Middlesbrough Voice History
Newspaper for the Diocese of Middlesbrough
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Jan 2020 edition of the Middlesbrough Voice
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January 2020 Issue 473 FREE V OICE Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic An independent family owned & run business providing a personal and efficient service • Practising Catholic Funeral Director within the company • Pre-paid funeral plans available • Guidance & Quotations willingly given 78 MAIN STREET, WILLERBY, HULL Tel: (01482) 656537 www.robertadrew.com What’s Inside Dom Collects Service Award Page 15 New Bus For Ghana Community Page 3 Bishop’s Column Ten years ago, while still Pope, Benedict XVI wrote a Letter of Encouragement (an Apostolic Exhortation) after the Synod on the Word of God. The letter is full of many good things, it is rich and deep. Right at the heart of the letter is the message that the Word of God is not just something on a printed page, but rather a person; the Word of God has been given to us, proclaimed to us so that we might encounter, meet and experience Jesus Christ who is God’s living Word. During the next year, beginning the First Sunday of Advent and continuing until the end of 2020, The Year of the Word – the God Who Speaks begins, and we, the Church in England and Wales, are being encouraged to focus and concentrate on encountering God, the God who speaks to us and shares his love so that we might have life in abundance. During the course of the year there will be various events organised locally and diocesan-wide. However, I hope that there will also be events in your parishes organised and led by you and your priests. If there is a prayer group or bible study group in your parish or your area, then this can be a focus for you. If these do not exist in your parish or area, why not begin to gather to study God’s Word and to encounter the living Word of God in the Scriptures? You could ask your parish priest to help you. There are also plenty of resources online if you put “The God who speaks” into your favourite search engine. As we move into the New Year there is a second strand of action. You may have been aware that over the last couple of years there has been a “Dowry Tour” in which the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham has been travelling around the country. The statue came to our cathedral in December 2018. The purpose of this “tour” is to help prepare us to rededicate ourselves and our country as the dowry or the gift to Mary. Similarly, there will be key events and key dates leading up to the rededication on Sunday March 29 2020. Again, all information and resources can be found online at dowrytour.org.uk. It was through the “fiat”, the “yes” of the Virgin Mary, that Incarnation took place. Mary is very much our model as we enter into this year. Through her faith, she disposed herself to allow the Word of God to become flesh in her. Although there is only one woman who is the Mother of God made man, each one of us, in faith and through the sacraments, can be filled with the Word of God and bring Jesus to birth in our lives. There are many good things on offer here. Even if we just avail ourselves of a few of them then we will be on course for a blessed and peaceful New Year Yours in blessed hope, In Solidarity With The Poor – Who Will Speak If We Don’t? More than 250 people gathered in our cathedral to follow Pope Francis’ call to stand in solidarity with those in poverty on the third World Day of the Poor. This inspiring event, organised by the Diocese of Middlesbrough Caritas team, brought together many agencies whose aims are to combat poverty in its myriad forms, across the diocese, nationally and internationally. After a welcome from Bishop Terry, Middlesbrough-born Sister Lynda Dearlove gave the keynote address, speaking of her work with women at risk of prostitution through the Women at the Well project. The issue of poverty was highlighted by people’s stories, through drama and music led by Streetwise Opera. People were asked to listen as those living in poverty on Teesside shared their experiences. One young mother spoke of her situation in dealing with Universal Credit which left her and her daughter in dire poverty and at risk of homelessness. She also talked of how grateful she was to the CAUSE hamper campaign, which not only helped her at Christmas but at other times during the year too. Her story is one of hope and she is working hard for a better future for her daughter and herself. We heard from Ali Awad Ali Muhammed, who came from Sudan to the UK as a refugee, seeking asylum. He spoke of how generously he was received on Teesside and how much they have helped him. “I personally felt very affected by the day, which seems to have done so much good to so many people,” said Canon John Lumley, Episcopal Vicar for Christian Discipleship. “It was both moving and uplifting and the pace of the event seemed just right. “The input from the speakers was perfect and the venue seemed to lend itself to that kind of gathering. Someone said to me that if Pope Francis walked in, he would feel at home. My response was that I thought if Jesus walked in, he would feel at home too – except, of course, he was already there. “I would like to thank everyone who did so much to bring the day together, especially the Caritas Middlesbrough group, who worked so tirelessly in the background for many months.” Terry Doyle, who works with asylum seekers at the St John Paul Centre, said: “Bishop Continued on Page 2 Terry asked me without a moment`s hesitation to be introduced to the asylum seekers and he genuinely and warmly shared a healthy conversation with some of them and of his time in Africa. “I also saw Monsignor Ricardo and others deliberately sitting among the asylum seekers, most of whom were Muslim, and happily chatting away together. HOLIDAYS, COURSES, RETREATS, GROUPS • PRAY • RELAX • MAKE FRIENDS • FIND PEACE Themes: Healthcare, Scripture, Augustine, Laudato Si’, Thinking Faith walking week, Faith & the Arts, Birdwatching retreat. Join the Community for Mass and Sung Office. Comfortable Guest House and beautiful grounds. Course/retreats: margaret@boarbankhall.org.uk Guest House: mail@boarbankhall.org.uk Boarbank Hall, Allithwaite, Grange Over Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7NH. Tel: 015395-32288. BOARBANK HALL Augustinian Canonesses of the Mercy of Jesus www.boarbankhall.org.uk Streetwise Opera singing at the World Day of the Poor event – Photo by Johan Bergström-Allen
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2 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2020 NEWS Continued from Page 1 The Catholic Church’s network of Marriage and Family Life ministry in England and Wales (MFL) is collaborating with adoption and fostering charity Home for Good to find more families for children in need of loving and supportive homes. The new project was launched at the annual Diocesan Marriage and Family Life Ministry Coordinators’ Conference in Leeds. It is hoped that this collaboration will help raise awareness of the crisis in the care system and find more families in Catholic communities who are willing and able to foster or adopt, creating paths of welcome for vulnerable children. More than 100 children a day enter the UK care system and 8,100 more foster families are urgently needed. Catholic communities could help fill this gap. Pope Francis has said: “Adopting a child is an act of love, offering the gift of a family to someone who has none.” Participants at the conference spoke movingly from their own experience as adoptive parents, adoptees themselves and as those who work in Catholic agencies in support of adoptive and fostering families. Others spoke of the experience of supporting unaccompanied minors who have come to the UK, are traumatised and in need of homes. It is hoped that more families will start the process of finding out more about being foster carers or adoptive parents. Home for Good offers training to help social workers enable an understanding of the benefits adopters with faith can bring as well as excellent training material for parishes. The charity’s Kirsty Wordsworth said: “We see our church communities as vital support for foster and adoptive carers. Everyone has a part to play, whether it’s providing a home for vulnerable children and young people, offering support to families who do this or praying about this increasingly important issue.” Home for Good can help in signposting potential adopters and fosters to existing Catholic fostering and support services, or direct to social services. For more information please contact the Catholic Bishops’ Conference Marriage and Family Life team at catholicfamily.org.uk or Home for Good at homeforgood.org.uk/. Partnership Launches To Find Caring Homes “This is what Pope Francis asks of us – to be an inclusive Church where we get alongside our most vulnerable and marginalised people and listen to their stories. It is a sacred ministry indeed to do just what we witnessed at the cathedral.” Methodist Asylum Project manager Ailsa told Terry it meant so much to her clients that people in the cathedral made them feel so welcome, even though many were wary because of their traumatic pasts and their fears of organisations and power structures. “Everyone loved the day, from those who sang with us in Streetwise Opera and those who came along to listen,” said Terry. “One of the Iranians was an architect back home and he spent his time marvelling at the design of the cathedral itself. “Ali, from Sudan, was so proud to be able to wear his national outfit and speak to us all about how moved he has been to be so warmly welcomed into Middlesbrough. “At such a fractious time in our political system, our warmth of welcome has to continue now beyond the event and our inspiration has to be Jesus` messages of welcome as replicated through Pope Francis and all the many organisations who came together to express our Catholic faith and its social teaching.” The event closed with a Liturgy of the Word led by Bishop Terry, who thanked our speakers and those who work so hard to help those in need. Canon Lumley pointed