staidan-leeds.org.uk

Ash Wednesday

9.00am Morning Prayer

9.30am Mass with Imposition of Ashes

7.00pm Parish Mass with Imposition of Ashes

Bishop Derek Rawcliffe’s Requiem Mass

A Requiem Mass for Bishop Derek was held at 7pm on Sunday 13th February here at St Aidan’s Church, Roundhay Road, Leeds, LS8 5QD.

Bishop Derek Rawcliffe RIP

We are sad to announce that Bishop Derek Rawcliffe died on Tuesday the 1^st of February, aged 89. If you would like to view the Book of Condolences and perhaps add your own message please go to http://staidan-leeds.org.uk/about/book-of-condolences/

Justice and Peace Group

We have recently heard the sad news that one of our servers at Mass was deported back to Nigeria in late November in spite of the many efforts made to secure a judicial review. Our prayers go with him. In order to help similar cases should they arise, it has been decided that a contingency fund be set up to deal with them. Our newly formed Justice and Peace Group will administer this fund.

New lay minister for St. Aidan’s

The diocese has eight new Readers – better understood as lay ministers. And amongst them is Carolynne Pepper from St Aidan’s. A packed St John’s church in Moortown witnessed them being admitted and licensed to the office of Reader in the Church of England. The candidates were licensed by the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, Rt Rev John Packer. 

Carolynne was presented to the Bishop by our Assistant Priest, Rev Diana Zanker. She will now work, alongside fellow Reader Tony Jowitt, on the parish staff team led by the Vicar She will continue with her work as a member of the PCC, Allerton Deanery Synod and Enrolling Member of the St Aidan’s Mothers’ Union.

Dedication Festival

On Sunday 10th October we celebrated our Dedication Festival.  The 10am Mass took place as usual, followed by a Friends of St. Aidan’s lunch in the hall.   At 4pm the Church Choir joined forces with Ecclesia to sing a service of Choral Evensong & Benediction. 

This is now the third time this beautiful service has taken place  at St. Aidan’s, and we are one of few churches offering a Choral Evensong & Benediction service in the Leeds area. 

This next Evensong & Benediction service is on 27th February (4pm).

Information on the 2010/2011 Concert Series

St. Aidan’s church welcomes back Ecclesia Ensemble who promise to provide an exciting and varied music programme to the parish.  We also look forward to the St Peter’s Singers concert in April.  For more information about concerts at the church, visit the Concerts/Events section.

Jamaican High Commissioner at St Aidan’s

The Jamaican High Commissioner, Hon Anthony Johnson, and his wife (seen here with Father Alan) attended mass at St Aidan’s in July during a visit to the city. On the previous evening they were guests of honour at a ceremonial dinner in the Hilton Hotel along with the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Leeds. Mr Johnson has recently been appointed to the post of High Commissioner following an period as Ambassador to the United States and several positions in the Jamaican diplomatic service and in politics.

St Aidan’s Parishioner Ordained

A service for the ordination of Deacons at Ripon Cathedral in July saw six candidates admitted including St Aidan’s parishioner Dorothy Stewart. She now moves on to serve her title place with Revd David Stevens at St Martin’s, Potternewton. A large congregation including many from St Aidan’s witnessed Bishop James conduct the service. Dorothy is seen here afterwards being congratulated by Nick Flood lay chair of the Allerton Deanery.

Archbishop of York’s visit to PAFRAS at St Aidan’s

As part of his two-day visit to the diocese last month, Dr John Sentamu visited PAFRAS – Positive Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers based at St Aidan’s church hall. Having spent time listening to the plight of those who are destitute, many of whom have been kept waiting for years for the outcome of their applications for asylum, it was clear that he was deeply moved by their stories and determined to take any action that he could to bring about change, especially in relation to the detention of children.