Diocese of Leeds News

DIOCESE OF LEEDS EVENTS - 6th September 2026

Diocesan Events, Invitations from Parishes and other Organisations, listed chronologically.

JOIN BISHOP MARCUS IN PRAYING FOR VOCATIONS: Our Lady of Unfailing Help! Pray that the Lord of the Harvest will send labourers into His harvest and that He will grant an abundance of vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life within the Diocese of Leeds, and throughout the world. Amen.

LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINARS - The Assumption Church Hall, Spen Lane LS16 5BF starting Tuesday 8th September at 7.30 pm. All welcome! For information on session dates and sign-up form, please see the bulletin on Our Lady of Kirkstall Parish webpage: https://ourladyofkirkstall.org.uk/bulletins/. 

LEEDS WALSINGHAM WAY: You are invited to walk as a "day pilgrim" with a group walking from Leeds to Walsingham in September. See www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/day-pilgrims-invited-to-join-new-diocesan-walking-pilgrimage/ for details, to sign up, or to support the initiative financially.

MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS: POPE LEO, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE CHOICES WE CAN MAKE:Wednesday 16^th September, 7-8pm, SS John Fisher & Thomas More Parish Hall, Bradford Road, Burley in Wharfedale LS29 7PX. In just one hour, Fr Mark Jarmuz of the Vicariate for Education, will explain Pope Leo’s teaching and its vital importance for the choices we make both as individuals and as a society.

To book a place please email: mark.jarmuz@dioceseofleeds.org.uk

PERGOLESI’S STABAT MATER: –Thursday 17^th September, 7pm, Leeds Cathedral. Leeds Cathedral Senior Girls Choir sings Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater and other music by Charpentier, Monteverdi and Vivaldi accompanied by string players from Baroque in the North. Admission free, with a suggested £10 donation.

ST. GEMMA’S HOSPICE WALK LEEDS: Saturday 19^th September walk from Roundhay Park along Street Lane to the Hospice for a moment of reflection before heading back to the Park for the finish line. Tickets are £20 for adults/ £12.50 for children which includes a t-shirt, medal, and light up item and every step you take will help us provide specialist care and support for families need it most. More information and tickets at www.st-gemma.co.uk/events/sunset-walk

DIOCESAN SEASON OF CREATION EVENT: SPARK Social Justice and the J&P Commission Screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing. Saturday 19 September, Hinsley Hall Headingley 2pm – 4pm. Join us at this crucial climate event with an opportunity to talk about local solutions. See www.sparksocialjustice.org.uk for more details and to book a place.

ANNUAL LEEDS AND MIDDLESBROUGH DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM: will take place on Saturday 26^th September. Angelus and the celebration of Holy Mass, 12:00 Noon. Solemn Procession into the village of Walsingham, 2:30pm, Vespers and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the grounds of the Ancient Shrine around 3:30pm. Bring a picnic!

LEEDS CATHEDRAL CHOIR AND THE SIXTEEN: Sunday 27th September, 3pm, Leeds Cathedral.
The Cathedral Choir performs with members of internationally-renowned choir The Sixteen and the Genesis Sixteen young artist programme, conducted by Harry Christophers.  Admission free, with a suggested £10 donation.

40 DAYS FOR LIFE – PRAYER, FASTING AND PEACEFUL VIGIL: 23^rd September to 1^st November 7:00am-7:00pm. Join us in being a voice for the voiceless. Location just over 150 meters from MSI Reproductive Choices abortion facility at the junction of Chapeltown Road and Barrack Road LS7 4AW. This complies with current buffer-zone law. To get involved contact Chris Redding 07815 681343 email: 40daysforlifeleeds@gmail.com. Further information at www.40daysforlife.com/leeds

VENI EMMANUEL ADVENT MUSIC FOR PARISH MUSICIANS: Sunday 4^th October, 2-4pm, Queen's Hall, Immaculate Heart of Mary, LS17 6LE. Parish musicians, choir members and all involved in liturgical music are invited to an afternoon of Advent music/reflection. Discover new Advent repertoire, gain spiritual inspiration for the new liturgical year, and connect with fellow musicians from across the Diocese. Admission free, suggested donation £5. Hosted by Diocese of Leeds Music and Faith Formation. To book, email formation@dioceseofleeds.org.uk.

ANNUAL BATLEY TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION 75^TH ANNIVERSARY: The Parish of St Mary & St Patrick, Batley/Birstall, warmly invite you to join them and Bishop Marcus for the Procession from St Mary’s Catholic Primary Schoolto St Mary of the Angels’ Church. Monday 5^th October, 7:30pm. A fine expression of our Catholic faith honouring Our Lady and uniting us in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. We also welcome friends from Hallam/Middlesbrough Dioceses. Refreshments afterwards. 

Any questions please contact Fr Eamonn 01924  474650 or eamonn.hegarty@dioceseofleeds.org.uk

ADOREMUS EUCHARISTIC FESTIVAL 2026: 10^th October. The event will include Mass in Southwark Cathedral, a keynote address, a procession of the Blessed Sacrament, Benediction and an all-night vigil in Westminster Cathedral. Associated art competition details at https://www.cbcew.org.uk/adoremus-2026/ There are 50 places available. If you would like to attend and are able to organise your own transport, please email formation@dioceseofleeds.org.uk before 18^th September. This event is free, but booking is essential. Admission is by ticket only.

