MAY 2023 Issue 488 FREE V OICE Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Bishop’,s Column May has always been dedicated to the honour of Our Lady –, Welcome month of Mary! I can remember singing this as a child. Fittingly, during the course of the month, we celebrate three important feasts in honour of Mary, Mother of God. On the 13th of the month, we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Fatima –, a very important day of prayer for peace and conversion of our world as war rages across our globe. Then on the 29th, we remember that Mary is the Mother of the Church, a relatively new feast but one which has always formed part of our belief. After all, the Church was formed at the foot of the Cross as Mary and John stood there contemplating the death of Jesus as blood and water flowed from his side, the source of the sacramental life of the Church. The Holy Spirit of Pentecost finds the apostles gathered together with Mary the Mother of the Lord. Finally, as we reach the last day of May, we celebrate the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary –, the meeting of these two women whose obedience to God’,s word changed the destiny of the world. Of course, the month of May is ushered in quietly and humbly by St Joseph, the spouse of Our Lady, under his title as “,The Worker”,. This feast reminds us that, in essence, work is a calling to participate in the creative action of God who saw that all that he had made was good. Work is not just aimed at material production or economic gain, it is a genuine vocation from God through which we and our world can be sanctified. Then we have the celebration of the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla on Saturday May 6, with all its pageantry and tradition, but, as we are promised, within a modern context. As we pray for our newly crowned head of state, we should also remember all our politicians and those involved in national and local government. We can ask the intercession of St Thomas More, who was declared patron of statesmen and politicians by Pope St John Paul II in October 2000. The evening before the coronation I will celebrate Mass for the King in Middlesbrough Cathedral at 7pm, and I encourage all parishes to do the same. Amid all these celebrations, we are reminded on Tuesday May 9 to pray for all those who are the victims of sexual abuse. It is a date for us to remember and to call to mind those whose lives have been twisted and brutalised in this way. We are certainly aware nowadays of the necessity of safeguarding protocols and the need to protect the young and the vulnerable. Much progress has been made, but we can never sit back on our laurels or become complacent. Let’,s make this day a day of special prayer and awareness in our own hearts and in our communities. And finally, May is the beginning of the Confirmation season and First Holy Communions. Many of our young people have been preparing for these sacraments over a long period of time. Let’,s keep them in our prayers also. On the faithful who are true –, and profess their faith in you –, in your sevenfold gift descend! Give us virtue’,s sure reward –, give us your salvation, Lord –, give us joys that never end! Amen. Alleluia! In blessed hope, With great joy, the parish of St Hilda’,s, Whitby, welcomed three women and two men into the faith during our Easter Vigil Mass. Father Michael Weitl of Madonna House, the lay community that had prepared them for their reception, presided over the celebrations, during which Milo Pierce Thelwall received the sacrament of baptism and then was confirmed, along with Harry Baker, Olivia Dealtry, Eilidh Macintyre and Denise Ritchie. Here`s what they had to say about their decision to become a Catholic... “,I first came into contact with Christianity online and listened to people talking about their experiences. Slowly I was drawn to Catholicism, read up more about it until I felt that this was the church that felt right for me. I then made contact with my local church in Whitby and met Father Pat. The first time I came was last Easter Sunday and I’,ve been coming ever since. Father Pat introduced me to other people, and I felt really welcome. The community here in St Hilda’,s felt different to other churches, more sincere in its welcoming. I also really enjoyed the RCIA programme run by Madonna House. We watched videos, shared what we had heard and spent time in prayer together. It was all very meaningful.”, “,For many years I had had a lot of personal problems and was looking for something, but I didn’,t know what. By chance, I met Father Pat. He told me to come and have a chat, which I did. He seemed to understand where I was and he put me on the road to find what I needed. I then found other people in the parish who have also helped me on my way to faith. The centre of my faith? Jesus, What’,s Inside Tribute paid to Father Michael Page 13 Mini Vinnies inspired to share Page 4 The warmest of welcomes Father Michael Weitl, Olivia Dealtry, Harry Baker, Eilidh Macintyre, Milo Pierce Thelwall, Denise Ritchie and Father Pat Keogh Continued on Page 2 obviously –, I wouldn’,t be here otherwise.”, “,It felt weird to become a Catholic. It’,s a really big step if you aren’,t ‘,cradle’,. For me, it purely had to do with who I met. I met Father Pat and another parishioner out walking on Westcliff during lockdown. I was thoroughly miserable, having been widowed shortly beforehand, and they stopped and spoke to me. It took me a long time before I began going to Mass, and even then I was quite happy being an outsider for a long time. But, as I’,ve gone on, I’,ve realised how much I do appreciate the Catholic faith. It has been like coming back to Jesus after a long time. I’,d been brought up as a church-school Anglican and then there was a big gap, so now it feels like coming back home to something I’,d missed, and somehow it has just kept getting better as I’,ve progressed. I’,ve met others and found the community here incredibly welcoming.

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2 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + May 2023 NEWS BISHOP TERRY`S MAY ENGAGEMENTS 3 School Visitation to St Hedda’,s Primary School, Egton Bridge 9am 4 Attends Dedication Mass for new chapel at St Mary’,s College, Hull 2pm 5 Celebrates Coronation Mass at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough 7pm 7 Celebrates Mass and Confirmations at Ampleforth 11.15am 9 Attends meeting of the Bishop’,s Council, Middlesbrough, via Zoom 10.30am Celebrates Confirmations in Northern Deanery at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough 7pm 11 Celebrates Confirmations in Northern Deanery at St Thé,rè,se of Lisieux Church, Thornaby 7pm 12 Celebrates Confirmations in Southern Deanery at St Wilfrid’,s Church, Hull 7pm 13-14 Parish Visitation to Egton Bridge, Lealholm and Ugthorpe 16 Attends meeting of Diocesan Trustee Board at the Curial Office, Middlesbrough 10.30am Celebrates Confirmations in Southern Deanery at Our Lady of Lourdes and St Peter Chanel Church, Hull 7pm 17 Visit to St Joseph’,s Primary School, Loftus 9am Attends Retirement Mass of Bishop Tom Williams, Liverpool 7pm 20-21 Parish Visitation to SS Joseph &, Cuthbert’,s, Loftus, St Anthony of Padua, Brotton, and Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Staithes 23 Attends meeting of the Northern Province, Bishop’,s House, Leeds 10.30am 27- Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to 2 June Lourdes I honestly don’,t know where my life would have gone if I hadn’,t met Father Pat and M at that time. God sends the right person along. It was a perfect introduction –, not a heavy- duty “,come to church”,. For a long time I was undecided and happy just to sit on the fence and not receive Communion, but then all that changed. What began as a social thing has slowly evolved into something much more important.”, “,After ignoring the presence of God for many years, I found it harder and harder to do so. I really wanted to belong to a Christian community, but didn’,t know which and had started going to different ones. Someone invited me to come along to Mass and once I had got over the shock and horror of going into a Catholic church, I went and immediately loved the Mass. I spent months then just listening to it and accepting it. It was a real rollercoaster of doubt, though. It came down to accepting the reality of the Body and Blood of Christ. If I couldn’,t do that, I wasn’,t going to go anywhere. Then it was quite simple. I realised that Jesus said: “,This is my Body”, and I only had to accept his words. That was it. Receiving Communion now completes everything.”, “,Out of long spiritual seeking, and in mystery, Our Blessed Lady brought me to the Church and the Church brought me to Christ, and there you have it. I simply got up one morning and it was the only thing to do.”, Angela Simek The warmest of welcomes Continued from Page 1 Guisborough welcomed Good Friday morning with an interdenominational service at the historic Market Cross in remembrance of the Passion of Jesus Christ. Salvation Army Major Antony Mugford hosted the service, accompanied by Rev Kevin Highfield from Guisborough Methodist Church and Father Phil Cunnah from St Paulinus Roman Catholic Church, Guisborough. The Guisborough Citadel Salvation Army Band provided music for the hymns. About 100 people from all faiths, including parishioners from St Paulinus, attended the service, which took place under the shadow of the recently restored Guisborough Town Hall. A children’,s service was held in St Nicholas Church at the same time, with songs, stories and hot cross buns. After prayers, readings and hymns, the congregation was invited back to Guisborough Methodist Church Hall where refreshments were served. Brian Gleeson Worshippers bear witness to Passion of Jesus Clergy leading the Good Friday service in Guisborough, Rev Kevin Highfield (Methodist Church), Father Phil Cunnah (St Paulinus RC Church) and Major Antony Mugford (Guisborough Salvation Army) Parishioners will have the chance to be part of a joyful and prayer-filled round-Britain sailing pilgrimage when it calls in at our diocese. British sailor Russ Fairman will embark on the ten-week voyage in celebration of a century of service to seafarers and fishers by the Catholic charity Stella Maris (formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea). This 2,136-nautical mile journey begins with Mass in Southampton and will circumnavigate the UK in an anti-clockwise direction, stopping at 50 ports and holy sites along the way. Port calls and crew change stopovers have been scheduled at Grimsby and in our diocese at Whitby, where they will stay on Monday May 15, giving parishioners a chance to meet Russ and the crew and also join the boat as crew if they wish to. Russ said: “,Through this endeavour, we can hopefully raise further the profile of Stella Maris and the wonderful work it does in helping the People of the Sea.”, Russ, who has more than 30 years of sailing experience, is leading the pilgrimage on board the Mintaka, a 34-foot sailboat. The initiative was originally planned to take place in 2020 to mark the charity’,s centenary. The pilgrimage offers a unique opportunity for parishioners and Stella Maris supporters to join as crew members, and to experience one leg of the journey first-hand. People can also get involved by attending gatherings, which will provide a platform to learn more about the work of Stella Maris, meet the crew and take part in community events. All involved will navigate the UK’,s coastal waters and see beautiful coastal scenery and marine wildlife. Stella Maris provides a range of services to seafarers and fishers, including welfare, practical, and emotional support, pastoral care and chaplaincy services. It is the largest ship-visiting network in the world, carrying out 70,000 ship visits each year. The sailing pilgrimage aims to raise awareness and funds to help continue this critical work. For more information about the sailing pilgrimage and how to volunteer to be part of the crew, contact Russ at sailing.pilgrimages@gmail.com or visit sailingpilgrimages.co.uk/stella-maris. No previous sailing experience is necessary, just a reasonable level of agility and fitness. Volunteers crewing on the boat can get involved in as much or as little of the sailing operations as they wish. For more information about the port gatherings and how to attend one of them, email info@stellamarismail.org. You can also keep in touch with progress on the pilgrimage’,s Facebook page, atsailingpilgrimages. •, Parish groups, individuals and families are all welcome for the annual Stella Maris Day of Prayer and Pilgrimage to Holy Island on Saturday June 24. Prayers on the grass outside St Mary`s Church at noon, with Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Paul Mason inside at 3pm. Safe crossing times are between 10am to 6pm. For more information contact Deacon Peter Barrigan on 07713 924504. Stella Maris sailing pilgrimage calls in for Whitby visit Russ Fairman is embarking on the ten-week voyage in celebration of a century of service to seafarers and fishers by Catholic charity Stella Maris

