NOVEMBER 2021 Issue 470 FREE V OICE Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic What’,s Inside Farewell, Father Pat Page 9 Children join climate campaign Pages 6 and 7 Bishop’,s Column On the weekend of the First Sunday of Advent, November 27 and 28, the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation will be restored. Let me just share some thoughts on this with you. During the first and second lockdown, there was a deep realisation on most people’,s part that not only do we as human beings long for and want real meetings with people, genuine physical encounters, but we need them. They are vital to our wellbeing, especially our mental wellbeing. We are not made to be isolated. I think no matter what our age, or state in life, over the last 18 months, all of us missed our families, friends, our social gatherings of whatever kind –, sporting, religious, musical. Yes, Zoom and Teams and suchlike other platforms helped and brought some comfort, solace and connection, but if it comes to a toss-up between virtual and real, I suspect that for most of us, real wins every time. Real meetings, real encounters, real concerts, real sporting events, real parties, real gatherings, real presence, that’,s what we need to be fully healthy, fully alive, fully human as we were made to be. We, as Catholic Christians, hold that the Sacrament of the Eucharist given to us by Jesus Christ through the ministry of the Church is absolutely central to our life of faith and our life of worship. It is here, in the Mass, par excellence, that we truly and really meet Jesus Christ, present in his body, blood, soul and divinity. This side of the veil of eternity, it is the closest we can come to a genuine encounter with the Lord. Nothing can substitute for this. Yes, when needs must, we can still make our spiritual communion, but in the end, it will only leave us yearning more deeply for the reality of Christ. One of the most amazing effects of coming into the real presence of the Lord in the Eucharist, of meeting Jesus truly present among us, encountering him in Adoration, is that we experience healing. As we encounter the Lord, so he encounters us, as we come closer to him, so he comes closer to us, as we reach out to him, so he reaches out to us and he heals us, he makes us whole. In other words, he saves us, he raises us up from our spiritual sickness, and offers us salvation. We are made whole, we are made new. So, all things being equal, all of us who are well enough, fit enough and able, should begin as soon as possible to return to Mass on Sunday. However, those who cannot come to Mass physically can still join us through livestream, and it will be good to welcome you there. Yours in blessed hope, A two-year “,synodal”, process is taking place in the Church that will culminate in the final Synod Gathering of Bishops in Rome in October 2023. The overall theme is ",For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission",. Pope Francis wants everyone to take part, including those who for whatever reason find themselves on the margins of the Church and of society. We have already held a day for our priests and deacons to explore how we can start the synodal process in our parishes. Each parish priest has been asked to nominate two parishioners to work alongside them. On Saturday November 6 there will be a day-long event to bring together these “,parish coordinators”, and those involved in apostolic organisations and brief them about how they can engage and help others engage in this momentous initiative. Bishop Terry celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit in the cathedral on Sunday October 17, when the Holy Father asked bishops of every diocese around the world to launch the synod in their diocese. This is his homily…, The synodal process is about to begin which will involve three phases between this October and October 2023. It is a journey of mutual listening involving all levels of the Church, all the people of God. Firstly, what synod is not, it’,s not a survey, it is not about gathering opinions, but about listening to the Holy Spirit as he speaks to the Churches (Rev 2.7). The first commitment is to have ears to listen. The initial stage of the process –, between October 2021 and April 2022 –, concerns the individual diocesan churches. The word “,synod”, means “,to walk together”,. Continued on Page 2 Synodal process is launched in our diocese St John of Beverley parish priest Canon David Grant, who is on sabbatical at the Venerable English College in Rome, had the good fortune to meet Pope Francis when he accompanied the new rector, Father Stephen Wang, and the seminary’,s first-year students to the Holy Father’,s weekly general audience.

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2 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + November 2021 NEWS In the Acts of the Apostles, we hear the story of a journey which begins in Jerusalem and crosses the known world of the time to arrive eventually in Rome. The journey tells the story in which the Word of God and the people who focus their attention and their faith on that Word, walk together. All have a part to play. And that is true of us today, we all have our part to play on this journey. And the journey is not just a movement in time and space, but it is also a journey of interior restlessness born of our faith and which invites us to assess what is the better thing to do, what must be kept, what must be changed. History teaches us Synodal process is launched in our diocese Continued from Page 1 BISHOP TERRY`S NOVEMBER ENGAGEMENTS 2 Cathedral Chapter Meeting, St Mary’,s Cathedral 10.30am Mass for Deceased Clergy, St Mary’,s Cathedral Noon Council of Priests, St Mary’,s Cathedral 1pm 3 Confirmation at SS Joseph &, Francis Xavier, Richmond 7pm 4 Confirmation at St Joseph’,s Scarborough 7pm 5 Morning Reflection with Head Teachers, Postgate house Middlesbrough 10am 6 Synod Co-ordinator’,s Day, Burn Hall All Day 7 Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes, Hessle 10.30am Mass for all who died during the Pandemic and for NHS and care workers, St Mary’,s Cathedral 5pm 8 Meeting of the Synod Group - Zoom 7pm 9 Bishop’,s Council, Bishop’,s House 10.30am 11 Shortlisting for director of education, Zoom 1.30pm Meeting with parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes Hessle 7pm 12 Blessing of new classroom, St Augustine’,s Scarborough 1.30pm 14 Armistice Day Service at Middlesbrough Cenotaph 11am 15-18 CBCEW Plenary Conference, Hinsley Hall Leeds 19 Interviews for the post of Director of Education, Postgate House All day 21 Farewell service for the Bishop of Newcastle, Newcastle Cathedral 4pm 23-24 Ampleforth Covenant 28 Advent Service, St Mary’,s Cathedral 3pm that staying still only leads to stagnation, not the best position for the Church to be in. And movement is a consequence of being open to the Holy Spirit. Our own St John Henry Newman reminds us: “,To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.”, To a certain extent, the Apostles Peter and Paul are real examples of this restless movement. They are witnesses of a force that throws them in crisis, which drives them to dare to ask, to think again, to be mistaken and to learn from their mistakes, and especially to hope despite the difficulties. They are truly disciples of the Holy Spirit, who is constantly opening doors and windows, pulling down walls, breaking chains, freeing up borders. As the Church grew there were problems, but there were always solutions. However, it took long discussions to come to the truth about recognising God’,s freedom of action and that there were no obstacles to hinder him from reaching peoples’, hearts, no matter what their moral or religious background. God knows their hearts and, giving even pagans the gift of the Spirit, he admitted them to salvation. “,For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.”, So proclaimed the first formal gathering in the Church that we now call the Council of Jerusalem. (Acts 15.28) This is how you should seek to express yourselves on this synodal path. If the Spirit is not there it will be a diocesan parliament, but not a synod. We are not making a diocesan parliament, we are not making a study on this or that topic. No, we are undertaking a journey to listen to one another and to listen to the Holy Spirit. To discuss together and to discuss with the Holy Spirit, which is also a way of praying. Turning to the synodal process, the diocesan stage is very important because it enables listening to the whole of the baptised people of God, who are infallible in belief. However, the “,walking together”, cannot be reduced to garnering opinions and distinguishing between minorities and majorities. How often have “,the rejected”, become “,the cornerstone”, or the “,distant”, become “,close”,? The marginalised, the poor, those without hope have been chosen as the sign, the sacrament of Christ. So, are the poor, the beggars, the young drug addict, all those that society rejects, are they part of