November 2023 Issue 494 FREE V OICE Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Bishop’,s Column On the weekend of November 18/19 we celebrate the Seventh Annual World Day of the Poor and the theme this year is taken from the Book of Tobit. Pope Francis sends us all a message for that day. Here follows an extract from that message, but the whole message can be found on the Vatican website (vatican.va) under “,Messages”, and then look for “,World Day of the Poor 2023”,. “,Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor”, (Tob 4:7). These are the words of Tobit to his son Tobias. Tobit embraces his son, Tobias, who is about to set out on a lengthy journey. The elderly Tobit fears he will never again see his son, and so leaves him his “,spiritual testament”,. Tobit had been deported to Nineveh and is now blind, and thus doubly poor. At the same time, he remains always certain of one thing, expressed by his very name: “,The Lord has been my good”,. As a God-fearing man and a good father, he wants to leave his son not simply material riches, but the witness of the right path to follow in life. So, he tells him: “,Revere the Lord all your days, my son, and refuse to sin or to transgress his commandments. Live uprightly all the days of your life, and do not walk in the ways of wrongdoing”, (4:5). We see immediately that what the elderly Tobit asks of his son is not simply to think of God and to call upon him in prayer. He speaks of making concrete gestures, carrying out good works and practising justice. He goes on to state this even more clearly: “,To all those who practice righteousness give alms from your possessions, and do not let your eye begrudge the gift when you make it.”, Tobit, in his time of trial, discovers his own poverty, which enables him to recognise others who are poor. “,Do not turn your face away from anyone who is poor”, (4:7). In a word, whenever we encounter a poor person, we cannot look away, for that would prevent us from encountering the face of the Lord Jesus. May our concern for the poor always be marked by Gospel realism. Our sharing should meet the concrete needs of the other, rather than being just a means of ridding ourselves of superfluous goods. Here too, Spirit-led discernment is demanded, in order to recognise the genuine needs of our brothers and sisters and not our own personal hopes and aspirations. What the poor need is certainly our humanity, our hearts open to love. Let us never forget that “,we are called to find Christ in them, to lend our voice to their causes, but also to be their friends, to listen to them, to speak for them and to embrace the mysterious wisdom which God wishes to share with us through them”, (Evangelii Gaudium, 198). Faith teaches us that every poor person is a son or daughter of God, and that Christ is present in them. “,Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me”, (Mt 25:40). In blessed hope, Pope Francis joined Catholic charities in calling on all Christians and people of other faiths to unite in prayer for peace and for all who have lost their lives in the terrible events in the Holy Land. The Holy Father expressed concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza, asking all parties to lay down their weapons. “,The number of victims is growing and the situation in Gaza is desperate,”, he said, pleading that “,everything possible be done to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe”,. He also drew attention to the unsettling possibility of the conflict`s expansion. “,The world already witnesses so many open war fronts,”, he lamented. “,Lay down weapons and heed the cries for peace from the poor, the people and the innocent children. “,War solves no problems. It only sows death and destruction, increases hatred, multiplies revenge. War erases the future.”, Friends of the Holy Land (FHL) and Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) were among the charities echoing the Pope`s plea, calling for prayers for the release of hostages and for all those living in the Holy Land. “,Please remember in your prayers our Christian brothers and sisters trying to stay safe in Gaza and those in the West Bank and Israel staying at home fearful of the blind rage of the rhetoric of war, retribution and revenge,”, said an FHL spokesperson. “,Pray for a swift ceasefire, a de-escalation to the violence in the wider area and that a path to a lasting peace be identified.”, ACN international executive president Regina Lynch expressed the charity’,s deep concern and sadness. “,Let us pray with faith and trust that God will hear our prayers and grant us his peace,”, she said. “,Let us pray with love and compassion that our prayers will touch the hearts of those involved in the conflict and inspire them to seek peaceful ways. “,Let us pray with hope and perseverance that our prayers will contribute to the building of a better future for the Holy Land, where justice, peace and reconciliation will prevail.”, Ms Lynch expressed the charity’,s solidarity with all those who had lost relatives during the violence, saying ACN felt close to fellow Christians in the region. In a joint statement, the patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem condemned any acts What’,s Inside A warm welcome in Hull Page 6 Tributes to Canon Dan Page 2 Pope calls for prayers as Holy Land crisis deepens The entrance procession through the Holy Door for Mass in the Parish of the Holy Family entrance in Gaza during a visit of bishops in 2016 –, ©, Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk Traditional Christmas Lunches A Beautiful Light Installation in the Chapel The Georgian Parlour Dressed for Christmas ‘,A Georgian Christmas’, display in the Exhibition Illustration by Nick Ellwood. Information correct at time of pr int. 17 Blossom Street, York, YO24 1AQ w: barconvent.co.uk | t: 01904 643 238 Continued on Page 2

Read in full

Page 2

that target civilians, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity or faith. “,Such actions go against the fundamental principles of humanity and the teachings of Christ, who implored us to ‘,love your neighbour as yourself’, (Mark 12:31). “,It is our fervent hope and prayer that all parties involved will heed this call for an immediate cessation of violence. “,We implore political leaders and authorities to engage in sincere dialogue, seeking lasting solutions that promote justice, peace and reconciliation for the people of this land, who have endured the burdens of conflict for far too long.”, The Israel Defence Forces told over a million people living in northern Gaza to leave, but Catholic religious sisters were among those who stayed with those who could not leave. The Sisters of the Rosary told ACN they would remain in their convent, which is attached to central Gaza’,s only Catholic parish, the Holy Family. The parish was sheltering around 150 Catholics and some 350 Greek Orthodox Christians. Sister Nabila said: “,We will not go. People have nothing, not the basic things. Where should we go? To die on the street? We have old people, the Mother Teresa’,s Sisters are also here, with people with multiple disabilities and elderly people. We need medicines. Many hospitals are destroyed.”, Father Gabriel Romanelli, one of the two priests caring for Catholics in Gaza, said: “,What will they find in the south of the Gaza Strip? They will find hundreds and hundreds of thousands of people who have fled Gaza city. “,And there is nothing in the south and the health and humanitarian situation is disastrous, with a lack of water and food.”, Father Romanelli said many parishioners believe “,they are safer with Jesus. And that’,s why together they pray, they pray, and hope that the Lord will protect them and that the people who are working and praying for peace will change the decision to strike the church, which has always been an oasis of peace.”, During a phone call, Sister Nabila thanked Pope Francis for his call for peace and his prayers for the suffering people. The Holy Father invited people of different Christian denominations, other religions and all those who advocate for peace to pray and fast on Friday October 27. Friends of the Holy Land has a dedicated webpage where you can add your prayers at friendsoftheholyland.org.uk/blog/reflections- and-prayers-for-peace. 2 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + November 2023 NEWS Pope calls for prayer as Holy Land crisis deepens Happier times for the sisters and children of Gaza –, ©, Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk Continued from Page 1 Bishop Terry described Canon Dan Spaight as a ",kind and generous man with a huge pastoral heart", in a message read out at his funeral in County Clare. The service for Canon Dan, a much loved and respected priest who served the diocese for 50 years, took place on what would have been his 88th birthday. Father Pat Bluett represented the diocese and read out the message from Bishop Terry, who was unable to attend because he was meeting the papal nuncio. Bishop Terry said: “,Canon Dan was a kind and generous man with a huge pastoral heart. He always had time for you, and you never left his company without an encouraging word. “,He had a great sense of humour, and a smile and laughter were never far from his face. However, there was a calmness about him that was quite infectious. “,He worked tirelessly in the Diocese of Middlesbrough, caring for the people of his various parishes. “,I would want to thank Canon Dan`s family for the gift of his ministry over the many years and may the Lord reward him as only he knows how and may his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.", Born on October 18 1934 in the village of Cratloe, County Clare, Daniel Joseph Spaight attended seminary at St Patrick’,s, Thurles, and was ordained to the priesthood on June 14 1959 at Thurles Cathedral. He was appointed assistant priest at St Francis of Assisi in Middlesbrough and in 1960 he moved to St Philomena’,s, Middlesbrough (now the Sacred Heart) as assistant priest from 1960 to 1967. He served as assistant priest at St Thomas More, Middlesbrough, from 1967 to 1977, when he became parish priest at Sacred Heart in Hull, where he stayed until 1989. He was also director of the Diocese of Middlesbrough Pilgrimage to Lourdes from 1981 to 2000. In 1989, he became parish priest at Christ the King Church in Thornaby, and in 1987 he became a member of the cathedral chapter and given the title of canon. Canon Dan continued his ministry after retiring to Ennis in 2010, celebrating a fortnightly Mass at the historic Barn Church in Oatfield for over 11 years, until 2022. Speaking to the Clare Champion newspaper after his final Mass at the chapel, Canon Spaight said he was one of 437 priests ordained across Ireland in 1959. Known for his kindness and gentle nature, he also had a great sense of humour. He often entertained Lourdes pilgrims by playing tunes on the mouth organ, and he was a member of the Chancey Brothers clergy band, who performed at shows including Rocking in the Aisles at Middlesbrough Theatre. Family members spoke at the funeral about his passion for gardening and nature and his pride at hitting two holes-in-one at his beloved golf. In 2009, Bishop Terry and 35 priests from across the diocese joined Canon Dan at Christ the King to celebrate the golden jubilee of his priestly ordination. Among the celebrants were his two co- jubilarians, Father Sean O`Donnell and Father Michael White, who have since passed away. The service also remembered the late Father Joe McDonagh, who was ordained with them. Bishop Terry presented him with a papal blessing and thanked him for his service. Canon Dan passed away peacefully in the care of the staff at Carrigoran House, Newmarket on Fergus, on Saturday October 14. He was predeceased by his parents, James and Norah, his brother, John, and sisters, Carmel and Joan. After the funeral he was buried in Ballysheen Cemetery, Sixmilebridge. Bishop Terry will celebrate a month`s mind Mass of Thanksgiving for Canon Dan at Christ the King Church, Thornaby, on Tuesday November 14 at 7pm (details to be confirmed). May his gentle soul rest in peace. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for him. St Bernadette, pray for him. Bishop leads tributes to Canon Dan Canon Dan Spaight, who has died aged 87 –, Photo by Les Clark BISHOP TERRY`S NOVEMBER ENGAGEMENTS 2 Chapter Mass for deceased clergy of the diocese 12pm Attends Council of Priests meeting at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough 1.30pm 4-5 Parish visitation to St John the Evangelist, Easingwold 7 Attends the Bishop’,s Council meeting via Zoom 10.30am 9 Visit to SS Mary &, Joseph School, Pocklington 9am 11-12 Parish visitation to SS Mary &, Joseph, Pocklington 13-16 Attends Bishop’,s Plenary, Hinsley Hall 20 Attends Young Vincentian gathering at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough 11am 22-23 Attends Ampleforth Covenant Retreat, Ampleforth 25-26 Parish Visitation to Kirkbymoorside and Helmsley Bishop Terry with Canon Dan Spaight in Lourdes