out that the event isn’t an end in itself – reaching out to those in all kinds of need, both at home and overseas, has to be a daily commitment from all of us who claim to be Christians. What some of you said about the day… “The testimony of the woman supported by CAUSE was moving and showed the power of the human spirit. Thanks to all who organised the day. Sister Lynda`s reflection left me with much food for thought.” "I can`t tell you how I felt when I saw the LGBT+ Ministry stand in the cathedral. After all these years, I finally felt that I really belonged to my Catholic Church." "Wasn`t it great to have people of all colours and creeds in the cathedral and to have a Muslim guy speaking to us? I smiled inside when I listened to him.” “A celebration of all the good work in our diocese to support the vulnerable, the marginalised and those in poverty. It was indeed an inspirational day, with uplifting music.” In Solidarity With The Poor – Who Will Speak If We Don’t? It has been announced in Rome that our Holy Father Pope Francis has erected the oratory-in-formation in York as an independent Oratory of St Philip Neri. The decree of foundation is dated November 9, the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. It became the second oratory to be founded in England within a month, following news of the Manchester Oratory. There are now five oratories in England, at Birmingham, London, Oxford, Manchester and York, with oratories-in-formation in Cardiff and Bournemouth. This news comes only a little more than a month since Pope Francis canonised St John Henry Newman, who brought the Oratory of St Philip from Rome to Birmingham and London in 1848. The oratory was founded by St Philip Neri in Rome in the 16th century. The main work of the oratory is prayer (both personal prayer and public worship), daily popular preaching and the administration of the sacraments, especially the sacrament of confession and the spiritual direction of individuals. Oratories are typically small communities of priests and brothers who look after churches in towns and cities closely supported by committed laity who share a love of St Philip and his vision. There is a special concern for popular devotions and – especially in the English oratories – great care for music, art and architecture. The York Oratory began on the initiative of Bishop Terry, who invited the Oxford Oratory to make a foundation in his diocese shortly after St John Henry Newman’s beatification by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. Community life began at St Wilfrid’s Church in York on October 28 2013 and the new community now has six members, Father Richard Duffield, Father Daniel Seward, Brother Adam Fairbairn, Brother Henry O’Connell, Father Stephen Brown and Brother David Chadwick. In addition to St Wilfrid’s, the fathers of the York Oratory have care of the parish of St Joseph’s in Clifton and the Shrine of St Margaret Clitherow, the well-known York martyr. There was a musical oratory of prayers, choral music, hymns and readings on Thursday, November 28 at 6pm in the York Oratory Church of St Wilfrid, Duncombe Place, York. This is in celebration of the canonisation of St John Henry Newman and will now have something of the character of a celebration of the new foundation. There will be a Mass of celebration with the presentation of the papal brief on a date to be confirmed later this year. Father Richard Duffield Pope Announces Foundation Of The Oratory In York St Wilfrid’s Church in York A new bell was blessed and named “John Henry” on an evening of celebrations at St Wilfrid’s, York, to mark the canonisation of John Henry Newman. The blessing is full of scriptural references and is sometimes known as the "baptism of a bell", as it is anointed with the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Chrism and washed with holy water. Bishop Terry was joined by Bishop Ralph Heskett of Hallam and Bishop Robert Byrne of Hexham and Newcastle for a musical oratory. Anglican Bishop of Beverley Glyn Webster also attended and read from Newman`s writings. Other passages were read by parishioners, interspersed with Newman`s own hymns and choral pieces sung by the choir. The service concluded with Solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The bell has been installed in the tower and will ring the daily Angelus at noon and 6pm. New Bell Blessed At St Wilfrid’s The new bell at St Wilfrid’s – Photo by Lars Karlsson
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January 2020 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 3 NEWS Our website has moved to www.ReachNewspaper.com Smiles As New Bus Rolls Into Ahotokurom A gleaming new bus paid for by St Mary’s Cathedral parishioners and well-wishers throughout the diocese has finally arrived at the Padre Pio Rehabilitation Centre in Ghana amid joyous celebrations. An appeal for £50,000 was launched by Monsignor Gerard Robinson after he saw the dilapidated state of the previous bus during a visit to Africa. Almost 12 months after the target was reached the new Toyota bus, custom-built to the order’s specification, is now serving vulnerable communities in Ahotokurom. “We actually reached our fundraising target to raise the £50,000 required for the bus just before Christmas last year,” explained Laurie Haley, treasurer of St Mary`s Cathedral Justice & Peace Group. “The procurement process to research the options, make an informed choice, wait for it to be imported and get it fit for the road was, however, a rather long and drawn out affair. “As you can see from the photo, though, the new bus has now arrived and is bringing much happiness, as well as the practical support required to transport the children and adults to and from the centre.” Monsignor Robinson was deeply moved by the work being carried out at Ahotokurom, which means “place of serenity”. It is run by the Daughters of Mary and Joseph Charity, including Middlesbrough- born Sister Pat Pearson. Hull Teachers Throw Down Gauntlet A group of primary school teachers and staff from St Cuthbert’s’ Catholic Multi Academy Trust, serving the Hull area, have formed a new football team – and now they’re looking for opponents! Scott Goodison, who works at St Vincent’s, says they’d like to play teachers from other parts of the diocese in friendly fixtures, having already taken on local colleges. If any teachers in Middlesbrough, Scarborough or York are up for the challenge, contact Scott by emailing SGoodison@stvhull.org. Many readers will be familiar with the work of Sister Imelda Poole IBVM, who worked tirelessly in Port Clarence for 16 years. Sister Imelda has worked for the last nine years in Albania, leading Mary Ward Loreto, a non-profit development organisation serving vulnerable communities. The main focus of Mary Ward Loreto is to work against trafficking in human persons in Albania. All the work is a response to this call, in direct action with the victims – prevention, awareness-raising and in advocacy. What an advocate we have in Sister Imelda! Her own words are relevant and powerful… “Why do we continue to work against human trafficking when we know the way is hard and the amazing empowerment of others and the transformation into new life is always at great cost to the human soul? “We weep with the suffering and the marginalised, the outcast and the sold, the bought and the abused. We walk alongside the abandoned as friends and partners. What gives us the fire and the passion to continue in this task? The answer is always love and being loved in return and the cost is never too great.” Just consider the range and extent of the work founded by Sister Imelda as president of Religious in Europe Networking Against Trafficking and Exploitation, (RENATE). The organisation forms partnerships and works with six main groups, including women in rural regions of Albania, children and families from the Roma community, youth from rural regions, victims of trafficking and prisoners from nine prisons in the Tirana/Durres Diocese. We can all imagine the uphill battle faced by Mary Ward Loreto – facing up to corruption and lack of solutions from institutions and systems and finding innovative solutions to counter indifference and corruption. It is evident when reading of the success of Mary Ward Loreto how much has been achieved by sheer perseverance and effective partnerships and relationships. The evidence is there in work that is flourishing and work that is systematic and creative. An earthquake centred around the Albanian port city of Durres on the night of November 25 caused loss of life and destruction, with many homes destroyed. Mary Ward Loreto are helping rescue work and delivering food parcels to makeshift camps. Sister Imelda said recently: “It is a sad country. Please pray for us.” Funding is always a source of difficulty for the work in Albania. Anti-trafficking and working with those who have been trafficked is complex and reliant on good resources. Can you help? Please send cheques to made payable to Loreto Sisters Albania to Sister Jacinta Davenport, 28 Hartley Road, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 4AY. You can also help and show your support by coming along to Christ the King Church in Thornaby on Friday January 10 at 7pm, when Sister Imelda will give a talk on the achievements and challenges in supporting some of the most vulnerable communities in Europe. Please contact Bridie Hope for more details on 01642 888987. Thank you. Bridie Hope and John Hinman Walking Alongside The Abandoned As Friends And Partners
