PARISH HEALING AND PRAYER MINISTRY

The Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal are hosting a live nativity at Corpus Christi church, Neville Road Saturday 20th December , 2pm including real animals, party afterwards refreshments, activities for children, Fr Christmas coming with gifts, Carol singing. All welcome.

Suzy fund would like to wish all Parishioners a peaceful and happy Christmas. Thank you for all your donations throughout the year. If you would like to give an extra donation over Christmas, please place in an envelope in the Suzy Collection box/ parish office with your name and we will send out New Year greetings

Please take a note of our mass times for Christmas.

Time for prayers, questions, input from a priest and social time. There are two groups meeting simultaneously; under 18s and over 18s. Fridays 6.30pm-8.15pm: 19th December (Venue TBC). Under 18 participants must complete and return a permission form prior to attending. For permission forms and to notify of attendance (all participants) please contact Vocations Promoter, Fr Simon Lodge vocations@dioceseofleeds.org.uk .

Friday 13th February 2026 at the Met hotel in Leeds. Tickets are available from Phil Marshall at £45 or £400 for a table of 10. The ticket price includes reception drink, a 3 course Meal, Tea & coffee, DJ and entertainment throughout the evening. To secure your tickets for this popular event, contact Phil on 07766 148375 or email philmarshall49@outlook.com . All profits at the event go to the Diocesan Lourdes fund.

The Twelve, the Youth Leadership Team for the Diocese of Leeds, are doing more research into the engagement of young people within their parish and would like to hear from even more young people! The research includes roles that young people undertake, training opportunities, and general ideas for further engagement of young people in the parish. The new survey can be accessed by scanning the QR code on the poster on the noticeboard, or by visiting: https://forms.gle/p4274YfVS3XZBfsB6 . Thank you!

Our Lady of Unfailing Help! Pray that the Lord of the Harvest will send labourers into His harvest and that He will grant an abundance of vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life within the Diocese of Leeds, and throughout the world. Amen.

The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word meaning “rejoice.” This Sunday is so named because “Rejoice” is the first word in the entrance antiphon for today's Mass taken from Philippians 4:4,5: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.” Some people mark this Sunday on their Advent wreath with a pink instead of purple candle. This week's Gospel Reading continues our Advent reflection on the person and message of John the Baptist. Last week we heard John speak about his relationship to the coming Messiah, Jesus. This week, we hear Jesus' message to John the Baptist, now in prison, about the signs of the kingdom found in Jesus' ministry and Jesus' assessment of John's role in the Kingdom of God. In today's Gospel, John sends word to Jesus from prison, asking if Jesus is the Messiah for whom he has been waiting. Jesus responds by pointing to the miracles that he has worked and invites John and the other hearers to make their own determination. In his next breath, however, Jesus praises John for his role in preparing the way for Jesus. Then Jesus says that all of those who work for the Kingdom of God will be as great as John and even greater. Jesus' message to John about the signs of the kingdom being performed recalls the salvation described by the prophet Isaiah. This passage is a reminder that the beginning of salvation is already mysteriously present to us, but also yet to be fulfilled. Even as we observe our world today, we can find glimpses of God's work among us. Even more, we help to prepare the way for God's kingdom by our words and our deeds. This message is indeed a cause for rejoicing.

The next Healing Service will be on 10th December 2025 at 7pm in St Mary’s RC Church, Horsforth. This is a beautiful opportunity to pray for healing for yourself or others, whether physical, psychological, or spiritual. Remember Jesus is alive, and miracles can and do happen! Everyone is welcome, including non-Catholics and those of no faith - all that is needed is an openness to Jesus. If you would like to know more, please contact Fr. Michael Doody or ask Gill Atkinson.