OCTOBER 2021 Issue 478 FREE V OICE Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic What’,s Inside Welcome to Daughters of Charity Page 10 Golden memories Pages 8-9 Bishop’,s Column Over the summer we have witnessed some disturbing events alerting us to the fact that climate change is definitely a reality and that it is affecting us all. Record temperatures across Europe, forest fires here there and everywhere which quickly get out of control, flash flooding even in our country. Christianity, following on from the Judaism of the Old Testament, has always insisted that we give great respect and value to the world in which we live. In the story of the creation of the world found in the book of Genesis, one of the most important truths is that the physical world was made by God and for that reason it is found to be “,good”,. So, the real meaning of the account of creation in six days is not that the world was created in a week but that the one universe was created by the hand of the one good and loving God and so all must be good. Human beings are described in Genesis as “,very good”,. The relationship of humans to the material world is described as one of “,stewardship”,. Our first parents, called in Genesis “,Adam and Eve”,, were to “,till and keep”, the earth entrusted to them. St Francis had a deep love and reverence for creation. And he had a love for all the works of God`s hand through which the Creator could be praised. To paraphrase him, `If such is the gift, how great the Giver?` In The Canticle of Brother Sun, one of the few surviving writings of St Francis, the little friar addressed God directly, “,Most High, all- powerful, all-good Lord!”, and praised Him not just for the material world but actually through the material world, which is the work of God`s hands. Creation itself is a sign of God`s real presence to us. And so, St Francis famously calls the elements “,Brother Sun... Sister Moon and Stars... Brother Wind and Air... Sister Water... Brother Fire... Sister Earth, our mother.”, What follows from this is the call for Christians to be protectors both of creation and the human person. While holding firm to the dignity of humankind, we must also recognise and value the entire material creation. Its very function of serving the needs of the human race calls for a deep respect and management so that the material world is not exploited to the point of being destroyed by one generation or one group of wealthy nations, and therefore not then available to future generations of peoples. The climate is in crisis, and it affects us all. But it is the poorest communities who are suffering the most. The eyes of the world are on us this year as Britain hosts world leaders for COP26. They will make important decisions that will affect millions of people around the world and shape the future of our global family. But, like most things in life, it has to begin with me. I have to change. You have to change –, will I? Will you? In this diocese we celebrate Climate Sunday over the first weekend of October 2/4. How we can all help care for our Common Home Scientists agree with Pope Francis about the urgent need to care for our Common Home. This year is especially significant, as we prepare for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow in November. How can we play our part as a diocese, within our parishes and as individuals? The Pope’,s encyclical, Laudato Si’,, has been a galvanising influence for so many wonderful initiatives worldwide. One of the most hopeful and encouraging factors is the coming together of people, organisations, churches, schools, charities and governmental bodies to acknowledge the climate crisis and commit to initiatives and actions. Of course, there’,s much further to go on the journey and our churches have much to contribute to this. At the centre of all this is prayer –, for our world, our leaders, our churches and ourselves, that we may discern our own path within the ecological journey. It is also good to celebrate achievements. Our diocese was one of the first to commit to divestment from fossil fuels and plans are in place to appoint a buildings and environmental surveyor, who will play a key role in putting the environment at the heart of all diocesan operations and implement a strategy to decarbonise parish and curia building stock. Our Diocesan Environment Policy is also available on the diocesan website and as a hard copy from bhungin@yahoo.co.uk. Our schools are engaged in many creative programmes that educate our children to be concerned for the environment and put Catholic Social Teaching at the heart of the curriculum. On October 3 we mark Climate Sunday, when many parishes will celebrate a special Mass and pray together and make this environment central to their mission, raising their voices to call for adequate national and international action at this critical time. Image courtesy of the Ecological Conversion Group Continued on Page 2 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 + October 2021 NEWS The Climate Sunday initiative has the vision of leaving a legacy of thousands of churches better equipped to address this fundamental issue. Included in this initiative is the encouragement for each parish to have a Care for our Common Home group to discern the most effective and productive way forward for them. Some parishes have already signed up for the CAFOD Live Simply programme, which sets out a template to follow. Different parishes will be attracted to different ways forward. Three helpful websites are highlighted here…, Journey to 2030: journeyto2030.org A lay-run campaign from the Ecological Conversion Group that aims to support the Catholic Church to progress towards this “,long path to renewal”, by providing resources for parishes and individuals. It recognises that many of us do not feel we have the means to make a difference and shows we all have a role to play. Its tried and tested rule is REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE! The website has guides, resources and activities to help motivate communities to make a lasting difference and have some fun and joy in forging a brighter future. The Laudato Si’, Movement: laudatosimovement.org A global movement of Catholics engaging in climate issues and reflecting the wisdom of Laudato Si’,. Its website is rich in resources, inspiration and information and includes a template for forming Laudato Si‘, Circles –, small groups that meet regularly to act and pray and to deepen their relationship with God as creator and reflect on their ongoing ecological conversion. The Vatican Laudato Si’, Action Platform: laudatosiactionplatform.org The feast of St Francis, on Monday October 4, sees the official launch of this way of empowering the Church and all people of goodwill to walk the “,path to renewal”, together. Its three elements are mapping your journey, practical guidance on ways to act and resources to develop within your community. It stresses the need for discernment within each family, institution and community and offers guidance on the action we can take, as well as webinars. You are encouraged to contact your MP to make sure they realise the strength of feeling within their constituencies about COP26. “,Everything is interconnected, and this invites us to develop a spirituality of that global solidarity which flows from the mystery of the Trinity.”, Laudato Si’, para 240 The Justice and Peace Commission How we can all help care for our Common Home Continued from Page 1 BISHOP TERRY`S OCTOBER ENGAGEMENTS 2-3 Attends annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham All weekend 4 Attends meeting of Northern Church Leaders via video conference 4pm 5 Attends meeting of Diocesan Prison Chaplains at Bishop’,s House 10.30am 6 Attends shortlisting meeting (venue to be confirmed) Time TBC 8 Attends Extraordinary Meeting of Diocesan Trustee Board via video conference 2pm 10 Parish visit –, Cottingham 10am 12 Attends meeting of Bishop’,s Council at Bishop’,s House, Middlesbrough 10.30am Attends parish meeting at Cottingham 6pm 14 Attends meeting of Northern Province at Bishop’,s House, Leeds 10.30am Attends CSAN Conference, Hinsley Hall, Leeds Noon 15 Attends CSAN Conference, Hinsley Hall, Leeds All day 17 Celebrates Mass to officially open the Synod of Bishops at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough 10am 19 Celebrates confirmations at St Wilfrid’,s, York 6pm 21 Attends interview process for new Diocesan Director of Schools All day 24 Celebrates Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes, Saltburn 10.30am Celebrates Mass at Beverley Minster 2pm 26 Attends meeting of Diocesan Board of Trustees via video conference 10.30am 27 Attends meeting of Saltburn parishioners at the Anglican parish hall 6pm Bishop Terry has been given special permission to celebrate Mass at Beverley Minster in a service to mark the 1,300th anniversary of the death of St John of Beverley. The service will take place 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 became Bishop of York in 705. 