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4 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2020 This is the last decade of our Rosary and it celebrates the best of the many gifts God has given us. At the Last Supper, on the night before he died, Jesus took some bread, broke it and gave it to his apostles. He said: “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.” Then he took a cup of wine, which he blessed, saying: “Drink from this all of you. This is my blood, which will be poured out for you. Do this to remember me.” In Holy Communion, Jesus offers us his body and blood, under the signs of bread and wine, to show how much he loves us all. SCHOOLS THE FIFTH MYSTERY OF LIGHT The Institution of the Eucharist PART OF THE NICHOLAS POSTGATE CATHOLIC ACADEMY TRUST Headteacher: Mrs Louise Dwyer Email: news@trinity.npcat.org.uk Telephone: 01642 298100 Website: www.trinitycatholiccollege.org.uk Saltersgill Avenue Middlesbrough TS4 3JW An inclusive learning community living out Gospel values St Edward’s Primary School a Catholic Voluntary Academy Part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust Eastbourne Road, Linthorpe Middlesbrough TS5 6QS Tel 01642 819507 Headteacher Mrs Mary Brown email: Enquiries@stedwards.npcat.org.uk www.stedwardsrcprimaryschool.co.uk Allendale Road, Ormesby, Middlesbrough, TS7 9LF Headteacher: Mrs L.Phelps Tel: 01642 315538 Email: enquiries@stgabriels.npcat.org.uk Part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust Normanby Road, South Bank Middlesbrough TS6 6SP Interim Headteacher: Mr Neil Skerry Tel: 01642 453462 enquiries@stpeters.npcat.org.uk www.stpeters.npcat.org.uk St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Primary School Part Of the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust South Bank, Middlesbrough TS6 6TA Tel 01642 835370 Headteacher: Miss C McNicholas email: enquiries@smc.npcat.org.uk Green Lane East, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1NB Executive Headteacher: Mrs Mary Brown Head of School Fran Mackle Telephone: 01845 523058 Enquiries@allsaints.npcat.org.uk We would like to thank these schools for always supporting the paper. If your school would like to do the same please contact Charlotte on 07932 248225 or 01440 730399 or email charlotter@cathcom.org to book your advert
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January 2020 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 5 SCHOOLS Hundreds Gather For Advent Services More than 600 members of the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT) family gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral to prepare themselves to meet Jesus at Christmas. Through scripture, prayer and song, children from the 26 schools in the trust reflected on the Christmas story in two services led by Father Phil Cunnah. Pupils read passages from scripture and four of the five candles on an advent wreath were lit, with the fifth white candle being traditionally lit on Christmas Day. “These were both lovely occasions, a real celebration of the faith of our NPCAT family,” said the trust’s lay lead chaplain Angela O’Brien. “The themes of the candles for each week on the Advent wreath helped us to think about what we might need to do to get ourselves ready this Christmas. “We prepared the crib in front of the altar to be ready to receive the baby Jesus, but what do we need to do to get our hearts ready this Christmas?” Children at the Advent services – Photos by Stuart Boulton
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6 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2020 NEWS A Letter From Madonna House If anyone thinks Scripture is just a boring bunch of words with little relevance to the “real world”, I challenge you to read this article – but beware! It could change your life. When I was 18 and searching for something (I didn’t know what, exactly), I suddenly found what I had been seeking all my life – or rather, divine love, God himself “found” me. In the twinkling of an eye, I knew that the King of the Universe had chosen me to be his beloved forever. Filled with overflowing gratitude and joy, I “narrowed” my search to find out who this divine lover was! I found our Bible, blew off the dust, and opened it at random to the psalms. To my amazement, I was plunged into a world of intense relationship. The psalmist freely poured out his heart to God, whether in joy, sorrow, rage or hope. The Lord received it all in love. I could be myself with this God! And I was entranced by the description of our Creator who made all things and delighted in every last bit – “Leviathan at play in the waters” (Ps 104:26). Next, I turned to the Gospels and fell in love with Jesus, who showed the face and heart of my divine lover. I lapped up each story. It was all so vivid, I felt the Lord himself was reading to me and opening my heart. One day I came across the story of the Rich Young Man, who desired a holy life. Jesus looked deep into his heart, loved him (Mk 10:21) and invited him to follow as an intimate disciple and companion. The only condition was that he’d have to be rid of his possessions to follow the Poor One. My heart leapt! This was my passion – to follow Jesus and live with him always. Every time I read this passage, I burned with desire. By this time, I was happily engaged to be married. “Do you think God might be asking us to be missionaries and to go to Africa or something?”, I asked my fiancé. “Oh no”, he replied, “I couldn’t do that – I’d need to provide for our family.” But as time went on, I began to sense that if I was to be true to my call from Jesus, I had to be free to follow him anywhere. So where did that leave us? Eventually, we realised we were not called to marriage. (Now do you see why I issued a caution about reading this article? A Gospel story can radically alter your life.) Jacques and I remain friends to this day, but we stopped dating as I began my last year of university. Having visited Madonna House before, I decided to return for a six- month stay after graduation. But when that moment arrived, it seemed God had disappeared: He wasn’t there when I prayed, when I implored or raged like the psalmist. I had been doing everything right (just like the Rich Young Man), so why did he leave? By this point, I was in another loving relationship and I decided to forget about Madonna House. If the Lord couldn’t even show up, why should I let go of a tangible love for one that was only a memory now? This is when the Rich Young Man began to haunt me. Every time I opened any Bible, it turned to Mk 10:17-22. That summer I visited a charismatic covenant community for the wedding of a friend. You can imagine the joy and powerful prayer emanating from that congregation during the wedding, which only made my interior emptiness and blackness all the more desolate. When we finally returned to the house of my host family, I found their Bible and issued this challenge to God: Ok! I’ll go to Madonna House, but only if I open to The Rich Young Man. Then I’ll really know this is what you want. “What are the chances of that?”, I thought smugly. Well guess what? That’s where the Bible opened! “That could have been a fluke,” I thought. “I’d better try a second time”. Again, what are the chances? Well, when God wants something, he’s not bothered by probabilities. I tried to open the Bible to a different page, but it was the same story in another Gospel. Now, I don’t recommend this, but I dared God, “Three out of three?”. And so it was. Off to Madonna House I went. The Gospel at Mass on the day I arrived was – you guessed it! The Rich Young Man. After that long visit to Madonna House, I lived in a hermitage, trying to discern where I belonged, and then travelled the world, stopping in the Taizé community for a 30-day retreat. On the day when I was particularly encouraged to discern my vocation, the Gospel chosen for my meditation was my Rich Young Man. The retreat director had no idea about the role of this passage in my life. But the message was clear, and soon after, I “sold” all my possessions (aka my own plans) and followed Jesus to Madonna House. Far from being a “boring bunch of words”, Scripture can open your heart to love, draw you into the heart of the Creator himself, and completely change your life. Do you have the courage now, to dust off that Bible, open it and allow the Holy Spirit to take over your life? Cheryl Ann Smith A Boring Bunch Of Words? New Classrooms Opened In Richmond Bishop Terry visited St Francis Xavier School in Richmond to bless two new classrooms funded by the Diocese of Middlesbrough. The classrooms have been built on playing fields beside the school, which is oversubscribed. Bishop Terry met students from the Faith in Action group and listened to a presentation from the school’s nationally acclaimed Eco-team, led by business manager Mrs Land. As reported in last month’s Voice, the team recently won the Department for Education’s Sustainable School Project award. The visit coincided with the school’s fortnightly “bake off ” day, so Bishop Terry was welcomed to the staffroom during break time to share treats as part of this staff wellbeing initiative. Bishop Terry said he enjoyed meeting the students and was inspired by their enthusiasm and commitment. Bishop Terry addressing the eco-team The eco-team with Mrs Land at the back left, Bishop Terry and headteacher Mr McGhee back right and a student holding the Sustainable School Project award Help Available As Schools Form Mini Vinnies` Groups Over the year you may have read of the amazing work Mini Vinnies groups have been doing in the Middlesbrough Diocese. Mini Vinnies is the SVP apostolate for children aged seven to 11 and 70 per cent of primary schools in the diocese have Mini Vinnies’ groups. They provide excellent resources and activities and empower our young people to not only undertake voluntary work in their local community while developing their faith and spirituality, but also begin making concrete acts of charity in school by turning their concern into action. A group of ten-to-12 Mini Vinnies across key stage 2 usually works best. If you would like to start a Mini Vinnies group or feel that yours needs refreshing, help is available locally from the volunteer Mini Vinnies’ development officer for Middlesbrough, Pat Nobbs. Her role is to support schools setting up groups by explaining to staff what Mini Vinnies is and how it differs from and compliments a chaplaincy team and or school council. She can also help identify someone within the school or parish to act as a co-ordinator, the link adult between school and Mini Vinnies, and tell pupils about Mini Vinnies and how they can join. Support and training is also available from the national Mini Vinnies and youth SVP officer in London. Contact Pat at PresidentC130403@svp.org.uk or call the national office on 020 7703 3030.
