Summer 2021 Issue 477 FREE V OICE Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic What’,s Inside Virtual pilgrimages keep us going Page 12 Growing together Page 4 Bishop’,s Column The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has inaugurated a special day for Grandparents and the Elderly on July 25. In his message he reminds us that Jesus promised his disciples he would be with them always (cf Mt 28.20). He says that in fact, the whole Church cares and loves all grandparents and elderly people. He acknowledges that we have come through a very difficult period as a result of the pandemic –, many have experienced sickness, bereavement and isolation. However, the Lord continues to fulfil his promise to be with us always by sending “,Angels”, to console the lonely. These angels often have the faces of grandchildren, family members and close friends. The Holy Father commented on how sad it made him feel that even now it was not possible in some places to receive or offer a hug or to visit individuals in their home. Remember that the Lord still speaks to each one of us through his word in the Scriptures. It is so vital for us to read a passage of the Gospels each day. For, in our day, the Lord continues to send labourers into his vineyard. Why, even Pope Francis was given a new calling just at the point when he thought he was going to retire –, he was called to be Bishop of Rome! The Lord is ever new, but he never retires. Pope Francis reminds us that “,our vocation is to preserve our roots, to pass on the faith to the young. Never forget this.”, Each of us has a vocation, especially grandparents and the elderly, to preach the Gospel and to pass on the traditions of our faith to our grandchildren, to build up fraternity and social friendship. All of us must take an active part in supporting and renewing our troubled societies, and there are three pillars which grandparents and the elderly are best qualified to provide, namely dreams, memory and prayer. There needs to be a covenant between the young and the elderly. For who better than the young can take the dreams of the elderly and make them come true? Keeping memory alive is the role of every elderly person because memory is the true foundation of everything we build. “,Finally,”, says the Holy Father, “,your prayer is a very precious resource: a deep breath that the Church and the world urgently needs. As we continue to sail in the same boat across the stormy sea of the pandemic, your intercession for the world and for the Church has great value: it inspires in everyone the serene trust that we will soon come to shore.”, Offering us the example of Blessed Charles de Foucauld, we are reminded that even in our solitude we can be a universal brother or sister. “,May each of us learn to repeat to all, and especially to the young, the words of consolation we have heard spoken to us today: ‘,I am with you always’,! Keep moving forward! May the Lord grant you his blessing.”, Yours in blessed hope, Parishes adapt to continue serving Parishes throughout the diocese found innovative ways to stay in touch when our churches were forced to close their doors during the pandemic. Services throughout the country were suspended as part of the coronavirus lockdown announced in March. Many used social media channels including YouTube, Facebook and Zoom to enable parishioners to worship online. Others sent out newsletters to keep parishioners in touch. Blessed Nicholas Postgate Parishes, in Redcar, now has a permanent, 24-hour YouTube live feed, allowing parishioners to “,visit”,, both for silent prayer and when services are taking place. Once public church services were allowed again, congregations got used to booking in advance and wearing face-coverings, with no singing allowed. Changes included the way the Holy Communion was distributed. The priest now says “,The body and blood of Christ”, to the whole congregation instead of to each communicant, and the people respond “,Amen”, together. “,We were pleased to have the celebration of Mass back in this way but also very cautious,”, said Vicar general and cathedral dean Monsignor Gerard Robinson. “,We were very aware of health and safety and the need to do things right. “,We continued to have stewards at every Mass and the church is cleaned after services to get it ready for the following day. I’,m so grateful to all the volunteers who came forward to help. It’,s a huge ask but the response has been tremendous.”, At the time of writing, the obligation for Catholics to attend Mass on Sundays remains suspended. However, our bishops have issued an appeal for Catholics to place Sunday Mass at the heart of our post-pandemic lives (see page 2 for more details). Bishop Terry opens St Mary`s Cathedral doors as public worship returned North East Church Supplies Sartoria per ecclesiastici Est: 2009 Suppliers of all church consumables, furnishings, vestments &, garments Supplying to customers across the UK and worldwide since 2009 Log on now to see our massive range of products, garments, consumables and gifts admin@nechurchsupplies.com Tel: 01670 362647 / 07774 031055 www.nechurchsupplies.com

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2 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + Summer 2021 NEWS The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales have issued a reflection on post-pandemic recovery and the challenges faced by the Church in encouraging people back to the Church and the Sacraments. In a reflection titled The Day of the Lord, the bishops praised families, parish communities and those who have worked tirelessly in hospitals, care homes, schools and prisons during these challenging times. The bishops salute the leadership of our priests and express gratitude for the “,immense efforts”, of those who provided food for those most in need. “,The generosity shown in the distribution of so very many meals has given eloquent expression to the mercy, love and compassion which are at the very heart of God. Many have been touched by the joy of meeting Christ in the poor and many of the poor by the joy of meeting Christ in selfless parishioners.”, While acknowledging the creative and diverse methods of outreach during the pandemic –, not least the live-streaming of Mass –, their attention then turns to the post- pandemic world. “,What is clear is the challenge we face of bringing our communities and the practice of the faith to a still greater expression and strength.”, They say they are seeking to reach…, ·, Those who have lost the habit of coming to church and who may be anxious about doing so. ·, Those who may not want to re-establish a pattern of Catholic worship. ·, The “,Covid-curious”, who may have encountered the Catholic Church for the first time during the pandemic. The bishops highlight the “,veritable treasures”, of the Catholic Church as being the tools at their disposal to rise to these challenges. The greatest treasure is the sacramental life of the Church and at its heart, the Eucharist. “,It is the Eucharist, the celebration of the Mass, that makes the Church. And it is the Church, in the gift of the Holy Spirit, which makes the Eucharist. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the lifeblood of the Church. It requires our active participation and, to be fully celebrated, our physical presence. “,At this moment, then, we need to have in our sights the need to restore to its rightful centrality in our lives the Sunday Mass, encouraging each to take his or her place once again in the assembly of our brothers and sisters. “,We face the task of seeking to nurture the sense of Sunday as ‘,a weekly gift from God to his people’,, and something we cannot do without, to see Sunday as the soul of the week, as giving light and meaning to all the responsibilities we live out each day, to see the Sunday Eucharist as food for the unique mission with which we have been endowed.”, Bishops: Place Sunday Mass at the heart of our lives Two of our clergy walked over a million steps between them during Lent to support CAFOD’,s Walk for Water appeal. Father Bill Serplus, of St Aelred’,s, York, completed 524,668 steps and raised £,2,140 from parishioners and friends. And Deacon David Cross, from St Gabriel’,s, Ormesby, raised almost £,1,000 after walking 522,143 steps. “,Thanks to people’,s generosity and kindness I have raised enough to pay for a community water supply in a developing country,”, said David. “,I prayed hard that God would give me the grace not just to do the daily 10,000 steps but to do them cheerfully and to do my utmost to appreciate my local environment.”, On his walks around the Teesside area, David saw wildlife including roe deer, little egrets, jays, cormorants, seals, grebes, swans, buzzards, woodpeckers and redwings. Thanks a million, Bill and David! Deacon David Cross Father Bill Serplus George Robinson’,s 40 years of dedicated service to the SVP was recognised on his 74th birthday when he received Maundy Money and a letter from the Queen. The Sacred Heart, Redcar, parishioner has given up countless hours visiting people in hospital and at home and helping anyone who needs it. He has also been the SVP`s central diocesan president and treasurer. “,The SVP has been a big part of my life,”, said George, who was forced to give up his work for the SVP when he began suffering epileptic seizures four years ago. George is married to Maureen and has four children, seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. “,This honour isn’,t just for me, it’,s for my family and people in the parish who have been in the SVP with me,”, he said. George used to grow his hair and beard every year to be Father Christmas, visiting more than 45,000 children over two decades and raised more than £,27,000 for charity The Queen distributes special Maundy money to pensioners every Maundy Thursday in a service that commemorates Jesus washing the feet of the Apostles at the Last Supper. Queen honours George’,s SVP service George Robinson with his Maundy Money Many churches and parishioners generously supported the work of Stella Maris (formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea) on Sea Sunday in July by holding appeals and second collections. The pandemic has underlined the vital role seafarers play in keeping the world supplied with essential items. Much of the PPE, equipment and medicines the NHS needs in its fight against coronavirus have been transported by sea. Deacon Peter Barrigan, Stella Maris regional port chaplain for Tees, Hartlepool and Seaham, has not been allowed to board ships during the pandemic. Instead, they have communicated on the quayside or from the top of the gangway. Until recently he was also without the support of his 11 volunteer ship visitors. Text messages helped him maintain contact with seafarers. He has provided seafarers with hats, jumpers, socks and other clothing to help them keep warm, along with welcome packs containing toothpaste, shower gel and other essentials when you’,re at sea for months at a time. He has been able to deliver some items to seafarers thanks to the pilots in the port. “,One pilot heard that the guys were trying to share a tube of toothpaste between them and it was down to its last drop. He gave them the two tubes in the bag and then went back to our store to collect five more. The guys were delighted –, it’,s often the small acts of kindness that can make a difference.”, Many of the supplies have been donated by generous local parishes. “,We are able to supply lots of warm clothing for the crews coming into Tees Port, all donated by the generous people of the diocese,”, said Peter. “,Our parish contacts asked me what the priorities were for the seafarers, and they then put an appeal out. Some of the biggest donations came from the parishes in Haxby, near York,”, he said. Some seafarers have been stranded on ships and unable to get home, while others have not been allowed to disembark in case they bring the coronavirus on board when they return. In some ports, not even seafarers in need of medical attention were allowed to go to onshore hospitals. “,I met three engineers from Myanmar who had no idea when they would be able to see their families again. One was in tears. Their ship was leaving the Tees for France, so I contacted the Stella Maris chaplain in the port they were sailing to and informed him of their plight. “,I heard nothing for about three weeks, and then received a text message from one of them to say they were back home, although in isolation for two weeks.”, Many seafarers he encounters are Catholic, so he always carries a supply of Rosaries, prayer cards and holy water. “,They always tell us to thank the people who give the gifts, their kindness is greatly appreciated by the crews. We tell the crews that the gifts we give are in a small way a thank you for them bringing all the items we need to live. We often take for granted that without these seafarers our supermarkets would be empty.”, Peter sees his work as an important part of his ministry. “,I try to remember seafarers in my daily prayers. They do a tough job and play such a vital part in all our lives.”, “,I hope and pray the good people of the diocese continue to support the seafarers who come into both Tees port and Hull. We are one of the few areas of the country that have two large ports bringing seafarers from all parts of the world. “,We greet as many as possible and let them know we are here to help and serve as the Lord would want us to serve his children. We can do that only with the continued generosity of all our supporters in the diocese. Thank you for all you do.”, Please continue to pray for seafarers and fishers. You can donate to support Stella Maris’, work at stellamaris.org.uk/donate/. Greg Watts Seafarers need our support and prayers A Stella Maris care package is handed over to a seafarer

