PARISH EVENTS

A retreat for up to twenty six St Robert's parishioners has been organised to take place at Ampleforth Abbey from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th September 2025. All accommodation and meals will be included and the retreat will be led by Fr Luke Beckett OSB. Details of cost, timings etc. along with how to book are all included in this weekend's bulletin.

“Marvellous Mystery – the Mass comes alive” will be held Jul 21-25, 2025 from 9am – 12pm each day, Monday to Friday, in the parish Centre. All children age 5-11 are welcome! There will be games, music, crafts, and snacks. Adult and Teen volunteers (age 12+) are needed to help run the camp. If interested, please contact Marie Baker as soon as possible at mbaker0813@gmail.com

Look out for a series of sessions planned for the parish in the autumn. Designed to help us to a better understanding of our faith they will also help us to defend it more cogently in a world where people seem to be increasingly looking for meaning.

We are looking for adult and teen volunteers in many different areas - come and see how you can help!

Thank you to those parents who have signed up their children for First Holy Communion this year. Applications for this year's programme have now closed - the registration period of several weeks is now over. The First Holy Communion Programme began with a parents evening on Tuesday 22 nd April 2025. This was an opportunity for all parents to attend a presentation on what the programme involves and on the work that they are expected to do with their children at home between the sessions. The catechesis takes place after the 9am Mass from 10-11.30am on Sundays 27 th April, 11 th May and 18 th May with your child receiving First Holy Communion at their usual mass time throughout June. Please arrange with the parish office the mass date and time you would like your child to receive the sacrament for the first time. A plenary mass, when all the children come together to be presented to the parish and receive their certificates, will take place at 9am on Sunday 6 th July. Please note if your child completed their First Reconciliation in 2025, your child will complete their First Holy Communion in 2026.

Please find on the link below a letter from Fr Simon and Miss Collins, headteacher of St Robert's School, outlining information for parents who are considering signing their children up for First Sacraments in St Robert's parish. Details of dates for the First Communion course and dates for holy communions will be announced in due course. This year, families will be given a choice of dates and Masses during the month of June at which their child can make their first holy communion and then there will be a joint celebration organised in July to bring the group together. You will find elsewhere on the website and on the parish bulletin details of the Reconciliation programme. The deadline for application for Confirmation has now passed but candidates will be able to apply for the 2026 Confirmation course in due time.

Click on the link below to see a longer version of the introductory video showing a Birds Eye view of the church. With thanks to Rob Fakes of Skycam in York for his work on this project.

There are currently seven young people attending the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) Course and we keep them in our prayers as they continue to discover where the Lord is leading them. If you have felt called to discover more about the Catholic faith, do speak with Fr Simon after Mass to discuss how the parish can accompany you on your own spiritual journey.

Mary’s Angels parent and baby/toddler group - 1st and 3rd Monday afternoons 1.30-3pm Mum’s and children are valued members of our church family and we would like to invite them to come and join us at St. Roberts Parish Centre, Robert Street, for friendship fun and refreshments. All free! All children from 0-4 years welcome. Dads and grandparents welcome too! Sessions are on 1st and 3rd Monday afternoons of every month during term time from 1.30-3pm. Next sessions are 3rd February, 3rd & 17th March, 28th April, 12th May, 2nd & 16th June, 7th July, 8th & 22nd September. Any enquiries or desire to help even in a small way please call Katherine 01423 734828 .