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January 2020 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 7 LOURDES Pope Appoints Special Delegate For Lourdes Pope Francis has appointed a special delegate to look after the spiritual care of pilgrims visiting Lourdes. The Holy Father has shown his particular concern for the care of pilgrims and wants centres of Marian devotion to become “ever more a place of prayer and of Christian witness corresponding to the needs of the People of God.” A letter appointing Bishop Antoine Hérouard to the new role was read out in Lourdes. “I desire to understand what further form the Sanctuary of Lourdes might adopt, beyond the many already in place, in order to become ever more a place of prayer and of Christian witness corresponding to the needs of the People of God,” the Pope said. Pope Francis says Lourdes is not a French shrine, but a shrine for the Universal Church and that it has to welcome the sick and the poor. He wants to accentuate spirituality over the temptation to focus on managerial and financial aspects and to promote the popular devotion that is traditional in sanctuaries. In the apostolic exhortation Evangelium Gaudium, the Pope wrote that: “Popular piety enables us to see how the faith, once received, becomes embodied in a culture and is constantly passed on.” He spoke of “the riches which the Holy Spirit pours forth in popular piety by his gratuitous initiative” and affirmed that, “‘Journeying together to shrines and taking part in other manifestations of popular piety, also by taking one’s children or inviting others, is in itself an evangelising gesture.’ Let us not stifle or presume to control this missionary power!” The traditional “signs” of Lourdes are the rock, the light of the many candles continuously burning in the shrine, the crowds and the sick people and hospitaliers. Bishop Hérouard’s role – which is a temporary one – is limited to the sanctuary, with the Diocese of Tarbes and Lourdes remaining entrusted to Bishop Nicolas Jean René Brouwet. Maureen Piggott, centre in dark blue, during our Anointing Mass in Lourdes – Photo courtesy of Lacaze Maureen Named As New Lourdes Head Nurse Maureen Piggott has been appointed as pilgrimage head nurse with immediate effect for a three-year term. May I take this opportunity of thanking Maureen for accepting the role, I believe she will be a tremendous asset to the pilgrimage team. At the same time can I offer my grateful thanks to Audrey Kirby, who has just stepped down, and to Stephen McKenna, for their hard work, support and commitment to the pilgrimage over the years. Keith Tillotson, Pilgrimage Director Bishop Terry with Andrew Krlic, Katie Whitehead, Kaye Fox, Kath Humphrey, Rosa Flanagan, Angela Spencer, James Conwell, Jackie Tempestoso, Peter Gair, Jill Manders and Simon Geaves at a Mass for our diocesan Catholic education inspectors – Photo by Paul Bowen Town Says Goodbye To ‘Teesside Hero’ Eddie Mourners packed the Sacred Heart Church in Middlesbrough for the funeral of “Teesside Hero” Eddie White. Eddie, who passed away after a period of illness, was known to generations of young people in the town as the force behind the popular Sacred Heart Youth Club beside the church. He also played an integral role in Catholic life through the Young Christian Workers, Irish dances, Eucharistic ministry, parish maintenance and fundraising. He was recognised by Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation as a Teesside Hero for his positive impact and last St Patrick’s Day was presented with the papal Benemerenti honour for his services to the Church by parish priest Canon Stephen Maughan. Eddie White with his wife Nora and their family after being presented with the Benemerenti medal
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Cheryl Ann Smith Father Brian Christie Margarita Guerrero 8 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2020 YEAR OF THE WORD How God Speaks To Me My Favourite Words Of Scripture Throughout the Year of the Word: The God Who Speaks, we will be asking different groups of people to reflect on their favourite Scripture passage and why it’s so important to them. We begin with the community at Madonna House, Robin Hood’s Bay… My favourite passage of scripture is… Song of Songs 2:16 – "My beloved is mine and I am his." One blessed December night 47 years ago, my world exploded into colour, dance and song. As if he couldn’t wait another minute for me to know his love, the Lord threw open the sluice gates and I bathed, revelled and drank deeply from this fountain of living water. In an instant, I knew I was forever united with my king. My bridegroom began to reveal himself to me through Scripture, and one line from a book I’d never seen before, pierced my heart with joy: My beloved is mine and I am his (Song of Songs 2:16). That exultant cry, seared into my heart of hearts is mine forever. Cheryl Ann Smith, director My favourite passage of scripture is… John 17:24 - Jesus’ prayer for his disciples: “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am...” This scripture contradicted the lie that I once believed at some level, that God was an uninvested spectator of my life, looking somewhat indifferently to see whether or not I would “make it”. These words of Jesus to the Father made it clear that he is not indifferent but is indeed invested into my life with a profound desire that I walk with him all the way to the eternal homeland he has prepared. Father Brian Christie, priest and member My favourite passage of scripture is: John 1:5 - “The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” The sanctuary lamp was almost extinguished. I sat alone in the darkness of the chapel and my thoughts. Slowly, I became aware of how this tiniest flame lit the entire space! John 1:5 came to mind, and I knew in all my being that no darkness could ever overcome the Light. That truth sustains me in hope, whenever the darkness seems to be winning. Jesus, the Light of the world – the darkness cannot overcome him! Amen. Margarita Guerrero, staff member My favourite passage of scripture is… Luke 19:1-10 – Zacchaeus the Tax Collector. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. This is a recent favourite of mine. Zacchaeus, a despised outcast, climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus. But Jesus wanted so much more than that, he wanted to come right into Zacchaeus` home and dine with him. It is the encounter with Jesus that changes Zacchaeus. This passage brings me hope and joy in knowing that Jesus comes to me while I am still a sinner and that it is a living encounter with him that continues to change me. Joanne Slugocki, staff member Joanne Slugocki Study Days At Ampleforth Ampleforth Abbey is running a series of monthly study days looking at different aspects of the Bible, with different speakers helping us to reflect and celebrate God’s Word in a variety of ways. Wednesday January 8: The Gospel of Matthew – Father Henry Wansbrough OSB Wednesday February 12: Engaging with the Bible: See, Judge, Act – Patricia Kelly Wednesday March 11: Contemplating the Bible – Sister Laurentia, Stanbrook Abbey For additional dates and more information please call 01439 766486, email pastoral@ampleforth.org.uk or visit ampleforth.org.uk/visitors . Liam Kelly On the first Sunday of Advent, in the purposely low-lit St Mary’s Cathedral, a voice from a hidden place called out the words of Isaiah 9:1–7. “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light… A son has been given to us…”. The Lucenarium followed and as the candles were lit, the light flowing from one person’s candle to the next filling the cathedral with a warm glow, the diocesan choir and cathedral choristers began the impressive singing of the evening led by music director, Tim Harrison, with the antiphon, O Radiant Dawn, by James MacMillan. After the Gospel was proclaimed, the book was placed open on the lectern facing everyone, with a candle on both sides with a beautiful floral arrangement by Sheila Gibson placed below, subtly drawing attention to the Word. What a fitting way to mark the beginning of the Year of the Word. We are called to make space in our lives by turning our attention to how God speaks to us through scripture, shining his light into the darkness of our world, giving us life. Advent is the time of waiting, of expectation of this baby to be born to us at Christmas, who will ultimately, through his life, give us eternal life. Rebecca Coyne, MYMission Parish Development Officer Advent Carols To Mark The Year Of The Word Music director Tim Harrison with the diocesan choir and cathedral choristers
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January 2020 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 9 YEAR OF THE WORD “A spiritual renewal to help facilitate the New Evangelisation” Wednesday January 1: On the Feast of Mary, Mother of God, a formal public announcement by the Bishops of England and Wales regarding the rededication of England as the Dowry of Mary. Friday February 21: All Catholics, and anybody else who wants to, will be invited to begin a personal 33-day consecration to Jesus through Mary following the method of St Louis de Montfort. This includes an invitation to go to the Sacrament of Confession. A free book by Father Michael Gaitley entitled 33 Days To Morning Glory will be sent from the shrine, on request. Visit shop.walsingham.org.uk/33-days-to-morning- glory Wednesday March 25 ( the Feast of the Annunciation ): All who are following the consecration will consecrate themselves to Jesus through Mary on this day. Thursday March 26–Saturday March 28: A three-day triduum of prayer in which all will be invited to recite the litany of Saints and Martyrs of England, pray the Rosary and go to Confession in preparation for the rededication. Sunday March 29: A personal rededication of England as the Dowry of Mary. This will be done in Westminster, Walsingham, every cathedral, every parish and as many homes as possible. It is a personal rededication following the guidelines in the book The Angelus Promise , which can be obtained from the Shrine. Resources for The God Who Speaks are available from cbcew.org.uk/home/events/the- god-who-speaks/ . Rededication Of England As The Dowry Of Mary Timeline Our Lady of Walsingham – Photo by Father Lawrence Lew OP Word Of God Day Retreat In keeping with Pope Francis’ request to reflect on the Word of God in this new liturgical year, St Aelred’s Parish in York will host a day retreat on Saturday February 1. The day, organised by the Middlesbrough Diocese UCM, begins with Mass at 10am and finishes at 3.30pm. It will be led by Dom Leo Maidlow Davis of Downside Abbey, based on the Pope’s latest Encyclical Gaudete et Exultate (Rejoice and be Glad) and on St Matthew’s Gospel, in preparation for Lent. All are invited. The venue is St Aelred’s Church, 216 Fifth Avenue, York YO31 0PN. Book by Sunday January 26. For more information call or text 07855 288851 or 07891 143761. Mary`s Ready For Scripture Year York Bible enthusiast Mary Callan says she’s been waiting for the Year of the Word 2020 for 70 years and intends to be fully involved. Part-time RE teacher Mary performs her own one-woman scripture-based Blazing Grannies theatre shows in the diocese and beyond, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. She first led scripture-sharing at York’s pastoral centre in 1996 and later Mary led the Read-a-book-a-month Bible challenge, writing pamphlets and arranging monthly launch events with neighbouring parishes. Mary now offers Bible drama, scripture sharing, quiet days or noisy days, in evening, day or half-day sessions. There is no fee but expenses payments are welcome. English Martyrs’ parish in York will hold a drama event and social on January 25 and 26, featuring “inside reports” from St Matthew and his Gospel. Mary has also ordered a new batch of her book Side Door Into The Gospel , available priced £8 (including post and packing) or free to print yourself. View Mary’s work by searching for Blazing Grannies on YouTube, visit fmarycallan.wordpress.com/blog/ or contact her by emailing blazinggrannies@gmail.com or calling 0759 6714382. Monsieur Claude’s Great French Adventure By Julia Beacroft Monsieur Claude, the ‘Beanie Baby’ crab, is upset and worried. His family lives in France and he would dearly love to visit them because his mum hasn’t been well. His owner, Jamie, is going on holiday to Paris but only two of Jamie’s ‘Beanie Babies’ can go with him. And Monsieur Claude isn’t chosen to be one of them… However, the rest of his ‘Beanie Baby’ friends devise a cunning plan to smuggle Monsieur Claude into Jamie’s backpack! But disaster strikes at the airport when Monsieur Claude falls from the bag! Will he be rescued? Will he ever see his owner again? The little crab has a thrilling series of adventures along the way, but will he ever be re-united with his mum? Age 6-8 years Available online at Amazon, Book Depository The bishops would like to renew the ancient title of England as the Dowry of Our Lady. These are the key dates leading up to the rededication... Sunday Of The Word Of God Consequently, I hereby declare that the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time is to be devoted to the celebration, study and dissemination of the word of God – Pope Francis, Aperuit Illis On January 26, the Universal Church will celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God. Parishes are encouraged to give greater reverence to the proclamation of the scriptures on this day, particularly the Gospel. Read more in the Pope’s letter, Aperuit Illis, in its Latin title, which can be found online.