the Synod? Yes, because this is what the Lord is telling us. They are part of the Church. Without them the synod will not be a true synod. It is so important to feel part of one great people ready to receive the divine promise. However, to be part of the People of God is not about privilege, but about gift. God’,s universal saving will is that, by means of the Church, all can become God’,s children. The Holy Spirit knows no borders. Don’,t limit yourselves to only engaging with those who think as you do. Allow all to enter. Let yourselves be questioned. Let their questions be your questions. Don’,t be afraid to enter into dialogue and let yourselves be disturbed by the dialogue, it’,s the dialogue of salvation. Don’,t be disenchanted, prepare yourselves for surprises. The Holy Spirit needs you! Listen to him by listening to one another. It will do the Diocese of Middlesbrough good and all the Church, not to reinforce itself only by reforming structures. While this is good, but only as part of something else. We will rediscover ourselves to be a people who want to walk together, among ourselves and with all humanity. In this time of the pandemic, the Lord moves the mission of the Church forward, the Church which is the sacrament of care and compassion. The world has raised its cry, has shown its vulnerability. The world is in need of care and compassion. So, take heart, let’,s move forward, let’,s journey together. A message from Bishop Terry about two special Masses that will be celebrated at St Mary’,s Cathedral this month…, On the Feast of All Souls, Tuesday November 2, there will be a special Mass for all the deceased bishops, priests and deacons of the diocese at St Mary’,s Cathedral at noon. All are invited to come along and join in this celebration. During the lockdowns, we have been unable to celebrate the obsequies of so many of our priests in the way we would have wished. This will be an opportunity to remedy this. The Chapter of Canons will be represented, as will the Presbyteral Council, but all are invited to come along and join in the celebration. I will also celebrate Mass in the cathedral for all who have died in the pandemic and in thanks for medical staff, care workers and family members who have accompanied and assisted them in the last moments of their lives. This will be a good opportunity for us to remember how the Church has always assisted those who are dying with prayer, with the presence of loved ones, through our sacramental life and offering comfort and consolation to those on the last steps of their earthly pilgrimage. This Mass will take place on Sunday November 7 at 5pm. I encourage as many as possible to take part in this Mass by being physically present or on livestream if they are prevented by sickness or disability. I want to emphasise that our churches are very safe places and I want to urge you to be truly present at this Mass as we restore the Eucharist to the centre of our lives and as we approach Advent, the time when the Sunday obligation will begin again. Bishop Terry Bishop to celebrate November Masses Bishop Terry blesses the graves of his predecessor bishops outside St Mary’,s Cathedral ahead of the 2014 Mass for deceased bishops and clergy –, Photo by Les Clark Pope Francis wants everyone to take part in the synodal process –, Photo by Chris Booth

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Mick was due to turn 86 this month and his fellow knights were planning a celebration where he would also have been presented with a scroll that was made to mark 60 years in the order. The following words from Brother Martin Allinson of the KSC were read out by Council 29 Grand Knight Andrew Gardner at a Mass that was celebrated in the cathedral on the evening of Mick’,s death…, Brother Mick was a man of true devotion. His service to the diocese and the order was, quite rightly, acknowledged by him being awarded the Benemerenti medal. He offered many years of wonderfully loyal service to the Lady Chapel at Mount Grace, where he and his sister Mary were part of the fabric. He delivered the Voice around the diocese month in, month out, never seeking attention –, just quietly getting on with it, although not without a few road traffic accidents and mishaps along the way! During the visit of the relics of St Thé,rè,se of Liseux, while a rota of duty was being arranged, Mick indicated he’,d be late to the cathedral on the Friday, as he was delivering the Voice . He duly arrived upon completion of his tour of the diocese and remained at the cathedral throughout the night with the relics –, quietly there, doing what was needed. He will surely be remembered for his gentle and kind approach, his fierce determination, his unwillingness to seek help and his unflinching service to his faith. May he rest in peace. Our Lady of Mount Grace, pray for him. St Columba, pray for him. Blessed Nicholas Postgate, pray for him. November 2021 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 3 NEWS RAYMOND FRIEL, chief executive officer of Caritas Social Action Network, introduces the resources produced to help us mark the fifth World Day of the Poor, on Sunday November 14 2021…, World Day of the Poor was initiated by Pope Francis in 2017 with the theme of “,Let us love, not with words but with deeds”,. Christians are called to follow the example of Jesus in loving God and neighbour, especially the most vulnerable. Pope Francis reminds us that, “,If we truly wish to encounter Christ, we have to touch his body in the suffering bodies of the poor.”, Developing a culture of encounter is a key theme for Pope Francis and an essential counter-witness to what he describes as a culture of waste and indifference, which casts aside human beings who are not considered to be productive or useful. This year’,s theme is, “,For the poor you have always with you”,, from the words of Jesus at the Anointing in Bethany just before his Passion. The incident is described in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and John. Jesus is not saying we should not work to alleviate poverty. In Mark’,s account, Jesus says that we can show kindness to the poor whenever we wish. In John’,s account, the principal objection to the use of costly perfume to anoint Jesus comes from Judas, but John makes clear that Judas had no love for the poor and was a thief. He stole from the common purse. His words said one thing, his actions another. The Christian tradition is realistic about human beings. We are good but flawed, wounded by sin. We do not believe in utopia in this life. There will always be poverty and injustice, but we are called to reduce its impact wherever we can. The Pope says the encounter with the poor is more than just charity, or acts of benevolence, important as they are. It should be a genuine sharing, an establishment of community, a desire to get to know those who may have been invisible to us. It is not enough to work for the relief of poverty. In Fratelli Tutti, we are called upon to challenge the structural causes of poverty. In our society, there is widespread injustice. Many people do not have what they need to live a dignified and fulfilled life, while others have far more than they need. This is not a natural state of affairs, but the result of policy, which means it can be changed. Poverty comes in many guises. We do not always see the desperate material poverty that is evident in other countries, but it is there. In 2019, according to a report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2.4m people in the UK, including 500,000 children, experienced destitution during the year –, in other words, they did not have enough to live on. We also have people who experience the poverty of isolation and loneliness, homelessness, modern-day slavery, trafficking, relational poverty, the experience of being abused or the victim of violence. These circumstances are often drivers of material poverty or the result of material poverty. The Gospel calls us to a conversion of heart, which, as Pope Francis says in this year’,s message for the World Day of the Poor, “,Consists primarily in opening our hearts to recognising the many forms of poverty and manifesting the Kingdom of God through a lifestyle consistent with the faith we profess.”, The resources we have gathered in collaboration with Redemptorist Publications are a way of deepening our encounter with those who are poor, of examining our conscience about our lifestyles and how our faith is expressed in loving action. In his message in 2017, the Pope asked Catholic communities to engage in acts of encounter and concrete expressions of charity in the week preceding the World Day of the Poor. The focus is not fundraising, but encounter, accompaniment and change. A See-Judge-Act exercise is designed primarily for group use in a parish or a school to discern what actions might be taken. Do we know our community? Who do we “,see”, there, who do we not see, what is the Holy Spirit prompting us to do? A novena is offered to help us to prayerfully encounter in scripture