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May 2023 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 3 NEWS Priests from throughout the diocese reaffirmed their ministry by renewing the promises made at their ordination during the annual Mass of Chrism in St Mary’,s Cathedral. As well as the renewal of priestly promises, the Mass also included the blessing of the Oil of Chrism, Oil of the Sick and Oil of Catechumens. Later, each priest collected the oils, which would be presented at the Mass of the Lord’,s Supper in their own churches on Maundy Thursday evening. The Chrism Mass is central to the sacramental life of the whole diocese throughout the year and the oils are used in baptisms, confirmations, ordinations and the sacrament of the sick. The ancient ceremony takes place in cathedrals around the world at the beginning of Holy Week. The music of the diocesan choir, led by director of music Steven Maxson, enhanced our celebration. Bishop Terry was present at York Minster on Holy Thursday as King Charles distributed the Maundy money for the first time. He then presided over the Easter Triduum at the cathedral, assisted by cathedral dean Canon Paul Farrer. Priests renew vows at annual Chrism Mass Clergy from throughout the diocese renewed their ordination promises at the Chrism Mass Bishop Terry blesses the oil of chrism, assisted by Deacon Bernard Morgan, master of ceremonies Father Phil Cunnah and Deacon Paul Griffin Canon Paul Farrer, Father Anil Kumar Narisetti and Bishop Terry during the Easter Vigil –, Photo by Paul Bowen Canon Paul Farrer, Bishop Terry and Deacon David Cross light the paschal candle –, Photo by Paul Bowen

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4 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + May 2023 SCHOOLS St Clare’,s Catholic Primary in Middlesbrough invited our local MP Andy McDonald into school as part of the Lenten campaign, “,What we have, we share”,. We started the visit with a prayer session and then talked about the charitable work we have been doing throughout the school year. As a school, we have adopted the 10p bowl that some parishes have and we will donate the proceeds to those in need. Children throughout the school have responded well, donating whenever they can to help those less fortunate than themselves. The Mini Vinnies had a question-and-answer session and Mr McDonald talked about his job and how his faith helps him. MP talks about faith during school visit SUE ELLIS, Young Vincentian development officer for secondary schools in our diocese, reports on her visit to Bishop Terry’,s study day at York Racecourse... I was delighted to be invited to accompany Sarah Barber, director of Young Vincentians and youth services, from the London SVP office. Representatives from all Diocese of Middlesbrough schools and parishes attended. It was a privilege to listen to Raymond Friel OBE, an esteemed and inspirational leader of Catholic Social Teaching and Caritas Social Action Network, talking about a “,Gospel- inspired curriculum as a call to action”,. At the Youth SVP/Mini Vinnies desk, we distributed free posters and SVP information to schools and chatted to delegates about the tremendous work being done by their Youth SVP and Mini Vinnies groups. I could also promote Thank God for Mass!, my interactive book to help young children understand Mass. This book has been very popular with schools and parishes that use it for their First Holy Communion groups. I have written a glossary of terms towards the back of the book, which is proving very helpful to parents and grandparents alike. I have raised funds for the Youth SVP and Mini Vinnies office in London through sales of the book. They have used this donation to buy posters and our very popular Vinnie Bears. Bishop Terry, a former Young Vincentian himself, was happy to have his photo taken with Vinnie Bear! Please contact me for information about Thank God for Mass!, including reductions for schools and parishes, by emailing sueellisbooks@btinternet.com. Spreading the word about SVP’,s work Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald with children from St Clare’,s Catholic Primary School Bishop Terry and Sarah Barber at the SVP desk during the study day in York As part of the National Young Vincentian initiative this spring, Mini Vinnies at St Wilfrid’,s Catholic Primary School in York took the theme of “,What we have we share”, and turned their concern into action. Each child was asked to decorate a fish using the Bible quotation: “,And God can give you more blessings than you need. Then you will always have plenty of everything. You will have enough to give to every good work”, (2 Corinthians 9:8). Children expressed their hopes for the future of the world on the fish, which formed part of a colourful display mounted in the school hall. At a series of assemblies during Lent, they encouraged their fellow pupils to contribute small items of toiletries and disposable nappies for the food bank outlet opened in St Joseph’,s Church Hall. Half the volunteers there are members of St Wilfrid’,s SVP. Pupils looked at the Feeding of the Five Thousand, which shows how Jesus can take the little we offer and transform it into much more. Mini Vinnies` co-ordinator Kath Campbell brought two car-loads of gifts from the school, with more to follow. The children’,s generosity was overwhelming and the choice for clients at the food bank’,s toiletries table now has to be seen to be believed. Angela Breffit Mini Vinnies inspired to share with those in need Four of the 12 Mini Vinnies with items donated to help support a local food bank

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Pupils at the school where Middlesbrough Football Club chairman Steve Gibson OBE and TV personality Chris Kamara MBE were once classmates are celebrating after Ofsted said their behaviour was “,outstanding”,. Inspectors judged St Pius X Catholic Primary School in Park End, Middlesbrough, to be good in all other areas and gave them top marks in the “,behaviour and attitudes”, category. “,Pupils behave exceptionally well,”, the report said. “,They are polite and considerate towards staff and each other. Staff encourage working collaboratively. Pupils support each other with their behaviour and their learning. “,Many pupils enjoy earning rewards for positive behaviours. Staff model how they want pupils to behave. They make sure that pupils behave consistently well. “,The few pupils who struggle to manage their emotions receive excellent support so that they can participate fully in all school activities. “,Leaders ensure that pupils contribute to the life of the school and the wider community. “,Older pupils understand the importance of being ‘,Eco Warriors’, and enjoy the opportunity to plant fruit trees and recycle plastic. They appreciate playing with younger children in their roles as peer mediators and play leaders.”, “,Pupils’, behaviour is exemplary …, There is a calm and orderly atmosphere throughout the school.”, Executive headteacher Anna McClurey said she was “,incredibly proud”, that the report highlights exemplary behaviour, as well as illustrating the school’,s ambition for all pupils. She said: “,The inspection team praised the curriculum and the work of leaders and staff on developing the curriculum and improving learning. “,I am delighted they recognised the dedication of leaders and staff, from acting as models of how they want pupils to behave, to the determination that all pupils gain the knowledge they need for future success. “,At St Pius X, we are resolute in our determination that all pupils will achieve the ambitious goals we set for them, and staff are diligent in checking pupils’, understanding and ensuring an inclusive curriculum, where all succeed. “,Parents have been hugely supportive of the school and the expectations we have for the pupils, and we would not have achieved such a fantastic report without their support.”, Nick Bennett, head of school, said the report is a fantastic validation of St Pius X’,s self- evaluation and improvement work to date. He added: “,The children of St Pius have always been our strongest asset –, they are keen to learn and are keen to show our ARC (Aspiration, Resilience &, Collaboration) values in all they do. “,To have their behaviour and attitudes graded as outstanding is a wonderful recognition of this and the calm and orderly atmosphere throughout the school.”, There was also praise in the report for the contribution of governors and for safeguarding at the 232-pupil school. St Pius X is one of 37 schools across Teesside and North Yorkshire, including the city of York, that make up the Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust. Trust CEO Hugh Hegarty said: “,Congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to make St Pius the wonderful school it is. “,I know Mrs McClurey and all the staff are thrilled that Ofsted has acknowledged their efforts in this way, and I’,m sure both parents and pupils will be even more proud of their school and community. “,Trust director and former St Pius X executive leader Carol Walker also deserves great credit for her role in transitioning expectations and supporting NPCAT’,s central teams.”, Middlesbrough pupils praised for ‘,outstanding’, behaviour May 2023 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 5 SCHOOLS Head of school Nick Bennett and executive headteacher Anna McClurey with children from St Pius X Catholic Primary School –, Photo by Sally Thurell

