Middlesbrough Diocesan Catholic
VOICE
What’s Bishop’s Inside
Column
As you can read elsewhere in this month’s Voice, it was a memorable and joyful occasion as Bishop John and I celebrated his diamond jubilee of priesthood and my golden jubilee. Together we celebrated the Eucharist, a word that means “thanksgiving”. And thanksgiving is the principal theme to describe all that took place and indeed for the many years of our priestly service. Thanksgiving in the first place to Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts. Experience teaches us that left to ourselves we would not persevere very long or far; it is only by the grace of God that we have reached this milestone on our journey. I want to give thanks to my parents for their quiet, kind encouragement, even though at times they weren’t sure what they were encouraging – and if the truth were told, neither did I completely. But they encouraged me, supported me every step of the way. And to my sister and family and friends – who have always kept me grounded, sometimes gently reminding me of what truly matters. I thank also Cardinal Roche for his lifelong friendship and patient advice, for stepping in when I couldn’t see the wood for the trees. I remember with gratitude those who have gone before us, whose prayers and support continue to inspire us. I also want to extend a special word of thanks to the lay faithful of our diocese – your faith, dedication and friendship have been a source of strength and encouragement throughout these many years. Thanks to all who organised everything for our celebration. I am very well aware that a huge amount of work has gone into today, weeks and weeks of planning. I especially want to thank Canon Paul Farrer, the cathedral dean, and his amazing team, Father Peter and his fellow MCs who navigated us all through the liturgy, and also director of music Steven Maxson and the musicians and choir for helping us to better praise Almighty God. Thanks to one and all who joined us and to those who would have wanted to be with us but for various reasons could not come. For all the prayers and spiritual support, heartfelt thanks. The priestly vocation is a path of service, sacrifice and joy. I am grateful for the grace that has sustained me through the ups and downs alike. As I give thanks, may I also look forward with hope, continuing to serve God and his people with renewed energy and faith. And finally, all is grace, all is a gift from the Lord. To him be glory and praise for ever more. Amen. Yours in blessed hope,
Bishops’ celebration picture special Pages 8 and 9
September 2025 Issue 516
FREE
Celebrating Monsignor Gerard's silver jubilee Page 12
Diocese honours jubilarian bishops’ decades of service A packed St Mary’s Cathedral included friends, family and senior Catholic clergy and representatives from other denominations as the diocese honoured Bishop Terry and Bishop John for their years of faithful service. The Mass marked 50 years since Bishop Terry was ordained to the priesthood and 60 years since the same milestone for Bishop John. Among the guests were Cardinal Arthur Roche, Archbishop of Birmingham Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Cardiff-Menevia Mark O’Toole, Abbot of Ampleforth Robert Igo OSB and Bishop of Hamilton, Canada, Douglas Crosby OMI. Also in attendance were ecumenical guests including the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, the Bishop Emeritus of Whitby and the Synod Moderator of the United Reformed Church. Bishop Terry began the service by welcoming his brother bishops and their representatives and priests and religious from our diocese and beyond and our ecumenical brothers and sisters. He also welcomed his and Bishop John’s families and friends. He then mentioned some others present who celebrate jubilees of priestly ordination this year, including Canon Pat Harney (platinum), Cardinal Roche, Bishop Douglas Crosby and Father Michael Keogh (golden), Canon Michael Loughlin (ruby) and Monsignor Gerard Robinson and Father Bill Serplus (silver). In his homily, Cardinal Roche said of the two jubilarians: “Although in terms of service, they
THE BAR CONVENT Living Heritage Centre
Exhibition | Chapel | Cafe | Guest House barconvent.co.uk @barconventyork
Deacon Tom Rolfe, Bishop John, Bishop Terry, Bishop Tom Williams and Deacon James Nevison enjoy a lighter moment during the celebration – Photo by Chris Booth are separated by 10 years, they are deeply united in their vocation, called as they have been, to be stewards entrusted with the mysteries of God, caring for his people. “Our two jubilarians, indeed every priest, is someone who has listened very carefully to that inner voice speaking to him, persistently calling him, ‘Follow me’. “‘Where do you live, Lord?’ ‘Come and see’ is always the reply, as well as a daily commitment. “The crown of priestly ministry is not in their achievements, but in their faithfulness to the
choice that was put to them. “That is the real achievement of their lives with all its ups and downs, its treasured moments of great joy, and privileged intimate events in their ministry, sharing in the life of their flock, their joys and their sorrows. “When Jesus said, ‘You did not choose me, but I chose you’, he was revealing to us a wonderful mystery, but one that needed the one chosen to accept with freedom.
Continued on Page 2