God’,s constant care for the poor and desire for more just relations in the community. Our society has been shaken by a pandemic. The poverty in our communities has been exposed and the hardest hit are those who were already in poverty. Other types of poverty are on the increase, such as mental ill health, domestic violence and food poverty. For 2,000 years ago, the Christian community has been known for its service to the poor. This is needed now more than ever. The world is looking for hope. To access the World Day of the Poor resources, visit csan.org.uk/worlddayofthepoor/ Preparing ourselves for World Day of the Poor Staff at the Curial Office were saddened to hear of the death of Mick Campbell on October 4. Mick was a familiar face to many in the diocese, as an active member of the Knights of St Columba (KSC) and especially for his dedication to the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Grace, which he would help prepare for Mass each Saturday afternoon. For many years he also delivered the Catholic Voice to parishes throughout the north of the diocese, collecting bundles from the Curial Office each month and setting off on his long circuit of Teesside and North Yorkshire. The mileage payments he received from the diocese were all handed over to support the work of KSC Council 29. We are full of gratitude to Mick for his remarkable contribution to ensuring that as many people as possible received their regular copy of the paper. His cheerful nature will be missed and his willingness to quite literally go the extra mile for others will not be forgotten. The Editor Knights mourn loss of dedicated Mick Warm words after 60 years of service Mick receiving his Benemerenti medal from Bishop Terry Mick Campbell pictured on pilgrimage in Rome in 2011

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4 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + November 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 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 After an enforced absence in 2020, Province 5 Catenians managed to stage this year`s Public Speaking Competition via Zoom. In a celebration of the talents of young people in our area, brothers were delighted to witness the verbal delivery skills of Armani Rauf, who was runner-up in the Key Stage 4 category. Armani spoke with clarity, eloquence and knowledge about Margaret Attwood’,s dystopian novel The Handmaid’,s Tale. Armani, a pupil at Trinity Catholic Sixth FormCollege, Middlesbrough received a Catenians £,50 award for her excellent performance. Armani delivers in style to earn Catenian prize Trinity Catholic College pupil Armani Rauf was handed her prize by head of year Fiona Harrington after impressing judges in Province 5 Catenians’, public speaking contest Pupils at St Mary’,s College in Hull undertook a fundraising mission in the summer term to help Kingston Junior Academy in Kenya in their quest to get their remaining classrooms hooked up to the main electric grid. As part of the school’,s International Week celebrations, students, staff and families raised a magnificent total of £,1,574.58, which was then backed with a further £,1,000 from Barclays Bank. Electricity will open up greater opportunities for the Kenyan pupils, including the internet and computing throughout the school. Trevor Roberts, a local supporter of Kingston Junior Academy, wrote to St Mary’,s after the fundraiser to say: “,I just wanted to express my gratitude for the fantastic fundraising that St Mary’,s has recently completed for our school In Kenya. “,Please pass on our thanks to all staff, pupils and parents who supported your International Week events. These funds will have a huge impact. “,I look forward to updating you on how the funds are spent, and what a tremendous difference they will make to our pupils. Fantastic fundraising like this truly ensures the sustainability of our school.”, St Mary’,s will work continue to find ways to support Kingston Junior Academy as part of their commitment to supporting God’,s global community. Naomi Bedworth and Santi Berry Fundraising pupils do a power of good Children from the Kingston Junior Academy in Kenya, who are being supported by St Mary’,s College in Hull 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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November 2021 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 5 SCHOOLS Staff and pupils at St Patrick’,s Catholic College in Thornaby are celebrating after the school was judged to be Good in all areas by Ofsted, having previously been given an Inadequate rating in 2018. Inspectors visited the Baysdale Road site in September and concluded that St Patrick’,s is now Good in terms of overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management. The findings mean the school –, part of the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT) family of 27 schools throughout Teesside and North Yorkshire –, is no longer in special measures. The glowing report says that there have been dramatic improvements in the quality of teaching, welfare and behaviour since the appointments of Michael Burns as executive headteacher and Deborah Law as head of school. “,St Patrick’,s Catholic College has improved substantially since its last inspection,”, it says. “,Pupils are rightly proud of their school. They enjoy attending school. “,Senior leaders have made many changes to make the school better, including changes to the curriculum. The quality of education that pupils receive is good. “,The curriculum is broad and ambitious. It captures the interest of pupils and motivates them to do well. This is leading to pupils knowing and remembering more in most subjects.”, Mr Burns, a former pupil at the school who was born and bred in Thornaby, said it’,s a proud day for the whole community. “,I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication that staff and pupils at St Patrick`s have shown,”, he said. “,The support from our trust, governors, parents and wider community has helped us to rapidly improve our school. In St Patrick’,s, Thornaby now has a school our parents, staff and pupils can be rightly proud of.”, The inspectors said behaviour is a strength, with the school’,s Catholic ethos supporting pupils’, personal development. The school’,s reading curriculum was found to be well thought out and organised, resulting in a love of reading among the 494 pupils. Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) was also found to be effective. NPCAT CEO Hugh Hegarty said: “,I am delighted with this news. St Patrick`s pupils and community can be rightly proud. “,Our staff have been magnificent in ensuring that the challenges associated with taking a school out of special measures have been met head-on and all their efforts and persistence has been acknowledged in this report. “,When I asked Michael to take on the role of executive headteacher at St Patrick`s I was acutely aware of his determination to succeed. The news of the Ofsted judgement means so much to Michael, both professionally and personally, and all the praise is deserved. “,I must also pay tribute to the school leadership team and the role played by Deborah Law, the head of school. “,The work of NPCAT senior standards officer Angela White and her team of curriculum directors is making significant differences in the learning experiences of all pupils and this impact can be seen at every layer.”, Thornaby school celebrates glowing Ofsted report

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6 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + November 2021 SCHOOLS The eyes of the world will turn to Glasgow this month as world leaders from 187 countries gather for the COP26 climate change talks. CAFOD hopes they will agree concrete commitments and finances to address the issues and help the communities that are most affected to mitigate the devastating effects the changing climate is having, as we shared in last month’,s article, our Climate Crisis Appeal. At the G7 meeting in June in Falmouth, CAFOD unveiled our Eyes of the World banner, which was used by young people to highlight their concerns for the world and the changing climate. Since then, the banner has been travelling up the country to its final destination at the summit. Young people and schoolchildren have carried it in various locations, including throughout our diocese, as an outward display of their concerns. Six schools took part to show their solidarity and express their concerns. They want our political leaders to listen to them and to participate positively in the climate discussions and to offer realistic ways of addressing the issues. A pupil from St Joseph’,s Catholic Primary School, Middlesbrough, said: “,We are calling on the Prime Minister and other world leaders to take action on climate change. The actions of the richest are having a devastating impact on the lives of the poorest, and this must stop. It is time to act now!”, When asked why they were taking part in the campaign, a pupil from St Augustine’,s Catholic