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6 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + May 2023 CAFOD I would like to introduce you to Salina, an organic farmer and seed saver from Bangladesh. Salina has written a letter to the World Bank calling for the rights of small-scale farmers to use their own seeds to be protected. This letter will be given to the World Bank in October. But before that, your parish can support Salina by adding your own names to the letter. In many communities, women play a vital role in saving and sharing the seeds of traditional crops. This knowledge is at the foundation of the development of new varieties of seeds that help to build climate resilience and protect biodiversity and the cultural heritage of communities. This is Salina‘,s testimony…, “,As a woman, I am able to give lessons to other farmers. This is my great pride. I have already taken the initiative for myself to provide vegetable seeds, especially to women who are producing in their homesteads. This season I have provided seeds to 15 or 16 women to produce vegetables in their homestead. “,I have done this especially to encourage the women to establish their empowerment. I believe once they have started producing and selling their own vegetables, this is the first step to establishing themselves as women leaders. This is a special initiative I have started only for the women.”, Why is it so vital to support farmers like Salina? The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has stated that access to a diverse range of seeds is key to reducing the risk of lower food production as the impact of climate change becomes more severe. By signing up your parish to stand alongside Salina, we can send a powerful message to the World Bank that the Catholic community stands with small-scale farmers on this vital issue. You can help CAFOD support farmers around the world in the fight to keep their rights to their own seeds. As the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, CAFOD is reaching out to people living in poverty with practical help. But CAFOD’,s mission also calls on us to challenge the structures that bring about poverty and injustice. This is at the core of the Fix the Food System campaign, which parishes in each of the 22 dioceses in England and Wales supported last year. This CAFOD initiative aims to rethink the current global food system and, as Pope Francis says, transform it for the benefit of people and the planet. Globally, just nine crops account for more than 65 per cent of all production, which is traded and transported by a few big businesses. This lack of crop diversity makes the current food system unfit to cope with the challenges brought about by the climate crisis and also makes it unsuitable for quickly adapting to disease and conflict. We just need to look at Russia’,s war in Ukraine to see the impact this has had on the price of key staples such as wheat and overall food prices. Although enough food is produced to feed everyone, around 800m people go hungry each day and many of them are small-scale farmers who grow the world’,s food. This situation is intensified when small-scale farmers cannot access a wide variety of local seeds that they have used freely for generations. Instead of saving, producing and sharing their own seeds, they are often pushed towards buying a limited selection of commercial seeds produced by a few corporations. This is not good for the climate or for food security. It’,s much better when small-scale farmers can build and freely access a diverse set of seeds. It increases local resilience. Seeds are also a symbol of hope and transformation in our Catholic faith, which is why CAFOD is inviting parishioners across the country to support Salina. This summer, your parish can support Salina by adding your names to her letter. Find more about how your parish can support Salina at cafod.org.uk/food. Carol Cross, Community Participation Coordinator How you can help Salina’,s vital crop campaign Salina and her husband, Mogibor –, Photo by Amrit Rudro/IBINIG Join us for Holy Island Pilgrimage This year our Holy Island Pilgrimage takes place on Saturday July 8 and is being jointly organised by CAFOD and the Romero Trust. Clare Dixon will join us from our Latin America and the Caribbean team, along with Julian Filochowski, director of the Romero Trust, and Father Jim O’,Keefe and Father Chris Hughes. Here is our timetable for the day…, 10am: Meet at Purdy Lodge Café, on the A1 and travel in convoy to Holy Island Causeway. 11am: Meet at Holy Island Causeway to walk and reflect (approximately two to three hours). Non-walkers are welcome to join us afterwards, meeting at St Mary’,s Church from noon. 3pm: Mass in St Aidan’,s Church 4pm: Depart from Holy Island Bring your parish, school or local community together to arrange transport and join us on this wonderful occasion. All are welcome! CAFOD director looks for signs of hope The Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission is delighted to welcome CAFOD executive director Christine Allen as this year’,s speaker for the Anthony Storey Memorial Lecture. Christine has been in the role since the spring of 2019. She had held leadership positions for the previous 17 years at two faith-based international development organisations, Christian Aid and Progressio. Her career began as a field worker with the Justice and Peace Commission in the Archdiocese of Liverpool in 1987 and as CAFOD’,S campaigns coordinator in 1989. Christine brings a wealth of energy and experience to her work and plans to use the lecture, ",Signs of Hope in a Troubled World",, to explore what it means to be a sign of hope at many levels. She will also examine where we get our inspiration to be signs of hope, referencing the work of CAFOD, its supporters and partners and the wider influence of the Church as a witness to hope. The lecture is on Tuesday June 6 at 7pm. We have again decided to arrange the lecture on Zoom and are repeating last year’,s timing of a weekday evening, which seemed to work well. To register for the lecture, email bhungin@yahoo.co.uk Barbara Hungin Last year’,s Holy Island pilgrimage –, Photo courtesy of CAFOD/Maggie Mairura

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May 2023 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 7 NEWS “,Sustainability”, seems to be a buzzword in much use –, sustainable economy, sustainable forests, sustainable energy…, But I wonder how often we consider the sustainability of our parish communities and when we do, how many of our thoughts are occupied by whether we will be able to go to the Mass of our choice at the usual time? I don’,t mean this to be a criticism of anyone. After all, the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith: “,Christians come together in one place for the Eucharistic assembly. At its head is Christ himself, the principal agent of the Eucharist. He is high priest of the New Covenant, it is he himself who presides invisibly over every Eucharistic celebration. It is in representing him that the bishop or priest acting in the person of Christ the head (in persona Christi capitis) presides over the assembly, speaks after the readings, receives the offerings and says the Eucharistic Prayer. All have their own active parts to play in the celebrations, each in his [or her] own way: readers, those who bring up the offerings, those who give communion and the whole people whose ‘,Amen’, manifests their participation”, (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1348). Indeed, the Holy Mass is central to all that we do and are. At the end of every Eucharistic celebration we are sent out or commissioned to “,Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord”, or “,Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life”,. These dismissals at the end of Mass signpost us out into the world to take the joy and love of the Gospel to those who haven’,t been present with us. This is always important for us to remember, or we are in danger of our faith becoming confined within the walls of the church. I don’,t think this is what our Lord intended. However, if we are to have beautiful liturgical celebrations that fuel us to go out into the world as missionary disciples, there are some things we need to make sure are in place. In every parish, there are a multitude of ministries that need to be filled, particularly if we want to build the sustainability of our parish community. As well as having a parish priest, there are often myriad vacancies to be filled in order to aid the efficient functioning of the parish. Much has been said over the years about collaborative ministry yet, for some parishioners, this remains a pipe dream. During our parish synodal consultations, people said repeatedly that they are willing to help but either haven’,t been asked or it has been made clear that their service is not required. Well, maybe it’,s time for change! If we’,re going to grow as a faith community across the Diocese of Middlesbrough, we need to make a purposeful decision that we will work together, collaboratively, in bringing about the Kingdom. We need each other. We’,ve always needed each other. That’,s how God has created us –, to be interdependent. No one person has all the answers, skills, talents or time to do all the things that need to be done. Although Covid is still present, we are gradually getting back to business as usual, whatever that means. Some people are still cautious, and that’,s OK. Others feel ready to get on with things and try to restore some normality. It would be remiss not to mention that because of Covid, gaps in parish ministry have emerged in some parishes. Sadly, some people have succumbed to illness, while others still have lost, through their age, the ability to help in the way they used to. And when we look towards those who are keeping things afloat, these people are at the higher end of the age range. I’,m not dismissing or ungrateful for our older sisters and brothers who continue to help our parishes actively. They are much appreciated, and I know many of our priests and deacons are very grateful for the help, support and reliability of these parishioners. Maybe it’,s time for those of us who are a bit younger to look at how we might be of help. Not everything takes much time. We can all offer something. As we continue to come out of the effects of the pandemic, the need for people to help in our parishes is likely to increase and we need to begin doing something about this. There are so many ministries –, sacristan, ministers of the word and extraordinary ministers of holy communion, altar servers, visiting the sick and housebound, church cleaning, outreach to the poor and marginalised, justice and peace, prayer or Rosary group, gardening, parish secretary or admin person, flowers, caretaker/health and safety, lay funeral ministry, pastoral parish councillors, RCIA catechists, baptism, confirmation and marriage preparation, welcomers, safeguarding representative, finance committee, pastoral parish councillors, washing and ironing the altar linen, a social committee and so on…, Can you help? Have you got some spare time to offer to your parish priest? Ask how he can use your help. Don’,t be afraid! If you feel moved to offer your help, why not pray about it, asking God to enlighten your heart and mind so that you can understand the help that is required? Everything we do or hope to do should begin with prayer. At Adult Formation, we have some resources and materials that both lay people and clergy may find helpful in moving towards a collaborative ministry approach. Having recently moved to the cathedral parish and for the first time, being involved in the Holy Week celebrations there, it has been wonderful to see the large team who worked so hard to ensure the cathedral was ready and in shape for the great celebration of Easter. Without these people, it’,s hard to see how the whole thing can be done. Remember, we are all needed, we are all necessary ( Laudato Si’, ). “,The body is one even if formed by many members, but not all of them have the same function. The same with us: though many, we are one body in Christ, depending on one another. Let each one of us serve according to our different gifts”, (Romans 12:4-6). Deacon David Cross Adult Formation Coordinator Your parish needs you! Deacon Bernard Morgan with volunteers doing maintenance at St Mary’,s Cathedral, including brothers from Council 29 of the Knights of St Columba If you would like to advertise please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 248225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org