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. St John 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. Canon David Grant, parish priest of St John of Beverley Church, was given permission by the Minster authorities for the service to take place. It was initially planned for May to coincide with St John’,s feast day. However, the new date is also a fitting one –, before the Reformation, medieval Beverley celebrated the translation of St John’,s relics the following day, October 25. Bishop to celebrate Mass at Beverley Minster St John of Beverley’,s statue in St John of Beverley Church Bishop Terry has written an open letter inviting Catholics to pray for the defeat of the Assisted Dying Bill, which will be debated in the House of Lords this month. It encourages them to write to peers stating the reasons why they oppose this legislation and particularly explain from personal experience the reasons why this change in the law should be opposed…, In the next weeks, we face an unprecedented attack on the sanctity of life with Baroness Meacher’,s Assisted Dying Bill 2021 is due its second reading in the House of Lords with full debate on Friday October 22. The term “,assisted dying”, is euphemistic, the truth is that this bill seeks to introduce assisted suicide. If legalised, this bill would allow a terminally ill adult with less than six months to live to be assisted in committing suicide. Catholic teaching opposes assisting suicide since life is a gift to be cared for and preserved until its natural death. The Church is clear that we cannot directly choose to take the life of another, even if they request it. The solidarity of praying and caring for the most vulnerable at this fragile time of their lives is a profoundly Christian act which imitates Our Lady’,s prayer at the cross and Christ’,s service to the weakest. Those in favour of the bill are making good use of language to confuse the issue and call it a compassionate and caring approach to redefine the question and obscure the actual reality and consequences of such legislation. As Pope Francis has said: “,Physician-assisted suicide is part of a ‘,throwaway culture’, that offers a ‘,false compassion’, and treats a human person as a problem…, True compassion does not marginalise anyone, nor does it humiliate and exclude –, much less considers the disappearance of a person as a good thing.”, He criticised “,those who hide behind an alleged compassion to justify and approve the death of a patient.”, Importantly, at this stage we need to argue the dangers of the introduction of assisted suicide, which include the safety of people who are vulnerable due to external pressures, and the later liberalisation of the law, which is evidenced by other countries which have introduced assisted suicide. Many voices from the world of disability rights and other allies are also very fearful and fighting this bill. While there are clear arguments to support Catholic teachings, it is important to remember that this position is not only a matter of faith but also human reason. Later this month, the BMA will be debating whether to change their stance to support or neutrality on this matter. I hope that healthcare professionals will enter this debate and highlight the dangers of this Bill to change and skew the meaning of medicine. There are three important actions in the next weeks: praying, writing and sharing. First, I ask you to pray that the Bill will be defeated. Second, I ask you to write to the peers from your personal experience and share stories which will argue the reasons for opposing the Bill as well as narrate the importance of precious time during the final stages of life. The testimony of healthcare and legal professionals will also be important. This needs to be done before the second reading on October 22. Third, I ask you to engage and share stories and reasons against the bill on social media. +Terry Catholics asked to act now to help defeat Assisted Dying Bill

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October 2021 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 3 CAFOD Why the climate crisis has been chosen as the focus of this year’,s CAFOD Harvest Fast Day appeal…, God reveals himself to us in nature. The world is a gift from God and its future is intimately bound up with our own lives and choices. Laudato Si’, –, Pope Francis’, 2015 encyclical subtitled “,On Care for our Common Home”, –, has been called a love letter to the earth. Laudato Si` complements what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says –, that our responsibility is to care for our world and not “,steal”, resources from future generations. It speaks of the intrinsic value of all creatures, not just humans, and of protecting the climate and biodiversity as part of the common good. Action at personal, political and economic levels demands a redefinition of ",progress", that responds to both the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth. Pope Francis calls us to a radical ecological conversion and invites us to a spirituality full of gratitude for the gifts of creation, with a special place for contemplation and Sabbath rest. “,Both global catastrophes, Covid-19 and climate change, prove that we do not have time to wait. Time urges us and as Covid demonstrated, we do have the tools to face the loss. We have the instruments. This is the moment to act. We are at the edge.”, (Pope Francis, in his video for Earth Day Live, 2021) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change`s recent report estimates that within the next two decades, temperatures are likely to rise by more than 1.5 degrees above pre- industrial levels, breaching the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement goal and bringing widespread devastation and extreme weather. Boris Johnson said the report “,makes for sobering reading, and it is clear that the next decade is going to be pivotal to securing the future of our planet …, I hope (it) …, will be a wake-up call for the world to take action now, before we meet in Glasgow in November for the critical COP26 summit.”, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said it was: “,a code red for humanity. Global warming is affecting every region on earth, with many of the changes becoming irreversible.”, The report is sobering but it also says that we have a chance of stopping further global warming if we reach net zero emissions by 2050. We still have time to act. We can already see the serious impact of climate change. Rising sea levels are threatening the communities we work with. Extreme weather events like Cyclone Idai in Mozambique are becoming more frequent. Coral reefs are dying, signalling the troubling loss of biodiversity. From wildfires in Greece, Turkey, California and even Siberia, to floods in Japan, Germany, China, Turkey, Belgium and most recently the USA, the impact of the climate crisis has been very obvious this summer. July 2021 was the hottest month in human history! CAFOD director Christine Allen says: “,We see again and again how years of development work are swept away overnight by extreme weather. “,The climate emergency is here and now for so many communities we support. The world’,s poorest people have done the least to cause global warming but are being hit hardest by its impacts.”, Naming our Harvest Family Fast Day the Climate Crisis Appeal, in a year when the UK hosts two historic international meetings on the climate, the G7 and COP26, demonstrates that we are committed to standing in support of people like Ivanilde, pictured, who are acting as guardians of creation to protect our common home. Ivanilde lives in a small patch of rainforest in one of the most heavily deforested regions of the Brazilian Amazon. More than once, Ivanilde’,s home has been ravaged by fires started on land owned by wealthy cattle ranchers. She has felt the heat on her face and the sting of the smoke in her eyes as the flames destroyed her crops and trees that she’,s planted herself and spent so long caring for –, the fruits of which her family rely on to survive. Our local experts are working with communities such as Ivanilde’,s to replant and restore the damaged forest so they can stay and sustain their homes. Her story is part of a much bigger one. The Amazon rainforest has long absorbed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helped to offset emissions from fossil fuel burning. The rainforest is a vital organ for our planet –, a natural defence against global warming. The region, home to abundant and highly diverse species and ecosystems, including 390bn trees. Illegal fires are on the rise and about 5.4m acres were burned in 2019. CAFOD supports environmental and human rights defenders in the Amazon, whose work to protect natural resources is essential to address the interconnected cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. Ivanilde`s story is just one example of our work addressing the climate crisis. This Harvest’,s Climate Crisis Appeal is needed to raise funds for this work all over the world. “,All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvement and talents.”, (Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, 14) •, Harvest Fast Day is on Friday October 1 –, we welcome any support you can give, especially your prayers. Please sign our petition online by visiting action.cafod.org.uk. Climate crisis is focus for Harvest Fast appeal People such as Ivanilde, pictured, are acting as guardians of creation to protect our common Sales of the autobiography of orthopaedic surgeon John Anderson CBE have raised over £,1,500 for the Middlesbrough Lourdes Fund and the NSPCC. The Man Behind The Mask tells the story of steelworker’,s son and Holy Name of Mary, Middlesbrough, parishioner Mr Anderson’,s journey from a working-class background to being honoured by the Queen for his contribution to medicine. The book was initially published privately for family and friends but was reprinted in aid of the two charities after Mr Anderson’,s death last August. All the money went the two good causes, thanks to Mr Anderson’,s family covering the printing costs. “,Many of the people who bought the book were former patients who spoke so highly of John’,s brilliance as a surgeon and how having their hips or knees replaced had made such a difference to them,”, said Michael McGeary, who helped Mr Anderson write the book. “,The other consistent thread in the emails we received was how kind and caring he was, always taking the trouble to follow up and see how they were doing even many years later.”, Mr Anderson, who was 79, was a founder member of the National Joint Registry Committee and was awarded the CBE for services to medicine in 2004. The book is now available on Amazon. For further details, email thememoirman@gmail.com. Book sales reach grand total in late surgeon’,s memory The autobiography of Catholic surgeon John Anderson CBE has raised £,1,500 for charity