Primary School in Middlesbrough said: “,To help save the world from climate change and to make the world a better place so we can earn our planet back and have a better future.”, Martin Macaulay, executive headteacher of St Augustine’,s, and St Gerard’,s, who also took part, said: “,Throughout their childhood, young people have heard the increasingly stark warnings about the impact of climate change and they are making their voices heard in terms of demanding that world leaders act now. “,Through the Eyes of the World campaign, young people are directly telling world leaders they are watching them to make sure they end the climate crisis. Our pupils and other young people are acting on Pope Francis’, call in Laudato Si’, to care for our world and protect the environment as part of the common good.”, St Patrick’,s Catholic College in Thornaby also backed the campaign. St Patrick’,s pupil Destiny said: “,I’,m taking part to put my faith into action and create a better future. I would like world leaders to invest more in the people who need it rather than the wealthy.”, And Tia said: “,I care about the people who need help and support in the world, as I believe all God’,s children should be equal. I believe world leaders should take more interest and get more involved with people who are less fortunate.”, Evie said: “,I’,m taking part because I want to make a difference, as I know that people of our community aren’,t as fortunate as some.”, Pupils at St Francis Xavier School in Richmond also demanded their voices be heard. School chaplain Liz Sanders said: “,They care passionately about the environment and sustainable living. But it was after watching the Eyes of the World video that some students felt inspired to take part in this campaign. “,They were shocked to learn that it is the poorest countries –, the blameless countries –, who are suffering the most and they were moved to do something about this. By taking part in the Eyes of the World campaign, we hope the voices of young people everywhere will be heard, and that global leaders will be convinced to make the changes we need to build a brighter future.”, Young people from the Growing in Faith Together (GIFT) team at All Saints School in York gathered outside York Minster and shared their concerns with Radio York reporter Cara Thorpe, including a very moving poem written by Sophie, who is just 12 years old. Their interviews were broadcast on the afternoon’,s Jeremy Buxton’,s programme. Headteacher Sharon Keelan-Beardsley said: “,It’,s vital that students and young people are at the core of the campaign, as it’,s their future in other people`s hands. This campaign helps to empower the young people to take a stand and demand action and change so that a fair future can be developed for and experienced by all, not just the wealthiest.”, We at CAFOD ask for your prayers for our leaders and those who will join them at COP26, that the Holy Spirit will inspire them with courage and open their hearts and their minds to really listen to and hear the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor and respond with positive actions backed by the necessary finances to ensure a brighter future for all. Carol Cross CAFOD Community Participation Coordinator Children join campaign to end the climate crisis Pupils from St Augustine’,s and St Gerard’,s Catholic primary schools in Middlesbrough with executive headteacher Martin Macaulay and Monsignor Gerard Robinson Pupils at St Joseph’,s Catholic Primary School in Middlesbrough A delegation from All Saints School in York outside York Minster with the CAFOD banner –, Photo by Lars Karlsson Children from St Patrick’,s Catholic College in Thornaby displaying the CAFOD banner alongside head of school Deborah Law and chaplain Alison Fisk Children from St Francis Xavier School in Richmond

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November 2021 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 7 SCHOOLS “,Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home.”, –, Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti RE ambassadors from the seven primaries from St Cuthbert’,s VC Academy in Hull worked with CAFOD volunteer Dominic Ryan and Caitlin Boyle, from Caritas Westminster, who were both members of CAFOD’,s G7 Young Adult Delegation. They spoke to the children about their G7 experiences, such as taking part in interfaith reflections on the climate and protesting alongside many other groups at a Surfers Against Sewage event. They told how they travelled to Cornwall to champion global vaccine equality and a green global recovery from the pandemic, taking their campaigns to the centre of global decision-making. The children spoke about how they have been getting involved in CAFOD’,s Eyes of the World campaign, imagining a world in which action against climate change has led to healthier living and sustainable futures. The children’,s work emphasised that the world is our common home, to be enjoyed by all and to be cared for by all. Ethan, from Endsleigh Holy Child Catholic Primary School, said: “,I liked the session because we could share ideas about helping people in other countries and also how we could stop pollution. I’,ve started to ride my bike more. It’,s a really important message to share so we can help others be more thoughtful and caring.”, Another Endsleigh pupil, Gabby, added: “,It was good to speak to other people who want to make a difference. I had more to say than I thought because it really made me think”,. Reflecting on their work, Dominic said: “,The children at St Cuthbert’,s showed great intrigue for the issues and asked very thought-provoking questions about how they could get more involved. “,It was fantastic to see the children engaging with such large topics and the concept of social responsibility from such a young age.”, Hull pupils share ideas to make a better world Ethan and Gabby, from Endsleigh Holy Child Catholic Primary School in Hull, shared their ideas about how to create a better world Parishioners from St Aelred’,s in York enjoyed a peaceful visit to Aelred’,s Grange in Upper Nidderdale. After meeting up for refreshments, they continued to Aelred’,s Grange, where we were welcomed by our host, Professor Dianna Bowles. Mass was celebrated by Father Kevin Melody O Carm in the open air, with folding seats and straw bales provided for seating and a temporary altar in the sunshine. Postgraduate students from York University and parishioners from Pateley Bridge also joined us for Mass. Afterwards, we enjoyed the beautiful surroundings where Dianna keeps her Herdwick Sheep. Kath Stubbs Parishioners enjoy peaceful country visit The Legion of Mary’,s Scarborough praesidium celebrated 100 years since the organisation’,s foundation with Mass followed by Rosary led by members and a celebratory gathering in the parish centre. Our picture shows members with parish priest Canon Eddie Gubbins. If you would like to advertise please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 2 48225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org

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8 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + November 2021 NEWS A Letter From Madonna House –, The peace of the Lord be with you always These words, “,The peace of the Lord be with you always,”, are proclaimed at every Mass during the Communion Rite. Recently, I have become astounded at the magnitude of that prayer: what is being offered is nothing short of the “,peace which the world cannot give”, (John 14:27). During the Last Supper, as Jesus revealed to his disciples that they would be hated by the world, persecuted, and some even killed, he assured them of an unshakable and enduring peace: “,Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you…, Do not let your hearts be troubled”, (John 14:27). I long for this peace. So many today are yearning for this peace. We have grown tired of the ongoing Covid saga, we feel powerless over the rising tensions between various peoples and nations, we don’,t know how to navigate the increasingly rapid changes in our social and cultural landscape. There are financial insecurities, climate concerns and interpersonal struggles. Some voices promise a modicum of security in these troubled times, but we know deep down that no human solution (even if worthy of support) can provide lasting peace. Only Jesus can give us this peace. And, we can only receive it by remaining in him: “,If you remain in me …, you may ask for whatever you please and you will get it”, (John 15:7). When I remain in Jesus, trusting in his sure guidance, then I do know peace, a deep peace that nothing in this world can take away. My problem, though, is that I don’,t always remain in him. I rest for a moment in the Lord’,s embrace, but then I get up and go my own way. I begin charging through my day, navigating any challenges by my own strength. I look for security in one or another of the lovely creaturely goods that our Lord has given me, forgetting the one who gave me this good. Or