The Catholic Parish of
Saint John Henry Newman
Covering most of East Leeds
Parish Bulletin - Week Commencing: 30th November 2025
First Sunday of Advent
Year A
PRAYER INTENTIONS OF THE HOLY FATHER FOR November - For the prevention of suicide. Let us pray that those who are tempted to commit suicide might find the support, care and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life.
Today : St Francis Xavier, Priest
Year A
PRAYER INTENTIONS OF THE HOLY FATHER FOR November - For the prevention of suicide. Let us pray that those who are tempted to commit suicide might find the support, care and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life.
Today : St Francis Xavier, Priest
Parish Notices
Parish office will be closed Friday 5th December & Monday 8th December. Reopen on Tuesday.
Newman Weekly Draw 11/20 GOOD LUCK
£25 081 Jean Wilson
£15 090 Julie Moore
£10 047 Stephanie Chana Manfredin
Thank you for your support.
Sharing Sunday - Annual SVP Appeal: Are able to contribute a gift for a child who might not otherwise receive one on Christmas morning? If so, please can you bring it to Mass with you on our Sharing Sunday - 23rd November.
There is no need to wrap it as we have a team of volunteers ready to help with that activity. All gifts will be delivered in time for Christmas. This appeal is for school age children 4 - 16. Many thanks for your support.
CAFOD World Gifts - Ideas for Christmas gifts. Pick up a leaflet from the church porches.
The PPC want to arrange a social group to arrange events in the parish. If no Social group no event. They are hoping to organise a pie & pea supper & quiz night on the 24th January. If you can help, please contact any of the PPC members or email the parish office asap on
office.stjohnnewman@dioceseofleeds.org.uk
Parish Faith Alive. A chance to get together, have a catch up over a cuppa and enjoy sharing how our faith is going in our day to day lives. It's a very welcoming and friendly group. Please come along and bring a friend
The next meeting is Thursday 27th November in the Newman Centre Lounge. 7 pm.
Joyce Marshall celebrates her 90th Birthday on the 13th December. She is having an open house to celebrate between 1pm to 4pm. If you would like more details contact Philip Marshall on 07766 148375 or email philmarshall49@outlook.com
Thank you to Fatima & Laura for running the Christmas Fair. A total of £236 was raised. £118 has been given to the SVP and the other £118 Ha gone to the Parish food bank.
The Credit Union Office at St Gregory's will not be open after 9am Mass on Sunday 30th November and Sunday 14th December
Newman Weekly Draw 11/20 GOOD LUCK
£25 081 Jean Wilson
£15 090 Julie Moore
£10 047 Stephanie Chana Manfredin
Thank you for your support.
Advent & Christmas 2025
Sunday 30th November the crib like in recent years will be assembled a little at a time in front of the main Altar in our 3 churches. The Children's Liturgy groups will do this at the 3 main Masses on a Sunday. There will be a collection box in front of each Crib for The Bethlehem Care and Hospice Trust (BCHT) is a charity providing end of life care to people in Bethlehem. When visiting the Crib please consider making a donating. Further information on BHCT is available at:
https://bethlehemcareandhospicetrust.org/.
Advent Day by Day book available in all our churches £1 each.
Sunday 30th November First Sunday of Advent - Church Together Advent Worship at St James Manston at 4pm.
Parish Carol Service Sunday 14th December at 3pm in St Theresa's Church, music by Corpus Christi Brass Band, followed by refreshment.
Live Nativity at Corpus Christi Church on Saturday 20th December at 2pm.
Christmas card, calendar etc are available in all our 3 churches piety stalls from this weekend.
https://bethlehemcareandhospicetrust.org/.
Advent Day by Day book available in all our churches £1 each.
Sunday 30th November First Sunday of Advent - Church Together Advent Worship at St James Manston at 4pm.
Parish Carol Service Sunday 14th December at 3pm in St Theresa's Church, music by Corpus Christi Brass Band, followed by refreshment.
Live Nativity at Corpus Christi Church on Saturday 20th December at 2pm.
Christmas card, calendar etc are available in all our 3 churches piety stalls from this weekend.
Sharing Sunday - Annual SVP Appeal: Are able to contribute a gift for a child who might not otherwise receive one on Christmas morning? If so, please can you bring it to Mass with you on our Sharing Sunday - 23rd November.