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4 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + October 2021 SCHOOLS Children in York have been working on reflecting their school’,s values through illustrations and aspirational characters. Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Primary (OLQM) welcomed artist Greg McGee to run sessions with Year 6, with a focus on harnessing the values “,Living, Learning, Loving –, Christ at the Centre”, as creatively as possible via cartoons. The resulting artwork was, according to Greg, perfect to take forward as building blocks to summer holiday activities. ",The work was inspirational,”, he said. “,The children generously allowed us to refine the work in our holiday art camp sessions with other groups of young artists, led by art ambassadors Annorra Matfin, from OLQM, and Elsa Matfin, from All Saints Secondary School, who were just brilliant with the other children, bringing humour and imagination to the activities.", The montage is currently being designed in readiness for a “,Bubbles of Prayer”, exhibition in York churches Our Lady`s and English Martyrs. “,It will be a great opportunity for the young artists to view their work as part of an ongoing exhibition,", said Greg. The art and montages will be projected as digital illuminations in the window of England`s oldest living convent, the Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre, as well as in the window of Greg`s York city centre gallery, According to McGee. Greg will use newly released platform “,SuS”,, a smart solution created by SplashBY to publish artwork to a pool of digital screens from anywhere using mobile or desktop devices. SplashBY founder Pritpal Rehal said: ",I am more than happy to play a small part in this wonderful project to promote artistic creativity of values for all to see.”, ",It`s been an inspirational project, and all credit must go to the young artists, their schools and their families,", said Greg. ",They have given us luminous good vibes at a time of darkness, as well as fusing creativity with innovative technology.", OLQM headteacher Emma Barrs added: ",I am delighted that the children have had such a wonderful opportunity to work with Greg, a real, live artist, and to be able to shine a light on their faith in a positive way in both of our school parish communities.", Bubbles of Prayer will be exhibited in Our Lady`s and English Martyrs in November and projected in the Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre`s windows in evenings during October. Artistic pupils create ‘,Bubbles of Prayer’, 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 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 Some of the children involved in the ‘,inspirational’, Bubbles of Prayer project with artist Greg McGee show off their work 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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October 2021 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 5 SCHOOLS Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust has been shortlisted for one of the most prestigious honours in the world of education. A delegation attended the National Governance Association (NGA) –, Outstanding Governance Awards at the House of Commons on Thursday September 9. The trust –, which runs 23 primary schools and four secondary schools educating more than 9,000 pupils across Teesside and North Yorkshire –, was nominated for the Outstanding Vision and Strategy award. NCPAT’,s application outlined how its vision is communicated with stakeholders and across the trust and how it shapes discussions between the governing board and leaders. “,Our trust has a strong vision and mission which is underpinned by highly effective governance, taking account of the best practice core functions of governance at all levels,”, said governance lead Fiona Jennings. “,Everything we do aims to create modern facilities to offer the best educational experience for our pupils in a positive atmosphere that reflects and supports family values. Our governance system is a vital pillar of our strategy to achieve this.”, NPCAT’,s approach includes a system of link governors who challenge and scrutinise specific areas, governors attending parents’, evenings, feedback through surveys, governor drop-in sessions and training and development opportunities. “,The link governance framework is an excellent example of information sharing and collaboration to ensure the trust vision and mission is being proactively driven forward, supported and challenged,”, added Fiona. Emma Knights, chief executive of the National Governance Association said: “,These stories of excellence are vital to avoid the sector just talking about governance when things go wrong. They help underline that governance truly contributes to the improvement and sustainability of our schools.”, Fiona was joined by trust chairman Joe Hughes, chief executive officer Hugh Hegarty, chief operating officer Jim Farquhar and clerk to the board Claire Mitchell at the awards, which took place on the Palace of Westminster’,s Terrace Pavilion. The event was hosted by Angela Richardson MP on behalf of NGA and awards will be presented by Baroness Berridge, parliamentary undersecretary of state for the school system. The 2021 awards are part of NGA’,s Visible Governance in Schools Campaign year of action, which seeks to increase awareness and understanding of the role of governance in the school system. Governing boards, clerks and lead governance professionals received recognition for outstanding achievements and practice at the awards, which celebrated the positive contribution good governance makes to education. •, Could you serve the Catholic community by becoming a foundation governor in one of our schools? Governors are people who have an interest in the role of our schools and wish to make a positive contribution to their communities. For more information, please call 01642 529200 or email enquiries@npcat.org.uk. NPCAT shortlisted for prestigious award The NPCAT party outside the House of Commons with the award –, Hugh Hegarty, Fiona Jennings, Joe Hughes, Sarah Yarham and Jim Farquhar

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6 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + October 2021 SYNOD Last month, Bishop Terry sent a pastoral letter to be read in parishes throughout the diocese. He spoke of an invitation from Pope Francis to every Catholic in our diocese and throughout the world to have a say and play their part in helping to shape the Church’,s life and mission. The theme is: For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission. But what does this mean? Communion: Bringing people together as communities in the local Church begins this prayerful insight into the ways of the Holy Spirit. Participation: The reflections parishes are undertaking in the light of the pandemic about how the Church in England and Wales looks forward, not backwards, to revitalise its mission of bringing the Good News to all. Mission: Understanding the local situation will feed into an overview of the Church`s mission in the whole diocese. What is a synod and what does synodality mean? “,Synod”, is an ancient and venerable word in the tradition of the Church. It indicates the path along which the people of God walk together. Equally, it refers to the Lord Jesus, who presents himself as, “,the way, the truth and the life”, (Jn 14, 6). Pope St Paul Vl established the Synod of Bishops in 1965, following Vatican ll. What is “,synodality? We`re all called by virtue of our baptism to be active participants in the life of the Church. In parishes, small Christian communities, lay movements, religious communities and other forms of communion, women and men, young people and the elderly, we are all invited to listen to one another and hear the promptings of the Holy Spirit, who guides our human efforts. What is Pope Francis is asking us to do? On October 9 and 10, Pope Francis will inaugurate the synodal path in Rome. The next weekend, October 17, each bishop will open the synodal path in his diocese with a time of reflection and a celebration of the Eucharist. The diocesan phase continues until April 2022. Parishes, lay movements, schools and universities, religious congregations, neighbourhood Christian communities and social action, ecumenical and inter-religious and other groups are invited to participate. The Holy Father asks us to explore and reflect on: •, In announcing the gospel, a synodal church journeys together. How is this journeying together happening today in your local church? •, What steps does the Spirit invite us to take to grow in our journeying together? In considering this question, we are asked to recall our experiences of our local churches. What joys did they bring? What difficulties and obstacles have they encountered? What wounds did they reveal? What incites have they elicited? Where in these experiences does the voice of the Holy Spirit resound? 1. COMPANIONS ON THE JOURNEY In the Church and society, we are side by side on the same road. In our local Church, who are those who “,walk together”,? 