The Sacrament of Confirmation
Webmaster • November 21, 2025
The Sacrament of Confirmation: will be celebrated, by Bishop Marcus, on Wednesday 25th 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.
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
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
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.