St Aelred’s Children’s Liturgy

Week of Guided Prayer – 11th -16th October 2026. Please take an information leaflet from the back of church and consider taking part in this valuable offering for ALL parishioners. You do not need to have taken part in a retreat before. If you wish to talk it through, ask questions etc before committing, speak to Fr Gerard, Deacon David, Deacon Philip or Bernadette. If you would like to take part, then please return your completed form to Fr Gerard by Sunday 15th September. Payment towards the retreat in daily life can be made in cash, on the dona machine, QR code from the bulletin or by bacs (please see Fr Gerard for details of the account number)

Deanery Day of Renewal - Saturday 10th October, 11.30 am to 3.45 pm in St. Aelred’s church hall. Speaker is Lyn Bradbury, Lay Franciscan Formation Minister. Celebrating the Year of St. Francis of Assisi. “The Franciscan Cord.”

For anyone who is thinking about being received into full communion with the Catholic Church; this maybe yourself or one of your friends. Please contact Deacon David for information about the “Journey in Faith” course that will begin in the Autumn with a hope that participants can be received into the church next Easter.

Volunteering within both parishes offers not only the chance to support our parish community but also a rewarding opportunity to gain essential work experience. These roles are open to all ages and ideal for anyone completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award , seeking work experience or wishing to build skills that enhance their CV . • Counting Team : Help manage and count donations, developing valuable skills in accuracy, attention to detail, financial record keeping and teamwork. • Cleaning Team : Maintain the church premises, gaining experience in organisation and time management and responsibility for communal spaces. • Children’s Liturgy : Assisting or leading, gain skills in Teamwork and collaboration, creative lesson planning and managing group dynamics. • Event Helpers : Assist in setting up, supporting, and clearing up during parish events, ensuring smooth operations and community engagement. If you are interested in gaining practical experience while contributing to our community, please contact the church office or speak to a member of the clergy. Please note, we follow a Safe Recruitment policy, roles are subject to references and in some cases DBS checks.

Please donate to our Family Fast Day parish collection. Put your faith into action and share the Lord’s love by supporting our global neighbours experiencing shortages of food and safe water. Your gift can support children like Tayla in Zimbabwe to stay in school by helping communities and schools provide nourishing meals, improve access to water and grow food in school gardens. Use the CAFOD envelope in church or donate online at cafod.org.uk/envelope

Orders are being taken at the Piety shops in both churches.  If you would like to buy your cards from church, please pop in to place your order.

Confirmation Catechesis for the Sacrament of Confirmation - Session 1 Sunday 18th October 11.30am to 2pm with a half an hour break for packed lunched session 2 Sunday 8th November 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. Please email Fr Gerard before Wednesday 14th October to apply for Confirmation this year. The Sacrament will be celebrated at St Aelred’s on Saturday 21st November at 5.30pm

St Aelred’s had our Parish BBQ last Saturday, here are some of the photos of the wonderful event:

Dates for your diary: Pilgrimage to Walsingham: Saturday 26th September. St Aelred’s Church Cleaners meeting - At St Aelred’s on Saturday 26th September at 10am (for half an hour) CAFOD Harvest Family Fast Day: Will be on Friday 2nd October. Collection Sunday 4th October 2026 Week of Guided Prayer – 11th -16th October 2026: If you would like to take part, then please return your completed form to Fr Gerard by Sunday 15th September. November Mass for the deceased: 7pm - Tuesday 10th November STA Confirmation Catechesis for the Sacrament of Confirmation - session 1 Sunday 18th October 11.30am to 2pm with a half an hour break for packed lunched session 2 Sunday 8th November 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. Please email Fr Gerard before Wednesday 14th October to apply for Confirmation this year. The Sacrament will be celebrated at St Aelred’s on Saturday 21st November at 5.30pm First Reconciliation: will be held on Saturday 14th March 2027 at 4.30pm at St Aelred’s. Wednesday 17th March 2027 at 6pm at St Mary’s. A meeting for parents from St Mary’s on Sunday 29th November 2026 following the School Family Mass. A meeting for parents from St Aelred’s on Saturday 28th November 2026 at 4.30pm in church. First Communions: will be held at St Mary’s on 22nd May 2027 at 11am and St Aelred’s on Sunday 23rd May 2027 at 9am. A meeting for parents from St Mary’s on Sunday 29th November 2026 following the School Family Mass. A meeting for parents from St Aelred’s on Saturday 28th November 2026 at 4.30pm in church. Christmas Fair St Aelred’s: 29th November 2026. Christmas Lunch for both parishes will be held at St Aelred’s on 9th December 2026. Advent Reconciliation Service. Thursday 10th December 7pm STA.