Diocese of Leeds News

DIOCESE OF LEEDS EVENTS - 31st August 2025

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

JUBILEE YEAR PRAYER VIGIL: St Mary's, Batley are hosting a Prayer Vigil on the 1^st Friday of each month in 2025 entitled; "Crucem, Hostia et Virginem" “If we want to grow and to be filled with the love of God, it is necessary to plant our lives firmly on three great realities: the Cross, the Host and the Virgin Mary: crux, hostia, et virgo…these are three mysteries that God gave to the world in order to structure, fructify and sanctify our interior life and to lead us to Jesus.” (Cardinal Robert Sarah: “The Power of Silence”). Opportunity for Confession/receiving the Jubilee Indulgence. Next date Friday 5^th September.

HANDMAIDS WOMEN’S GROUP: Join the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal for Adoration, Music, Rosary, opportunity for Sacrament of Reconciliation and refreshments. Friday 5^th September 7-8.30pm Corpus Christi Church, Neville Road, Leeds.

40 DAYS FOR LIFE 2025 INFORMATION EVENING: 40 Days for Life is a Prayer, fasting and peaceful vigil in support of the unborn, their mothers, fathers and families. There will be an information evening on Friday 5^thSeptember, 7-8pm at the Polish Catholic Centre, LS7 4JE.

ST MARK’S WAY ON THE NATIONAL JUBILEE PILGRIMAGE OF HOPE: begins on Saturday 6 September with 8am Mass at Leeds Cathedral. Walk all or part of the way between the Cathedral and the Jubilee Pilgrimage Church of St Austin in Wakefield. See Diocesan website for details of how to sign up.

MARCH FOR LIFE 2025: Join March for Life UK, Saturday 6^th September, London. The right to life underpins every other right and without it every other right is rendered meaningless. Abortion denies the most vulnerable in our society of their most basic right which is why this year's theme is “Human Rights For All Humans.” Join thousands at this family-friendly event to recognise the value of life from conception and stand up for all those who have been impacted by abortion. https://www.marchforlife.co.uk/ or email: info@marchforlife.co.uk.

PONTEFRACT AND WAKEFIELD DEANERY JUBILEE MASSES: There will be a series of special Jubilee Masses in some of the churches in the Deanery. Parishioners are encouraged to go to some or all of these Masses and so become ‘pilgrims’ in this Holy Year whose theme is Pilgrims of Hope. Jubilee Masses are: Tuesday 9 September - St Michael’s Knottingley. All Jubilee Masses start at 7.00pm. 

RACE NIGHT: Catholic Care is hosting a Race Night on Friday 12^th September at St Winefride’s Church Hall, Bradford. Tickets are £6 which includes a pie supper. A horse can be secured for £10. Contact Katrina.Greenhalf@catholic-care.org.uk or 0113 3885400 for tickets. 

MARGARET SILF DAY OF REFLECTION: Prolific writer and retreat leader Margaret Silf's next retreat day is entitled 'Finding solid ground in times of turbulent change'. Wednesday 17^th September at The Briery, Ilkley. £50pp including all resources, refreshments and a home-cooked 2 course lunch. For more information and to book, contact The Briery on 01943 607287 or admin@briery.org.uk

CATHEDRAL CHOIR FUNDRAISING CONCERT: Join the Senior Girls Choir of Leeds Cathedral for a concert raising funds for the Diocese’s Schools Singing Programme. 

Thursday 18^th September, 7pm, Leeds Cathedral – includes Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater. Tickets (£10) available on the door or at https://dolmusic.uk/stabat-mater-2025

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: 19^th September (Hinsley Hall), 17^th October (Hinsley Hall), 14^th November (Cathedral Hall), 19^th 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. 

JUBILEE MASSES AT ST STEPHEN’S SKIPTON: Masses for the Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Year will take place at St Stephen’s Skipton, on the following date. Please check the bulletin for times. All welcome. 19 September, 10am, 8 October, 14 November, 10am, 16 December, 7pm.

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

PARISH RETREAT WEEKEND: 'BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS': 19^th – 21^st September at The Briery, Ilkley. Spaces are available for individuals to join this parish weekend. For more information and to book, contact The Briery on 01943 607287 or admin@briery.org.uk

CHRIST THE KING/HOLY FAMILY SVP FUNDRAISER: Friday 26^th September 2025. Tara Suite, Leeds Irish Centre, York Road, LS9 7NT. Doors open 7.30pm. Entertainment to include a Ceilidh, Leeds Irish Choir, Joyce O'Donnell Irish Dancers, songs from Paul and John. Raffle, Tombola/Bottle and Cake Stall. "Roll the Coin" Whiskey Bottle Challenge. Adults £5/Children £3. Tickets available from Julie (Irish Centre) 0113 2480887, Peggy Sarsfield (07885 582824), Mollie Jackson (07403 660081).

ANNUAL LEEDS DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM: The Annual Leeds Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham will take place this year on Saturday 27^th 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!

PERMANENT DIACONATE MASS: As St Francis of Assisi’s memorial, who was a deacon, is on Saturday 4^thOctober, 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.

ST AUGUSTINE’S 90^TH ANNIVERSARY: The parish of St Augustine’s would like to invite the clergy, former parishioners and all at the Diocese to a celebration of the 90th Anniversary of the laying of the Foundation Stone at St. Augustine’s, on Sunday the 5^th of October 2025 at 10am. All welcome. 

"WHEN SUFFERING HAPPENS, MAKE MEANING!" Dr Dorothy Jonaitis of Loyola University will lead a retreat afternoon offering an opportunity to reflect upon journeys of faith and how healing can take shape, using prayer, art and music. 1.00pm-5.30pm Sunday 5^th October. £15pp at The Briery, Ilkley. For more information and to book, contact The Briery on 01943 607287 or admin@briery.org.uk

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 6^th 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. 

HOW DO WE SUSTAIN HOPE IN TODAY’S WORLD?: Saturday 11^th 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.

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 4.7 mile 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

CATHOLIC CARE COOK VACANCY: Salary: £24,892 to £26,096 pro rata, Post: Permanent. Part Time. 12 hours a week, Location: Based at Bradford, Interview Date: Flexible to suit candidate. Please contact recruitment@catholic-care.org.uk for an application form.

CATHOLIC CARE RECRUITMENT - REGISTERED MANAGER (ADULTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES): Salary: £40,303 (plus pension and many other benefits) Post: Full Time, 37 hours per week. Location: Based in services across West and North Yorkshire. Closing Date: September 19^th. Please see website for details. www.catholic-care.org.uk