FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS

Friday - 1.00p.m. to 4.00p.m.

Saturday - 1.00p.m. to 6.00p.m.

Sunday - 1.00p.m. to 6.00p.m.

FOREWORD

It is my privilege and pleasure to introduce this outline of the history of Holy Rosary at Billingham. By ordinary standards we are a young parish but already we are writing the opening chapters of our parish history. A friend of mine said "A parish that has no regard for its past does not deserve a future". Here at Holy Rosary we cherish happy memories of the early days of the parish... the good old days, the struggles involved in forming a parish, in building both church and community, in coping with changes as and when they occur. Today we are reaping the rewards of our forefathers, priests and people alike and we must work together to carry on the good work that has only just begun.

As we celebrate our Silver Jubilee we are resolved to build on these solid foundations. The importance of parish life must be always in the fore-front of our minds. The parish is "a community of people whose lives meet in the love of God through Christ, and whose unity is continually developed and affirmed by and in the celebration of the mass". (EASTER PEOPLE). Vatican II goes on to say "the parish offers an outstanding example of community apostolate, for it gathers into a unity all the human diversities that are found there and inserts them into the universality of the Church. The laity should develop the habit of working in the parish in close union with their priests, of bringing before the ecclesial community their own problems, world problems, and questions regarding man's salvation, to examine them together and solve them by general discussion. According to their abilities the laity ought to cooperate in all the apostolic and missionary enterprises of their ecclesial family". (Apostolate of the Laity).

Reading this Booklet will revive many memories for parishioners past and present. So much material was at hand that the problem has been not what to put in but what to leave out.

We ask God's blessing and Our Lady's help and intercession as we progress to the next phase of development here at Holy Rosary.

Reverend Father Michael Keoghan

PARISH PRIEST Holy Rosary Billingham - September 1985

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ORIGINS AND EARLY GROWTH

Most people passing along the A.19 would probably notice the modern church of the Holy Rosary in Billingham and may be left with the impression that the faith, like the township, is of fairly recent origin. In both cases they would be wrong, as Billingham itself was a village in Anglo-Saxon days in which stood the ancient church of St. Cuthbert ministering to our catholic forefathers more than one thousand years ago.

Simeon, a monk of Durham, who died round about the year, 1138, records that Ecgred, Bishop of Lindisfarne, sometime before 845 A.D. built a church at Billingham granting the lands in the area to the church to provide revenue for its upkeep. After the Norman Conquest (1066) William the Conqueror agreed to the monks of Durham retaining the land in this area; this was a small part of the monastic lands held by the Durham monastery in Northumbria and commonly called "The Patrimony of St. Cuthbert". Fragments of Saxon cross-shafts found near the present Anglican church suggest further evidence of a christian presence here possibly as early as the eighth century.

The prior of Durham was the chief administrator of monastic lands and held a manor at Beaulieu (old French fair place) which contained a chapel. During his sojourns there he held celebrations to which the local people were invited and on his journeys he distributed alms to the poor. Beaulieu, it is claimed, was, also, used as a place of recuperation for sick monks. The site today is under the green expanse in the middle of the Low Grange housing estate.

In 1314, the Bishop of Durham granted a special indulgence to those who helped with the building and repair of the bridge and causeway between Billingham and Norton such works were considered acts of charity then, enabling travellers and pilgrims to proceed safely. Interesting, also, is the fact that there was a chapel at Wolviston dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene towards the end of the twelfth century.

During the period following the Reformation when the catholic faith was proscribed, life for practising catholics was extremely difficult. The adherence to catholicism appears to have been strong in the area; so much so that when the Earls of Northumberland and Westmorland rose in rebellion in 1569 to restore the ancient faith they were joined by many supporters from the North including, twenty two from Billingham, ten from Cowpen, nineteen from Wolviston and ten from Bewley. Rebellions for various reasons were fairly common in those days, but tolerance was not. After the failure of the rebellion five men from Billingham were executed, two from Cowpen, four from Wolviston and three from Bewley. Thomas Watson, a yeoman farmer from Billingham, claimed that he had known of a priest called Hartborn who had said an illegal Mass at Long Newton and Sedgefield and had re-erected some altars.

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He also claimed that the Billingham altar stone was hidden under the church choir and one red cope was still in the church. Today, thank God, the ecumenical movement encourages christians to work peacefully and with brotherly love to further the cause of church unity "that they all may be one" (John 17 v.21).

What happened to the catholic comunity between this period and the resurgence of catholicism in the nineteenth century remains hidden until further research brings to light more details at present lacking. We know that a priest was maintained by the Maire family in their residence at Hardwick Hall, near Castle Eden, before the parish at Hutton Henry was formed about 1822; a priest was also working in the Stockton area towards the end of the eighteenth century: both of these places were possibly used by Billingham catholics.

The industrial revolution of the late 18th and early 19th centuries was to transform socially and economically the face of Britain. Workers from the countryside and Ireland flocked into these areas of industrial growth and Teesside was one of them. Its workshops, factories, foundries and mines provided a livelihood for many; and in and around these places of employment new communities sprang up. One such was Port Clarence with its iron works and coal-shipping staithes; and amongst its workers and their families was a considerable number of catholics whose spiritual needs had to be met. By December 1879 the resident priest there, Father Michael Bourke, had erected and opened a school/chapel; the Pugin-designed church of St. Thomas of Canterbury was opened by Bishop Preston in November, 1900 the mother church of the Billingham parishes. Strange that today the roles are reversed: the motherchurch is now supported by its children the newer parishes.