Read in full

Page 3

November 2023 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 3 NEWS Pope Francis released his apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum, ‘,Praise God’, , to “,clarify and complete”, what he started in 2015 with his encyclical letter Laudato Si’, on how we care for our common home. It was published at the end of the Season of Creation on the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, Wednesday October 4. In Laudate Deum, the pope describes climate change leading to drought, extreme weather and global high temperatures as a “,silent disease that affects everyone”,, but especially the world`s poorest people. He says humans are a part of nature but we are abusing this position, exploiting natural resources and minerals. Pope Francis writes: “,Let us stop thinking, then, of human beings as autonomous, omnipotent and limitless, and begin to think of ourselves differently, in a humbler but more fruitful way.”, He also focuses on international cooperation, calling for a new global framework to establish effective rules to safeguard the environment and promote human flourishing. He addresses the lack of progress at the COP international climate conferences and looks ahead to COP28 in Dubai. He urges delegates to “,move beyond the mentality of appearing to be concerned”, and to have the “,courage needed to produce substantial changes”,, for “,we barely have time to prevent even more damage.”, Bishop John Arnold, lead bishop for environmental issues for the Bishops` Conference, praised the Pope’,s intervention as timely and vital. “,I thoroughly welcome the timely and prophetic words of Pope Francis, who once again implores the international community to alter the path of destruction down which we are heading. “,He reminds us that we should praise God for all his creatures and that our care for our common home is intimately connected with our care for each other. “,As Pope Francis explains, the decisions we make can have grave consequences, not only for those who are still living, but the generations to follow. We have a duty to take action to look after our planet. ‘,What is being asked of us is nothing other than a certain responsibility for the legacy we will leave behind, once we pass from this world’,.”, (LD18). Bishop Arnold also laments the lack of progress since the release of Laudato Si` in 2015. “,The unfortunate thing is that eight years on, several COP meetings later, we really have not been achieving the targets that those meetings have agreed, and the damage is not being reduced. In fact, in some ways, it’,s increasing. “,There’,s certainly more we can be doing. The first point of focus is education. Parishes, schools and Catholic organisations are, on the whole, committed to being good custodians, but we need a more joined-up effort to make sure that we are doing our best to repair the damage we’,ve done.”, You can read the apostolic exhortation in full at vatican.va. See Environment Corner for more thoughts on its publication. Apostolic exhortation released on Feast of St Francis Pope Francis has released apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum, ‘,Praise God’, –, Photo ©, Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk Children in York spent the summer responding creatively to an artistic brief provided by the UK’,s oldest living convent, the Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre –, “,Hope”,. Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Primary School had already welcomed artist Greg McGee to run a day-long session with all year groups earlier in the term. When it came round to recruiting artists for his award-winning summer holiday Art Camp programme, take up was high. “,The school vision statement, ‘,Living, Loving, Learning –, Christ at the Centre’, got us off to a good start,”, says Greg. “,‘,Hope’, as a theme kept the young people’,s interest. Some people responded personally, with cartoon characters hoping for a play in the park. Others expressed hope for less war, less hunger. “,What’,s especially exciting is that Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre has invited us to showcase the work as digital projections in their 18th century chapel this December in time for Advent. “,There are four themes of Advent, and Hope is one of them. The serendipity couldn’,t be better.”, Headteacher Emma Barrs is delighted the children had such a wonderful opportunity to work with a “,real, live artist”, and to shine a light on their faith in both the school’,s parish communities. Greg said: “,There’,s no doubt that the sense of community helped galvanise better artwork. All of Art Camp’,s teenage ambassadors are pupils from either Our Lady Queen of Martyrs or All Saints RC School. “,They know what it is to dig deep and assist and guide a room full of young artists because they themselves have benefited from an education which has imparted advocacy. “,They have done Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust proud. All the young people were taught a variety of skills from dedicated peers, and the quality of work speaks for that.”, Bar Convent’,s marketing manager Lauren Mableson is looking forward to the exhibition. “,The art from both schools is always top quality and the exhibition space in the chapel is world class. With some digital intervention from local Light Installation artist Nick Walters, ‘,Hope’, has got what it takes to remind us all why York has been recognised as a UNESCO City of Media Arts and that the creativity of York`s children remains in good health.”, The Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre will display “,Hope”, from November 28 to December 19. Artistic children live in ‘,Hope’, at summer camp Children at the Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Primary School Art Camp with some special visitors Parishioners from Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Hessle gathered to wish Father Michael Marsden a happy retirement. , , The celebration took place on Saturday ,October 7, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, which was also 21 years to the day since Father Michael began his ministry in Hessle. , We began with the Rosary and the celebration of Mass. Afterwards, a buffet was served in the parish hall and Father Marsden was presented with a farewell cake. , , Hessle parishioners wish fond farewell to Father Michael If you would like to advertise please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 01440 730399 or email charlotter@cathcom.org

Read in full

Page 4

4 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + November 2023 NEWS Laudato Si’, II marks eight years since encyclical It`s amazing how quickly time passes. Who would have thought eight years have passed since we were given Laudato Si’,, which set out the challenges being presented to us by climate change and the urgency with which we were being urged to act. The Holy Father says: “,With the passage of time, I have realised that our responses have not been adequate, while the world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point. “,In addition to this possibility, it is indubitably that the impact of climate change will increasingly prejudice the lives and families of many persons. We will feel its effects in the areas of healthcare, sources of employment, access to resources, housing, forced migrations etc...”, It`s time to act and the season of Advent is the perfect time to begin. As part of our spiritual preparation for welcoming the child Jesus, maybe we need to think about what we are doing with his creation. We will hold a time of prayer, reflection and action focusing on Laudate Deum at St Mary`s Cathedral on Saturday December 9. We will meet at 10am for tea and coffee ready to begin at 10.30am and we will end by 1pm at the latest. Join us for this year`s Christmas preparation with a difference. All are welcome! David Cross Adult Formation Coordinator After the worldwide consultation process, which intended to involve the whole people of God, three broad areas for further discernment were identified. These will be the guiding principles for the work of the First Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome from October 4 to 29. They are: 1. A Communion that radiates: How can we be more fully a sign and instrument of union with God and of the unity of all humanity? 2. Co-responsibility in Mission: How can we better share the gifts and tasks in the service of the Gospel? 3. Participation, governance and authority: What processes, structures and institutions are needed in a missionary, synodal Church? As part of our ongoing diocesan synodality formation, we will hold a day of prayer and reflection using the synodal process, along with some worksheets the General Assembly will consider. Our event –, Responding to the Synod: Becoming a Missionary Parish –, is at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough, from 10.30am to 3.30pm on Saturday November 11 and is open to all. Join us at the cathedral for a day of prayer and reflection using some of the latest Synod resources. Tea and coffee will be provided but bring your own packed lunch. Register by emailing adultformation@rcdmidd.org.uk or by calling me on 01642 850505 or 07507 768303. Five Sonnets of Gerard Manley Hopkins was the intriguing title for the first talk of this season to the Cleveland Newman Circle. Monsignor Patrick Kilgarriff –, the Newman Association’,s national chaplain –, knows and loves the work of this Jesuit poet. Many in his audience had also met Hopkins’, poetry and were keen to learn more about his inspiration and spirituality. Monsignor Pat based the talk around his own choice of five of Hopkins’, sonnets, but began with an outline of Hopkins’, life. Born in London in 1844, Hopkins became a Catholic in 1866 while studying at Oxford. John Henry Newman received him into the Church. He became a Jesuit in 1868 and had a profound faith in Christ. He was also sensitive and struggled with depression, but many of his poems are full of joy and light. From his early life he had a love of nature which he observed in exquisite detail. Much of his Jesuit life was varied and unsettled and after many appointments, he died of typhoid in Dublin in 1889. Monsignor Pat mentioned Hopkins’, longest poem The Wreck of The Deutschland, completed in 1876. It is profoundly God- centred. However, people found it incomprehensible and it was refused publication, which Hopkins found very discouraging. For his first sonnet, Monsignor Pat took Pied Beauty, which is full of delightful nature observations and joyful spirituality: “,Glory be to God for dappled things …, Praise him”,. His second choice was The Windhover. While based on a kestrel’,s flight, this is not primarily a nature poem. Dedicated to Christ our Lord, it turns on the word “,buckle”, –, meaning both “,crumple, become useless, die”, and “,join together, joining with Christ to rise again”,. Monsignor Pat explained that in As Kingfishers Catch Fire, Hopkins shows how each thing is unique, but our actions have value, since we are joined in the Body of Christ. His fourth choice, Carrion Comfort, is one of Hopkins’, “,terrible sonnets”,, written near the end of his life. It appears to describe the poet’,s despair, even his suicidal thoughts, as he is wrestling with God, like Jacob. The fifth sonnet was Patience, Hard Thing! where Hopkins considered his need for patience in the hard life he had chosen, while God is patient. Monsignor Pat’,s enthusiasm reopened everyone’,s eyes to the beauty and spirituality in the work of this leading English poet, whose aim was always to praise God. Cleveland Newman Circle holds six talks a year, usually on Wednesdays at 7.45pm in St Mary’,s Cathedral Hall. Their next talk, on November 29, is Dorothy Day, A New Saint For Our Times? with Angela Wills. Everyone is welcome. For further information email p.egerton123@gmail.com or phone 01642 645732. Patricia Egerton Finding inspiration and spirituality from the Jesuit poet A Catholic author has been invited to join a programme that could see her books made available to prisoners throughout the United States. Holy Name of Mary, Middlesbrough, parishioner Edna Hunneysett has published six books, including some written to help parents of young people with mental health issues, especially in a church setting. This latest opportunity comes from a deal agreed between Stockton bookshop the Book Dragon and Twenty-First Street Publishing Group, which supplies literature to American prison services. Prisoners will be able to read ebooks from authors whose books are sold in the Book Dragon’,s Stockton store and are rated at four stars or higher. Three of Edna’,s titles –, Our Suicidal Teenagers: Where Are You God?, Greener Beyond The Hill and Greener Pastures and Brown Blazers –, are all included in the programme. As part of the deal, Edna will write a special foreword and discussion questions for her new readers. Edna has a seventh book that she hopes will come out before Christmas. Edna Hunneysett`s books could be made available to prisoners throughout the United States Catholic author Edna breaks into prisons Help us take latest synod steps forward