There is no need to wrap it as we have a team of volunteers ready to help with that activity. All gifts will be delivered in time for Christmas. This appeal is for school age children 4 - 16. Many thanks for your support.
CAFOD World Gifts - Ideas for Christmas gifts. Pick up a leaflet from the church porches.
The PPC want to arrange a social group to arrange events in the parish. If no Social group no event. They are hoping to organise a pie & pea supper & quiz night on the 24th January. If you can help, please contact any of the PPC members or email the parish office asap on
office.stjohnnewman@dioceseofleeds.org.uk
Parish Faith Alive. A chance to get together, have a catch up over a cuppa and enjoy sharing how our faith is going in our day to day lives. It's a very welcoming and friendly group. Please come along and bring a friend
The next meeting is Thursday 27th November in the Newman Centre Lounge. 7 pm.
Joyce Marshall celebrates her 90th Birthday on the 13th December. She is having an open house to celebrate between 1pm to 4pm. If you would like more details contact Philip Marshall on 07766 148375 or email philmarshall49@outlook.com
Thank you to Fatima & Laura for running the Christmas Fair. A total of £236 was raised. £118 has been given to the SVP and the other £118 Ha gone to the Parish food bank.
The Credit Union Office at St Gregory's will not be open after 9am Mass on Sunday 30th November and Sunday 14th December
Church Cleaning Times
St. Theresa's Church Cleaners
Team B Thursday 4th December
Corpus Christi Church Cleaning
Thursday 18th December - Then 3rd Thursday each month after mass
St Gregory's Church cleaning
Team B Thursday 4th December
Corpus Christi Church Cleaning
Thursday 18th December - Then 3rd Thursday each month after mass
St Gregory's Church cleaning
Gospel Meditaion
Matthew 24:37-44
On Spiritual Complacency
People in Noah's day were oblivious until the flood came. Am I similarly asleep, absorbed in life's daily rhythms, while remaining spiritually unprepared? Lord, shake me from my complacency and keep me watchful for your coming.
On Being Truly Ready
Two men will be in the field; one is taken. Does my external Christian activity mask an unprepared heart? Am I living in a state of genuine, moment-by-moment readiness, or am I presuming on God's grace and assuming I'll have more time?
On the Unexpected Moment
Jesus compares his return to a thief in the night. Does this sense of holy urgency inform my choices? Or do I live as if that day is far off, structuring my life around everything but the promise of his sudden appearance?
On Active Watchfulness
‘Therefore, keep watch.' This is a command to active, intentional living. What does ‘keeping watch' actually look like for me today? Is it merely a head knowledge, or is it transforming my priorities, my prayers, and how I love others right now?
Diocesan & Other Notices
LIVE-STREAMING OF MASS FROM LEEDS CATHEDRAL - continues each Sunday to live stream Mass. Visit:
www.leedscathedrallive.org.uk or
https://www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/cathedral
SEE NOTICE BOARD FOR VARIOUS JOB VACANCIES ACROSS THE DIOCESE.
CATHOLIC CARE VACANCIES: Vacancies across the Diocese, visit www.catholic-care.org.uk or call 0113 388 5400.
JOIN BISHOP MARCUS IN PRAYING FOR VOCATIONS: 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.
PRIESTLY VOCATIONS DISCERNMENT MEETINGS: 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 simon.lodge@dioceseofleeds.org.uk.
CATHOLIC CARE IS HOSTING TWO CHRISTMAS LUNCH PARTIES: St John the Evangelist, Bradford on Tuesday 16th December, 12:30pm and St Winefride's Church Hall, Bradford on Wednesday 17th December, 1pm. Both events feature a 3-course lunch and live music from the Toe Tappers. Tickets are £6. Contact Jean (07960 983384), Michelle (07739 975000), or Moira (07952 258572) for details.
ONLINE ROSARY FOR THE DIOCESE: There will be regular opportunities to come together online to pray a Rosary for the needs and intentions of the Diocese using Microsoft Teams. Please email anne.cooke@dioceseofleeds.org.uk to be added to the mailing list for dates/joining instructions.
