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 - 10th May 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.
TOMB TO MISSION SOCIAL MEDIA SERIES: On Easter Sunday the Faith Formation department (in collaboration with the Diocese of Middlesbrough Faith Formation) will launch Tomb to Mission, following the journey of the first disciples from discovering the empty tomb to being empowered for mission by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Follow along for Gospel reflections, prayer prompts, catechetical reflections and practical ways to live out our daily mission. Follow Diocese of Leeds Faith Formation (Facebook), @dolfaithformation (Instagram).
ILLUSTRATED TALK BY PEACE ENVOY REV KATHRYN FITZSIMONS: Holy Rosary Community Room. Thurs 14th May. 7.00pm. From June-September 2024 Katherine lived in the West Bank on a World Council of Churches programme known as the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine-Israel. Hear her stories of life on the West Bank and take part in the Q&A session that follows. Free entry plus refreshments.
THE DIOCESE OF LEEDS COMMUNITY CHOIR: welcomes all parish musicians and parishioners, all choir parents and friends, and all school and Diocesan staff to come together and sing! Rehearsals will take place on Sunday afternoons working towards singing a fun concert on 14 June. Rehearsals will take place from 2.30pm - 4pm on 3, 10 and 24 May, 7 and 14 June, Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Moortown. To sign up please email: office@dioceseofleedsmusic.org.uk
LEEDS INTERNATIONAL ORGAN FESTIVAL: Join us at Leeds Cathedral for the Leeds International Organ Festival, featuring a series of recitals by outstanding organists from across the UK and around the world. Mondays 11th May – 13th July (no recital 25 May), 1.15pm, Leeds Cathedral – free entry. For more information visit https://www.leedsiof.org/home
LEEDS CATHEDRAL GUIDED TOURS SUMMER PROGRAMME: A Free Guided Tour will take place on the following Saturdays during the spring and summer months: 16 May (starting at 2.00pm) and 20 June, 18 July and 8 August, 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.
HOW TO READ SAINT PAUL: This short course, led by Fr Mark Jarmuz, will look at Saint Paul’s life and letters, exploring what we can learn about the man and his teachings for our Faith. Location: SS John Fisher & Thomas More Parish Hall, Bradford Road, Burley in Wharfedale LS29 7PX. Dates: Wednesdays 7pm-8:30pm, 3 June, 10 June, 17 June, 24 June. To book a place please email: mark.jarmuz@dioceseofleeds.org.uk
BLESSED SACRAMENT PROCESSION & SOLEMN VESPERS: Sunday 7th June, 3.00pm, St Mary’s Church, Batley. We will be hosting our annual Blessed Sacrament Procession followed by Solemn Vespers on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body & Blood of the Lord, 3.00pm. Beginning on the grounds of St Mary’s Primary School and processing to St Mary’s Church for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the celebration of Solemn Vespers. Refreshments available in the school hall afterwards.
ST. AIDAN'S MIRFIELD PARISH MISSION: Mon 22nd June-Wed 24th 2026. Led by Sr Briege McKenna & Fr Pablo Escriva de Romani. This is an opportunity to renew our faith and draw closer to Jesus. Sr Briege & Fr Pablo are known for their ministry of healing, preaching and have seen many miracles! For further details please ring 01924 492950 or email office.staidan@dioceseofleeds.org.uk
BEREAVEMENT ACCOMPANIMENT TRAINING: Elizabeth Prout Bereavement Care are offering a two-day training course in bereavement accompaniment on Mondays 22nd & 29th June 2026 at The Briery Retreat Centre in Ilkley. The cost is £70 and includes a cooked 2 course lunch and refreshments on both days. For more information, please email epbereavementcare@dioceseofleeds.org.uk or contact The Briery on 01943 607287.
NEW LIFE THROUGH WATER AND THE HOLY SPIRIT RETREAT DAY FOR NEW CATHOLICS: The Faith Formation team within the Vicariate for Education warmly invites newly received Catholics to a retreat day exploring the gift of new life in Christ, including time for prayer and fellowship, celebrating the adventure of faith together. Saturday 27 June, 10.00am–3.00pm, Briery Retreat Centre, Ilkley, £35 per person (including lunch). Further information/booking, please contact the Briery 01943 607287 or admin@briery.org.uk.
