PARISH NEWS ARTICLES

St Mary’s PPC will meet on Sunday 7th December at 11.30am. Items for the agenda to be emailed by 30th November to the parish office.

Preparing for Christmas with prayer. Four sessions reflecting and praying over the Sunday Readings during Advent. Tuesdays 25/11, 2/12, 9/12, 16/12 in St Aelred’s hall after Mass at 10.45-11.45am. All very welcome.

Fishy Luncheon - Thursday 4th December 2025 St Aelred’s Hall. All are welcome to come and join us for fish & chips, mushy peas, coffee/tea, bread & butter and sweets for afters, as well as some good chat. Hall opens 12 noon, luncheon served 12.30pm. £7.00, 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.

How are we Living Simply, in Solidarity with People in Poverty, and Sustainably with Creation? We asked for your thoughts from young and old throughout the parish community. Download the leaflet

How are we Living Simply, in Solidarity with People in Poverty, and Sustainably with Creation? We asked for your thoughts from young and old throughout the parish community. Read the Document

Friendship Groups: St Mary’s Friendship Group meet Monday afternoons from 1.30pm to 3pm with refreshments and good cake! All most welcome. St Aelred’s Friendship Group meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 1.30pm – 3.30pm all most welcome.

The Sacrament of Confirmation: will be celebrated, by Bishop Marcus, on Wednesday 25 th February 2026, 7pm, at St Aelred’s. All Year 6 students and above are invited to apply for the sacrament. Please see Fr Gerard, Deacon David or Deacon Philip for an application form.

St Mary’s: could you help prepare for Mass? If you can offer help in the sacristy, please see Fr Gerard or Janet.

Looking for a school place for September 2026? Come and see what makes St Mary’s Primary School in Knaresborough such a special place to learn and grow. Our children are happy, kind, and confident – and they love coming to school! Ofsted describes us as “a welcoming school community where pupils flourish,” and it’s easy to see why. With a strong focus on values like kindness and resilience, a rich, locally rooted curriculum, and a real sense of family, St Mary’s is a place where every child is known and nurtured. We’d love to show you around – just contact the school office to arrange a visit! admin@st-marys.n-yorks.sch.uk 01423 864631

Dates for your diary: STA Tuesday 11 th November Memorial Mass 7pm STA Christmas Fair : 30 th November CJM Music POSTPONED!! STA Carol Service : 7 th December 4pm STA/STM poinsettia Sunday’s 14 th and 21 st December . Open House at Fr Gerard’s Saturday 3 rd January 2026. 2-5pm all welcome for Mulled wine and mince pies. Confirmations 25 th February 2026 - 7pm at St Aelred’s. STA First Confessions 4.30pm 14 th March 2026 STM First Confessions 6pm 18 th March 6pm STM First Holy Communion 16 th May 11am STA First Holy Communion 17 th May 9.00am Details of classes coming soon! Parish Hall Bookings: St Mary’s OR St Aelred’s see the parish websites. Or emai office.staelred@dioceseofleeds.org.uk hall.stmary.knaresborough@dioceseofleed rg.uk Please join us for refreshments after Mass the church hall – all most welcome.

Our annual Remembrance Mass will take place on Tuesday 11 th November, 7pm, at St Aelred’s. If you can offer a lift or need one, please sign up in the Narthex at St Mary’s.

You're invited! Christmas Nativity at St Aelred’s – Would your child like to take part in this year’s nativity at St Aelred’s? All ages welcome and talking and non-talking parts available! The nativity will be carried out during the 9am Mass on Christmas day. Please contact Krista in person or via the office email if you would like your child to participate and the part they would like. office.staelred@dioceseofleeds.org.uk Thank you

Thanks to everyone who donated to the CAFOD Family Fast appea l, St Mary’s raised £500 this will help communities like Ware's in Ethiopia to have a secure water supply.

St Mary’s School Community will join us fore the 10.30am Mass on Sunday 23 rd November.

Our parish hall is fully equipped and ready for a variety of parish activities, ensuring that all gatherings, events, and meetings can take place in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Whether it's for community events, workshops, or social gatherings, the hall provides the necessary facilities to support our vibrant parish life.. View more here including some great images.

STA Tuesday 11th November Memorial Mass STA Christmas Fair: 30th November CJM Music Day POSTPONED! STA Carol Service: 7th December 4pm STA/STM poinsettia Sunday’s 14th and 21st December. Confirmations 25th February 2026, 7pm at St Aelred’s. STA First Confessions 4.30pm 14th March 2026 STM First Confessions 6pm 18th March 6pm STM First Holy Communion 16th May 11am STA First Holy Communion 17th May 9.00am Details of classes coming soon!

Deanery day of renewal. Saturday 8th November 11.30 am to 3.45 pm in St. Aelred’s church hall, Speaker is Jones Bediako. The theme of his talk is “Suffering in Christ.” Until recently Jones was a member of the National service team for Catholic Charismatic Renewal and is chairperson of the Leeds Diocesan service team

St Aelred’s annual Christmas Fair will take place on Sunday 30th November following 9am Mass. We need donations of bottles, chocolate and cakes on the day. The annual raffle tickets are on sale this weekend.

Mary’s Angels, Parent and Baby/toddler group . Next sessions will be at 1.30 until 3pm on Mondays 20th October, 3rd , 17th November,1st ,15th December, 12th and 26th January 2026.St Robert’s Parish Centre. All very welcome. Any enquiries please call Katherine 01423 734828.