News and Notices

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The sixth Sunday of Easter

Sung Eucharist for the sixth Sunday of Easter

Today at 10.00 am · Watch the service · View the order of service

Other services

Messy Church
Today at 4.00 pm

Said Eucharist
This Wednesday 17 May at 10.00 am

Sung Eucharist for Ascension Day with Confirmation
This Thursday 18 May at 7.30 pm · Watch the service · View the order of service

If anyone wishes to be added to the parish electoral roll, forms are available at the back of the church or online at wkrk.uk/roll. The completed form can be returned to the electoral roll officer or churchwardens.

Christian Aid Week

As we have done for many years, St Mary’s continues to support the valuable work undertaken by Christian Aid around the world. Whenever there is a crisis, wherever it is, no matter who it is, Christian Aid will be there helping to put people’s lives back together again. Paper envelopes will be available in the church this morning, which can be returned with your donation. Alternatively, you can donate online. We have set up our own St Mary’s giving page via Christian Aid which can be found at wkrk.uk/ca.

Messy Church

Today at 4.00 pm
St Mary's Church Whitkirk Community Centre

Church, but more hands-on. Join us in the Community Centre for drinks and a biscuit, get stuck in with activities around the week’s theme, and then end with a short, informal act of worship in the church.

Parish Retreat at Parcevall Hall

Friday 21 July

There are still spaces available for the Parish Retreat at Parcevall Hall, available first-come-first-served. If you’re interested in joining us for this weekend break then just see Jean or Joan in the Community Centre after the morning service.

Parish notices: 7 May 2023

The fifth Sunday of Easter

Sung Eucharist for the fifth Sunday of Easter

Today at 10.00 am · Watch the service · View the order of service

Other services

Choral Evensong to mark and celebrate The Coronation of His Majesty The King
Today at 5.00 pm · Watch the service · View the order of service

Said Eucharist
This Wednesday 10 May at 10.00 am

Revision of Electoral Roll

The Coronation Big Lunch

Today at 2.30 pm
St Mary's Church Whitkirk Community Centre

A red, white and blue themed afternoon tea party. Come along and tuck in to a selection of sandwiches and scones, cakes and buns, and strawberries with cream as we celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.

Choral Evensong to mark and celebrate The Coronation of His Majesty The King

Today at 5.00 pm
St Mary's Church, Whitkirk

A service of Choral Evensong in celebration of the coronation of King Charles III.

The Big Help Out: Parish litter pick

This Monday 8 May at 10.00 am
St Mary's Church Whitkirk Community Centre

As part of the Coronation celebrations we’re being “Whitkirk Wombles” and litter picking across the parish. Pick up your purple bag from the Community Centre!

Thank God It's Friday

This Friday 12 May at 6.00 pm
St Mary's Church Whitkirk Community Centre

Unwind at the end of the week with us – drop in to grab a drink, play some games, order a takeaway, or even just to chat.

Messy Church

Next Sunday 14 May at 4.00 pm
St Mary's Church Whitkirk Community Centre

Parish Retreat at Parcevall Hall

Friday 21 July

Parish notices: 30 April 2023

The fourth Sunday of Easter

Sung Eucharist for the fourth Sunday of Easter

Today at 10.00 am · Watch the service · View the order of service

Other services

Memorial Service
Today at 4.00 pm

Said Eucharist
This Wednesday 3 May at 10.00 am

Compline by Candlelight
This Wednesday 3 May at 8.30 pm · Watch the service

The Coronation Big Lunch

Next Sunday 7 May at 2.30 pm
St Mary's Church Whitkirk Community Centre

Choral Evensong – A special service to mark and celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III

Next Sunday 7 May at 5.00 pm
St Mary's Church, Whitkirk

A service of Choral Evensong in celebration of the coronation of King Charles III.

The Big Help Out: Parish litter pick

Monday 8 May at 10.00 am
St Mary's Church Whitkirk Community Centre

As part of the Coronation celebrations we’re being “Whitkirk Wombles” and litter picking across the parish. Pick up your purple bag from the Community Centre!

Parish Retreat at Parcevall Hall

Friday 21 July

There are still four rooms available for the Parish Retreat at Parcevall Hall, available first-come-first-served. If you’re interested in joining us for this weekend break then just see Jean or Joan in the Community Centre after the morning service.

