EVENTS & SPECIAL SERVICES
Dates for your Diary
The Christian community in Palestine
A talk by Professor Esther McIntosh based on her visit to the West Bank in June 2025. No need to book.
Beverley Minster
FREE
Beverley Minster
Wednesday 17 June at 19.00
Diary Dates:
June 19/20 2026
Visit to Hull
“Call to Mission” - Fr John Church OP
Catholics across Hull and the surrounding area are warmly invited to a forthcoming “Call to Mission” event featuring Dominican priest and speaker Fr John Church OP.
The event will take place on Friday 19 June and Saturday 20 June.
Although especially aimed at young adults aged 18–34, the event is expected to have relevance for Catholics of all ages who are interested in deepening their faith, exploring mission and evangelisation, and engaging with the challenges facing the Church in the modern world.
Fr John Church OP is a young Dominican priest whose preaching and ministry have become increasingly well known among Catholic young adults across Britain. He is a newly ordained friar and is the promoter of the Dominican young adult movement. Based at Holy Cross Leicester where he has a variety of young adult groups serving people of all backgrounds: those with faith, others returning to faith and some seeking faith. He organises a network of groups linked to regional and national events. In April he gave talk at Hinsley hall Leeds and in addition to the June event in Hull, will in October will share a Catholic Union webinar with Prof Anna Rowlands on the theme of loneliness and young people.
A member of the Dominican Order — formally known as the Order of Preachers — Fr John combines intellectual depth with an accessible and engaging style of communication. His ministry is particularly focused on helping young Catholics encounter the Gospel in a meaningful and authentic way within the realities of modern life.
Before entering religious life, Fr John studied Classics at Oxford, where he first encountered the Dominicans. During this period he became increasingly drawn to the richness of Catholic theology, prayer and preaching. His vocation developed further through experiences working with the Missionaries of Charity, which deepened both his spiritual life and his desire to serve the Church.
He entered the Dominican novitiate in 2018 and has since become involved in a range of apostolates connected with evangelisation, preaching and young adult ministry. Alongside parish ministry, he serves as Promotor of Dominican Young Adults and has also worked in Catholic digital communications and social media outreach.
What distinguishes Fr John’s ministry is his ability to present Catholic teaching with clarity while remaining approachable and relatable. He speaks openly about faith, prayer, vocation, identity and discipleship in ways that resonate strongly with younger generations searching for meaning and direction.
The Dominican tradition has always placed a strong emphasis on preaching grounded in prayer, study and truth. In many ways, Fr John represents a modern continuation of that mission — bringing ancient wisdom into contemporary culture through talks, retreats, online engagement and personal witness.
The forthcoming “Call to Mission” event in Hull is expected to encourage young Catholics to reflect on how they are called to live out their faith in everyday life — not simply within church walls, but in workplaces, universities, friendships and society more broadly.
At a time when many young people are searching for purpose, belonging and hope, events such as this offer an opportunity for encounter, conversation and renewal. Fr John’s presence is likely to appeal not only to committed Catholics, but also to those who may feel distant from the Church yet remain open to exploring questions of faith and vocation.
PROGRAMME
Friday June 19th
St Charles from 7pm A quiet period - “Praying in the Presence of God.” and an opportunity to meet Fr John.
Saturday June 20th
10:30am St Charles MASS
followed by Session 1 “Your Mission.”
12:30pm Function Room Kingston Theatre Hotel Buffet Lunch
Session 2 “Our Mission” finishing at 3pm
The day is aimed at young adults but is open to anyone interested in engaging with mission/outreach evangelisation. It’s purpose to establish a team ready to assist Fr Phil in renewing a city centre pastoral hub at St Charles - but the lessons are applicable to any town, any parish.
Further information contact Patrick Doyle: janandpatdoyle@yahoo.co.uk
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit.”
John 15:16
Tours of the Historic Saint Charles Borromeo Church
Once a month, after Sunday morning Mass, there’s a new and rather special invitation at St Charles. Fr Phil will be offering a short monthly guided tour of our beautiful and historic church — an opportunity to step beyond the pew and discover the stories, craftsmanship, and faith that have shaped this remarkable place over generations.
These informal tours will bring to life the rich detail of the church interior — from its striking architecture and decorative features to the quieter, often overlooked elements that hold deep meaning. Whether you are a long-standing parishioner or visiting for the first time, there is always something new to notice and appreciate.
Fr Phil’s reflections will offer not just historical insight, but a sense of the living tradition of the Church — how the past continues to speak into the present.
There’s no need to book — simply stay behind after Mass and join us.
Come and see the church in a new light, and share in the story of St Charles.
All are warmly welcome — people of faith, other faiths, or none.
“Come as a visitor — leave as a friend.”
Next date: Sunday 21st June 2026
Diary Date:
Friday June 26th
There will be an evening celebration on Friday 26th June at the Willows.
Please use the sign up sheet at the back of church.
Fr Phil