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Summer 2021 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 3 NEWS A happy young parishioner from St Aelred’,s, York, was all smiles after finally being able to make his First Holy Communion. Like many children throughout the diocese, George was looking forward to his special day after starting his preparation in 2019 and making his first confession just before lockdown last year. Although he was disappointed when it had to be postponed, George continued working through his I Believe book and as soon as it was possible he asked to make his First Holy Communion at the Saturday evening Mass he attends with his family. The evening was extremely special as he processed ahead of Father Bill Serplus. George chose the hymns, which were sung by soloist Claire Stead, and parishioners at home were able to join in via Zoom. George thanked everyone on the parish What’,s App later in the evening for the many cards and presents he received. Kath Stubbs George makes First Holy Communion –, at last! St Aelred’,s, York, parishioner George with Father Bill They’,ve been waiting a long time, but it was worth every minute! Donna Smith and Nathan James and their children Elijah, seven, and Elba, two, were preparing for their baptism and confirmation at Easter 2020 when the pandemic struck. They attended the usual Rite of Election service at St Mary’,s Cathedral with many others, but the Easter Vigil, when they would have been baptised, was cancelled. More than a year later, they were finally received into the church by Father Tom O’,Neill at the Holy Name of Mary in Middlesbrough, along with other families who were part of the same Journey in Faith group. And as the photos show, they couldn’,t be happier. “,If we could have done this properly, a lot more of our loved ones would have been with us,”, said Donna. “,It ended up being small but still perfect –, a gorgeous service and a really special day for us. We loved every minute and I`m so proud of my beautiful children.”, Elijah attends St Edward’,s Catholic Primary School, just beside the church. Welcome to the Church! As 131 years of service for the people of Hull comes to an end, we look back on the history of the Daughters of Charity in the city…, The Daughters of Charity arrived in Hull in Hull 1890 and on July 19 of that year opened a home for Catholic boys, the only one in the diocese at that time. The home began in Wright Street with 30 boys and the sisters also taught in the elementary school. In 1904 they opened a working girls` hostel and night shelter and in 1908 a hostel for working boys, which continued until 1941. In 1898, when it was clear that the house in Wright Street was too small, parish priest Canon Sullivan, who had invited the sisters to Hull, started raising funds for a new home. A great bazaar in the Assembly Rooms raised £,2,000, a huge sum in those days. A large house, Stepney Lodge, was bought, but the Local Government Board would not approve proposed alterations. In 1903 a plot of land was acquired in Queens Road, next to the newly built St Vincent`s School, but it was five years before permission was given for the erection of a new home there. Stepney Lodge was sold and the money went towards the new home. In addition, a legacy of £,3,141 from Miss E Wilson, of York, enabled a start to be made on the new building. The foundation stone was laid with great ceremony on June 21 1908. It must have been a joyful affair. A 1,500-strong procession, carrying 30 banners and accompanied by two brass bands, walked the whole length of Beverley Road to the Queens Road site. It was led by Father Francis Hall and the boys of the existing home. A crowd of 6,000 people assembled to watch the laying of the foundation stone by Bishop of Middlesbrough Richard Lacy. The home opened on September 27 1909 and served the boys faithfully until 1971, when the pattern of childcare changed from large institutions to family groups. The sisters moved to 41 Westbourne Avenue, where they continued caring for the less privileged people in parishes throughout the city. They also worked in the new family group home. In 1992, the sisters were advised to move from Westbourne Avenue as the trees lining the road were undermining the house’,s foundations. They asked Hull City Council to rent them a house in one of the most deprived areas of the city and in 1993 they moved to Gosford Garth on the Bransholme estate, in the parish of Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs. In 2008, the sisters moved again, to St Wilfred’,s Parish on the Boulevard, and in 2014 they took over the running of the St Stephen’,s Pastoral Centre on the Bilton Grange estate in East Hull. In all these places they have done tremendous work, living among the people and becoming part of their local community. As well as the more traditional work of the sisters –, hospital chaplaincy, children’,s liturgy, pastoral work, visiting the elderly, adoption and fostering work and supporting the SVP –, they have worked closely with the Hull pastoral council, residents’, associations and the Church in Outer Housing Estates group. They have done particularly important work among the homeless of the city, being active members of the Preventing Homeless Focus Group. They have touched the lives of countless people by the way they have lived out their vocation as Daughters of Charity, bringing the love of Jesus Christ to everyone, especially the poor, in the footsteps of their founder, St Vincent de Paul. Their contribution to the Catholic life of the city in particular is incalculable. Their presence among us has been a blessing and we shall miss them very much. The Lord Mayor, Councillor Lynn Petrini, invited the four remaining sisters, Eleanor, Ann, Teresa and Susan, to afternoon tea at the Guildhall, where she thanked them on behalf of the city for their work over the past 131 years. She also gave permission for a blue plaque to be commissioned and erected outside St Vincent’,s Church, so their presence here will never be forgotten. Thanks to the generosity of local parishes, we raised the £,600 cost very quickly and on July 10, Bishop Terry blessed the plaque and celebrated Mass in their honour at St Vincent’,s. We’,ll have a full report in October’,s Voice . Chris Cuthill Looking back fondly on 131 years of service The Daughters of Charity with the Lord Mayor Nathan and Donna with Elba and Elijah Elijah being baptised by Father Tom

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4 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + Summer 2021 SCHOOLS St Benedict`s Catholic Primary School ‘,Pray together, Learn together’, Part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust Mersey Road, Redcar TS10 1LS Headteacher: Mrs Kendra Sill Tel: 01642 495770 E-mail: enquiries@stbenedicts.npcat.org.uk Website: www.stbenedicts.npcat.org.uk Children at St Pius X Catholic Primary School in Middlesbrough are learning to care more for our environment by growing fruit and vegetables in the school allotments. The area has been renovated by a group of volunteers called Middlesbrough Community Champions, allowing it to be brought back into use by the school community. Pupils are enjoying caring for their crops –, and looking forward to tasting the fruits of their labour! “,We’,re trying to make the garden as eco- friendly as possible by using peat-free compost and looking at organic ways of gardening,”, said headteacher Nick Bennett. “,Once our produce is ready we hope to share it with the community, especially with those who helped us create a beautiful space for the children to learn in which looks, smells and tastes great.”, “,The Middlesbrough Community Champions, which includes Mayor Andy Preston, have helped us immensely in driving this initiative forward. Jackie Young and Janice Slater organised the group and provided us with volunteers of all ages to help with the restoration work. “,They undertook tasks such as painting the planters, repairing our benches, planting fruit trees and made bird boxes for the playground. They even added detailed stencilling, which the children love.”, Some of the volunteers attended the school many years ago, while others have children who attended. Volunteer Jean McGravey said: “,It’,s lovely to be able to give something back to the school I attended and which has taught both my children and grandchildren.”, Giving thanks for our Boro Champs! Children in St Pius X Catholic Primary’,s community garden –, Photo by Chris Booth Running a school during the pandemic gave headteachers many new challenges, but it also allowed us to reach further into our communities and help those who needed it. It has also highlighted how a school can be central to a community, leading by example and strengthen partnerships with our parishes. Before lockdown began, St Gabriel’,s Catholic Primary School in Ormesby ran a community cupboard that could be used by anyone, from those who hadn’,t managed to get to a shop that day to those who need the support to feed their families. During the pandemic we were able to support people well beyond our school and each week visitors who came to take items or bring donations. I am incredibly lucky to have had the support of my staff and the parish to keep this going. We also established a partnership with Fareshare that allowed us to have a selection of fresh foods as well as store cupboard and long-life items. Social media has long been a way to spread our message and in the lockdowns it was even more important. We were able to hold Facebook watch parties for the daily Mass and evening prayers Canon John Lumley has live-streamed for the parish. The messages of hope and support that came through in the chat helped keep our school community together. During the last lockdown, St Gabriel’,s launched a new project called the “,St Gabriel’,s Wave”,, displaying waves in their windows and sharing them via social media. This simple idea spread around the country and then the globe as schools sent waves back and then passed them on. Family and friends around the world also joined in from Australia, Thailand and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The idea was also picked up by BBC Newsround, with the children creating their own news item for the show. The pandemic has been a time of loss and sadness for many but, as we head in the right direction, it has made me incredibly proud of our school and parish community. Lindsay Phelps Lockdown helped us strengthen parish bonds Mayor of Middlesbrough Andy Preston meets St Gabriel’,s headteacher Lindsay Phelps as he visits the school’,s community cupboard 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 Executive Head Mrs Mary Brown Head of School Mrs Anne Teasdale email: Enquiries@stedwards.npcat.org.uk www.stedwardsrcprimaryschool.co.uk 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 Part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust Normanby Road, South Bank Middlesbrough TS6 6SP Executive Headteacher: Mr M Burns Head of School: Mrs S Garthwaite Tel: 01642 453462 enquiries@stpeters.npcat.org.uk www.stpeters.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

