April 2020 Issue 476 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 Bishop’s Column We call ourselves “Christians”, followers of Christ. But are we really followers and in what sense? Is our following of Christ like following a regime, say, for example, like “Dry January” or taking on a new diet, trying to bring some order and discipline into our life? While it is true that being a Christian can in fact bring all the benefits that these various regimes might bestow on us, being a follower of Christ has to be much more than this. Is it knowing all the rules that go with being a member of the “Christian Club”, being sure of all the rituals, the minutiae of the law, knowing the catechism inside out? Well, while being a follower of Christ might very well entail all these things, it is much more. Is it to do with a quoting the Scripture easily, grasping all the nuances of the Bible and being able to offer texts for every situation? Surely all this and more. Look to the first followers of Jesus, Peter and Andrew, they were drawn to Jesus, they were stopped in their tracks by him, they were called by him on the shore of the Lake of Galilee (Matt 4.18), and so powerful was the effect of that call that they left everything behind them and followed him. He drew the crowds to him, they wanted to listen to him, just like the people in the synagogue when Jesus read the passage Isaiah (Luke 4 16-21): “And all eyes in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to speak to them…” When he cast out demons, calmed the storm, the people were amazed at him and his miraculous power (Matt 8.27). Through listening, seeing, experiencing, being in the presence of Jesus, their relationship with him grew stronger and stronger. I would say that these are the words which describe what it truly means to be a follower of Jesus; people who are able to listen, see, experience, to be in the presence of Jesus and therefore grow stronger and stronger in relationship with him. Do I, do you listen to Jesus, see him, experience him, are we able to be in his presence so as to grow in stronger relationship with him? Through listening, seeing, experiencing, and being in the presence of Jesus, the Living Word of God, may our relationship with him grow stronger and stronger as we encounter him anew as our Risen Lord this Easter. Yours in blessed hope, An Election With A Difference Continued on Page 2 catechumens and candidates with a Franciscan or Tau Cross as a sign of being welcomed by Christ into the joy of life through him and with him and in him, in the life of his body, the Church. Here is Bishop Terry’s homily from the Mass…. “If it is certain that death reigned over everyone as the consequence of one man’s fall, it is even more certain that one man, Jesus Christ, will cause everyone to reign in life who receives the free gift that he does not deserve, of being made righteous.” (Romans 5:17) “You have been following that ‘one man, Jesus Christ.’ He has been calling you to follow him even more closely until now you want to join all his followers in the Church. You make a difference for the Church and with the Church, you make a difference in the world. Together and individually (but especially together) we are a sign of God`s love for the world, particularly for those who suffer. Bishop Terry welcomed 39 candidates and their sponsors, family, friends and parishioners from all corners of the diocese to St Mary’s Cathedral for the Rite of Election on the first Sunday of Lent. As usual, the diocesan choir helped to make the liturgy a very moving occasion. Nine of the people presented themselves for the catechumenate and will be baptised during the Easter Vigil. Each of them came forward to sign the Book of the Elect. The other 30, known as candidates because they have been baptised into other denominations, will be received into full communion with the Catholic Church. Bishop Terry presented Catechumens sign the Book of the Elect – Photo by Paul Bowen Suppliers of all church consumables, furnishings, vestments & garments Supplying to customers across the UK and worldwide Log on now to see our massive range of products tel: 01670 362647 / 07774 031055 web: www.nechurchsupplies.com email: admin@nechurchsupplies.com Sartoria per Ecclesiastici Northumberland, England Easter Schedule 2020 Holy Week St Mary’s Cathedral, St Clare and St Francis of Assisi PALM SUNDAY Lady Chapel Blessing and distribution of Palms Saturday evening Vigil Mass 4 pm Cathedral Saturday evening Vigil Mass 6.30 pm Sunday 10 am & 5 pm St Francis Saturday evening Vigil Mass 6 pm Sunday 10.30 am St Clare Sunday 9.30 am Tuesday, 7 April: Chrism Mass 12 midday at the Cathedral only Wednesday, 8 April: There will be confessions available from 5pm – 8 pm MAUNDY THURSDAY Cathedral 7 pm watching till 10 pm GOOD FRIDAY 10 am Morning Prayer Cathedral St Francis 3 pm St Clare 3 pm Cathedral 3 pm with Bishop Terence HOLY SATURDAY 10 am Morning Prayer Cathedral Cathedral Vigil Mass 8.30 pm EASTER SUNDAY St Clare 9.30 am Cathedral 10 am with Bishop Terence St Francis 10.30 am Cathedral 5 pm EASTER MONDAY 10 am Mass at the Cathedral only Mgr Gerard, Mgr Gerry, Fr Albert, Deacon Ken Wish everyone a very Happy and Joyful Easter What’s Inside The `Martyr Priests` Of The Slums Page 14 Pope`s `Dreams` For Amazon Page 13

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2 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + April 2020 NEWS The ceremony we are celebrating today is called the Rite of Election. In our particular cultural context, we may think of election as the result of a vote by a certain number of people. We seem to have had a lot of elections in recent years. The last one was in December. In that kind of election, candidates run against one another and the one who receives the most votes is elected. The word election comes from Latin – eligire – to choose. The one who is elected is chosen. In the election we celebrate, we say you are chosen – not by a vote among a certain constituency, not because you win over another candidate, rather because you have been chosen by God. God chooses you – God claims you, as His very own. I will be your God; you will be my people. For those of you who present yourselves to the Church for Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist – we call them the Sacraments of Initiation into the life of the Church – we believe that God is at work in your life. There are clear signs. And for each one of you those signs may vary. Everyone`s story is different; and we can also say that every story is the same. No matter, it is true that everyone has a story – and your story is known by your sponsor, by your priest, perhaps by the group of people with whom you are preparing for the sacraments, and it is known by God; your story, and every story, must be told. That is what this time we call Lent is all about – it is an intense time of preparation for you to recognise just how God does call you, does claim you, does choose you. For those of us who are already followers of Christ, Lent is a time to be reminded that he calls us, so that we can renew our response and deepen our commitment. At this ceremony, the Church accepts your request to be Baptised, Confirmed and to receive Eucharist – to become a fully-fledged member of the Roman Catholic Church. Following this ceremony, you have only a few weeks remaining to finalise your preparation for this lifelong commitment. We believe that God calls you by name, that God knows you intimately, that God loves you personally. That is why your name is so important – yours is a personal response to a personal invitation – and his invitation has brought you right here to this community where your love for him and his for you will be nurtured and fed. That is why we inscribe your name in the Book of the Elect. It is my privilege and my duty to make the declaration that you are members of the Elect. You will no longer be called catechumens, you will properly be called the Elect. We do all of this on the First Sunday of Lent – when we remember that we carry Adam`s sin. Adam and Eve were tempted by the serpent to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that was in the middle of the garden – because when they ate it so the serpent, the tempter said – they would be like God. Because we are human, we carry that same sin – we long to be like God, making God-like decisions about our lives and others. The remedy for that sin is Jesus Christ – who becomes human like us and makes us truly God-like because we share in his Resurrection. And by his life he teaches us what it means to be truly "like God"! The sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist make us "more like Christ". That is what they do. In these sacraments you will receive a new dignity – you will be made like him, so that you might live like him, and so that you might live with him in the fullness of life and love. My dear friends, thank you for the commitment you make today. Thank you for the commitment you will make at the Easter Vigil in your parishes. The Church, the Diocese of Middlesbrough, your parishes, your fellow Christians are strengthened and enriched because of what you are doing. Thank you for your strong witness! What God has begun in you, may he bring to fulfilment!” As we move towards the great feast of Easter, please keep all our Catechumens and Candidates in your prayers. For anyone reading this who may know of someone thinking of becoming a Catholic, or anyone just wanting to learn more about their faith, don`t hesitate in pointing them in the direction of your local parish RCIA coordinator or parish priest, to join in the next Journey in Faith course, which will begin in the autumn. Deacon David Cross Cathedral Hosts An Election With A Difference Father Tom O’Neill with parishioners from the Holy Name of Mary in Middlesbrough – Photo by Deacon David Cross Continued from Page 1 Father Tim Bywater with the group from St Leonard and St Mary in Malton – Photo by Deacon David Cross Candidates and sponsors from St Hilda`s in Whitby with their parish priest Father Pat Keogh and Deacon David Cross – Photo by Paul Bowen Peace Campaigner Is Storey Lecture Speaker Peace activist, campaigner, educator and advocate Pat Gaffney is this year’s Anthony Storey Memorial Lecture speaker. Before her retirement Pat spent 29 years as general secretary of Pax Christi UK, inspiring a dedicated committee, staff and volunteers to develop the organisation. She will focus on Pax Christi’s Catholic Nonviolence Initiative, which works with the Vatican to address the roots of violence, forge a new moral teaching and practice and recognise the potential of the Church to be a model and powerhouse for active nonviolence. “What a challenge it is for us Christians to wage peace with the same energy, ingenuity, creativity and will that it takes to wage and legitimise war,” she says. The lecture takes place on Saturday May 9 at 11am in the University of Hull’s Canham Turner Building. Tea and coffee is available from 10.30am and all are welcome.

