PARISH NEWS ARTICLES

Peace Light : is burning in the Adoration Chapel at St Mary’s. Please call in and pray for peace across the world and in our families and communities.

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.

A Year of Hope: An Introduction to the Jubilee Year with the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development 2025 is a Jubilee year, but what does that mean? Catholic talk show host and author Nana Churcher, and CAFOD’s Simon Giarchi will be hosting Fr Jan Nowotnik (Director of Mission for the Bishop’s Conference), Christine Allen (CAFOD’s Director) and Kayode Akintola (CAFOD’s Head of Africa) and more for a lively start to the Jubilee. With a special appearance by Catholic band Ooberfuse. Saturday 18th January 2025 - 10:30am-midday, online. All welcome. Register here for free: cafod.org.uk/jubilee

A New Year's Invitation to Evening Prayer: Since Covid a small group have been meeting on-line each evening to pray together "Evening Prayer of the Church”. This is an invitation to parishioners of both our parishes to come and join in with the prayer, even if only occasionally. Please email Deacon David for information, or just give it a try by dropping-in any evening at 6pm using the Zoom link: Meeting ID 748 9844 4879 Passcode: 4Z9YTB.

You're invited! Fishy Monday Luncheon 27th January at St Aelred's Doors open 12 noon, luncheon served 12.30pm. All are welcome to come and enjoy a light bite fish and chips with mushy peas, bread & butter, sweets and tea/coffee and have a good natter. Please put your names on the list at the back of St Aelred’s church or ring Tony on 07912790773. Monies to be paid to Tony or Margaret.

A very big thank you to all who prepared our churches for the Christmas celebrations. Thank you too for al who lead our Masses with beautiful music and all who prepared our readings and children’s liturgy. The comments of welcome and joy were so special to receive on your behalf!! Thank you too for all your very kind greetings, gifts and offerings.

Deanery day of renewal. Saturday 11th January 2025 from 11.30 am to 3.45 pm in St. Aelred’s church hall, Woodlands Drive Harrogate HG27BE Speaker Father Tony Lester, Parish Priest at Our Lady's York.

Confirmation Candidates are warmly invited for their formation session at St Mary’s Hall on Sunday 25th January 2025, 12 Noon to 3pm. Please bring a packed lunch. Parents are invited to meet with Fr Gerard at 2.30pm for an update on the same day. Please note this is then only session. We are running and it is essential to attend before the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Home work: please bring with a Saints/Biblical name for your Confirmation name.

SVP Meetings: St Mary’s Tuesday 7th January 2025, 7pm, in the conference room.

Some Christmas photos of St Mary's

St Mary’s 200 Club - The winning numbers for the November draw:- £40 - 38, £25 - 32, £20 - 24, £15 - 94. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who supports the 200 Club. If you would like to join the 200 Club please email Gerard.kearney@dioceseofleeds.org.uk - you have to be in it to win it!

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.

 St Mary’s Singers would like to thank everyone attending their Christmas concert last Sunday. A fantastic evening was had by all and £500 raised for Martin House Hospice. It was lovely to be back in the church and great to hear the congregation joining in. Here’s to the next one!

 Canon Gerard and Deacon David wish you all a very Happy New Year.

 Prayer for 2025: Lord, we look toward you, our hope, our peace, and our comfort in this New Year. As we enter into the unknown of the coming year, we ask for your guidance and wisdom. Illuminate our path with your light so that we may walk in your ways and make choices that align with your will. Help us to seek first your kingdom and trust that all other things will be added unto us. Amen

 Please join us for refreshments after Mass in the church hall – all most welcome. If you have any spare biscuits or sweet treats left over feel free to share them at our coffee gatherings.

Canon Gerard and Deacon David wish you all a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas filled with joy and many blessings. Thank you for all your help, support and encouragement over the last months

St Aelred’s SVP Advent Appeal : Please consider donating to our appeal for funds for St Aelred’s SVP Conference. These donations will help us to offer financial support to those requiring help next year. There are SVP envelopes to collect as you leave Church. Also, please think about gift aiding your donation if you are a UK taxpayer. Include the gift aid form inside the envelope. If using DONA you may gift aid using slip on SVP envelope

Invite from St Aelred's Christmas Nativity at St Aelred’s – Would your child like to take part in this year’s nativity at St Aelred’s? All ages welcome and talking and non-talking parts available! The nativity will be carried out during the 9am Mass on Christmas day. Please contact Krista via the office email if you would like your child to participate and the part they would like. office.staelred@dioceseofleeds.org.uk Thank you