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Summer 2021 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 5 SCHOOLS Pupils at St Peter’,s Catholic College have been introduced to an ambitious new initiative that will transform careers guidance across the trust. True to its motto of ",Forming lives ready to face the future",, NPCAT has become the first schools` trust in the country to purchase an exciting, state-of-the-art careers learning zone. NPCAT’,s “,FUTUREPROOF”, is designed to offer a more realistic view of the world of work than ever before, giving our young people everything they need to decide which pathway to take. Whatever their dreams, we can now bring them to life in this immersive virtual reality learning zone. The zone takes the latest technology and harnesses it to a determination to raise aspirations and ensure our young people are secure in their choice of pathway into study or employment. If a pupil is interested in a career in surgery, the room will simulate an operating theatre, if a pupil identifies they want to be an engineer it will transport them to an oil rig and if they want to know what it would be like to be a solicitor, they can have their day in court. “,It’,s always been difficult for pupils to know exactly what career is right for them without being able to experience it for themselves,”, said trust secondary schools careers lead Lisa Lindo. “,This new concept really brings the curriculum to life. Pupils can explore different career pathways using 360-degree virtual reality videos and have meaningful encounters with employers from all over the world. “,They can visit the south of France, Italy or Germany, take a tour around the human body and much, much more. “,They can even take a guided tour around different universities, colleges and sixth form premises and decide which one is right for them.”, The idea is built on the principle that if pupils can see it, touch it, and feel it, they are more likely to achieve it. There will also be a website hosting up-to- date careers information and signposting pupils and parents to relevant pathways, as well as a rich suite of curriculum resources for teachers. NPCAT chief executive officer Hugh Hegarty joined Lisa and St Peter’,s head of school Stephanie Garthwaite to launch the concept to Year 10 pupils. You can find out much more about NPCAT “,FUTUREPROOF”, in the coming months at futureproof.npcat.org.uk. Welcome to your future! Lisa Lindo and Hugh Hegarty with St Peter’,s Catholic College pupils at the Futureproof launch –, Photo by Stuart Boulton An inclusive learning community living out Gospel values Places available for September 2021! Apply online now at trinity.npcat.org.uk/apply Part of the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust o昀,ering high-quality Catholic education for students aged 16-18 in Teesside and North Yorkshire

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6 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + Summer 2021 SCHOOLS A Letter From Madonna House –, With a smile on his face I am so happy to “,be with”, you again. I never realised how much of a bond is fashioned through this paper. Although I’,ve never met some of you, I write for you, especially when I sense God wanting to give a word of encouragement. So what is on my heart to share with you now? I’,d like to tell you about my father’,s death at the end of April. He died alone in a care home, as have so many in these Covid times. But he was not alone –, no one is, at the moment of death. My father died at 2.30am –, his time of course, which was 7.30am in England –, the moment we began our hour of silent Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. So I was praying for him when he died, and when the call came, we all gathered around the altar to commend his soul to God. But I wasn’,t the only one. My sister lives two time zones away in the other direction from my parents, and she was awake, telling my father, in her heart, how much she loved him and that he could let go now. We’,d be OK. Another woman was also sleepless then –, a cousin who lives near my parents. Although she didn’,t know my father was dying, she was thinking about him and the special bond they’,d always enjoyed. Without knowing it, she too was “,at his bedside”,. But a surprising accompaniment was revealed through one of our Madonna House members in Canada. For some reason, she was unable to fall asleep until 2am, and then she woke again at 3.30am. Much had happened in that hour and a half. In a powerful and poignant dream, she and two other staff members were praying by the bedside of an old man. He was frail, with a kind and gentle face (a perfect description of my father). They prayed in silence until he died –, peacefully and with a smile on his face. The dream pierced her heart, went right through her soul, and lingered all morning. It was so moving, that she found herself continually praying for this man –, until she heard that my father had died at that time, and knew it was him. There are no limits with time or space in God. My father may have died in his bed with no-one holding his hand and dropping tears of grief and gratitude on his body, but my sister, cousin and Madonna House staff in Canada and in England were all with him in spirit, praying and encouraging him as he let go of one life and was drawn into true life, the Heart of Jesus. This is true for everyone: God makes sure of that! So perhaps the next time you are tossing and turning and wondering why you can’,t sleep, you could pray for the soul of someone who may be dying at that moment. When we arrive in heaven, I think we will be astounded at the number of people who’,ve been touched, strengthened and accompanied by our prayer! And when it’,s your time to go to the Father, you can know that not only will he be there to receive your soul, but you will be surrounded by the prayers of others who will not leave (or wake up) until you are at peace, with a smile on your face. Cheryl Ann Smith Bishop Terry and his Diocesan Schools Service have shared their enormous thanks and deep sense of pride in the work of our schools during the pandemic. Like the world as a whole, the delivery of Catholic education has been seriously impacted and disrupted. Throughout the Diocese of Middlesbrough, however, rather than lament the challenges they faced, diocesan schools have seized the opportunities available to reach out into their parishes and wider communities to provide support and services to those most in need. Diocesan director of schools Kevin Duffy said: “,I could not be prouder of the effort and dedication shown by those who work in our schools. “,There wasn’,t a single school day when our schools didn’,t seek to continue to provide the best Catholic education possible while helping to support those facing most disadvantages. “,From providing fabulous online resources for families to pray together, to remember Jesus walks with us, to delivering food parcels and supporting food banks when they were needed most our schools stood up to be counted.”, Bishop Terry added: “,Catholic schools have remained for many a beacon of hope in very difficult times. “,Their work to sustain and continue to nourish the spiritual needs of the children and families they serve was extremely important over the last 16 months and I am deeply grateful for the work they do.”, A huge thank you to our Catholic schools Director of schools, Kevin Duffy St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Academy Trust –, which covers 17 schools in North Yorkshire, two secondary and 15 primary –, has been placed on the global Earth Day map due to its continued commitment to protecting the environment. The trust is the only academy group in Yorkshire to feature on the worldwide map, which details how the schools marked Earth Day on April 22. Speakers including Bishop Terry answered questions from children as part of a special virtual event. Bishop Terry discussed our responsibility as “,Stewards of our Environment”, and Pope Francis’, encyclical, Laudato Si’,. St John of Beverley RC Primary, Beverley, and St Aelred’,s RC Primary, York, took part in a live Q&,A with Alex Green, leader of the national schools’, campaign Let’,s Go Zero. Other initiatives include St Francis Xavier Secondary School in Richmond planting 100 metres of mixed native hedge saplings as part of its ongoing green corridor project. Reception and Nursery children at St Mary`s RC Primary School, Richmond, made a collection of bird feeders for the outside areas. Sacred Heart School in Northallerton was given books and binoculars to help make its forest school area a bird-friendly zone and St Wilfred’,s RC Primary in York held a dedicated curriculum day. St Mary &, St Joseph RC Primary in Pocklington launched a recycling sculpture project, while Our Lady and St Peter RC Primary School, Bridlington, went seashore beachcombing and litter picking. St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Academy Trust plans to apply for energy efficiency measures, such as insulation and solar PV, for all its schools. Margaret Land, the trust’,s sustainability officer said: “,The theme for Earth Day this year was ‘,Restore our Earth’, and our schools continued their commitment to protecting the planet by planting trees, litter picking, making bird feeders and helping wildlife to thrive. Every day is Earth Day for the students and staff at St Margaret Clitherow as we continue to work towards the 2030 nationwide ‘,Let’,s Go (carbon) Zero’, campaign.”, Trust placed on map for Earth Day commitment Children at St John of Beverley Catholic Primary School in Beverley celebrated the feast of their school patron by learning to sing and sign a song in his honour. “,We were impressed by the fact that learning the signs helped the children to learn the lyrics faster,”, said headteacher Angela Nicholl. “,The day was a great celebration and included a praise assembly, a quiz about the life of St John of Beverley and ice creams delivered by the Friends of the School.”, The school managed to raise £,176 to help hearing-impaired children in the East Riding and Hull to have parties and days out. They hope the visual choir from the Hull Deaf Centre will come into school to perform after all Covid restrictions are lifted. Pupils celebrate patron’,s feast day All Saints Catholic School in York took part in a week-long Sustainable Futures Festival, which aimed to inspire and engage pupils after the upheaval of Covid. Students engaged in inspiring STEM and arts-based projects to develop skills including communication and teamwork. The event was also an opportunity for students to consider their aspirations and the world they are creating for themselves and others and they attended a series of motivational talks. Headteacher Sharon Keelan-Beardsley said: This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to delight in learning, not just because they have to study something for an exam, but throughout this week we hope to reignite or begin a passion for something new. “,It has been a very challenging 18 months and our young people have missed out on so much. I’,m sure every adult when they reminisce about their school days, mainly reflect on the school trips and events. “,These have not been possible for a long time and this festival allows students to consider their future, develop skills and importantly make some happy memories.”, All Saints pupils asked to look to the future

