World Day of Prayer: A women led, global ecumenical movement – annually first Friday in March Friday 6th March at 2pm at St Mary’s RC Church, Bond End, Knaresborough . Our sisters in Nigeria invite us to join them for the World Day of Prayer. The service they have prepared reflects the theme, “I will give your rest”. 120 participating countries will be celebrating this service on the same day. It begins in Samoa and moves across the world in a continuous wave of prayer, finishing 38 hours later in American Samoa. It truly is a worldwide day of prayer. The World Day of Prayer is an international women-led ecumenical movement that shares the hopes, concerns and prayers of women from around the globe. Each year women from a different country craft a service, sharing their unique spiritual journey and culture. For 2026 the women of Nigeria have created a service that speaks to our need for peace and solace, drawing on their faith and experiences in a world filled with struggles and anxieties. This is the first time for more than 10 years that St Mary’s have held the service - next year it will be held at St John’s CofE. Please support us . Refreshments will be served in the Hall following. ALL ARE WELCOME . More info on the movement can be found at wwdp.org.uk

Dates for your diary: Confirmations 25th February 2026 - 7pm at St Aelred’s. Ash Wednesday: 18th February - Masses at 10am at St Mary’s and 7pm at St Aelred’s STM World Day of Prayer Service focused on Nigeria - Friday 6th March 2pm STA/STM Joint Lent Lunch – shared table for CAFOD. Sunday 8th March STA First Confessions 4.30pm 14th March 2026 STM First Confessions 6pm 18th March 6pm . STM First Holy Communion 16th May 11am STA First Holy Communion 17th May 9.00am Details of classes coming soon! Parish Hall Bookings: St Mary’s OR St Aelred’s see the parish websites. Or email office.staelred@dioceseofleeds.org.uk hall.stmary.knaresborough@dioceseofleeds.org.uk

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

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.

Please Join us for Christmas mass - we look forward to celebrating Christmas with you.

St Aelred’s Christmas Day 9am Mass will have a live Nativity please come as your favourite Nativity character. Contact Krista for further details office.staelred@dioceseofleeds.org.uk

Preparing for Christmas with prayer. Four sessions reflecting and praying over the Sunday Readings during Advent. Tuesday 16/12 in St Aelred’s hall after Mass at 10.45-11.45am. All very welcome.

St Aelred's Christmas Family Film Night: Sunday 7th December at 6pm in the church hall.  All are welcome. £5 per family (to be paid on the door) and includes popcorn and hotdogs. Adults are encouraged to bring their own festive drink and Christmas cards for a festive card writing session, at the back of the hall whilst the film is shown. We look forward to seeing you there!

 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.

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.

Mozart Requiem and Coronation Mass will be performed by the Fisher Singers on Saturday 28th March at 7.30pm in St Wilfred's Church, Harrogate Tickets £15/£8 under 18s.Tel: 07958665410/07411258713. Tickets also available on the door.

Fishy Lunch: Monday 2nd March All are welcome to come and enjoy fish and chips, mushy peas, bread & butter, coffee/tea and sweets to finish as well as some good chat. Hall opens 12 noon, lunch served 12.30pm £8.00 monies to be paid to Tony or Margaret. Please put your names on the list at the back of St Aelreds Church or phone Tony on 07912790773.