PARISH NEWS ARTICLES

A day of reflection for Carers at St Joseph's parish hall Wetherby, 10.00am to 2.00pm on Saturday 14th November. The theme of the day is 'Awakening Peace Within: come to me and I will give you rest'. FMI carersproject@growingoldgracefully.org.uk

Thank you to Jim O’Donnell - who has cared for the fish pond at St Mary’s for the last 10 years. We are looking for some one to take on this role for the future. If you can help please see Fr Gerard or Deacon Philip.

Do you use YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, X, Snapchat or Facebook? THIS IS FOR YOU! Pope Leo says the world faces some very real dangers but also some amazing opportunities because of the rapidly increasing processing power of modern technology and the tiny number of unelected multi-billionaires who control the technology companies. On Tuesday 17 November at 7.00pm at St Mary’s parish hall Deacon Philip will be speaking on Pope Leo’s astonishing encyclical ‘ Magnifica Humanitas’ (Magnificent Humanity). Come and find out what the Pope thinks of Artificial Intelligence, how AI means big changes coming very soon across society, and the Pope’s plan to protect humanity.

Please note that when you hand in a Mass intention all dates are allocated 2 weeks in advance. Please be aware that due to the high volume of Mass requests we have received this year, the timeframe from the request to the Mass being celebrated is approximately 10 weeks. If you want a specific date you will need to hand in well in advance to avoid disappointment, if the date you request has already been taken you will be given the next available date nearest to your request. Please ensure that you put your donation inside the envelope (minimum donation £10), and the details on the outside ( in block capitals) , who the mass is for, and the date and church you would like. Thank you.

Annual Mass for our deceased relatives and friends - Will take place on the 10th November at St Mary’s. 7pm, with refreshments by the SVP afterwards in the church hall.

To be held on alternate Tuesday mornings at St. Mary’s Church Hall. We are looking for clean, safe baby and toddler toys that you would like to donate. We would also love to hear from anyone who would like to support the group, even if you are unable to attend every session, such as welcoming families, serving refreshments, or simply getting to know families from our parish and wider community, your support would be very much appreciated. If you would like to get involved, please speak to Laura/ Fr. Gerard.

St Mary’s SVP, Small Electrical Items - Many thanks for your generous response to St Mary’s SVP request for small electrical items. Further donations are still welcome and can be left in the SVP box in ST Mary’s Narthex.

If you have a child who is due to start school in September 2027, we would love to meet you and help you get to know our school community. We are holding two open sessions for prospective families:  • Wednesday 18th November | 1.30pm to 3.00pm Please ring the school office to arrange a visit during one of these sessions on 01423 864631. If these dates are not convenient, please contact us and we will be happy to arrange a tour at a time that suits you.

Held every Wednesday morning from 9.30am to 11.00am, in the school hall. Everyone is welcome!

Orders are being taken at the Piety shops in both churches. If you would like to buy your cards from church, please pop in to place your order.

Reception 2027 Open Day If your child will be 4 years old by 31st August 2027 and you are looking for a school place, we warmly invite you to attend our Open Day on 12th November . https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2002615184927?aff=od dtdtcreator

To all who took part in our week of guided prayer and to our prayer guides, hosts and supporters during the week. It was a time of real blessing for us all.

November Dead List Envelopes – Are available at the back of church. Please return them to church as soon as possible. Thank you.

Want to know more about the Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes? Then come along to Lourdes Quiz/information sharing night plus Pie & Peas supper from 7pm at St Josephs Church, Wetherby (in the Hall) on Friday 23rd October. More info & tickets available from Phil Marshall (07766 148375)

St Mary’s Children’s Liturgy Group are looking to refresh our children’s book box with some preloved religious books for children to borrow and enjoy during Mass. If you have any religious books for children that your family has finished with and would be happy to pass on, we would be very grateful for your donations. A basket will be left in the foyer for anyone who would like to contribute. Thank you.

Message from Ian; Thank you to everyone who supported me, in various ways, on the Leeds to Walsingham Way Pilgrimage. This was a successful Pilgrimage. There were around 50 Pilgrims who walked various sections of the route and three of us walked the full 250 miles. We delivered the written intentions to the Slipper Chapel in Walsingham. Your kind generosity has helped raise approximately £2,500, including Gift Aid, towards the St Mary's Building Fund. A daily account of the Pilgrimage can be found on the Diocese of Leeds website under the News section https://www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/leeds-walsingham-wayday-14/ . Days 1 to 13 are also available on the Diocese of Leeds website.

Catechesis for the Sacrament of Confirmation - Session 1 Sunday 18th October 11.30am to 2pm with a half an hour break for packed lunched session 2 Sunday 8th November same timings. Both sessions to be held in the classroom at St Mary’s. It is essential to attend both sessions before receiving the sacrament of Confirmation. Please email Fr Gerard before Wednesday 14th October to apply for Confirmation this year. The Sacrament will be celebrated at St Aelred’s on Saturday 21st November at 5.30pm

St Aelred’s Fish Lunch - Monday 26th October 2026 St Aelred’s Hall, All are welcome to come and enjoy fish and chips, mushy peas, tea/coffee, bread & butter and sweets for afters. Come and have some good company and chat. Hall opens 12noon, luncheon served 12.30pm. £8.00 monies to be paid to Tony or Margaret. Please put your names on the list at the back of St Aelred’s church or phone Tony on 07912790773.

The winning numbers for the September draw are:- £40 - 116, £25 - 160, £20 - 149, £15 - 159.  Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who supports the 200 Club. The winning cheques can be collected from the notice board.