Parish Pastoral Council – St Mary’s Church, Knaresborough

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.