Events

PAST EVENTS

Synod 2021-2023: St Mary’s Knaresborough: Wednesday 8 December 2021

Parish take-up for Synod 2021-2023 was fantastic. I was so pleased at our turnout. The facilitators were also really impressed by our turnout and how well we responded to the questions, how well we took in each other’s responses, and how well we engaged with the whole process. Here’s the 10 questions the Synod has been inviting responses to, and our responses (click on each image to see a larger version in a new window). For what happens next go to the links on the website homepage about ‘Synod of Bishops 14th General Assembly’, especially the one from the Bishops Conference.

Post Confirmation Retreat

On Saturday 30 June 2018, 10 young members of the parish, confirmed at Pentecost this year 2018, went on a post-confirmation retreat at Scargill House in the beautiful surroundings of Upper Wharfedale.  Some pictures of the event can be seen here.

Acolytes Outing 2017

In September 2017 the acolytes had an outing where they went paintballing.  Some pictures of the event can be seen here.

Knaresborough Market Stall – Wednesday 17 May 2017

Members of the church fundraising committeemanned the Charity Stall at Knaresborough Market.  We had a clear out of our store cupboard in readiness for refurbishment of the church to begin, and had accumulated a large amount of books, bric-a-brac, crafts, gifts, toys and jewellery to dispose of, so with the addition of home made cakes our day at the market raised £203.

Christmas Floral Workshop – 7 December 2016

24 parishioners and their friends enjoyed a floral workshop led by our very talented parishioner Janet Cockshott.  With a warming glass of mulled wine and a mince pie to set the scene, Janet demonstrated how to make a variety of floral displays using different materials.  We then went away and had a go at making our own.  Our thanks go to Janet for a great sociable evening, also raising £240 towards the cost of the refurbishment of The Old School and the proposed redecoration of our church!

Sunday Lunch – 28 February 2016

This was a fundraiser to to support the travel expenses of the young people of our parish going on pilgrimage to Lourdes.  Izzy, Anna, Hannah, Mia and Talloulah all helped prepare and serve Sunday Lunch for 30 of our parishioners (plus 5 takeaway meals).  They also washed up too and were such a great help!  It was great to see a good mix of our parishioners – from families to older parishioners and SVP visitees enjoy a meal together.

SVP Tea Party – 27 September 2015

St Mary’s SVP group had a tea party for 24 parishioners on Sunday 27 September.  We were able to use the newly refurbished hall and 10 SVP members served sandwiches and a range of homemade cakes.  We were entertained with some excellent dancing by five girls from dance school who provided a very varied and enjoyable programme.  Father William joined us for the last hour and many of the group stayed for 5pm Mass.  We all enjoyed the opportunity to get to know one another better and are planning other events.  The SVP trip to Ampleforth was evry successful and photos of this were displayed in the hall.  We welcome any parishioners or local people who wish to be included in future events.We meet on alternate Monday evenings and are hosting the regional meeting on 19 October for the first time.  If you are interested in getting involved in our work the SVP national website is very good (www.svp.org.uk).  Parish contact Siobhan is on 01423 340179 siobhan.goodfield@gmail.com 

SVP Trip to Ampleforth – 21 August 2015

Some members of the parish SVP arranged a day in Ampleforth for the people they visit.  It was a very enjoyable day and the sun shone.  We all had a lovely lunch and a tour of the Abbey from Father Matthew.  We plan to have other events in the future.

Acolytes Visit to Ampleforth – Sunday 26 July 2015

“We arrived at Ampleforth at 9am and Father Kieran me us in church where we had a rehearsal before 10am Mass which went really well.  Fatehr Henry said mass, Louis did the thurible and Maddie and I carried the Gospel candles.  Afterwards we had tea and coffee and Father Prior took us on a tour around the monastery and the school, which included an amazing oak library!  All the furniture is made by Robert Thompson who is a famous furniture maker; he carved mice onto all of his pieces.  Louis even found a mouse in the library that Father Prior had never seen.  We had midmorning prayers in church then had a really good lunch.  It was a fantastic day and the monks made us feel really welcome.”  Izzy Finn

“We were given great hospitality and treated to a tour of the college exhibiting a wide range of works by ‘mousey’ Thompson.  The whole trip was a great experience.”  Louis Bowles

“On Sunday 26 July we enjoyed a trip to Ampleforth kindly organised by Father William.  We were lucky enough to be invited to participate in Mass in our role as Acolytes.  Father Henry made a special mention of our visit and welcomed Knaresborough.  After Mass and tea and coffee with other Mass goers, Father Prior gave us a tour, including the school library – it is amazing and full of Mouseman furniture and woodwork.  We then attended lunchtime prayers after which we were treated to a delicious lunch in the tearooms.  We looked around the Visitors Centre before we set off home.  This was a wonderful day and we all enjoyed our visit and we were made very welcome.  Thank you to Father William and all at Ampleforth”.  Maddie Brennan

Ampleforth Church

School Library