Billingham's growth can be directly attributed to the development of the I.C.L. works started in 1919 (known as the Nitrogen Fixation Department of Brunner Mond and Company). In 1821 it has been estimated that Billingham and the surrounding villages of Belasis, Cowpen Bewley, Wolviston and Newton Bewley contained 1,154 inhabitants living in 252 houses. By 1925 six hundred workers were employed in the chemical works; this figure had risen to 12,500 by 1939. This sharp increase in the population meant a proportionate increase in the numbers of catholics too; so it was deemed necessary by the priests at Port Clarence to provide a Mass centre in Billingham. An historic occasion for it is likely that when Mass was celebrated in the Memorial Hall in 1929 it was the first public Mass said in Billingham since the Reformation; a year later the new Co-op Hall became the Mass centre.

By 1934 the bishop was able to appoint Father Eric Connell as parish priest of the newly formed parish of St. John's. The figures given above are also an indication why Father Connell decided to provide a Mass centre west of the railway line as the community continued its growth; this was accomplished when Sunday Mass was celebrated in the Swan Hotel by a priest from St. John's in June 1947.

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Catholic Men's Club; the Church was the wooden hut in Grosvenor Road which served the Parish". He describes Father Marron as "the perfect man for the situation", as he worked enthusiastically with the local authority and the diocese in the planning of the new church and school. Father Coyle left Billingham as the work of the new church was beginning.

It was on Sunday, October 20th, that the people were told that Father Brady, who had died on October 15th, "was buried at his own wish at Ashburton Cemetery after Requiem Mass in the Cathedral. We have prayed earnestly for his recovery, and since God has seen fit to take him we pray now for his eternal reward and that he will intercede for our parish". The grotto blessed on the parish feastday, 1962 is dedicated to his memory.

Until the appointment of his successor, Father Lawrence Deegan (1958-1969) in November, 1958, the parish continued in the care of Father Marron. With the approval of the Diocese Father Marron commissioned the Middlesbrough architect, Mr. Thomas A. Crawford, to design the church whilst the building contract was awarded to Mr. Frank Keelan of Thornaby. An entry in the church Notice Book for October 26th, 1958, must have gladdened the hearts of the parishioners: "The new church will definitely be started this week. We appeal for your prayers for a successful building and your money to pay for it £43,000".

Efforts to raise money had been going on since the day the parish was started. It may be of interest to list some of these and their results: in addition to the normal church collections, income was supplemented over the years by donations, Pools, Bingo, Raffles, Socials and Dances and the annual Summer Garden Fetes and Christmas Bazaars. A St. Patrick's Social Evening raised £5.15.0 in 1955 and in the same year the October Dance made £29.11.0; the - Garden Fetes of 1955 and 1957 brought in £98.10.0 and £150 respectively whilst the Christmas Fayre and raffle of 1957 realised a grand total of £333. All this and much more was done as the parish tried to meet the debts it would incur through the proposed building programme.

Visible evidence of progress was provided when Bishop James Cunningham in the presence of the local clergy and 250 parishioners laid the foundation stone on May 16th, 1959 overshadowed by the steel skeleton of the church still in its early stages. The Evening Gazette recording the occasion in May 18th's edition, quoted the Bishop: "There is a great deal of work to be done in this church, the presbytery and the schools Today you see the beginnings of a real church of your own. There are many who have helped who are not here with us. Remember them all for what they have done for you and this Church".

Parishioners were encouraged that summer to buy bricks at the Garden Fete and they were sold outside the church after the services; the names of the donors were written in crayon on the bricks which now form part of the upper wall of the north gable.

News of the opening of the church was joyfully proclaimed to the people during the announcements at the Sunday Masses of September 18th, 1960: "The greatest day since the parish was started Thursday the day we have prayed for and looked forward to we have our own bishop to come and bless and open our new church, a credit to the parish, to the church and to the town". September 22nd, 1960, was indeed that great day when the dream of priests and people was realised as Bishop Cunningham blessed and opened the Holy Rosary church, "With a white stone cross on its roof standing high among the thousands of brick built homes of North Billingham... and as the Bishop later stood at the altar of Cornish grey stone and said the first Mass, the central act of the practice of the Roman Catholic faith the new building which has cost £40,000 took its place with the church throughout the world" (Evening Gazette). Commodious, bright and modern it was capable of accommodating seven hundred parishioners seated and at last the parish had a building in which Christ's sacrifice and the generous outpouring of his sacramental life could be celebrated with joyful satisfaction.

During 1960 Father John Skivington (1960-1968) came to assist Fathers Deegan and Marron with the many duties a developing parish entailed. Further good news was announced in the church on January 29th, 1961: "Our new school will open tomorrow The children will come to Mass here at 9.00a.m. and ask God's blessing on the new school and then proceed to the school". On the opening day 237 pupils were admitted; the Head Teacher was Miss M.M. Bewley assisted by Mr. J. Hodgson, the Deputy Head, and three assistants Mrs. M. Heron, Mrs. McIver and Miss P. Antrobus.

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There was a problem, however; the school had Ministry approval for a proposed roll of 280; the number of children in the parish of primary school age exceeded 400; so an appeal was made in October 1960 requesting that children residing east of Marsh House Avenue should continue at St. John's. The school was blessed and officially opened by Bishop Cunningham on May 8th, 1961.