"IT IS BEAUTIFUL TO BE OLD" - OLDER PEOPLE AND CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING: Tuesday 13 October 2026, 10am-1:30pm, Cathedral Hall, Leeds. This event, hosted by Growing Old Grace-fully will explore Catholic Social Teaching regarding the blessings of later life, led by theologian Dr Peter Kevern. To book a place, please email growing.old.gracefully@dioceseofleeds.org.uk

FRANCISCAN FRIARS OF THE RENEWAL - DISCIPLESHIP DAYS 2026-2027: Please join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR’s) for our Discipleship Days at St Patrick's Mission Church, Bradford. The theme is "May the Lord Give You Peace". November 7, December 5, January 9, February 6, March 6, April 3, May 1. The day includes Rosary, Holy Mass, a talk, Confessions, and a Holy Hour with Eucharistic adoration, concluding at around 4:30 pm. Lunch will be provided.

CLEAVING TO CHRIST: PREPARING FOR MARRIAGE IN THE CONTEXT OF OUR CATHOLIC FAITH: To complement the work which is already being done in many parishes, the Vicariate for Education will offer six in-person sessions for engaged couples between November 2026 and May 2027 (10.15am-12.30pm) at St Winefride’s Hall, Bradford, BD6 1ST. Mass available at St Winefride’s Church, 9.30am. To book a place (£20 per couple): education.admin@dioceseofleeds.org.uk; 0113 261 8040.

GROWING OLD GRACEFULLY CARERS PROJECT: An online support group for unpaid carers has two sessions on the first Wednesday of the month at 2.00pm and 7.30pm. If you care for a friend, neighbour or family member you are invited to join us for the opportunity to make new friends, chat and have space and time to pray. Contact Michelle for more information or to register carersproject@growingoldgracefully.org.uk

DIOCESAN FAITH FORMATION EVENTS: Many Catholic adults wish to discover more about their faith. The Vicariate for Education is offering a wide range of faith development events during 2026/27, both at Hinsley Hall in Leeds and elsewhere throughout the Diocese. These are aimed at, among others, those who enjoy listening to a stimulating lecture, those who want to engage in some accompanied study and catechists wishing to develop their skills. To find out more, scroll down to “Faith Formation”: www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/education/cpd-2025

PLEASE MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD TO OPPOSE ASSISTED SUICIDE: The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is back in the House of Commons, seeking to legalise assisted suicide. MPs vote on Friday, 11 September 2026, so please consider contacting your MP by scanning the code on the attached poster, which will take you to this link: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide/

THE ORATORY OF ST JOSEPH: Catholic Men’s Group (ages 21-35). Helping young men to grow in faith, fellowship and formation in order to become the saint that God is calling them to be. Meeting on the last Thursday of the month, Hinsley Hall, 6.30pm. For more information email oratory.stjoseph@dioceseofleeds.org.uk

JOIN THE CATHOLIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Whether you are a doctor, nurse, student, or allied professional — if you are a Catholic in healthcare, join us to grow in fellowship, prayer and formation together. For more information & upcoming events, visit: https://catholicmedicalassociation.org.uk

MARRIAGE SUPPORT: If you are just in a rut or for more serious issues – Retrouvaille could be the solution. www.retrouvaille.org.uk +44 797 338 0443

ONLINE GOSPEL MEDITATIONS: Throughout the year, the Briery Retreat Team deliver fortnightly guided meditations via Zoom, with time for reflection and sharing. These are on Thursday from 7.30pm to 8.15pm. The 'doors' open at 7.15 for a chat and introductions. All are welcome. Register for the link by email admin@briery.org.uk   

BISHOP MARCUS AND THE DIOCESAN TRUSTEES: are still seeking volunteers as independent members to join a newly established Audit and Risk Committee. The commitment is four meetings a year. This would be a two-to-three year commitment as discussions and consultations about bringing together the Dioceses of Leeds, Middlesbrough and Hallam progress; and would be of great value in a process of unification. We are seeking those who have skills or experience in the areas of Audit, Risk, Finance and Governance. For further information please contact Carla Stockton-Jones, Trustee: carla.stockton-jones@dioceseofleeds.org.uk or Mgr Andrew Summersgill, Moderator of the Curia andrew.summersgill@dioceseofleeds.org.uk

EDUCATION SUNDAY AND RECRUITMENT OF FOUNDATION GOVERNORS: On 13^th September, we will be celebrating Education Sunday. We are currently recruiting for new Foundation Governors in our diocesan schools whose role is to ensure that they are, in the words of Bishop Marcus in his Letter to mark this occasion, “beacons of [God’s] good news in our communities.” If you would like to explore this possibility, please contact the Vicariate for Education: education@dioceseofleeds.org.uk; 0113 260 8040.

CATHOLIC CARE RECRUITMENT: Experienced Registered Manager for Keighley children’s home - Full time. Salary: £48,031 - £52,282. Care Bank Residential Childcare Workers also needed - £15.07 / hr. Support Workers required for our Leeds based Adult Learning Disability services – salary £26,045 pro rata. Full & Part time Life Skills Mentors for our Adult Learning Disability service in Dewsbury - salary £26,045 pro rata. Please email CV to recruitment@catholic-care.org.uk