The Society echoes the sentiments expressed by the Diocese of Leeds in its statement announcing the retirement of the Right Reverend Tony Robinson, Bishop of Wakefield, after over 20 years' service as a bishop in the Church. In addition, we wish to pay tribute to the unstinting support Bishop Tony has given to the Catholic Movement over many years, serving as Chairman of The Society's Council of Bishops and of Forward in Faith for nine years, as well as undertaking a variety of other roles, including two spells as Chairman of the Additional Curates Society. Bishop Tony has provided sacramental and pastoral oversight to Society parishes across all the episcopal areas in the Diocese of Leeds - not just in Wakefield - and we know that the Society clergy and parishes of that Diocese are profoundly grateful to him. The Right Reverend Jonathan Baker, Chairman of The Society's Council of Bishops, commented: "I speak for all the bishops of The Society, and indeed all its supporters, in sending our heartfelt thanks to Bishop Tony for all that he has done. His pastoral care for his clergy and people has been exemplary. We wish him a long and very happy retirement."

Bishops of The Society will be celebrating the following Chrism Masses:

Bishop of Beverley

6pm on Sunday 24 March at St Aidan, Sunderland

11am on Monday 25 March at St Jude, Hexthorpe

11am on Tuesday 26 March at Manchester Cathedral

Bishop of Blackburn

6pm on Sunday 24 March at St George, Preston

Bishop of Fulham

11am on Tuesday 26 March at St Andrew, Holborn

Bishop of Lewes

12pm on Wednesday 27 March at St John, Preston Park

for all parishes in the Diocese of Chichester with the Bishop of Chichester preaching

Bishop of Oswestry

11am on Thursday 21 March at Gloucester Cathedral

11am on Monday 25 March at Lichfield Cathedral

11am on Tuesday 26 March at Exeter Cathedral

Bishop of Richborough

12pm on Tuesday 19 March at Portsmouth Cathedral           

12pm on Monday 25 March at Chelmsford Cathedral           

12pm on Tuesday 26 March at Canterbury Cathedral           

12pm on Wednesday 27 March at St Mary, Walsingham

Bishop of Wakefield

6pm on Sunday 24 March at St Peter, Horbury

For more details about this new and exciting free initiative, email Clare Williams who will send you more details, including the Zoom link for the meeting.

The Society is saddened to learn of the death of Liz Paver, who was a great servant not only of the Church of England, and its Catholic Movement, but also of the Anglican Communion. This service, expressed over very many years, to the General Synod, and more recently to the Anglican Consultative Council, led the Archbishop of Canterbury to award Liz the Cross of St Augustine in June of last year. We give thanks to God for Liz's loyal witness to the Catholic Faith as received by the Church of England and we pray that she may rest in peace. Jesu mercy, Our Lady of Walsingham pray.