Read in full

Page 5

November 2023 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 5 CAFOD This month, CAFOD’,s campaigns and outreach manager Helen Moseley tells us about some of the charity’,s current campaigns and future plans…, With a busy summer for our Fix the Food System campaign now behind us, our campaigns team is looking forward to some key events coming up this autumn, including the World Bank Annual Meeting and our next Faith in Action event. We’,re hosting a young adults’, event in London on Saturday November 11, so let us know if you’,re interested or if you know anyone aged around 18 to 30 who might be We were particularly inspired by Pope Francis’, words on the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation: “,How can we contribute to the mighty river of justice and peace in this Season of Creation? What can we, particularly as Christian communities, do to heal our common home so that it can once again teem with life? We must do this by resolving to transform our hearts, our lifestyles, and the public policies ruling our societies.”, The fantastic response from parishes to Salina’,s letter has overwhelmed us. Salina, a small-holder farmer from Bangladesh who is fighting to keep control of her own seeds, wrote the letter. As part of CAFOD’,s Fix the Food System campaign, 68,000 Catholics from 737 parishes across England and Wales –, including Bishop Terry –, signed the letter in solidarity with Salina to urge the World Bank to stop supporting policies that limit small farmers` choice over which seeds they can use. A small CAFOD delegation attended World Bank meetings in Morocco to speak to senior staff about seed policy. We then handed in the letters to its London headquarters. The letter signing has been one aspect of our work campaigning to stop the World Bank from pushing for seed privatisation. We have also complied a detailed report (available on our website) and 7,500 CAFOD supporters emailed key figures in the World Bank and the UK Foreign Office, who agreed to meet us to discuss our campaign. This is a long-term struggle, but progress so far has been encouraging. Thank you for playing a part. Campaigns continue for busy CAFOD team Bishop Terry signs Salina`s letter Meet Mario and Violeta Mario and Violeta will join us live from Bolivia at our Faith in Action online event. Living in harmony with the earth in Bolivia, Mario and Violeta work with indigenous communities and rural farmers. Mario describes how the outlook of the indigenous people is different. “,They don’,t possess an individualistic, materialistic concept of things. In their practices and customs, their culture, they have a concept of living as a family, sharing things in common. “,That’,s where their sense of place, their spirituality, comes from. They see their rights as being something they have in common, something for everyone. Benefit isn’,t individual, it’,s for all.", Mario and Violeta work for CAFOD’,s partner organisation, Caritas Bolivia. The environmental challenges facing communities in Bolivia are huge, including high levels of pollution, a lack of clean water in cities, loss of biodiversity and the effects of climate change. Caritas Bolivia works to raise awareness of the change needed to improve these environmental issues. Faith in Action is an annual event for anyone interested in our campaigning and advocacy work. As well as our Bolivia link up, we will look ahead to the COP28 UN climate talks. Pope Francis, in his new encyclical Laudato Deum issued ahead of the COP28 meeting, called for world leaders to speed up action to tackle the climate crisis, warning that recent climate disasters show the world may be nearing “,breaking point”,. He warns that failing to act urgently enough to stop global temperature rises means “,we are now unable to halt the enormous damage we have caused”, with some effects of the climate crisis being irreversible and time running out to prevent even more tragic damage. The Holy Father argues that politicians have a responsibility to bring about the most important changes to reduce emissions, but that each person has a role to play in minimising suffering caused by temperature rises and bringing about wider changes in attitudes and behaviour. Faith in Action, which is on Saturday November 18 from 10.30am to 2.30pm, is a chance to be inspired by other campaigners, too! Register now on this link and we will send you a reminder and more details nearer the time: http://bit.ly/faith-in-action23. Keep up to date in our WhatsApp group We have a new WhatsApp group especially for CAFOD campaigners, so we can quickly share new actions, key developments or invitations to events with you. It will be a useful way of springing into action together when it’,s needed. We won’,t bombard you with messages, and of course you can leave at any time. If you’,d like to join, text our team mobile phone on 07553 040 376 to ask to be added. For more information email Helen on hmoseley@cafod.org.uk or ask your local CAFOD coordinator. Thanks for all your support! Mass for deceased loved ones and supporters Each November, we pray especially for our deceased loved ones and our supporters. Masses will be offered at our headquarters in Romero House and in parishes around the country. Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle Stephen Wright, who is also chair of CAFOD’,s trustees, will celebrate Mass at the Cathedral Church of St Mary, Newcastle, on Thursday November 2 at 12.05pm. All are welcome. Violeta Castro Candia and Mario Guttierez Miranda –, photos by Lucy Jardine/CAFOD

Read in full

Page 6

6 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + November 2023 MAUREEN MULLIGAN and CHRIS CUTHILL tell us about the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) for Welcome House Centre for asylum seekers and refugees in Hull…, Bashir Siraj, the founder of Welcome House, came to Hull in 2003 as an asylum seeker after being forced to flee his native Pakistan because of religious persecution. He and his family were threatened because of his work with Caritas International. He arrived with nothing, but as soon as he was granted residency began what has become his lifelong work –, helping other asylum seekers and refugees in Hull and the East Riding. As numbers increased, Bashir saw a vital need for a safe place in the city centre where they could meet socially and access essential services. His dream was finally realised in 2020 when Hull City Council leased him premises in Wright Street. But this was only the beginning, for he had to transform these empty premises into a place of welcome, refuge and help for people often in a desperate state. The SVP has been associated with Bashir from the start and has tried to help him as much as possible. The centre needed money and other essentials to make it viable. Bashir went around parishes speaking about Welcome House and sharing his dream. SVP conferences responded instantly, holding fundraising events and encouraging their parishioners to donate essential goods such as clothing, toiletries, nappies, food and money. Members volunteered in a variety of roles and continue to do so. Two conferences have become especially closely involved –, Our Lady of Lourdes, Hessle, and St John’,s, Beverley. Holy Cross conference supported the asylum seekers lodged in Thwaite Hall, Cottingham, until it closed earlier this year and continues to support Welcome House. Parish donations from across our area were taken to Welcome House every week, afternoon teas were organised in Beverley and parishioners of Sacred Heart in Hornsea arranged a barbecue and Asian lunch. From these beginnings things have snowballed. Here are some examples…, More than 125 shoeboxes were filled with Christmas presents and given to children. Enough money was raised to provide presents for the adults as well. Bashir wanted to promote healthy eating, so members organised fruit weekends and clients came to the centre to collect a bag of fruit. The joy of walking away with a pineapple was immense. In summer, Welcome House organised seaside trips. Members and parishioners prepared lunchboxes and the SVP subsidised the cost of coaches. The SVP provided winter hats, gloves and socks and gave men cream and nail clippers, essential items when you don’,t have enough money to buy your own. Going to the hairdresser was too expensive for the young male asylum seekers lodged in the Royal Hotel, so the SVP raised enough money to buy personal trimmers for them all. At Easter 2022, members took Easter eggs to the Dorchester Hotel where families are lodged. They saw the children didn’,t have enough to do, so members filled nine large boxes with reading books, puzzles, board games and pens and gave them to families with teenage children. Another venture is underway to provide bats and balls for the children to borrow and use in the park. One poignant moment in autumn 2022 shows the SVP at its best. A young mother came into Welcome House to ask for nappies. When Maureen Mulligan, of St John’,s conference, explained she could only give her one box, the mother started crying and explained she had several children who all needed nappies (many of the children are traumatised by what they have experienced and there is a huge demand for large-sized nappies). Maureen immediately contacted central council president Frances Gilchrist, who sent out an appeal to all the conferences in our diocese. The response was huge, and money and nappies came flooding in. One conference president drove down from York with a car full! It became clear the centre needed a store to keep these essentials and distribute them efficiently. With Bashir’,s support, the SVP Corner Store began this year and volunteers from Beverley and Hornsea, led by Maureen, Rita, Brenda and Judy, open the store every Tuesday morning. They give out an enormous number of items to people in need, including kettles, curtains, crockery, blankets, cots and rugs…, the list could go on. Hygiene products and toiletries are in particular demand and the store could not provide them without Morrisons supermarket, which provides shaving foam, toilet rolls, nappies and many other items. The East Riding Hygiene Bank also supplies the store. The Corner Store has become an essential part of Welcome House. Providing basic essentials is not enough. Many asylum seekers, especially children, are traumatised by what they have experienced and need opportunities that take them out of themselves. Football is a passion for many. Members contacted the Tigers Trust, which arranged for them to play for free at the Hull City Arena every week. We hope they will soon form a team to play against other local teams and we are looking for ways to raise money for football boots and a strip. A group of women have formed a walking club and need help to buy proper walking shoes. In August, Beverley Rugby Club organised an activities day for local children and invited the children from the Dorchester Hotel to join them. It was wonderful to see local children playing with the asylum seekers’, children. With the help of funding from the SVP, Warda, one of the Welcome House workers, cooked a hot meal for the children, which made the day even better. It was a huge success. The work goes on and the need increases. Together with many other volunteers, SVP members, with the support of their parishes, are committed to helping asylum seekers, thus carrying out one of the principle aims of the organisation, to “,turn concern into action”,. Stretching out a welcoming hand of friendship SVP volunteers Maureen, Rita, Brenda, Judy and Anei, who run the Corner Store Mass for sick parishioners unites all in prayer and joy Canon John Lumley celebrated a Mass for the Sick with the Sacrament of Anointing for parishioners at St Bernadette’,s, Nunthorpe, including our elderly and housebound. The service, organised by St Bernadette’,s SVP conference, took place on September 29, the Feast of the Archangels. This prayerful and joyful occasion was followed by refreshments provided and served by SVP members. They helped many parishioners with transport and offered assistance in church. It was a beautiful sunny day, and everyone had a lovely time, with the atmosphere over lunch so friendly and happy. Although the Mass was advertised in the newsletter, the SVP also visited and gave out invitations to our special parishioners to ensure their participation. It’,s all part of the SVP service! Susan Gardiner Guests enjoy refreshments after a Mass for the Sick at St Bernadette`s, Nunthorpe –, Photo by Sharon Pemberton

