The purpose of this blog is to provide an open forum for discussion of the aims of the society; news from the wider Church and details of Masses and events of interest in the diocese. The Latin Mass Society in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Middlesbrough expresses its full filial devotion and loyalty to Holy Mother Church, Pope Francis and Bishop Drainey.



REGULAR TRADITIONAL MASSES IN THE DIOCESE OF MIDDLESBROUGH

12 Noon. Every Sunday Missa Cantata
York Oratory (
Church of St Wilfrid)
Duncombe Place, York. YO1 7EF

8:15am Monday-Friday
9:15am Saturday

Feast Days (as advertised) usually at 6pm.

Church of St Andrew, Fabian Road, Teesville. TS6 9BA

3pm Sunday.

Church of Our Lady of Lourdes and St Peter Chanel
119 Cottingham Road, Hull. HU5 2DH
7.30pm Every Thursday. Low Mass.

VESPERS AND BENEDICTION

4pm. Every Sunday
York Oratory (
Church of St Wilfrid)
Duncombe Place, York. YO1 7EF

Compline and Vespers (as advertised)
(see link to the Rudgate Singers Calendar below)
St Mary's Church, Bishophill Junior. YO1 6EN


19 December 2014

In Case Anyone Has Forgotten

Sung Vespers 6pm every Sunday at St Wilfrid's Church in York.

12 December 2014

Christmas Midnight Mass

There will be a Sung Midnight Mass at St Wilfrid's Church in York. It will be preceded by carols and readings, starting at 11.15pm.

09 December 2014

Our Lady with No Veil

There was a very beautiful Mass yesterday evening in St Wilfrid's Church, York for the feast of the Immaculate Conception. It was interesting to note that there were several people there that I do not remember seeing before at a Latin Mass at York. One must presume that their presence was motivated by devotion to the Immaculate Conception. Whatever their reason for being there, it is gratifying to see new faces. The choir was in good form, despite the absence of organ accompaniment, singing Missa de Angelis, and an excellent sermon was preached by Fr Mark Drew. After Mass there was some discussion about the statue of Our Lady which had been placed on the sanctuary for the novena. It was unusual in that Our Lady had no veil, and a few people noticed this, adding that the absence detracted from the appeal of the statue, despite it being very fine in other respects. The first question raised was to ask whether there was any reason for this ommission; and one possible explanation offered that it might be a represent of Our Lady Queen of Heaven, which would not require a veil. However, this seems an unlikely explanation because Our Lady Queen of Heaven would surely have a crown. Another suggestion was that there may originally have been a crown belonging to this statue which has been lost; or indeed, there may have been a fabric veil at one time. I have looked at hundreds of images of Our Lady on the internet, and only a tiny proportion do not have a veil. Most of these are modernistic images and rather quirky. In most cases where Our Lady is crowned, she is also wearing a veil. So the statue at St Wilfrid's is certainly unusual. Does anyone have a better explanation? It was generally agreed that this statue would be improved by the addition of a veil.

05 December 2014

A Reminder about Vespers

Traditional Vespers, followed by Benediction, are now sung every Sunday evening at 6pm at St Wilfrid's Church in York. The first occasion was last Sunday and it went pretty well, despite not many members of the choir being familiar Vespers. Vespers consists of five psalms sung to an appropriate psalm tone, each being preceded and concluded by by an antiphon. It is the antiphons that can be a little tricky for the new comer, as each has its own tune. There is also a short reading, or chapter, and the service concludes with the Magnificat. Anyone unfamiliar with Vespers may find themselves at sea on the first occasion, but after attending a few times, it will all fall into place. Many people then find themselves hooked on on the music of Vespers. There is also the reward of Benediction afterwards.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

There will be a Latin Mass at 6pm on Monday 8th December at the Church of St Wilfrid in York to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

03 December 2014

Juventutem in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle

Today I read that a second Juventutem group has been formed in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. The first was formed several weeks ago and is based in Gateahead, with Fr Michael Brown as chaplain. The newly formed one is based at St Cuthbert's Church in Durham, where the University Catholic Chaplaincy is based. Fr Bede Rowe is the chaplain to the new group. They are to have a Mass to celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception at 7pm on 8th December. It is to be a Missa Cantata with a student choir providing the music. As far as I Know, these two groups are the only ones in the North of England. So there are plenty of opportunities for young people to form Juventutem groups in the northern cities. How about York, Hull or Middlesbrough!

01 December 2014

Vespers at St Wilfrid's in York

Yesterday, which was the first Sunday of Advent saw Vespers introduced at St Wilfrid's Church in York. It was at 6pm, and was followed by Benediction. There was some nervousness amongst the servers and the choir, as for many it was a new experience. However, it all went well on the night. Including clergy, servers, choristers and general congregation, there were about thirty present, which was pleasing, as we had no idea how popular it would be. From now on, there will be Vespers and Benediction every Sunday evening at 6pm.