2. LISTENING Listening is the first step, but it requires an open mind and heart, without prejudice. How is God speaking to us through voices we sometimes ignore? 3. SPEAKING OUT All are invited to speak with courage and parrhesia –, that is, in freedom, truth and charity. 4. CELEBRATION “,Walking together”, is only possible if it is based on communal listening to the Word and the celebration of the Eucharist. 5. SHARING RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR COMMON MISSION Synodality is at the service of the mission of the Church, in which all members are called to participate 6. DIALOGUE IN CHURCH AND SOCIETY Dialogue requires perseverance and patience, but it also enables mutual understanding. To what extent do diverse peoples in our community come together for dialogue? 7. ECUMENISM The dialogue between Christians of different confessions, united by one baptism, has a special place in the synodal journey. What relationships does our church community have with members of other Christian traditions and denominations? 8. AUTHORITY AND PARTICIPATION A synodal Church is participatory and co-responsible. How does our church community identify the goals to be pursued, the way to reach them and the steps to be taken? 9. DISCERNING AND DECIDING In a synodal style, we make decisions through discernment of what the Holy Spirit is saying through our whole community. 10. FORMING OURSELVES IN SYNODALITY Synodality entails being receptive to change, formation and ongoing learning. How does our church community form people to be more capable of “,walking together,”, listening to one another, participating in our mission and engaging in dialogue? We’,re operating on this tight timescale…, Mid-October: Launch of the synodal process. Mid-October to January 2022: Invite parishioners and all those mentioned above to a meeting to begin the dialogue. January 2022: Diocesan meeting convened by Bishop Terry, either face to face, on Zoom or a combination of both. This is a summary of the process. You can read a more in-depth version of this article on the diocesan website. The key is for us to do our best to makes sure everyone in our diocese is given the opportunity to have their voice heard and listened to. A simple resource will be available soon from adultformation@rcdmidd.org.uk or from our website middlesbrough-diocese.org.uk to help us get the process going and support us through it. David Cross, Adult Formation Coordinator A Letter From Madonna House –, The fiery Covid furnace We’,re beginning to emerge from our Covid trial by fire. Some people are gingerly, fearfully venturing out the door. Others are springing out, desperate to make up for lost time, desperate to return to life as it had been. But we will never have that old life again. We’,ve all changed. What will we do with those changes? From prince to pauper, we all experienced two great shocks in the past couple of years. The first was that we are not in control of our life and world. No leader, no matter how popular, intelligent or powerful, could offer a quick “,fix”, or spin on this one. No one knew what this virus would do next, and so we were each confronted by our inability to control a thing, except our interior response. And this exposed our fears, vulnerabilities, weak faith, faltering love –, realities we try to obscure or escape: the second great shock. Was all doom and gloom in the pandemic? Far from it! The gift offered was rediscovering what is essential in life: we couldn’,t travel around the world, but many rediscovered joy in their own garden and country. We couldn’,t expand our social life, but many rediscovered the priceless treasure of family. We couldn’,t “,keep up appearances”, of being always loving and prayerful, but God invited us to see and know that he loves and accepts us just as we are. With no power to contain Covid, many truly cried out to God from their need and entrusted their lives to him. With churches closed, many realised that receiving the Lord’,s body had always sustained them, and a hunger for his tangible presence pierced comfort and complacency. We were stripped to the essence and discovered that God was waiting there for us. This was the great call and gift of the pandemic crucible. Do you remember the Old Testament story of the three young men who were bound and thrown into a fiery furnace because they refused to renounce God? What did they do? They offered their humble and contrite spirits to God, promising to follow him with their whole hearts, seeking only his face. Knowing they were powerless to save themselves, they begged his saving help. And what happened? The angel of the Lord joined them in the heart of the furnace, with “,a coolness such as wind and dew will bring, so that the fire did not even touch them or cause them any distress", (Dan 3:50). And the king acknowledged the power of their God and released them. God did not throw the three young men into the furnace, and he did not create the Covid pandemic. But he uses all things to draw us to himself. As we’,re led out of the fiery Covid furnace, may we acknowledge the beauty and power of the Lord, and our own poverty and littleness. May we follow him wholeheartedly, seeking his face once more. May we allow him to be our Lord, to save us, to draw us into his heart. Cheryl Ann Smith From ‘,I’, to ‘,We’, Pope Francis with the bishops and England and Wales

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October 2021 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 7 NEWS World Mission Sunday –, when the entire global Church comes together in support of mission –, is on October 24 this year. It is a moment of grace to express solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ who are living in situations of poverty, violence and oppression. Coordinated by Missio, the Pope’,s official charity for world mission, this special day is celebrated in every Catholic community in the world. In 2020 the Church in Bangladesh gave just over £,3,000 and the Church in Malawi gave almost £,18,500. Here in the Diocese of Middlesbrough, we raised £,6,800. The theme the Holy Father has chosen this year is: “,We cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard.”, (Acts 4:20). In his message for World Mission Sunday, Pope Francis says: “,Once we experience the power of God’,s love we cannot help but proclaim and share what we have seen and heard. Jesus’, relationship with his disciples and his humanity show us the extent to which God loves our humanity and makes his own our joys and sufferings, our hopes and our concerns.”, Missio’,s national director, Father Anthony Chantry, says: “,Celebrating World Mission Sunday is so important and relevant in these times. “,If we are to emerge from all our present global problems stronger in our commitment to Jesus and the coming of his kingdom of peace and justice, we must work together, helping and supporting each other across the world. “,World Mission Sunday is about expressing the solidarity that comes from being the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.”, See the story below for an example of how your money will be used. Apostles inspire World Mission Sunday theme Intense violence continues to rock communities in Nigeria, with fatalities, mutilations and destruction of property devastatingly commonplace. The violence is caused by poverty, and historical religious tension is easily manipulated to encourage division and mistrust. To quell the tension and create a peaceful and harmonious environment, the Women’,s Interfaith Council was established in Kaduna, northern Nigeria, by the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles in 2010. The council encourages women of different faiths to work together to build peace through training programmes that empower women and contribute to healing and reconciliation in their communities. Sister Veronica has been leading the council since 2019. “,When you train a woman, you train a nation,”, she says. “,We bring them together as women and build peace. Every religion talks about love, no religion talks about war.”, One Christian woman who has been affected by the violence is 23-year-old Rachel. Her family were attacked in their village by suspected militant Fulani herdsmen. Rachel* heard the gunshots that killed her son. Then she and her small daughter were assaulted and Rachel’,s left arm was cut off below her elbow. “,When thinking about those who killed my son, if they are still alive, I pray for them. ‘,May God forgive them because they don’,t know what they have done’,,”, she said. With the support of Sister Veronica and the Women’,s Interfaith Council, Rachel is rebuilding her life and attempting to heal through forgiveness. In 2020, the World Mission Sunday collection in parishes across England and Wales raised £,420,320 for Missio’,s work. This World Mission Sunday, help Missio ensure selfless missionaries like Sister Veronica can keep loving, serving and sharing God’,s peace. By supporting Missio, you play a valuable part in creating a vibrant Catholic Church for the future. Find out more about World Mission Sunday at missio.org.uk/wms. *Rachel’,s name has been changed to protect her identity. Working together to build peace in Nigeria If you would like to advertise please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 2 48225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org Sister Veronica holding a little girl called Peace, with Rachel New Year 7 pupils prepare for what will now be a daily journey from Malton to York as they set off for their first day of their secondary education at All Saints Catholic School. The children formerly attended St Mary`s Catholic Primary School in Malton. We wish them and all children and staff in our schools all the very best for the new academic year.

