Diocese of Leeds News

DIOCESE OF LEEDS EVENTS - 8th November 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.

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.

DURUFLÉ'S REQUIEM: Sunday 8th November, 3pm, Leeds Cathedral, Leeds Cathedral Senior Girls, Boys and Scholars Choirs sing Duruflé's Requiem and other music by Vierne, Byrd and Victoria in a special concert for Remembrance Sunday. Admission free, with a suggested £10 donation.

ICON 'QUEEN OF THE FRANCISCAN FAMILY': on display in Leeds Cathedral from Friday 13th to Tuesday 17th November. It was written in Lithuania in 2018. It has been on pilgrimage since then travelling through Europe and visiting Franciscan Holy places also Friaries, Convents and Fraternities. The Franciscan Family is illustrated in the 3 cameos at base of the Icon St Francis of Assisi  St Clare of Assisi and St Elizabeth of Hungary (patroness of OFS). Under the small images are Relics from each Saint. 

GROWING OLD GRACEFULLY CARERS PROJECT DAY OF REFLECTION: "Awakening Peace Within: A Day of Reflection for Carers" Saturday 14th November 10.00am-2.00pm, St Joseph's Parish Hall, Wetherby. The morning will offer carers the opportunity to reflect on God’s presence in their daily lives and how they can find peace within themselves. The event will end with a shared lunch - (Please inform us of any dietary requirements). To attend email Michelle at carersproject@growingoldgracefully.org.uk.

THE HUDDERSFIELD UNIVERSITY CHAPLAINCY: is delighted to invite all students to our monthly Holy Mass at the University, Monday, 16th November, 6:00 pm, Community Hall, Jo Cox Building. Weekly Meetings every Wednesday for prayer, reflection and spiritual growth. Other Activities and Social Events - providing opportunities to meet new people, build friendships and enjoy a sense of community. Come along, connect with others, and be part of our welcoming Chaplaincy community. We look forward to seeing you!

FILM PRESENTATION LAND OF CANAAN: SPARK Social Justice is presenting this beautiful film about growing and sustaining olive groves in Palestine. It will be shown on Friday 20 November at St Chad's parish hall on Otley Road in Headingley. The film starts at 7pm. See sparksocialjustice.org.uk for more details and how to book tickets.

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.

LEEDS CATHEDRAL GUIDED TOURS AUTUMN PROGRAMME: A Free Guided Tour will take place on the following Saturdays during the autumn: 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. 

'WE HAVE FOUND THE MESSIAH' - AN ADVENT REFLECTION: Saturday 21^st November at The Briery, Ilkley. Join us in preparation for Advent for a day of reflection led by Canon Dennis Cassidy. £35pp to include a two-course home-cooked lunch and all refreshments. Contact admin@briery.org.uk or 01943 607287 

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

HEALING SERVICE - The next Healing Service will be on Tuesday 1^st December at 7pm in St Mary’s Church, Horsforth. This is a beautiful opportunity to pray for healing for yourself or others, whether physical, psychological, or spiritual. Remember Jesus is alive, and miracles can and do happen! Everyone is welcome, including non-Catholics and those of no faith - all that is needed is an openness to Jesus.

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 Sedgfield Terrace, BD1 2RU). The dates for 2026-2027 are 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. 4^th December 7-8.30pm Corpus Christi Church, Neville Road, Leeds.

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". 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.

RESIDENTIAL MARRIAGE COURSE: Do you want to understand the Church’s teaching on Matrimony, and its vision for the Sacrament, more deeply? This course explores the theology of Marriage, based on Scripture and structured around the Rite itself. With time for personal reflection/exercises, sharing in couples/as a group, this weekend serves as a standalone or as an accompaniment to other in-person or online courses. 8 – 10 January 2027.

For more information/to book: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/marriage-preparation/

‘ALMA MATER FUND’ AND ABORTION RECOVERY AND CARE HELPLINE: (administered by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children) provides financial/practical support to university students facing crisis pregnancy, enabling them to continue their education while embracing motherhood. The ‘Abortion Recovery and Care Helpline’ (ARCH), started by women who experienced abortion and struggled in the aftermath, provides free, confidential, compassionate and non-judgemental support for those who may be carrying similar emotional and psychological effects. https://spuc.org.uk/support-hub/alma-mater/ & www.archtrust.org.uk/

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, at Hinsley Hall, Leeds and elsewhere throughout the Diocese. These are aimed at, among others, those who enjoy listening to stimulating lectures, those who want to engage in some accompanied study and catechists wishing to develop their skills. To find out more, visit “Faith Formation” section at

https://www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/education/training-development-courses-2026-27/

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   

WANTING TO EXPLORE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD? St Bede’s Pastoral Centre, York offers a range of events online and in centre. This term’s offerings in centre include Mary’s Meals film Lettie with a soup and roll lunch and discussion afterwards Wednesday 11^th November at 2pm and Ignatian Wisdom with Sister Marion Bettenworth CJ Saturday 14^th November 10am to 3.30pm £25. Contact Fiona Hill fiona@stbedes.org.uk For more information and a full list of events visit https://www.stbedes.org.uk/whats-on/

JOB VACANCY - HEAD OF FINANCE (FINANCIAL CONTROLLER): The Diocese of Leeds is seeking an experienced and committed Head of Finance to lead and oversee the Diocese’s financial management. The successful candidate must hold a recognised professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA). For an application form and further information, please visit our website at www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/vacancies/ alternatively please e-mail any queries to recruitment@dioceseofleeds.org.uk. Closing date for applications is Monday, 23 November 2026.

CATHOLIC CARE RECRUITMENT:  Schools Social Workers: Full/part-time, £32,105 – £37,018 pro rata. Waking Nights Support Worker: Sutton in Craven, £26,045 pro rata. Community Development Worker: Huddersfield, £28,193 pro rata, 6 hours per week. Full/part time/temporary Adult Learning Disability Service Support Workers: Leeds, Skipton, Bradford, Todmorden, £26,045 pro rata. Care Bank Residential Childcare Workers, Keighley & Wakefield. £15.07 per hour inclusive. Please see https://catholic-care.org.uk/recruitment/ for further details/application form.