WEBELIEVE FESTIVAL OF CATHOLIC LIFE: 24-27th July 2026, an unmissable opportunity to discover the traditions and charisms that flow through the Church, to grow in authentic community, and to encounter the transforming love of God, with parishes and families in mind. Four days of music, keynotes, conversation & worship, in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s College, Oscott. Tickets and more information available now at: www.webelievefestival.com
CONSULTATION ON THE FUTURE OF THE DIOCESES OF LEEDS, MIDDLESBROUGH AND HALLAM: As part of the consultation currently taking place across our three Dioceses, there is an opportunity for all clergy, religious and members of the lay faithful to contribute by completing an online questionnaire, either individually or as a parish group. Prayerful reflection should be given to the questions so that the Holy Spirit may guide this process of discernment. Prayer resources and a presentation are available on the diocesan website to support this process. Responses should be submitted no later than Friday, 22nd May 2026. For more information and to complete the questionnaire, please visit: https://www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/leeds-middlesbrough-consultation-2026/
CATHOLIC CARE IS SEEKING NEW TRUSTEES: to strengthen the skills and experience of its Board. We serve adults, children and families across the Diocese of Leeds who are disadvantaged, vulnerable or marginalised. We particularly welcome practising Catholics with experience in property management or Human Resources. If you wish to live your faith through action, please apply by sending your interest to charlotte.grinham@catholic-care.org.uk, outlining your motivation and suitability for the role.
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
THE CHAPEL OF OUR LADY OF THE CRAG, KNARESBOROUGH: We are in need of more trustees, gardeners, volunteers and fundraisers to help us in our mission to keep this unique site open. Donations of plants and money towards our long-term preservation projects would also be welcomed. The Chapel is now open 2-4pm (provided the weather is clement) until the end of September and by appointment at other times. Please see website for more details: www.ourladyofthecrag.org/
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
DIOCESE OF LEEDS MUSIC VACANCY: We wish to appoint a Choral Director to work in the Schools Singing Programme in Bradford. For more information, please visit dolmusic.uk/vacancies or contact recruitment@dioceseofleedsmusic.org.uk. Closing Date: 1 June 2026, 5 pm.
CLASS TEACHER VACANCY: Ss. Peter and Paul, Yeadon Start: September 2026. Closing date: Monday, 18 May 2026. Further info: https://www.bishopwheelercatholicacademytrust.org/Trust-Academy-Vacancies/ To discuss or arrange a visit, contact Lauren Copsey, l.copsey@ssppyeadon.org
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S MINISTRY CO-ORDINATOR JOB OPPORTUNITY: Our Lady and All Saints Parish, Otley are seeking to recruit a Lay Co-ordinator to work at the Parish assisting the Parish Priest in the spiritual and pastoral care of young people within the parish community. Part-time role, 22.5hrs per week involving evenings and weekends, term time only, two-year fixed term contract. Please contact Fr. Nicholas Hird for an application pack 01943 462146 or office.ourladyallsaints@dioceseofleeds.org.uk. Closing date, Tuesday, 12 May 2026.
CATHOLIC CARE RECRUITMENT: Senior Residential Childcare Workers & Residential Childcare Workers needed for our new children’s residential home in Wakefield. Also a Deputy Manager to work with our children’s homes in Keighley and Wakefield. Please see our website for a recruitment pack or email Alexandra.smith@catholic-care.org.uk.
CATHOLIC CARE IS RECRUITING: Support Worker, Salary: £26,045 Post: Full Time, 37 hours per week (shift patterns to include weekends and bank holidays) Location: Leeds. Closing Date: until position filled. See website for full details. www.catholic-care.org.uk
INTERESTED IN TRAINING/VOLUNTEERING AS A RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLOR? Marriage Care, a Catholic organisation specialising in relationship support is currently looking for those who are empathetic, understanding and have an enthusiasm for supporting adult relationships, to train for Certificate in Relationship Counselling (CRC) and volunteer. Please note there are costs associated with training (far lower than with alternative training providers) however no one is excluded on their ability to pay. For information please visit: www.marriagecare.org.uk or email: volunteer@marriagecare.org.uk.