St Aelrred's PPC Meeting minutes

Week of Guided Prayer – 11th-16th October 2026. Please take an information leaflet from the back of church and consider taking part in this valuable offering for ALL parishioners . You do not need to have taken part in a retreat before. You will be supported through the process. If you wish to talk it through, ask questions etc before committing, speak to Fr Gerard, Deacon David, Deacon Philip or Bernadette. If you would like to take part, then please return your completed form to Fr Gerard by Sunday 6th September.

Pilgrimage to Walsingham Saturday 26th September – We are joining the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham. The coach will depart Harrogate at 6.15am arriving in time for Mass at 12noon, followed by a procession along the Holy Mile and Benediction in the Abbey grounds. We expect to return to Harrogate about 10pm. Please bring a packed lunch. On the return journey, we are hoping to stop by the seaside for fish and chips. The cost is £35 per person (including fish and chips). Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. For further details or to book a place, please email Caroline: office.strobert@dioceseofleeds.org.uk

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is back in the House of Commons, seeking to legalise assisted suicide. MPs vote on Friday, 11 th September 2026, so please consider contacting your MP by going to: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide/

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-tothree-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

Dates for your diary: Finance Advisory Groups: St Mary’s Sunday 6th September at 11.30am. St Aelred’s, 7pm, Tuesday 15th September. Gift Aid Sunday across both parishes: Sunday 6th September there will be an opportunity after all Masses to join our standing order and gift aid scheme. PPC Meetings: St Aelred’s 6.45pm on Tuesday 8th September. St Mary’s Sunday 13th September at 11.30am. Items for both Agendas no later that Thursday 3rd September. St Aelred’s Parish BBQ: Saturday 19th September from 4pm. Tickets on sale soon. CAFOD Harvest Family Fast Day : Will be on Friday 2nd October. Collection Sunday 4th October 2026 November Mass for the deceased: 7pm - Tuesday 10th November STA Confirmations 2026: will be celebrated on the feast of Christ the King 22nd November 2026. Preparations will be held on Sundays 18th October and 8th November. 11.30am to 2pm First Reconciliation: will be held on Saturday 14th March 2027 at 4.30pm at St Aelred’s. Wednesday 17th March 2027 at 6pm at St Mary’s. A meeting for parents from St Mary’s on Sunday 29th November 2026 following the School Family Mass. A meeting for parents from St Aelred’s on Saturday 28th November 2026 at 4.30pm in church. First Communions: will be held at St Mary’s on 22nd May 2027 at 11am and St Aelred’s on Sunday 23rd May 2027 at 9am. A meeting for parents from St Mary’s on Sunday 29th November 2026 following the School Family Mass. A meeting for parents from St Aelred’s on Saturday 28th November 2026 at 4.30pm in church. Christmas Fair St Aelred’s: 29th November 2026. Christmas Lunch for both parishes will be held at St Aelred’s on 9th December 2026 . Advent Reconciliation Service . Thursday 10th December 7pm STA

If you have any blooms you would like to share, please place them at the back of either St Aelred’s or St Mary’s church, for our flower teams to arrange them. Thank you.

DIOCESE OF LEEDS: JUSTICE AND PEACE COMMISSION View the July 2026 Newsletter here

Family Film Night! All are welcome to join us for the Family Film Night in St Aelred's Hall, Harrogate this Sunday 2nd August at 5:30pm , £5 per family (to be paid on the door). Hotdogs and ice cream included! Bring along some cozy blankets, cushions and yourselves, see you there!

Growing Old Gracefully - are holding a reflection morning on Saturday November 14th at St Joseph's in Wetherby led by Paula Shanks focusing on the Spiritual needs of unpaid Carers.