In the early 1960's the Billingham catholic community was still expanding so a chapel-of-ease (the transferred Grosvenor Road hut) in Beamish Road was opened on May 7th, 1961, and supplied by the priests of Holy Rosary until Father Wilfrid Arrowsmith was appointed priest-in-charge in April 1962.

Monday

C.W.L. - Coffee Evening in Greenholme at 7.30p.m.

Wednesday

6.30p.m. - Junior L.O.M. meets in sacristy

7.00p.m. - C.W.L. Benediction and Monthly Meeting

7.00p.m. - Y.C.W. meets in Greenholme

8.15p.m. - Choir practice in Church

Thursday

After Benediction L.O.M. & S.V.P. hold meetings in sacristies.

Friday

After Mass, Men's Club meets in Greenholme.

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THE PARISH AND THE VATICAN II YEARS

Father Marron, who had done so much to develop Holy Rosary Parish, left on January 31st, 1962, to take up an appointment at Annitsford in Northumberland. Father Michael Sweeney was sent on a temporary basis until Father Arrowsmith arrived as priest-in-charge of St. Joseph's in April, 1962.

The period 1962 to 1965 was momentous in the history of the Catholic Church throughout the world; for during that period the Vatican Council was in session making decisions which were to influence the life of every catholic and parish. Holy Rosary parish was kept well informed. As early as June 10th, 1962, parishioners had the opportunity to hear Mgr. McReavy of Ushaw College, who had been engaged in the preparatory work for the Council, speak about its forthcoming deliberations.

Parish participation in this historic event was encouraged: "Today (Sept. 30th) begins a solemn novena of prayer to the Holy Ghost for the success of the General Council which begins on October 11th (The Holy Father grants a plenary indulgence usual conditions to those who make it). The hymn to the Holy Spirit will be said daily at Mass, and there will be Benediction each evening at 7.30. Friday coming is to be a special day of sacrifice and self-denial... there will be Stations of the Cross on Friday at 7.10p.m. We are all asked to be generous with our prayers and penance for this intention".

Ecumenical dialogue, encouraged by Vatican II, was another aspect of community awareness noticeable in those days. The announcement of the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity January, 1964, shows clearly the mind of the Church in its local setting: "Pope John and now Pope Paul and the Bishops of the world in the General Council have recommended this intention to us so we should be as generous as possible in our response. There will be Evening Mass every day, except Saturday to enable all to attend. Friday is the day for our church to be the centre of prayers when we hope to have a number of visitors during the day and for Evening Mass".

The ecumenical movement has continued to grow as parishioners, over the years, will have noticed.

In December, 1965, the Vatican Council was drawing to its close and in the parish and throughout the world three days of prayer were requested for its success. The second Sunday of Advent and the following two days were days when special Prayer and Devotion were offered for this intention; on Wednesday par Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a Special Mass was celebrated in the parish at 10.00a.m. to coincide with the closing of the final session of this Council.

For the effects of Vatican II in our own lives, and the life of the parish, we recommend Father Doyle's article (at the back of the booklet) written for the Silver Jubilee celebrations.

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The Holy Rosary parish community went on to augment its activities with fresh initiatives during the years 1965 to 1969: the Offertory Promise Campaign was organised and functioning by May, 1966; a fortnight's mission (May 15th 29th 1966), was preached by Jesuit Fathers, Thomas Conlon and Chris Dooley; in that same year the parish was informed that the Golden Book of parish benefactors had been installed in a glass case on the sanctuary; and the S.V.P. were offering to say the Rosary in people's homes in 1967, to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Our Lady's appearance at Fatima.

Some soul-searching occurred in July 1968, when a meeting was held in the church to discuss: "What is wrong with our parish? What is right with it? What should be done?"

It appears that one direct result of this communal examination of conscience was a further meeting in the church on August 11th when the discussion centred on the formation of a parish council which was duly established in January, 1969, with the appointment of the first officers: Mr. A. Kelly became chairman; Mr. D. Otter, treasurer; and Miss E. Shepherd, secretary.

Towards the end of 1968, Father Skivington was to leave the parish after eight years of pastoral work here and he was replaced on December 14th by Father Patrick O'Connell (1968-1973) who had previously served in Ashington. He remembers vividly his time here principally his spiritual ministrations, but also such events as the opening and blessing of the new Billingham cemetery; the building of St. Paul's school; the starting of the Youth Club in the Community Centre and acquiring the use of the gym at Northfield Comprehensive; the period of change to comprehensive education; and the diversion of the A.19 around Wolviston.

A great honour for the parish was the ordination of a parishioner, Father Gerard Burns S.M., who celebrated his first Mass in the parish on July 6th, 1969, and gave his blessing after the Evening Devotions.

One month later Father Deegan was sadly in hospital and his continuing ill-health was to bring about his retirement.

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Some of their decisions and recommendations included: a letter to all parishioners to improve Planned Giving income (1971); discussions about a Parish Hall and extensions to St. Paul's School (1971); the setting up of a Youth sub-committee to cater for the youth of the parish (1972); a publicity campaign to increase Covenants undertaken by Mr. Screeton, Mr. Kearney and Mr. Mulloy (1974); and a proposal to twin with a parish in Peru (1975). The Parish Council also discussed issues and implemented decisions concerning the spiritual aspects of parish life.