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8 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + October 2021 GOLDEN MEMORIES This year marks half a century since the last Middlesbrough Corpus Christi procession. Many will fondly recall this annual event, having participated as a child at school or with the many other Catholic groups that attended. The feast of Corpus Christi was introduced in the 13th century by Pope Urban VI. In addition to Mass of the feast day, outdoor public processions were held in many Catholic countries, proclaiming the presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. In 1925, during Bishop Richard Lacey’,s tenure, this annual profession of faith was introduced in Middlesbrough, where it was held every year (except one, and during the war years) until 1971. It became one of the largest of its kind in the country, bringing together the Catholic community from Middlesbrough and surrounding areas, with some estimates putting it at nearly 2,000 participants, each keen to show public witness of faith and devotion. The feast of Corpus Christi occurs on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday and the processions were held on the Sunday after the feast day. When a town turned out to honour the Blessed Sacrament The following is an example of how the procession was, particularly in the later years, the mid-to-late 1960s... With permission from the local authority and the police, in a carefully coordinated plan, the hundreds about to process, assembled in the old Market Place to the north of the town. Schoolchildren were bussed in from outlying areas. Groups were allocated a place in the procession and guided by marshals (men from the parishes, the Knights of St Columba) who coordinated the timely and orderly succession of their departure. At 3pm the procession began, headed by a slowly driven police car, and immediately followed by cross-bearer and acolytes on foot, on the traditional route along South Street onto Sussex Street, passing St Mary’,s Cathedral on the right. The main door was usually decorated with large drapes, above which hung a large banner proclaiming, “,My Lord and My God”,. A priest in an open upstairs window of the presbytery next door led the rosary or prayers over a loudspeaker as the procession passed by. Prayer was constant, as was music provided by up to three brass bands strategically placed at different points. The lead walkers were followed by groups of primary school children from St Mary’,s Cathedral School, St Patrick’,s, St Philomena’,s (Sacred Heart), St Joseph’,s, St Francis, St Alphonsus, St Edward’,s, Christ the King, Thornaby, St Patrick’,s and St Mary’,s, Grangetown. The girls wore white dresses with the boys wearing blue sashes. The procession turned left into Bridge Street and moved slowly and reverently before turning right under the Albert Bridge and onto Albert Road. Back at the old Market Place, other groups continued to join –, St Mary’,s College boys, Newlands Convent girls, boys and girls of secondary schools St Thomas’,, St Anthony’,s, St Michael’,s, St Richard’,s. Then Girl Guides, Children of Mary, Young Christian Workers, nurses and scouts, all led proudly behind their own banners. A group of Polish schoolgirls wearing national costume also joined. Golden memories, 50 ye A view from above Nurses turn in to Albert Road Flower strewers Knights of St Columba Sacred Heart pupils Newlands Convent girls in 1926 Father Dan Spaight precedes the Blessed Sacrament, which is carried by Monsignor O’,Sullivan Bishop McClean

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October 2021 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 9 GOLDEN MEMORIES Meanwhile, the lead walkers passed the town hall towards the next turn at Borough Road. At the cathedral, choirs, altar boys, thurifers and clergy all took their places in advance of the Blessed Sacrament joining the procession. The bishop, firmly holding the monstrance, was led out sheltered beneath the florally decorated wooden canopy being carried by gentlemen of the parishes, members of the Catenian circles or schoolteachers (who took turns each year). Unseen by those watching, the monstrance was resting on a small plinth connected to a harness concealed under a humeral veil and rested against the bishop’,s chest, thus taking its weight during the significant distance it was carried. A group of schoolgirls in white dresses with pink shoulder capes, carrying wicker baskets full of rose petals, took their place in front of the canopy. At certain stages, they would stop and turn to strew a carpet of petals on the road over which the Blessed Sacrament would pass. The remaining groups, nuns, the Union of Catholic Mothers and men and women of the parishes made up the rest of the procession, escorted at the rear by a police car. It is incredible to think of the size and scale of the procession. The other amazing fact is that along the entire route, onlookers on both sides of the road were all keen to see the spectacle of the occasion. The Evening Gazette covered the procession extensively and published a Corpus Christi Souvenir edition the following day full of photographs. The one point where continuity was disturbed was at the junction of Albert Road and Corporation Road, to allow O-route Corporation buses to continue their route between North Ormesby and Norton Green. The procession passed the imposing Hugh Bell School on the left (now the site of Teesside Magistrates’, Courts) and turned left into Borough Road. Spectators continued to line the route up to the corner of Abingdon Road and on to the Newlands Convent grounds Upon completion of the procession, early arrivals gathered in different parts of the grounds for prayer and reflection. Participants in the latter stages assembled in the convent schoolyard for benediction, during which the bishop would raise the monstrance and give the divine blessing, as a culmination of this beautifully observed occasion. In 1971, the Newlands Convent grounds were not available and the walk finished at the Polytechnic College instead. Whether the loss of this venue was a contributory factor in the discontinuation of the procession is not known. Different views have been aired, such as concerns over safety and security. Whatever the reason, we will not see the like again. Sunday has now become a shopping day with a busy town centre and it is unlikely that such a large-scale event would be allowed today. However, for those of us who remember them, it is important to recognise their place in our Catholic history. Tony McAvoy Sources, Corpus Christi Remembered, Knights of St Columba, Council 29, VHS Video (1995) Corpus Christi Remembered, Council 29, Pictorial Memento Booklet (1995)) Selected photographs courtesy of the Evening Gazette and kind donations from individuals with permission to use. ears after last procession St Michael’,s girls Catholic scouts Sacred Heart School, 1969 Altar servers from various parishes Monsignor O’,Sullivan gives Benediction, with Bishop George Brunner at his side and Father Dan Spaight, left, and Father Chris Pattison, right Journey’,s end The first procession, in 1925, passing Jordison`s Print Works on Marton Road

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10 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + October 2021 NEWS After months of negotiation, planning and preparation, we welcomed the Daughters of Divine Love into our diocese and the West Hull Parish (St Wilfrid’,s, St Joseph and Corpus Christi) on Sunday September 5. It was a joyful and memorable occasion. The welcome Mass was celebrated by Bishop Terry in the newly restored St Wilfrid’,s Church. Parish priest Father Ivan Dawson welcomed the bishop and greeted the parishioners before Mass. Father Peter Taylor, who accompanied Bishop Terry to Hull, joined Father Ivan in concelebrating at the Mass. Bishop Terry welcomed the regional superior, Sister Amelia, and all the Daughters of Divine Love. Fourteen sisters had travelled to celebrate and support the induction of Sister Catherine, the superior of the community, and Sister Ifechichoro, who will live in St Wilfrid’,s presbytery as our parish sisters. Seeing the sisters processing into the church at the beginning of Mass in their distinctive blue and white habits was faith-affirming for all present. The Daughters of Divine Love sang two hymns after Holy Communion. One was the anthem the sisters sing whenever they have a special gathering. Listening to their beautiful singing and its words, “,We love you dear Jesus”,, was both emotional and spiritually uplifting. This was followed by a presentation of gift baskets to Sister Catherine and Sister Ifechichoro as an expression of love and gratitude to them for coming to minister in our parish. In his homily, Bishop Terry said: “,Sisters, you are welcome among us, although you may not know many of us and we do not know you personally very well at this stage, yet we know that we are one family, we belong to each other in Christ Jesus. “,So welcome and be at home here among us. We look to you to remind us frequently that we are created out of divine love, that we are sustained as a result of divine love and that our destiny is to live in divine love with the Trinity forever. “,We want you to encourage us to proclaim together with you this message of good news to all. Help us to turn to Jesus who wants to heal us of our blindness, who wants to open our ears to his word and our mouth to communicate it to all who we meet. “,We know we are not very clever, nor are we great orators, we are aware of our inadequacies. However, St James reminds us in our second reading: ‘,It was those who are poor according to the world that God chose, to be rich in faith and to be the heirs to the kingdom which he promised to those who love him.’, “,So I say to all here today, as we welcome the sisters among us, we also should take courage and be more determined than ever to live out our baptismal calling. “,As your bishop, I really want this community, under the pastoral leadership and guidance of Father Ivan, with the Daughters of Divine Love encouraging, to hear God’,s Word and to proclaim its faith, to the praise and the glory of God the Father. Amen.”, After Communion, Bishop Terry gave a blessing to Sister Catherine and Sister Ifechichoro as they began their ministry in Hull. The celebrations continued with a reception of good food and music outside in the sunshine. This gave everyone the opportunity to meet members of our parish family and enjoy the presence of the sisters. The evening before, Father Ivan hosted a welcome dinner for the bishop and the sisters. There Bishop Terry presented Sister Catherine and Sister Ifechichoro with an image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, patroness of the Diocese of Middlesbrough. Bishop Terry –, who spent five years from 1986 to 1991 in the Archdiocese of Kisumu, Kenya –, spoke fondly of his time as a priest ministering in Africa. Before dinner, the Daughters of Divine Love sang songs, bringing back many happy memories to both Bishop Terry and Father Ivan of their many years in Africa. With the arrival of the Daughters of Divine Love, a new and exciting chapter in the history of West Hull Parish and the diocese begins. Through God’,s grace and the stewardship of time, talent and treasure of our parishioners, we continue to grow in faith as we build up the Kingdom of God. New beginnings as Daughters of Divine Love are welcomed Bishop Terry presents Sister Catherine and Sister Ifechichoro with an image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the patroness of the Diocese of Middlesbrough. Bishop Terry and Father Ivan with the sisters