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Summer 2021 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 7 NEWS The last 18 months have been very challenging. We have all had to make sacrifices to keep ourselves safe by keeping others safe too. We are now in a very different place from where we were in March 2020. The excellent rollout of the vaccination programme has given us a feeling of being safe for the very first time in almost two years and this summer has brought a feeling of optimism, tempered by the caution of keeping a watch on mutations of the coronavirus. Nevertheless, there seems to be a feeling that we can’,t go on like this forever, and there is an increasing recognition that we will have to learn to live with the virus. Humans have had to do this before during other pandemics that have swept the world in years gone by, and in many developing countries this is still the case today. All this need not be a bad thing. The pandemic has brought us to a crossroads at which we have to look after the welfare of others as a way to keep ourselves safe. We have the added issues of climate change, environmental pollution and the impact humans are having on our Mother Earth through the way we live our lives as part of a “,throwaway culture”,. This is a time for us, as the human family, as Christians and people of faith, to take stock of what is important to us as we seek to chart our way out of this pandemic. In Let Us Dream, Pope Francis says: “,Think of what we’,ve seen during this Covid-19 crisis. All those martyrs: men and women who have laid down their lives in service to those most in need. Think of the health workers, the doctors and nurses and other caregivers, as well as the chaplains and all who chose to accompany others in their pain. Taking the necessary precautions, they sought to offer others support and consolation. They were witnesses to closeness and tenderness. Many, tragically, died. To honour their witness, and the suffering of so many, we have to build tomorrow by following the paths they have lit for us …,If we are to come out of this crisis less selfish than we went in, we have to let ourselves be touched by others’, pain…,This is a moment to dream big, to rethink our priorities –, what we value, what we want, what we seek –, and to commit to act in our daily life on what we have dreamed of…,God asks us to dare to create something new. We cannot return to the false securities of the political and economic systems we had before the crisis. We need economies that give all access to the fruits of creation, to the basic needs of life: to land, lodging, and labour. We need a politics that can integrate and dialogue with the poor, the excluded, and the vulnerable, that gives people a say in the decisions that impact their lives. We need to slow down, take stock, and design better ways of living together on this earth.”, (pp 1-2, 5-6) The Holy Father places before us his ideas to help us chart a course out of the pandemic by putting people before profit, service before selfishness, kindness and helpfulness before our own ambitions and peace before conflict. These are all Gospel values that were spoken of time and again by Jesus throughout his ministry. We have at our fingertips all the instructions we need to help us to reshape our world for the better. It’,s worth going back to the very beginning of Genesis. It’,s also a time to rethink our vision of what it means to be a Christian. Many members of faith communities have come into their own during Covid. They have made sure those who have had to shield themselves or self- isolate have had the food and provisions. We have used social media to our advantage, helping keep a sense of community and connectedness. In times of adversity, people step up to the mark. That doesn’,t mean there aren’,t things we could do better. Many in our communities have lost loved ones, jobs, homes, others are still suffering from the effects of Covid, poverty at home and abroad has increased. All this changes what Building on our experiences of faith in the pandemic we need to enable us to re-envision, re- evaluate and reshape our world going forward. I’,m asking you to think and dream about the kind of world you want to live in. What’,s your vision for the Church? Some are saying they can’,t wait to get back to how things were before the pandemic. Is that an option, or even desirable? Pope Francis is encouraging us all to play our part and make our voices heard in reshaping our world: “,It’,s a task for all of us, to which each one of us is invited. But it’,s a time especially for the restless of heart, that healthy restlessness that spurs us into action. Now more than ever, what is revealed is the fallacy of making individualism the organising principle of society”, (p6). What do we need to make all this happen? We are not on our own! God is with us in our struggles. Jesus understands our slowness and hesitancy in acting. The Holy Spirit urges us to be bold in making God’,s Kingdom a reality in our world. With the help of the Holy Trinity, we are to dare to be different. To dare to dream! As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, we will begin reshaping a “,new normal”, way of life. We will take up our diocesan adult formation programme and explore ways of being a people of the Kingdom of God. We will reinstate our RCIA programmes, our inspiration days for Ministers of the Word and Holy Communion. In September we will begin a series of online adult formation sessions. We will get involved in Pope Francis’, proposed Synod process, beginning in October. There is the Laudato Si’, Action Platform, launched by Cardinal Turkson, which can help us tackle climate change and environmental degradation. We will aim to restart Bishop Terry’,s initiative to develop Missionary Disciples, Missionary Communities and become a Missionary Diocese. There’,s much for us to be optimistic about. David Cross, Adult Formation Coordinator *You can read a longer version of this article on the diocesan website. Trekking For Alzheimer’,s St Aelred’,s, York, parishioners Rebecca Hargreaves and Clare Stead undertook an Ultra Challenge by walking 100 kilometres over two days in the Lake District in aid of the Alzheimer’,s Society, a cause close to both their hearts. While aching legs, blistered feet, hot weather and exhaustion presented challenges, Rebecca and Clare raised nearly £,3,000 for the charity. The thought of that, and the tremendous support received from family, friends, and the parish, kept them going, alongside spontaneous singing of Walk with me, O my Lord when the going got tough! Deacon David Cross

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8 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + Summer 2021 NEWS Together Middlesbrough &, Cleveland (TM&,C) is a faith-based social action organisation, with trustees from a range of Christian traditions. TM&,C works with around 80 churches, other faith groups and community organisations across South Tees. It provides support and advice and helps them source funding to enable them to ensure our communities thrive. TM&,C also works directly with partners, delivering projects that support the reduction of homelessness and isolation, improve community engagement and tackle issues of deprivation such as food poverty. Like most charities, TM&,C was faced with a huge increase in demand and a difficult funding position during 2020. The Feast of Fun programme worked with 30- plus local churches and organisations to co-ordinate the supply of healthy food for families in need and provide activities to keep children entertained during the school holidays. During the pandemic, the scheme saw more than six times the need of the previous year, and this continued to escalate into 2021. Over £,82,000 was raised to deliver 87,000 meals and activity packs compared to 13,500 meals in the whole of 2019. This year, 63,000 meals and activity packs have already been delivered. New plans include work to reduce food insecurity with a move to sustainable options, including the development of more eco-shops. TM&,C trustee John Hinman, who represents the Diocese of Middlesbrough on the board, said: “,The last 14 months, under chief officer Kate Jeffels’, direction, has been transformational in the affairs of the charity. “,We are reaching more vulnerable communities and groups and a team of staff and volunteers have made a huge impact. Many of the volunteers are Anglicans and Catholics and it’,s a truly ecumenical response to great need in our area.”, The Food &, Friendship and Warm Welcome Network programmes are part of Ageing Better Middlesbrough, working with over-50s to connect them to others, increase health and wellbeing and reduce social isolation. Individuals have access to welcoming places with like-minded people and are offered activities such as cooking and guided walks. There are also opportunities for intergenerational work, matching care home residents to local schools. TM&,C also works with Depaul UK to provide services to those facing homelessness. All these programmes continued during the pandemic, with services moving to telephone calls and online to help hundreds of local people cope with the crisis. TM&,C’,s community engagement work brings together groups representing diverse local communities and UK Minority Ethnic-led organisations from all faiths and cultures. The monthly Multicultural Form provides a platform for networking, raising awareness, and creating change. New projects funded through the community engagement work include an all-women Muslim fitness programme, a filmmaking project for young refugees, documenting their journey and contribution to the community, African Hair Heritage self-esteem sessions, a Parenting in the UK course for newly arrived families, a community kitchen garden, awareness-raising webinars, a community growing project and a craft wellbeing project with Bowes Museum. If you are interested in finding out more, follow atTogMbroRC on Twitter or visit togethermc.org.uk. Tackling poverty and inequality Together Participants at TM&,C’,s community growing project New Abbot of Ampleforth is blessed Bishop Terry presided at a ceremony to bless Dom Robert Igo as the ninth Abbot of Ampleforth. Dom Robert was elected earlier this year in the presence of Abbot Paul Stonham OSB, delegate of the president of the English Benedictine Congregation, and the Rt Rev Christopher Jamison OSB. He replaced Abbot Cuthbert Madden, whose eight-year term of office has come to an end. The new abbot has overall responsibility for the monastic community and its works. Dom Robert was ordained priest in the Anglican Church in 1980 and served in parishes in Sunderland and Hartlepool. He was received into the Catholic Church in 1987 and joined the monastic community at Ampleforth. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1993 and spent some time at the monastic foundation established by the Ampleforth community in 1996, the Monastery of Christ the Word in Macheke. where he has been prior since 2005. Bishop Terry blesses new Abbot of Ampleforth Dom Robert Igo Rosary unites friends across the world A group of parishioners at St Aelred’,s Parish, York, met on Zoom every morning during May to say the Rosary together before Mass. During the first week, one of our members, Barbara Cookson, phoned her friend Rochelle Almeida in Mumbai, India, because she was worried about how she was coping with the terrible effects of the pandemic. Rochelle joined us by Zoom for our next morning Rosary. Margaret Clark, Diocese of Middlesbrough representative on the National Board of Catholic Women, also joined us. As we chatted over Zoom after the Rosary, Margaret mentioned that she also has a friend in India and an ancestor of her friend’,s husband has recently been canonised as the first layperson to be declared a saint in India. He was Devashayam Pillai, a Hindu who was converted to Catholicism by Jesuit missionaries in the 18th century and was martyred for his faith. Rochelle asked what the friend’,s name was, and when Margaret Clark told her it was Daphne Pillai she said: “,I know her well, we worked together!”, The following morning Daphne also joined us for the Zoom Rosary, and both she and Rochelle were with us each morning after that. With the population of India running into the hundreds of millions, what are the chances that the Rosary would bring these two ladies together with the rest of us across the miles in Yorkshire? It does indeed seem like a Joyful Mystery and we continue to pray for the safe delivery of India from the pandemic. Kath Stubbs £,1.80 provides a child with a meal every weekday for a month Donate Now at www.reachfoundationuk.org THE REACH FOUNDATION UK REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1171521