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April 2020 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 3 NEWS CANON JOHN LUMLEY introduces some changes in the structure of the diocese… If you look at the front pages of the Diocesan Year Book, you might have noticed a list of “vicariates” or departments in the diocese, such as Clergy, Spirituality and Worship and Administration. These structures are meant to coordinate the very varied aspects of our life and mission – everything we do as the people of the Diocese of Middlesbrough – such as evangelisation, schools, work with prisoners or in hospitals, life of worship and prayer and our outreach to those living with poverty or at the margins of society. Every aspect of our life as the local Church comes under one of these vicariates or departments. We’ve made some changes recently in these departments, to try to improve our effectiveness as a diocese. One of the main focuses of our life as a diocese in the years ahead will be in ensuring that our lives – as individuals, as parishes and as a diocese – will be outward- looking (“missionary”) and that we are able to remain faithful to our calling of sharing the good news of God’s love for us in Christ in the face of more limited resources – smaller congregations and fewer clergy. In October, Deacon David Cross was appointed as the new adult formation coordinator, but with a specific brief of working with parishes to help them prepare for these new realities – for example, to help parishes continue their life and mission in the face of perhaps not having a resident priest – or of a resident priest being shared with several other parish communities. To help focus our thoughts on future needs and realities, we have made some changes to both the names of the departments and also to the work each vicariate encompasses. So what was formerly the Vicariate for Pastoral Strategy will now become the Vicariate for Missionary Communities. Its main role will now be in “forming parishes for mission”, and it will have responsibility for helping parishes get ready for changes such as having to share a priest, while ensuring that the life and work of the parish continues and flourishes. Responsibility for diocesan communications (including the Voice newspaper, website and social media) also falls under this vicariate. The former Vicariate for Christian Discipleship will now become the Vicariate for Missionary Discipleship. Its main role will be in “forming missionary disciples”, and it will have responsibility for ongoing formation of adults in our faith, in social outreach (Caritas), including care of prisoners, of those in hospitals, the SVP, CAFOD, Justice and Peace, Women’s Commission and various charities and initiatives which work with those living in poverty and with asylum seekers and refugees. In essence, this vicariate covers anything we do as Catholic Christians to put our faith in practice in our daily lives, in the light of Catholic Social Teaching. Finally, the Vicariate for Spirituality and Worship will have the responsibility of “forming the spiritual and liturgical life of the parishes for mission.” This will cover areas such as diocesan pilgrimages, RCIA (how we welcome new Catholics into the faith), historic churches, pastoral centres and the formation of Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist and Ministers of the Word. This vicariate will now also take on responsibility for ecumenism and interfaith dialogue. Deacon David Cross, as the adult formation coordinator, will work across these three vicariates to help support our work in becoming more flexible and adaptable as a faith community, so that we can continue faithfully in our mission of sharing the Gospel in the light of new and sometimes very challenging circumstances in our diocese and in our parishes. A name change alone won’t do anything at all: what we are seeking to do is help foster a way of thinking so that everything we do – as individuals, as parishes and as a diocese – will be in view of the primary reason for our existence as a Church: to share the good news of Jesus Christ and to put that good news into practice in all that we say and do. You can see the work of these new vicariates in more detail on our diocesan website, dioceseofmiddlesbrough.org.uk. Missionary Disciples, In Missionary Communities, In A Missionary Diocese Episcopal Vicar for Missionary Discipleship Canon John Lumley If you would like to advertise please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 248225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org A much-loved pastoral centre that has been a hub for community and voluntary services in Middlesbrough for many decades has been forced to close for safety reasons. The John Paul Centre on Grange Road was home to a wide range of groups serving refugees, asylum seekers, the homeless and other vulnerable people, as well as religious communities of several denominations. The closure came after a report was presented to the trustees of the diocese, which owns the building. It catalogued serious defects including unsafe electrical and heating systems and fire safety issues and estimated the bill to make the centre compliant would run into hundreds of thousands of pounds. In the light of the report, the diocese felt it had to act immediately and the centre closed on February 28, when the final weekday Mass was celebrated. In a letter to centre users and groups, Bishop Terry said the decision was taken with great regret. “The diocese is uncertain at the moment what the future holds for this much-loved building and we will be exploring what our options are in the coming weeks and months,” he said. “With God’s grace, goodwill and cooperation, the Diocese of Middlesbrough hopes and prays that good will come from this difficult situation.” Previously the town’s Irish Centre, the building was once home to a community of Blessed Sacrament Fathers and then clergy from the Redemptorist order, who left in 2016 after 21 years serving the town. Since then it has been under the pastoral care of the Sacred Heart Parish on Linthorpe Road. As well as a coffee shop and a chapel offering daily Mass, the John Paul Centre provided a base to many charitable organisations including the North East Refugee Service, Investing in People and Culture and homelessness charity De Paul UK. Religious groups including St Stephen’s Free Church of England, Good Tidings Bible Church and an African worship group also used the building. “So many good things emanated from the John Paul Centre over the years,” said Bishop Terry. “So much goodwill and positive action has been generated and practical help offered, especially through the generosity and dedication of the many volunteers who have given their time and efforts willingly and tirelessly. “The apostolate of the ‘Upper Room’ has provided such a necessary assistance and we will continue to explore any possible avenue which allows this project to continue.” After a direct request to Mayor Andy Preston, Middlesbrough Council worked to find temporary accommodation for organisations that used the building. “I am very grateful to the mayor and the chief executive for their concern and their very generous offer of help,” added Bishop Terry. • The Christian Meditation sessions that were held at the John Paul Centre are now being hosted at the Methodist Resource Centre, 54 Borough Road, Middlesbrough TS1 2JH, in partnership with the Methodist Asylum Project (MAP). Sessions run from 10am–11am each Monday and Thursday. Contact terry-doyle@live.co.uk. Sadness As John Paul Centre Closes The John Paul Centre in Middlesbrough

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4 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + April 2020 One day, a man named Jairus rushed up to Jesus and begged him to cure his young daughter, who was very ill. On the way to Jairus’ house, someone met them and told Jesus not to come, because the little girl had died. Jesus told Jairus: “Don’t be afraid. Just believe, and she will be healed.” When they arrived at the house, Jesus would not let anyone go in with him except the girl’s parents, and his disciples Peter, James, and John. He told the mourners in the room to stop wailing and said to them: “She is not dead, but asleep.” They laughed at Jesus, but he took the little girl’s hand and said to her: “My child, get up!” The girl stood up from her bed, and Jesus told them to give her something to eat. SCHOOLS MIRACLES OF JESUS The Raising Of Jairus’ Daughter PART OF THE NICHOLAS POSTGATE CATHOLIC ACADEMY TRUST Headteacher: Mrs Louise Dwyer Email: news@trinity.npcat.org.uk Telephone: 01642 298100 Website: www.trinitycatholiccollege.org.uk Saltersgill Avenue Middlesbrough TS4 3JW An inclusive learning community living out Gospel values 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: Enquiries@stedwards.npcat.org.uk www.stedwardsrcprimaryschool.co.uk Allendale Road, Ormesby, Middlesbrough, TS7 9LF Headteacher: Mrs L.Phelps Tel: 01642 315538 Email: enquiries@stgabriels.npcat.org.uk Part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust Normanby Road, South Bank Middlesbrough TS6 6SP Interim Headteacher: Mr Neil Skerry Tel: 01642 453462 enquiries@stpeters.npcat.org.uk www.stpeters.npcat.org.uk St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Primary School Part Of the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust South Bank, Middlesbrough TS6 6TA Tel 01642 835370 Headteacher: Miss C McNicholas email: enquiries@smc.npcat.org.uk Green Lane East, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1NB Executive Headteacher: Mrs Mary Brown Head of School Fran Mackle Telephone: 01845 523058 Enquiries@allsaints.npcat.org.uk We would like to thank these schools for always supporting the paper. If your school would like to do the same please contact Charlotte on 07932 248225 or 01440 730399 or email charlotter@cathcom.org to book your advert

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April 2020 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 5 SCHOOLS All Change At All Saints, Thirsk A raft of changes has helped bring about a dramatic transformation at All Saints Primary School in Thirsk since it became part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust in the summer. The school has a brand-new team of four permanent teachers, while a new interim advisory board, chaired by Maureen McCullagh and including Barbara Funnell and Lionel Cartwright-Terry, has replaced the previous local governing body. NPCAT school standards officer Nicky Jamalizadeh praised executive headteacher Mary Brown and head of school Fran Mackle for introducing strong strategic leadership that is ensuring that all pupils receive a high- quality Catholic education. “Since joining the trust, All Saints has gone from strength to strength,” said Mrs Jamalizadeh. “The school has new permanent members of staff who care and are committed to driving a renewed school vision. They are working collaboratively with other NPCAT schools, especially St Edward’s in Middlesbrough, to ensure they learn from each other, share good practice and benefit from a tailored approach to continuing professional development. “Leaders have also worked hard to improve communication between the parents and local community, establishing a Twitter page along with a weekly school newsletter, parents’ workshops and parent stay and pray sessions.” Responses to parent questionnaires show that the changes are popular with local families. When asked what they liked most about the school, responses included … “We like the involvement of parents and being kept up to date by friendly staff.” “The children, and the care, love and support they have for each other in a Catholic environment.” And while it’s early days, Miss Mackle says the data they have so far suggest outcomes are also improving. “The children and parents deserve to have the school back where it was and we’re moving in the right direction,” she said. “We have four new permanent teachers including myself, a new teaching assistant and higher level teaching assistant and our admin assistant has taken on the business manager’s role. “We’ve focused on early reading and now have a robust system in place from nursery right through the school. “We’ve also carried out extensive staff training on presentation expectations and have new marking and behaviour policies with new incentives for good behaviour, such as the chance to sit on our golden cushion.” Other changes include a new uniform introduced after consultation with parents, breakfast and after school clubs and a new extracurricular programme run by staff and external coaches including Rugby Tots. “We’re also working closely with the trust to develop the school grounds and the trust has given us technical support, such as helping us install a new sound system in the hall.” New parish priest Canon Pat Hartnett has been into school to meet pupils and celebrate Mass, cementing the school’s strong links with the local parish. “Pupils have discussions with the executive head to ensure they have a voice and Miss Mackle has established pupil groups such as Minnie Vinnies, a school council and sports crew,” said Mrs Jamalizadeh. “The working environment is vibrant and staff have worked hard to redesign the school library to help foster a love of reading in the pupils. “They have also been successful in purchasing iPads to support the curriculum alongside some excellent software to support home learning. We’re looking forward to seeing future developments.” For more information about All Saints and to see an excellent video showcasing the school, visit allsaints.npcat.org.uk/. The Year 5 and 6 football team from All Saints Catholic Primary School, Thirsk