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October 2021 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 11 NEWS 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 Bishop Terry and 12 priests concelebrated Mass in honour of the Daughters of Charity, who are leaving the city of Hull and the Diocese of Middlesbrough after 131 years. Father Jim O’,Brien, parish priest of St Vincent’,s, Hull, welcomed the congregation, which included parishioners, Daughters of Charity who had come to Hull from all parts of the UK and local and central council members of the St Vincent de Paul Society. In his homily, Bishop Terry paid tribute to the great work the sisters had done over the years and said their presence will never be forgotten. After the Mass, Sister Ellen, the provincial, gave a moving address tracing the history of the order in the diocese. She gave a special mention to sisters who were born in our area made an enormous contribution to the order and the diocese. Afterwards, Bishop Terry blessed the blue plaque Hull City council had commissioned as a mark of tribute to the sisters and their service to the city. Councillor Abhimanyu Singh gave a short address on behalf of the city, thanking the sisters for all they had done and wishing them well in their future ministries. People chatted outside and renewed friendships with some of the sisters who had worked in Hull. We shall miss them and are extremely grateful for all they have done for our city and the diocese over so many years. Our thanks go to the parishioners of St Vincent’,s, who ensured that the church was spotlessly clean and Covid-safe. Warm tributes as Daughters of Charity say farewell to Hull Bishop Terry blesses a blue plaque commissioned by Hull City Council to mark the Daughters of Charity’,s service Presidents and members of the Hull and District Conferences of the St Vincent de Paul Society gathered for a presentation in honour of Sister Ann Buckeridge. Sister Ann has been the district spiritual director since 2016 but has given up her post because the Daughters of Charity are leaving Hull. Sister Ann has been a dedicated and wonderful spiritual director. Her reflections before district meetings have been inspirational and she has taught us so much about Vincentian spirituality and the history of the society. Her knowledge of the society is comprehensive and her enthusiasm for it is infectious. We shall miss her cheerfulness and energy very much. In addition to her duties as our spiritual director, she has thrown herself into helping the homeless and has worked closely with Hull City Council to help reorganise provision for them. Sister Eleanor, the superior, invited us to the convent of the Daughters of Charity in St Wilfred’,s Parish for the presentation, where she spoke beautifully about the city and how sorry they were to be leaving. Sister Ann also spoke about how much working with the SVP means to her and how closely the Daughters of Charity and the society are aligned. She was presented with a recently published book on the life of Blessed Frederic Ozanam, a book token and a bouquet. Sister Eleanor was presented with a memento of her time in Hull and a bouquet. It was wonderful to get together again informally. The afternoon could not have been better and we cannot thank Sister Eleanor enough for her kind invitation. The Daughters of Charity leaving Hull will leave a big hole and we wish them every success and happiness in their new ministries. Hull and District SVP Conferences SVP gives thanks to ‘,inspirational’, Sister Ann SVP Conference presidents and members with Sister Ann and Sister Eleanor, front right –, Photo by Bernard France

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12 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + October 2021 NEWS 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 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 October 1 for our November edition. Where possible please send articles in Word and photographs as jpegs. Please confirm when you send in your photographs that those who appear in them have given their permission for publication. Six years after York storyteller Mary Callan performed the Old Testament story of Tobit at the Edinburgh Fringe, she’,s returning with an updated version of the show. “,In 2015, I focused on the young hero and heroine, with songs about coming of age, a quest and securing a bride,”, says Mary. “,Working on the songs again this year, I started thinking how many themes in the Tobit story resonate with the pandemic, most obviously Tobit senior, devotedly burying corpses, then illness, frustration, being shut in and useless, family pressure and Sarah’,s thoughts of suicide, such serious issues. “,Then I remembered the dog, a happier aspect to the story. During lockdown, dogs were everywhere, a relief and a comfort to so many lives.”, Still hoping Mrs Tobit Tells All will appeal to secondary schools, Mary is working on more songs, especially about dogs, and adapting the show to highlight themes from the pandemic. To book a performance or request a copy of the script, email blazinggrannies@gmail.com. Mary returns with show updated for pandemic times Mary Callan has updated her show, Mrs Tobit Tells All Many people believe leprosy is just a disease of ancient times, occasionally mentioned in the Bible. But the reality for many millions is that it is still a devasting disease of today. , More than 200,000 new leprosy cases are detected every year, but millions more go undiagnosed, spreading infection within their communities or living with its devasting effects. The disease exists in 120 out of the 195 countries in the world. Leprosy is a disease of the nerves. Left undiagnosed, it attacks the nerve endings and causes a lack of sensation in the peripheral parts of the body such as the hands and feet. This easily leads to injury then chronic ulcers, and if left untreated, clawing of hands and feet, amputation and blindness. Leprosy causes more disability than any other infectious disease. , People with leprosy were once considered a threat to society. They were often forcibly removed to colonies or asylums where they lived in poverty for the rest of their lives. There was some justification for doing this as Leprosy couldn’,t be cured in those days. , The word “,leper”, still carries a sting of fear and horror to it and ,never ,should be used to described people affected by the disease. Tragically, leprosy is still one of the most stigmatised diseases on earth. A diagnosis is a life sentence for some, often considered a curse from God. Many people are thrown out of their communities and forced to beg. Unbelievably, there are more than 120 laws worldwide that actively discriminate against people with leprosy. , Since 1873, we’,ve known that leprosy is caused by a bacterium. But it took until the 1980s for an effective antibiotic cure to be found. Since then, around 16m people have been cured. As recently as the 2000s the disease was considered eliminated, and as a result, health services were scaled back, and leprosy expertise and knowledge declined. , , Tragically, people still had leprosy or were catching leprosy and then transmitting it. They were undiagnosed, untreated and many, including children, developed life-changing disabilities. People with leprosy often live in remote or isolated locations with no healthcare or transport. And, sadly, some doctors and nurses don’,t recognise leprosy when they see it. , A further complication is that leprosy is hard to detect in its early stages and there is no point-of-care test available. Diagnosing leprosy involves experience, with confirmation using a skin biopsy. , Leprosy may also incubate for 20 years before any symptoms show, so those infected may continue to transmit the disease –, including, tragically, to children. , To end leprosy, new strategies are required to ,find and treat everyone ,with the disease. This requires a complex combination of skills and expertise. With them, a lifetime of disability and stigma can be avoided, and the spread of leprosy can be stopped. , St Francis Leprosy Guild has cared for people with leprosy for more than 125 years and its current operating strategy emphasises active case-finding and early detection followed by treatment. If we can find and treat people affected, we will see an end to leprosy at last. But we need all the support that we can get to make it a reality. Will you help? Visit stfrancisleprosy.org for more information. Ending the devastation of leprosy Children in a community affected by leprosy 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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October 2021 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 13 LOURDES If you would like to advertise please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 248225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org The Lourdes Pilgrimage was delighted to accept a cheque from the estate of regular supported pilgrim Peter Brown. It was Peter`s dying wish to leave the donation to help others to experience the wonderful joy of Lourdes. Peter`s brothers, Christopher and Paul Brown, said Peter was a truly humble and gracious