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Summer 2021 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 9 OBITUARIES Follow the Diocese of Middlesbrough on social media Twitter: atMbroDiocese 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. GRATITUDE, PROPHECY &, HOPE During this retreat we will reflect on our encounters with gratitude, prophecy and hope, with reference to the lives of some of the Passionist saints. The retreat itself will offer a balance of input from the retreat team - personal time to reflect on where these perennial themes have been and are present in your life - shared reflection. Friday 10 September, 7pm to Sunday 12 September, 2pm. Suggested donation: £,150 EMBODIED CONTEMPLATIVE WITH TERRY DOYLE Encountering the practise of mediation through the language of the body. Using breathing exercises, gentle stretching and slow Tai Chi movements along with seated meditation periods, the weekend will be nourishing for mind, body and spirit. Suggested donation: £,175 Suitable for all ages and abilities. Please wear loose clothing. Friday 22nd October, 7pm to Sunday 24 October, 2pm. HORROR AND HUMOUR IN THE BIBLE WITH JOHN BELL To the casual reader, humour in the bible can be totally lost-but the humour is there, in the Old Testament and in the New for those who have ears to hear. Horror-as bloodshed, lightning bolts ,the cursing of enemies-is more commonly known, and we may well wonder what its doing there if God is a god of love. By taking a cool at these awkward texts, we can find in them resources for faith rather than for doubt. In this retreat we will deal boldly with both. Rev John Bell is a member of the Iona Community`s wild Goose Resource Group, hymn writer, author and occasional broadcaster. Friday 19 November,7pm to Sunday 21 November, 2pm. Suggested donation: £,175 www.minsteracres.org 01434 673248 info@minsteracres.org Inspirational Day –, Let us Dream We invite all those involved in parish life to take part in the next Inspirational Day. We would like to welcome all ministers, stewards, catechists and anyone who feels they would like to become more involved with their parish. The meeting will take place on Saturday September 11 from 10am to noon, via Zoom. The keynote speaker will be Father Kevin Hayden from Ampleforth who will be talking on the theme of “,Let us Dream”,. Please contact Heidi Cummins, office assistant at the curial office, by emailing Heidi.Cummins@rcdmidd.org.uk so a link for the meeting can be sent to you. Could Pastoral Ministry course be for you? The Certificate in Pastoral Ministry is an online, customised professional development programme offered by Loyola University Chicago in partnership with the dioceses in northern England. A two-year programme of study, it consists of up to ten six-week modules delivered online, allowing participants the freedom and flexibility to study at home. This is a non- degree, non-credit course that will equip catechists, deacons and others in lay leadership ministries with up-to-date knowledge, skills and education for contemporary pastoral ministry. On successful completion of the programme participants will receive a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry from Loyola University Chicago. You don’,t need to have studied at higher level. Enrolment is in December 2021. To find out more email adultformation@rcdmidd.org.uk or call 01642 850505 ext 241. Dates for your diary Saturday September 25: Zoom meeting for all those involved as RCIA catechists. A chance to pray together, catch up and look at how we can begin to take things forward after the pandemic. Register by emailing heidi.cummins@rcdmidd.org.uk. Sunday October 24, 2pm: Bishop Terry is principal celebrant at Mass in Beverley Minster to mark the 1,300th anniversary of St John of Beverley Sunday March 6 2022, 3pm: Rite of Election with Bishop Terry at St Mary’,s Cathedral Saturday February 5 2022: RCIA retreat day for all those who will be preparing to be received into the Catholic Church at the following Easter Vigil. Venue and times to be confirmed. Monsignor Seamus Kilbane passed away on the night of Sunday July 11 2021, a few days before his 91st birthday. Monsignor Kilbane was born in Mountbellow, County Galway, on July 28 1930 and attended St Patrick’,s Seminary in Thurles. He was ordained priest on June 10 1956 and served in parishes throughout the diocese. In 1963 he celebrated the first wedding at St Andrew’,s Church in Teesville. He retired and went to live in York in 2002 after 46 years of priestly service, including the last seven years as parish priest at Leyburn and Ulshaw Bridge. In recent years he had been looked after by Holy Name Care Home in Hull. Monsignor Kilbane’,s funeral will take place at St George’,s in York at a time and date to be confirmed. We pray for the repose of his soul and keep Monsignor Kilbane’,s sisters and family in our prayers. Monsignor Seamus Kilbane Deacon David Moss The funeral of Deacon David Moss took place at Scarborough Crematorium on May 7 2020 and was celebrated by Canon Derek Turnham. Unfortunately, only five people were able to be present in the chapel because of the restrictions that were in place at that time. Deacon David was born in 1946 in St Helen’,s, Lancashire. His father was in the British Transport Police and his mother was a governess. He read Geography and Geology at Goldsmiths, University of London, before training to be a teacher at Birkbeck College. He taught at St George’,s Comprehensive School in Gravesend, Kent. There he met fellow teacher Annette, who he married in 1971. Deacon David and Annette were received into the Catholic Church in 1991 and moved to St John’,s Roman Catholic Comprehensive in Gravesend. After training at Wonersh, he was ordained a deacon for the Archdiocese of Southwark on July 10 1995 and served in the Parish of St Francis de Sales, Hartley. Deacon David and Annette moved to Sleights in 2004 and he served in Egton Bridge, Lealholm and Ugthorpe, as well as organising deanery meetings. He finally retired in 2018 and served only at Sleights. Deacon David loved singing tenor in music groups, collecting and exhibiting model steam trains and was a fellow of the Royal Geographic Society. He was also the treasurer of the Postgate Society and represented St Hilda’,s Parish on Churches Together in Sleights. As a deacon, he particularly enjoyed preparing homilies and preaching, visiting the sick and being with people. Deacon David was predeceased by his much-loved younger sister, Fiona. Shortly before going to press we heard the sad news that Father John Wood had passed away at 5pm on Tuesday July 13. Father John was born in Sheffield then moved to and remained in Hull. He was ordained on July 15 1978 in the Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Hull. He was among the celebrants when that church closed in November 2008. Father John’,s last parish was Our Lady &, St Peter in Bridlington, from where he retired early due to a serious accident in 2020. We’,ll have more details in October’,s Voice . Father John Wood If you would like to advertise please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 2 48225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org

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10 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + Summer 2021 OBITUARIES Father Bill East, the retired former long-serving parish priest of St Joseph’,s in Pickering, died on Wednesday July 1 2020 after a long illness. Father Bill, who was 72, spent 11 years at St Luke’,s Parish Church in Pallion, Sunderland, from 1983 to 1994 before being received into the Catholic Church along with his wife, Betty. He was ordained at Our Lady`s in Acomb, York, and served in the parish before spending 18 years in Pickering. Halfway through his time in the North Yorkshire town he was given the title of parish priest, rather than administrator and Betty said that small change meant a great deal to him. Father Bill retired from St Joseph`s in May 2018 and grateful parishioners held a party in his honour. In August 2019, Father Bill and Betty celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. An accomplished Latin scholar, Father Bill was asked by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) to work on the new translation of the Missal. “,Bill was a true gentleman with a quick wit and it was always a joy if I knew that Father Bill was going to be on retreat with the diocesan priests,”, said vicar general Monsignor Gerard Robinson. “,We will miss him and our thoughts and prayers are with Betty, Bill’,s sons and the whole family at this sad time.”, Father Bill East Father Ross Thompson died peacefully in hospital on Thursday April 8 2021, with his daughter holding his hand. Born in Port Chalmers, New Zealand, in 1942, Father Ross moved to England in 1966 and was ordained into the Church of England in 1969. He married his late wife, Jill, in 1970 and they had a daughter, Aldyth, in 1974. The family moved to York in the early 1990s and Ross and Jill were received into the Catholic Church by Father Michael Marsden during the Easter Vigil at St Wilfrid’,s in 1993. He was ordained a priest at Our Lady’,s, Acomb, on June 8 1996. In 2001 he became administrator at St Anthony’,s, Hull, and he was parish priest at St Joseph’,s, York, between 2006 and 2012, when he retired. Since 2012 Father Ross has supplied mainly in York and at some of the convents and on Palm Sunday this year he celebrated Mass at St Joseph’,s in the Bar Convent. Unfortunately, he suffered a fall at home shortly afterwards and sadly did not recover. Father Neil Bayliss was studying to become an Anglican priest when he first met Father Ross in Oxford. “,Father Ross was a larger-than-life character with a huge smile and loud laugh,”, he said. “,One of the best confessors it has been my privilege to encounter, he was wise, patient and gentle. “,His death is a great loss particularly to Aldyth, Jason and their children, but also to those of us who were fortunate enough to count him as a friend. Father Ross was and remains an inspiration as a priest.”, Father Ross Thompson Monsignor Ray Charlton, who played a major role in running the Diocese of Middlesbrough for more than 25 years, died peacefully at James Cook University Hospital on August 18 2020 after a short illness. At 95, he was the oldest priest in the diocese. Known all his life as either Ray or JR, John Raymond Charlton was born in Hull on July 5 1925. At age of 19 he joined the Royal Navy and saw active service in the Mediterranean during World War 2. He studied for the priesthood at St John`s College, Waterford, and was ordained by Bishop George Brunner at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Hull, on June 20 1957. His first appointment was as a curate to Canon Thomas Lynam at St Francis of Assisi, Acklam, Middlesbrough, where he remained until 1971. He then served as chaplain at Nazareth House, Middlesbrough, while also being assistant to diocesan financial secretary Monsignor Alban Nolan. When Monsignor Nolan retired, Bishop John Gerard McClean appointed Ray to the role of financial secretary, a post he held until 1997. He was also secretary to Bishop McClean and Bishop Augustine Harris until he was appointed parish priest of St Joseph`s, Stokesley, in 1980. He was appointed a Prelate of Honour in 1981 and was made a Canon of the Cathedral Chapter in 1987. “,Ray was a man of simple tastes and uncomplicated faith,”, said vicar general Monsignor Gerard Robinson. “,After retiring in 2007 he remained very happily in Stokesley, where he was held in the highest regard.”, After cremation, his remains were buried in the memorial garden at St Joseph’,s. Monsignor Ray Charlton Father Peter Egan passed away in February 2021, just a few months before he would have celebrated the golden jubilee of his priesthood. Father Peter, who was 76, was born in County Clare and trained at St John’,s Seminary in Waterford before being ordained a priest on June 6 1971. His first appointment for the Diocese of Middlesbrough was at St Patrick’,s, Thornaby, where he served as a curate from 1971 to 1973. He then moved to St Andrew’,s, Teesville, as curate from 1973 to 1978. He was asked to be port chaplain at Anchor House in Hull, where he remained for three years before he was appointed chaplain and parish priest at St John of God, Scorton, in 1981. In 1984 Father Peter returned to Teesville and was parish priest at St Anne’,s in Eston for a year, before becoming chaplain at St Joseph’,s Convent in York in 1985. In 1986 he was appointed parish priest at Sacred Heart in Howden until moving to St Peter &, St John Fisher, Withernsea, as parish priest from 1988 to 2007. In 2007 he became parish priest at Sacred Heart, Hornsea, until his retirement due to ill health in 2014, when he moved into Alexandra Court Care Centre, Hull. Father Peter was looked after by a number of the clergy and received visits from many parishioners from Hornsea. “,Peter served through the diocese and would have celebrated 50 years as a priest on June 6,”, said Vicar General Monsignor Gerard Robinson. “,We pray for the repose of his soul and for his family and friends.”, Father Peter Egan Father Andrew Smith O Praem died at the Priory in Muston, North Yorkshire, on Friday July 2 2021 after a short illness. Father Andrew was born Henry (Harry) Smith in North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, on September 7 1943, to Harry and Winifred May. Having passed his 11-plus exam, he was taught by the Marist Fathers at St Mary’,s College. After a short time working for the Yorkshire Bank, he joined the Canons Regular of Pré,montré, at Storrington Priory in 1963. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 21 1970. After pastoral positions in Crowle, Manchester, Spalding and back in Storrington, he was elected fourth Prior de Regimine of Storrington for 10 years in 1992. After the community moved from Storrington to Muston he was elected founder Prior of Muston Priory in 2014. His work for the Diocese of Middlesbrough started in 2010 when he became administrator at All Saints, Thirsk. Between 2010 and 2012 he was administrator at St Gabriel’,s, Corpus Christi, and St Alphonsus in Middlesbrough. In 2012 he took over as administrator at St Mary’,s, Filey, where he remained until his very recent illness. He is mourned by his community, his sister, Wyn, and brother Tom, and their families. “,He was a beloved member of our community and a lovely man,”, said sub-prior and acting superior Father Thomas Swaffer. “,He was very generous to the community and will be sorely missed.”, Father Andrew Smith O Praem