Read in full

Page 7

November 2023 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 7 This Advent, the Diocese of Middlesbrough will launch the John Paul II Fund. Sadly, the diocese had to close the John Paul Centre in Middlesbrough –, a real hub of social outreach and a spiritual heart to the town. So many charitable groups used the centre as a base for their work with homeless people, refugees, those living with poverty, mental illness and addiction, as well as offering daily Mass and a cafe, a pre-loved clothes bank and much more. Money raised from the sale of the property was ring-fenced by Bishop Terry to be used to promote projects that continue that tradition of social outreach to those in need in the areas served by the centre (the boroughs of Middlesbrough and Redcar &, Cleveland). We can now announce the launch of the John Paul II Fund to support local projects aimed at serving people in need in our area. Any application must be able to show how the project is in keeping with the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. 1. The Common Good: Whatever is needed for each and every person, and creation, to flourish. 2. Human Dignity: Every human being has in- built dignity because she or he has been created in the image and likeness of God. 3. Option for the Poor: To choose to consider the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable people first. 4. Solidarity: Not just doing things for other people but acting with them to build a more just world together. 5. Participation: People have a right and a duty to take part in shaping a more just and human society. 6. Subsidiarity: As far as possible, decisions should not be taken at the highest levels, but by the people who are most affected. 7. Stewardship: We are called to care for creation as stewards, not just as consumers. 8. Rights &, Responsibilities: When one person has a right, others have a responsibility to uphold that right. If you have a project you think fulfils these principles you can apply for a grant, whether or not you (or your organisation/charity) is Catholic. For further details and an application form, contact the chair of Caritas Middlesbrough, Canon John Lumley at jl@rcdmidd.org.uk. John Paul II Fund launches to help local causes The John Paul Centre was a hub of social outreach and a spiritual heart to Middlesbrough She may have passed her 80th birthday, but Pat McBride has no intention of giving up on families in need. In December 1987, Pat and some friends started a campaign to distribute Christmas hampers in Teesside, Catholics Against Unemployment and Social Evils. That initiative grew and grew and three years ago it was renamed CAUSE Foundation to reflect the sheer number of help it offers. And now, as well as the British Empire Medal she received in 2018, its founder, Pat, has the 2023 Tees Businesswomen Awards Jane Turner Award for Outstanding Contribution to show for all her amazing work. Typically, however, she was determined to share the credit with the CAUSE team –, and the generosity of the public. Retired Newlands FCJ School teacher Pat said: “,It’,s a team effort –, it’,s not just me, but l’,m honoured to receive this and absolutely shocked. “,We get crisis calls every day. People are so busy with their lives, but at the heart of that, once you make them aware of others’, troubles, the response in this area is just magnificent –, the generosity is overwhelming and I never take it for granted. “,We’,ve expanded so much –, we now have a team of seven trustees and a marvellous team of volunteers. “,We’,ve started supporting and setting up a Trussell Trust food bank in Middlesbrough, we’,ve got plans to extend our holiday hunger campaign and we have a bedding project. “,It’,s unbelievable the number of children that don’,t have a bed and decent bedding –, that’,s a massive project for us going forward.”, Pat explained how CAUSE trustee and CAFOD Middlesbrough worker Carol Cross was the inspiration behind that initial Christmas Hamper Campaign. She said: “,I was at a conference and a young lady –, Carol –, spoke about her experience of unemployment and how she’,d been lifted out of despair by gestures of love and kindness, and that struck a chord with me. “,We started with 25 hampers, then it spread through schools for a number of years. We then started responding to crisis calls and became a registered charity three years ago. “,We’,re about so much more now –, we take food out to schools for distribution at holiday times, we respond to crisis calls for food, we do supermarket vouchers, school uniforms, and we have a big ‘,beds and bedding’, campaign. “,We had a child recently whose parents couldn’,t afford a birthday cake –, a simple donation to respond to that makes such a difference to that little girl’,s life. Anything that’,s a crisis, we respond to quickly.”, But what keeps her going? “,My passion for it –, and the fact that I know there are so many people out there who are in need. “,I hear the stories from social workers and schools and if we can help, even in a small way, we should do –, and we can encourage others to as well. “,The generosity in this area is just incredible –, if there’,s a need, there’,s always a response. “,We need to get the business community more involved too. We do have some –, we’,re the nominated charity for one –, but hopefully, we’,ll extend there. “,But really, I just spend the money. Someone said to me last week, ‘,How much money has your charity got?’, and I haven’,t a clue. I could look but ask our treasurer –, I just spend it!”, For more about CAUSE Foundation, visit cause-foundation.org.uk. Caring Pat will go on helping those in need Charity champion Pat McBride with her award