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The team that brought together the finances of 26 schools as they formed one of the country’s biggest Catholic multi-academy trusts has been shortlisted for a prestigious award. Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT) will be up against Staffordshire Police in the Finance Team of the Year – Local Services category at this year’s Public Finance Awards. The five-strong NPCAT team, led by head of finance Lisa Marron, worked late nights and weekends to tackle the hugely complicated task of uniting four Catholic trusts across Teesside and part of North Yorkshire, along with two other primary schools. NPCAT’s chief operating officer Jim Farquhar said the nomination was very well deserved. “This is a prestigious national annual award event and to make it onto the shortlist is something that needs to be shouted from the rooftops,” said Mr Farquhar. “I’m immensely proud of the whole team and this deserved recognition of the sheer hard work, including long hours and working weekends, that’s helped get the trust to where we are now in terms of good financial management. They very much deserve this nomination.” The Public Finance Awards focus specifically on the public sector and includes local government, the NHS, police, fire, civil service and the Ministry of Defence. Lisa and the team – Angela Allen, Helen Dalby, Sam Williams and Mel Barker – will attend the ceremony and dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Thursday April 23. 6 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + April 2020 SCHOOLS Pupils at St Augustine’s School in Scarborough were inspired by a visit and performance from award-winning Christian rap artist Guvna B. Head of RE Katherine Griffin said: “I first saw Guvna B perform at Flame at Wembley Arena. I contacted him on Facebook to tell him how well he’d done and he sent a message back asking if I’d like him to visit the school. I immediately said yes and booked him in!” Guvna B is a double MOBO award-winning rapper and author from London. His latest album, Hands Are Made For Working (2018), has been streamed more than five million times and debuted at number two on the UK hip hop/rap album charts. It was also the UK`s highest charting non-explicit rap album that year. During his visit he gave talks to Year 9 and Year 10 pupils, telling them about growing up trying to impress people and make them believe he had money, power and girls, when in fact he had none of those things. He then realised what he really wanted was to believe in God and be the best person he could be. The sessions were full of laughter and of ways for young people to find belief in themselves and in God. Neve Richards, of Year 10, said: “He talked to us like we were friends, not school kids. He was funny but inspiring.” The day ended with a gig in the school gym attended by more than 200 pupils and included Guvna B’s most famous songs Mazza and Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus. “It was like being in a club!” Mrs Griffin said. Guvna B Shows Pupils The Way Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston speaking to children at his old school, St Clare’s which is celebrating its 50th birthday – Photo by Chris Booth Christian rap artist Guvna B during his visit to St Augustine’s School in Scarborough Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston stepped back in time to relive his schooldays before exchanging views with current pupils on the shape of Middlesbrough’s future. Mr Preston was returning for the first time to St Clare’s Catholic Primary – which he attended from the age of seven to 11 – as part of the school’s 50th birthday celebrations. And although the old building where he had his lessons has now been demolished and a new one built on what used to be the school’s playing fields, the visit brought happy memories flooding back. “I`ve got loads of great memories – eccentric teachers, school trips and the lovely dinners, especially white ice cream in rectangular blocks with toffee sauce and also pink blancmange with Frosties on the top.” Headteacher Liz Eddies was delighted to report that the ice cream and toffee sauce is still on the menu – and it’s just as popular now as it was back in the 1970s! “Hearing Andy’s memories about our school was really special,” she said. “He recognised one of the volunteers who comes to read with the children as a former teacher, which was a lovely moment. “The school council asked him questions about his memories of St Clare’s, his role as mayor and what he’s doing for the homeless, because as Catholics it’s important we look after our most vulnerable people. “He gave great answers and spoke about his vision for Middlesbrough and also asked them what they want from the town. “He was really warm and welcoming and engaging with the children. He talked about his plans to plant 10,000 trees, which links into our work on the campaign to prevent houses being built on Acklam Meadows, so they were delighted about that. “He also talked about reducing plastics use and our eco council have just started a campaign to reduce plastic use in school. “And he told us that several places in Middlesbrough are going to have beehives for a trial and we said we’d love to have one, as we already keep our own chickens.” St Clare’s, which is rated Outstanding by Ofsted and is part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust, has 250 pupils and covers Brookfield and also Whinney Banks, having taken children from St Francis Catholic Primary when that school closed in 2002. “We’re one big happy family,” said Mrs Eddies. “We all look after each other and we’re a school full of smiles. What I see from our children is God’s love radiating and they’re beautiful children to be around. “It’s the same with the staff, who are so committed to the St Clare’s community and that’s why I love being headteacher here.” Mr Preston added: “I’ve made a commitment to visit every school in Middlesbrough during 2020 – so it was appropriate I kicked off the tour back at my old primary school. “The kids were honest, funny and positive about our town’s future and how they think we can make it more exciting.” St Clare’s celebrations will continue when former pupils and staff are invited to a Festival on the Fields later in the year, while in the summer term a 1970s’ theme dressing up party day will be laid on for pupils and staff. Mayor Launches Former School’s Golden Celebrations Finance Team Shortlisted For Honour The Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust finance team, Angela Allen, Helen Dalby, Sam Williams, Lisa Marron and Mel Barker

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April 2020 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 7

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8 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + April 2020 NEWS A Letter From Madonna House – Heart To Heart In the January issue of the Voice I wrote about the powerful impact of a Scripture passage in my life, the rich young man (Mk 10). This story pursued and haunted me and drove me into God’s embrace in the Madonna House vocation. But once I found my home, other words from Scripture took precedence – until a couple of months ago. Longing to fix my heart more firmly on Jesus, I began a 30-day silent retreat after Christmas this year. On day one, I said to the Lord, “You know I pray. I try to love, forgive and serve. I am grateful for my vocation. But something is missing. What is it?” Suddenly my breath caught as I realised the rich young man was moving into my life again! I heard Jesus say, “There is one thing you lack: complete surrender to me. You still hold back.” And thus began my retreat! For the first ten days or so, I confronted the sins that keep me from a deeper surrender – self-protection, self-reliance, self-centeredness. Off to confession I went, returning with a clear conscience. But then I began to ponder various wounds and interior lies that bind corners of my heart, choking a childlike trust in my Father. At the end of another ten days, I made a profound decision: to stand in the truth, thoroughly reject the lies, and surrender to God’s love. And something began to shift. As in Lent, when we are led from self- examination to a focus on the great love of our Saviour, the last third of my retreat zeroed in on John 14 and 15: As the Father has loved Me, so I have loved you…Make your home in me as I make mine in you… that your joy may be complete… “Ah, retreat finished”, I thought, with two days to go – union and joy are the perfect ending! However, I had a niggling sense that something was still missing. I went to confession again, and can you believe this? The priest said, “You know, I think of the rich young man as you speak. Ask God what might be lacking” (as if I hadn’t spent the past 30 days with this question!). But the Lord had one last gift: I felt him hand me his heart – sweet, heavy fullness, given in nakedness, vulnerability, and in utter freedom. I am still absorbing the beauty of this gift, but it completed my retreat journey: how can I surrender fully? Allow my heart to beat with his love, which dispels all fear, shame, selfishness and doubt, and exudes the fragrance of joy. The Lenten journey also culminates in Resurrection life and love. Our Lord has given his life for each one of us. He offers his heart to each one of us. He longs for us to fully receive him. What an amazing lover we have in Jesus. What a treasure we’ve been given in Scripture, which gives us direction and grace. Lord, I give you my heart. I give you my life. Thank you for surrendering everything to us, so that we may be all yours. Cheryl Ann Smith The St Francis Xavier Eco team and friends, who collected 2,753 pieces of rubbish in just 45 minutes Special guests joined the Eco Team at St Francis Xavier School in Richmond’s 100th litter pick – and helped them collect 2,753 pieces of rubbish in 45 minutes! The pickers included councillors Stuart Parsons, Kevin Foster and Leslie Rowe, St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Academy Trust head of human resources Corrine Howie and Father Richard Marsden, from St Joseph and St Francis Xavier Church. The Eco team also welcomed Catherine Mason from the Yorkshire Dales Rivers’ Trust and Tim Madeley from CAFOD, whose organisations they have selected to support due to their commitment to the environment. The Yorkshire Dales Rivers’ Trust works to improve rivers and often works with farming families, many of whose children attend SFX. The Eco Team felt this was an ideal match, as much of the litter dropped eventually finds its way into our river systems, while CAFOD’s Lenten work focuses on the Amazon and our part in its destruction. The team has already raised over £400 thanks to the very kind donations from parents. Other guests at the event, which was the highlight of a Love The Environment Day, included Jos Huddlestone and Chris Kirby from Richmond Rotary Club, school governor Judith Barber and Mrs Fairhurst and the student Eco Team from St Mary’s RC Primary School. Team members accompanied their guests around the school grounds, picking up litter and discussing their work, which involves energy-saving measures, a food waste reduction campaign and presenting hard- hitting eco assemblies within the school. The team is working with local GP and environmentalist Dr Matt Sawyer to develop a littering app. Bumper Haul For SFX Eco Team And Friends May Procession At St Vincent’s St Vincent`s Parish in Queens Road, Hull, warmly invites adults and children to its annual May Procession on Sunday May 17 at 2.30pm. Children who would like to join in are to meet in the school next to the church from 2pm. Children usually wear either a smart shirt and trousers or a white dress. For further information or to borrow a white dress, please contact Catherine Holtby on catherineholtby@yahoo.co.uk. If you would like to advertise, please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 248225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org I was approached by the owner of Ormesby Hardware, Kudlip Singh, while visiting his shop and asked if I had contacts in the church who could distribute some wonderful large blankets to the needy, particularly as the weather was so cold. He explained that before Christmas, he and others from the Sikh Temple delivered food supplies to a food bank in Stockton that had run out. I saw some media coverage of this charitable action. I contacted Canon John Lumley, who forwarded the request to the SVP, which, together with the Methodist Asylum Project and others, has an outreach meeting for refugees and asylum seekers each Tuesday in St Andrew’s Church Hall, Teesville. The handover of more than 20 blankets took place during a week when my wife Margaret was in hospital recovering from a broken hip. The recipients were delighted and project manager Ailsa Adamson expressed her appreciation at the kind gesture from the Sikh community and Ormesby Hardware. I was humbled and filled with admiration for the joint workings of these various organisations and the sharing of charitable works across faiths, cultures and churches. Peter Carey Sikh Community’s Gift Warms Hearts And Bodies Kudlip Singh and staff outside his shop with the blankets he donated