I turn to another person, seeking the kind of love and security that only my Lord can provide. I can believe some lie about myself or another person, or I can get caught up in some fear about some eventuality, all of which takes me outside of the secure embrace of my loving Lord. It seems to me that these interior struggles and sins are the true obstacles to resting in the peace the world cannot give. So it seems to me that my daily (or rather hourly) repentance and turning back to Jesus is the only sure path to resting in his peace. The great thing is that the more I do this, the easier it becomes and the more I trust that Jesus is delighted that I run to him as a little child, inviting him into my most recent failing. The Lord Jesus is offering me his peace at every moment. It is meant to be mine always. I only need to turn back to him, let him in, and receive again the peace which the world cannot give. Father Michael Weitl St Thomas More’,s Church in Middlesbrough hosted the first of eight pro-life missions that are set to be delivered by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) across the UK over the next year. Supported by the Middlesbrough branch, a team of SPUC staff delivered a packed week of presentations and personal testimonies to supporters from across Teesside, as well as talks in schools and an information session for clergy. SPUC youth outreach officer Eden Linton spoke powerfully about offering practical and emotional support to women in crisis pregnancy situations. Her own personal account of having a sibling with a rare, serious genetic disorder provided the context for a moving presentation that encouraged the audience to speak up courageously in defence of life. The team also took the pro-life message to the streets of Middlesbrough town centre, supported by SPUC activists from the local area, to tell members of the public about the potential risks of at-home abortions and to spread the word about the important work being undertaken by Abortion Recovery Care and Helpline (ARCH). ARCH director Louise Grant addressed clergy about post- abortion recovery, informing them how they can signpost people towards the helpline. SPUC education and outreach manager Emmet Dooley delivered pro-life presentations to more than 200 pupils at St Peter’,s Catholic College in South Bank and Sacred Heart Catholic Secondary School in Redcar. The highlight of the mission was a eucharistic healing service celebrated by Father Dominique Minskip, parish priest of St Thomas More’,s, for those who have experienced any form of baby or infant loss. The mission concluded on the Feast of St Thé,rè,se of Lisieux (October 1) with Mass and an opportunity for married couples to renew their wedding vows. It was a great blessing to have relics of St Thé,rè,se’,s parents, St Louis and St Zelie Martin, present on the altar during the Mass. The mission was a very special occasion, bringing together loyal SPUC supporters and friends from across the North-East in a spirit of prayer and solidarity in support of unborn children and their mothers. It’,s set to be an exciting year ahead for SPUC as we take the pro-life message to churches, schools and streets around the UK. If you’,re interested in hosting a similar event in your area, please email terrygraham@spuc.org.uk. Terry Graham SPUC Northern Development Officer Mission takes pro-life message to the streets SPUC northern development office Terry Graham holding the relics of St Louis and St Zelie Martin and his baby son, Joseph Canon John Lumley is pictured holding the baby after Joachim Nestor’,s baptism at St Gabriel’,s Church in Ormesby, Middlesbrough. A week later, Canon John celebrated the parish’,s first wedding Mass since the end of lockdown, as Joachim’,s aunt, Eloise Lombard, married Ryan Hall. The wedding, which had an autumn theme, had been postponed last year. The picture was taken by Alex Wright, of Lourdes photographer Lacaze, who had flown over especially for the service. Eloise is one of our Lourd es nurses and new husband Ryan is a brancardier, and the couple are also Catholic Fellowship helpers.

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November 2021 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 9 NEWS Parishioners travelled from all parts of the diocese for an emotional party at St Alphonsus, Middlesbrough, to say farewell to Father Pat Day as he retired home to his native Derry. The well-wishers included a coachload from Hull, where Father Pat served for many years before returning to the north of the diocese, initially at St Gabriel’,s, Ormesby. Parishioners served a sumptuous buffet and entertainment included Irish dancers, music from Dave Mackin and Dave Hawkins and even a reunion of the legendary Chancy Brothers –, Canon Eddie Gubbins, Father Pat Keogh and Deacon Pat Thomas. The clergy supergroup –, who previously brought the house down with their performance at charity’,s concerts including Rocking in the Aisles –, were joined by Father Peter Ryan and then Father Pat himself as guest singers. The evening ended with presentations from grateful parishioners to Father Pat, whose t- shirt for the evening said it all –, “,I love my white-collar job!”,. Thank you for your many years for service throughout the diocese, Father Pat –, we wish you a long and very happy retirement. Canon Stephen Maughan, parish priest of Scared Heart in the Parish of St Patrick, Middlesbrough, will now take responsibility for St Alphonsus. Emotional farewell as Father Pat retires If you would like to advertise please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 2 48225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org Father Pat’,s weekly newsletters have become a must-read for people in North Ormesby and far beyond in recent years, packed with thoughtful reflections and news from the community. Old habits die hard, and Father Pat recently sent this letter to his old congregation…, Greetings from my new home here right up in the north-west of Northern Ireland and a couple of miles from the border –, which means I have to carry sterling in one pocket and euros in the other! It has its advantages, there are things cheaper and dearer on either side of the border, so we just cross back and forth to shop. I’,m still surrounded by boxes and papers and the like. What have I been doing since I got here? Answering Whats Apps and texts and emails for starters. I don’,t mind that at all, shows that people still remember me. Catching up on the garden, lots to do there. Tidying the house, in case visitors arrive –, there already have been threatening phone calls from across the water! Just when I decided to leave, I read that Middlesbrough has been ranked number 1 in the UK for happiness, beating large metropolitan areas such as Manchester and London. People have been asking me if there would be any newsletters on the horizon. Sadly, there won’,t be any news about the lovely and long-suffering parishioners from St Alphonsus and St Pius –, I can hear sighs of relief already. An old priest once told me you shouldn’,t retire in the wintertime. All you have to look forward to for months are the dark evenings and cold and wet weather. That’,s what I’,m facing here. But, with family and good friends surrounding me, and faraway friends keeping in regular contact, I’,m surviving. I’,m getting lots of walking in, often a couple of hours each day. Derry is blest with a great choice of walks, especially along the River Foyle. When we were children, Daddy used to take us down to the quays every Sunday afternoon and we’,d watch the boats loading and unloading, coal, timber, potatoes, Indian corn and the A letter from Derry likes, all by hand. And there were the ferries, the Glasgow and Heysham boats, carrying both passengers and cattle. And, of course, Derry has a complete set of 16th century city walls, another very popular walking destination. I shouldn’,t say too much otherwise everyone will want to pay me a visit! I could ramble on forever, as you all well know at St Alphonsus, but I’,ll stop here. Till the next time, stay safe and well and keep in touch. Father Pat Olivia from Year 5 at St Alphonsus` Catholic Primary School is a keen obsever as Father Pat cuts his cake The Chancy Brothers –, Deacon Pat Thomas, Father Pat Keogh and Canon Eddie Gubbins with guest Father Pat Day –, Photos by Michael McMorrow