Read in full

Page 8

8 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + November 2023 NEWS A warm autumnal day painted a perfect setting to welcome Bishop Terry for Sunday morning Mass during his parish visitation to St Hilda’,s in Whitby. He had spent part of the previous day accompanying Father Pat Keogh on visits to sick and elderly parishioners and also spent time with the asylum seekers who were here for their second visit this year. Parish priest Father Pat and Father Michael Weitl of Madonna House in nearby Robin Hood’,s Bay accompanied Bishop Terry at morning Mass. Father Pat joked we were to “,only say nice things about him in front of the bishop”, –, but he needn’,t have worried. Bishop Terry, in good humour and smiling, affirmed that everyone he met on his visits had already told him what a great priest Father Pat is. After Mass, Bishop Terry paid a glowing tribute to Father Pat and thanked him for his 50 years of service to the church, especially as Father Pat has reached retirement age. He had asked Father Pat to remain for the time being while he “,he kept a few plates spinning”, regarding the appointment and distribution of priests. Father Pat confirmed he was happy to continue for as long as we needed him and would also continue to be diocesan Lourdes chaplain for the foreseeable future. Bishop Terry thanked everyone for “,stepping up”, when called to do so and said the parish responds well when a call for help is put out. He also thanked everyone for continuing to attend Mass regularly and keep the Church alive, saying the message and music of the services influences those outside. Bishop Terry asked people to speak about vocations in normal conversations and within their families and continue to pray for priests. He said that maybe even a prayer for a bishop would be welcome! He thanked all those doing service in the community, the SVP and those who visit the sick and elderly, the Eucharistic ministers and other lay persons involved in the service of others. Finally, Bishop Terry mentioned about the Red Box scheme, whereby small change is saved and offered to those in need through the Missio charity. He said they would put every penny raised to good use. Afterwards, Bishop Terry joined us in the parish hall for tea and visited every table, exchanging conversation and kind words with everyone. It was a pleasure welcoming Bishop Terry to our parish. Harry Baker Sunshine greets Bishop Terry on Whitby visit Special seaside day out for asylum seekers Bishop Terry and Father Pat with St Hilda`s parishioners and some of the asylum seekers on their visit to Whitby –, Photo by Liz Atkinson Bishop Terry laid down the foundations for his parish visitation to St Paulinus in Guisborough by dropping into the nearby primary school and speaking to the children, who were delighted to see him. He met each class and took time to talk to pupils about their favourite subjects. He also invited children to ask him questions, which they did with confidence and curiosity, impressing him with the respect they showed. Bishop Terry joined the whole school for liturgical prayer as they focused on this year`s school patron, Blessed Carlo Acutis, and gave some words of wisdom and encouragement. Finally, Bishop Terry visited the eldest pupils in Year 6, blessing them and reminding them Jesus is walking beside them as they take on their roles this year. He left saying it had been a privilege to come. On Saturday Bishop Terry administered the Sacrament of the Sick and the Eucharist to housebound parishioners and care home residents. All were delighted to see him, including a care home staff member, who couldn’,t believe a bishop was visiting the home! At 6pm Mass, celebrated alongside parish priest Father Phil Cunnah, Bishop Terry spoke about the shortage of new priests, which is exacerbated by the expected retirement of priests in the coming years, with only one seminarian from the diocese in training. However, he congratulated the efforts of parishioners to support the church, particularly during the pandemic, and highlighted the charitable work both in the community and the overseas support, particularly the Red Box missions collections. On Sunday Bishop Terry and Father Phil celebrated 10am Mass to a full church, which included the confirmation of four young people. After each Mass, Bishop Terry greeted parishioners as they left the church, which was much appreciated by all. Brian Gleeson School visit focuses on patron Blessed Carlo Bishop Terry with the four young people he confirmed –, Photo by Brian Gleeson St Paulinus Parish received a visit from Father Thaddeus of the Holy Ghost Fathers. The congregation was founded in France in 1703 and now, three centuries later, more than 3,000 professed and lay Spiritans from all continents carry out their mission of evangelisation in more than 60 countries throughout the world. The fathers go especially to people who have not yet heard the message of the Gospel, to those whose needs are the greatest and to the oppressed. Father Thaddeus said Saturday and Sunday Masses, assisted by Deacon Len Collings. He spoke of the Holy Ghost Fathers’, work in Africa and the hardships faced by people in the Sudan and Central Africa. A collection for the order’,s work was taken at the end of Masses. After Mass on Sunday, Father Thaddeus joined parishioners in the St Paulinus Hall for a coffee morning. Brian Gleeson Father Thaddeus visits from Africa Father Thaddeus spoke to St Paulinus parishioners about the work of the Holy Ghost Fathers Sixteen adult asylum seekers and refugees and their families were invited to travel from Teesside to Whitby for a special day out. Some had only recently been sent to the area after leaving countries where violence and trauma are the norm. Mary Frankland, who has dedicated her retirement to supporting people in desperate need, invited them to visit St Hilda’,s Parish. As the sun shone, we were lucky to be joined by Bishop Terry, who chatted cheerfully to the visitors. After a light lunch, helpers from the parish and friends took the visitors out for a wander around Whitby, climbing the 199 steps. Some visited the abbey, while others wandered along the pier. Two other helpers took the families for fun in the park, splashing in the paddling pool and looking out over the sea from the whalebones. We were grateful to have received donations of food, toiletries and gifts from parishioners, other churches in the town and the Goathland community. Thanks must also go to those who generously gave their time both in preparing and on the day and to Father Pat Keogh, who has encouraged us to continue supporting the asylum seekers. We are moved by their many stories of trauma and uplifted when we see them finally achieve settled status so they can contribute to the society that has provided them with safety. We believe other parishes would gain satisfaction from offering something similar. Please contact me on 07810 644140 if you are thinking of having a go. Please contact Liz Atkinson on 07810 644140 if you are thinking of having a go. Liz Atkinson

Read in full

Page 9

November 2023 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 9 NEWS Canon Pat Hartnett was presented with a book of Christian Art, money towards his holidays and a cake representing his love of holiday cruising as parishioners of All Saints, Thirsk, wished Canon Pat a happy retirement. Canon Pat has decided to retire after a period of ill health but will remain in Thirsk, a town he has called home for the last few years. After coming to Thirsk in the autumn before the pandemic Canon Pat settled quickly, although the national lockdown interrupted this process. The parish is grateful to Canon Pat for his rapid response, providing access to Masses shown on YouTube through the pandemic and as soon as he was able. He was supported by a huge group of stewards, caterers and Eucharistic ministers who helped bring the parish together. As the pandemic loosened its grip, the parish, led by Canon Pat, became involved with the local Christmas Tree Festival, the Synod, Churches Together, soup lunches, two groups of First Communion children and the plethora of other activities that keeps a church open. Canon Pat has been an active vice-chair of All Saints Primary School’,s governors and has been a welcome visitor to school, bringing pupils to God through child-friendly services. He is known for his terrible jokes and puns and catches many parishioners off guard with his dry sense of humour. His love of sweet things, especially cake, is legendary, and he keeps the members of the coffee rota on their toes as he enthusiastically samples any cake provided. Sadly, during the autumn of 2022, Canon Pat’,s cancer returned and the treatment was invasive and painful and after a great deal of reflection, Canon Pat decided to hang up his cassock. The parish wishes him well in the words of the Irish Blessing: “,May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”, Cathryn O’,Donovan Parishioners wish Canon Pat a happy retirement Canon Pat will continue to live in Thirsk in his retirement Catholic writer Mary Callan’,s latest publication is Yorkshire Crabs, a slim volume of poetry on environmental themes. The title poem laments the dead crabs on Yorkshire beaches last year and the “,human flotsam”, on the beaches of the Mediterranean and of Kent, while governments turn a blind eye. Another poem addresses the late Catholic folk singer Vin Garbutt and his concern for the environment. Set firmly in Yorkshire, the poems range from childhood memories to fauna and flora, celebrating local wildflowers or rampant garden escapes. Further afield, Mary finds encouragement in the proliferation of hyrax (rock rabbits) among the destruction in the Middle East, and the promise of a future in an irrigation scheme in Jordan, greening the desert. “,I can always find opportunities to refer to the Creator when writing realistically about nature and our planet’,s problems,”, said Mary. “,For every copy sold I’,ll make a donation to Tree Aid. We have to be positive about the problems. If we do our best, God will help.”, Published by Stairwell Books and costing £,9, copies bought online or in-store from Waterstones will increase Mary’,s sales figures. Visit waterstones.com/book/yorkshire-crabs/f- mary-callan/9781913432799 or email blazinggrannies@gmail.com. Poetry book focuses on environmental themes Mary shows her new poetry book Yorkshire Crabs to a friend Professor Tina Beattie will explore how women can express their creativity and share their gifts, in a webinar organised by the National Board of Catholic Women and the Women in the Church committee. The talk –, Inspiring Women: Enabling women to flourish in the Church –, will encourage and support women`s many abilities and callings, celebrate their achievements and try to learn from frustrations and failings. Professor Beattie will also tell some of her own experiences as she went from being a Presbyterian typist with very little education to becoming feminist Professor of Catholic Studies at the University of Roehampton. The webinar is on Saturday November 25 from 11am to 12.45pm. Visit tinabeattie.com for more information about the speaker and email Margaret Clark at Catholicwomenmdl@gmail.com to find out more about the NBCW. New webinar focuses on women`s creativity Professor Tina Beattie Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell (centre) welcomed the papal representative to Great Britain, His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendí,a (second from right), to Bishopthorpe Palace, along with Bishop David Urqhuart, Bishop Terry and Monsignor Ervin Lengyel.