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10 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + April 2020 Holy Week M Hessle Our Lady of Lourdes Holy Thursday 10.00am Office of Readings & Morning Prayer 7.30pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper Good Friday 10.00am Office of Readings & Morning Prayer 11.00am Stations of the Cross for Children 3.00pm Liturgy of the Lord`s Passion 7.00pm Reflection on the Passion Holy Saturday 9.30am Office of Readings & Morning Prayer 8.30pm Easter Vigil Easter Sunday 8.30am Mass 10.30am Mass No evening Mass Easingwold St John the Evangelist Mass Times for Holy Week 2020 Maundy Thursday 9 April 7.00pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper Good Friday 10 April 11:00am Stations of the Cross 3.00pm Good Friday Liturgy Holy Saturday 11 April 12 noon Confession and Reconciliation 8:30pm Mass of the Easter Vigil Easter Sunday 12 April 10.00am Sung Mass of Easter St Therese of Lisieux Palm Sunday Mass Saturday 5.30pm, Sunday 11am Holy Thursday Children’s liturgy 9.30am Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7pm followed by watching till 11pm Good Friday Stations of the Cross 12 noon Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 3pm Easter Easter Vigil 9pm Easter Sunday Mass 11am Ingleby Barwick Hull Our Lady of Lourdes and St Peter Chanel Palm Sunday 10am Holy Thursday 7.30pm Good Friday 3pm Holy Saturday The First Mass of Easter (The Vigil) 8.30pm Easter Sunday 10am Lealh Egton Ugth Our Lady, St Hedda, E St Anne, U Palm S 6.30pm (Saturday 9.30am Mass - 11.00am Mas Holy Th 7.00pm Mass of the watch until 9.00p Good F 9.00am Stations Lealh 10.00am Station Ugth 3.00pm Liturgy o Egton Holy Sa 8.00pm Easter Vig Easte 9.30am Mass - 11:00am Mas Wishing all our readers a Holy and Happy Easter from all at CathCom and the Diocese of Middlesbrough

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April 2020 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 11 Mass Times Whitby and Sleights St Hilda’s, English Martyrs Holy Thursday 6.00pm, St Hilda’s Whitby Good Friday 3.00pm, St Hilda’s Whitby Holy Saturday 8.30pm, St Hilda’s Whitby Easter Sunday 9.00am, English Martyrs Sleights 10:30am, St Hilda’s Whitby York St George Palm Sunday 10.30am Mass Holy Thursday 7.00pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper followed by Watching until 11.00pm Good Friday 3.00pm Celebration of the Passion and Death of the Lord Holy Saturday 8.00pm Easter Vigil Easter Sunday 10.30am Mass of the Resurrection Redcar and Marske The Parish of Blessed Nicholas Postgate Incorporating the Churches of Sacred Heart + St Augustine + St Bede Palm Sunday 6.00 pm (Saturday) Mass in St Augustine 9.30 am Mass in Sacred Heart 11.30 am Mass in St Bede Holy Thursday 7.00 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper and Watch of the Passion in St Bede Good Friday 10.00 am Stations of the Cross (especially for children) in Sacred Heart 3.00 pm Celebration of the Lord’s Passion in Sacred Heart Holy Saturday 8.30 pm Easter Vigil in St Augustine Easter Sunday 9.30 am Mass in Sacred Heart 11.30 am Mass in St Bede Sacred Heart Church 7, Lobster Road, Redcar TS10 1SH St Augustine’s Church, 10, Warwick Road, Redcar, TS10 2ER St Bede’s Church, 17, Southfield Road, Marske, TS11 7BP York THE YORK ORATORY PALM SUNDAY – 5 APRIL at St Joseph’s – Vigil Mass Saturday, 5pm; Sunday 9.30am at the Oratory Church of St Wilfrid – Vigil Mass at 6.30pm on Saturday; Low Mass, 8.30am, Sung English Mass, 10.30am, Sung Latin Mass & Procession, 12 Noon. Blessing of Palms at all Masses. Sung Vespers, 4pm; Benediction, 4.30pm MAUNDY THURSDAY – 9 APRIL Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the Oratory Church of St Wilfrid, 6pm; Watching at the Altar of Repose until 11.45pm when we will end the period of watching with Compline GOOD FRIDAY – 10 APRIL St Joseph’s Solemn Liturgy of the Passion at 12 noon; Stations of the Cross at 6pm St Wilfrid’s Matins and Lauds at 9.00am; Children’s Stations at 11am; Solemn Liturgy of the Passion at 3pm; Stations of the Cross at 6.30pm followed by blessing with the Relic of the True Cross HOLY SATURDAY – 11 APRIL St Wilfrid’s Matins and Lauds at 9.00am Easter Vigil at the Oratory Church of St Wilfrid, 9pm EASTER SUNDAY – 12 APRIL St Joseph’s 9.30am Mass St Wilfrid’s 8.30am Low Mass 10.30am Sung English Mass 12 noon Sung Latin Mass 4pm Solemn Vespers and Benediction For other services and information please visit our website www.stwilfridsyork.org.uk lholm, Bridge, horpe Lealholm gton Bridge Ugthorpe Sunday y) Vigil - Lealholm - Egton Bridge ss - Ugthorpe hursday e Last Supper and m - Egton Bridge Friday s of the Cross - holm ns of the Cross - orpe of the Passion - Bridge aturday il Mass - Lealholm er Day - Egton Bridge ss - Ugthorpe

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12 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + April 2020 The parish of Our Lady`s in Acomb, York, celebrated the first Sunday of the Word of God designated by Pope Francis by giving children preparing for their First Holy Communion copies of the New Testament. Members of the congregation also brought in their Bibles to be blessed by parish priest Father Tony Lester – Photo by Johan Bergström-Allen YEAR OF THE WORD Carole Bennett Eileen Purvis Deacon Chris Larwood How God Speaks To Me My Favourite Words Of Scripture Throughout the Year of the Word: The God Who Speaks, we’re asking different groups of people to reflect on their favourite Scripture passage and why it’s so important to them. This month it’s the turn of My favourite passage of Scripture is… Matthew 22:34-40 – The greatest commandment of all. When the Pharisees had heard that he had silenced the Sadducees they got together and, to disconcert him, one of them put a question, “Master, which is the greatest commandment of the law?” Jesus said, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second resembles it: You must love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang the whole Law, and the prophets also.” If we try to live our lives loving God and neighbour, this will help each one of us to be the best person that we can be. Carole Bennett, Eucharistic Minister, parish of Blessed Nicholas Postgate, Redcar My favourite passage of Scripture is… John 14:1-3 – In my Father’s house there are many rooms “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God still, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house; if there were not, I should have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you, and after I have gone and prepared you a place, I shall return to take you with me; so that where I am you may be too.” It reminds me that there is always hope, no matter what happens in life. Eileen Purvis, keyholder at St Bede’s, Marske My favourite passage of Scripture is… Isaiah 2, 4 – From the vision of Isaiah. “Hammering swords into ploughshares and spears into sickles...no longer will they learn how to make war.” This has always caught my imagination and is especially appropriate in today’s world of divisions and so many local sectarian wars. The verse is frequently associated with the United Nations` mission and international law generally. By a wonderful coincidence, Isaiah 2, 4 corresponds very closely to the prohibition on the use of force in Article 2 (4) of the United Nations Charter. I feel this verse should be inscribed in capital letters on every country’s parliamentary building throughout the world. If it was adhered to, what a truly better world we would be living in. Deacon Chris Larwood, Our Lady of Lourdes, Hessle My favourite passage of Scripture is… 1 John 3:1-3 Think of the love that the Father has lavished upon us, by letting us be called God’s children; and that is what we are. Because the world refused to acknowledge him, therefore it does not acknowledge us. My dear people, we are already the children of God, but what we are to be in the future has not yet been revealed; all we know is, that when it is revealed we shall be like him because we shall see him as he really is. I have often read this piece of Scripture in church and it always makes me light up inside and smile outwardly. I think it’s awesome to know God has such faith in us, lavishes his love upon us as a doting father and claims us as his children. Then John reinforces the notion with the words “and that is what we are”, just in case it didn’t register with us the first time we read or heard it. Carol Cross, Community Participation Coordinator, CAFOD in the Diocese of Middlesbrough Carol Cross Children Celebrate Sunday Of The Word