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Summer 2021 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 11 ENVIRONMENT 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 Our family caring for your family Covering all areas Tel: 01642 459555 King George House, 92 High Street, Eston TS6 9EG Website: www.fawcettandhetherington.co.uk Email: info@fawcettandhetherington.co.uk Fawcett &, Hetherington Funeral Service It’,s good to be able to share our work again after the long absence due to the pandemic. As we slowly emerge from the enforced lockdowns and begin to enjoy some long- awaited social interactions with our family and friends, I am grateful for so many blessings. I would like to say a special word of thanks to all our priests and dedicated supporters who have been so generous with their donations to our appeals while our churches have been closed and the usual collections were suspended, especially as there was so much need in our own local areas too. We are currently in the season of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit has been hard at work. As I write this article, the G7 meeting of world leaders is taking place in Cornwall. I watched the interfaith vigil streamed live from Truro Cathedral where prayers and hopes were shared by representatives from the major faith traditions, Christians, Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Sikh, Catholics, indigenous peoples from Roraima in the Brazilian Amazon, as well as a Pagan! What has brought them together is a shared sense of the urgent need for the world leaders to use their influence and privileged positions to make bold decisions and the commitment and political will to implement them, for the good of all people and the earth. To listen and respond to “,the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor”,. As we emerge from the pandemic, we must be aware so many others are still experiencing the relentless infection rate rises and loss of lives without the benefit of any vaccination programmes. This urgent disaster requires the unified and concerted actions of wealthier nations because no-one is safe until we are all safe. Our leaders know this. Let’,s hope they rise to the challenge! Over the summer months we are working to raise momentum and awareness of COP26, which the UK government is hosting in November. Through our Parliament in Your Parish initiative, we are asking parishes to organise a virtual meeting with their MP to raise concerns about how we can ensure a just and green recovery from the pandemic and address the issue of climate change and the growing levels of poverty. If you would like to take part but don’,t know where to start, you can give me a call on 07779 804253 or email ccross@cafod.org.uk. There’,s an online petition and more details and resources available on our website: cafod.org.uk/Campaign/Campaign-with- us/Parliament-in-your-parish Three parishes and four schools in Thornaby and Ingleby Barwick met their local MP Matt Vickers in June, with parishioners joining online. It would be great to have other meetings with MPs taking place in the diocese between now and November. Carol Cross, CAFOD Diocesan Coordinator Hope for the future The Season of Creation runs from September 1 (World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation) to October 4 (the feast of St Francis of Assisi) each year. This ecumenical season is dedicated to prayer and action for the protection of creation. It is a time to renew our relationships with God our Creator and with all creation, as we join together in prayer. We give thanks for all that God has made, repent for the damage we have caused and commit ourselves to take action to protect the earth –, our common home. This year, we have been made acutely aware of how interconnected we all are, and so we come together in hope that we can rebuild and heal our world. Prayer and liturgy resources for parishes are available at website: cafod.org.uk/Pray/Season-of- Creation. Preparing us for the Season of Creation “,Society is enriched by a countless array of organisations which work to promote the common good and to defend the environment, whether natural or urban. Around these community actions, relationships develop or are recovered and a new social fabric emerges.”, ( Laudato Si’, para 232) During the last 18 months, my abiding impression is that in significant ways, society has been enriched. Despite all the challenges that have been with us, there have also been the positives. The possible connections within online meetings have produced possibilities not envisaged before. This can enable cross-fertilisation of ideas, joint projects and access to a wealth of information. Communities have risen. In this year of the G7 and COP26, much focus is on bringing about decisive political action on Climate Change and Care for our Common Home. On the one hand is the importance of bringing public pressure on those responsible for policy and on the other, and perhaps more manageable, are the local initiatives so many people are taking. One of these is the Guardians of Creation Ecological Project. In 2019, the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales set out their commitment to engage in this urgent issue in their statement Guardians of God’,s Creation, in which they pledged to engage with “,the long path to renewal”,. The Diocese of Salford was the perfect place to begin, as Bishop of Salford John Arnold is responsible for environmental matters within the Bishops’, Conference. At the end of March, we put out a request for examples within our diocese of responses to the ecological crisis that we could share with the Salford team, and we were encouraged by the response. Projects are happening within parishes and schools and we hope to spread details of these within the regular Caritas newsletter. School initiatives are particularly inspiring. In future editions of the Voice we will reinstate our Environment Corner to give ideas and useful information. For this article, the Laudato Si’, Animators Group has asked us to raise awareness of organisations running campaigns to address COP26 and point to petitions available to sign. More than 200 countries that are parties to the UN Framework Convention meeting this year in Glasgow. The parties have made various pledges: ·, To reduce greenhouse gas emissions ·, To respond to the impacts of climate change through ways of adapting and through helping in climate catastrophes ·, For wealthier nations to provide finance and technology to help poor and vulnerable countries to take action. The COP meetings assess the effects of the measures taken by the parties and the progress made in dealing with climate change. At the moment there are plenty of good intentions but not enough decisive action by governments. There is too much short- termism from politicians. Some indigenous peoples take into account more than eight generations ahead when making decisions. We could learn a lot from their values and outlook on life. The Official UN COP26 site is ukcop26.org. Here are details of organisations at the forefront of campaigning. The COP26 Coalition: cop26coalition.org Make Cope Count: makecopcount.org Green Christian: greenchristian.org.uk CAFOD and Christian Aid websites are also a focus for resources/campaigning. There are several COP26 petitions available to sign, which is an easy way to make your voice heard. Climate Coalition Petition: thetimeisnow.uk/declaration Global Justice Now: act.globaljustice.org.uk/sign-petition-stop- funding-fossil-fuels Barbara Hungin Playing our part in protecting the world

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12 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + Summer 2021 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. Our Lady of Fidelity The church needs religious sisters URGENTLY to bring Christ to others by a life of prayer and service lived in the community of Ignation spirituality. Daily Mass is the centre of community life. By wearing the religious habit we are witnesses of the consecrated way of life. If you are willing to risk a little love and would like to find out how, contact Sister Bernadette Mature vocations considered. CONVENT OF OUR LADY OF FIDELITY 1 Our Lady`s Close, Upper Norwood, London SE19 3FA Telephone 07760 297001 090699502 LOURDES We haven’,t been able to go to Lourdes for the last two years, so we’,ve done the next best thing –, our virtual pilgrimages! Bishop Terry led a programme of online services from throughout the diocese at around the times our various celebrations would have been taking place, as well as services streamed directly from Lourdes. And to prepare us for our two weeks, we held two memorable Walks of Hope from Middlesbrough to Lourdes. Pilgrims took part by walking, running and even travelling in our wheelchairs to add to our daily total. Daily updates were posted on Facebook, along with photographs and comments about each day’,s journey. We also managed to hold our wonderful tea parties, with volunteers delivering sandwiches, freshly baked cakes and other goodies to supported pilgrims from Middlesbrough to Hull and all points in between. Our 2020 virtual pilgrimage was one of the first to take place and made headlines all over the world. Many dioceses followed our example as the pandemic continued to keep pilgrims away from the shrine. This year’,s virtual pilgrimage was even better, with more participation from our diocesan clergy across the diocese from Hull, Richmond, Northallerton and Middlesbrough. Sadly, we also lost many much-loved members of our Hospitalité, over the last 18 months. They are remembered in prayer each day and at all our services Virtual pilgrimages keep us going Names have been coming in for the new Lourdes Memorial Book that we plan to take when we return on pilgrimage next year. The book will list the names of deceased Hospitalité, members, pilgrims, including supported pilgrims, and friends of Lourdes who have supported our pilgrimage over the years and will be placed on the altar during our pilgrimage Masses. This year the book was sent over to Lourdes and placed beneath the candles at the Grotto. We plan to continue adding names in future years so that our family members can be remembered every time we return on pilgrimage to Lourdes. We invite you to send in details of your deceased Lourdes family and friends to be included, including full name, hometown and date of death. If proposing a friend’,s name, we need you to have permission from a close family member of the friend. Please send details either by email to Head of Hospitalité, John Brown by emailing john.brown160@ntlworld.com or by post to 3 Eton Road, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough TS5 5ER. Please send details by August 31. Names come in for Memorial Book Talks are taking place over a venue and menu and entertainment for the 2021 Lourdes Ball. The event couldn’,t be held during 2020 but in previous years has been a great way to get together with our Lourdes friends and let our hair down. We’,ll keep you updated with details on the Middlesbrough Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage and Hospitalité, Facebook group as soon as they are confirmed. So if you’,re not one of our 1,100 members, now’,s the time to join! Plans are rolling for Lourdes Ball We are asking you to register your interest in our 2022 pilgrimage which we are starting to plan for now. It is important for us in these early planning stages that we get a feel for numbers who would be interested in travelling with us to Lourdes. This includes Hospitalité, helpers, supported pilgrims and everyone who wishes to visit the shrine as part of the pilgrimage. The pilgrimage is initially planned for Friday May 27 to Friday June 3, but this could be subject to change as we proceed into full planning. Anyone who may be interested in travelling to Lourdes for our 2022 pilgrimage is asked to get in touch to register their interest. Supported pilgrims: headofhospitalite@rcdmidd.org.uk Brancardiers: headbrancardier@rcdmidd.org.uk Handmaids: headhandmaid@rcdmidd.org.uk Nurses/doctors: doctor@rcdmidd.org.uk or headnurse@rcdmidd.org.uk Musicians: thelombards@hotmail.com Pilgrims: pilgrimagedirector@rcdmidd.org.uk Alternatively, write to Lourdes Pilgrimage Director, Curial Office, 50a The Avenue, Middlesbrough TS5 6QT. Lourdes returns for 2022! Volunteers preparing goodies for the tea party 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