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10 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2020 CAFOD From the Archives 50 Years Ago (From reminiscences of a former altar boy at Withernsea SS Peter & John Fisher) “It will be coming up to twenty-two years that I’ve been serving the various priests of the parish by helping them at Mass both on Sundays and during the week and it’s been a pleasure serving them all. They have all been different in the way they have approached Mass and the ways in which they have said it. Obviously the first few months of each priest are the worst, trying to get to know what they want, when and how. It’s often fortunate that the other parishioners don’t know what was meant to have happened instead of what actually did! Many a time I’ve been left stranded with a thurible in one hand, holy water in the other, only to find Father wanted the missal first. The priests who took their time over Mass were the easiest to serve for, but one priest was quite quick and I think an Olympic athlete would have had a job to keep up with everything that was needed.” 100 Years Ago (Advert in Hull Catholic Magazine, January 1920) Tea in Town! After shopping, what is more refreshing than a cup of good tea, served under congenial surroundings, at Powolny’s Ltd. The Bijou Orchestra discourses music from 12 noon to 9.45 pm. A few minutes spent here will take away all the tired feeling occasioned by a shopping tour. David Smallwood Remembering Oscar Romero, The Saint Of San Salvador Remembering The Saint Of San Salvador PADDY O’NEILL reports on a powerful talk to members of Cleveland Newman Circle… “I’ll sing a hymn to El Salvador, may the world remember what you stand for” So sang Vin Garbutt, our sadly missed local songwriter poet and prophet, of the troubles that beset El Salvador in the 1970s. We gathered to hear about the life of St Oscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, who was assassinated while celebrating Mass in a hospice chapel on March 24 1980. Former CAFOD chair Julian Filochowski, now chair of the Oscar Romero Trust, shared the background to the events leading to Romero’s death. Mr Filochowski, who was living and working in San Salvador at the time and knew Archbishop Romero personally, explained why the archbishop was so beloved by the poor and hated by the rich and powerful. Romero’s life and ministry started simply, working as a rural parish priest at a time when priests were primarily expected to be good administrators, celebrate the sacraments and run the parish, but not to engage in any other meaningful way with their flock. All this changed after the Second Vatican Council and the subsequent meeting of South American bishops in Medellin, which energised the church to seek a “preferential option for the poor” in their countries. This idea was taken up enthusiastically by many clergy and laity, in particular by Romero’s close friend Father Rutilio Grande SJ. However, when Romero was made archbishop he was not seen as a radical or revolutionary, but rather as a safe pair of hands, who would not threaten the status quo of the ruling classes and the church hierarchy. Just 14 powerful families owned most of the land and life for the “campesinos”, or farmers who worked for them, was feudal, with low pay and negligible rights. The Church was generally complicit in this arrangement. Interestingly, Mr Filochowski revealed that before becoming archbishop, Romero developed symptoms of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder that required cognitive therapy treatment. Perhaps this was a sign of the internal struggle and dissonance he was starting to feel between his ministry and the lived experience of the poor. This came to a dramatic head when Father Rutilio was shot dead by government forces. Romero went immediately to the parish and spent the night praying beside the table in the presbytery where the body of his friend had been laid. He announced the cancellation of every Mass in the country the following Sunday, except for one he would celebrate at the cathedral. More than 100,000 people attended, signalling both Romero’s solidarity with Father Rutilio and his brother priests, but also with the causes they espoused in trying to liberate the poor. From then he knew he was a marked man, travelling a road that would eventually lead to his martyrdom three years later. Mr Filochowski pointed out that although Romero was assassinated, his life was not taken – it was freely given. During those three years, Romero preached and wrote widely, exposing injustices and inequalities and their effect on the poor and drawing on scripture to explain the need for change. He made it clear that orthodoxy and orthopraxy are needed, that is, the teachings of the Church without actions are meaningless, and actions that are not based on the teachings of Christ are blind. He broadcast his sermons weekly by radio. When this radio transmitter was blown up by government forces, an emergency grant from CAFOD enabled it to be replaced quickly and broadcasts resumed. His preaching made him a target from both extremes of the political spectrum, as well as the conservative elements in the Church. Mr Filochowski said Romero was martyred twice – when he was shot and afterwards by “the hardest stone of all – the tongue.” Elements in the Church tried to discredit him, saying he was a radical, revolutionary communist. Perhaps most movingly of all, Mr Filochowski shared an audiotape recording made by a nun who was present in the chapel during the fateful Mass. At the start of the Offertory we heard prayers followed by the sound of the single shot that ended his life, fired by a government assassin from the back of the church. Surely this must be unique in church history, to be able to hear the exact moment of martyrdom? Hearing it even after all these years was an incredibly powerful witness to his life and death. Eventually, despite years of resistance from the Church hierarchy, the movement to beatify and canonise Romero was given impetus first by Pope St John Paul II and then Pope Francis. Mr Filochowski believes the two pillars of Pope Francis’ papacy are St Francis and St Oscar Romero, both saints who were moved by their faith to challenge their Church to reconsider how it viewed and responded to the poor in its midst. Importantly, in these days of food banks, and the widening gap between the wealthiest and the poorest in our own country, Oscar Romero still speaks to us – not to respond simply with charity, when what is needed is justice and a more equitable and fair distribution of our riches. For this he was killed. As Helda Camara said: “When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why they are poor they call me a communist.” Mr Filochowski’s talk was a moving and timely call for us to remember what Oscar Romero and El Salvador stood for. And I’m pretty sure Vin Garbutt would have approved. Cleveland Newman Circle holds six talks a year, usually on Wednesdays, at 7.45pm in St Mary’s Cathedral Hall, Coulby Newham, TS8 0TW. Their next talk is on “University Chaplaincies” by Father Marc Lyden-Smith on Wednesday February 19. For further information email sandamerckx@ btinternet.com or phone 01642 316493. A group of young people from El Salvador who are seeking refuge on Teesside and came along to the talk
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Our intrepid property manager Sharon Westcough braved the cold and rain to take part in her seventh Santa Ride through the streets of Middlesbrough – raising around £827 for charity. The event has taken place annually since 2009 and this year saw around 200 bikers of all shapes and sizes dress up in Christmas outfits and parade through Thornaby, Stockton, Middlesbrough and Redcar in aid of Zoë`s Place baby hospice. Advanced motorcyclist Sharon has been riding since she was 16 and has travelled all over Europe on her Harley Davidson 1200 Sportster, so a bit of wet weather was never going to put her off! “It’s always an amazing experience, you know you’re doing it to raise money but you get such a good feeling with everyone coming out to cheer and wave us on that you also reap the benefits yourself,” said Sharon, who is based in the curial offices and looks after property throughout the diocese. “As soon you leave home, bus drivers are waving and drivers are flashing their lights and you quickly forget the rain. It’s just so uplifting.” Colleagues in the curia boosted Sharon’s fantastic fundraising effort. If anyone would like to add to her total, you can email her at propertymanager@rcdmidd.org.uk January 2020 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 11 Our family caring for your family Covering all areas Tel: 01642 459555 King George House, 92 High Street, Eston TS6 EG Website: www.fawcettandhetherington.co.uk Email: info@fawcettandhetherington.co.uk Fawcett & Hetherington Funeral Service FUNERAL DIRECTORS If you would like to advertise in the Funeral Directors section, please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 2 48225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org NEWS UCM Celebrates Diamond Anniversary Union of Catholic Mothers members from around the diocese gathered at St Aelred’s, York, to mark the 60th anniversary of the organisation in the Diocese of Middlesbrough. We were delighted that Bishop Terry and several priests were able to be with us to celebrate Mass on this special occasion. Bishop Terry welcomed national president Margaret McDonald, who joined our president, Jean Rigg, in leading the intercessions and UCM prayers. The liturgy and music were organised by our study day officer Rose Cartledge, who also led St Aelred’s Choir. After Mass everyone was welcomed by St Aelred’s foundation president Sarah Sheils for lunch in the parish centre, where a celebratory cake was cut. Kath Stubbs National president Margaret McDonald, Bishop Terry and diocesan president Jean Rigg at the UCM’s 60th anniversary celebration Sister Gemma Simmonds, from the Congregation of Jesus, pictured talking about how Christians can see Christ present in the world around them, often most clearly in the poor and marginalised. Speaking at our annual Inspirational Day in Scarborough, Sister Gemma called on the hundreds of readers and Ministers of the Eucharist from across the diocese who attended to join the revolution of tenderness – Photo by Johan Bergström-Allen Santa Sharon Boosts Baby Hospice Funds Sharon on her Harley Davidson 1200 Sportster