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April 2020 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 13 NEWS Pope’s ‘Dreams’ For Amazon Region As Exhortation Is Published Pope Francis has spoken of his four “dreams” for the Amazon regi on in his post-synodal apostolic exhortation Querida Amazonia. The final document of the Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon region, who met in Rome from October 6 to 27 last year, has also been published. “The beloved Amazon region stands before the world in all its splendour, its drama and its mystery,” says exhortation, which is addressed to the whole world. “May God grant that the entire Church be enriched and challenged by the work of the synodal assembly. May the pastors, consecrated men and women and lay faithful of the Amazon region strive to apply it. “I am addressing the present Exhortation to the whole world. I am doing so to help awaken their affection and concern for that land which is also ‘ours’. “Everything that the Church has to offer must become incarnate in a distinctive way in each part of the world. “I dream of an Amazon region that fights for the rights of the poor, the original peoples and the least of our brothers and sisters, where their voices can be heard and their dignity advanced. “I dream of an Amazon region that can preserve its distinctive cultural riches, where the beauty of our humanity shines forth in so many varied ways. “I dream of an Amazon region that can jealously preserve its overwhelming natural beauty and the superabundant life teeming in its rivers and forests. “I dream of Christian communities capable of generous commitment, incarnate in the Amazon region, and giving the Church new faces with Amazonian features.” Pope Francis then outlines in detail his social, cultural, ecological and ecclesial dreams for the region. The Holy Father concludes the document by turning to Mary, who he says reveals herself in the Amazon region in distinct ways, with the following prayer. Pope Francis – Photo courtesy of Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk Follow the Diocese of Middlesbrough on social media Twitter: @MbroDiocese Facebook: facebook.com/MiddlesbroughDiocese Flickr: flickr.com/photos/middlesbroughdiocese/ The Diocese of Middlesbrough would like to point out that while every care is taken with advertisements placed in the Catholic Voice, publication does not suggest an endorsement of any views expressed. Copies of a handwritten note from Pope Francis have been sent to Bishop Terry and bishops throughout the world. It reads: “I am sending you the Apostolic Exhortation Querida Amazonia. I hope that it will help promote new life in the Amazon, in your own diocese and throughout the world. Please don’t forget to pray for me.” Pope Francis is encouraging the faithful to read both the exhortation and the final document of the synod in full. They are available on the Vatican website, vatican.va. Mother of life, in your maternal womb Jesus took flesh, the Lord of all that exists. Risen, he transfigured you by his light and made you the Queen of all creation. For that reason, we ask you, Mary, to reign in the beating heart of Amazonia. Show yourself the Mother of all creatures, in the beauty of the flowers, the rivers, the great river that courses through it and all the life pulsing in its forests. Tenderly care for this explosion of beauty. Ask Jesus to pour out all his love on the men and women who dwell there, that they may know how to appreciate and care for it. Bring your Son to birth in their hearts, so that he can shine forth in the Amazon region, in its peoples and in its cultures, by the light of his word, by his consoling love, by his message of fraternity and justice. And at every Eucharist, may all this awe and wonder be lifted up to the glory of the Father. Mother, look upon the poor of the Amazon region, for their home is being destroyed by petty interests. How much pain and misery, how much neglect and abuse there is in this blessed land overflowing with life! Touch the hearts of the powerful, for, even though we sense that the hour is late, you call us to save what is still alive. Mother whose heart is pierced, who yourself suffer in your mistreated sons and daughters, and in the wounds inflicted on nature, reign in the Amazon, together with your Son. Reign so that no one else can claim lordship over the handiwork of God. We trust in you, Mother of life. Do not abandon us in this dark hour. Amen.

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14 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + April 2020 NEWS Epidemics and pandemics are not a new phenomenon, they are a part of our history - the Black Death from 1347-51 resulted in more deaths per head of population in Europe than any other catastrophe up to that point – an estimated 25m people died across the continent. In more recent history, epidemics of diseases were a scourge in society and were particularly prevalent in Britain during the 19th century, as the effects of the Industrial Revolution led to appalling living conditions in the expanding or newly built towns. With little or no thought given to the provision of adequate sanitation, epidemics of diseases such as typhus and cholera blighted communities such as in the Bedern, York, and the small town of Middlesbrough. As Lady Florence Bell pointed out in her book in 1907 about Middlesbrough At the Works, “ Houses built as quickly as possible; the houses must be cheap, must be as big as the workman wants and no bigger; and as they are built, there arise, hastily erected, instantly occupied, the rows and rows of little brown streets of the aspect that in some place or another is familiar to all of us. A town arising in this way cannot wait to consider anything else than time and space; and none of either must be wasted on what is merely sanitary…It is, unhappily, for most part a side issue for the workman whether he and his family are going to live under healthy conditions. The main object of his life is to be at work; that is the one absolute necessity.” Catholic communities across the country were badly affected by these epidemics. Large numbers lived in the poorest areas and with large families and often taking in lodgers to increase their income, they were easy prey for the germs. Their priests shared the appalling conditions and several across the country succumbed to the diseases caught while ministering to their flocks and became known as the “Martyr Priests of the slums”. In 1847, Father Dugdale, of St Mary’s, Stockton, who had had oversight of Catholics in the new community of Middlesbrough from 1838 to 1842 when a resident priest was appointed, died of the fever after tending to his people in the slums of Stockton. He was greatly mourned in both Stockton and Middlesbrough and it was felt he had given his life for the faith. In 1874, Father Adrian Van den Heuval, the first ever curate at St Mary’s Catholic Mission, Middlesbrough, lost his life to typhus contracted through his visiting of the poor living in appalling conditions. He had arrived in Middlesbrough after training at the English Seminary in Bruges, a facility that trained young Belgians for work in the English Catholic Mission. His obituary, printed in the Tablet, described him as aged 27 and in the fourth year of his priesthood. It also described a young priest who was evidently popular with the people of the mission: “He was stricken down with typhus fever, now very prevalent in the town and in ten days he succumbed to the malignant disease. He died on Wednesday November 18…fortified with the Sacraments of the Church, as well as with the prayers and good wishes of the people amongst whom he had laboured.” Father Adrian’s funeral had to take place quickly because of the infectious nature of typhus, but the Requiem was attended by all the Catholic associations and his fellow Belgian priests serving in the diocese of Beverley. Afterwards, “the mournful cortège was followed by an immense concourse of people who thus testified their sympathy and respect for the deceased”. The exact site of Father Adrian’s grave is unknown apart from the fact it is somewhere in Linthorpe Cemetery, Middlesbrough. It could be that he was buried in a communal grave with other victims of the epidemic, which was a common occurrence in such times. These Martyr Priests of the Slums deserve to be remembered every bit as much as those Martyrs of the Penal Times and I hope this brief article sheds a little light on two men associated with our diocese. Dr Margaret Turnham The 19th Century ‘Martyr Priests’ Of The Slums 1 Bell, Lady Florence. At The Works: 3 2 Middlesbrough Diocesan Archives. See Turnham, MH, From Emancipation to Aggiornimento (unpublished MTh Dissertation, University of Wales 2007) 16n24 3 The Tablet (November 28 1874) p695 Slum conditions in Middlesbrough at around the turn of the 20th century – Photo from the Carey Photographic Collection Conference Addresses Climate Crisis When it was first suggested that Rydale Christian Council should organise a Climate Change Conference it just seemed the right thing to do, given our awareness of how urgent the problem has become. As Paula Clifford writes in her book Angels With Trumpets: “How we treat one another in the face of extreme weather events worldwide will be a test of our humanity. If we fail that test, we may as well abandon all our efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. Because, to put it very starkly, we won’t be worth saving.” The Christian community is defined by its willingness to act out of love for its neighbour, a role in which it does not always succeed. Still, the Church has a presence and influence in the world and remains a fountain of ideas and interpretations peculiar to its own beliefs and charism, which can be used to work towards a world community founded on the love of our neighbour. People of goodwill everywhere act because they have to – there is no choice for us as Christians. The choices we make now have the power to save lives or destroy them. The many issues around climate change must be clarified, discussed and acted upon urgently at the highest levels now we know we are unquestionably responsible for global warming. This diagnosis of human responsibility has its deniers – major fossil fuel companies have for decades funded think tanks and more recently social media pundits and bots spreading the message that climate change in our industrial era is nothing new, that the sun, not fossil fuels, is somehow responsible. Nevertheless, human-caused climate change, and its severe impact on people, our common home and economies alike, is acknowledged by more than 97 per cent of climate scientists, global business consultancies such as McKinsey & Co and now even by the world’s largest financier of fossil fuels, JP Morgan. How can a body or individual defined by the command to love neighbour not respond to a human-made crisis affecting the health and wellbeing of humanity and the planet? And so we respond by facilitating awareness- raising, inspiring discussion and action – and organising a conference. Our inspiration is hope and the Christian call to love one another. Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs – Because the Holy Ghost over the bent World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings – Gerard Manley Hopkins The conference takes place at Lady Lumley’s School, Pickering, on Saturday April 25 from 9.30am until 4.30pm. It includes inspiring and informative speakers, motivating workshops and display stands from organisations active in tackling global warming, together with initiatives to mitigate its effects and empower local communities to take action. There is a charge of £15 per head to cover costs, with no charge for students or those in financial hardship. Any surplus will be used in the fight to protect our planet against the global warming which imperils it. We provide drinks but please bring your own lunch. Reserve your place now by contacting John Castle at metadyne2011@gmail.com or Helen Goodman on 01439 788401 or helen3goodman@outlook.com David Cragg-James