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Summer 2021 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 13 Copy Deadline Copy and photographs for inclusion in the Catholic Voice should be sent to: The Editor, Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice, Curial Offices, 50a The Avenue, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, TS5 6QT. Tel (01642) 850505, email catholicvoice@rcdmidd.org.uk Friday September 3 for our next edition, in October. After that we will return to regular monthly publication. 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. LOURDES If you would like to advertise please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 248225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org A celebration of the life of Harrison Torr takes place at St Bede’,s Church, Hull, at noon on Tuesday July 27. Harrison died in March 2020 after a courageous fight against cancer. FATHER DOMINIQUE MINSKIP wrote this tribute…, Harrison Torr died in March 2020 aged 16 and, prevented from having a requiem by the lock-down, was cremated on the morning of Holy Thursday. Harri was very natural and normal but, in ways, very special too. I got to know him when I was appointed priest of Sacred Heart and St Bede’,s parishes in Hull. Erica, Harri’,s mum, decided they should look to be received into the Church. Harri was already at St Richard’,s Catholic Primary School and Erica was involved in the life of St Stephen’,s Pastoral Centre. Their involvement in parish life grew and grew. Harri became an altar server –, a very faithful one –, and as time went on he also began to read at Mass. Erica helped with Journey in Faith and First Holy Communion preparation groups and Harri, now at St Mary’,s College, helped out too. He also took a role in the Hull Housebound days at St Stephen’,s. Harri’,s life wasn’,t just about those things though: taught by his older brother, Josh, he cared for a menagerie –, reptiles, rabbits, cats, dogs and rodents. Harri cherished all life and was an especially loving and caring uncle, as well as a beloved nephew and cousin himself. In June 2019, Harri was given the news that his cancer was terminal. It had begun in 2018 as cancer of the bone in his lower left leg and an amputation below the knee followed. (Parishioners raised funds for him to be fitted with a “,blade”,, which he wore in Lourdes). Painful chemotherapy both preceded and followed the amputation and then an operation on his lungs, to which the cancer had spread. Harri was thought then to be free of the cancer, but one final examination remained after he and Erica returned from the pilgrimage. So many friends were made on that trip, all impressed by Harri’,s courage, and so many were devastated after their return to hear that fresh sign of cancer had shown up and that it would not be operable. Harri digested the news with remarkable calm and immediately drew up a bucket list. It included skydiving, go-karting and paintballing –, he and his relatives pitted themselves against a team of Lourdes youth, two priests (Father Philip Cunnagh and myself ) and Sister Maria Robb. Having visited Harri, I was struck by how much he had changed since I left Hull in 2017. He had become a mature young man, yet retained all his best qualities, especially love for family and kindness to others. When I visited Harri at the start of 2020 to discuss (at his request) his wishes for his funeral, his choice of Gospel reading –, the Parable of the Good Samaritan –, seemed fitting. He liked the fact that it featured a donkey, but the parable said something significant about Harri, too –, his understanding of what is important in life (care for others, willingness to stop and help and not pass by) and, indeed, the difference between true and false “,religion”,. Harri’,s choice of first reading, again, was significant –, the passage from the Book of Revelation about the New Jerusalem coming down from God out of heaven. It is the final proclamation of what the book constantly proclaims –, that God has already won the victory through Jesus’, death and resurrection and that the virtuous, whatever their suffering, will have their deserved reward. Verse seven reads: “,It is the rightful inheritance of the one who proves victorious, and I will be his God and he a son to me.”, Holy Thursday, the day of Harri’,s funeral, was the first time during the lockdown I had celebrated an evening Mass. Not having a congregation, I celebrated Mass from the “,other”, side of the main altar, looking towards the tabernacle, which has a mosaic of the Last Supper above. I thought an insect or some particle was floating in the wine of the chalice, as can happen. But, in time, I realised that it was the cross suspended above the altar that I could see reflected –, showing Jesus in majesty. At that moment, there came a certainty of the Real Presence of Jesus and of his victory and I thought again of the words of Revelation and of Harri: “,I will be his God and he a son to me.”, The certainty of courageous Harri’,s reward Parishioners of St John of Beverley in Beverley have donated over £,1,000 to support its twin parish in India. The collection wa s organised by SVP members, who were concerned about the effects of the Covid crisis on twin parish Christu Raj, in Andhra Pradesh. Collections were organised at Masses and arrangements were made to accommodate electronic donations, while the congregation of St John of Beverley’,s associate parish, Sacred Heart, Hornsea, also contributed. Donations flood in for India appeal Harri Torr proudly carrying the Diocese of Middlesbrough banner in Lourdes, with brancardier Victor Dowd alongside him HOLIDAYS, COURSES, RETREATS, GROUPS •, PRAY •, RELAX •, MAKE FRIENDS •, FIND PEACE Themes: Healthcare, Scripture, Augustine, Laudato Si’,, Thinking Faith walking week, Faith &, the Arts, Birdwatching retreat. Join the Community for Mass and Sung Office. Comfortable Guest House and beautiful grounds. Course/retreats: margaret@boarbankhall.org.uk Guest House: mail@boarbankhall.org.uk Boarbank Hall, Allithwaite, Grange Over Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7NH. Tel: 015395-32288. BOARBANK HALL Augustinian Canonesses of the Mercy of Jesus www.boarbankhall.org.uk

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14 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + Summer 2021 NEWS A celebration is being planned to mark the 100th birthday of the man who could become the next English saint to be canonised. John Bradburne was born in Cumbria in 1921 and was the son of an Anglican vicar. He served in World War II and was received into the Catholic Church in 1947 after a conversion experience in Malaya. He became a lay Franciscan missionary in Zimbabwe and he devoted the latter part of his life to helping forgotten leprosy patients. He refused to leave the Mutemwa Leprosy Settlement during the Zimbabwean civil war and was abducted and shot dead on September 5 1979. The settlement has become a major pilgrimage centre, with thousands gathering for Mass each year on the anniversary of his death. In 2019, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome formally began the cause of his beatification. St John Henry Newman became the first English saint in almost 50 years when he was canonised in 2019. The centenary celebrations take place at the Holy Name of Jesus Church, Manchester, on Saturday September 25. Bradburne’,s poems are being put to music by world-class composers to be performed at the event, while poems commissioned for his birthday will be read. Admission is by ticket only. For more details and to find out more about Bradburne’,s life, visit johnrbradburne.com. The man who could be England’,s next saint Bishop Terry has backed a charity’,s call for churches to help build a hunger-free future as the use of food banks soars. Food banks in the Trussell Trust’,s network gave out 1.2m emergency food parcels in just six months at the height of the pandemic. But the UK’,s largest food bank charity says that was only made possible through the support of volunteers, businesses, community groups, the general public and nearly 12,000 churches, which play a vital part in the Trussell Trust network. Bishop Terry, chair of Caritas Social Action Network, said: “,Churches are playing a crucial role in supporting people who are struggling to afford the essentials. Over the past year, the need for such support has sadly increased, with many families and individuals suffering as a result of the economic impacts of the pandemic. “,It is so important that –, while continuing to extend compassion and crisis support to people facing crisis in our communities –, we also seek to challenge and change the drivers of poverty that are putting so many people in this position. “,This means tackling unjust systems that trap people in poverty and working to build a fairer society in which everyone can flourish. As Christians, we need to be asking what it would take to bring about a future in which food banks are no longer needed and doing everything we can to help bring this into being.”, The Trussell Trust says it is vital that the provision of emergency food does not become part of the fabric of society. Many Catholic churches are actively involved with the charity’,s Foodbank Network, providing volunteers and donations, and more than 20 Trussell Trust food bank centres are hosted by Catholic churches. To find out how your church can support the Hunger-Free Future campaign, visit trusselltrust.org. Bishop calls on churches to build a hunger-free future Queues outside a weekly food bank at a Catholic church John Bradburne with patients at the Mutemwa Leprosy Settlement in Zimbabwe Celebrations to mark the Feast of St John of Beverley on the 1,300th anniversary of his death in May were muted because of coronavirus –, but there are plans for a bigger event later in the year. Canon David Grant, parish priest of St John of Beverley Church, has been given permission by the authorities at Beverley Minster for Bishop Terry to celebrate a Mass there on Sunday October 24 at 2pm. Born at Harpham, between Bridlington and Driffield, St John studied at Canterbury under St Theodore and St Adrian and spent some time at Whitby Abbey while St Hilda was abbess. Renowned for his preaching and knowledge of scripture, he was consecrated Bishop of Hexham in 687 and in 705 became Bishop of York. As well as being considerate to the poor he was also dedicated to the training of priests and he ordained the “,Father of English history”,, St Bede, to the priesthood. He founded Beverley Abbey, retiring there in 717. His tomb became a focus for pilgrimages in medieval times and he was canonised in 1037. He is one of the patrons of our diocese, along with Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St Wilfrid of York. Before the Reformation, medieval Beverley celebrated the translation of St John’,s relics on October 25. Mass planned for St John of Beverley`s 1,300th anniversary St John of Beverley Church

