Diocese of Leeds News

DIOCESE OF LEEDS EVENTS - 18th October 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.

40 DAYS FOR LIFE – PRAYER, FASTING AND PEACEFUL VIGIL: Runing until 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

DAY OF PRAYER: St Peter In Chains, Doncaster is hosting a 'Day of Prayer', Saturday 24th October, promoting the Shrine of Our Lady of Doncaster, 10.00am-3pm. Adoration/Benediction, confessions, Holy Mass, reflections and rosary led by the Irish singer Dana. Please ask Our Lady of Doncaster and the four beatified martyrs of the Diocese of Hallam (Blesseds Nicolas Garlik, Robert Ludlum, John Anne, William Richardson) to intercede for us.  Please book in advance and for further information hailfullofgrace2026@gmail.com

UNDER ONE SKY PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION: Featuring photographic portraits and personal stories of refugees who have legally settled in North Yorkshire, offering a human perspective beyond the headlines. Learn about their journeys and the lives they are building today. 30 October to 4 November 2026, 10.00am to 3.00pm, Gracious St. Methodist Church, Knaresborough, HG5 8AN
Free admission. Any queries please contact sue.parsons@catholic-care.org.uk 

LEEDS CATHEDRAL GUIDED TOURS AUTUMN PROGRAMME: A Free Guided Tour will take place on the following Saturdays during the autumn: 31 October (starting at 2.00pm) and on 21 November and 12 December when the tours start at 1.30pm. The tour lasts about 1 hour. No booking is required. On arrival please gather by the Baptismal Font at the back of the Cathedral. 

INSTAGRAM HANGOUT: Join us at Leeds Cathedral for an exclusive tour created especially for Instagrammers! Learn more about the fascinating history, architecture and design of our Arts and Crafts-style Cathedral, access areas not usually open to the public, and capture its beauty through photography. Saturday 31^st October 2pm-4pm. All are welcome! Tickets are free, but registration is essential: https://bit.ly/4i9aEmV

FRATRES MEN'S PRAYER GROUP WITH THE FRANCISCAN FRIARS OF THE RENEWAL:consisting of Eucharistic Adoration and Lectio Divina. We will meet monthly at 7:30 pm on Thursday evenings - usually, but not always the first Thursday of the month at St Pio Friary in Bradford (1A SedgfieldTerrace, BD1 2RU). The dates for 2026-2027 are November 5, December 3, January 7, February 4, March 4, April 8, May 6, and June 3.

HANDMAIDS WOMEN’S GROUP: Join the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal for Adoration, Music, Rosary, opportunity for Sacrament of Reconciliation and refreshments. 6^th November and 4^th December 7-8.30pm Corpus Christi Church, Neville Road, Leeds.

RCIA PROCESS FORMATION: Join the Vicarate for Education on Saturday 7th November at Hinsley Hall (10am – 4pm) to explore how to accompany and support those discerning the Catholic faith through the RCIA process. Ideal for parish volunteers, catechists, and anyone interested in faith formation. Come and discover practical insights, shared experiences, and ways to help guide others closer to Christ. 

To reserve your free place by October 23rd, visit www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/education/cpd-2025/ or emailformation@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, 11.45am - 4:30 pm. Lunch will be provided.

ANNUAL SERVICE AT KILLINGBECK CEMETERY NOVEMBER – MONTH OF THE HOLY SOULS: Sunday 8th 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.

ST JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC COLLEGE PAST PUPILS’ DAY: Saturday 21 November. Mass at 11:30am, followed by lunch (£15). To book your place, reply with dietary requirements by 13 November to James Jackson: jjackson@sbsj.co.uk & 01274 941941

JOIN YOUTH 2000 FOR A HOLY HOUR OF EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Friday 27^th November, 7.15pm, St Mary's Church, LS18 4AG. Holy Mass, 6.30pm. This will be a peaceful, guided time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, with opportunity to be still and listen to the Lord. Confessions available. Young adults (ages 18-35) are invited! Whether you regularly spend time in Adoration or this will be your first time, we’d love to see you.

‘LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS’ – PRE-ADVENT RETREAT WEEKEND: 27^th-29^th November at The Briery, Ilkley. Take some time out before the busy-ness of the season starts for a chance to prepare for the joy of Christmas during this retreat led by Fr Chris Thomas, and enjoy the peace and rich hospitality offered at The Briery. £230pp fully inclusive (£110 non-residential). For more information and to book email admin@briery.org.uk or call 01943 607287.

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.

CATHOLIC CARE UPDATE: We’re delighted to share that Catholic Care has a new home at Hinsley Hall, 62 Headingley Lane, Leeds, LS6 2BX. While our address has changed, our commitment to supporting people across the Diocese remains as strong as ever. You can now reach us on 0113 831 5712. 

EMAIL YOUR MP: Following on from the defeat of ‘The Assisted Dying’ Bill, there is an urgent need to push for better and more accessible palliative care services across our region. The following link takes you to a suggested draft letter to your MP, which is based on how your MP voted on the 11^th September. https://righttolife.org.uk/voteresult This draft letter can be edited. 

GROWING OLD GRACEFULLY CARERS PROJECT: An online support group for unpaid carers hastwo 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

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   

CATHOLIC CARE RECRUITMENT: Community Development Worker, Huddersfield, 8 hours per week. Salary - £27,307 pro rata / £14.15 per hour. Support Workers required, Full and Part-time hours available for our services in Leeds, Bradford and Life Skill Mentors required in Dewsbury Salary: £26,045 per annum pro rata. Care Bank Residential Childcare Workers required in Keighley & Wakefield £15.07 per hour inclusive. Please see our website for details www.catholic-care.org.uk/jobs or email CV to recruitment@catholic-care.org.uk

CATHOLIC CARE RECRUITMENT: Full, part time and temporary support worker roles available in Leeds & Bradford. Waking Nights Support Worker urgently needed in Todmorden. Salary £26,045 pro rata. Care Bank Residential Childcare Workers required for Keighley & Wakefield. £15.07 per hour inclusive. Please email CV to recruitment@catholic-care.org.uk.