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8 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + May 2023 NEWS In the first in a series of articles by St Paulinus, Guisborough, parishioner IAN MCLEAN, a meditation on what Jesus suffered for us all…, I recently had a conversation with Jesus. Well, I say a conversation, but if truth be told it was for the most part pretty much a one- sided conversation, as he didn’,t appear to want to say much other than to lift his head to offer me the occasional enigmatic glance. “,So, Lord Jesus, here I find you, on a cold Palestinian night in the Garden of Gethsemane. Your friends are all sound asleep some distance away and you are alone, wrapped in your cloak for warmth, speaking with your Father. “,Surely you must have felt some bitterness that those who had walked in your footsteps along your chosen path for the past three years were asleep while you, knowing what was to come, prayed in anguish to your Father to ask whether you really had to drink the bitter cup which you knew to be your destiny? “,And as you prayed, suddenly the noise and the shouting, the flickering light of torches as the mob approached, to find yourself ultimately betrayed by one you had called as your own. Betrayed with of all things, that token of love –, a kiss –, forever now on the lips of Judas, a betrayal of God’,s only Son.”, “,Lord, should we strike them with the sword”,? “,Why did you let this happen? Why didn’,t you let your followers fight to free you from the hands that sought to bind you? Taken bound before the council, they ask of you…,”, “,Are you the Messiah, the Son of God”,? “,Your own lips condemned you. Why could you not recant, knowing that in their fear of who you claimed to be, and the message of love, repentance and of rebirth in the Spirit which you preached, they were seeking any reason to put you to death? “,Pilate, having washed his hands of any responsibility for you, then handed you over to be stripped and then scourged. Truly God yet truly man, how could you bear the agony as the bones of the scourge bit into your flesh? Yet you bore it humbly. Why? “,Then carrying your own cross, walking the path to Calvary, to be mocked and jeered at by those who had so recently hailed you as their saviour. Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! How hollow was that praise now? No palms now to be laid at your feet, merely the stones that scarred your flesh. How could you bear it? “,And then to meet your blessed mother, the grief for her beloved son written in the tears that streamed down her face, in the sobs that wracked her frail body.”, “,Oh, my son, my son, what have they done to you”,? “,Why would you do this? And so, to the final indignity. To face your death, nailed to the cross like a common criminal, deserted by so many whom you loved.”, “,If he is the Son of God, let him save himself, let him come down from the cross.”, “,Oh sweet Jesus, why did you do this, why did you willingly bear such suffering?”, Jesus then reached out his hands and gently touched me, the hands of a carpenter, hands that still bore the scars of his cross. He then raised his head and looking at me with eyes that knew the very depths of my soul, eyes that could see my whole life laid open before him, he finally spoke. “,My precious, precious child. I did it for you.”, A conversation with Jesus: ‘,I did it for you’, Pope Francis has appointed His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendí,a as Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and President of the Catholic Bishops’, Conference of England and Wales, welcomed the news. “,On behalf of our Bishops’, Conference, I assure him not only of our warm welcome but also of our full cooperation when he takes up these new responsibilities,”, he said. Born in Madrid on November 19 1955, Archbishop Maury Buendí,a studied philosophy and theology at the Conciliar Seminary of Madrid before being ordained a priest in 1980. He followed a two-year programme of studies at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome, and entered the Holy See’,s diplomatic service in July 1987, serving in diplomatic missions in countries including Rwanda, Uganda, Morocco, Nicaragua, Egypt, Slovenia and Ireland. In 2004, he was called to the Section for Relations with States within the Secretariat of State of the Holy See. Four years later, he was appointed titular Archbishop of Italica and Apostolic Nuncio to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Nuncio to Romania in 2015, and to the Republic of Moldova in 2016. His appointed as Apostolic Nuncio to the Court of St James’,s fills a post vacant since the previous Nuncio to Great Britain, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, was named prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches last November. Holy Father appoints new apostolic nuncio After the Easter morning Mass in St Peter’,s Square, Pope Francis presided over the Mass of Easter Day to give his traditional Urbi et Orbi message. More than 100,000 pilgrims filled the square and surrounding avenues. Pope Francis, who had recently spent a short stay in hospital being treated for bronchitis, began by proclaiming the joyous message of this day, “,Christ is risen, he is truly risen!”,. “,That word ‘,truly’, reminds us that our hope is not an illusion, but the truth!”, he said. “,And that, in the wake of Easter, humanity’,s journey, now marked by hope, advances all the more readily.”, He declared that in Jesus, the passage of humanity from death to life, sin to grace, fear to confidence and desolation to communion has been made, wishing everyone a Happy Easter. In particular, he greeted the sick, the poor, the elderly and all those suffering, praying they may experience the passage from affliction to consolation. Pope’,s Easter message: Christ is truly risen, hope is reborn for all! International school feeding charity Mary’,s Meals is calling on people in our diocese to pray for its work this May. Mary’,s Meals feeds more than 2.4m desperately hungry children with a daily school meal in 18 of the world’,s poorest countries, including Haiti, Malawi and Syria. The promise of a good meal attracts these children into the classroom where they can gain an education that offers them a ladder out of poverty. The charity’,s annual Pray in May campaign asks people to pray that the work of Mary’,s Meals continues to flourish and grow, and that more children throughout the world will see their lives transformed by receiving a daily school meal. Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder of Mary’,s Meals, says: “,During the month of May, as we honour Our Lady, we ask you to pray for this work that belongs to her. Join us as we Pray in May, when we need your prayers more than ever –, as we strive to continue serving more than 2.4m children and expanding to reach more vulnerable communities, all while facing complex global challenges and rising costs. “,Whether you simply add Mary’,s Meals to your own prayer intentions or mobilise your church or prayer group, we thank you for this powerful act of service and support.”, People can get involved in Pray in May by including a prayer for Mary’,s Meals in church services, organising a Holy Hour for Mary’,s Meals or encouraging children to pray for the charity’,s work. Mary’,s Meals has produced a series of downloadable resources to support these activities, which are available on its website. It also offers a special ‘,gift of hope’, card, which will feed a hungry child for a year. With the prayers and support of people in our diocese, Mary’,s Meals can keep feeding children such as 13-year-old Ketty, from Zambia. Ketty’,s world fell silent when she was two years old. Her deafness is a complication of malaria. For six years Ketty lived a silent life, alone and isolated from friendships and other joys of childhood. Even her own family struggled to communicate with her effectively. Specialist residential schools for children with disabilities cost up to 20 times more than the average school fees in Zambia –, a cost that was well beyond Ketty’,s family. But now, thanks to Mary’,s Meals, Ketty attends Magwero’,s Boarding School for the Deaf, where she eats a nutritious meal every day that gives her the energy to learn and play with her friends. Ketty says: “,The best thing that ever happened to me was making friends at school. I am glad to have an education and the chance to learn. That was all I ever wanted. “,I am glad to have the skill of sign language to communicate. Finding a school like this one made me very happy.”, To find out more about Pray in May, and to download prayers and information on how to hold a Holy Hour to support Mary’,s Meals, visit marysmeals.org.uk/get- involved/churches-and-prayers/pray-in-may. Mary’,s Meals launches Pray in May campaign Thanks to Mary’,s Meals, 13-year-old Ketty is thriving at school Pope Francis –, Photo ©, Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