Read in full

Page 10

10 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + November 2023 NEWS A Letter From Madonna House - The saints are alive! Have you ever talked to a saint before? In the Apostles Creed we say, “,I believe in the Communion of Saints.”, Have you ever thought about what that means for us? In Hebrews 12:1, the author says “,we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses”,, which encourages us to “,throw off everything that hinders ... and run with perseverance the race marked out for us”,. The saints in heaven are part of this great cloud of witnesses. Many years ago, as I was beginning my time of formation to join Madonna House, I once had a chat with one of my favourite saints, St Thé,rè,se of Lisieux. Knowing she had acted as formation director in her convent of sisters while on earth, I asked if she could help with my formation. She did. I was able to make my First Promises and was sent to one of our mission houses soon after. It was a busy year with lots of things to learn and do. Some months later, I remembered my little prayer to St Thé,rè,se. I was no longer in formation, per se, and wondered if she was still interested in helping me. I knew she had promised to “,spend her heaven doing good on earth”, and said she would “,send a shower of rose petals”, (ie help from heaven) to her friends. I said to her: “,OK, if you are still willing to help, why don’,t you send me a shower of those rose petals you talked about?”, I quickly forgot about that request and got busy cleaning the house. Some hours later, I was on all fours scrubbing the bathroom floor when a bottle that we kept on the windowsill fell onto my back. The lid popped off and out spilled the contents –, a jar-full of dried rose petals cascaded onto my back and onto the floor! I immediately remembered my request and began laughing. A mere coincidence, some might say. But I knew that my heavenly friend was smiling back as I received her message. I am sure many people have stories about their relationships with various saints. Almost every day the Church honours one or more saints. At our house in Robin Hood’,s Bay we are currently reading a biography of Blessed Dominic Barberi. We marvel at what God has done in his life, which encourages us on our journey. We are all called to be saints, whether a saint with a capital “,S”, (the canonised ones) or a small “,s”,. And what about our friends and relatives who have died? Are they not also part of this “,great cloud of witnesses”,? During the month of November we pray for the souls of the faithful departed. It is good to do so, and to know they pray for us as well. So, let us rejoice in the Communion of Saints, which begins here on earth and continues after death. Jeanne Guillemette St Mary’,s Cathedral in Coulby Newham has a proud tradition of celebrating Advent and Christmas. This year, on Friday December 8, they will host a spectacular evening of festive celebration as they celebrate Christmas at the Cathedral. Semi-professional choir Cantabile and their musicians, under the direction of Reverend Daniel Ackerley, will lead the singing. There will also be refreshments available and Christmas stalls. Canon Paul Farrer said: “,Many people miss the BBC Tees Carols for Christmas, which used to happen here. Our Christmas at the Cathedral event will bring back the spirit of that celebration. “,It promises to be an excellent night that we hope to make a regular event. Everyone is welcome, so please grab your tickets and come along.”, For tickets call 01642 597750 or visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/christmas-at-the-cathedral- with-cantabile-tickets-732735901807. Christmas spectacular comes to the cathedral Cantabile will lead the singing at the St Mary`s Cathedral Christmas concert The Apollo Male Voice Choir is hoping to repeat the success of last year’,s sell-out when they return to the Holy Name of Mary Church in Middlesbrough for a Christmas concert. A group of mainly Welsh workers founded the choir in 1887, putting on a concert to raise funds for the bereaved family after a tragic accident in a Middlesbrough ironworks. It has been entertaining people ever since, with raising money for charitable causes embedded in its constitution. Few male voice choirs can boast such long unbroken service to the community. The Apollo is always looking for new members and welcomes enquiries about future performances. The Holy Name concert is on Friday December 1 at 7pm. Tickets are £,10, to include seasonal refreshments. Contact the church on 01642 827993 or the choir on 01642 821866. Apollo hopes to repeat sell-out festive concert The Apollo Male Voice Choir at the Holy Name of Mary Church last year Located in the heart of farmland between Scotch Corner and Barnard Castle, St Mary`s Church in Wycliffe has celebrated a harvest festival for over eight decades. This year we moved the church pews to the sanctuary for a “,snug”, Mass followed a harvest lunch in the body of the church for 70-plus diners, including friends from Richmond and beyond. The quality of the food and drink was only surpassed by the quantity of goodwill and big smiles. It was a truly joyous occasion. If you’,re ever visiting the picturesque area, please join us for Mass on Sunday at noon followed by refreshments (with special homemade cake on the first Sunday of the month!). You’,d be very welcome. The postcode for sat nav is DL12 9TT. Father John Bane Thanks for harvest and for each other The harvest festival celebration in the stunning setting of St Mary`s, Wycliffe

Read in full

Page 11

November 2023 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 11 NEWS Please remember in your prayers the following clergy from our diocese whose anniversaries are this month. We list here them along with their final resting place. 1 1972 Rev George Empson Dumfries 2 1939 Rev Patrick Buckley Hull 2 1944 Rev Geoffrey B Cremer York 6 2002 Rev Seamus Brennan Newry 7 2014 Rev Norman Jacobson Hull 9 1927 Rev Benventus Guy Masham 9 1955 Very Rev Canon Patrick Nerney South Bank 10 1936 Rev David O’,Connor Staithes 12 1995 Rt Rev Mgr Philip Purcell Tipperary 13 2006 Rev Eamon P Carson Whitby 13 2012 Very Rev Canon Louis J Collingwood Middlesbrough 13 2019 Rev Colman Ryan Hull 17 1983 Very Rev Canon Austin Pippet Hull 19 1893 Rev Thomas Smith Beverley 22 1955 Most Rev Archbishop Thomas Shine, Second Bishop of Middlesbrough Middlesbrough 22 1999 Rev John Bury Scorton 22 2005 Rev Arthur Dutton Marske-by-the-Sea 23 2008 Rev James Purcell Emly 25 1881 Rev Maurice Trant Thirsk 25 1990 Rev John Aldridge Middlesbrough 26 1938 Rev John Conlon Yarm 27 1973 Rev David O’,Donnell Staithes 27 1987 Canon Patrick Loughran Middlesbrough 29 1989 Rev James Johnston Halifax 30 1958 Very Rev Canon Denis Luddy Thornaby If you would like to advertise in the Funeral Directors section, please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 248225 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 FUNERAL DIRECTORS J Rymer Funeral Directors, York J Rymer Funeral Directors are here to support you and your family through your time of need. Supporting our local community for over 174 years. 15 Penley`s Grove Street Monkgate YorkYO31 7PW Call us on 01904 937 981 Sheila Westland celebrated her 100th birthday with friends, family and well- wishers at St Edward`s Church, Scarborough. Sheila was deputy head at the Bar Convent School in York for many years and is well known across the city. She continues to enjoy good health. Ad Multos Annos! Meanwhile, Benemerenti medals were presented to St Edward`s parishioners Hugh and Jane Connor for their witness to faith, family and marriage, Catholic education, refugees and asylum seekers and service to the wider community. Elizabeth White Double celebrations in Scarborough Centenarian Sheila Westland with family, friends and well-wishers Hugh and Jane Connor were presented with Benemerenti medals

Read in full

Page 12

12 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + November 2023 NEWS 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 November 3 for our 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. 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 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. DO YOU NEED HELP AT HOME? WE ARE HERE TO ASSIST YOU WWW.SUPPORTSOLUTIONS.CARE 01642 030 525 Cleaning / Shopping Personal Care Medication Live in Care Waking Nighs + much more atSupportSolutionsMiddlesborough Out and About 1 Wednesday 5.30pm St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough –, Vespers and Sung Evening Song. 3 Friday Events, articles, and photographs for the December edition of the Voice are due by today. 6 Monday 9.45-10.25am Beverley Christian Meditation Group meets online. Further information from christianmeditation.beverley@gmail.com. This takes place every Monday. 7 Tuesday 10am Christian Meditation Group meets online. For further information please email terry-doyle@live.co.uk. This takes place every Tuesday. 7pm Knights of St Columba Council 29 meets at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough, beginning with Mass at 7pm in the chapel. 8 Wednesday 5.30pm St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough –, Vespers and Sung Evening Song. 7pm The Hull Circle of the Catenian Association meet at the Lazaat Hotel, Cottingham. The meeting will be followed by a Mass for deceased brothers and a buffet meal. If interested, email Charles Cseh at hullcirclesecretary@gmail.com. 9 Thursday 7.45pm Middlesbrough Catenians meet at Middlesbrough Cricket Club, Green Lane, Middlesbrough TS5 7SL. Contact Peter Carey on 01642 317772 or Chris Rhodes on 01642 319161 for further information. 11 Saturday 10am Day of prayer and reflection at St Mary`s Cathedral, exploring how we respond to Pope Francis` call to journey together and shape the Church of the future. Tea and coffee at 10am, prompt start at 10.30am. Father Chris Hughes, from the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, leads the day, which ends at 3.30pm. All welcome, please bring a packed lunch. To book, email adultformation@rcdmidd.org.uk. 12 Sunday 3pm Mass for LGBT+ Catholics, family, and friends at the Chapel of the Bar Convent. Doors open from 2.30pm. 3pm Catholic Fellowship Mass, St Joseph`s, Stokesley. 13 Monday 2pm Music for the Mind, for people who enjoy singing and connecting memories, at St Mary’,s Cathedral Hall, Middlesbrough. All welcome, no charge. Tea, cake and biscuits followed by fun. For details call 01642 710179. You can also join in on the Diocese of Middlesbrough YouTube page. 14 Tuesday 12.45pm Catholic Women`s Luncheon Club meets every second Tuesday of the month at the Kingston Theatre Hotel, Kingston Square, Hull. Gather at 12.45pm for lunch at 1pm. All ladies in the Hull and East Riding area are welcome. Norah Hanson will read her poetry. Call 01482 446565 or email jayne.wilson24@ymail.com. 15 Wednesday 5.30pm St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough –, Vespers and Sung Evening Song. 18 Saturday 7.30pm The Eddie White, Sacred Heart Irish Dance with Peter Mylett. All dances take place at the Erimus Club, Cumberland Road, Middlesbrough TS5 6JB. Contact John Brown on 07871 958412. 19 Sunday 3pm Catholic Fellowship Mass, St Joseph’,s, Stokesley. 22 Wednesday 5.30pm St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough –, Vespers and Sung Evening Song. 25 Saturday Noon LGBT+ social gathering in the café, at the Bar Convent, York. All welcome. 29 Wednesday 5.30pm St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough –, Vespers and Sung Evening Song. 7.45pm Cleveland Newman Circle meet at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough. Refreshments available from 7.30pm. Talk by Angela Wills: Dorothy Day, a new saint for our times? If you have any events you would like to include in Out &, About, please email Heidi.Cummins@rcdmidd.org.uk. Sun shines on SVP’,s seaside trip Parishioners were blessed with perfect weather for the St George’,s, York, trip to Bridlington and Sewerby Hall organised by the parish SVP. A coach took around 45 parishioners, some of whom had not been on holiday since before the pandemic, for some fresh sea air followed by a leisurely walk around the house and gardens of nearby Sewerby Hall. Lots of happy smiling faces –, and the fish and chip lunch went down well too! David Harper Some of the St George`s group on the SVP trip