person throughout his life. He spent many hours carrying out charitable work in his local community in Hemlington and also at the St John Paul Centre in Middlesbrough, until his illness made this impossible. His great hope was to make another trip to Lourdes, which was the highlight of his year and where he met so many friends, old and young. The youngsters impressed Peter so much with their devotion and willingness to help others. Christopher and Paul carried out Peter`s wishes and were pleased to be able to donate the money to the Middlesbrough Lourdes Sick Fund. Christopher presented the cheque for £,5,657 to pilgrimage director Keith Tillotson and head of hospitalité, John Brown. The brothers have asked for some of the money to be used to buy a wheelchair in Peter`s memory. Peter’,s final wish –, to help others experience the joy that Lourdes brings Christopher Brown hands over the cheque to Keith Tillotson and John Brown Bishop Terry blesses Peter Brown in Lourdes –, Photo by Les Clark Social justice is at the heart of the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) and is central to its mission. Diocesan conferences have continued to work throughout the pandemic to alleviate isolation and need within communities alongside other organisations, supporting one another in faith, prayer and action. From tackling poverty, homelessness and isolation, to supporting refugees, asylum seekers and prisoners, the SVP turns concern into action. Now, with the launch of a new social policy programme, the charity plans to use its voice to campaign for change and help those most vulnerable and in need. “,We work with people in a spirit of justice and campaign to identify and tackle the root causes of poverty through lobbying, community organising and campaigning,”, says Middlesbrough conference president Frances Gilchrist. “,We apply the message of Catholic Social Teaching to our work and seek to empower people to become their own spokespeople and hold those in power accountable.”, The SVP’,s current policy priorities include in- work and digital poverty, levelling up and migrants and refugees. “,We are urging the government to keep the lifeline for millions of struggling families by making the Universal Credit uplift permanent and making sure families on legacy benefits can also access this increase,”, said Frances. “,MPs need to hear from their constituents to ensure they understand the urgency of this issue and how it will affect their local area. We encourage everyone to write urgently and tell their MP how a £,20 cut would impact them and their community.”, The SVP has also joined more than 70 faith groups and leaders in asking the Home Office to embed principles of compassion and respect for human dignity in its new plan for immigration. “,People who have arrived in our communities through the asylum system are our neighbours and valued members of our congregations,”, said Frances. Frances says the SVP constantly needs new members to help with its important work. “,As parish structures change, our members get older and others move away,”, she said. “,As we awaken from the restrictions of the pandemic, we need your help if we are to continue our work. “,Would you be willing to join us, share our prayer life, our training and so much more?”, For more information, visit svp.org.uk or contact your local conference members or parish priest or email Frances at presidentc13@svp.org.uk. SVP needs new members to continue work Praying with St Mark in the month of October Pope Francis has a Worldwide Network of Prayer to which he entrusts a prayer intention for each month of the Year. The Pope’,s prayer intention for October focuses on Evangelisation and Missionary Discipleship: “,We pray that every baptised person may be engaged in evangelisation, available to the mission, by being witnesses of a life that has the flavour of the Gospel. However, in order to do this we need to read and pray the Gospel regularly. I want to invite you to read and pray with the Gospel of Mark, which is being proclaimed in our churches throughout October.”, Here are Bible references for each Sunday’,s Gospel readings –, so dig out your Bible and make yourself comfortable! Why not invite others to join you over Zoom? 1. Begin by making the sign of the Cross and pray the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be. 2. Say the above prayer intention. 3. Prayerfully read the Gospel passage, sitting quietly and asking the Holy Spirit to guide you. 4. Read the passage again. Is there a sentence or word that has struck you or spoken to you? Remain with this for a while, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you and help you to discern what is being revealed to you. When you are ready, gradually bring your prayer time to a close. 5. Remember to thank God for the gift of this prayer time. 6. Try remaining with the same Gospel passage each day for the coming week. 7. You may wish to keep your own journal of reflections. Sunday October 3 –, Mark 10:2-16 What God has united, man must not divide. Sunday October 10 –, Mark 10: 17-30 Go and sell everything you own and follow me. Sunday October 17 –, Mark 10: 35-45 The Son of Man came to give his life as a ransom for many. Sunday October 24 –, Mark 10:46-52 Master, let me see again. Sunday October 31 –, Mark12:28-34 This is the first commandment. The second is like it.

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14 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + October 2021 Music for the Mind sessions will restart in person this month after returning via YouTube earlier in the year. These popular sessions –, part of our efforts to promote Dementia Friendly Churches –, are for anyone who enjoys singing and connecting memories, including people living with dementia, their relatives, friends and carers. They take place in St Mary’,s Cathedral Hall on the second Monday of each month from 2pm to 3.30pm, starting on October 11. Tea and homemade cakes and biscuits will be served and the music will come from the body of the church in a Covid-safe way. There is no charge and donations are welcome. The sessions are led by Trish McLean and will still be streamed live –, search for the Diocese of Middlesbrough on YouTube. Dementia Friends awareness sessions for parish groups and others will be available as soon as guidelines allow. “,We know there is a great deal of good work being done in the diocese and would welcome sharing of ideas that have worked well,”, said Dot Fellowes, who along with Chris Tinkler is one of the leads for promoting Dementia Friendly Churches in our diocese. If anyone is living with dementia or is a carer of someone living with dementia and requires support, contact Dot on 01642 714274, email dorothy.fellowes@hotmail.co.uk, or Chris on 01642 710179, christine.tinkler@gmail.com. NEWS Cleveland Newman Circle is restarting its regular programme of events with a two-part sharing of thoughts before and after the Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. Both will be based on Pope Francis’, encyclical Laudato Si’,. The topic on Wednesday October 20 at 2pm is “,God gave us one world: Does Laudato Si’, give us signposts?”, This will be followed on Wednesday November 17 at 7.30pm with “,The Glasgow Climate Change Conference: Did it give us signposts?”, The sessions take place in St Mary’,s Cathedral Hall, Middlesbrough, and all are welcome. Social distancing will be in operation, with open door ventilation. The usual refreshments will not be available. For more information, contact Stephen Merckx at sandamerckx@btinternet.com or call 01642 700793. Newman sessions look for climate change signposts One of the Music for the Mind sessions at St Mary’,s Cathedral before lockdown After 38 years of dedication and loyalty, members of the Catholic Women’,s League at St Gabriel’,s, Ormesby, have decided to close. Members have supported causes including the Medaille Trust, Teesside Hospice, Zoe’,s Place, the Apostleship of the Sea, refugees, Mary’,s Meals, Help the Heroes and the Lourdes Sick fund, as well as being at the forefront of raising funds for their parish. “,It’,s hard to encourage more members to join as so many women have different working hours and family commitments,”, said diocesan branch president Elizabeth Rodgers. “,It was a difficult and sad decision to take, but the remaining members felt they could not continue. Many are suffering health issues and Covid has not helped the situation. “,Perhaps something new will take its place. We all thank the Ormesby section for all they have done over the years.”, Sad farewell to St Gabriel’,s CWL section Alan Henderson was surprised on the morning of his 80th birthday to find his breakfast of pancakes with honey being supplemented by a gift of his favourite single malt whisky. The special bottle to mark the milestone occasion was handed over by circle president Peter Carey on behalf of all his friends at Middlesbrough Catenians. Alan had just returned from his usual Sunday Mass at St Bernadette`s, Nunthorpe, where he has recently retired as treasurer after 42 years of bookkeeping. Alan has been a member of Middlesbrough Catenians for almost 37 years. Pictured are Peter, Alan and Gillian, Alan`s wife of 55 years. Alan`s 80th birthday treat October’,s choral services at the cathedral Sunday 3 at 10am: Solemn Mass –, Cathedral Choir Wednesday 6 at 5.30pm: Benediction with Vespers –, Cantor Sunday 10 at 10am: Solemn Mass–, Cathedral Choir Wednesday 13 at 5.30pm: Benediction with Vespers –, Ladies Schola Sunday 17 at 10am: Solemn Mass 10am –, Cathedral Choir Wednesday 20 at 5.30pm: Benediction with Vespers –, Cathedral Consort Sunday 24 at 10am: Solemn Mass 10am –, Cathedral Choir