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One of the pressing problems was financing the extensions to St. Michael's School in 1970 which Father Head warned would lead to a dramatic rise in the parish debt covenants. hence the attempts subsequently to increase offerings and

St. Paul's School in Wolviston had opened at Easter, 1969, with Mr. James Hodgson as Head Teacher; 80 pupils were transferred from Holy Rosary. As early as 1971 it was obvious that St. Paul's needed additional space and the parish would have to pay a percentage of the cost estimated at £54,000 approx. the L.E.A. agreed to two extra classrooms, a hall and resource areas being built. The extensions, started in February, 1973, were designed and supervised by Messrs. Crawford and Spencer and were in use by early 1974.

Father Head was the second parish priest to celebrate his silver jubilee of ordination in Holy Rosary parish; the occasion was observed on July 25th, 1973, with a concelebrated Evening Mass followed by a social in St. Michael's School. As a memento of the event Father Head presented a new altar missal to the parish hoping it would add, "a little more dignity to the liturgy".

The following year, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the parish's foundation occurred and due recognition of this achievement in its history was marked with the concelebration of a Jubilee Mass on November 7th, 1974, at which the "Missa de Angelis" was sung. Earlier, on Friday October 11th, a Jubilee Dance had been held at the Billingham Arms organised by the Social Committee of the Parish Council.

Whilst it was a time for happy retrospection it was, also, an opportunity for looking forward and outward as future events were to show.

Parishes have always been made aware of their obligations to the universal needs of the church and the world. An extract from the Bulletin of October 10th, 1976, informed the people that the Lima Fund set up to support a catechist for the spreading of the Word of God in the Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Lima, Peru, had successfully completed its first year: "The target we had to reach was £760. the total collected for the first year to date is £804.95. the extra (from the Young People's sponsored walk) we have to come in will certainly go a long way in helping out the Most Holy Redeemer parish in many other ways. This has been a magnificent effort on the part of the parish; yet we must be only too well aware that it is a very small contribution towards the massive needs of the church in that area".

When Father Arrowsmith died on July 19th, 1976, Father Head was asked by Bishop Lindsay to look after St. Joseph's pending the appointment of a new parish priest. Father Doyle took over the running of Holy Rosary parish until the arrival of the new parish priest, Father Michael Keoghan, in November, 1976, when Father Head became parish priest of St. Joseph's.

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To conform with the new liturgical norms certain alterations had to be made to the sanctuary; the temporary wooden altar was removed and the permanent stone altar was brought forward in 1977 the cost was £2,143. On December 11th of the same year the new crucifix on the rear wall of the sanctuary wooden cross was made by the local firm McLean Fox, Plant and Co. the was blessed in the afternoon at a special ceremony. Further changes occurred in 1984 when the altar rails were removed, the baptismal font was re-sited on the right of the sanctuary and the new stone lectern was placed on the left; this work was carried out by Mr. Norman Thurlwell of the Lord Monumental Works, Middlesbrough.

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Towards the end of his first year in the parish Father Keoghan in October, 1977, had this to say: "As this was the first time in the parish for the annual feast I must say I was tremendously impressed by everything; the wonderful display of roses, all handed in by parishioners and friends. My sincere thanks to all who joined in the celebrations, and a special word to the good ladies who arranged the roses". However, a hint of worry was expressed in the financial statement for that year when it was stated that the parish had a debt of £64,986.

The closure of the church at Port Clarence in 1978 was sad news for the people there, but was inevitable with the drift of population from the area. An extract from the Holy Rosary bulletin explained what was happening: "Father P. Starrs has received a new appointment as parish priest at Tyne Dock. This means that St. Thomas', Port Clarence, sadly will cease to exist as a separate parish and will in future be in the care of the Holy Rosary Parish. However, there will be a Sunday Mass, first in the church and, later in a suitable Mass Centre where it will continue for as long as reasonably possible". To mark this occasion Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Swindlehurst and the former priests of the parish on November 15th.

Preparations for the National Pastoral Congress at Liverpool, 1980, were well advanced by the Spring of 1979. Bishop Swindlehurst came to the church on March 6th to concelebrate, with the deanery priests, a Mass for its success. House Masses were also part of this spiritual preparation and all the discussion papers were fully aired at parish meetings. Mr. Geoffrey Screeton was chosen as deanery delegate to the Pastoral Congress.

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Young people here have always been encouraged to share and use their talents in the service of God, through the church and the community. The schools, the Archconfraternity of St. Stephen, the Cubs, the Brownies, Scouts and Guides, the Youth Committee, and other parish organisations have all played their part in this valuable work. One example, from many, was the Parish Council Youth Committee's request in March 1979, to raise funds towards the purchase of a kidney machine. It was of particular interest to the parishioners as the following shows: "Baby Michael Clark, one of our youngest parishioners suffers from a kidney disorder, and it is with him in mind, and other children like him that we make this appeal for your support". Two youngsters from the Youth Club, on behalf of this appeal, cycled that summer from John O'Groats to Lands End.

The summer of 1979 saw the retirement of Miss Bewley as headteacher of Holy Rosary School and the following year of Mr. James Hodgson, headteacher of St. Paul's both had given many years of dedicated service to the catholic education system. Sister Mary Felicity, a former Endsleigh College lecturer, became the new headmistress at Holy Rosary until she left in 1984 to take up another appointment with the Mercy Order. During her stay here the Nursery Unit was opened and today the school, under Mrs. Delia Brown's leadership, provides education for 121 children and 52 nursery children (half-time). Mr. James Hodgson's successor is the present headmistress of St. Paul's School, Sister Mary Josephine.

