in Hull. Parishioners were invited to bring photographs, memorial cards or funeral booklets for loved ones. On Remembrance Sunday, armed forces veterans and serving military led a procession and were followed by the children’s liturgy group and each child placed a wooden cross with a poppy in the remembrance garden. Later in the month, people who had died during the last year and those left behind were all remembered in a special way at the annual Mass. The congregation were invited to write the names of their loved ones on stars, which were then hung on a tree, enabling the bereaved to share their feelings with each other. The tree remained in place beside the crib until after Christmas. Bernard Swift How Hidden Painting Became A Global Icon Durham University’s Professor Stefano Cracolici told Cleveland Newman Circle the fascinating story of Mater Admirabilis and how copies of the painting came to spread throughout the world. The image portrays Our Lady as a teenager, sitting calmly as if in prayer, with a lily symbolising her purity, a book for her study and a spindle for her work. The Sacred Heart Sisters ran a school for upper-class young ladies at their convent in Rome and in 1843 Pauline Perdrau, who had studied painting with the artist Hottinger, arrived from France as a postulant. At the mother superior’s request Pauline painted a fresco of the Virgin, but the result was deemed unsuccessful and covered with a cloth. In 1846 Pope Pius IX visited the convent and asked to see behind the cloth and they found the fresco had dried beautifully. Soon pilgrims were making special visits and there were reports of healing miracles. Many copies were made and Pauline spent the rest of her life painting versions of what had become a truly global icon. Unlike other images of Our Lady, based on visions like at Lourdes or Fátima, Mater Admirabilis comes simply from Pauline’s artistic imagination. “Gentle as silence – the life and hymns of Estelle White” was the title of Veronica Whitty’s recent talk to the circle. Veronica shared reminiscences of Estelle before we sang her hymn Gentle as Silence together. Estelle was born in South Shields in 1925 and suffered many periods of severe depression but she will long be remembered for all her apparently simple but inspirational hymns. She died in 2011, leaving £60 for wine after her funeral – Veronica said she always liked the good things in life! Cleveland Newman Circle holds six talks a year, usually on Wednesdays at 7.45pm in St Mary’s Cathedral Hall, Middlesbrough. For information email sandamerckx@btinternet.com or call 01642 316493. On Wednesday February 20 2019, diocesan archivist David Smallwood will talk on Egton Catholics 1600-1900. All are welcome. Patricia Egerton Left: The original Mater Admirabilis fresco in Rome Follow the Diocese of Middlesbrough on social media Twitter: @MbroDiocese Facebook: facebook.com/ MiddlesbroughDiocese

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16 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2019 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. Conventional and Addressable LED Emergency Lighting Systems. Gas Detection and Air Monitoring Systems. Extinguishing Systems. Security. C.C.T.V. Door Access. Wireless Fire Detection. Wireless Security. Hydrosense Water Detection 24 Hour call out. For Advice or Service, contact our office: 01642 800006 or, for more information visit: www.technicalfireandsecurity.co.uk If you would like to advertise in The Voice please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 248225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org Could This Chapel Be Saint’s Burial Site? Catholic author John Rayne-Davis believes that the body of St Martyr St Margaret Clitherow is buried at Stydd in Lancashire, about 65 miles from York, where she was executed. Mr Rayne-Davis has been researching the subject for a new edition of his popular book Margaret Clitherow, Saint of York, which has been reprinted three times since its first publication in 2002. It is known that after her martyrdom, St Margaret’s body was buried by the agents of the Council of the North on a York dung heap where criminals were buried. About six weeks later it was dug up by a group of Catholic men led by Margaret’s confessor, Father John Mush. Her right hand was cut off and is now a relic at the Bar Convent. The men said her body was free of corruption, which has always been taken as a sign of sanctity. After carefully examining the evidence, Mr Rayne-Davis has discounted possible reburial sites at Hazlewood Castle, near Tadcaster, and Osmotherley, where there was speculation that a skeleton discovered in the 1950s might be St Margaret’s remains. “The Chapel of St Saviour at Stydd dates from Saxon times and in the 18th century would have been Anglican, as it is today,” said Mr Rayne-Davis. “It houses a tomb of a Catholic bishop and a Jesuit priest. It seems very unlikely they would have chosen this Anglican Church unless there was some very strong Catholic connection. “A gravestone exists in the chapel with a simple Christian cross, which is believed to be Margaret’s resting place.” Mr Rayne-Davis has visited the chapel and placed a white orchid and a prayer he wrote on the grave. The new edition, St Margaret Clitherow, York’s Pearl, will be published this year by Stairwell Books, with forewords by Bishop Terry and Lord David Alton. 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 class mail When phoning please quote MV101 Inside the Chapel of St Saviour, Stydd, where author John Rayne-Davis believes St Margaret Clitherow is buried BODDY PRINTERS have been advertising in The Middlesbrough Voice for a number of years. Adverts rates are very reasonable and we find that it is a great way of promoting our business within the Catholic Community. Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust is delighted to support the Catholic Voice. As a Catholic Trust and part of the Middlesbrough Diocese, community and faith are at the heart of everything we do. The Voice is an essential newspaper focusing on local issues, with a unique, targeted distribution which enables us to inform and engage with our parishes and the wider Catholic community. 25 schools, 88% rated by Ofsted as Outstanding or Good, welcoming 2-18yr olds. Join our family now, visit www.npcat.org.uk and find a school near you!

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