Diocese of Leeds News

DIOCESE OF LEEDS EVENTS - 27th September 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: 23^rd September to 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

SPARK SOCIAL JUSTICE: Join our conversations on faith, hope and peace, reflecting on Theology in Gaza, with author John Munayer “The Cross and the Olive Tree” and Professor Esther McIntosh, Professor of Feminist Theology at York University. On 29^th September 7pm-9pm. See www.sparkssocialjustice.org.ukto book a place.

HANDMAIDS WOMEN’S GROUP: Join the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal for Adoration, Music, Rosary, opportunity for Sacrament of Reconciliation and refreshments. Fridays 2^nd October, 6^th November,4^th December 7-8.30pm Corpus Christi Church, Neville Road, Leeds.

THE LEEDS CATHOLIC VOICE IS THE NEW FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR OUR DIOCESE:

Launching from weekend of 3 & 4 October, which is also the deadline for sending any articles, photographs or ideas for the November edition to communications@rcdmidd.org.uk or communications@dioceseofleeds.org.uk 

Please note - Parish Offices will receive 50 copies of the first edition, and can request more or fewer copies using their CASPAR login. More details here: https://www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/new-newspaper-for-the-diocese/

VENI EMMANUEL ADVENT MUSIC FOR PARISH MUSICIANS: Sunday 4^th October, 2-4pm, Queen's Hall, Immaculate Heart of Mary, LS17 6LE. Parish musicians, choir members and all involved in liturgical music are invited to an afternoon of Advent music/reflection. Discover new Advent repertoire, gain spiritual inspiration for the new liturgical year, and connect with fellow musicians from across the Diocese.Admission free, suggested donation £5. Hosted by Diocese of Leeds Music and Faith Formation. To book, email formation@dioceseofleeds.org.uk.

ANNUAL BATLEY TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION 75^TH ANNIVERSARY: The Parish of St Mary & St Patrick, Batley/Birstall, warmly invite you to join them and Bishop Marcus to process from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School to St Mary of the Angels’ Church. Monday 5^th October, 7:30pm. A fine expression of our Catholic faith honouring Our Lady and uniting us in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. We also welcome friends from Hallam/Middlesbrough Dioceses. Refreshments afterwards. Any questions please contact Fr Eamonn 01924 474650/eamonn.hegarty@dioceseofleeds.org.uk

GROWING OLD GRACE-FULLY CARERS PROJECT: is hosting an October series of Devotions to our Lady, including reflections/prayers for carers and loved ones. The first of the series, the Joyful Mysteries will be a live online session (Tuesday 6th October, 7pm). A recorded session, praying the next three Mysteries of the Rosary, will then be released weekly during October on the Growing Old Grace-fully YouTube channel. For more information/to attend the online Rosary, email Michelle, carersproject@growingoldgracefully.org.uk

"IT IS BEAUTIFUL TO BE OLD" - OLDER PEOPLE AND CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING: Tuesday 13^th October 2026, 10am-1:30pm, Cathedral Hall, Leeds. This event, hosted by Growing Old Grace-fully will explore Catholic Social Teaching regarding the blessings of later life, led by theologian Dr Peter Kevern. To book a place, please email growing.old.gracefully@dioceseofleeds.org.uk

CARITAS LEEDS - DAY OF REFLECTION: Saturday 17 October, 9.30am–2.15pm at Hinsley Hall. A day of prayer and discussion as we renew our call to serve society and put Catholic Social Teaching into action. Includes Caritas information sessions, scripture reflection and a hot lunch. Attendance is free. To book, email caritas.leeds@catholic-care.org.uk by 30 September.

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

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

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.

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   

BISHOP MARCUS AND THE DIOCESAN TRUSTEES: are still seeking volunteers as independent members to join a newly established Audit and Risk Committee. The commitment is four meetings a year. This would be a two-to-three year commitment as discussions and consultations about bringing together the Dioceses of Leeds, Middlesbrough and Hallam progress; and would be of great value in a process of unification. We are seeking those who have skills or experience in the areas of Audit, Risk, Finance and Governance. For further information please contact Carla Stockton-Jones, Trustee: carla.stockton-jones@dioceseofleeds.org.uk or Mgr Andrew Summersgill, Moderator of the Curia andrew.summersgill@dioceseofleeds.org.uk

CATHOLIC CARE RECRUITMENT: 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 Workers required in Bradford £15.07 per hour inclusive. Please see our website for details -www.catholic-care.org.uk/jobs

PROPERTY OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR: The Diocese of Leeds, are seeking to recruit a Property Office Administrator to provide comprehensive administrative support to the Property Department, ensuring the efficient operation of the Property Department and maintaining effective communication with internal and external stakeholders. This is a full-time role of 37hrs per week, Monday to Friday. Further details can be found at www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk or you can register your interest at recruitment@dioceseofleeds.org.uk. Closing date is Friday, 2 October 2026. 

DUTY MANAGER/RECEPTIONIST: Hinsley Hall, are seeking to recruit a Duty Manager/Receptionist to oversee the day to day running of the reception desk as well as being part of the receptionist team, dealing with conference/hotel guests on a day-to-day basis. Full-time role: 37.5hrs per week working 5 days out of 7 on a rotating rota, including evenings and weekends. Further details at www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk or register your interest at recruitment@dioceseofleeds.org.uk. Closing date: Friday, 2 October.