Other important discussions, as well as the National Pastoral Congress papers, took place in 1979, regarding the proposed new diocese of Cleveland in which the Holy Rosary parish would have been included. The Parish Council discussed the matter in October, but after a wide consultation in all the local deaneries it was announced in December that the time was not ripe to recommend implementation of this proposal.

In October, 1979, the Redemptorists, Fathers Timothy Buckley, Gerard Costello, and Christopher Gaffney were conducting a parish mission with the purpose of building up "our sense of community in a spirit of joy and to make us enthusiastic for the things of God". Joy, enthusiasm and humour were all expressed most clearly in the Mission Newsletter to all parishioners.

Yet another silver jubilee was to occur in the parish: this was Father Keoghan's on June 5th, 1980, when in the presence of his mother, members of his family from Ireland and a full congregation he concelebrated with his priest friends a Mass of thanksgiving for 25 happy years in the priesthood, Father Patrick O'Connor preached the homily. Afterwards, everyone gathered at the Swan Hotel where a presentation, on behalf of the parish, was made by Mr. Charles Weir.

Greater involvement of lay people in the life and ministry of the Church was one of the many important effects of the Vatican Council and it could clearly be seen in the parish with the appointment of special ministers of the Eucharist in June 1981.

Pilgrimages are almost as old as the Church itself and the Holy Rosary parish, although still a young one, has organised these since its earliest days. Our Lady's shrines at Lourdes, Osmotherly, Walsingham - as well as Rome and the Holy Land - have all been visited. The Archconfraternity of St. Stephen who render valuable service to the Lord in his sanctuary (new members are enrolled on their patron's feast day) has more than once journeyed to Rome. After the parish pilgrimage to The Holy Land in 1981 the following comment appeared in the Bulletin which expresses the feelings of those who travel anywhere to any shrine: "The parish pilgrimage to the Holy Land was a wonderful experience. If the schedule itself was vigorous and on occasion demanding, the experience of being present was very rewarding. Mass was offered for the group in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Bethany, Mount of Beatitudes, Nazareth and Mt. Tabor.

Since 1981 Holy Rosary parish has hosted the Diocesan Lourdes Hospitalité annual meeting held near to Our Lady of Lourdes feastday.

Visitors from other parts of the diocese are always welcome; and this hospitality does not end here, but extends to the many international groups who attend the Billingham Folklore Festival held every August. People from as far away as the Canary Islands, Poland and Puerto Rico have received a warm reception in the parish and have made their own contribution to the Sunday Liturgy.

For catholics in England, Wales and Scotland the most significant event in the 1982 calendar was the historic first visit of a pope to our shores. Months beforehand, with eager expectancy, catholics prepared themselves spiritually for what many saw as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Billingham parishes embarked on a Mission of Renewal from February 28th to March 7th with the deanery priests providing morning and evening services in the local churches.

Everyone who saw the pope on television has his or her own memories of those bright sunny days when Pope John Paul II was whisked by helicopter to the places where the crowds had assembled to join him in the celebration of the Eucharist and the Sacraments. Catholics from the North East made for York where about 250,000 people listened attentively to the words of the Holy Father concerning marriage and family life. Among the thousands who renewed their marriage vows was a 300 strong contingent from the Holy Rosary parish. It is not too difficult to re-create the wonder of that day once our memories are re-awakened by these extracts from the parish bulletin:

Father Doyle was to leave the parish in 1983; he returned in March, 1984, for a special Mass followed by a presentation in the Swan Hotel which gave everyone the opportunity to thank him for his ten years of dedicated ministry.

In June, 1984, Father Keoghan was privileged to assist at the ordination of Father Gerard Quinn by Cardinal Hume in Westminster Cathedral; Father Quinn is the second parishioner to receive Holy Orders and he will carry out his ministry in the Westminster Diocese.

Towards the end of 1984 two major considerations were occupying the minds of priests and people. The first one the Ethiopian Appeal for the starving generated an extraordinary outpouring of generosity in the parish community when in October, 1984, a request went out to be "generous to the greatest degree". By the end of November £4,500 had been sent to the Little Way Association for this cause. Father Keoghan was delighted: "While I expected a good and generous response from Holy Rosary parishioners, this is way beyond my wildest dreams. Many, many thanks". This charitable effort to feed the starving continues with the Weekly Draw profits adding to the stream of donations which keep pouring in.

Pages 16, 17, 18 & 19

The second consideration was the planning and preparation for the anniversary of the church opening in September, 1985. A special jubilee committee was constituted with Father Keoghan in the chair assisted by Messrs. John Mulloy, Charles Weir, Frank Donnelly, Arthur Ryan, Peter Morgan, Patsey Fox, Godfrey O'Neill.

Spiritual preparation for the anniversary began as early as January, 1985, with the first Friday Mass at 7.00p.m. followed by an hour of prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. The practice has continued on successive first Fridays with each month having a special theme; in January, Baptism was considered. Confirmation in February, Youth in March and the final one in September was Marriage.

