Parish Pastoral Council
The Parish Pastoral Council consists of five elected members and five appointed members.
ELECTED MEMBERS
SARAH McCANN (REPRESENTATIVE FOR LITURGY)
I have been a member of St. Mary’s parish since moving here in 2019. During that time, I have been involved in the Finance Committee, managing the rota for the audio visual team and a member of that team (presenting the slides and music at Mass). I am the administrator for the St. Mary’s 200 Club and a Minister of the Word. I support the parish in other activities where I can, such as the PPC elections. In prior years I attended St. Roberts in Harrogate, where I was a Eucharistic Minister. I have a son, at university, and my work background is in Cloud and IT programme and product delivery.
![](https://stmarysknaresborough.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231203SarahMcCann.jpg)
ANGELA SMITH (OUTREACH MINISTRIES)
A parishioner since the early 1990s, I’m currently a member of the parish SVP and team leader for the Eucharistic Ministers and Home Communions. I worked mostly in mainstream and special education and after retiring I joined with other members of our parish to help provide support for the homeless and those in addiction. As a result of lockdown, I am now enjoying more regular contact with the third generation of our family, via Zoom. This is proving both instructive and very inspiring.
![](https://stmarysknaresborough.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/AngelaSmith-1024x768.jpg)
CATHERINE FOSTER (SUPPORT MINISTRIES)
I have been in the parish since 2007 and fluctuate between the 10am mass and the 5pm depending on my son Jacob’s sporting commitments. I assist with refreshments and am also part of the cleaning team. I am a teacher of French, German and Spanish and some RE at Mount St Mary’s in Leeds and am a mum to three children. I love walking, Zumba and socialising or travelling with my family and friends.
I am actively involved in the Massabielle group which leads and assists pilgrims to Lourdes and Knock each year through the Society of Our Lady of Lourdes.
![](https://stmarysknaresborough.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CatherineFoster-rotated.jpg)
RICHARD MARTIN (FORMATION MINISTRIES)
I have been coming to St Mary’s for 5 years. I normally celebrate Sunday 10am Mass where I am a Children’s Church leader and occasionally play the organ. Originally from Bradford where I attended St Bede’s Grammar School, I went to Durham University and settled in the north-east for 17 years before returning to Yorkshire. I live in Darley, Nidderdale with my wife and three children, and I am an engineer.
![](https://stmarysknaresborough.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/RichardMartin-768x1024.jpg)
SHEILA LUND (REPRESENTATIVE FOR INTERACTION MINISTRIES)
I have been a member of our Parish Family for over 30 years. I am married to David and have a grown up daughter Emma who lives in Dorset. I am retired and before retirement I had a long and fulfilling career in banking. I have been involved in many activities within St Mary’s over the years: Children’s Church leader, youth club helper, church cleaning, finance, fundraising, Sunday refreshments, church gardener and Minister of the Word.
![](https://stmarysknaresborough.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SheilaLund2023-768x1024.jpg)
APPOINTED MEMBERS (APPOINTED BY THE PARISH PRIEST)
KATIE BLEASDALE (WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPRESENTING THE PARISH SCHOOL)
My name is Katie Bleasdale and I have been a member of the parish since 2014, when I was appointed as a class teacher at St Mary’s school. Since then, my role in school has changed and I now work alongside Mrs Tomlinson as the Acting Assistant Headteacher. At school I currently have the responsibility for special educational needs and the teaching of religious education. I often attend Mass on Sunday evenings. I was delighted to be baptised in the church in March 2022 and officially welcomed into the Catholic faith. I aim to work with Fr. William as a link between the parish and school so that we can both best serve our community.
![](https://stmarysknaresborough.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/KatieBleasdale.png)
VINCE MCGURK
I have been a member of St Mary’s parish since moving to Knaresborough in 1998. I am married to Janet and we have 2 daughters both of whom attended St Mary’s Primary School and St John Fisher High School. I have been the Parish Health and Safety advisor for nearly 20 years, a member of the Parish Finance Committee for 5 years and a Eucharistic Minister for the last 4 years. My background is in distribution and services businesses.
![](https://stmarysknaresborough.org/images/thumbs/0000001030865.jpeg)
JOHN WESTMANCOAT
I usually attend Sat 6.00pm Mass. Helen, James and I moved to Knaresborough and St Mary’s in 1991. James attended school here. I have been a Eucharistic Minister for quite a number of years. I am a retired professional librarian. I also worked in exports in local firms. I am involved in the local community and have been an adult member of the Scout Association for more years than I care to remember.
When other commitments permit, I am a sporadic member of the St Mary’s Singers here in the parish. I am also a member of the choir of St John the Baptist Anglican Church in Knaresborough.
![](https://stmarysknaresborough.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/JohnWestmancoat.jpg)
MALACHY STOCKDALE
I have been a member of the parish since 2006. Over the years, I have gone to all 3 Sunday masses depending on other commitments but, currently, I go to Saturday 6pm mass. My parents are Simon and Jo and my sister is Gabriella. I am about to finish Sixth Form at St John Fisher’s. I also enjoy playing guitar, football and badminton.
![](https://stmarysknaresborough.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/MalachyStockdale2023-819x1024.jpg)
JANET HOLLIDAY
I have been a member of St Mary’s Parish for the majority of my life, being Baptised, had my first Holy Communion, Confirmation and I was married at St Mary’s. I live with my husband Danny in Staveley. Currently I am a Eucharistic Minister and lead Sacristan attending mainly Sunday 5pm Mass. One of my other roles within the Parish is purchasing the candles and hosts. Danny and I are both members of Knaresborough SVP although in a ‘help when needed’ role. My work background has been in accounts for agricultural and haulage companies, had a stint as a landlady in a couple of pubs and also worked at Harrogate Police Station. In 2021 I took early retirement after 22 years as PA to the Managing Director of a Design & Manufacturing Company so that Danny and I could do more travelling. I also love my horse riding.
![](https://stmarysknaresborough.org/docs/JanetHolmes2023.jpg)