Diocese of Leeds News
Find out about the latest news and updates from the Diocese of Leeds
Bishop Marcus Stock
Bishop of Leeds
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DIOCESE OF LEEDS EVENTS - 21st September 2025
Diocesan Events, Invitations from Parishes and other Organisations, listed chronologically.
COURSE ON THE CATECHISM Part 1: Ss John Fisher & Thomas More Parish Hall, Burley-in-Wharfedale LS29 7PX. Tuesdays 7-9pm: 23 September, 14 October, 4, 18 November, 2, 16 December.
Led by José A. Pérez Díez (University of Leeds). We will be exploring the first section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which focuses on the sources of our Faith and the Creed that we profess every Sunday at Mass. Do we know where the Catholic faith comes from, and the meaning of its message of hope? To register please email: japerezdiez@gmail.com.
FESTIVE MASS AT SCARTHINGWELL: Wednesday 24th September 7pm to mark the Feast of Our Lady of Walsingham. Accompanied by the Chapel Choir of Leeds Trinity University. Guest Preacher: Fr Ben Hilton. Refreshments afterwards. All welcome to this historic church of the Immaculate Conception, Lakeside, Scarthingwell LS24 9PH
40 DAYS FOR LIFE 2025: Prayer, fasting and (current ‘buffer-zone-law’-compliant) peaceful vigil in support of the unborn, their mothers, fathers and families. 7am-7pm daily from 24 September to 2 November. More info here: https://www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/event/40-days-for-life-2025/ Contact Chris via 07815 681343 & 40daysforlife@gmail.com
ANNUAL LEEDS DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM: The Annual Leeds Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham will take place this year on Saturday 27th September. 12:00Noon Angelus and the celebration of Holy Mass, 2:30pm Solemn Procession into the village of Walsingham, 3.30pm Vespers and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the grounds of the Ancient Shrine. Bring a picnic lunch!
INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL: The Parish of St Mary’s, Bradford, invites you to our International Food Festival, Sunday 28th September at St. Columba’s School Hall, Tong Street, Dudley Hill, BD4 9PY. 12.30 until 2.30pm.
THE BIBLE TIMELINE COURSE: Understand the Bible from start to finish: the Old and New Testament, with this free of charge, world-renowned course presented online live by Mauro Iannicelli. Starts on Wed 1st October 2025 at 7pm UK time (x8 Wednesday evening sessions). Info & Registration: comeandsee.org
REAWAKENING BLESSED HOPE DAY FOR CATECHISTS: Offered by the Diocesan Vicariate for Education, Hinsley Hall, Saturday 4th October,10am-3pm. Join us to reflect on the hope Christ gives us in this Jubilee year. We will explore the key role of the catechist in the mission of the Church in the light of the 2020 Directory for Catechesis. Also including Mass, time for networking and discussion. Free event with lunch provided. Please email formation@dioceseofleeds.org.uk to book your place.
Diocesan notice – poster attached
PERMANENT DIACONATE MASS: As St Francis of Assisi’s memorial, who was a deacon, is on Saturday 4thOctober, Bishop Marcus will be celebrating the 12.00 Mass at Leeds Cathedral in thanksgiving for the permanent diaconate in our Diocese. Clergy and lay faithful are invited to attend this celebration, especially men who may be discerning their possible vocation to the diaconate. Let us take this opportunity to pray for our permanent deacons and for vocations to the diaconate in our diocese.
LEEDS CATHEDRAL GUIDED TOURS AUTUMN PROGRAMME: Free Guided Tours will take place on the following dates: Saturday 4th October, starting at 2.00pm; Saturday 8th November, at 1.30pm; and Saturday 13th December, at 1.30pm. The tours last about 1 hour. No booking is required. On arrival, please gather by the Baptismal Font at the back of the Cathedral.
ANNUAL BATLEY TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION: Fr Eamonn Hegarty and the Parish of St Mary's, Batley will once again be hosting the annual Batley Torchlight Procession on Monday 6th October, commencing at 7:30pm.The Procession will start at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and end at the nearby St Mary of the Angels’ Catholic Church. The Torchlight Procession is a fine expression of our Catholic faith and gives honour to Mary, Mother of God. Refreshments afterwards.
JOURNEYING AS OLDER PEOPLE: Wednesday 8th October 10am-2pm, Wheeler Hall, Leeds. Leeds Diocese older people’s charity Growing Old Grace-fully is hosting a morning event offering a chance to reflect on our own journey into later life, as Pilgrims of Hope, and explore finding the God of where in our own life.To book a place or for more information, please email growing.old.gracefully@dioceseofleeds.org.uk
HOW DO WE SUSTAIN HOPE IN TODAY’S WORLD? Saturday 11th October 10:30 – 4pm at Hinsley Hall
A one day retreat on hope with Fr Luis Orlando Perez Jimenez SJ. Organised by SPARK Social Justice. See www.sparksocialjustice.org.uk for more details – sign up required as places are very limited.
VISITATION OF THE CENTENARY PILGRIM VIRGIN STATUE OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY AND THE RELICS OF SAINT JACINTA AND FRANCISCO: on Monday 13th October at Leeds Cathedral from 10.30am until 7pm. Please see the full programme on the poster at the back of church or the Cathedral website.
PRIESTLY VOCATIONS DISCERNMENT MEETINGS: Time for prayers, questions, input from a priest and social time. There are two groups meeting simultaneously; under 18s and over 18s. Fridays 6.30pm-8.15pm: 17th October (Hinsley Hall), 14th November (Cathedral Hall), 19th December (Hinsley Hall).
Under 18 participants must complete and return a permission form prior to attending. For permission forms and to notify of attendance (all participants) please contact Vocations Promoter, Fr Simon Lodgesimon.lodge@dioceseofleeds.org.uk.
CARITAS LEEDS: “HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT,” Sat 18th October, 10am-2pm: Hinsley Hall. A morning of prayer, reflection and discussion to help us renew our commitment to putting Catholic Social Teaching into action in our parishes, schools and communities. Buffet lunch. To register your interest: education.admin@dioceseofleeds.org.uk/ 0113 261 8040. This is a joint initiative by the Vicariate for Education and Catholic Care.
CELEBRATING LAUDATO SI: MINI-PILGRIMAGE TO KIRKSTALL ABBEY: Saturday 20th October 12:45 – 4pm. Join people from across the northern dioceses for this 4.7mile pilgrimage from Leeds City Station to Kirkstall abbey – mainly following the towpath of the Leeds & Liverpool canal. Full details on the Justice & Peace website www.leedsjp.org.uk
ANNUAL SERVICE AT KILLINGBECK CEMETERY NOVEMBER – MONTH OF THE HOLY SOULS: Sunday 9th November at 2.30pm. All the Diocese are invited to come to the cemetery and pray for the deceased members of the Diocese and extended family. The service, led by Canon Patrick Wall, Dean of East Leeds, will be in the chapel with readings, hymns, and rosary. Weather permitting, we will walk around the clergy circle reciting the rosary.
CATHOLIC SAFEGUARDING STANDARDS AGENCY (CSSA) SURVIVORS’ SURVEY: As part of a thematic audit of survivor engagement, the CSSA is actively seeking insight from those who have lived experience of abuse and is carrying out a public call for information. This is an opportunity for anybody with information to share with the CSSA (anonymously if you wish).
To find out more about the CSSA’s current public call for information, and how you can complete a survey, please visit their dedicated webpage https://catholicsafeguarding.org.uk/contact-us-and-other-information/public-calls-for-information/