Frequently looking beyond their own parochial needs the parishioners decided that the income from this year's Summer Fayre should be donated to different charities; Ethiopia, Lima, Teesside Hospice Care, the Special Care Unit of North Tees Hospital, the Red Cross, Cleveland Cavitron have all benefited from this magnificent gesture.

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It would be unnecessary repetition, at this point, to list all the good works that have been performed in the past and which still permeate the daily life of the parish; the Choir, the Lending Library, the Prayer Group, the Wives' Group, the Lourdes Sick Fund are a few more random examples of the excellent spirit that exists here in Holy Rosary and the parish debt has been reduced by the end of 1984 to £4,803.

This short outline history of the parish has attempted to show how a christian community in Billingham has used its talents in the service of God and the Church.

How far has this community succeeded?

Some guidelines taken from the Vatican II's Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity may be helpful in making an assessment:

There is much recorded in this booklet which shows that Christ's message, proclaimed by the Church, has been followed and put into practice by many people in the Holy Rosary community.

AD MAJOREM DEI GLORIAM

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THE CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE

The C.W.L. in Holy Rosary parish began its life on 25th November, 1952 with its first meeting in Greenholme under the direction of the then parish priest, Father E. Brady, who nominated from forty-three members present the first committee: the first Chairman was Mrs. N. Moreland and she was assisted by Miss Margaret Scott and Miss M. Bewley, who were Secretary and Treasurer respectively. Founder committee members were: Mrs. Sowerby, Mrs. Gallagher, Mrs. Burgess, Mrs. Gaughan, Mrs. Simpson and Mrs. Crinnion. The present membership roll of the C.W.L. is thirty-three and of that number eight are founder members having now served thirty-three years each.

In 1955 the Wolviston Institute Hall became the regular meeting place until 1957 when the Community Centre was used. From 1959 until 1978 Greenholme became the base of their activities until they moved in later years to the Medway, where they still meet today.

Throughout the life of the parish, as the records show, the C.W.L. has been involved in many activities, not only here in Holy Rosary, but in the wider community of Billingham, the diocese and the world. At Summer Fetes and Christmas Bazaars held since 1952 the ladies have provided a cake stall surely a record! They have raised money regularly for the parish and various charities: two examples, amongst many from the past, are donations of £300 in April 1960 to pay for the Lady Altar, and £400 in November 1964 towards parish funds. More recently they continue to donate $100 annually to the Lima Fund and are generous in their offerings to the Priests' Training Fund.

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Members are actively engaged in helping out at the O.A.P. Luncheon Club and as co-workers of Mother Teresa they have brought assistance to the poor of the Third World. Crocheted blankets have been made in their hundreds by the League; much of this work has been done by Mrs. Fagan and Miss May Bassnett. This on-going effort includes at present the making of vests, cotton dresses and the cutting up of discarded sheets for bandages. Miss M. Bewley willingly transports this aid to the world's suffering, to Middlesbrough for later transit to Mother Teresa in Calcutta.

Catholic summer camps for deprived children are organised yearly by the C.W.L. and many of our members help in this work. Two years ago the parish C.W.L. was awarded a special pennant of merit for the hospitality they have shown during the Billingham Folklore Festival.

Pilgrimages have always been a feature of parish life and especially of the C.W.L. One of the earliest pilgrimages organised by the members and led by Father Brady was on 9th October, 1954 to the Shrines of Our Lady of Guisborough, Mount Grace and York. Today their annual pilgrimages to Walsingham and to the home of their patron saint, St. Margaret Clitherow, in York are two important events in their crowded calendar. Our Lady's Shrine at Mount Grace, of course, is another important place of devotion for them as for our other parishioners.

A Jubilee Year is a special time for remembering past members: Mrs. Whelan emigrated to Canada; Mrs. Fixter is in Australia; Mrs. Drake in Stockport, Cheshire; Mrs. Lund in Nottingham; Mrs. Wildish in Clitheroe and Mrs. Forrester in America.

Nor should those who worked so hard in the parish and the League be forgotten either: Mesdames Morrissey, Whelan, Donaghy, Conlon, Crinnion, Lavelle, Stapleton, Fitzgerald, Horan, Burke, Sowerby, Russell, Nugent, Armstrong, Larmouth, Donnelly, Davidson, Vinton, Gribbon, Bewley, Gallagher and many more. May they rest in peace.

Members of the C.W.L. today, continue the work begun in early days. Father Deegan asked us to decorate the Lady Altar and this we continue to do. We continue with our Fund Raising events Coffee Mornings, Entertaining Evenings, Strawberry Fairs, Harvest Suppers, Burns Nights, to raise money for our numerous commitments.

May God bless our priests who have helped and encouraged us in the past, Father Keoghan and Father Coxon who are with us now, and all in our parish.

The motto of the League is "Charity, Work and Loyalty". The parish C.W.L. offers an invitation to the ladies of the parish to join them and continue this work of the lay apostolate here in Billingham.

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THE LEGION OF MARY

On 7th September, 1921 the first group of Legionaries was enrolled into a new branch of the lay apostolate which, since its inception, has spread to many countries throughout the world. Under the patronage of Our Lady, the Legion works to assist in the sanctification of its members by means of prayer and to render spiritual assistance to those they visit. Many and varied are the works it performs: visitation of the lapsed; parish census work and information about the faith; instruciton of children and converts; distribution and sale of catholic literature; visitation of the sick, the old and the lonely in their homes, hostels and hospitals; and often work in and around the church such as decoration of the altar and sanctuary.

