Diocese of Leeds News

DIOCESE OF LEEDS EVENTS - 14th December 2025.

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.

ADVENT DAY OF RECONCILIATION: Tuesday 16th December, 7am – 7pm. Leeds Cathedral.

There will be priests available to hear confessions, and Exposition all day.

CATHOLIC CARE IS HOSTING TWO CHRISTMAS LUNCH PARTIES: St John the Evangelist, Bradford on Tuesday 16th December, 12:30pm and St Winefride’s Church Hall, Bradford on Wednesday 17th December, 1pm. Both events feature a 3-course lunch and live music from the Toe Tappers. Tickets are £6. Contact Jean (07960 983384), Michelle (07739 975000), or Moira (07952 258572) for details.

CAROL SERVICE AT THE BRIERY: followed by mulled wine and mince pies - Wednesday 17^th December 7.30pm at The Briery, Ilkley. All are welcome to attend this free event, but please book your place so we bake enough mince pies! 01943 607287 or admin@briery.org.uk

PRIESTLY VOCATIONS DISCERNMENT MEETING: 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 December, Leeds University Chaplaincy, St Margaret’s Avenue (please note parking is very limited) 

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 Lodge vocations@dioceseofleeds.org.uk. 

LIVE NATIVITY: The Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal are hosting a live nativity at Corpus Christi church, Neville Road Saturday 20^th December, 2pm including real animals, party afterwards refreshments, activities for children, Fr Christmas coming with gifts, Carol singing. All welcome.

BEREAVEMENT ACCOMPANIMENT TRAINING: Elizabeth Prout Bereavement Care are offering a two day training course in bereavement accompaniment on Saturdays 17^th and 24^th January 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.

A DAY FOR CATECHISTS "for such as these": Saturday 24^th January, 10am-3pm offered by the Diocesan Vicariate for Education - Hinsley Hall.  A day aimed at those involved with Children's Liturgy of the Word and other ministry with children. We will explore different resources and ideas to best form our children and young people - with times of prayer, input, Mass and discussion. Free event with lunch provided. Please email formation@dioceseofleeds.org.uk to book your place.

ANNUAL LOURDES DINNER DANCE: Friday 13^th February 2026 at the Met hotel in Leeds. Tickets are available from Phil Marshall at £45 or £400 for a table of 10. The ticket price includes reception drink, a 3 course Meal, Tea & coffee, DJ and entertainment throughout the evening. To secure your tickets for this popular event, contact Phil on 07766 148375 or email philmarshall49@outlook.com. All profits at the event go to the Diocesan Lourdes fund.

IRISH NIGHT FUNDRAISER: in aid of the Little sisters of the Poor rebuild fund February 27^th 2026, Irish Centre, York Road, Leeds commencing at 7.30pm. Irish meal soda bread and Irish dessert, Irish music and dancing. Auction, raffle and football card, tickets on sale in Irish Centre and also contact Sister Christina email funds.leeds@lsplondon.co.uk 

CATHOLIC DIOCESAN SUPPLY SERVICE: We are looking for Teachers, Teaching Assistants and SEN Support Staff to work with schools across the Diocese. Please Call us on 0113 331 4121 or 01422 384 100.

THE TWELVE – 2^ND SURVEY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE: The Twelve, the Youth Leadership Team for the Diocese of Leeds, are doing more research into the engagement of young people within their parish and would like to hear from even more young people! The research includes roles that young people undertake, training opportunities, and general ideas for further engagement of young people in the parish. The new survey can be accessed by scanning the QR code on the poster on the noticeboard, or by visiting: https://forms.gle/p4274YfVS3XZBfsB6. Thank you!

LOURDES NURSES VOLUNTEER APPEAL: Are you a qualified nurse? Would you like to join the diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes (3-9 July 2026)? Please contact: lourdes.enquiries@dioceseofleeds.org.uk for further information. We desperately need registered nurses to join the team to enable our assisted pilgrims to travel to Lourdes. This is a wonderful experience, and many nurses return year after year. Please consider joining our friendly, happy team of volunteers and enjoy a truly blessed week with our assisted pilgrims.

ONLINE ROSARY FOR THE DIOCESE: Come together online to pray a Rosary for the needs and intentions of the Diocese using Microsoft Teams. Fridays to 19^th December, 2.30pm Please see events page of Diocesan website for dates/joining instructions.

CATHOLIC CARE CHRISTMAS APPEAL 2025: Catholic Care are supporting over 700 families this Christmas with special Christmas Eve Boxes filled with items to bring joy and togetherness. We’re kindly asking for donations of chocolates or sweets to include in the boxes, or a cash donation to help us purchase items. To donate or learn more, please call 0113 388 5400.
Thank you for helping us make Christmas brighter for those who need it most.

CATHOLIC CARE IS RECRUITING: Full and Part Time Life Skills Mentors in Dewsbury! Salary £24,892 - £26,096 pro rata. Support Ambassadors – Extra Care service - Skipton. Salary £26,096 pro rata. 35 hours per week plus on-call at £100 per shift. Flexibility re shift work and weekends and experience of working with older adults / vulnerable people required. Please email CV to recruitment@catholic-care.org.uk

SHAPE THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION – BECOME A DIRECTOR: The Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust is seeking a Director with a strong strategic educational background to join our Trust Board and help steer long-term direction. This voluntary role is ideal for individuals who understand curriculum development, school improvement, and governance at scale. You will influence key decisions, champion innovation, and ensure high standards across our schools.  If you would like further information about this role please contact Mrs Jemma Johnson, BWCAT Head of Governance at j.johnson@bwcat.org