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12 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2020 2 Thur 7.30pm Latin Mass at the Catholic Chaplaincy of Hull University, 115 Cottingham Road, Hull. 3 Fri Events and articles for the February Voice are due by today. 4 Sat 9am Latin Mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough. 11.30am Centering (Contemplative) Prayer Group, St Gabriel’s Church, Ormesby, Middlesbrough. Contact Canon Lumley jl@rcdmidd.org.uk. 5 Sun 11am Mass at Our Lady of Mount Grace (18 North End, Osmotherley Village, DL6 3BB) (first Sunday). Noon Sung Latin Mass, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF. 4pm Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF. 6 Mon 10.15am–11am Beverley Christian Meditation Group meets at St John of Beverley Church every Monday morning (10am for new meditators). Further information from christianmeditation. beverley@gmail.com. 7 Tues 7pm Knights of St Columba Council 29 meets at St Mary’s Cathedral, Middlesbrough, beginning with Mass in the Cathedral Chapel. 7pm–8.15pm Christian Meditation Group, St Andrew’s, Teesville. Contact terry-doyle@ live.co.uk. 8 Wed 10.30am Our Lady of Mount Grace, 18 North End, Osmotherley Village DL6 3BB, Midday Prayer/Wednesday Word/Prayer Intention for January ‘Those persecuted for their faith’ followed by refreshments. 2pm–3.30pm Music for the Mind at St Mary’s Cathedral Hall, Coulby Newham. For details call 01642 710179. 9 Thur 7.30pm Latin Mass at the Catholic Chaplaincy of Hull University, 115 Cottingham Road, Hull. 10 Fri 7pm–8.30pm Divine Mercy Prayer Group meets in St Anthony’s Church, Beverley Road, Hull. Contact John (01759) 380415 for details. 7pm Talk by Sister Imelda Poole at Christ the King Church, Trenchard Avenue, Thornaby, to include details of her experience in Albania and with RENATE and the impact it can have on our own local communities. Refreshments provided. 11 Sat 9am Latin Mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough. 11.30am Centering (Contemplative) Prayer Group, St Gabriel’s Church, Ormesby, Middlesbrough. Contact Canon Lumley jl@rcdmidd.org.uk. 12 Sun Noon Sung Latin Mass at St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF. 3pm Diocese of Middlesbrough LGBT+ outreach and service. Mass giving an explicit welcome to LGBT+ Catholics, their families and friends, in the chapel of The Bar Convent, 17 Blossom Street, York YO24 1AQ. All are welcome. 4pm Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF. 13 Mon 10.15am–11am Beverley Christian Meditation Group meets at St John of Beverley Church every Monday morning from (10am for new meditators). Further information from christianmeditation. beverley@gmail.com 10.30am–11.30am Christian Meditation Group, John Paul Centre, Middlesbrough. Contact terry-doyle@live.co.uk – takes place at the same time every Monday and Thursday. 7pm York Newman Circle: Rev Michael Chester – The Wesleys: How a reform movement became a denomination. Talk at the Bar convent from 7.30pm. Tea and coffee from 7pm. 14 Tues 12.45pm Hull and District Catholic Women’s Luncheon Club meet at the Kingston Theatre Hotel, Hull. Christmas lunch. 12.45pm–3pm Life Ascending group meets at Our Lady’s, Acomb, after 12.10pm Mass 7pm–8.15pm Christian Meditation Group, St Andrew’s, Teesville. Contact terry-doyle@ live.co.uk. 7.30pm The Knights of St Columba, Council 95, meets at Council Chambers, English Martyrs Hall, Dalton Terrace, York. 15 Wed 12.45pm–3pm The Life Ascending Group at St Leonard & St Mary, Malton meets after 12.10pm Mass. 7.30pm Hull Circle of the Catenian Association meets at Lazaat Hotel, Woodhill Way, Cottingham, HU16 5SX. Contact Bernard Swift (01482) 348272 for details. 16 Thu The Knights of St Columba, Hull Council 45, meets at St Joseph’s Church, West Hull. 8pm Pro-life Mass to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Protectress of the Unborn, St Thomas More’s Church, Beechwood. Celebrant Father Dominique Minskip. 7.30pm Latin Mass at the Catholic Chaplaincy of Hull University, 115 Cottingham Road, Hull. 17 Sat 9am Latin Mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough. 11.30am Centering (Contemplative) Prayer Group, St Gabriel’s Church, Ormesby, Middlesbrough. Contact Canon Lumley jl@rcdmidd.org.uk. BISHOP TERENCE PATRICK DRAINEY ENGAGEMENTS FOR JANUARY 2020 14 Attends meeting of Bishop’s Council at Bishop’s House, Middlesbrough 11am 19 Attends Hull University Chaplaincy to celebrate Mass, bless newly commissioned icon of St Willibrord and to speak on St Teresa of Avila 5pm 21 Attends meeting with leaders of the SVP Middlesbrough at the Curial Offices 10am Attends meeting of Diocesan Education Committee at Curial Offices, Middlesbrough 11am 22 Attends presentation on the Gospel Of Matthew by Father John Farrell OP, St Bernadette’s Haxby Noon 23 Attends meeting at Department for Social Justice in Eccleston Square, London 11am 28 Attends meeting of Trustees of the Royal English College, Valladolid, Archbishop’s House, Birmingham 29 Attends meeting of Trustees of the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust Board 9.30am Attends meeting of Trustees of the St Cuthbert Catholic Academy Trust Board Noon Attends meeting of Trustees of the St Margaret Clitheroe Catholic Academy Trust Board 2.30pm Out & About around the Diocese Wanted for the Missionary Sisters Large Statues, Church Fittings, Rosaries, Pictures etc. Please phone or write Mr. Ferris KSC, 102 Moor St, Coventry CV5 6EY Tel: 02476 676986 January’s Choral Services At The Cathedral Sunday January 5 at 10am: Solemn Mass for Epiphany (Cathedral Choir) Sunday January 12 at 10am: Solemn Mass for Baptism of Our Lord (Cathedral Choir) Sunday January 12 at 4.15pm: Solemn Vespers. Music includes the cantata Das Neugeborne Kindelein by Buxtehude (Cathedral Consort and string ensemble) Wednesday January 15 at 6pm: Benediction with Vespers Sunday January 19 at 10am: Solemn Mass (Cathedral Choir) Wednesday January 22 at 6pm: Benediction with Vespers Sunday January 26 at 10am: Solemn Mass (Cathedral Choir) Sunday January 26 at 4.15pm: Solemn Vespers (Cathedral Consort) Wednesday January 29 at 6pm: Benediction with Vespers For more information about our choral services and music visit us online at https://sites.google.com/site/middlesbroughcathedralmusic
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Noon Christian Meditation Weekly Group, St John of Beverley, Church (11.45am for new meditators). Contact christianmeditation. beverley@gmail.com. 18 Sun Noon Sung Latin Mass, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF. 3pm Catholic Fellowship Mass, St Peter’s, South Bank. 4pm Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF. 19 Mon 10.15am–11am Beverley Christian Meditation Group meets at St John of Beverley Church every Monday morning (10am for new meditators). Further information from christianmeditation. beverley@gmail.com. 20 Tues 7pm–8.15 pm Christian Meditation Group, St Andrew’s, Teesville. Contact terry-doyle @live.co.uk. 23 Thur 7.30pm Latin Mass at the Catholic Chaplaincy of Hull University, 115 Cottingham Road, Hull. 24 Fri 7pm Marian Prayer Group, St Anthony’s Church, Beverley Road, Hull. All welcome. Contact Pat (01482) 802483 for details. 25 Sat 9am Latin Mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough. 7.30pm Sacred Heart Parish Dance (Sally Glennon), Erimus Club, Cumberland Road, Middlesbrough TS5 6JB. 26 Sun 10am Family Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, Middlesbrough. Noon Sung Latin Mass, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF. 4pm Sung Latin Vespers and Benediction, St Wilfrid’s, Duncombe Place, York YO1 7EF. February Voice available from churches. 