It was twenty-six years ago, on 24th April, 1959, that the Legion of Mary was established in the Holy Rosary parish by the late Father Deegan. The first President was Clare Doran, who was succeeded in turn by the following: Mary McGrother, Peggy Murphy, Madeleine Atkinson and Julie Weir. The Praesidium can be proud of all its members, but particularly Patricia M. Fox, who has served for twenty-three years, Madeleine Atkinson for twenty-two years and Julia Weir for nineteen years.

The present officers are: Madeleine Atkinson, President; Mary Boynton, Vice-President: Julie Weir, Secretary; and Maria Donaldson, Treasurer. Other present members are Mia Horner, Pat Smith, Paticia Fox, Jean Knox and Monica Kelly.

For many years there existed in the parish a Junior Legion guided and encouraged in turn by senior Legionaries. Eileen Donnelly, Julia Weir and Mary Boynton (Junior). One of its members, Susan McLean, is now a nun working in Africa with the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur.

Father Keoghan is the Spiritual Director, who provides spiritual guidance and advice to the parish Praesidium when they have their weekly meeting. He is also Spiritual Director to the next higher council, the Curia, which organises the Legion over a much wider area.

Working in pairs the members visit the lapsed, bereaved, aged, sick, lonely and housebound, those in hospital and in 'Parkside House', serving them and praying with and for them, as best they can.

There are a number of Auxiliary members, many from the Catholic Women's League, who support the Legion with their prayers and join in the Annual Ceremony held on or near the Feast of the Annunciation.

Many parishioners are familar with the name of Edel Quinn, the Irish Legionary. who devoted her life to the lay apostolate through the extension of the Legion in Africa and who died on the 12th May, 1944 in Nairobi where she now rests in the Missionaries' Cemetery. Holy Rosary Legionaries are grateful for your prayers for her beatification and ask you to continue them in the hope that she will soon be recognised by the Church as a person of heroic virtue - this cause is dear to their hearts. Nor must we forget to pray for those deceased Legionaries who helped spread the Legion message here in Billingham - Mary McGrother, Eileen Donnelly and Joan Paterson.

"The Legion of Mary welcomes all practising Catholics. It is not confined to a spiritual élite, but is for people like us - very ordinary people who know they should be better".

THE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

The Society had its beginnings in Paris in the year 1833 when a French university student, Frederick Ozanam, along with some friends, decided with their limited resources to try and alleviate the misery and distress suffered by the poor in the slums of that great city. Their motto was: "No work of Charity is foreign to the Society", and their aim was to show their love of Christ in the service of their neighbour. These considerations are still the motivating factor of the members today.

Very quickly this small group, called a Conference, inspired others and the message of Ozanam came to England via George Jonas Wigley, an English layman studying in Paris, who persuaded Frederick Lucas, a Catholic newspaper proprietor and editor, to publicise the "French Charity" in England.

It was formally established in London in 1844 and surprisingly perhaps, came to the North East two years later when Conferences, we think, were begun in North Shields and Sunderland in 1846.

Today the S.V.P. has Conferences in more than one hundred countries with a membership of about 700,000; there are approximately 13,000 members in England and Wales.

Billingham's first S.V.P. Conference was started in St. John's in 1932. The Holy Rosary parish Conference was begun in 1952 with twelve members under its first President, Brother J. Simpson.

The principal work of the parish Conference is visiting those who are in need: the sick, the old and the lonely are to be found in every parish. Much of the Conference's activity, because of its confidential nature, cannot be publicised: suffice to say, where there is a need the Brothers try to meet it. Benefactors you the parishioners who subscribe generously to the S.V.P. funds - may be interested to know that part of your donations help to support special works such as the Deaf Club (Newcastle) and a Rest Home at Heddon in Northumberland. The Twinnage Scheme, whereby Conferences in the richer parts of the world help financially parish Conferences in India to bring relief to the poor there, has been supported generously through your contributions.

It is customary for Brothers to be involved in other parish activities too; some years ago Brother John Burns and others raised about £400 per week through the organising of Bingo sessions. More recently Brothers M. Sullivan and M. Harrison promoted a parish draw to raise funds for the starving in Ethiopia; this was part of a greater effort made by parishioners who have responded so generously.

Today the S.V.P. in Holy Rosary parish continues its work of visiting the hospitals, old people's homes and the deprived in our community with the same spirit shown by Ozanam and his friends in Paris one hundred and fifty years ago.

Present members of the Society are: Brothers L. O'Connor, M. Sullivan, W. Devine, M. Harrison and Sisters M. Hall, A. Murphy and M. McVay.

HOLY ROSARY YOUTH CLUB

The Holy Rosary Youth Club since its inception in 1960 is continuing to play a full role in responding not only to the Pastoral and Social needs of its members but also as a resource in the wider community. Among the many who have benefited from the spontaneous generosity of our young people as well as Ethiopia and Poland are the Childrens' Renal Unit in Newcastle and other local charitable orgainisations.

Youth club members have consistently been selected to represent Cleveland County on the Annual Youth Exchange visits to Oberhausen as well as playing host to our German guests. Enviable success has been achieved in many sporting ventures too. Our trip to Cardiff to see and hear Our Holy Father John Paul II was a most memorable occasion. Featuring annually in our Pastoral work have been Days of Recollection and Weekend Retreats to Ampleforth, Minsteracres Monastery and the Diocesan Youth Centre at Seaham Harbour.

