May Crowning of Mary Sunday 4th May 9am Mass

Recently it was announced that, due to an accumulation of quite urgent work which needs to take place on the church and presbytery, mainly in the area of roof and drains, we would be setting up a Building Fund to ease the burden on existing parish funds. The Building Fund will be launched this weekend with a short presentation by a member of the Building Fund Committee at each of the weekend Masses. An overview of the proposed works with pictures of some of the affected areas is available at the link below and we will be giving regular updates on the progress of both the fund and the work once it starts. The architect’s proposals are still going through the various diocesan committees whose approval is needed in terms of art, architecture and finance (the church is a listed building). A reminder that the advantage of the Fund is that it can be gift aided and the Diocese will not take any portion of it as part of their assessment. We will keep parishioners updated as time goes on but, as always, thank you

Pope Francis was remembered at a special Mass in St Robert's on Wednesday this week and, of course, prayers will be said for him at all Masses this coming weekend. May he rest in peace.

Come and celebrate the Feast of Mercy and receive the graces and blessings from Our Lord promised to us through St. Faustina on Sunday 27th April. 2pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and an opportunity for confession. 3pm Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, followed by Benediction. Concluding with veneration of the Holy Image of Jesus. All very welcome, even if you can only come for part of it. “On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though his sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity.” (Diary of St. Faustina, 699).

Congratulations to eight young men baptised, confirmed and received into the Church at the Easter Vigil. Thank you to Jack Clarke and Margaret Tolan who, along with Fr Simon, accompanied them on their journey of faith. Matthew, Margaret, Jack, Jacob, Nathan, George, Jake, Will, Will, Fr Simon and David will continue to meet and explore faith in the weeks to come and, if anyone out there is looking to join the Catholic Church, they are very welcome to come and explore with us. Just speak with Fr Simon after Mass to register your interest. Confirmation names chosen by the candidates include the patron saint of England - George, the soldier who pierced Christ’s side on the cross and became a convert - Longinus, Oscar Romero, the martyred bishop of El Salvador and Francis of Assisi.

Pope Francis has encouraged parishes to connect with local Saints in this Jubilee Year, asking them to "remember and honour these figures of holiness each year". Richard Atkinson, a parishioner from Yorkshire has researched a selection of Saints and the Blessed with Yorkshire connections and has kindly agreed to come to St Robert's to share with us his understanding of their journey in faith to demonstrate the extraordinary lives they led from ordinary beginnings. The lives of the Saints are a historical account but their witness of God's love along with their intercessions shed light on our lives today. The talk will take place in the parish centre at 4pm on Sunday 18th May and all are welcome. Refreshments will be provided. Do put this date into your diary - it should be an enjoyable and informative event in celebration of this Jubilee Year.

The next Men's Evening will take place on Wednesday 21st May between 6.30pm to 9.30pm. It will begin with the usual adoration in church from 6.30pm. We will then repair to the parish centre at 7pm for drinks and a talk by St Robert's parishioner Mr Eddie Gray, former football player and coach and an integral member of the legendary Leeds United team in the 1960's and 1970's. The talk will be followed by a two course meal. Do join us for what should be an enjoyable evening. A sign up sheet is in the narthex simply to give an idea of numbers. A nominal charge of £15 to cover costs will be payable on the night by cash or card. Any monies left over will go into the St Robert's Building Fund. A sign up sheet will be placed at the back of church in early May.

A Celebration Mass for Married Life for couples and their families celebrating their 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th and 70th wedding anniversaries this year will take place at St Anne's Cathedral at noon on Saturday 17th May, giving couples an opportunity to renew their marriage vows. If you are celebrating the anniversary of your wedding and you would like to take part, please fill out the application form which is available at the back of church or downloadable below.

Thank you to those parents who have signed up their children for First Holy Communion this year. Applications for this year's programme have now closed - the registration period of several weeks is now over. The First Holy Communion Programme will begin with a parents evening at 7pm on Tuesday 22nd April 2025 in the parish centre. This will be an opportunity for all parents to attend a presentation on what the programme involves and on the work that they are expected to do with their children at home between the sessions. The catechesis will take place after the 9am Mass from 10-11.30am on Sundays 27th April, 11th May and 18th May with your child receiving First Holy Communion at your usual mass time throughout June. Please arrange with the parish office the mass date and time you would like your child to receive the sacrament for the first time. A plenary mass, when all the children come together to be presented to the parish and receive their certificates, will take place at 9am on Sunday 6th July.

CAFOD