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April 2020 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 15 Our family caring for your family Covering all areas Tel: 01642 459555 King George House, 92 High Street, Eston TS6 EG Website: www.fawcettandhetherington.co.uk Email: info@fawcettandhetherington.co.uk Fawcett & Hetherington Funeral Service FUNERAL DIRECTORS If you would like to advertise in the Funeral Directors section, please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 2 48225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org LOURDES The ladies from the Friday knitting group at St Clare’s in Middlesbrough have been busy crocheting beautiful lap blankets for our forthcoming pilgrimage, along with some equally lovely quilted ones. It isn’t the first time these lovely ladies have supported our pilgrimage, having knitted, crocheted or quilted ever since the initial appeal went out. They also supply us with cakes and biscuits for our Accueil pilgrims and their generosity is wonderful. Pat Ling and Ellen Akerman joined me and we had a great afternoon with a cup of tea, lots of hugs and shared some wonderful Lourdes stories. Thank you to the Teresa Davey and the St Clare’s group and to the many other parish groups who give us amazing support throughout the year. You all contribute to making our pilgrimage the success it is. Chris Tillotson, Head Handmaid Generous Knitters Have Us Covered The St Clare’s knitters with some of the blankets and quilts they have made for Lourdes pilgrims No Change To Plans At This Time At the time of writing there were no changes to any of our plans for this year’s Diocese of Middlesbrough Pilgrimage to Lourdes. The emerging situation with measures to contain the spread of coronavirus is being followed closely by our committee as we approach this year’s pilgrimage. We are carefully monitoring advice from the UK public health bodies, as well as advice from the Lourdes authorities. The pilgrimage will continue to act in line with advice issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. We will provide regular updates on the diocesan website and the Middlesbrough Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage and Hospitalité Facebook page. Please contact me at pilgrimagedirector@rcdmidd.org.uk if you have any specific questions. Keith Tillotson, Pilgrimage Director Lourdes Dates For Your Diary Saturday April 25: Formation day at Trinity Catholic College, Middlesbrough. Wednesday May 13: Formation evening at Trinity Catholic College, Middlesbrough. You must register online – visit Eventbrite.co.uk for details. Friday May 1: Lourdes Race Night at St Francis Club, Middlesbrough, 7.30pm. Tickets are £5, including pie and peas. Race sponsorship is £20 and horse ownership is £2.50. Sunday May 10: Hull Lourdes pre-pilgrimage Mass at Sacred Heart Church, 2pm. Sunday May 17: Middlesbrough Lourdes pre-pilgrimage Mass at St Gabriel’s, 4pm. Both Masses are followed by scones and biscuits with our supported pilgrims. Friday May 22–Friday May 29: Our Lourdes Pilgrimage Saturday June 20: Lourdes Thanksgiving Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Middlesbrough, 1pm, followed by afternoon tea party finger buffet for all Lourdes pilgrims in the garden, with entertainment from Middlesbrough Jazz Band. Friday June 26: Lourdes Summertime Special at Middlesbrough Theatre. Friday October 16: After the success of last year’s Lourdes Hospitalité Ball at Teesside University Hub, we have booked the same venue this year. Details will follow later in the year.

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16 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + April 2020 2 Thur 7.30pm Latin Mass at the Catholic Chaplaincy of Hull University, 115 Cottingham Road, Hull. 3 Fri Events and articles for the May Voice are due by today. 4 Sat 9am Latin Mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough. 11.30am Centering (Contemplative) Prayer Group, St Gabriel’s Church, Ormesby, Middlesbrough. Contact Canon Lumley jl@rcdmidd.org.uk. 7.30pm Sacred Heart Parish Dance, Erimus Club, Cumberland Road, Middlesbrough TS5 6JB. April Voice available from churches. 5 Sun 11am Mass at Our Lady of Mount Grace (18 North End, Osmotherley Village, DL6 3BB) (first Sunday). 6 Mon 10.15am Beverley Christian Meditation Group meets at St John of Beverley Church every Monday morning from 10.15am–11am (10am for new meditators). Further information from christianmeditation.beverley @gmail.com. 8 Wed 2pm–3.30pm Music for the Mind at St Mary’s Cathedral Hall, Coulby Newham. For details call 01642 710179. 9 Thur 7.30pm Latin Mass at the Catholic Chaplaincy of Hull University, 115 Cottingham Road, Hull. 11 Sat 9am Latin Mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough. 12 Sun Noon Sung Latin Mass, 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. 4pm Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF. 13 Mon 10.15am Beverley Christian Meditation Group meets at St John of Beverley Church every Monday morning from 10.15am–11am (10am for new meditators). Further information from christianmeditation.beverley @gmail.com. 14 Tues 12.45pm The Life Ascending Group, York West meets at Our Lady’s, Acomb, York in the Father Kelly room. 7pm Knights of St Columba Council 29 meets at St Mary’s Cathedral, Middlesbrough, beginning with Mass in the Cathedral Chapel. 7pm–8.15pm Christian Meditation Group, St Andrew’s, Teesville. Contact terry- doyle@live.co.uk. 15 Wed 10.30am Our Lady of Mount Grace, 18 North End, Osmotherley Village DL6 3BB, Midday Prayer/Wednesday Word. After 10.30am Mass The Life Ascending Group, Central York, meets at The Upper Room, St Wilfrid’s Church, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF. 16 Thur 7.30pm Latin Mass at the Catholic Chaplaincy of Hull University, 115 Cottingham Road, Hull. 17 Fri 7pm–8.30pm Divine Mercy Prayer Group meets in St Anthony’s Church, Beverley Road, Hull. Contact John (01759) 380415 for details. 18 Sat 9am Latin Mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough. 11.30am Centering (Contemplative) Prayer Group, St Gabriel’s Church, Ormesby, Middlesbrough. Contact Canon Lumley jl@rcdmidd.org.uk. 7.30pm The Eddie White Sacred Heart Parish Dance with Sally Glennon at the Erimus Club, Cumberland Road, Middlesbrough TS5 6JB. Contact John Brown 07871 958412. 19 Sun 11.30am Divine Mercy Sunday Celebration, St Aelred, Fifth Avenue, Tang Hall, York YO31 OPN. Eucharist Adoration from 11.30am. Confessions available throughout the afternoon. Holy Hour of Mercy 3pm, blessing of the image, diary readings, Chaplet of Mercy, individual consecration to the Divine Mercy, Eucharist Procession, Benediction. All welcome, tea and biscuits afterwards in the community centre. Noon–4pm Divine Mercy Sunday Celebration, St Vincent De Paul, Queen`s Road, Hull, HU5 2QP. Eucharist adoration and confessions all afternoon, Holy Hour 3pm, blessing of the image, Prayers and readings from the diary, Chaplet of Mercy, Benediction. All welcome. Noon Sung Latin Mass at St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF. 3pm Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF. 3pm Fellowship Mass at St Paulinus, The Avenue, Guisborough. 20 Mon 10.15am Beverley Christian Meditation Group meets at St John of Beverley Church every Monday morning from 10.15am–11am (10am for new meditators). Further information from christianmeditation.beverley@ gmail.com. 21 Tues 12.45pm Hull and District Catholic Women’s Luncheon Club meet at the Kingston Theatre Hotel, Hull. 7pm–8.15pm Christian Meditation Group, St Andrew’s, Teesville. Contact terry- doyle@live.co.uk. 7.30pm The Knights of St Columba, Council 95, meets at Council Chambers, English Martyrs Hall, Dalton Terrace, York. 22 Wed 2pm–4pm Open Mass at Madonna House (YO22 4TQ). Guest celebrant Father Chad of Ampleforth will share a short reflection with tea and coffee immediately after Mass. All BISHOP TERENCE PATRICK DRAINEY ENGAGEMENTS FOR APRIL 2/3 Attends Call to the North Retreat at Hinsley Hall, Leeds 5 Celebrates Mass of Palm Sunday at St Mary’s Cathedral, Middlesbrough 10am 7 Celebrates the Mass of Chrism at St Mary’s Cathedral, Middlesbrough Noon 9 Celebrates Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St Mary’s Cathedral, Middlesbrough 7pm 10 Celebrates Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion at St Mary’s Cathedral, Middlesbrough 3pm 11 Celebrates the Solemn Easter Vigil 8.30pm 12 Celebrates Mass of Easter Day 10am 25 Gives the welcome at Lourdes Hospitalité Formation Event at Trinity Catholic College, Middlesbrough 10am 26-30 Attends Bishops’ Plenary Meeting at Hinsley Hall, Leeds Out & About Around The Diocese Wanted for the Missionary Sisters Large Statues, Church Fittings, Rosaries, Pictures etc. Please phone or write Mr. Ferris KSC, 102 Moor St, Coventry CV5 6EY Tel: 02476 676986 April Choral Services at The Cathedral Wednesday 1 at 6pm: Benediction with Vespers (Ladies Schola) Sunday 5 at 10am: Solemn Mass for Palm Sunday (Cathedral Choir) Tuesday 7 at noon: Mass of Chrism (Cathedral and Diocesan Choirs) Thursday 9 at 7pm: Mass of The Lord’s Supper (Cathedral choir) Friday 10 at 3pm: Good Friday (Cathedral Choir and Junior Choristers) Saturday 11 at 8.30pm: Easter Vigil (Cathedral Choir) Sunday 12 at 10am: Solemn Mass of Easter Day (Cathedral Choir) Sunday 26 at 10am: Family Mass (Cathedral Choir and Junior Choristers) Wednesday 29 at 6pm: Benediction with Vespers (Cantor and Congregation) Please note: there is no Celebration of Sunday Vespers during April. Sunday Vespers resumes on Sunday May 3. For more information about our choral services and music visit us online at https://sites.google.com/site/middlesbroughcathedralmusic. 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.