Ecumenically our young people created a level of understanding and sense of fellowship, not only with their contemporaries, but with adults and church leaders which will long be remembered. "To serve the young is to serve the church. This a a priority to which other tasks, commitments and interests must be subordinated and directed ..." (John Paul II).

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THE PARISH OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY A COMMUNITY IN JESUS CHRIST 

by Fr. S. A. Doyle

One of the great achievements of the Second Vatican Council was its vision of what it means to be 'Church'. This vision was not just for the Hierarchy and Clergy, but for all the people of God. The Second Vatican Council stated clearly that the people, all the people, are the Church. Through Baptism each Catholic has a vocation to build up the Body of Christ by living the Good News. The German Theologian, Father Johann Metz, says that we have gone from being objects to subjects. In effect our Catholic faith is something we live, share and cherish.

In the parish of the Most Holy Rosary this vision has been discovered and strengthened through a recovery of lost values and their reintegration within a more fully Catholic 'totality'. This is particularly evident in certain features of parish community life.

a) THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL/CHURCH LEADERSHIP

An important development of the Second Vatican Council's vision of the Church is the notion of shared leadership and authority. There is to be greater participation by the laity in the life of the Church. Essential to what it means to be a subject is the willingness to take responsibility and provide direction. It should be borne in mind that the authority and leadership in the Church is much different from that exercised by the world. The world's authority is often power and coercion. This is the complete opposite of authority and leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ.

The religious leader does not so much give orders or make demands of others, rather he is one who has 'put on the mind of Christ' and so enables others to respond with their gifts and talents. Authority today holds out a vision of what life can be when the community lives not by competition, but by co-operativeness. Real authority invites and persuades the community to grow in the knowledge and love of God. If we feel this need in a more urgent way today, it is only because the opportunities for growth in the Lord are greater.

b) LITURGY AND SINGING

Through active participation in a liturgy that is fully expressive of human experience, the faithful can consider their lives fully as worship. A lively parish liturgy gains victory over one of the most dangerous heresies of our times, viz. the opinion that religion is a private affair which must be expressed on the margins of life, in churches, and in sacristies. A living liturgy with deeper understanding of its spirit tell us very clearly that religion is life and the whole of life is the glorification of God.

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The new liturgy strongly stresses the importance of singing, as a heartfelt expression of joy and thankfulness. Joy and thankfulness represent a great power God gave us for a good life.

c) COMMITMENT TO THE THIRD WORLD THROUGH SOCIAL ACTION

The parish as a servant of the kingdom cannot pretend to promote the kingdom in the world without the visible witness of close co-operation in carrying on the ministry of Jesus to the deprived and excluded.

d) PRAYER/DIVINE OFFICE/GROUP PRAYER

By prayer we have constantly to renew the inspiration of our life, widening its source in our inner depth. This gives us strength amidst the difficulties, the sufferings, the cares and disenchantments of dreary, everyday life. Without such a continual practice we gradually sink back in the daily world of occupations and sensations. Our spiritual life withers away. It does not grow, it does not become concentrated in our inner selves. The only thing that really matters degenerates into a vague remembrance at which from time to time we shoot an absent glance. But our life does not draw from it personal power and inspiration. So it is indispensable to cultivate regular habits of returning into our hearts where the spirit dwells, where we live with Him or, better still, where He lives with us.

e) RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

Pope John XXIII believed disunity was scandal and a counter-sign of the kingdom of Christians to live in such a way. The disunity of Christian Churches must be overcome by risking contact, dialogue and a willingness to learn from each other. The breaking down of old barriers is not easy, but it is necessary. The unity of human kind and of christians is wonderful, but appears to be beyond grasp. And it is, unless we open our hearts and minds to the Spirit. Unless we all experience a new Pentecost we shall know only the same old divisions and suspicious. There is no other way: the Spirit is being poured out on all flesh so that sons and daughters prophesy, young men see visions and old men dream dreams. Such is possible for whoever calls upon the name of the Lord.

In the above points we have reflected on the Second Vatican Council and what the Council means for the parish community and the Church as a whole. In the post-Conciliar Church there has been much confusion and uncertainty. This has caused pain for many. The temptation is great to 'drop out' and simply do one's own thing. However, in the midst of uncertainty there is another way.

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....... the way of hope in the Lord. Our faith is being tested and our love strengthened. Through this dark night the Christian always looks with hope to the new creation.

Let us continue to pray for the vision to recognise our call to serve our giftedness and the gifts of others. Let us always be humble enough to serve. It is not easy. A Canon of a well-known Cathedral had the habit of blocking every ecumenical suggestion with the remark: 'We must not try to run before we can walk'. He received the answer: 'My dear Canon, no one is asking you to run, nor even to walk.... all that is asked of you is that you should be seen placing one foot in front of the other'.

A VERY HAPPY SILVER JUBILEE.

LAUS DEO SEMPER

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SOURCES AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Priests', parishioners' and societies' reminiscences and notes.

Church Notice Books and Bulletins.

The Northern Catholic Calendar 1982.

The Story of Cleveland: Minnie C. Horton.

The Medieval origins of Billingham: L. Still & J. Southeran

The Buildings of England (County Durham): N. Pevsner.

Victoria County Histories (Durham).

History of Durham: McKenzie and Ross.