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May 2023 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 9 NEWS It isn’,t often you get to take part in a moment of history, writes DR JOHAN BERGSTRÖ,M-ALLEN. I felt that privilege attending the European Continental Assembly of the Synod held in Prague in February. I didn’,t even have to leave Yorkshire to do so. Let me explain…, As you know, Pope Francis has invited the worldwide Church to take part in the 2021-24 Synodal process. Parishes, chaplaincies, religious communities, schools and other Church groups across the planet have been holding “,spiritual conversations”,, rich opportunities to listen to one another and discern what the Holy Spirit is calling us to be and to do as Catholics today. You may have taken part in a spiritual conversation yourself, and notes from that will have been sent to the Diocese of Middlesbrough’,s coordinating team. These were used to compile a diocesan synthesis that Bishop Terry published last April. This in turn was sent to the Catholic Bishops’, Conference of England &, Wales, which produced a national report in the summer. The General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops gathered this together with reports from 111 other bishops’, conferences, 15 Oriental Catholic Churches, 17 Roman Curia offices, hundreds of religious orders, lay movements, and thousands of individual contributions, including young people reached through a “,digital synod”,. That’,s a lot of listening and sharing! Last October, the Synod Secretariat published a 44-page international summary of the main issues that have emerged from the synodal process. It’,s called the Document for the Continental Stage (DCS) because it was sent back to the grassroots Church for discussion at the continental level. There wasn’,t much time to do so, but every diocese and bishops’, conference was invited to reflect on the DCS and write a response as part of a two-way dialogue. We’,re now in the Continental Stage of the synodal process. Seven continental gatherings of bishops and other delegates have taken place: Africa and Madagascar, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin America, North America, Oceania. I was contacted by the Catholic Bishops’, Conference of England &, Wales who asked if I would be willing to be a delegate at the European Continental Assembly of the Synod, taking place in Prague. Sadly, I wouldn’,t get to go to the beautiful Czech capital –, a bishop, priest, and two women would go in person –, but I’,d be one of ten “,home team”, delegates who would take part in the event via video conferencing technology. I’,m delighted to say our home team was among the most inclusive of all the delegations taking part. Our bishops’, conference wanted to ensure diverse voices could be heard. Among us were women and men in lay leadership, women and men religious, priests, a deacon, people working in adult formation and youth ministry, and myself, from the LGBT+ community. As far as I’,m aware, ours was the only episcopal conference to invite a participant from the Anglican Communion and the Jewish community, taking to heart Pope Francis’, desire for the synodal process to engage ecumenically and with people of other faiths. Our diocese can be proud that it provided three members of the home team. In addition to myself, Deacon David Cross (our adult formation coordinator) was invited to take part as a permanent deacon, and although she now ministers down south, Sister Lynda Dearlove (representing the Conference of Religious) hails from Middlesbrough. There were 200 delegates in Prague and 390 online participants, 10 from each of Europe’,s 39 bishops’, conferences. Over the four days we joined in prayer, listened to presentations from each delegation, and broke into language discussion groups. The European Union’,s motto is “,Unity in Diversity”,, and it struck me that the Catholic Church in Europe is both united and diverse. There’,s no denying the variety of opinions expressed on doctrinal and social matters, and there is clearly a cultural gap between Eastern and Western Europe. Many times, the role of women in the Church, including divorced and remarried people and the LGBT+ community, and the pain of victims of sexual and psychological abuse were raised. Notably sparse in the assembly were young people, identifiably disabled people or people whose ethnic origins were outside Europe. The assembly was a clear demonstration that while Catholic culture is strong on unity (the synodal process tagline is “,Communion, Participation, Mission”,) we are not good at celebrating difference, or knowing how to disagree well. The war in Ukraine was a constant tension, and news of the earthquake in Syria-Turkey was a stark reminder of those who suffer on Europe’,s borders. The final report presented at the end of the Prague-hybrid assembly is a rich summary of what we shared in those four days. While striving for unity, it does not shy away from the honest differences of opinion that exist within the Church on important and complex issues. It makes few concrete proposals, which some will find frustrating, but the purpose of synodality is found in the process: walking together and listening to one another, as we discern what the Lord is asking of us. I came away from the experience more hopeful than disappointed. While some are sceptical of the synodal process, most are encouraged by it, and one point of unanimity was the need for better formation to help us walk together. While the assembly felt to me like a historic moment as the first such event for the Catholic Church in Europe, the whole point of the synodal process is that this respectful listening must continue at every level and not be a one-off event. So, it’,s coming back to you, Voice readers! Reports from the European and six other continental assemblies have been sent to Rome. The synod office will use them to prepare an Instrumentum Laboris (working document) for the Synod of Bishops being held at the Vatican this October, and again in October 2024. Only the Spirit knows what will come of this, but no doubt ideas and energy will come back to us at our diocesan level, helping us as we continue following Jesus, who is the Way. Dr Johan Bergströ,m-Allen is a Third Order Carmelite who teaches Church history and spirituality. He serves on the Pastoral Council of the Diocese of Middlesbrough’,s LGBT+ Ministry, is a formator for the international association of Lourdes volunteers and is a trustee of Caritas Social Action Network. You can contact him at bergstromallen@gmail.com. Ears and voices from our diocese at synodal assembly Johan pictured in Lourdes with his late mum, Angela Representatives from Middlesbrough Catenians visited Zoë,’,s Place Baby Hospice to hand over a cheque for £,1,000. Zoë,’,s Place is part of a national charity that runs three centres offering short breaks, palliative and end-of-life care to babies and children aged up to five years who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. Compassionate care is at the heart of everything they do, irrespective of religious beliefs, colour, race, culture or gender. Their hospice in Normanby, Middlesbrough, was chosen by Middlesbrough Catenians’, president Paul Healy as his 2022/23 charity. Paul and fellow Catenians Gavin Robinson and Chris Rhodes were given a tour to see some of the hospice’,s amazing work. Much of the donation was raised through the generosity of Catenians and friends who attended Middlesbrough Circle’,s 92nd Annual Charter and Clergy Night in January. Catenians hand over Zoë,’,s Place donation Catenians Gavin Robinson, Chris Rhodes and president Paul Healy with their donation for Zoë,’,s Place Baby Hospice

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10 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + May 2023 NEWS A Letter From Madonna House –, Mary dear, please take my hand Mary dear, you are my mother. Please take my hand and tell me where to go, who to see and what to say. I need you and will always love you. This is my daily prayer now –, it wasn’,t always so! My story... My mother entrusted her children to Mary and the Holy Spirit. We prayed the Angelus as a family, but Mary wasn’,t really on my radar. I chose Mom’,s name at Confirmation: Loretta. I didn’,t know it had a Mary connection (the litany of Loreto), but I think the Queen of Heaven took notice of my use of her name. I grew up, did school, worked, searched for God’,s will in my life. I didn’,t pray the Rosary, I prayed God wouldn’,t let me get lost! A friend discovered a book that changed both of our lives: True Devotion to Mary. It’,s about consecrating oneself to Jesus through Mary. It took a while to understand it, but on August 15 1981, I prayed the consecration that begins: “,I, a faithless sinner, renew and ratify in your hands, O Immaculate Mother, the vows of my Baptism…,”, Now I was entirely in Mary’,s hands. Life didn’,t seem to change much, but the consecration proved pivotal. In the spring of 1983, my friend and I went on a pilgrimage to Italy. In Loreto, in the little house reputed to be the home of Mary, the peace of the Holy Family of Nazareth was palpable. It soothed my restless heart. Soon we were penniless, so we returned to New York. Where to go next? We weren’,t ready to go back to work. How about Madonna House Apostolate in Canada? How we got there, having no money, is another story! We were warmly welcomed, two weary and searching pilgrims. The Combermere Madonna House is a home of Mary. There her statue shows her running, arms outstretched, to embrace all who come. I began to pray: “,Mary, help me know what to do.”, My friend left. Should I go? Should I stay? On September 8, Mary’,s birthday, I woke up realising, “,This is my vocation!”, I became an applicant, and after two years in training, on December 8 1985, I made promises for one year with these words: For the glory of God and because I desire with my whole heart to respond to the call of Jesus Christ to preach the Gospel with my life, I ...hereby promise, with the help of Our Lady, to live in poverty, chastity and obedience according to the Madonna House spirit and mandate. I was assigned to the Madonna House mission in Toronto, Ontario. The challenges were many! People in need. The house to repair. The bills to pay! Mary Dear became our cry. The mission flourished. Since then, I’,ve served in rural Canada, in Vancouver, in Missouri, USA, and now in Robin Hood’,s Bay. Mary Dear is still my daily prayer. I know Mary is indeed our heavenly mother. Carol Ann Gieske Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) says it is profoundly concerned about the government’,s Illegal Migration Bill, which was introduced in the House of Commons in March. A letter signed by CSAN chair Bishop Terry says that if passed, the bill will not only deny those people fleeing war and persecution their right to seek safety in the UK and apply for asylum but will punish them based on how they came here, not whether they need protection. CSAN also says the bill would remove the right to seek refugee protection in the UK for those who arrive irregularly, breach the UN Refugee Convention, fail to provide safe routes and leave thousands of men, women and children in limbo, detained and denied a fair hearing. The UNHCR, the refugee agency of the United Nations, has expressed its profound concern about the proposed bill, stating: “,The effect of the bill (in this form) would be to deny a fair hearing and to deny protection to many genuine refugees in need of safety and asylum. “,This would be a clear breach of the Refugee Convention and undermines the United Kingdom’,s longstanding, humanitarian traditions.”, CSAN’,s letter says: “,The bill ignores Home Office data, which shows that most people who cross the Channel are people escaping torture and conflict from countries such as Afghanistan, Iran and Syria. “,Most people who make the crossing are granted asylum following rigorous checks. There are very few safe routes for refugees to come to the UK. “,This bill would be turning our back on the global common good and adding to the burden on poorer countries, which receive most refugees.”, The Department for International Affairs of the Catholic Bishops’, Conference of England and Wales, recently published Love the Stranger: A Catholic Response to Migrants and Refugees. This document sets out several key principles, including: •, The dignity of the human person is at the root of our response to migrants and refugees. •, The right of a state to control its borders, but not based on economic factors alone –, we have a responsibility to the wider world. •, Avoiding the use of immigration detention, arbitrary expulsion and other practices which violate human dignity. •, The need to fulfil our obligations under international frameworks protecting migrants and refugees, such as the Refugee Convention. “,We encourage the Catholic community to engage with this document as a source of inspiration for our response to the bill,”, said CSAN. “,We urge the Catholic community to speak out against this cruel and unworkable bill, which is an affront to human dignity and a breach of our responsibilities to the global common good and our obligations under international law.”, CSAN called on Catholics to write to their MPs, asking them to protect rather than punish refugees by defending their fundamental right to seek asylum, stand up for the UN Refugee Convention and ensure the government provides alternatives to dangerous journeys, including safe routes. “,We strongly urge the government to reconsider this bill and instead pursue more humane and workable policy solutions which respect the dignity and rights of migrating people.”, You can read the full document at cbcew.org.uk/love-the-stranger. Bishop Terry expresses concerns over migration A prayer vigil for refugees at Westminster Cathedral –, ©, Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