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Summer 2021 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 15 NEWS From the Archives 40 Years Ago (From the Catholic Voice, June 1981, page 1) When the Bishop’,s Crozier had to be replaced, Bishop Harris decided to use the opportunity to link the diocese with the local community. The design, by a local man, featured elements of the Middlesbrough coat of arms, a lion on a crown with an anchor, set in a shepherd’,s crook, together with the three parts of the Bishop’,s coat of arms: Lancashire and Yorkshire roses, and the phoenix set out below. The crozier was fabricated locally, at the Bishop’,s request. The head, in brass, was cast in a local foundry, engraving was by a well known Middlesbrough firm, whilst the staff was fabricated and prepared, in Teesside steel, by instructors and apprentices at ICI’,s Wilton Training Centre. 100 Years Ago (From Log Book of St Gregory’,s School, Hull) 3rd March 1921: Temperance Lesson. Mr W. A. Noble visited the school this afternoon at 1.30, and gave the girls in the Upper Standards a lecture on “,Abuse &, Use of Alcohol”,. The lecture lasted from 1.30 to 2.15 24th June 1921: Today 18 copies of “,Lessons &, Experiments on Scientific Hygiene &, Temperance”, by Helen Coomber have been received from McMillans for the girls who wrote an essay on “,The use &, abuse of Alcohol”,. David Smallwood A personal memory from Patrick Doyle, an SVP member and parishioner of St Charles Parish in Hull, who was Leader of Hull City Council from 1979 to 2001…, During the Hull 700 celebrations in 1999, the Queen and Prince Philip visited the city and a reception and lunch were organised for the royal couple to meet a cross-section of the community. The visit coincided with the Wilberforce Lectures. When the Prince approached my table, he noticed a diminutive figure and exclaimed loudly, “,What on earth are you doing here?”, Chuckling, Archbishop of Cape Town Desmond Tutu responded: “,I am a freeman of the city and every right to be present”,, before adding “,What are you doing here?”, That evening, the acclaimed human rights and anti-apartheid activist gave an open-air lecture in Queens Gardens. It was more of a sermon than a lecture and he was backed by the Birmingham Gospel Choir. Storm clouds gathered around Hull and thunder could be heard across the Humber, but the gardens remained dry, until he finished his lecture, when the heavens opened –, a minor miracle! When Desmond Tutu came to Hull Archbishop Tutu on his visit to Hull More than 4,000 people viewed a Mass celebrated on Facebook to mark the diamond anniversary of the priestly ordination of Father Peter Ryan. Born in Limerick in the Republic of Ireland, Father Peter has ministered in the Diocese of Middlesbrough throughout that time, mainly on Teesside and the Esk Valley but also with a year in Hull. He was ordained along with 14 others at Waterford Cathedral on June 16 1960 and was immediately posted to St Peter’,s Church, South Bank. There he built up a devoted following thanks to his gentle, caring and deeply spiritual ministry during two separate spells, the second as parish priest for 23 years, during which he became a well-known and much- loved member of the community. Father Peter told those watching at home: “,You have been wonderful to me, you have made my life worthwhile, and it’,s been a privilege to be part of your families, especially at times of sorrow or tragedy, it was marvellous to be able to help in some way.”, As well as his dedicated parish work, Father Peter also spent many years supporting people with disabilities in Middlesbrough Catholic Fellowship. Canon John Lumley, parish priest of St Gabriel’,s Church in Ormesby, where the service was held, said: “,Father Peter is a man who genuinely knows how to create, build and sustain communities of faith and love.”, Other anniversaries marked during lockdown included Father Pat Smith, who celebrated the golden anniversary of his ordination, and Canon Lumley and Father James Blenkinsop, who both celebrated their silver anniversaries. Father Peter Mulholland celebrates his ruby anniversary this year and five priests celebrate their silver anniversaries, Father David Standen, Canon Derek Turnham, Father Michael Sellars, Father Bill Charlton and Father Albert Schembri. Thousands help celebrate Father Peter’,s diamond jubilee Father Peter in Lourdes –, Photo by Joe Harrison Marriage support in troubling times These last 18 months have been difficult for us all. We have had to adapt to different ways of working and schooling and supporting our families and friends numerous times as our situations have changed. Many of us have also needed to adapt our personal relationship to a new way of living, dominated by isolation and restrictions. Keeping a married relationship positive and loving and supportive can be a challenge in normal times and new stresses can result in additional strain that can cause our relationship to suffer. We all have times when we could do with a little help readjust our perspective and rediscover the person that we fell in love with in the first place. The great news is that it is possible! There is support to help couples understand what their relationship is going through and how to grow from where they are to a place with more hope and positivity. The Alliance of Catholic Marriage Organisations is formed of many groups whose purposes range from marriage and relationship enrichment, spiritual support and relationship support and counselling. It has the breadth to support engaged and married couples in whatever way they need and at whatever point they are in their relationship. The important word in all of this is support. The alliance includes groups made up of facilitators and councillors who will understand you and your relationship and have the experience to help you chart your course through whatever difficulties you find yourself in. The hardest part is the first step, writing that email or picking up the phone, but I promise you, that if you are open to the possibility that things can change, you will find what you need. For more information, visit allianceofcatholicmarriageorganisations.org. uk/ for more information. Alternatively, for an informal chat about options, call me on 07973 831672. Micki Coyle 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. Holy Land by air from Manchester Departs 25th April 2022, 8 days half board 4* Hotels Full Pilgrimage programme with daily Mass, Christian guide. £,1095 per person sharing, £,1345 per person in single room. Rome by air from Newcastle Departs 02nd May 2022, 5 days half board 4* Hotel Full Pilgrimage programme led by Fr Cooper. £,689 per person sharing, £,839 per person in single room. Lourdes by air from Manchester Departs 15th May 2022, 5 days full board 4* Hotel Helgon Full Pilgrimage programme. £,600 per person sharing, £,730 per person in single room. Group bookings now being taken for 2022 and 2023 call us on 0161 773 2115 for a free quotation. Northern Star Travel 46-48 Long Street Middleton Manchester M24 6UQ (t) 0161 773 2115 www.northernstartravel.com

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16 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + Summer 2021 NEWS 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 –, serving Schools, Business and Homes If you would like to advertise please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 248225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org Units 2-4, Lakeland Estate, Faverdale North, Darlington, DL3 0PX T | 01325 464464 E | contact@harrisonlp.co.uk W | www.harrisonlp.co.uk , Strike Risk Assessments , Installation , Maintenance , Testing , Marked Plans , Certification Please quote reference LP399 when you contact us Lightning Protection and Earthing Specialists Family Business since 1926 Property Maintenance, Extensions, Alterations and Repairs (Large and Small) , Private and Commercial Work undertaken , Many contracts completed with Middlesbrough Diocese for schools and church properties , All work guaranteed Contact: John 07831822285 Tom 07557335366 E-mail: john.shipley@ntlworld.com 66 Gunnergate Lane, Marton, Middlesbrough TS7 8JB J. M. Shipley &, Son Building Contractor On December 8 2020, the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pius lX’,s proclamation of St Joseph as the Patron of the Universal Church in 1870, Pope Francis declared that 2021 should be celebrated as the Year of St Joseph. To help us in our prayer and reflection on the foster Father of Jesus, the Holy Father wrote an Apostolic Letter, Patris Corde, sharing key insights on St Joseph’,s life from the Gospels and outlining his relevance in our present time. Pope Francis says Joseph was a man of faith, compassionate, courageous and sensitive in his treatment of Mary and Jesus. He was a tender and loving father, faithful, chaste and obedient and unafraid of self-sacrifice. Joseph listened to God’,s voice through the psalms and the four dreams he had, concerning taking Mary for his wife, fleeing into Egypt for their own safety, waiting patiently for the angel to return to let him know when it was safe to return and the warning not to return to Judea but to settle in Galilee. Pope Francis points out that “,the spiritual path Joseph traces for us is not one that explains but accepts”, (p5). He leaves us with this prayer to St Joseph: Hail guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son, in you Mary placed her trust, with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen. Bishop Terry encouraged parishes to celebrate the Votive Mass of St Joseph during the year and suggests the Litany of St Joseph could be used in daily devotions, while he is also encouraging schools to help our children come to know St Joseph as their guardian and helper. “,As St Joseph is the guardian of the Holy Family, so he is the guardian of the whole Church, our local churches, our families, and he is a ready protector and intercessor for each of us,”, he said. There is a special section about the Year of St Joseph on the diocesan website. It includes a link to the full text of Patris Corde, the Litany of St Joseph and a reflection on the letter from Deacon David Cross. Prayer cards have been given out in our parishes and to all the children in our Catholic schools. If you would like some additional prayer cards, please send an SAE to Editor, Catholic Voice, 50a The Avenue, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough TS5 6QT, stating how many copies are needed. Celebrating the Year Of St Joseph 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 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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