The Middlesbrough parishes of The Holy Name of Mary and St Thomas More

Taizé is an ecumenical form of prayer, scripture, reflection, and meditative music that invites God’s presence to penetrate one’s innermost being. Its origins go back to around August 1940, while World War II was raging. A young man named Roger Schutz settled in the tiny village of Taizé in the Burgundy region of eastern France. While living a life of prayer, he began to assist political refugees who were trying to escape Nazi occupation. Brother Roger’s concern for victims of injustice was matched by his refusal to accept the divisions between Christians. His legacy lives on in numbers of over 100 Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran and Reformed brothers, from 25 different countries. Today, as then, the emphasis of the community is reconciliation between peoples and nations.

The liturgy that has developed in the Taizé Community is for prayer and the worship of God, but it also serves to quiet one’s innermost being. There can be few people who are not familiar with the Taizé music in the Christian church today. It is noted for its chant-like style of repetitive words and melodies focusing on themes of praise, trust, joy and simplicity. Its simplicity makes it easy to join in. “Nothing is more conducive to communion with the Living God than a meditative common prayer with singing that never ends, but continues in the silence of one’s heart, when one is alone again,” said Brother Roger.

A Taize group for the Middlesbrough area is being formed. We plan to hold a monthly Taize evening on the first Wednesday of each month at 7pm. Each gathering will last for about an hour. During this time, we will learn the different harmonies for the chants for around 40 minutes, followed by a Taize prayer – with chants, lasting around fifteen minutes. The first gatherings are as follows:

• Wednesday 2nd May at Holy Name Church in Linthorpe
• Wednesday June 6th at Sacred Heart Church, Linthorpe Road
• Wednesday July 4th at the Cathedral, Dalby Way, Coulby Newham

If you would like to come and be part of this group please do – you don’t need to read music or be a good singer and you will be made very welcome.

For more information please contact either

• Val Goldsack 01642 826618 or email info@valgoldsack.co.uk
• Margaret Turnham 01642 850113 or email Margaret.turnham@ntlworld.com

We look forward to seeing you for the first meeting 2nd May, at Holy Name.

On Sunday April 15th, 2-5pm at St Thomas More’s Church, Beechwood.

The day begins with a blessing of the image at 2pm, followed by veneration of the image, adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, and confessions.

Fr Pat Keogh will celebrate Mass at 4pm.

Everyone welcome.

There will be shared tea afterwards.

The Divine Mercy Novena begins on Good Friday.

The Union of Catholic Mothers invites all ladies to a retreat led by Fr Gerry Mulligan at the Holy Name Church on Sunday 25th March, 1.45pm for 2pm start.

Mass will be celebrated at 4pm and followed by tea and biscuits in the Parish Hall.

There will be a gathering of altar servers at St Thomas More’s Church on Monday, March 12th.

In the four Gospels

Sr Margaret Eason DMJ offers four talks on the Passion in each of the Gospels for the parishes of Middlesbrough.

Each talk will be given twice, once in the afternoon and then repeated in the evening. 2:30 - 3:30pm and then 7pm-8pm. St Thomas More’s Church Hall.

All welcome.

• The Gospel of Mark, Thurs March 15th
• The Gospel of Matthew, Thurs March 22nd
• The Gospel of Luke, Thurs March 29th
• The Gospel of John, Mon 2nd April