Advance Notice of Lenten meetings
Webmaster • January 12, 2026
During Lent there will be some sessions involving a short, thought-provoking film about the big questions of life and the central beliefs of the Christian faith. The films are beautifully produced in locations around the UK. The main presenter is Fr Stephen Wang, a Catholic priest and popular speaker. This may be interest especially to those new or returning to practice of the faith and anyone who feels their faith needs a boost. There will be lots of opportunity to any ask questions you might have. Further details shortly.
The parishes of St Aelred’s and St Mary’s are seeing to employ admin support for 6 hours per week. The role will be to produce the weekly newsletter, to update our websites, to increase our social media presence and to check all health and safety at St Mary’s applications and a job description from Fr Gerard. Closing date for applications Monday 19th January.
St Aelred’s SVP Conference have arranged to meet on Tuesday January 13th following 10am Mass
Fishy luncheon Monday 19th January 2026 All welcome to come and enjoy fish & chips, mushy peas, coffee/tea, bread & butter and sweets for afters, as well as some good chat. Hall opens 12 noon, luncheon served 12.30pm. £7. Monies to be paid to Margaret or Tony. Please put your names on the list at the back of St Aelreds church or phone Tony on 07912790773.
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.
Friendship Groups: St Aelred’s Friendship Group meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 1.30pm – 3.30pm all most welcome. St Mary’s Friendship Group meet Monday afternoons from 1.30pm to 3pm with refreshments and good cake! All most welcome.
Dates for your diary: Confirmation classes 1st and 15th February 11.30am to 2pm. STA Mass for the sick and housebound Thursday 5th February 2026 11.30am followed by lunch. STA Social Committee meeting Wednesday 4th February 2026, 7pm, in the presbytery planning events for then year ahead. STM PPC meeting Sunday 8th February 2026. 11.30am – items for the agenda to the parish office email address by Wednesday 4th February. STA Parish finance and property advisory group meeting Tuesday 10th February 2026. 7.30pm in the presbytery. STA PPC meeting Wednesday 11th February 6.45pm in the parish centre. Items for the agenda to the office email address by Friday 6th February. Confirmations 25th February 2026 - 7pm at St Aelred’s. Ash Wednesday: Masses at 10am at St Mary’s and 7pm at St Aelred’s STA/STM Joint Lent Lunch – shared table for CAFOD. STM World Day of Prayer Service focused on Nigeria - Friday 6th March 2pm STA First Confessions 4.30pm 14th March 2026 STM Irish night and quiz at St Mary’s tickets on sale soon to raise funds for the building fund. STM First Confessions 6pm 18th March 6pm STA Mass for the sick and housebound followed by lunch 12 Noon. 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
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.
Deanery day of renewal. Saturday 10th January 11.30 am to 3.45 pm in St. Aelred’s church hall, Woodlands Drive Harrogate HG27BE Speaker is Breda McStay. Title of the talk is, “Speak Lord your servant is Listening.” 1 Samuel 3 v.9-10 Please bring paper/notebook.
On Christmas Day Salvador received his silver medal from the guild of St Stephen for long service as an Altar Server at St Aelreds Harrogate. He renewed his Solemn promises and was warmly congratulated by the community
Please Join us for Christmas mass - we look forward to celebrating Christmas with you.