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April 2020 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 17 are welcome. 7.30pm Hull Circle of the Catenian Association meets at Lazaat Hotel, Woodhill Way, Cottingham, HU16 5SX. Contact Bernard Swift (01482) 348272 for details. 8pm The Knights of St Columba, Hull Council 45, meets at St Joseph’s Church, West Hull. 23 Thur 7.30pm Latin Mass at the Catholic Chaplaincy of Hull University, 115 Cottingham Road, Hull. 25 Sat Noon Christian Meditation Weekly Group, St John of Beverley, Church (11.45am for new meditators). Contact christianmeditation. beverley@gmail.com. 26 Sun Noon Sung Latin Mass, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF. 4pm Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF. 27 Mon 10.15am Beverley Christian Meditation Group meets at St John of Beverley Church every Monday morning from 10.15am–11am (10am for new meditators). Further information from christianmeditation.beverley @gmail.com. 28 Tues 7pm–8.15pm Christian Meditation Group, St Andrew’s, Teesville. Contact terry- doyle@live.co.uk. 29 Wed 12.45–3pm The Life Ascending Group meets at St Leonard and St Mary, Malton. 30 Thur 7.30pm Latin Mass at the Catholic Chaplaincy of Hull University, 115 Cottingham Road, Hull. 31 Fri 7pm Marian Prayer Group, St Anthony’s Church, Beverley Road, Hull. All welcome. Contact Pat (01482) 802483 for details. 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@rcdmidd.org.uk Friday April 3 for May issue Friday May 1 for June edition 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. NEWS If you would like to advertise please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 248225 or email charlotter@ cathcom.org Canon Michael Bayldon celebrated the golden jubilee of his priestly ordination at a packed St Paulinus Church in Guisborough. The well-wishers included Bishop Terry and 21 fellow priests. Canon Bayldon, who prefers to be called Father Michael, was ordained as a priest in 1970 by Bishop John Gerard McClean at St John of Beverley Church in Beverley. He has served in a variety of roles and has been parish priest at St Paulinus since 1997. One of Father Michael’s major achievements has been managing the building of the new church at The Avenue. Canon Michael Ryan paid a personal tribute, describing him as a faithful servant of the diocese, especially in his schools’ role. He described Father Michael’s interest in building good relations and his prolific gift with the pen, having written numerous articles. He pointed out that Father Michael had invited the Bishop to lay the foundation stone for this church. Bishop Terry praised Father Michael’s work for the diaconate and his intellectual capacity and said he had Googled his name only to be amazed by his contribution, both nationally and locally, listing some of the documents he created. He described him as a man of great talent and knowledge which he used to spread the Gospel. He congratulated Father Michael on his many years of fruitful ministry and asked God to reward him as only he could. Father Michael asked for prayers for his parents who made the sacrifice of enabling their only child to become a priest. He said that the parishes where he had worked had given him so much. He said Pope John XXIII was one of his heroes and had changed the course of history by recognising a tired and dated Church, which would have soon become unfit to serve the modern world. The Second Vatican Council had made a great difference and implementing it remains a challenge. Father Michael said teachings only come alive when students learn to live them. He thanked his brother priests for coming. The children of St Paulinus Primary School sang a special hymn to thank Father Michael for his work. At the end of Mass, all moved into the hall for a buffet prepared by Julie Melling. Father Michael cut a cake baked specially by parishioner Teresa Robinson and iced by Dorothy Hood. A cheque for over £2,000 was then presented by Dr Kevin Henderson on behalf of parishioners. Father Michael said: “I am overwhelmed by the generosity of so many people. To measure the kindness, generosity, open- heartedness, loyalty, love and dedication is an impossible task. The messages of your appreciation for my priestly life and service have been stupendous, marvellous and breathtaking.” Brian Gleeson Joy As Father Michael Celebrates His Golden Jubilee Canon Bayldon cuts the cake to celebrate the golden jubilee of his priestly ordination – Photo by Brian Gleeson

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18 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + April 2020 NEWS Environment Corner This year sees the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’. Pope Francis has issued a video message inviting Catholic communities around the world to celebrate Laudato Si’ Week from May 16 to 24. “What kind of world do we want to leave to those who will come after us, to children who are growing up?” Pope Francis asks. “Let’s take care of creation, a gift of our good Creator God. Let’s celebrate Laudato Si’ Week together.” The initiative is meant to encourage communities to take bolder actions for creation during the week-long initiative, to be part of a global campaign on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the encyclical. Resources for use in parishes and school are available on the Laudato Si’ Week website. Suggestions include: • To engage our members of parliament in this – by writing to them with our concerns and strengthening their voice in the run-up to the Glasgow climate conference in November. • To complete an energy audit of church premises and assess ways to reduce emissions. • To hold a liturgy or prayer service or prepare some bidding prayers to pray for a just transition to clean energy. The fifth anniversary coincides with important events in the race to find solutions to the environmental crisis. This year is the deadline for countries to announce their plans to meet the goals of the Paris climate agreement. The UN’s climate change conference has been described as the most important gathering on climate change since the Paris agreement was signed in 2015. It will be a vital opportunity to set meaningful targets to protect the places and species that sustain life. Marking Creation Encyclical’s Fifth Birthday CAFOD’s community participation coordinator for Birmingham, SYLVESTER MUTSIGWA, offers a personal perspective on the challenges facing the country where he was born and grew up… Childhood memories of Zimbabwe and its beauty remain some of my fondest. I recall the beautiful and majestic Victoria Falls, the incredible architecture and stonework of Great Zimbabwe and the gorgeous golden sunsets along the Zambezi River. I think of jacaranda trees lining either side of the streets. In spring, their bloom created a beautiful purple carpet along the roads. It seemed to me that everyone had a friendly smile – there was a real sense of hope everywhere I went. These are unforgettable memories. Sadly, the Zimbabwe I witnessed during a recent three- week visit painted a different picture – a stark, if not bleak, contrast. Zimbabwe once boasted an enviable subtropical climate, excellent rainfall seasons and fertile soil, but climate change and spiralling hyperinflation over the last three decades have altered the social and physical landscape of the country. The once reliable and abundant rains – the backbone of the agricultural sector – have been replaced by long dry spells and extensive droughts. Seventy per cent of Zimbabwe’s population live in rural areas. They are farmers who rely on agriculture to feed and support their families. Persistent droughts have resulted in little-to-no crop yields and the loss of livestock – the measure of a family’s wealth. Zimbabwe’s urban population was mostly unaffected by previous droughts. This too has changed, as daily average temperatures soar. In Harare, the main dam supplying water to all households is below capacity. As a result, running water is limited to just one day each week. Moreover, because of the dire economic situation, local councils cannot afford to treat water sufficiently, so the water that does manage to come through the household taps is unsafe to drink. To get safe drinking water, most urban families are forced to walk or drive for miles on end with large containers to form queues at busy boreholes. To further exacerbate the situation, drought and soaring temperatures have caused low water levels. Subsequently, the Kariba Dam – one of Zimbabwe’s main sources of energy through hydroelectricity – is not producing enough electricity. To manage this desperate situation, electricity supplies to homes and businesses are restricted. Businesses have no option but to either reduce opening hours or permanently close, leaving many people unemployed. Furthermore, hospitals must deal with failing medical equipment, shortages of basic supplies and rising mother and baby mortality rates. Food and fuel prices have risen beyond levels of affordability for most people. Rural and urban families alike are facing poverty – reduced to eating one meal each day, just to be able to afford to send their children to school. All of this, and then the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai. In 2019, huge storms and severe flooding affected parts of Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Houses, crops and livestock were destroyed. Thousands of people were killed. Yet, despite these desperate circumstances, the Zimbabweans I know somehow manage to find the means to survive – either through sheer determination or strong faith. On my recent visit to Zimbabwe, I asked an uncle how this was possible. He told me: “The situation in this country weighed me down so much. I would ask myself, ‘Why is all this happening to me?’ Then, one day, while in my garden, I overheard my neighbours complaining about the very same issues I was complaining about. “Walking down the street, I overheard others also lamenting over the same issues that I am going through. I realised I was not alone – that things will get better.” My uncle’s resilience is that of most Zimbabweans. His hope, too. Things will get better. My work so far with CAFOD has shown this to be true. CAFOD was at the centre of the Cyclone Idai emergency appeal. Local experts worked tirelessly to ensure vital emergency aid reached affected communities. Today, while the rest of the world has moved on from the cyclone and its devastation – never mind the ongoing problems of drought – CAFOD continues to help these communities. The local experts we work with range from emergency first responders, nutrition advisors, water and sanitation engineers, agricultural educators, psycho-social counsellors and many more. They are trusted and knowledgeable local people who have often grown up in the communities they now support. Thanks to everyone who is supporting our work through organising fundraising activities in parishes and schools during the Lenten season – we really couldn’t do it without you! If you have a few hours to spare and would like to volunteer with us, please email middlesbrough@cafod.org.uk or telephone 01642 822301 Find out more about our work at cafod.org.uk or donate to our Lent Appeal at cafod.org.uk/lent. Zimbabwe: The Country Of My Birth CAFOD’s community participation coordinator for Birmingham Sylvester Mutsigwa and his daughter An Easter Treat For Hungry Children Francis Hannaway, from St Gabriel’s Parish, Middlesbrough, lives and works in Basankusu Diocese, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. My entry into Basankusu was less than triumphal in appearance. I got a ride with the small Caritas plane which was carrying teachers’ wages for the whole diocese. Because of the cash, nobody was allowed onto the airstrip to welcome me. The immigration police followed me home to demand kickbacks, as usual, but this time my new visa allowed me to get off lightly. For me, my return was a triumph! The next day, Judith and I went by taxi-bike through the scorching tropical heat – the movement of the bikes creating a balmy breeze as we passed along Basankusu’s palm tree-lined dirt roads. At the malnutrition centre, Mama Anne-Marie welcomed me back. “We’re presently enjoying a brief period of fish-a-plenty! It’s our carnival period – plenty to eat, and the only children at the centre are those recovering from measles.” “It won’t last,” Judith chipped in. “The abundance of fish will soon disappear and by Palm Sunday the centre will be full again. Every year it’s the same pattern. We’ll work hard so that Easter Sunday is a day to celebrate.” “We always cook Easter omelettes to make it special,” added Anne-Marie. “Most of our malnourished children have never eaten eggs. They don’t understand the value of them in their diet. Instead they sell them and buy starchy cassava – which has no protein in it at all.” Part of our programme is to educate the families who come to us regarding nutrition. We advise them which foods to grow and buy. Fish from the small streams is always good, planting beans and corn will also help. Keeping chickens is great because they can eat scraps from the table as well as scratch around outside for bugs – and bingo! They give you free eggs! “The bad news is that our funds are really going down,” I reminded them both, as sweat trickled into the collar of my t-shirt in the stifling heat. “Easter Sunday we could be feeding over 50 children and in May it could be more than 70.” Perhaps while you’re buying chocolate eggs for your children this year, you could also send £5 for two dozen hens’ eggs. We’ll get these children back on the road to health with our enriched porridge, plates of beans, rice and fish – and our special Easter omelettes! •Support Francis’ work in the Congo. Donate via PayPal type PayPal.me/FHannaway into your browser, or tap the link on his Facebook page, or internet banking: Pay: Francis Hannaway, Ref: Congo, sort code: 40-33-01, account: 01172115.