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10 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + November 2021 NEWS Like everywhere else, on March 24 2020 the Curial Office was hit by the national lockdown. While some preparations had fallen into place before the Prime Minister’,s announcement, the office was forced to close with immediate effect. Heads of department held an urgent meeting to understand which services would be critical throughout the pandemic. A skeleton staff was pulled together and arrangements were made for them to work at home as much as possible. This included safeguarding, schools, property and finance. Some staff were asked to take up the offer of furlough if their roles could not be carried out away from the office. Initially, the Curia would open for just half a day per week during the lockdown, to enable the few tasks that could not be completed at home to be carried out, and just a handful of staff would come in. Hand sanitiser and social distancing became the norm. And, of course, we had a crash course in Zoom! With churches closed, you might expect the Curia to be quiet. However, this was not the case. Each day, reams of guidance and information was collated and circulated around the diocese. Nothing seemed to stay the same for more than a few days. Behind the scenes, planning began for when and how parishes would reopen at the end of the first lockdown. Health and safety became the priority and property manager Sharon Westcough ordered and distributed PPE in anticipation. Floor plans were drawn up and checked, volunteers were drafted in and it looked as if things might just get back to normal from July. The Curia opened for three days a week when the first lockdown eased, but unfortunately the new normal was short-lived, and lockdown number two arrived after just a few months. Thankfully, churches could remain open this time if the parish priest was happy, but with strict guidelines in place. Track and trace entered our lives, along with the two-metre rule, hands, face, space –, and no singing! The Curia went back to one day a week opening but was providing as much back-up to the parishes as it could. The schools’, department was receiving ever-changing guidance on how to open/close/reopen schools and it was difficult to keep up. Then came the different alert levels around the country, meaning that some parts of the diocese were in 1, 2 or 3, then level 4 appeared in the autumn before a third national lockdown began just into the new year. The usual annual diary events were either cancelled or became virtual. Easter celebrations were live-streamed from an empty cathedral. Lourdes was a virtual pilgrimage, as was Walsingham. Masses over Christmas had to be booked at many churches. The clergy retreat was held via Zoom for two years running. But over the weeks and months, some of the new ways of working became a positive, rather than a negative. Zoom meant meetings would have 100 per cent attendance rates. Travel expenses and subsistence were unnecessary with online meetings. The Dial-a- Mass service was launched and became a great success, with callers dialling in from all over the world. Even the Curia staff Christmas get together was via Zoom. While there was no turkey dinner, there was a quiz and a fancy dress contest, and it meant staff who might not have seen each other for many months could say hello to each other. In the new year, once it was apparent that lockdown was going to be with us for some time, staff arranged a monthly online social hour and quiz, an opportunity to put the pressures of work to one side for a short while. All staff are now back in the office after the furlough scheme came to an end. Social distancing and face coverings are still with us, and most face-to-face meetings have yet to be re-introduced. Some measures will remain, and some will disappear eventually. Some new staff have joined the Curia team, including two dedicated Health and Safety advisors, who have been invaluable during the unlocking phase. Sarah Holmes Lockdown at the Curial Office The deserted Curial Office pictured during lockdown Bishop Terry joined staff gathered in the Curial Office to say farewell to diocesan safeguarding coordinator Mick Walker. After nine years in the role, Mick left on October 20 to take up a new role with the Catholic Safeguarding Agency. “,I would like to thank Mick publicly for his hard work and dedication to safeguarding, both in the diocese and in the wider Church,”, said the chief operating officer, Deacon Peter Warren. “,Mick has been an important presence in the office over the last nine years and will be sadly missed. We wish him well in his next role.”, Mick said he had thoroughly enjoyed his time working for the diocese and looked forward to returning in his new job. Interviews are due to be carried out for Mick’,s successor as safeguarding coordinator. Mick takes up new national safeguarding role Diocesan COO Peter Warren with Mick Walker and Bishop Terry Roman Catholic Diocese of Middlesbrough DIOCESAN DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS Salary Circa £,75 000 Required April or September 2022, depending on successful candidate’,s preference The Bishop of Middlesbrough, the Rt Rev Bishop Terence Patrick Drainey, is seeking to appoint a practising Catholic to the position of Diocesan Director of Schools. Leading the Diocesan Schools Service Department, you will be an experienced, high-quality leader with a secure understanding of Catholic education, who is ready to apply their skills and knowledge to this vital role. The Director of Schools will work directly to the Bishop to ensure the Bishop’,s vision for Catholic education is lived out in all Diocesan schools where children and young people will know and love Christ, access excellent Catholic education and share their encounter with others. The Director of Schools will provide guidance and direction on Diocesan policy to schools and Trusts, and lead on securing the Bishop’,s oversight on the performance of all Diocesan schools. The Director will liaise with national bodies on behalf of the Bishop including the DfE, Ofsted, RSC and the CES. The Director will also lead a team of Diocesan Inspectors to undertake the statutory Catholic Schools Inspections of all Diocesan schools. Working with the Diocesan Deputy Director of Schools, the Director of Schools will develop and implement the Bishop’,s Religious Education programme by providing direct training and support across all 53 Diocesan schools. With the Diocesan Director for Standards and Catholic Leadership Development, the Director will also support the formation and development of future Catholic leaders, providing guidance and CPD, in addition to fulfilling the role of Diocesan recruitment adviser on the recruitment processes for reserved posts. For further information and an ‘,in confidence’, conversation about the role please contact Kevin Duffy, Diocesan Director of Schools on 01642 850515. An opportunity to visit to some of our schools could also be arranged. This post is offered under Diocesan Terms and Conditions but for eligible applicants, continued entry into the Teachers Pension Scheme can be sought if desired. A full Job Description, Person Specification and Application Form can be downloaded from the Diocesan Schools Service website www.middlesbroughdioceseschoolsservice.org.uk/ KEY DATES Closing Date: Noon Monday 8th November Interviews: Friday 19th November Please return completed applications to educationadmin@rcdmidd.org.uk

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November 2021 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 11 LOURDES 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 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. The Association of Lourdes Pilgrimage Directors of Great Britain will gather in our diocese for their annual three-day conference this month. On the agenda will be a wide rang of issues in relation to the organisation of pilgrimages in this time of Covid regulation. The conference will also look at questions that have been put to the Lourdes authorities that will address any concerns we may have. You are all invited to a conference Mass at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough, on Wednesday November 17 at 5.30pm. It would be lovely to see as many people there as possible to celebrate this Mass with other diocesan Lourdes representatives. Lourdes directors meet for annual conference We are asking you to register your interest for our 2022 pilgrimage. It’,s important in these early planning stages to 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 planned for Monday May 30 to Friday July 3. Anyone who may be interested in travelling is asked to contact the following…, 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 Plans underway for Lourdes 2022 Bishop Terry leading the diocese in the Marian Torchlight Procession

