Luke 24:13-35

According to Catholic Social Teaching, water is a human right that it is due to all people. It is not an economic commodity that can be owned and traded for profit. Access to water is a right to life issue.

In Laudato Si', Pope Francis recognised the insidious connection between poverty and access to water: ‘Our world has a grave social debt towards the poor who lack access to drinking water, because they are denied the right to a life consistent with their inalienable dignity'.

The use of water in the sacrament of baptism makes an ethical claim on Christians to save the water with which they celebrate salvation. Water, like grace, belongs to no one in particular but is freely given for the wellbeing of all. Whenever politics or economics block general access to this universal right, the order of nature and grace is upended.

The sacramental use of water calls on Christians to ensure uninhibited access to clean water for all God's creatures, that they may sip and be refreshed, dip and be renewed, and know the fullness of life offered to all by God who creates, redeems and transforms with this saving gift. Christians are ethically committed to save the water by which they celebrate salvation.

St Augustine Youth Day - Sunday 19th April
The Youth Day is open to all children and young people. Lunch will be provided, along with an afternoon programme. Please note that children under 11 will need to be supervised. Please contact Cassandra for more information/to register. at office.staugustines@dioceseofleeds.org.uk

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2026: The 2026 Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place Friday 3rd to Thursday 9th July 2026. It is hoped that there will be two flights from Leeds. The booking process is now open. Bookings can be made online on https://www.tangney-tours.com/ or by phone direct with Tangney (01732 886666)

A DAY WITH MARY, THE MOTHER OF JESUS: 10am-4pm Wednesday 6th May at The Briery Retreat Centre, Ilkley. Join us for a day entitled ‘Do whatever he tells you', to explore how Mary guides us towards a greater understanding and relationship with Jesus. Requested offering £35pp inclusive of a home-cooked two- course lunch and refreshments. For more information and to book, contact Beth on 01943 607287 or admin@briery.org.uk

"GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES" DAY OF REFLECTION: Saturday 9th May, 10am-3pm, Hinsley Hall. A day of reflection with the Dominican Sisters of St Joseph on our mission to share the faith. Explore the implications of the Great Commission and our call from God to make disciples of all nations, as well as some practical ways to pass on the faith. An uplifting day for all! Lunch included. Register your free place by Friday 1st May by emailing
formation@dioceseofleeds.org

SOLEMN MASS IN LATIN, VESPERS AND BENEDICTION: Leeds Cathedral, Mass at 12Noon (all welcome to join chant rehearsal at 11am), Saturday 25th April 2026: Join in Sung Mass celebrated by Bishop Marcus Stock, in Latin and with Proper chants from the Graduale Parvum. All welcome. Book online www.latin-
liturgy.org/meetings

6-DAY PREACHED RETREAT: "Fire to the Earth! Rediscovering the Surprising Freshness of Jesus through His Parables" Led by Fr Eamonn Mulcahy CSSP 10th - 16th June at The Briery Retreat Centre, Ilkley. Requested offering £675pp fully inclusive, or £250 non-residential. For more information and to book, contact Beth on 01943 607287 or admin@briery.org.uk

CATHOLIC FAMILY HOLIDAYS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT - Castlerigg Manor in Keswick (heart of the Lake District) is offering budget-friendly holidays for Catholic families during May, August, and early September. Breakfast and evening meal are included and there will be Mass on site. Guests have full use of the site including the grounds, games room, chapel, and lounges, and Castlerigg is just a short walk from Keswick and Lake Derwentwater. Ideal for individuals, couples, families, or groups of friends. Head to www.castleriggmanor.com >> stay with us or contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk / 017687 72711

YOUTH MINISTRY GAP YEAR OPPORTUNITY Do you know anyone aged 18-25 who is looking for a new challenge? The Diocese of Lancaster has a Youth Ministry team based in Keswick in the Lake District. They run retreats at Castlerigg Manor and also work in Churches and schools around the area. The ‘Youth Ministry Internship' scheme comes with high quality training, experience, and recognised qualifications and gives young people the chance to join a welcoming community and a vibrant team doing some amazing work. Interested? Contact
director@castleriggmanor.co.uk or

www.castleriggmanor.com

CELEBRATION OF MARRIED LIFE: There will be a special Celebration Mass for Married Life, Leeds Cathedral, Saturday 16th May, 12noon for couples and their families celebrating 25th (Silver), 40th (Ruby), 50th (Golden), 60th (Diamond) and 70th (Platinum) wedding anniversaries this year. There will be an opportunity for couples to renew their marriage vows. If you would like to take part in this celebration, please complete the application form, available at the back of church (return details on form).

THE CHAPEL OF OUR LADY OF THE CRAG, KNARESBOROUGH: We are in need of more trustees, gardeners, volunteers and fundraisers to help us in our mission to keep this unique site open. Donations of plants and money towards our long-term preservation projects would also be welcomed. The Chapel is now open 2-4pm (provided the weather is clement) until the end of September and by appointment at other times. Please see website for more details: www.ourladyofthecrag.org/

All children going to the toilet must be accompanied by their parent/guardian.

Will the parents of the young children who are changing to serve Mass and need assistance please help them. Please do not leave it to other adults.

There is a supply of hosts in each church. Should you need one of the hosts consecrating please make yourself known to the priest before Mass starts.

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