Following on from the Bishop’s Pastoral letter last weekend, this is a reminder that any man who is even remotely thinking about a vocation to the priesthood is invited to meet with Bishop Marcus and members of the Vocations Promotion Team. Hinsley Hall, Pentecost Sunday, 8 June, 2pm lasting about an hour, including prayers/talks/Q&A. Under 18s must be accompanied by parent/guardian. Any initial questions to Fr Simon Lodge ( simon.lodge@dioceseofleeds.org.uk /01247 872984).

Friday 11th July – Wine Call My Bluff. Back by popular demand! 7pm in the Parish Centre. £15 per person. Tickets on sale soon.

Novenas are part of the popular piety of the Church, the oldest Novena being the nine days spent by the Apostles, in company with Our Lady, between the Lord's Ascension and the Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. With this in mind, the Vocations Promotion Team has prepared a Novena to mark this ancient observation, focusing on praying to the Holy Spirit for an increase of priestly vocations in our diocese. It can also be used for our private intentions

Saturday, 7 June at 12.00 . The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is the Church's sacrament for those who are seriously ill and aging. We pray for God's grace to strengthen someone who is suffering from any form of illness. Everyone is welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Parish Centre. If anyone requires transport, please contact the SVP on 07526 099 523 or leave a message at the parish office.

This portion of John's Gospel comes near the end of the first of four chapters that make up Jesus' long farewell discourse at the Last Supper. This section of chapter 14 actually sums up the themes of the opening of the discourse: the Christian's life is not shaped by Jesus' absence but by God's abiding presence; God's presence overcomes anxiety about God's absence; and the present holds in it the seeds of a fresh future shaped by love, not fear. These verses also contain a glimpse of some of the other themes of the farewell discourse: Jesus' relationship with the Father and the disciples' relationship to Jesus connect the disciples to the Father as well. Jesus promises to send an Advocate or intercessor who will remind the disciples of everything that Jesus taught them and bring them peace. Jesus is preparing his disciples in advance for his absence so that they will continue to believe in him and not feel all alone after his return to the Father. After the initial excitement of his Easter appearances, Jesus will remain with his followers in a very different way throughout the centuries. As our celebration of the Easter season is coming to an end, the liturgy reminds us that Jesus remains with us through the Holy Spirit, who teaches us everything we need to know, reminds us of all that Jesus taught, and brings us peace.

The group will meet Wednesday 28th May at 1pm for a Ploughman's lunch in the Parish Centre, followed by a group game and quiz. If you have not put your name down for the lunch, you can still join the group for the meeting at 2pm. Please note: Monday 26th May is Bank Holiday Monday, hence meeting on Wednesday 28th

PARISH HEALING AND PRAYER MINISTRY In our Church we have witnessed healing, both physical and emotional through prayer ministry, and miraculous healing through prayer requests. When we think of miracles, we often imagine stories from Biblical times or the lives of the Saints long ago. However, miracles still happen in the modern world, touching the lives of ordinary people every day. These are a few testimonies of prayers said from our Church over the past year:

This year’s Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse in the Dioceses of England and Wales is Tuesday 20th May 2025 . There will be special Liturgical Service in the Cathedral on Tuesday 20 May at 2:00pm. The liturgy will comprise the Office of None from the Liturgy of the Hours and prayers for victims and survivors of abuse.

Join the SVP Leeds Annual Family Sponsored Walk on Sunday, 18 May 2025 , around Wetherby. Choose between a 3 or 9 mile walk—great for all ages! Enjoy games, quizzes, and a treasure hunt. Start time: 12:00. Proceeds support St. Vincent’s Centre aiding those in poverty across Leeds. More info: https://svp.org.uk/stvincentsleeds, LeighB@svp.org.uk, 0113- 2484126, or your Parish SVP Conference.