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12 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + November 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. 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 Deadline Friday November 5 for out December 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. Tuesday 2 Noon: Bishop Terry celebrates Mass at St Mary’,s Cathedral for all deceased bishops, priests and deacons of the diocese. Friday 5 Events and articles for the Catholic Voice are due in today 2pm: Slate-Coloured Gowns and Hoods: The Bar Convent Story. A free online lecture on the convent’,s history with Sister Patricia Harriss CJ. To register, visit Eventbrite.co.uk, switch the filter on the left to “,search for online events”, and then enter “,Bar Convent York”, in the search bar. 6pm to Sunday November 6 at 2pm: Hope for the Earth retreat at Minsteracres Retreat Centre in Northumberland. Patrick Woodhouse, Jonathon Hewitt and the Minsteracres Retreat Centre team will explore the climate and ecological crisis during the weekend. To book, visit minsteracres.org/retreats. Saturday 6 All day: Synod Co-ordinator’,s Day, Burn Hall Sunday 7 5pm: Bishop Terry celebrates Mass for all who have died in the pandemic and in thanks for medical staff, care workers and families. Sunday 14 World Day of the Poor Monday 15 7pm: Free talk by Sally Axworthy MBE, “,Peripheries and Pilgrimages: my five years as ambassador to the Holy See”, in the Bar Convent’,s Bedingfield Room. Call 01904 424219 or email sarahannsheils@gmail.com to book. Wednesday 17 5.30pm: The Association of Lourdes Pilgrimage Directors of Great Britain Annual Conference Mass, St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough. All welcome. 7.30pm: Cleveland Newman Circle meets in St Mary’,s Cathedral Hall, Middlesbrough for “,The Glasgow Climate Change Conference: Did it give us signposts?”,, the second of two discussions about climate change. All welcome. Contact Stephen Merckx at sandamerckx@btinternet.com or call 01642 700793. Tuesday 30–,Tuesday December 21 (except Sundays) The Bar Convent at Christmas. Festive activities for all. Booking not needed for exhibition or chapel. Trail included in exhibition admission, chapel visits free. Christmas lunches can be booked in advance. Out &, About around the diocese Members of St Aelred’,s Foundation of the Union of Catholic Mothers were delighted to once again visit the Shrine of St Margaret Clitherow in York for evening Mass. The visits had been a regular part of their programme, but this was their first Mass there since the relaxing of Covid restrictions. Parish priest Father Bill Serplus celebrated Mass, which was followed by a fish and chip supper. Kath Stubbs St Aelred’,s return to shrine for Mass St Aelred’,s UCM members at the Shrine of St Margaret Clitherow

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November 2021 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 13 NEWS The Bar Convent in York is celebrating its 335th birthday this month with an online talk about its fascinating history. “,Slate-Coloured Gowns and Hoods: The Bar Convent Story”, recalls when the first ten members moved into the house it was probably known only as “,Mrs Long’,s house”,. Who was Mrs Long, and why did she hide her real name? Why did the community hide its religious identity for over 100 years? What was daily life like for the ladies and their 40 pupils, and how were they received by their neighbours in York? What happened to them, and to later generations, as the house and school survived dangers and difficulties, grew and changed in the long process of becoming what we know today? Sister Patricia Harriss CJ will answer these and many other questions in a Zoom lecture on Friday November 5 at 2pm. This event is free, but pre-registration is required. Visit Eventbright.co.uk, switch the filter on the left to “,search for online events”, and then enter “,Bar Convent York”, in the search bar. Lecture reveals convent’,s fascinating history The number of pupils taking GCSE Religious Studies in England and Wales fell slightly in 2021, despite previously remaining stable since 2017. The Religious Education Council of England and Wales (REC) and the National Association of Teachers of RE are calling for a national plan after the number of pupils taking GCSE Religious Studies fell slightly in 2021. REC chair Professor Trevor Cooling said: “,Over the past four years we have seen entries level out following the decline from the 2016 peak and we took some encouragement from that. “,However, this year’,s figures sound an alarm bell. The government should act to firmly embed an education in religion and world views in the school curriculum. “,It should fund a national plan for RE to ensure the subject is properly resourced and taught by professionally trained teachers and enact a statement of entitlement to a high-quality education in religion and world views for all pupils.”, Call for national plan as Religious Studies GCSE entries slip Diplomat Sally Axworthy MBE will speak about her experiences of being British Ambassador to the Holy See at an event in York. The talk –, “,Peripheries and Pilgrimages: my five years as ambassador to the Holy See”, –, has been organised by the Bar Convent together with the Newman Association, the National Board of Catholic Women and the Union of Catholic Mothers. It takes place on Monday November 15 at 7pm in the Bedingfield Room at the Bar Convent, York YO24 1AQ. There is no charge, but please call 01904 424219 or email sarahannsheils@gmail.com if you wish to attend. Diplomat speaks of Holy See experiences Cleveland Newman Circle meets on Wednesday November 17 for the second of two discussions about climate change. “,The Glasgow Climate Change Conference: Did it give us signposts?”, begins at 7.30pm 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. Climate change talks under the spotlight 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. Frances Bedingfield (alias Mrs Long) 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 Bored at Work? Feeling undervalued? Looking for new opportunities? David Harper is a fully qualified career and interview coach who can help you take back control of your working life. Achieve the rewards your hard work deserves. Call David on 07507506569 or email info@harper360.com for a totally confidential conversation.

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14 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + November 2021 WORLD NEWS Aid to the Church in Need has donated an emergency aid package worth more than £,424,000 after the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in August. The 7.2 magnitude earthquake wreaked havoc, toppling and damaging buildings. The disaster killed up to 1,300 people and injured more than 5,700, according to provisional information issued by the Haitian Civil Protection Agency. Dr Thomas Heine-Geldern, executive president of ACN (International), said the charity would support the Church as it did after the 2010 earthquake. ACN sends aid to earthquake-hit Haiti Earthquake damage in Haiti Three seminarians who were kidnapped from their college chapel in Nigeria have been released, prompting “,a symphony of praises”, from staff, students, parents, friends and faithful across the country. The fourth-year theology students were set free by their abductors 48 hours after they were taken from Christ the King Seminary, near Kafanchan. In a message sent to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the Catholic charity which supports persecuted and other suffering Christians, Father Emmanuel Uchechukwu Okolo, chancellor of the Diocese of Kafanchan, said: “,With hearts filled with joy, we raise our voices in a symphony of praises as we announce the return of our three major seminarians, who were abducted by armed persons.”, In another message sent to ACN, Father Emmanuel Faweh Kazah, a teacher at the seminary, said Christians were defiant in the face of threats and violence. He said: “,We were beaten but we won’,t stay down. We won’,t allow ourselves to be cowed by threats emanating from men and women of the underworld. “,We will courageously carry the torch of the gospel to the ends of the earth, notwithstanding the barrage of attacks on the Christian faith.”, Hours before the release of the seminarians, Bishop Julius Kundi of Kafanchan, celebrated Mass at the seminary for the start of the academic year and consoled staff and students. He said: “,It is trusting in the Lord that anchors our hearts. We need a strong faith to have a strong heart. And we need that strength now more than ever.”, More than 130 seminarians were on site at Christ the King Seminary when the attackers struck. As well as abducting the three theology students, six other seminarians were injured and were rushed to hospital but were quickly released after being declared in a “,stable”, condition. Christians are under severe pressure in Nigeria from Boko Haram militant Islamists in the north and extremist Fulani fighters. Some Church figures have spoken of a “,slow genocide”,. The crisis is compounded by Nigeria’,s deepening financial problems, which have caused a spike in abductions for ransoms. Church leaders have declared a policy of not paying ransoms. Seminarians released Three of the seminarians who were kidnapped, pictured with two of their seminary professors –, Photo ©, Aid to the Church in Need Patriarch: Christians will be extinct if West does nothing Amid a spiralling economic crisis and an upsurge in violence, a Middle Eastern Patriarch says that the Christian community in Lebanon could soon be extinct if the West fails to help them. During a visit to ACN’,s international headquarters, Syriac Catholic Patriarch Ignatius Joseph III Younan of Antioch and all the East of the Syriacs, said