St Robert's Building Fund
Launched!
The St Robert's Building Fund was launched at Masses on Low Sunday weekend. Previously, it was announced that, due to an accumulation of quite urgent work which needs to take place on the church and presbytery, mainly in the area of roof and drains, we would be setting up such a Fund to ease the burden on existing parish funds. The work is expected to last between three and five years, with a plan to begin in the autumn this year. The total cost is reckoned to be in the region of £300,000.
An overview of the proposed works with pictures of some of the affected areas is available at the link below and we will be giving regular updates on the progress of both the fund and the work once it starts.
The architect’s proposals are still going through the various diocesan committees whose approval is needed in terms of art, architecture and finance (the church is a listed building). A reminder that the advantage of the Fund is that it can be gift aided and the Diocese will not take any portion of it as part of their assessment. There will be a monthly update given to the parish at Mass or in the bulletin/on the website each month. It is hoped the work will begin in the autumn starting with the liturgical south elevation facing the presbytery. Thank you for all your generosity.
Many thanks to parishioner Eddie Gray, Leeds United legend, for spending time with us at the mens' evening on Wednesday. His insight into decades of football history had everyone riveted. His fraternal kindness and conviviality was much appreciated by all. Thank you to Bill for organising, for those who helped with the bar and setting up and to Katherine and Marie for a delicious supper.
All parishioners are invited to our first film night on 8th June at 5pm in the Parish Centre. With appropriate licensing, we will be showing "The Mission", the emotional historical drama of Jesuits in eighteenth-century South America. Featuring standout performances from Jeremy Irons, Robert de Niro and Liam Neeson (in only his third major movie), the backdrop of Iguacu Falls and the beauty of Ennio Morricone's score complement this tale of Catholic faith and colonial power. (Ice creams in the interval!)
Please pray for five adult Confirmation Candidates due to be confirmed at a Mass on Pentecost Sunday. They have begun their preparations for the event at which three will also make their first communion. It is wonderful to see people returning/coming to faith in our parish and they appreciate your prayers as they move forward on their spiritual journey. If you would like to enquire about adult baptism/confirmation, please have a word with Fr Simon after Mass or email him on simon.bradbury@dioceseofleeds.org.uk
Many thanks to Marie Baker for her work on refurbishing the Kirkstall Room, paid for by a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund. The room, on the first floor of the parish centre, is now available to book for parish meetings or for rental by outside agencies.
We are looking for adult and teen volunteers in many different areas - come and see how you can help!
SAVE THE DATE FOR HOLIDAY BIBLE CAMP 2025! “Marvelous Mystery – the Mass comes alive” will be held Jul 21-25, 2025 from 9am – 12pm each day in the parish Centre. All children age 5-11 are welcome! There will be games, music, crafts, and snacks. Please check the web site for more details. 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
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. More details of cost, timings etc. will be promulgated closer to the time along with the opportunity to book a place. Save the date if you would like to join us.
The next Seminar will take place on Sunday 22nd June at 10am in preparation for the Baptism Mass at 11am on Sunday 29th June when children will be baptised into the Church and our parish family. Please pray for our children to be baptised, their parents and godparents as they all prepare, together, for this momentous day in the spiritual journey of these little ones. Please hand the completed enrolment form, which is available at the back of church, to Fr Simon.
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.