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October 2021 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 15 NEWS From the Archives 100 Years Ago (From Hull Catholic Magazine, October 1921) Owing to the generosity of the congregation, St Vincent’,s Choir were this year able to have a thoroughly good outing. Starting at Pontefract, where the old castle, caves and dungeons were explored, a tennis match, in which the gentlemen choristers outplayed the ladies, then on to Winterburn, to partake of an excellent luncheon at the Fox Hotel, through the woods to Kirk Smeaton then back again to Hull by 8.30. All thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were sorry to come to the “,end of a perfect day”,. 40 Years Ago (From Catholic Voice, October 1981) The Annual Harvest Festival Mass took place at Our Lady’,s Church Lealholm on Sunday 4th October. The Principal Celebrant at the Concelebrated Mass was Fr. Stephen Kitchen P.P., he was assisted by Fr. Garvan O’,Hara and Fr. Tim Bywater (Bishop’,s Secretary) who preached the homily. Fr. Charles Toner was a welcome visitor from Egton Bridge. The Church was suitably decorated with flowers and produce for the occasion. [Readers may wonder why ",50 Years Ago", has suddenly morphed into ",40 Years Ago",. This is because the Catholic Voice did not exist 50 years ago –, the very first issue was published in September 1980.] David Smallwood 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. Invitation to RCIA Zoom meeting Those who are involved in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) or who wish to become involved are invited to a Zoom meeting on Saturday October 9 from 10am to noon. The meeting will begin with a period of Lectio Divina prayer and will include a time for informal sharing and discussion and an exploration of what`s needed to restart your RCIA programme. To receive the link, email heidi.cummins@rcdmidd.org.uk stating that you wish to register and giving your name and parish. •, After seven years as the bishop’,s secretary, Sarah Holmes left us is September for a new job near her home in Whitby. We also recently said goodbye to parish development officer Rebecca Coyne and safeguarding assistant Sue Bullivant. We wish them all the very best for the future. Our picture shows Sarah with Bishop Terry outside the curial offices. First-time author Celine Alexander-Brown has published a book of poems, prayers and reflections that aim to comfort people in times of need and bring a deeper awareness of God’,s love and providence. Restless Waters: A book of Poems, Prayers and Reflections, will raise funds for two charities close to Celine’,s heart, the Host Apostolate and Interplast UK. The Host Apostolate is an association of lay people who wish to lead a life of prayer, evangelisation and formation. Interplast UK is a medical charity that takes teams of medical volunteers on missions to provides free plastic and reconstructive surgery to patients in developing countries who otherwise would not be able to receive it. Copies of the book are available and cash donations can be made at the Cathedral Shop, St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough. You can also donate by PayPal via eyesoftheheart18@gmail.com and contact eyesoftheheart18@gmail.com giving your name and address and the number of copies required. “,I hope this book will be a source of comfort and support to those going through challenging times and will give you peace and a sense that you are never alone,”, said Celine. Visit thehostapostolate.org or interplastuk.org for more details about the two charities. Book seeks to calm troubled waters Catholic author and mental health campaigner Edna Hunneysett has been interviewed for an Arts Council-funded project to celebrate Teesside’,s creative industries. Great-grandmother Edna, who has published five books, including Our Suicidal Children: Where Are You God?, was one of around 200 interviewees for the Teesside Rising sessions. She talks about her writing career and her work campaigning to help parents of young people with mental health issues, especially within a church setting. To watch the interview, search YouTube for Teesside Rising, click on videos and then scroll down until you see Edna’,s name. Edna’,s books are available on Amazon or can be ordered in book shops, from the website of mental health publisher Chipmunkapublishing.co.uk or by calling the author on 01642 813277. Author Edna talks about campaigning and her career Author Edna Hunneysett Celine Alexander-Brown RAINBOWS BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GB (Charity Number: 1058476) PART TIME DEVELOPMENT WORKER/TRAINER The Trustees of Rainbows Bereavement Support GB seek to appoint a Part-time Development Worker/Trainer for the region RAINBOWS HUMBER/TEES (Equivalent of five hours a week, term time only) Applicants will be required to have an appropriate background in education, health or social welfare and should possess an understanding of the issues surrounding bereavement and loss. Rainbows Bereavement Support GB is an increasingly successful national charity offering training in bereavement and loss to school staff and bereavement support programmes for children and young people grieving a significant and often devastating loss in their lives. Further details are attached. If you would like to know more about the post, we warmly encourage you to speak informally and in confidence to Sharon Melia-Craven, Rainbows National Co-Director with specific responsibility for the North before making an application. Sharon may be contacted by sharon.rainbowsgb@btconnect.com or phone on 07764 431536 RAINBOWS HUMBER/TEES Serving communities from the Tees to the Humber including Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton on Tees, the cities of Hull and York, East Yorkshire and most of North Yorkshire RAINBOWS DEVELOPMENT WORKERS / TRAINERS (Equivalent to 5 hrs a week, 40 week contract, term time only) Required for January 2022 FURTHER DETAILS: JOB DESCRIPTION: The essential purpose of this post is twofold: 1. To support the work of Rainbows currently operating in the schools across the regions. 2. To actively encourage additional schools in the region to ensure staff are trained in bereavement and loss issues and make use of Rainbows programmes as a proven and successful means of supporting children and young people through painful transitions in their lives. It will be a requirement of the post that the successful candidate undergoes training to become a Rainbows Registered Director/Trainer. PERSON SPECIFICATION It is essential that applicants are able to show that they have: •, An appropriate understanding of the issues surrounding bereavement and loss •, An empathy towards vulnerable children and adults •, A willingness to undergo training as a Rainbows Registered Director (Dates to be mutually agreed). •, The ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with parents, school staff and a wide range of professionals •, The confidence and ability to train staff in schools and other settings •, Time management skills and an ability to prioritise workload with minimal supervision. •, Computer literate, with an ability to create high quality newsletters, invitations and publicity materials, and to manage bas ic computer databases, using Microsoft Office. •, The ability to be self-motivated, to work alone and as part of a team In addition, applicants should hold a current driving licence and have access to a car. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. While not essential, it will be desirable that applicants have an understanding of Rainbows groups in a school setting. An hourly rate of £,10.50 will be paid monthly over twelve months. Travel expenses will be paid from an agreed base within the region. APPLICATION: Applicants are requested to submit their application form to Sharon Melia Craven, National Co-Director, Rainbows Bereavement Support GB by email to sharon.rainbowsgb@btconnect.com. Closing date: 12 noon on the 1st November 2021 . Interviews will be held during the week of 8th November 2021

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16 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + October 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 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 A new section of the Cleveland Way has been declared open to walkers, marking a change in the route of the 109-mile national trail. The new pathway, which passes an entrance to the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Grace, was opened by Bishop Terry after the unveiling of a new wooden signpost. For more than 600 years the Lady Chapel has been a place of worship and pilgrimage, but its secluded, hilltop location has kept the site hidden from many. Now, thanks to an inspiring community effort, the Cleveland Way has been rerouted to allow many more people to appreciate its beauty and significance as they make their way along the national trail. Access to the chapel now lies within 500 metres of the official coast-to-coast route, hopefully encouraging others to pay a visit to the holy site. The original Cleveland Way path is also to remain open as a right of way. Bishop Terry said: “,Christians have visited the Chapel of Our Lady, the Mother of Divine Grace, for hundreds of years. It is a holy place, sanctified by the prayers of many ordinary people. But as a result of this good and gracious work, it is now definitely on the map of the modern world. “,So many more people will be able to view its simple beauty, avail themselves of its contemplative atmosphere and move forward not only on their particular scenic walk but also on the path of their life, aided by the spirit of the Lady Chapel. “,As the Bishop of the Diocese of Middlesbrough, I can say on behalf of us all, that we are very grateful for this initiative. It is as the result of a lot of hard work and skilful planning that this project has been brought to fruition.”, The Lady Chapel was built in the 15th century, probably as a place for private worship for the Carthusian monks from nearby Mount Grace Priory. The chapel later fell into ruins but continued to be a site of Catholic pilgrimage throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Restoration work began in 1959 using closely matching stone from Rosedale Abbey and building on existing foundations. The original stones, some incised with inscriptions, initials and prayers of pilgrims, are still easily discernible. The shrine is open for private prayer and reflection all year round and holds regular services, including a vigil Mass each Sunday at 3pm. Bishop Terry launched the Friends of the Lady Chapel in 2016 to raise money for maintenance and development and increase interest in the shrine within the local community and further afield. Visit ladychapel.org.uk/friends to join Friends of the Lady Chapel or for further information about the shrine. National trail rerouted to pass Lady Chapel Cleveland Way trail manager Malcolm Hodgson with Bishop Terry and Peter Scrope, from the Friends of the Lady Chapel, at the ceremony to open the new section of the 109-mile walk

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