WOMEN OF HOPE - AN ADVENT WEEKEND RETREAT - 12th - 14th December at The Briery, Ilkley. As the Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee year comes to an end, join us for a weekend unwrapping gifts from scripture, with music and art, and plenty of time for personal reflection. For more information and to book, contact the Administrators on 01943 607287 or admin@briery.org.uk
THE GIFT OF JESUS - ADVENT UN-WRAPPED: Exploration of the Liturgical Season of Advent - a Day of Reflection led by Fr Dennis Cassidy at The Briery on Saturday 6th December. £25pp including a soup lunch and dessert and all refreshments. For more information and to book, contact the Administrators on 01943 607287 or admin@briery.org.uk
HEALING SERVICE: 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.
CAROL SERVICE AT THE BRIERY: followed by mulled wine and mince pies - Wednesday 17th December 7.30pm at The Briery, Ilkley. All are welcome to attend this free event, but please book your place so we bake enough mince pies! 01943 607287 or
admin@briery.org.uk
BATLEY JUBILEE MASS WITH BISHOP MARCUS: Over the Jubilee Year St Mary's, Batley, have been celebrating monthly Prayer Vigils on the 1st Friday of each month, comprising of Stations of the Cross at 6.00pm, Rosary at 7.00pm and Mass at 8.00pm, with Adoration/Confessions throughout. I am delighted to welcome Bishop Marcus who will be celebrating the final Mass on Friday 5th December at 8.00pm. Please do join us for any part of this Prayer Vigil.
www.leedscathedrallive.org.uk or
https://www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/cathedral
SEE NOTICE BOARD FOR VARIOUS JOB VACANCIES ACROSS THE DIOCESE.
CATHOLIC CARE VACANCIES: Vacancies across the Diocese, visit www.catholic-care.org.uk or call 0113 388 5400.
JOIN BISHOP MARCUS IN PRAYING FOR VOCATIONS: 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.
PRIESTLY VOCATIONS DISCERNMENT MEETINGS: 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 simon.lodge@dioceseofleeds.org.uk.
CATHOLIC CARE IS HOSTING TWO CHRISTMAS LUNCH PARTIES: St John the Evangelist, Bradford on Tuesday 16th December, 12:30pm and St Winefride's Church Hall, Bradford on Wednesday 17th December, 1pm. Both events feature a 3-course lunch and live music from the Toe Tappers. Tickets are £6. Contact Jean (07960 983384), Michelle (07739 975000), or Moira (07952 258572) for details.
ONLINE ROSARY FOR THE DIOCESE: There will be regular opportunities to come together online to pray a Rosary for the needs and intentions of the Diocese using Microsoft Teams. Please email anne.cooke@dioceseofleeds.org.uk to be added to the mailing list for dates/joining instructions.
WOMEN OF HOPE - AN ADVENT WEEKEND RETREAT - 12th - 14th December at The Briery, Ilkley. As the Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee year comes to an end, join us for a weekend unwrapping gifts from scripture, with music and art, and plenty of time for personal reflection. For more information and to book, contact the Administrators on 01943 607287 or admin@briery.org.uk
THE GIFT OF JESUS - ADVENT UN-WRAPPED: Exploration of the Liturgical Season of Advent - a Day of Reflection led by Fr Dennis Cassidy at The Briery on Saturday 6th December. £25pp including a soup lunch and dessert and all refreshments. For more information and to book, contact the Administrators on 01943 607287 or admin@briery.org.uk
HEALING SERVICE: 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.
CAROL SERVICE AT THE BRIERY: followed by mulled wine and mince pies - Wednesday 17th December 7.30pm at The Briery, Ilkley. All are welcome to attend this free event, but please book your place so we bake enough mince pies! 01943 607287 or
admin@briery.org.uk
BATLEY JUBILEE MASS WITH BISHOP MARCUS: Over the Jubilee Year St Mary's, Batley, have been celebrating monthly Prayer Vigils on the 1st Friday of each month, comprising of Stations of the Cross at 6.00pm, Rosary at 7.00pm and Mass at 8.00pm, with Adoration/Confessions throughout. I am delighted to welcome Bishop Marcus who will be celebrating the final Mass on Friday 5th December at 8.00pm. Please do join us for any part of this Prayer Vigil.
Safeguarding
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.