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May 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 1994 Rev John Eaves-Tinsley Middlesbrough 1 2007 Rev Anthony J F Storey Hull 2 1889 Rev John Leadbetter Hedon 2 1911 Very Rev Canon Thomas Holland Yarm 2 1986 Rev Francis Hyland Everingham 3 1912 Rev William McNaughton Beverley 5 1892 Very Rev Canon John Doud South Bank 6 1917 Very Rev Canon Charles Wood Hull 6 1978 Rt Rev Mgr Provost Michael O’,Sullivan Redcar 10 1943 Rt Rev Mgr Canon Jules Claus Middlesbrough 12 1992 Rev Joseph McDonagh Middlesbrough 14 1963 Rev Michael Nerney Dormanstown 14 1970 Rt Rev Mgr William Brunner Hull 15 1970 Rev Basil McCreton Scorton 15 1972 Rev Joseph Beasty Dormanstown 17 1979 Rev Patrick Breen Ulshaw Bridge 19 1978 Rev Martin Vasey Marske 19 1998 Rev Alfred Dodds MHM Freshfields 20 1982 Rev Patrick O’,Rourke Sleights 22 1940 Rev Louis Tils Northallerton 22 1994 Rev Michael Lynam Middlesbrough 23 1955 Very Rev Canon John Chadwick Saltburn 25 1882 Rev Robert Gibson Ulshaw Bridge 27 1886 Rev Thomas Danson Howden If you would like to advertise in the Funeral Directors section, please contact Charlotte Rosbrooke on 07932 2 48225 or email charlotter@cathcom.org Our family caring for your family Covering all areas Tel: 01642 459555 King George House, 92 High Street, Eston TS6 9EG Website: www.fawcettandhetherington.co.uk Email: info@fawcettandhetherington.co.uk Fawcett &, Hetherington Funeral Service 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 FUNERAL DIRECTORS A new exhibition exploring the nature and impact of immigration detention is coming to Stockton. The Walking Inquiry into Immigration Detention was created by Refugee Tales, an outreach project of the Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group. The charity supports people during and after detention near Gatwick Airport and is coming to the region with the cooperation of Teesside charity, Justice First. The multimedia exhibition shares the voices and experiences of people who have been detained, volunteer visitors who offer support and other participants in the innovative inquiry. Using an experimental approach, the charity harnessed the power of walking, talking and thinking together to consider the experience of immigration detention and its long-term impacts for individuals and for society. Contributions include artworks, poetry, written prose, letters and postcards, audio recordings and a series of short films. The inquiry’,s shape and direction are determined by people with lived experience of immigration detention, who the charity believes are often silenced in our society. In taking its travelling exhibition out on the road, Refugee Tales hopes to raise awareness and increase understanding by shining a light on the daily realities and complex and enduring impact of immigration detention. The free exhibition is at Stockton Baptist Church, The Square, Stockton TS18 1TE from Monday May 15 to Thursday May 18. For more information visit refugeetales.org/walking-inquiry-exhibition. New exhibition examines immigration detention 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. Refugee Tales is harnessing the power of walking, talking and thinking together to consider immigration detention and its long-term impacts

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12 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + May 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 Friday May 5 got our June 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. Out and About 1 Monday Bank Holiday 2 Tuesday 10am Christian Meditation Group meets online. For further information email Terry Doyle at terry-doyle@live.co.uk. 7pm Knights of St Columba Council 29 meet at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough, beginning with Mass at 7pm in the cathedral chapel. 3 Wednesday 5.30pm Vespers and Benediction at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough. 5 Friday Events, articles and photos for the June edition of the Voice are due by today. 7pm Mass for the Intention of the King, with Bishop Terence Drainey. 6 Saturday 11am Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey. 8 Monday Bank Holiday 9 Tuesday 10am Christian Meditation Group meets online. For further information, email Terry Doyle at terry-doyle@live.co.uk. 12.45pm for lunch at 1pm. The Catholic Women`s Luncheon Club meets at the Kingston Theatre Hotel, Kingston Square, Hull. All ladies in the Hull and East Riding area welcome. Call 01482 446565 or email jayne.wilson24@ymail.com. 7pm Confirmations at St Mary’,s Cathedral. 10 Wednesday 7pm Hull Circle of the Catenian Association meet at Lazaat Hotel, followed by a buffet dinner and a quiz. Email Charles Cseh on hullcirclesecretary@gmail.com. 11 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. 14 Sunday 3 pm Mass for LGBTQ+ Catholics, family and friends at the Chapel of the Bar Convent. Doors open from 2.30pm. 15 Monday 9.45-10.25am Beverley Christian Meditation Group meets online. Further information from Christianmeditation.beverley@gmail.com. 2-3.30pm Music for the Mind, for people who enjoy singing and connecting memories, St Mary’,s Cathedral Hall, Middlesbrough. No charge, all welcome. Tea, coffee, cake and biscuits, followed by fun. You can also join in on the Dioceses of Middlesbrough YouTube page. For details call 01642 710179. 16 Tuesday 10am Christian Meditation Group meets online. For further information, email Terry Doyle at terry-doyle@live.co.uk. 17 Wednesday 5.30pm Vespers and Benediction at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough. 20 Saturday 7.30pm The Eddie White Sacred Heart Irish Dances 2023 with Peter Mylett. All dances take place at the Erimus Club, Cumberland Road, Middlesbrough TS5 6JB. Contact John Brown 07871 958412. 21 Sunday 3pm Middlesbrough Fellowship Mass, Sacred Heart Church, Redcar, with Father Phil Cunnah. 22 Monday 9.45-10.25am Beverley Christian Meditation Group meets online. Further information from Christianmeditation.beverley@gmail.com. 23 Tuesday 10am Christian Meditation Group meets online. For further information, email Terry Doyle at terry-doyle@live.co.uk. 24 Wednesday 5.30pm Vespers and Benediction at St Mary’,s Cathedral, Middlesbrough. 27 Saturday Noon LGBT+ social gathering in the café, at the Bar Convent, York. All welcome. 29 Monday Bank Holiday 30 Tuesday 10am Christian Meditation Group meets online. For further information, email Terry Doyle at terry-doyle@live.co.uk. 31 May 11.30am Lady Day Visitation of Our Lady Rosary at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Grace, Osmotherley, with Mass at noon. If you have any events you would like including in the Out &, About section, please email Heidi.Cummins@rcdmidd.org.uk.