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April 2020 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 19 NEWS This Month’s Clergy Anniversaries Please pray for the following priests of our diocese whose anniversaries are during the month of April … 1 1975 Canon James Lindley Hall Hull 1 1988 Rev Richard Van de Pitte York 4 1988 Rev Anthony Wade, MCCJ York 5 1900 Very Rev Canon William Sullivan Hull 6 1956 Rev John Potts Pickering 7 1978 Very Rev Canon Francis O’Hara Middlesbrough 10 2017 Very Rev Canon William Madden Cork 10 1894 Very Rev Canon Edward Pearson Leyburn 10 1977 Rev William Bury Middlesbrough 11 1929 Rt Rev Richard Lacy, first Bishop of Middlesbrough 12 1946 Rev Bernard Costello Hull 14 1897 Very Rev Canon Benjamin Randerson Whitby 15 1999 Very Rev Canon Donal O’Byrne Scarborough 16 1962 Rev James Murphy York 18 1982 Very Rev Canon Daniel Ryan Bridlington 19 1986 Rt Rev Mgr Provost Thomas Breen Thornaby 21 1912 Rev David Smith Holme 21 1886 Very Rev Canon William Fisher Bridlington 22 2006 Rev John A Treacy York 25 1928 Rev Alphonsus Wannyn Hull 25 2009 Rev Austin O’Neill Limerick 26 1990 Rev James J Gilligan Ballyagran 26 2014 Rev Clement Pattison Middlesbrough 28 1935 Rev James Skehan Howden 29 1915 Rev Patrick Finn, CF Houghton Hall 29 1932 Rev Patrick O’Regan Driffield 30 1995 Rev John Jenkinson Hull From the Archives 50 Years Ago ( Hull Catholic Magazine) St Mary’s, Wilton Street Notes – The parish is doing its best to burn the candle of the Faith at both ends. It is obvious that the population is shifting and coping with the new needs is not all that easy. The first of several meetings to face the problem was held on Monday, April 20th, in the School, and the topics discussed included possible alterations in the times of the Parish Masses. The Stoneferry Mass Centre came into being some seven or eight years ago, to serve the needs of the Stoneferry folk and the people from Wawne. Now the attendance is 20 to 22 parishioners only, for the Bransholme Centre caters for the Wawne people. 100 Years Ago (From Hull Catholic Magazine, April 1920) St Wilfrid’s Notes – Miss Winifride Canty, who during the war stepped into the breach created on the organ stool, has in the past month relinquished that position to make way for the return of our former organist Mr J.E. Staves. It is gratifying to know that her services will not be altogether lost to the Church, but that she will continue to play at the week-night services. David Smallwood Learning To ‘Live In Forgiveness’ The Justice and Peace Commission was treated to an inspiring and encouraging morning facilitated by Sister Katrina Alton on the subject of “Tools for the Journey: Hope, Dialogue, Reconciliation and Ecological Conversion.” Katrina is a member of the congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph of Peace based in Nottingham. Their charism – “peace through justice” – was at the heart of her presentation. It was based on Pope Francis’ message for Peace Sunday: “Peace, a journey of listening based on memory, solidarity and fraternity.” It is important to keep the memories of past events alive for the present generation so that the suffering endured by so many can become a positive step for the future. “What is more, memory is the horizon of hope. Many times, in the darkness of wars and conflicts, the remembrance of even a small gesture of solidarity received can lead to courageous and even heroic decisions. It can unleash new energies and kindle new hope in individuals and communities.” – Pope Francis A group exercise derived from the Road to Emmaus helped us focus on our own responses to situations of fear, reactions to “strangers” and conditions of trust and risk. What would we have done if we had been in Jerusalem at the time of the Crucifixion? Would we have stayed in the city or fled in fear? Would we have confided in a perceived stranger as we hurried along the way? “War, as we know, often begins with the inability to accept the diversity of others. Every threatening mistrust leads people to withdraw into their own safety zone. Mistrust and fear weaken relationships and increase the risk of violence.” We considered aspects of our lives which had been mired in distrust, suspicion and discomfort because of perceived differences – whether in skin colour or accent or family origin. Through our experiences, we each bring our own wisdom to the journey to peace, we are all witnesses to the truth. Katrina led us to consider the strength of both dialogue and forgiveness. This is not easy, in our present climate of hate crime – especially when we experience people’s attitudes to race and religion. We can readily get in touch with our strong feelings of fury and desires for revenge. “When we learn to live in forgiveness, we grow in our capacity to become men and women of peace.” - Pope Francis Katrina concluded by focusing on ecological conversion, which is central to future peace and reconciliation. We must become reconciled to one another and to our crucified earth – through personal and group action (no action is too small), listening, contemplation of the world that has been entrusted to us and joining in solidarity with others wherever we can. Perhaps the most powerful message Sister Katrina left us with was to “live in forgiveness.” This is the true path to peace and reconciliation. Barbara Hungin Bishop Celebrates York Oratory Thanksgiving Mass Bishop Terry celebrated Mass in thanksgiving for the Canonical Independence of the York Oratory. The preacher was Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle Robert Byrne, the first Oratorian to be appointed a bishop in England since 1874. Bishop of Beverley Glyn Webster represented the Church of England and Lord Mayor of York Janet Looker and Sherriff of York Jo Trythall also attended the Mass, which took place on the Feast of the Chair of St Peter, February 22. Pope Francis erected the oratory-in-formation as an independent Oratory of St Philip Neri in a decree dated November 9, the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. The thanksgiving Mass for the Canonical Independence of the York Oratory – Photo by Lars Karlsson On a journey with the Northern Saints Spend a week at Minsteracres journeying in the footsteps of the Northern Saints such as Aidan, Cuthbert, Oswald, Hilde and Bede. Find out more about their world and spirtuality, and visit the iconic places where they lived out their faith. Delve into the meeting of Celtic and Roman traditions in the Golden Age of Northumbria Includes visits to Holy Island, Bamburgh, Durham and other early monastic sites. Monday 1 (6.30pm) - Friday 5 June (2pm) Suggested Donation: £395 Three Day Walking Retreat Three days with walks of eight to ten miles through the beautiful countryside around Minsteracres. Every day starts with a reflection. You will need suitable walking boots and weatherproof clothing. Tuesday 23 (10am) - Thursday 25 June (5pm) Suggested Donation: £140 The Beauty and Power of the Word of God This preached retreat will offer a series of reflections on one of the most fundamental motifs of the Scriptures, that of the Word of God. From Genesis through to the Gospels and the writings of Paul, the Word of God is portrayed as powerful, creative, compassionate and nourishing. Viewing the Scriptures from this vantage point can be a source of inspiration and strength for us in our contemporary Christian life. Fr Donald Senior is a Passionist priest and one of the Catholicism’s leading New Testament scholars. He is President Emeritus of the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where, he is also a professor of the New Testament and has served on the Pontifical Biblical Commission since 2001. In addition to having written books and articles too numerous to list Fr Senior is the general editor of The Bible Today and The Catholic Study Bible, as well as coeditor of the 22-volume commentary series New Testament Message. Monday 13 (6.30pm) - Monday 20 July (10am) Suggested Donation: £520

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20 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + April 2020 Designed typeset and printed by CathCom, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk. CB9 7BN. To Advertise call 01440 730399. or e-mail: ads@cathcom.org NEWS – serving Schools, Business and Homes If you would like to advertise please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 248225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org 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 Are you looking for spiritual and pastoral nourishment for your marriage? If you are not familiar with Teams (also known as Equipes Notre Dame), we are an international lay movement in the Catholic Church, designed to enrich married spirituality, helping to make good Christian marriages even better by growing the graces received in sacramental marriage. Across the world Teams provide a proven method of increasing and improving prayer life, which helps couples grow closer to God and each other. This movement was founded in France in 1947 by Father Henry Caffarel as the fruit of a simple request from three married couples in 1939 to find ways to support and develop holiness in the sacrament of matrimony. From this small beginning, Teams has grown into an international movement. There are now 13,575 Teams worldwide, comprising of 68,615 couples and 10,194 priests and religious, who are spiritual counsellors. This fusion of the spiritual wealth of Teams derives from the two types of priesthood – the priestly ministry and the priesthood of the faithful. Together, they create “the small church”, a beautiful image of the domestic church in its fullness. This concrete relationship between the priest and the People of God helps reinforce the understanding of the Church as a community and enrich each other on the road to salvation. In Great Britain there are 111 Teams, including five in the Diocese of Middlesbrough. The last five years has seen a 20 per cent growth in new Teams worldwide. This growth is seen as a direct response to a desire by Christian married couples seeking the benefits of spiritual assistance to live out their vocation. In November couples from all over the country, including several from our diocese, gathered in Westminster Cathedral to celebrate the anniversary of Teams GB. This was a visible affirmation that not only is marriage and family life alive and well, but that this particular model of mutual accompaniment helps affirm and reveal its beauty. In times of darkness, we notice that the lamps burn even more brightly and on this day the vastness of the cathedral was aglow with pinnacles of light. Each of the Teams, in their different ways, was a flickering reflection of the light that emanated from the beautiful Icon of the Holy Family that adorned the sanctuary. The gift of being with fellow faith-couples with whom we can share the joys and challenges of married life is a tremendous blessing. This is a wonderful model of spirituality for couples to develop their relationship with God in the company of fellow travellers. Their quiet witnesses to the joy of Christian marriage and mutual accompaniment is not simply worth celebrating, it is worth sharing. Sue and Paul Rowney Catholic Couples Are Teeming With Joy Chaplain Father Phil Cunnah with couples celebrating the 80th anniversary of Teams at a retreat in Barmoor

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