27 Mon 10.15am–11am Beverley Christian Meditation Group meets at St John of Beverley Church every Monday morning (10am for new meditators). Further information from christianmeditation. beverley@gmail.com. 28 Tues 7pm–8.15pm Christian Meditation Group, St Andrew’s, Teesville. Contact terry-doyle@ live.co.uk. 29 Wed 12.45–3pm Life Ascending Group, York Central, meets at St Wilfrid’s, York, in the Upper Room after 12.10pm Mass. 30 Thurs 7.30pm Latin Mass at the Catholic Chaplaincy of Hull University, 115 Cottingham Road, Hull. January 2020 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 13 Copy Deadline Copy and photographs for inclusion in the Catholic Voice should be sent to: The Editor, Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice, Curial Offices, 50a The Avenue, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, TS5 6QT. Tel (01642) 850505, email catholicvoice@rcdmidd.org.uk Friday January 4 for February issue Friday February 7 for March issue Where possible please send articles in Word and photographs as jpegs. Please confirm when you send in your photographs that those who appear in them have given their permission for publication. NEWS If you would like to advertise please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 248225 or email charlotter@ cathcom.org Five Years Of Saving Lives In The Congo Francis Hannaway, from St Gabriel’s Parish, Middlesbrough, lives and works in Basankusu Diocese, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Five years ago I started my adventure in the Congolese rainforest. I remember sitting uneasily on the River Congo in a flimsy canoe with outboard engine. Greeted by familiar faces in Basankusu, I was soon rudely awakened to the realities of forest poverty – untimely death from childbirth, malaria and poor diet. I enthusiastically started my work teaching candidates to Mill Hill Missionaries and looking after the accounts. Early in 2015, a group of Belgian eye-doctors arrived for a two-week mission, performing cataract operations for next to nothing. Despite insecurity, they visited every year after that to do the same. I set up the only malnutrition centre in a diocese half the size of England. I started raising money to make wheelchairs for people whose only way of getting around was by crawling on the ground. We’ve now given 24 wheelchair bicycles for those disabled by polio From the start, I’ve been harassed by corrupt officials, mostly immigration police who see me as a soft target. I started teaching at the local minor- seminary, which involved an exciting solo ride through the forest each week on a dirt- track motorbike. It was difficult at first, but I eventually got the hang of it. In April 2016, our house burnt down. The paraffin fridge had caught fire and there was no way to control the flames. After the fire, I took a trip to Kinshasa with Father John Kirwan while he got an emergency travel document to replace his incinerated passport. It was a welcome break for me too. In Kinshasa, I welcomed a little boy and his mother for medical treatment. Judith, who helps me run the malnutrition centre, came to help guide them through the process. Tensions were high as people waited for a presidential election. We were robbed by probably fake officials in the street, on our way to give the sick boy’s mother some money for food. Soon afterwards, Kinshasa turned into a bloodbath, with demonstrations being brutally put down by the police. The next two years would see many such incidents and many people, including people at Mass inside their church, were mercilessly shot down, before elections finally took place at the end of 2018. After the election, I left my work at Mill Hill (we’d cut the teaching programme after the fire) and concentrated solely on malnutrition. Sadly, the poverty caused by bad governance has made my centre even more necessary. Since I arrived in the Congo, we’ve treated more than 3,500 malnourished children. We’ve been menaced by Ebola and are now struggling with a rise in numbers caused by the current measles epidemic. I’m still struggling to renew my visa, but I’m really looking forward to 2020 to see what more, we can achieve, with your help. •Support Francis’ work in the Congo. Donate via PayPal type PayPal.me/FHannaway into your browser, tap the link on his facebook page, or internet banking: Pay: Francis Hannaway, Ref: Congo, sort code: 40-33-01, account: 01172115. Seeking passionate people to nurture lasting change. Is your heart filled with the hope of a brighter future for all? Do you dream of a fairer, a more peaceful and healthier world? Are you seeking a new challenge in your life? If so, we can offer you an opportunity to fulfil your hopes and dreams. CAFOD volunteers help by promoting and supporting our work in parishes and volunteer centres, by visiting schools and through campaigning with us, by giving their time and energy for the greater good of all. So, if you are looking for an exciting new beginning in the New Year, we want to hear from you! What’s in it for you? The opportunity to work in a diverse, faith- based organisation within the Caritas International network which gives us a global reach into our Catholic communities around the world. We will provide training and support to enhance your practical skills and experience, you will learn about the work we undertake in England and Wales, as well as that of our international partners and the communities they serve. You will meet new and interesting people and gain a real sense of making a positive contribution towards building a brighter future for all. For more information visit cafod.org.uk/volunteer. Could You Volunteer For CAFOD?
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14 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2020 NEWS Environment Corner While reforestation has recently been championed as one of the most effective ways of slowing climate change, scientists say focusing on tropical rainforests is particularly efficient. Located around the Equator in the forest belt between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, tropical forests have generally high average temperature and annual rainfall for all or part of the year. While critical to life on Earth, they are under severe threat from climate change, subsistence agriculture, and corporate interests like mining, logging and broad- scale agriculture. Women-led environment group TreeSisters recently launched a “Grow Your Own Forest” campaign to fund tree planting across the tropics in diverse forest environments in Madagascar, Cameroon, Nepal, India, Kenya, Brazil (in the Amazon and Atlantic rainforests) and Mozambique. Pollyanna Darling, TreeSisters’ community engagement coordinator, outlines seven benefits of growing your own tropical forest. 1. Help us breathe: Tropical rainforests comprise just six per cent of the Earth’s surface but produce 40 per cent of its oxygen! 2. Sequester carbon fast! Tropical trees sequester carbon three times as fast as temperate trees. They draw down and store 95 per cent of all global tree-based CO2 from the air. 3. Improve soil health: Biodiverse tropical forests create a huge amount of organic material (leaves, seeds and branches) which improves soil health. Forest wildlife and other small animals, some of which live in these trees, add extra nutrients to this organic matter, further improving the health of the soil. 4. Cool down the climate: Tropical forests seed clouds, making them particularly good at cooling our world. They do this by transforming solar energy into water vapour, which in turn becomes reflective clouds that reflect sunlight back into space. Tropical forests are three times more effective in cooling down climate than boreal or temperate forests. 5. Create biodiversity: Tropical forests are incredibly biodiverse and are home to 170,000 of the world’s 250,000 plant species and an estimated 50 per cent of all plant and animal species. One hectare of rainforest may contain up to 42,000 different insect species, over 300 different tree species, and 1,500 species of higher plants. 6. Sustain communities: Planting in the tropics has a positive impact on local human communities by providing sustainable employment opportunities and revenue streams that alleviate extreme poverty, restoring biodiversity and watersheds, improving soil quality for healthy food production and spreading education about why trees matter. 7. Provide medicines: About a quarter of all medicines used by humans come from tropical rainforests. To find out more, visit treesisters.org. Justice & Peace Commission The Benefits Of Growing Your Own Tropical Forest Father Leo Dies After Illness Father Leo Chamberlain OSB, a former parish priest of St John’s, Easingwold, and headmaster of Ampleforth College, died in at Ampleforth Abbey on November 23 2019, at the age of 79. Father Leo was born in Tonbridge in August 1940 and educated at Gilling Castle and Ampleforth College. He joined the monastic community in September 1961 and was ordained priest on July 7 1967. Father Leo worked in the school in a variety of roles for 40 years. In 1972 he became housemaster of St Aidan’s boarding house and a year later he was also appointed senior history master. Throughout the 1980s Father Leo launched a number of initiatives providing support for persecuted Christians in Eastern Europe, working with the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need. In September 1992 Father Leo was appointed acting headmaster of Ampleforth College and he was headmaster from January 1993 to December 2003. Father Leo oversaw a £20m redevelopment programme and guided the school’s move towards co-education. He retired from the school in December 2003 at the age of 63, and in September 2004 was appointed master of the University of Oxford’s St Benet’s Hall. In 2008, Father Leo was appointed cathedral prior of Gloucester Cathedral, a title dating from pre- Reformation times, when Benedictines formed the chapters of nine of the cathedrals of England. In April 2008, he became parish priest of St John’s and over a ten-year period he was responsible for the extensive refurbishment of the church and priory. Increasing ill health and lack of mobility forced Father Leo to return to the monastery infirmary in Ampleforth in April 2018. On July 8 that year he returned to the parish to celebrate the golden jubilee of his ordination and the completion of the church refurbishment. His health deteriorated and he was admitted to York Hospital, but returned to the monastery infirmary where he died peacefully on November 23. Father Leo’s body was received into the Abbey Church on Thursday December and his funeral Mass was celebrated at 11.30am on Friday December 6, followed by burial in the Abbey crypt. Father Leo Chamberlain OSB Father Colman Ryan Buried In Ireland The funeral of Father Colman Ryan, who served in parishes in Whitby, Middlesbrough, Hull, Scarborough and Thirsk, has taken place in his