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.
Marriage
If you are thinking of getting married in any of our churches at least 6 months' notice must be given. This will enable the couple's preparation and the necessary paper work to be completed
Gluten Free Hosts
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.
Mass Offerings
If you wish a Mass to be said on a certain date for a special intention then we ask you to please give 12 weeks' notice.
Pregnant?
LIFE: Pregnant?
Need to talk? Life will help. Ring 07554003000
Need to talk? Life will help. Ring 07554003000
Children's Liturgy
All children & adults attending children's liturgy must sign the weekly register.
PLEASE REMEMBER THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS
Please pray for the repose of:
Fr David Bulmer, Eliane Veronica Long, Marie Theresa Warren, Sandrine, who have died recently and Paddy Gibbons, Frank Barnes, Timothy Haley, Sabina Gaffney & Peggy Nolan whose anniversaries occur at this time.
Please Pray for All Who Are Sick, including:
Baby Eden, Baby Rudeen, Chris Black, Ian Booth, , Michael Brighton, Tony Britten, Dorothy Brown, Des Browne, Charlotte, Maria Clark, Doreen Clarke, Mak Connell, Sheila Cornick, Peter Cumiskey, Ralph Daley, Andrew Davison, Karen Dean, Phyllis Dempsey, Andrew Diamond, Mary Ferguson, Marilyn Furness, Riya George, Mary Gill, Laura Griffin, Jason Grudzien, Susan Haigh, Anna Hargreaves, David Hawkins, Mary Henry, Shirley Heselton, Barbara Howland, Lily Howley, Freddie Humphries (4yrs), Julie, Jane, Margaret Lawrence, Maureen Ludden (Hull), Paul Mallinson, Bridget Mallon, Pat Marfitt, Megan McDonnell, Trevor McDonnell, Maureen McGreevy (Ireland) Rosemarie McGreevy, Jean McGuire, Emma Mather, Michella Morton, Angela Murphy, Ellen Musarurwa, Mark Nithsdale, Rose North, Hannah O'Dea, Patrick O'Mahoney, Joanne O'Hara (nee Readman), Jim Oliver, Alison Pegg, Martin Place, Christine Richardson, Peggy Richardson, Elijah Robinson, Irene Robinson, Margaret Royston, Winifred Shearme (ne Hayes) John Small, June Smith, Rita Smith, Patricia Spencer, Maureen Standing, Lucy Stead, Paula Swires, John Taylor, Callum Tempest, Carl Toth, Deborah Tree, Peter Turner, Susan Varney, Veron Vincent, Pauline Wagstaff, Anthony (Tony) Waite, Helen Waite (McManus), Caron Ward, Patricia Ward, Faye Walsh, Anthony Walsh, Jim Walsh, Margaret Webb.
Is there anyone you have put on that can now be removed? If so, please contact the parish office on 0113 2645260 or email office.stjohnnewman@dioceseofleeds.org.uk
Mass intentions received:
For the Lately Deceased:
Imtiyaz Ishaque Ansari, Jubin Thomas, Philip Taylor x 4 Masses, Sheila Johnson, Michael O'Dwyer
For Anniversaries:
Anthony Cohen, Sandra Stead, Noreen & Michael Haswell, Kathleen Johnson, Patricia Sedgwick, Doreen Marshall, Molly Marotti,
Special Intentions
Joanne O'Hara Operation, Maureen & Eugene O'Connor Christmas wishes, Katie Cunningham Operation, Geraldine Rawes Special Intention,
New names will be added to the sick list in alphabetical order and highlighted for the first week.
Fr David Bulmer, Eliane Veronica Long, Marie Theresa Warren, Sandrine, who have died recently and Paddy Gibbons, Frank Barnes, Timothy Haley, Sabina Gaffney & Peggy Nolan whose anniversaries occur at this time.