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May 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. Father Michael Coleman SM passed away peacefully in hospital in Blackburn on March 17, just three days after the 59th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. He was 83. Mourners packed the Holy Name of Mary Church in Middlesbrough for Father Michael’,s funeral, before his burial in Thornaby Cemetery. Here his fellow Marist Father Noel Wynn SM looks back on his life…, Father Michael Coleman SM was born and spent his early life in Middlesbrough. He was a member of the parish of the Holy Name of Mary –, the Marist parish –, where he served on the altar from the age of six. He attended St Philomena’,s Primary School and St Mary’,s College. While he was at the college he was a keen member of the 16th Middlesbrough Scout troop, which numbered among its leaders his brothers, John, Terry and Ged. He was a member of the school football team and played against the Marist schools in Hull and Blackburn in the Thorpe Cup competition. It was during this time that his love for Lourdes started. His parents had taken part in some of the early diocesan pilgrimages, which were arranged in part by Father Walter O’,Connor SM, who remained a bit of a hero to Mick. In 1956 he left college to go to the Marist Novitiate in Paignton. After profession he stayed in Paignton for studies in philosophy and theology and he was ordained priest on March 14 1964. Because his father was not well and unable to travel, he was ordained by Bishop Brunner in the Holy Name of Mary Church in Middlesbrough. His brothers John (now Aelred), a Capuchin, and Peter, a priest of the Diocese of Middlesbrough, took part in the service. After ordination, Mick moved into parish work and served as a curate in the Marist parishes in Hull, Sidcup and Whitechapel, where he became parish priest in 1974. It was here that he took his first parish pilgrimage to Lourdes, travelling by coach. This was to become a central and very successful part of his priestly ministry. From May to August 1978 he went to the USA for a period of Marist renewal and during this time made contacts in the States which led to regular visits in subsequent years, helping out for a few weeks at a time in American parishes. In 1978 he was appointed to the Marist community in Hull as parish priest and vice superior. At this time he really consolidated his role as “,Lourdes pilgrimage organiser”,. Some of the Middlesbrough clergy saw how successful his “,take your parish to Lourdes by coach”, pilgrimages were that they asked him to arrange something for their own parishes. In one year he took 11 coaches and facilitated places for more than 500 people on the Diocese of Middlesbrough pilgrimage. At the same time he became involved as chaplain to “,Group 117”,, an association taking young people with special needs to Lourdes to be part of the HCPT pilgrimage. In their second year, he persuaded them that the best way to travel was by coach! He would say he learnt as much from them as they learnt from him. Whichever way it was, the partnership lasted for 30 years. In 1987, after another period of renewal, Mick was appointed to the Marist community in Middlesbrough and given the title, “,Director of the Third Order of Mary”,. He was not happy with the phrase “,Third Order of Mary”,, but realised he had an important role to play in encouraging lay people to feel they were part of our founder’,s vision of “,all the world Marist”,. Mick had a broad view of the Church, which he saw as a “,Marian Church”, and felt that all were being called to follow Christ as Mary did by being disciples. He would produce a regular newsletter, keeping in touch with people, he would arrange occasional days of reflection and he would encourage people to go on “,holy holidays”, which combined, fun, education and prayer. To do this, he asked that as well as his role as director of the Third Order, he should be allowed to work as a facilitator of pilgrimages. The provincial council agreed to that and he began 30 years as an organiser of pilgrimages. These normally involved travel by coach but occasionally, such as the Marist centenary in Lyons, travel was by rail. In those years groups went on pilgrimage to Lourdes, Fatima, Rome, Czestochowa, Compostela, Assisi, the Holy Land, Lisieux, sites of Marist historical interest and Walsingham. Other sacred sites visited en route included Rue du Bac, Nevers, Rocamadour, Paray-le-Monial and Altö,tting. As well as pilgrimages, other trips were arranged which could loosely be called “,holy holidays”,. Venues were chosen which had their own interest, but there was always a church where Mass could be celebrated daily. Special attention was given on these holidays to families with young children, people living on their own who would otherwise have found it difficult to go on holiday and all those who wanted something a bit extra in their time away. A good example of combining pilgrimage with fun was the annual trips to the National Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham, which included a festive meal and attending the Thursford Christmas Spectacular annual Christmas show. These were held over a period of 18 years and were so popular that Mick sometimes had to go three weeks running –, he hated it! Fellow Marist pays tribute to Father Michael Organisers of a project to assist hosts signing up for the government’,s Homes for Ukraine scheme say they received “,significant interest”, after an information event in our diocese. The team from St John of God Hospitaller Services (SJOG) and Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), who visited Middlesbrough in January, are now holding a series of webinars to answer further questions on the scheme. The webinars include a wealth of useful information that will give a clear understanding of what hosting is and isn’,t and how to build healthy boundaries and support guests’, independence. SJOG, in partnership with CSAN, is asking people to provide much-needed help for Ukrainian guests. Under the government’,s Homes for Ukraine Scheme, hosts who commit to providing six months of accommodation are eligible to receive £,350 per month to help with expenses associated with hosting. The ‘,thank you’, increases to £,500 once the guest has been in the UK for 12 months, to help sponsors who can continue hosting for longer, up to a maximum duration of two years. SJOG and CSAN offer a matching pathway, training and support for hosts and guests. The aim is to support 600 people on their journey towards independence and provide opportunities to build a new life and integrate into the community. You can find out more and book a place on the sessions by visiting forms.office.com/r/ziRrhQCEwr. For more information about the scheme, visit sjog-homesforukraine.uk, email homesforukraine@sjog.org.uk or see facebook.com/sjoghomesforukraine. Positive response to Ukraine homes appeal Film’,s message for our earth About 30 people, including parish priest, Father John Bane, watched the film The Letter –, a Message for Our Earth at the Old School House in Leyburn. The event was organised by the small Laudato Si’, Group at Ss Peter and Paul’,s Church, Leyburn, which is part of the Dales’, Catholic Mission on the western fringe of the diocese. Members of the audience were visibly moved by the powerful message given by Pope Francis and the five young people from different parts of the world who were invited to visit the Vatican. All had witnessed damage caused by climate change and human greed. There will be follow-up discussions to decide what steps we can take to help those in the world who are suffering the most through environmental damage. This year’,s CAFOD Big Lent Walk raised funds to help fight global poverty, which is often caused by climate change. Ss Peter and Paul’,s CAFOD representative planned to walk 10km –, twice the requested distance –, for 40 days during Lent. Helen Robson The Laudato Si’, Group at SS Peter and Paul’,s Church, Leyburn, arranged a screening of The Letter Father Michael Coleman SM pictured in his beloved Lourdes

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14 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + May 2023 FORTHCOMING EVENTS Environment Corner - Hope for the Earth, Hope for humanity “,Hope for the Earth, Hope for humanity”, is the theme for this year’,s Laudato Si’, Week, which we will celebrate from May 21 to 28. It is the eighth anniversary of the launch of the encyclical Laudato Si’, as a global movement. Each year, this week is designated to focusing on Pope Francis’, world-changing encyclical. It is also a time of coming together to unite and rejoice in the progress made in bringing the encyclical to life, as well as committing ourselves to further prayer and action for our common home. One focus for the week is the film The Letter –, A Message for our Earth. I have mentioned it in a past Environment Corner but would like to encourage people who have not seen it to download it individually or share it with a parish group. It is available on YouTube via the website theletterfilm.org. The film tells the story of a journey to Rome of five environmental activists and local leaders to discuss Laudato Si’, with Pope Francis. Their exclusive dialogue with the Pope, included in the film, offers a revealing insight into the personal history of the Holy Father, his passionate care for our Common Home and the very real situations faced by those who take part. It is truly inspiring. I would also like to share these intercessory prayers, taken from the CAFOD website, that could be used in Laudato Si’, Week. We pray for the Church: that she may be a beacon of hope throughout the world, reminding us all of our responsibility to care for and protect God’,s precious gift of creation. Lord, in your mercy... We pray for the world, our common home: that through God’,s grace we may hear its cry of the damage done and be moved to protect it for future generations to enjoy. Lord, in your mercy... We pray for those people who are already facing droughts, floods and storms: that God may grant them strength and hope for the future as they work to adapt to the changing climate. Lord, in your mercy... We pray for our parish and our local community: that through the grace of God we may hear the urgent cry of the earth and of the poor and be inspired to respond at this crucial time. Lord, in your mercy... Barbara Hungin The Centenary Pilgrim Virgin Statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and relics of Ss Jacinta and Francisco of Fatima are coming to St Aelred’,s Church, York, this summer. There will be a full programme of prayer and devotions during this time of special blessing. Everyone is invited to join us in this privileged visitation and to pray the Rosary and hear the story of Fatima and the messages of Our Lady of Fatima of the Rosary and the Angel of Peace as one family. The World Apostolate of Fatima England and Wales (WAF) is coordinating the event. In 2017, the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue and relics of the two saints visited churches throughout the country, including Hull, Middlesbrough and York. Cardinal Vincent Nichols reconsecrated England and Wales to the Immaculate Heart of Mary during the visit, which coincided with the centenary of the apparitions. The Centenary Statue, which was blessed at the Chapel of the Apparitions at Fatima, is a direct response to the invitation to rediscover the marvels of Fatima, “,the light that came out of her heart who was Jesus himself ”,, that transformed the hearts of the little shepherds forever. The organisers hope the statue will visit many religious houses, convents and parishes and become an instrument to provide catechesis on the Immaculate Heart of Mary, surrounded with thorns and needing reparation. WAF also hopes to promote the First Saturday Devotion of Reparation, which signifies the intimate union of the hearts of Jesus and Mary. In this devotion, Jesus himself desires reparation for the sins which pierce his mother’,s sorrowful heart, the maternal symbol of her merciful love and desire for the salvation of all humanity in him. Pope St John Paul II said the Fatima message is, “,the true Gospel of Christ presented anew to our generation…, Let us receive the light that comes from Fatima, let us be guided by Mary.”, The York visit takes place from Friday June 23 to Sunday June 25. Fatima statue and saints’, relics visit York The National Pilgrim Virgin Statue’,s visit to York in 2017 York is one of the venues for a leadership lunch for priests being organised by Divine Renovation. The lunch connects a small group of priests from across the UK who hear from a speaker and engage in a lively Q&,A and conversation on mission, evangelisation and parish renewal. The event is on Wednesday May 24 and you can register at divinerenovation.tfaforms.net/f/Leadership- Lunch-23. Divine Renovation is also running an online event for priests entitled “,Preaching on Purpose: Making Disciples through Missional Preaching”,, on Thursday May 18 at 8pm. Register at divinerenovation.tfaforms.net/f/Preaching- May18-23. Divine Renovation hosts lunch event for priests Local historian Ian Stubbs will give an illustrated talk on “,A journey through the history of Middlesbrough”, as part of Local History Month May. The talk is at 7pm on Friday May 12 in St Joseph’,s Church, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, and is followed by light refreshments. Admission is free, but donations towards church funds are welcome. Talks delves into town’,s history Parishes invited to join Yorkshire Churches Day Yorkshire Churches Day (YCD) is a chance for every place of worship in the county to showcase the amazing history and heritage found inside their buildings. It’,s an opportunity to tell stories and bring to life the variety, beauty, history and sheer wonder of Yorkshire’,s churches, chapels and places of worship. The aim is to encourage everyone to visit their local church, even if they have never stepped foot inside a church before. It will be a day for those who are curious about the history and heritage of their local surroundings. This year’,s YCD, run in partnership with Heritage Open Days (HOD), is on Saturday September 16. Organisers say it is England’,s largest festival of history and culture, when thousands of people come together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Entry to each event must be free, but there are many ways churches can engage their visitors and encourage donations. Ideas include providing refreshments, running tours, staging exhibitions, offering bell ringing, putting on recitals and offering skills and craft demonstrations. To register, visit the Heritage Open Days website and add details of your church, stating you are opening for Yorkshire Churches Day. For full details on how to register and advice on fundraising events and how to attract publicity, visit yhct.org.uk/yorkshire-churches- day. During lockdown, the trustees of the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust (YHCT) came up with the concept of Yorkshire Churches Day. It offers an opportunity to raise much-needed funds when the future of many churches is under threat because of crumbling roofs, windows and stonework. YHCT works to keep these places of worship in good repair, recognising the contribution they make to society and the support they provide to local communities. It hopes churches will donate up to half of any funds raised to YHCT, helping it continue offering vital support to churches, chapels and meeting houses across Yorkshire. To support YHCT, visit yhct.org.uk/donate.