native Ireland. Father Colman, who had been in ill health for several years, was taken into hospital in the city on November 12 and died that day. He was 77. Born Colman Marius Patrick Ryan in Limerick city on November 23 1941, he attended seminary at St Patrick’s, Thurles, and was ordained in Tipperary on June 10 1967, the same day as fellow diocesan priests Father Dan O’Neill, Father Bill Ryan, Father Dermot Nunan RIP, Father Kevin Trehy and Father Pat Bluett. He came to the diocese as curate at St Hilda’s in Whitby between 1967 and 1976 and then moved on to St Francis’, Middlesbrough, where he remained until 1981. Between 1981 and 1992 he served as parish priest at the Holy Name in Hull before moving to St Peter’s, Scarborough, where he remained until 1998. His final posting was as parish priest at All Saints in Thirsk. When he retired from there in 2010 he returned to Hull, where was cared for at Alexandra Court Care Home. Father Colman’s body was taken back to Ireland and his funeral Mass was celebrated in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Limerick, before burial in Mount St Lawrence Cemetery. “We give grateful thanks for his ministry in the diocese,” said the vicar general, Monsignor Gerard Robinson. “We would also like to express thanks to the staff at Alexandra Court Care Home and I know many priests and Father Colman’s family visited him there regularly. We will continue to keep him and his family in our prayers.” Father Colman is survived by his brothers, William, Father Damian and Joseph, his sisters-in-law Carmel and Ronnie, nephews and nieces and an extended family. A memorial Mass in celebration of his life will take place in Middlesbrough at a date to be confirmed. Father Colman Ryan
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North Yorkshire Catholics have saved a Zimbabwean community’s vital water supply – within just three weeks of an appeal. The Monastery of Christ The Word in Macheke, Zimbabwe, a small daughter house of Ampleforth Abbey, was tasked with providing a national centre for spirituality and retreats by the Catholic bishops of the country, which is beset by major political, social and economic problems. Conditions there have been worsened by a devastating drought and a hurricane earlier this year and the monastery supports its neighbours with basic food and transport to medical treatment, despite having very limited resources. Ampleforth and District Circle of the Catenians support them by covering the transport cost of the monthly 90-mile round trip to an AIDS clinic for local sufferers. “Thank you, you are literally saving lives,” said the prior, Father Robert Igo. “Last week I was talking to local people who would, quite simply, no longer be with us if we had not had your support.” Then he revealed a truly urgent emergency – the virtual collapse of the national electricity supply threatening their ability to pump clean water from underground for the monastery and the neighbouring school. They desperately needed a solar pump costing around £3,000 which they simply did not have. The alternative, surface water, is unsafe to drink – although 2.2m Zimbabweans have no other option. The Catenians appealed for support from its members and their local parishes. The response was both immediate and generous with £1,900 raised and £1,500 added by the Tyburn Trust. Just three weeks after the appeal went out, a photograph was sent showing the pump in action. “This sustainable supply of water has brought us peace of mind,” says Father Robert. Providing independent, reliable solar power for all the Macheke community’s needs will take longer. For further information about the work and needs of the Monastery Of Christ The Word, please contact the circle by emailing ardnamurchan75@btinternet.com. January 2020 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 15 NEWS Quick Response Saves Village Water Supply The solar pump up and running just three weeks after appeal was launched Knight of St Columba, altar server and Lourdes stalwart Dom Jones travelled to London with his team to collect a very special volunteering award. The therapeutic care volunteers at South Tees NHS Foundation Trust – led by Lourdes nurse Debi McKeown- Bowen – were presented with the Helpforce Celebrating Inclusion and Diversity in Volunteering award. Dom has been a volunteer for almost five years, supporting patients on the wards, chatting, playing games and generally making them feel better. He shows great compassion and support to the patients and is so well known in the hospital that staff have a smile on their faces the moment they see him arrive on the ward. “We have a cup of tea or coffee and have a chat and laugh at the patients’ side and make them smile, talk to them and make them have hope,” said Dom. “We bring sunshine into people’s lives and make them feel at home as well because some of the patients have no-one.” Debi added: “Dom is such a well-loved member of our therapeutic care community. We are really lucky we have a group of people who come in, despite the difficulties they may have, because they want to make a difference to our patients’ stay in hospital. It really is a special part of therapeutic care here at James Cook University Hospital.” To view a video with Dom and Debi talking about their work, visit helpforce.community/category/stories/award- stories/ Volunteer Dom Collects Major Service Award Dom at his local parish church, St Joseph’s, with his award – Photo by Ian Stubbs This Month’s Clergy Anniversaries Please pray for the following priests of our diocese whose anniversaries are during the month of January… 3 2000 Rt Rev Mgr Canon Peter Storey Osmotherley 3 2000 Very Rev Canon James Oliver Plunkett Beverley 5 1887 Rev William Brown York 7 1981 Rev Michael McCarthy Scorton 7 1991 Rev Christopher Pattison Eston 9 1956 Rev Charles Heslin Redcar 11 1965 Rev Cuthbert Clifford Hull 11 1995 Rev Leo Dennett Egton Bridge 13 1964 Very Rev Canon James Knowles Hull 16 1965 Rev Bernard Pears Everingham 16 1908 Rev Michael Aylward South Bank 17 1978 Very Rev Canon T Lynam Westmeath 18 1957 Rev Alphonsus Van den Bossche Ulshaw Bridge 20 1939 Rt Rev Mgr Canon Richard F Sullivan Middlesbrough 21 2005 Very Rev David Fitzgibbon Castlebar 21 2007 Rev James Hughes Hessle 25 2010 Rev Joseph O’Brien Hull 27 1993 Rev Edward Glynn, RN Sleights 29 1975 Rev Denis Manley Hull 31 1985 Rev Patrick Smyth Hull 31 2005 Rev Mark Crowley Kilmallock Follow the Diocese of Middlesbrough on social media Twitter: @MbroDiocese Facebook: facebook.com/MiddlesbroughDiocese Flickr: flickr.com/photos/middlesbroughdiocese/ The Diocese of Middlesbrough would like to point out that while every care is taken with advertisements placed in the Catholic Voice, publication does not suggest an endorsement of any views expressed.
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16 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + January 2020 Designed typeset and printed by CathCom, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk. CB9 7BN. To Advertise call 01440 730399. or e-mail: ads@cathcom.org NEWS – serving Schools, Business and Homes If you would like to advertise please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 248225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org Church Pews Uncomfortable? Why not try top quality upholstered foam pew cushions? Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33 Free Sample Pack of foam & fabrics sent by first class mail When phoning please quote MV101 Ambitious Plans To Place Postgate Painting In Every Church As part of the efforts of the Postgate Society to promote the cause of Blessed Nicholas Postgate we are planning to place a copy of a painting of Father Postgate in every church in the diocese. This ambitious project, which has the support of Bishop Terry, will take several months to implement. A start has been made in the Coastal Deanery and pictures will soon be on display in every church between Saltburn and Filey. Over the first half of this year we plan to extend the scheme to include the other three deaneries in our diocese. This is the only known likeness of Blessed Nicholas Postgate and can be found in Whitby Museum. The image itself, painted on a wooden panel, measures roughly six inches by five inches. The painting is of unknown age – there are too few tree rings on the frame or the painting itself to enable them to be dated using dendrochronology. The frame contains a number of embedded rusty nails, which indicate it may have come from an old piece of furniture or a floorboard. In 2013 it was sent to art conservators in London where it was found that there are no modern white pigments in the painting, but the presence of Prussian blue indicates an earliest possible date of 1710, some 30 years after Father Postgate`s execution. This examination indicates that the painting was not from life, as was once thought, but the possibility exists that the portrait was painted by someone who had known him – or by a person working from a first-hand description of someone who had. By displaying this image of Blessed Nicholas Postgate we hope to encourage more people to pray to him. Another miracle is required before he, and the other English Martyrs, can be canonised. That is our goal – but it will never happen unless people pray for it. Blessed Nicholas Postgate pray for us. Monica Ventress and David Smallwood The painting of Blessed Nicholas Postgate Please support our advertisers. Revenue from advertising pays for the production of this paper and without them we would not be able to produce the Catholic Voice free of charge each month, so please support their businesses.
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