Read in full

Page 13

November 2023 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 13 NEWS 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. A reflection from St Paulinus, Guisborough, parishioner IAN MCLEAN…, A father and his son were travelling on pilgrimage along the hilly, arduous road that led to the Holy City. They had already been travelling for several days and both father and child were tired. It was dusk, the sun a fiery red ball as it started disappearing down over the horizon. “,Are we walking much further today?”, asked the boy. “,No, my son, we will soon find a place to rest for the night.”, After several hundred yards they reached a small hedgerow and unrolling their makeshift bed and coarse woollen blankets, they lay down together to sleep. “,I am tired,”, said the boy. “,I didn`t know the road to the Holy City would be so hard, and yet we still have much further to travel.”, “,I know, my son, but although we have suffered many hardships, we must not forget the many joys we have encountered along the road. “,The strangers who have shared a simple smile, those who have offered up prayers and blessed us on our way, those who gave us food and drink and often a warm bed for the night. “,All life is made up of joy and hardship it cannot be otherwise, for that is what makes us children of our Heavenly Father.”, The boy felt his father’,s arms pull him close and knew in that embrace how deep was his father’,s love for him. He felt a tear on his cheek and knew his father was weeping for him. “,Don`t cry, Father,”, said the boy. “,I am strong enough to bear these hardships, knowing you love me and are always with me, and that we will walk together until we reach the Holy City.”, •, Ian is currently receiving medical treatment and sent this from his hospital bed. We would like to send him our love and prayers at this time. Pilgrimage to the Holy City St Lawrence’,s Parish Church in York was the venue for an ecumenical service with St George’,s Church to mark the Season of Creation. It was an inspiring outdoor service in the grounds of the church followed by time to chat over tea and coffee and plan similar events for next spring. Many thanks to St Lawrence’,s for their hospitality. Katy Iggulden Ecumenical service marks Season of Creation More than 50 parishioners gathered at St George’,s Church in York to take part in the Mass of the Anointing of the Sick organised by the parish SVP. Canons Jerry Twomey, Pat Harney and Michael Ryan concelebrated Mass and the social event afterwards at the nearby Phoenix pub provided a valuable opportunity for relaxation and chat, with music provided by Steve Cassidy. Thank you to everyone who attended, to Rosa and Norman for the music, our priests, the junior chaplaincy pupils of St George`s Primary School for helping with the Mass, the Phoenix pub and Julie`s Caterers for the hospitality and to St George’,s SVP members for organising the event and making it such a success. Parishioners gather for anointing of the sick Canons Pat Harney, Jerry Twomey and Michael Ryan concelebrating Mass –, Photo by Lars Karlsson On September 7 1963 Sylvia McNally and Colin O’,Neill celebrated the sacrament of holy matrimony in St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough. Sixty years later, Sylvia and Colin, who now live in St Clare of Assisi Parish, are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary. On a gloriously sunny day, Middlesbrough Catenian Circle president Paul Healy popped round to congratulate them and present them on behalf of the brothers and ladies, with a bouquet. Colin and Sylvia resisted the temptation of a lunchtime champagne celebration so they would be able to fully enjoy their evening party with 60 family and friends. President Paul mentioned that the day was also his wife’,s 60th birthday, so as Colin and Sylvia were being married, his future mother- in-law was giving birth to his wife to be, Jane. Chris Rhodes Diamond couple mark 60 years of marriage Colin (left) with Sylvia and Paul and their beautiful garden in the background Did you know that the leading supermarkets, including Tesco, Morrisons, ASDA, Waitrose, Sainsbury’,s, Iceland and Ocado, will all donate money to your church when members of their congregation shop with them? Customers buy their weekly food shop as usual and the supermarket then sends the church a free donation as a thank you. Most supermarkets offer a flat donation of up to £,5, while others pay a percentage of what the online shopper spends. On average, easyfundraising says just one person could earn £,97.50 a year for their church by doing their food shop. “,With many people choosing to order their food shop online nowadays, it’,s an easy way to fund running costs, projects and more,”, it says. Churches can register at easyfundraising.org.uk/funding-for-faith to book a call with an expert who can offer advice and tips to help them get started. They then encourage parishioners, their family and friends and the local community to sign up, with pre-written text and downloadable images available to make this task easier. Shopping scheme offers free funds for churches

Read in full

Page 14

14 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + November 2023 NEWS Environment Corner –, ,`How can we fail to care for world?` As you can read elsewhere in this edition, the new papal letter –, Laudate Deum –, was released on October 4 as a sequel to Laudato Si’,. “,‘,Praise God’, is the title of this letter,”, Francis writes. “,For when human beings claim to take God’,s place, they become their own worst enemies.”, In Laudate Deum, Pope Francis goes into battle with people who he believes downplay or deny outright the severity of the threat posed by climate change. There is a notably urgent tone throughout this letter reflecting that Pope Francis believes the world has largely failed to rise to the challenges he outlined in the earlier encyclical. His words are direct and powerful. “,Our responses have not been adequate while the world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point.”, He devotes 10 paragraphs to rebutting common objections, such as that the world has historically experienced periods of cooling and warming, and that steps to protect the environment will destroy jobs. “,I feel obliged to make these clarifications, which may appear obvious, because of certain dismissive and scarcely reasonable opinions that I encounter, even within the Catholic Church,”, he notes. Meanwhile, he believes the international consensus needed to combat climate change remains weak. He offers a detailed critique of recent United Nations climate change conferences, seeing them broadly as failures, with the possible exception of the 2015 edition in Paris, which produced an agreement observers believe was influenced by the publication of Laudato Si’,. The Pope looks ahead to the next conference, which will be held from November 30 to December 12 in the United Arab Emirates. He seems unenthusiastic about the venue, noting that the UAE is “,known as a great exporter of fossil fuels”,, and oil and gas companies are planning new projects in the country. But despite his sadness at the ineffectiveness of global institutions, he insists that “,to say there is nothing to hope for would be suicidal, for it would mean exposing all humanity, especially the poorest, to the worst impacts of climate change.”, The Pope does recognise that “,every little bit helps”, and suggests that efforts by households to reduce pollution and waste, and to consume responsibly, has created a “,new culture”, and is transformative. He writes: “,Let us realise, then, that we are helping to bring about large processes of transformation rising from deep within society.”, He encourages us to be a “,voice”, for transformation and change, encapsulating it all in a wonderful quote: “,The world sings of an infinite love. How can we fail to care for it?”, (LD, 65) Barbara Hungin More than 1,000 people signed the Catholic Union’,s open letter to education secretary Gillian Keegan, calling on her to lift the cap on faith-based admissions to new free schools. Catholic Union president Sir Edward Leigh MP and deputy director James Somerville-Meikle delivered the letter. The Catholic Union launched the “,scrap the cap”, campaign earlier in the summer. The current policy has made it impossible for new Catholic free schools to open in England, as it would lead to pupils being turned away because of their Catholic faith. The campaign received the backing of Bishop Marcus Stock, chair of the Catholic Education Service, and the former Labour and Education Secretary, Ruth Kelly. Signatories included bishops, parliamentarians, teachers and lay Catholics from every part of the country. The 50 percent cap on faith-based admissions applies to oversubscribed free schools with a religious character in England and was introduced by the coalition government in 2010. The 2017 Conservative manifesto committed to reverse the policy, but this was never achieved. The Catholic Union said it will use the time left before the next General Election to campaign to get the policy changed. Pleas for government to scrap faith schools cap Education secretary Gillian Keegan receives the `scrap the cap` petition from Sir Edward Leigh MP The Catholic Union and Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) have called for children and families to be the focus of this month`s autumn statement. They called on chancellor Jeremy Hunt to consider changes to the benefit system to help families with the cost of living. These include increasing the rate of child benefit, scraping the two-child cap on universal credit and working tax credits, and lifting the high-income child benefit charge. In their joint representation to the Treasury, they focus on lifting the two-child cap on benefits. The policy, introduced in 2017, limits the childcare element of universal credit and working tax credits to the first two children. The Catholic Church and charities have been strong opponents since its introduction. The groups highlight the latest assessment of the two-child cap, published by the University of York, which found that the policy had “,a negative impact on people’,s mental health, increasing stress and anxiety, and harming their wellbeing, with knock-on effects on children`s opportunities and wellbeing.”, They also highlight first-hand experience from CSAN members. Catholic Union director Nigel Parker said: “,The increase in the cost of living has stress tested our benefits system, and it has been found wanting for many families. The impact of decisions made over the past 10 years are beginning to be seen first-hand, especially in relation to support for children. “,At a time when so many families are struggling, it is important that the Church continues to speak out on policies such as the two-child cap. We are pleased to have made this joint submission with CSAN as we continue our work to make the tax and benefit system fairer for families.”, CSAN chief executive Raymond Friel OBE added: “,At a time of growing economic strain on families, Caritas Social Action Network and the Catholic Union, in line with the Catholic Bishop’,s Conference of England and Wales Department of Social Justice`s statement on the cost-of-living crisis in autumn 2022, are steadfast in our commitment to advocating for vulnerable children and families. “,Through our joint submission, we call on the chancellor to keep children and families at the forefront of the autumn statement 2023, urging the government to lift the two-child cap and implement fairer benefit systems that will work to alleviate child poverty and help families to flourish in this time of crisis.”, Catholic Union and CSAN call for benefit changes Charity asks for help to identify ‘,Cleveland Man’, A charity that reviews and investigates unsolved cases involving missing people or unidentified remains at no cost to the police or families is asking for helping in identifying “,Cleveland Man”,. Locate International says the man, thought to be in his early 20s, was found hanging in a small copse on the A178 Graythorpe to Seal Sands Road near to the entrance of a bird sanctuary and nature reserve on August 30 1981. He wore grey cord trousers and white Adidas trainers with green stripes. Inside each of his trainers, written in biro was the word “,SAYER”,. He also wore a zipped jacket with the figure 16 on the front top left. “,Among our lines of enquiry, we are investigating the possibility that he may have worked or studied and/or been staying within the area,”, the charity said. “,Did you know of a young man who went missing during 1981, or might you have any information at all that might be useful to us? “,Do you, for instance, know of why he may have had his name (or something else) written in his shoes? Was it something you might remember others having done, for example? “,Do you have any theories we could follow up based on the above? Or any memories of the incident you could share to give us a clue to this man`s identity?”, “,We appreciate it’,s a long time ago but any information, however small, may help us get closer to identifying this man so his family can be found and notified. You can submit information anonymously if you wish.”, If you might be able to help, email investigations1@locate.international or for further details visit locate.international/unidentified-bodies/cleveland-man-unidentified/.