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May 2023 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + 15 NEWS From the Archives 40 Years Ago (From May 1983 Catholic Voice) The Bank Holiday at the end of May promises to be a grand sunny day –, just like it was last year! The anniversary of the Pope’,s visit rushes nearer. The Pastoral Council at York have had the date in mind for some time and plan to mark the day suitably. A Mass of Thanksgiving, followed by a bring-your-own picnic lunch on the Knavesmire, is being organised for 12 noon on Monday, May 30th. Bishop Harris will be concelebrating the Mass. 100 Years Ago (From “,St Wilfrid’,s Notes”, in Hull Catholic Magazine) May this year has proved memorable in the minds of many of our little ones, for its very first day was the chosen, and eagerly expected day of their first communion for eighteen tiny boys and girls from our infant school. Nevertheless, a few little ones were sadly disappointed, but as they cannot be got to Holy Mass, nothing can be done with them until their parents wake up and practice their religion. David Smallwood ADoRE (Alton Day of Renewal) is a monthly meeting of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Formed in 1975, it is now one of the longest continually running Charismatic Days of Renewal in Britain, dedicated to the encouragement of a personal relationship with God, through Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Until November, ADoRE is running a monthly ADoRE’,s Zoom course to inspire parish evangelisation, “,Proclaim the Good News –, we are called to be Missionary Disciples”,. It aims to develop participants’, understanding and appreciation of how every Catholic is to respond to Jesus’, call to share in his mission. The course runs for three hours on Saturday mornings and features talks by guest speakers who are leaders in renewal with extensive experience in both practising and teaching about evangelisation. They will give practical encouragement and advice on sharing the Good News in the parish. Each meeting also includes Mass, adoration, praise and worship and prayer. You don’,t need to commit to all the sessions and there is no charge for participation. However, individuals must register for each meeting in advance and they will appreciate donations. Also, it isn’,t necessary to attend the whole three hours, you can join at any time. The guest speakers on Saturday May 20 are Father Jon Bielawski and Michele Thompson. Adoration is at 9.30am, with Mass at 10am. To join, visit stbedesbasingstoke.org.uk/live and find “,From St Bede’,s...LIVE”, (no need to register). To join the rest of the meeting on Zoom (praise at 11.10am and talk from 11.45- 12.45am) you must register in advance at bit.ly/ADOREMAY2023 to be sent a link. For full details of this year’,s programme, visit altonrenewal.com/2023. Alastair Emblem Retreat mornings examine ways of proclaiming Good News Parishioners at St Vincent’,s in Hull are celebrating their annual May Procession on Sunday May 21 at 11.30am. Children wishing to join in the procession will meet in the school from 11.15am. All are welcome to attend this beautiful occasion to honour Our Lady during the month of May. St Vincent’,s May Procession in Hull Speakers at this year’,s York Catholic History Day will discuss aspects of Catholic education in the 19th and 20th centuries. Sister Patricia Harriss CJ will talk about The Bar Convent and Nineteenth Century Catholic Education in York, Father David Lannon about Candidates and Pupil Teachers in Salford Diocese from 1873 to 1902 and Helen Knight about Secondary Schools for Catholic Girls –, the response to government requirements from 1900. The cost of the day is £,17.50 (students £,8.50) which includes all-day tea and coffee, available from 10am. The programme will begin at 10.30am and includes a long lunch break so participants have time to visit the exhibition at the Bar Convent Heritage Centre (not included). This includes a new display about St Margaret Clitherow and how her relic came to be housed in the Bar Convent Chapel. This display runs until July 1 and is included in the entrance fee to the exhibition. For more information, visit bar- convent.org.uk/events.php. Lunches are available from the Bar Convent café,. The final talk is at 2.30pm and the day ends with Mass in the chapel at around 4.30pm. The event takes place at the Bar Convent on Saturday June 3. There is no need to book but if you are not already on the mailing list, please call me on 01904 704525 or email judith.smeaton@btinternet.com for more information. Judith Smeaton Education in focus at York Catholic History Day New Dawn in the Church is a Catholic Charismatic family pilgrimage conference that takes place each year at the Catholic National Shrine and Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham. This year’,s conference will take place from Monday July 31 to Friday August 4 and offers a programme of liturgy, sacraments, prayer, praise, worship, teaching, workshops, age- appropriate ministries (creche, children and youth), fellowship and community. There will be renowned speakers, more than 20 workshops and exhibitors including Radio Maria England, the St Vincent de Paul Society, Genesis Mission, March for Life UK, Rachel’,s Vineyard, SPUC, Cenacolo, Youth 2000, Mary’,s Meals and more. Bishop David Oakley, liaison bishop for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, will attend for the full week. For more details, including how to register, visit newdawn.org.uk/new-dawn-2023. Catholic charismatic pilgrimage to Walsingham

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16 + Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic Voice + May 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 07932 248225 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 It is not enough just to support those living in poverty with a sticking plaster, although, of course, we must give practical help to them in the short term. Standing together, Vincentian charities across the UK are calling on chancellor Jeremy Hunt to provide an adequate social security system that reflects the true cost of living and prevents the poorest in society from being pushed deeper into poverty. Across our many services, we reach out to all those in need, including people facing homelessness, older people, refugees, vulnerable children, carers, people living with disabilities and those experiencing in-work poverty. Rising costs are disproportionately affecting these groups and collectively we are seeing a spike in the number of people turning to our services in order to make ends meet. Vincentian charities and groups have seen a worrying increase in the number of people seeking support and advice. The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) alone has supported more than 55,000 people in the past year, and it reports worrying trends such as people on higher incomes accessing our food banks and a 66 per cent increase in the number of requests for help from 2020. SVP CEO Elizabeth Palmer said: “,Our community support projects and members are busier than ever before, and the number of people seeking our help across the country is increasing every day. “,The profile of the people seeking our help is also changing and is beginning to include those who were previously managing to cope without our help.”, Mark Choonara, CEO of Daughters of Charity Services, added: “,As we seek to restore our economic growth, we must ensure that equality and fairness are rooted at the heart of our efforts, revitalising our society along with our economy.”, If you see any campaigns for social justice, please consider giving them your support. We must be the voice for the voiceless. Frances Gilchrist President of the SVP in Middlesbrough What are SVP members doing for those in need? Vincentian charities are calling on chancellor Jeremy Hunt to provide a social security system that prevents the poorest in society from being pushed deeper into poverty NEW INNOVATION Dry board - Simple effective cure for all damp and mould issues As supplied to all northeast housing associations - All plastering work undertaken REMEDY FOR COLD/DAMP WALLS? We are a small family award winning business with all the certifications and accreditations of a large national company. We produce our own in-house patented products and have the expertise to assure a service second to none. We can install either our WALL-REFORM insulating plaster/render or our WARM-A-WALL new thermal wall lining made from recycled materials (saves energy, stops condensation and mould growth problems) 100s of houses installed throughout the UK. Reference available. LATEST INNOVATION DRY-BOARD Quick cure for all damp / cold walls DAMPROOFING SPECIALIST RISING AND PENETRATING DAMP CURED Damp Courses installed, expert surveys and advice. 35 years experience in the industry, brickwork, repointing, specialists Lime Based mortars. All aspects of plastering work. EXTERNAL INSULATION AND RENDERING WORK , Insulating Renders and Systems , Insulate any building to conserve energy , Save on High Heating Bills (energy surveys carried out) , EPC certificates by registered certified surveyor. For further information: Unit 4, Rosedale Court, Stokesley Business Park, Stokesley TS9 5GB Call 01642 272 848 or visit www.walltransform.co.uk Mobile 07980 527531 Demonstration DVDs NOW ONLINE All area covered. Insulation Grants are available for all property owners with D or below EPC And council tax A / D Totally free to all on any benefit or pensioners, we can provide EPC if required

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