Candlemas 2026 Pastoral Letter from Bishop Stephen

2 February 2026

Candlemas

Dear Friends,

This is just a short missive to draw attention to a few updates.

Pilgrimage to the Cross

Lent is just around the corner and for the third year running there will be the opportunity for people to experience the gift of the Sacrament of Confession (Reconciliation) on 21 February in York.  It is my hope that the day will be beneficial to those who might never have made their formal confession before and have wondered what it involved, or who might be a little fearful of it.  It is also for those who regularly make use of this offering from the church and those who may wish to return to this ministry after a long break.  The information and booking link are here – Pilgrimage to the Cross 2026 – The See of Beverley.  It is only three weeks away, so to help with planning and catering please do sign up and encourage people from all our parishes to participate.  Society priests who are on the National Clergy Register and who may wish to offer their ministry as a confessor on the day are encouraged to contact me as soon as possible for the necessary administration to be undertaken.  I am grateful to Bishop Glyn Webster and his parish team for hosting us and to Fr Nicolas Turner for planning the day on my behalf.

Chrism Masses

Dates are set out in the Calendar below.  Please contact my PA Yaneth at office@seeofbeverley.org.uk before 13 March if you are a priest or deacon of the Society who hopes to robe to let us know which of the Masses you plan to attend.  There has been some confusion in recent years over what will be provided – could all clergy bring their own white vestments and could all clergy or parish representatives bring their own oil stocks to be filled.  Some concelebration chasubles may be available at some venues, but no pre-packaged oil stocks will be provided anywhere.

While the Chrism Mass is very important for all deacons and priests (and I urge you all to attend), it is also good to have the support of parishioners.  Please encourage as many as possible to attend so that we may all encourage one another.

Children and Youth Ministry Development Day

Planning is underway.  All who are involved with or interested in this ministry within the See of Beverley are invited to participate.  It is not just for those people and parishes who are wanting to start something new – if you have experience please come along and share this with others.

Information and booking details may be found here: Children and Youth Ministry Development Day June 2026 – The See of Beverley

See of Beverley Festival

Planning for this is now underway as well.  My thanks go to Stephen Hogg who planned the Festival two years ago and whose wisdom is enabling this year’s planning that has been taken up by Fr Tom Bates-Bourne.  More details will emerge in due course but please begin to plan your parish participation in the Festival which will be in York Minster on 18^th of July 2026.

Lay Chaplain to the Bishop of Beverley

Many of you will remember Ian who worked alongside me for much of 2024 and 2025 as a Lay Chaplain.  I am now in a position to appoint another person to this part-time role, which is both administrative and pastoral.  To find out more, or to express an interest, please contact my office before the 17^th of February 2026.

Some important dates to note for your 2026 diary – more information will follow in due course

Clergy quiet days:

12 March, cancelled, with apologies.

16 June, Woolley, West Yorkshire

1 October, Community of the Holy Cross, Costock

All 10am to 3pm

Lent Penitential Day

21 February, All Saints’ North Street, York, 11am.

Chrism Masses:

22 March, Horbury Parish Church, Wakefield, 6pm

29 March, St Aidan’s Grangetown, Sunderland, 6pm

30 March, Worksop Priory, 12noon

31 March, Manchester Cathedral, 11:30am

Children and Youth Ministry Development Day

13 June, St Columba’s, Anfield, Liverpool, 10am to 3pm

See of Beverley Festival

18 July, York Minster, time to be confirmed

See of Beverley Conference 2027

Please hold 1^st to 4^th September 2027 as a “Save the Date”.  Plans for a residential See of Beverley lay and clergy conference are busy being formulated and we think that some time over these few days may be the best.  More information will be released as plans are firmed up.

Yours, as ever,