Please Pray for All Who Are Sick, including:
Baby Eden, Baby Rudeen, Chris Black, Ian Booth, , Michael Brighton, Tony Britten, Dorothy Brown, Des Browne, Charlotte, Maria Clark, Doreen Clarke, Mak Connell, Sheila Cornick, Peter Cumiskey, Ralph Daley, Andrew Davison, Karen Dean, Phyllis Dempsey, Andrew Diamond, Mary Ferguson, Marilyn Furness, Riya George, Mary Gill, Laura Griffin, Jason Grudzien, Susan Haigh, Anna Hargreaves, David Hawkins, Mary Henry, Shirley Heselton, Barbara Howland, Lily Howley, Freddie Humphries (4yrs), Julie, Jane, Margaret Lawrence, Maureen Ludden (Hull), Paul Mallinson, Bridget Mallon, Pat Marfitt, Megan McDonnell, Trevor McDonnell, Maureen McGreevy (Ireland) Rosemarie McGreevy, Jean McGuire, Emma Mather, Michella Morton, Angela Murphy, Ellen Musarurwa, Mark Nithsdale, Rose North, Hannah O'Dea, Patrick O'Mahoney, Joanne O'Hara (nee Readman), Jim Oliver, Alison Pegg, Martin Place, Christine Richardson, Peggy Richardson, Elijah Robinson, Irene Robinson, Margaret Royston, Winifred Shearme (ne Hayes) John Small, June Smith, Rita Smith, Patricia Spencer, Maureen Standing, Lucy Stead, Paula Swires, John Taylor, Callum Tempest, Carl Toth, Deborah Tree, Peter Turner, Susan Varney, Veron Vincent, Pauline Wagstaff, Anthony (Tony) Waite, Helen Waite (McManus), Caron Ward, Patricia Ward, Faye Walsh, Anthony Walsh, Jim Walsh, Margaret Webb.
Is there anyone you have put on that can now be removed? If so, please contact the parish office on 0113 2645260 or email office.stjohnnewman@dioceseofleeds.org.uk
Mass intentions received:
For the Lately Deceased:
Imtiyaz Ishaque Ansari, Jubin Thomas, Philip Taylor x 4 Masses, Sheila Johnson, Michael O'Dwyer
For Anniversaries:
Anthony Cohen, Sandra Stead, Noreen & Michael Haswell, Kathleen Johnson, Patricia Sedgwick, Doreen Marshall, Molly Marotti,
Special Intentions
Joanne O'Hara Operation, Maureen & Eugene O'Connor Christmas wishes, Katie Cunningham Operation, Geraldine Rawes Special Intention,
New names will be added to the sick list in alphabetical order and highlighted for the first week.
Parish Food Facility - SVP
The Parish Food Facility
Thank you for the generous donations of much needed food for the food facility and the cash donations. We are starting to look at preparing to make up Christmas hampers for those who attend the food bank. If you could help by providing items like, Christmas cake slab, fancy biscuits, Savory treat, small Christmas puddings, boxes of chocolates or anything you think is appropriate they will be gratefully received.
Thank you for the generous donations of much needed food for the food facility and the cash donations. We are starting to look at preparing to make up Christmas hampers for those who attend the food bank. If you could help by providing items like, Christmas cake slab, fancy biscuits, Savory treat, small Christmas puddings, boxes of chocolates or anything you think is appropriate they will be gratefully received.
PAFRAS (Positive Action for Refuges & Asylum Seekers:
PAFRAS is a small grassroots organisation based in Leeds. We work with asylum seekers and the wider community to counter the effects of enforced destitution on vulnerable migrants and to increase access to justice. We provide crisis intervention, advocacy, Level 1 and 2 OISC regaled casework and immigration advice and specialist integrated mental health support. We also have a young person's project for 16 - 24 years old called Young Migrants Matter. We run a weekly drop-in every Wednesday at St Aidan's Community Hall where we provide food parcels, toiletries, casework and mental health support. Usually we provide around 2600 food parcels every year but through the pandemic we were also delivering an extra 130 food parcels every week. More later...
Can you spare 1 hours every 4 weeks to help clean St Theresa's church. If so, please ring the parish office.
The Jubilee Prayer: Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom. May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever. Amen.
With immediate effect all Baptism enquires MUST come through the Priests. When attending Mass please see the Priest at the end of Mass and collect a form. He will sign the form so that we know who has issued it. Complete the form and return it to the Parish Office.
The Bulletin is available in PDF format for download.
30th November 2025 Parish of St. John Henry Newman - Bulletin.pdf
Last Modifed on Sat 29th Nov 2025 00:56:09
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