Peace Sunday
Webmaster • January 16, 2026
Pope Leo published his World Day of Peace message shortly before Christmas. It is such a timely and rich message in today's troubled world. Affirming again that nonviolence is the key to peace, the message addresses the escalation of war, rearmament and fear in international relations. Pope Leo reiterates the Church’s opposition to deterrence based on military force and calls for disarmament, dialogue and the conversion of hearts as necessary conditions for a lasting and unarmed peace.
You can read the full text here Pope Leo: Towards an unarmed and disarming peace
Catechesis for the Sacrament of Confirmation - session 1 Sunday 1st February 11.30am to 2pm with a half an hour break for packed lunched session 2 Sunday 15th February 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.
St Mary’s 200 Club Christmas draw: the winning numbers are £200 53, £150 51, £100 19, £75 164, £50 37, £45 182, £40 137, £35 47, £35 32, £30 128, £30 163, £30 18, £25 80, £25 58, £25 31, £25 198, £20 13, £20 55, £20 152, £20 64. Congratulations, cheques can be collected from the notice board. The winning numbers for the December draw are:- £40 - 2, £25 - 159, £20 - 121, £15 -35. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who supports the 200 Club. The winning cheques can be collected from the notice board.
Fishy luncheon Monday 19th January 2026 All welcome to come and enjoy 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. Monies to be paid to Margaret or Tony. Please put your names on the list at the back of St Aelreds church or phone Tony on 07912790773.
The parishes of St Aelred’s and St Mary’s are seeing to employ admin support for 6 hours per week. The role will be to produce the weekly newsletter, to update our websites, to increase our social media presence and to check all health and safety at St Mary’s applications and a job description from Fr Gerard. Closing date for applications Monday 19th January.
Food Bank: A TIN A WEEK: Our SVPs collect food for the hungry, can you spare a tin a week for this, also some toiletries? These can be left in the boxes at the back of our churches. The Lord tells us to feed the hungry, so thank you all for your donations which are sincerely appreciated.
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.
Mass intentions gratefully received using the brown envelopes in both churches. All Mass intentions must be made via the brown envelopes in the narthex and a cash donation placed in them or use the tab on the Dona machine. Please give at least 2 weeks’ notice to facilitate a special day.
Witness for Peace Join our Leeds group for an 'Ash Wednesday Witness' (18.2.26) at 12.30-1.30pm in Dormund Square, Leeds LS2 8RE
St John Fisher Catholic High School are holding a party for the District SVP and over 60’s on Friday 13th February 1.40-3.00pm . Please let a member of the Clergy or SVP know if you are attending or require a lift. Or call one of the SVP numbers on the bulletin.
Dates for your diary: Confirmation classes 1st and 15th February 11.30am to 2pm. STA Mass for the sick and housebound Thursday 5th February 2026 11.30am followed by lunch. STA Social Committee meeting Wednesday 4th February 2026, 7pm, in the presbytery planning events for then year ahead. STM PPC meeting Sunday 8th February 2026. 11.30am – items for the agenda to the parish office email address by Wednesday 4th February. STA Parish finance and property advisory group meeting Tuesday 10th February 2026. 7.30pm in the presbytery. STA PPC meeting Wednesday 11th February 6.45pm in the parish centre. Items for the agenda to the office email address by Friday 6th February. Confirmations 25th February 2026 - 7pm at St Aelred’s. Ash Wednesday: Masses at 10am at St Mary’s and 7pm at St Aelred’s STA/STM Joint Lent Lunch – shared table for CAFOD. Sunday 8th March STM World Day of Prayer Service focused on Nigeria - Friday 6th March 2pm STA First Confessions 4.30pm 14th March 2026 STM Irish night and quiz at St Mary’s tickets on sale soon to raise funds for the building fund. Saturday 15th March Tickets on sale soon. 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! Parish Hall Bookings: St Mary’s OR St Aelred’s see the parish websites. Or email office.staelred@dioceseofleeds.org.uk hall.stmary.knaresborough@dioceseofleeds.org.uk