Christian migration from Lebanon urgently needs to be stemmed. Warning of an exodus of faithful from a country where Christians number more than two million, or 35 per cent, he said: “,We are very, very scared that if this crisis continues it will be the end of Christians in Lebanon and the whole of the Near East in a few years. “,Normally when Christians leave, as happened in Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, they don’,t return. “,They ask, ‘,Why should we return when we can’,t guarantee our children a decent life nor religious freedom?’,”, He added: “,One of our clergy went to get a residency permit and an official told him that they issue 5,000 passports a day and that they estimate that at least 3,000 of these are for Christians who then leave. “,We can’,t convince them to stay because they say, ‘,How can we endure this situation? There is no hope for our future.’,. “,You have to look at the problems in Lebanon and tell the politicians that enough is enough.”, Seven people were killed after recent demonstrations in Beirut calling for Judge Tarek Bitar to be removed from the investigation into the August 2020 port explosion which killed more than 200 people and levelled large parts of the city, heavily affecting Christian districts. The country is experiencing a serious economic crisis that has led to spiralling inflation, with more than 50 per cent of the population living below the poverty threshold due to corruption, weak public infrastructure and the pandemic. ACN has provided more than £,5m in aid for Lebanon since the dockside blast, including repairs for church buildings in Beirut’,s Christian quarter. Syriac Catholic Patriarch Ignatius Joseph III Younan –, ©, Aid to the Church in Need

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November 2021 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 15 NEWS From the Archives 100 Years Ago (From Synodal Decrees of the Diocese of Middlesbrough) Position and Duties of the Assistant Priest. While it is the duty of the Parish Priest to see that respect is at all times paid to his authority, it is equally his duty so to exercise it as to obtain of his Assistant Priest, not only a willing obedience to his orders, but a cheerful compliance even, with his wishes: and so to blend the paternal with the fraternal, as to create in him a sincere sympathy with himself, in promoting the various interests, spiritual and temporal, of the Parish. The Parish Priest, it is obvious, has the right to insist upon obedience to all orders in matters in which, by virtue of his office, he is supreme, but it shall not be considered unbecoming in the assistant priest, if he respectfully remonstrate when obedience would be attended with some special and personal hardship. 40 Years Ago (From the Catholic Voice, November 1981) The Bishop of Middlesbrough and the town’,s Mayor took part in a school opening with a difference last night. The new St Paul’,s RC Secondary School was officially opened in the old St Michael’,s School building in Dunstable Road, Middlesbrough. “,It is the opening of a school unlike many other opening as we are a new school in an old building,”, said headmaster Mr Terry Roe. “,The school has, in fact, been operating for seven weeks, but it now has the blessing of the Bishop.”, St Paul’,s is the first two-in-one secondary school in Cleveland and is an amalgamation of St Michael’,s and St Thomas’, secondary schools set up in the former St Michael’,s premises. The Bishop of Middlesbrough, the Right Rev Augustine Harris, led a concelebrated Mass with priests from the parishes which feed into the school. The Mayor, Councillor Norman Swash, and the Chairman of Cleveland County Council, Councillor Arthur Carter, also attended the Mass with priests of the parishes, parents and students. David Smallwood Veronica Tait, a stalwart of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Parish, Saltburn, died at a Redcar nursing home on Monday October 18 after a short bout of ill-health. Veronica was parish sacristan, caring for four successive priests, Father Pat Bluett, Monsignor Bill Carroll, Canon Bill Madden and, behind the scenes, current parish priest Monsignor Ricardo Morgan. The eldest of four sisters and two brothers from Jarrow, Co Durham, and a mother of four, Veronica came to Saltburn from Tyneside with husband Chris in the late 1980s to be near daughter Veronica and son-in-law John Boland. She quickly started to help the parish, as a former army catering sergeant. She continued to live at The Crescent, Saltburn, reading a newspaper every day (the Catholic Universe until it ceased publication last summer) and four books a week. Her presence at daily Mass until early summer will be missed, as will her warm personality. She was the oldest parishioner at 104 and leaves four children, Veronica, Kevin, Chris and Maria. Speaking at Sunday Mass, parishioner Mike Boyes described Veronica as a ",giant", in the parish –, despite her being under five-and-a-half feet tall. The date for her funeral at Our Lady of Lourdes was yet to be fixed at the time of going to press. Michael Morrissey Saltburn stalwart Veronica dies at 104 A retreat will ask how we can all be involved in a different way of living for the future of the planet. Hope for the Earth takes place Minsteracres Retreat Centre in Northumberland, beginning on Friday November 5 at 6pm and ending on Sunday November 7 at 2pm. Patrick Woodhouse, Jonathon Hewitt and the Minsteracres Retreat Centre team will explore the climate and ecological crisis during the weekend. For more information or to book, visit minsteracres.org/retreats. Retreat looks for more sustainable ways of living Volunteer-run Catholic community internet radio station Heavens Road aims to alleviate isolation and loneliness with a lively mix of programmes, including features, talks, the Rosary and other prayers. The station broadcasts 24 hours a day, its website has a selection of podcasts and Mass is broadcast from 20 churches each day. If you would like to support the service, the owners ask for prayers for the success of its mission or donations large or small. Visit heavensroadfm.com to listen or donate. Catholic radio station wants your support Veronica Tate pictured in Lourdes in 2016 –, Photo by Les Clark Year Book 2022 Diocese of Middlesbrough Please contact us to put your order in for the Diocese of Middlesbrough Year Book 2022 edition Call 01440 7 30399 or email: middlesbrough@cathcom.org

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16 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + November 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 Cardinal Vincent Nichols praised murdered MP Sir David Amess for carrying out his vocation as a Catholic in public life with “,generosity and integrity”,. Sir David was stabbed to death in what police are treating as a terrorist related attack as he carried out a constituency surgery in a church on Friday October 15. Cardinal Nichols described the incident as an attack on our democratic process. “,The tragic death of David Amess creates a painful loss in so many lives,”, he said. “,I pray for him, that he be welcomed into the merciful presence of Our Heavenly Father. I pray for his family and friends, those reeling from shock at this time. I pray for his constituents and all those who worked with him in his political career. “,This death throws a sharp light onto the fact that our Members of Parliament are servants of the people, available to people in their need, especially in their constituencies. This horrific attack, as David was undertaking his constituency surgery, is an attack on our democratic process and traditions. “,David carried out his vocation as a Catholic in public life with generosity and integrity. He served in parliament for four decades and was respected by all political parties across the house. His untimely death is a great loss. “,David Amess, as a Catholic, understood the role and importance of the Holy See. It was he who, in 2006, established the All-party Parliamentary Group for relations with Holy See, which includes people from different faiths and beliefs. Over the years he led several parliamentary visits to Rome. “,He was instrumental in the historic visit of Pope Benedict to parliament in 2010 and in the return visit by Her Majesty’,s Government representatives to Rome in the following year. “,He fostered this mutually respectful relationship through meetings with Cardinal Parolin, the Pope’,s secretary of state, and with other Catholic leaders. This contribution is both esteemed and will be sorely missed. I pray for the repose of his soul. May he rest in peace.”, Cardinal: Murdered MP lived out his Catholic vocation Caritas Social Action Network’,s then chief executive Helen O’,Brien with Sir David Amess at a parliamentary reception in Novembe r 2011 –, Photo ©, Mazur/catholicchurch.org.uk 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 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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