Read in full

Page 15

November 2023 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 15 LOURDES Inspired by the recent stories of faith in the Voice –, the gentleman who saw a Christian message in Everything I Do by Bryan Adams, Chris Carling’,s calling to the priesthood, Charlie Perkin and Eoin Reilly’,s stories of service to others –, and prompted by Our Blessed Mother, I would like to tell my story of my visit to Lourdes. I was brought up in a large Methodist family just above Barnard Castle. Within the family were several preachers and even one Methodist minister. I converted to Catholicism in 2017, and I attend St Thé,rè,se of Lisieux in Ingleby Barwick. My conversion, a calling from God, was overseen by Canon Pat Hartnett and I had no real difficulties along the way. My soul was like a sponge, soaking up all the information. Some thought I might struggle to accept the teachings of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, but it came to me straight away, 100 per cent a believer. If anyone is struggling with this great sacrament, watch “,The Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist”, by Bishop Robert Barron on YouTube. The one area I struggled with was getting an angle on Mary. Not that there was any disbelief. I just didn’,t know where to place her. In my upbringing, she was brought out around carol service time then promptly put away again. I knew Mary was way more important than this, but I couldn’,t get my head around how. I was a loose cannon, a prayer here and there but not fully understanding. I did pray the Rosary regularly. One evening, I received a direct message from Mary. She said, “,If you don’,t trust me, why are you talking to me?”, So fast forward to March 2023, a lot of prayers to our Lord for guidance and prayers to Our Blessed Mother and a lot of listening to Bishop Barron and the late Bishop Fulton Sheen, and I booked to go to Lourdes. I was travelling alone and only knew one other person, Canon Pat, and he was staying in the Accueil (hospital). Many of my prayers to Our Blessed Mother now ended asking for three things: That I might make friends, or at least not suffer from loneliness, and that I might get a final and complete understanding of her, and that she might speak or confide in me. Now, Bishop Fulton Sheen said in his address “,The Woman I Love”,, be careful what you ask of our Blessed Mother because you might get more than you bargained for. Nice words, but really? The week before my flight I attended the Lourdes Mass at St Gabriel’,s, Ormesby, thinking I might make some friends. I sat at the back with two ladies and we said hello and shook hands at the sign of peace. But I came away still feeling alone on my pilgrimage. No one jumped out saying, “,Are you going to Lourdes? Do you want to be friends?”, The morning of my flight, my wife dropped me off at Teesside Airport and drove away, leaving me thinking, “,What have I done?”, But at least with no friends to distract me I could immerse myself fully into the programme. In the departure lounge I said hello to the two ladies from Mass. They were with others, so I moved along and found a place to chill. We arrived at Lourdes and as I got off the bus to my hotel, so did the two ladies from Mass and their group. Now, if anyone knows Billy and Doreen Harrison, you will know I didn’,t need to go looking for a friend! They invited me to sit with them and made me feel like one of the family all week. First prayer answered. At Monday’,s Grotto Mass, the atmosphere was electric. The homily was simple, but it was as if Our Lady was speaking directly to me. I was a quivering wreck at the end, overcome with love from our Blessed Mother, my understanding of her, the last bit of that jigsaw put into place. Second prayer answered. I haven’,t spoken of the Holy Spirit. I said the atmosphere at the Grotto Mass was electric. That’,s my way of saying how I felt the Holy Spirit moving, hovering above us all there, and he was about to move me some more yet. On Wednesday evening I walked to the Grotto to spend some time in Our Blessed Mother’,s presence. As I got to the square outside the basilica, the thunder and rain started, so a quick decision was needed –, continue and get soaked, retreat to the bar where I would find my new friends or go into the basilica, say a prayer and keep dry? Well, the doors were open, so I went in and prayed the Rosary. There was all sorts of noise, creaking, bangs, thunder and rain. But my mind was elsewhere. After the Rosary I prayed for help to be able to talk openly about God, Jesus and the faith to my family and friends, but as I’,m not a great conversationalist, I asked that others might ask questions so I could answer. After I finished praying, it was nice to enjoy the stillness. I don’,t know how long I was there, but I became aware of total quiet and thought it must be time I left. But the doors wouldn’,t open –, I was locked in! Now, for someone who has been diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety, I was surprised I felt quite calm. After looking without success for another exit, I released I had our tour operator’,s card and rang the 24-hour emergency number. I talked to someone in the UK and got a call 10 minutes later from the tour rep, Lisa, saying she was on her way. She arrived with two large security officers who let me out. To say they weren’,t happy is an understatement. Lisa insisted on taking me back to the hotel. I don’,t think she wanted me wandering around any more! My head was spinning, going over what had happened. Then, while trying my best to sleep, I heard a voice say as clear as day, “,Now you’,ve got something to talk about!”, I think I can put this down as the third prayer answered! Special thanks to Billy, Doreen, Mary, Cath, Julie, Dianne and Lesley and to Doctor Sath, Doctor Emma and Father Michael Weitl and all from Madonna House for the friendship you extended to me. I will never forget this special time. Edwin Bainbridge Doors open and prayers answered on special first pilgrimage Edwin Bainbridge`s first Lourdes pilgrimage turned out to be a memorable one Bookings open for 71st pilgrimage An online booking system for the 71st Diocese of Middlesbrough Pilgrimage to Lourdes is now up and running. Because of a clash of dates with the Military Pilgrimage, we have altered our normal week and we will be in Lourdes from Sunday May 26 to Saturday June 1 2024. Joe Walsh Tours is our official travel agent and we will again travel in two direct chartered flights from Teesside Airport to Tarbes Airport, Lourdes. Prices for the flight, transfers and six nights’, accommodation with full board range from £,845 to £,895, depending on your choice of hotel. Single rooms are available for an additional charge. A flight-only option is available for £,575, while there is a charge of £,50 for infants under two years on the date of return. The price for supported pilgrims staying in the Accueil de Notre Dame is £,825. Travel insurance for pilgrims up to 79 years on the date of return is £,49, with an additional £,49 charge for those aged 80 or over on the date of return. As usual, there will be a full programme of services and a guided walking tour of Lourdes, visiting places associated with St Bernadette, guided visits to the sanctuaries, Grotto, baths and basilicas. You can book now at joewalshtours.co.uk. Application forms for supported pilgrims are available from Lourdes secretary Pat Ling by calling 01642 760105 or emailing lourdessecretary@rcdmidd.org.uk. Dates for your diary Saturday November 25: Lourdes social at St Francis Social Club, Middlesbrough, with a luxury hot and cold buffet including dessert (vegetarian option available, please inform the organisers in advance). Doors open at 7pm and the evening includes games and a raffle. Tickets are £,12, including raffle and games prizes. Please confirm your attendance by Wednesday November 15 so we can organise numbers for catering. Email john.brown160@ntlworld.com for details. Thursday December 7: Christmas wreath making night in the Sacred Heart Church Hall, Middlesbrough. The cost is £,35 per person, which will include everything you`ll need to make your own beautiful Christmas wreath, plus prosecco and nibbles. Email john.brown160@ntlworld.com or book on our Lourdes Facebook page. Saturday December 9: Lourdes Christmas Mass and tea party at Sacred Heart Church Hall, 280 Southcoates Lane, Hull HU9 3AP. Mass begins at 2pm, followed by the tea party. All welcome. Saturday December 16: Lourdes Christmas Mass and tea party at St Gabriel`s Church, Allendale Road, Ormesby, Middlesbrough. Mass begins at 1pm, followed by the party. All welcome. Saturday January 20 2024: Lourdes Ceilidh Dance, details to follow. Sunday February 11 2024: Lourdes Mass for Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Details to follow Saturday February 24 2024: Lourdes Race Night with pie and peas. Details to follow. Saturday March 2 2024: Lourdes Formation Day at Trinity College, Middlesbrough. Details to follow.

Read in full

Page 16

16 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + November 2023 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 01440 730399 or email charlotter@cathcom.org 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. BODDY PRINTERS For all your parish printing, prayer cards, booklets, calendars, photocopying, stationery, business stationery, bingo and raffle tickets Wedding Stationery, Leaflets and Flyers Bingo and raffle machines also available 210 Parliament Road, Middlesbrough TS1 5PF T: 01642 224800 E: kevin.boddy@btconnect.com W: www.boddyprinters.co.uk The inaugural Middlesbrough Peace walk attracted more than 50 walkers. Catholics, Anglicans, Hindus and Muslims took part as we visited a variety of places of worship in Middlesbrough and North Ormesby. Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald and town’,s mayor Chris Cooke also took part. One walker, Mark, from St Cuthbert’,s in Kildale, said he found the walk and the welcome from different faiths inspiring. “,It was wonderful to be welcomed so warmly to each religious building and to hear about the amazing work everyone is doing to make Middlesbrough the place it is,”, he said. Our Hindu friends prepared an excellent lunch that was served at the International Centre in Abingdon Road, thanks to the hospitality of Bini Araia from Investing in People and Culture. We have something worth building on for 2024. John Hinman Peace Walk working group Encouraging start for United Nations peace walk Walkers in the cloister garden at the beautiful Trinity Centre in North Ormesby

Read in full

Find your local Catholic Historical Church newspaper. Scroll to find yours.