World Day of Prayer: Friday 7th March

Webmaster • February 28, 2026

World Day of Prayer: A women led, global ecumenical movement – annually first Friday in March Friday 6th March at 2pm at St Mary’s RC Church, Bond End, Knaresborough. Our sisters in Nigeria invite us to join them for the World Day of Prayer. The service they have prepared reflects the theme, “I will give your rest”. 120 participating countries will be celebrating this service on the same day. It begins in Samoa and moves across the world in a continuous wave of prayer, finishing 38 hours later in American Samoa. It truly is a worldwide day of prayer. The World Day of Prayer is an international women-led ecumenical movement that shares the hopes, concerns and prayers of women from around the globe. Each year women from a different country craft a service, sharing their unique spiritual journey and culture. For 2026 the women of Nigeria have created a service that speaks to our need for peace and solace, drawing on their faith and experiences in a world filled with struggles and anxieties. This is the first time for more than 10 years that St Mary’s have held the service - next year it will be held at St John’s CofE. Please support us. Refreshments will be served in the Hall following. ALL ARE WELCOME. More info on the movement can be found at wwdp.org.uk

St Aelred’s Fishy Luncheon

By Webmaster • July 11, 2026
Fishy Lunch: St Aelred’s Hall, Monday 20th July 2026.  All are welcome to come and enjoy fish & chips, mushy peas, bread & butter, coffee/tea and sweets as well as some good chat. Hall opens 12 noon, luncheon served 1230 £8.00 monies to be paid to Tony or Margaret. Please put your names on the list at the back of St Aelred’s Church or phone Tony on 07912790773.

Religious Freedom United Nations Petition

By Webmaster • July 11, 2026
Aid to the Church in Need has launched its first-ever global petition on religious freedom, calling on governments and the United Nations to do more to defend the right to believe, and to ensure that those responsible for persecution are held to account. Stand in solidarity with the persecuted Church and give witness to the importance of religious freedom for all. To add your voice please scan this QR code.

Growing Old Gracefully

By Webmaster • July 11, 2026
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.

Week of Guided Prayer

By Webmaster • July 11, 2026
A Week of Guided Prayer – Will take place between 11th -16th October 2026 Please take a moment to read the leaflet. If you are interested, then please return your completed form to Fr Gerard by Sunday 6th September.

St Aelred’s Summer Fair

By Webmaster • July 11, 2026
St Aelred’s Summer Fayre – A very big thank you to all who worked on and supported St Aelred’s summer fayre last weekend, a total of £1514.05 was raised! There are some raffle prizes to be collected from the back of church.

A Tin a Week

By Webmaster • July 11, 2026
Food Bank: A TIN A WEEK: Our SVPs collect food for the hungry, can you spare a tin a week for this, also some toiletries? These can be left in the boxes at the back of our churches. The Lord tells us to feed the hungry, so thank you all for your donations which are sincerely appreciated.

Volunteers Needed for the Welcome Rota, Saturday Evening Mass

By Webmaster • July 11, 2026
We are looking for a few more volunteers to join the Welcome Rota at Saturday evening Mass at St Aelred's. It's a simple role, welcoming parishioners and visitors, and involves serving approximately once a month. For more information, please speak to Mary Clewes, Deacon David or Canon Gerard.

St Aelred’s Counting Team

By Webmaster • July 11, 2026
We are looking for new volunteers to help count the weekend Mass collections. To be carried out after Sunday Mass, in pairs, only once a month. Please speak to Canon Gerard if you can help.

St Aelred’s and St Mary’s Children’s Liturgy – Volunteers from September 2026

By Webmaster • July 11, 2026
Anyone in the parish is welcome, men in particular, as our current team is entirely female and it’s important for our children to experience a variety of voices and role models. If you would like to help, just let Canon Gerard, Deacon David or Deacon Philip know, so we can get safeguarding checks underway. The only requirement is a willing spirit and the ability to help with one or two Sunday sessions per half-term. All planning is provided.

St Aelred’s APF Mill Hill Red Boxes

By Webmaster • July 11, 2026
Red boxes have all been emptied and can be collected from the library area at the back of church. A cheque for £86.82 has been sent off to Mill Hill. Next collection will be in November. Thank you - Michael Gilhooly.