Parish notices: 23 April 2023

The third Sunday of Easter

Sung Eucharist for the third Sunday of Easter

Today at 10.00 am · Watch the service · View the order of service

Other services

Said Eucharist
This Wednesday 26 April at 10.00 am

Sudan Prayer Vigil

This Tuesday 25 April at 5.30 pm
Bradford Cathedral

A special prayer vigil service for Sudan at Bradford Cathedral. More details of the unfolding situation can be found at wkrk.uk/sudan.

Area Forum

This Thursday 27 April at 7.00 pm
St George's Church Leeds

The next Area Forum (open to all) will take place at Leeds St George’s. Refreshments will be available from 7.00pm followed by worship at 7.30. The main speaker will be the Diocesan Environment Officer Jemima Parker. There will be an opportunity for discussion and questions as we consider issues such as Divestment, use of the Environment Toolkit and follow up from the events in London (details at christianclimateaction.org/events).

Open Church

This Saturday 29 April at 2.00 pm
St Mary's Church, Whitkirk

On Saturday afternoons throughout the summer our church is open to visit; come and explore the history of the Grade I listed building, or just sit and enjoy the stillness of this holy place.

The Coronation Big Lunch

Sunday 7 May at 2.30 pm
St Mary's Church Whitkirk Community Centre

The Big Help Out: Parish litter pick

Monday 8 May at 10.00 am
St Mary's Church Whitkirk Community Centre

As part of the Coronation celebrations we’re being “Whitkirk Wombles” and litter picking across the parish. Pick up your purple bag from the Community Centre!

Parish Retreat at Parcevall Hall

Friday 21 July

Parish notices: 16 April 2023

The second Sunday of Easter

Sung Eucharist for the second Sunday of Easter

Today at 10.00 am · Watch the service · View the order of service

Other services

Said Eucharist
This Wednesday 19 April at 10.00 am

Coronation Tea Party

Sunday 7 May 2023 at 2.30 pm
St Mary's Church Whitkirk Community Centre

Parish notices: 9 April 2023

Easter Day

Sung Eucharist for Easter Day

Today at 10.00 am · Watch the service · View the order of service

Other services

The Easter Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter
Today at 6.00 am · Watch the service · View the order of service

Said Eucharist
This Wednesday 12 April at 10.00 am

Daily Prayers for the Coronation of King Charles III

As The King and Queen Consort prepare to solemnise the promises and commitments they make to the nations and people they represent, the Church will begin 28 days of prayer and spiritual preparation alongside them – praying with and for The King from Easter Sunday to the Coronation on 6 May with the final week, from Sunday 30 April, to be a national week of dedicated prayer to uphold and strengthen His Majesty The King and all the Royal Family.

Copies of the prayer booklet to be used during the 28 days are available at the back of the church. A donation of £1 is invited to cover the cost.

Police drop-in

Sunday 9 April 2023 at 11.00 am
St Mary's Church Whitkirk Community Centre

Drop in and say hello to our friendly local police team in the Community Centre after our morning service.

Thank God It's Friday

Friday 14 April 2023 at 6.00 pm
St Mary's Church Whitkirk Community Centre

Unwind at the end of the week with us – drop in to grab a drink, play some games, order a takeaway, or even just to chat.

Parish notices: 2 April 2023

Palm Sunday

Sung Eucharist for Palm Sunday

Today at 10.00 am · Watch the service · View the order of service

Other services

Choral Evensong
Today at 6.00 pm · Watch the service · View the order of service

Said Eucharist with Sermon for Holy Monday
This Monday 3 April at 7.30 pm · Watch the service · View the order of service

Said Eucharist with Sermon for Holy Tuesday
This Tuesday 4 April at 7.30 pm · Watch the service · View the order of service

Said Eucharist
This Wednesday 5 April at 10.00 am

Said Eucharist with Sermon for Holy Wednesday
This Wednesday 5 April at 7.30 pm · Watch the service · View the order of service

Maundy Thursday
This Thursday 6 April at 7.30 pm · Watch the service · View the order of service

The Liturgy of Good Friday
This Friday 7 April at 2.00 pm · Watch the service · View the order of service

The Stations of the Cross
This Friday 7 April at 7.30 pm

Daily Prayers for the Coronation of King Charles III

Copies of the prayer booklet to be used during the 28 days are available at the back of the church. A donation of £1 is invited to cover the cost.

Sung Eucharist for Palm Sunday

Sunday 2 April 2023 at 10.00 am
St Mary's Church, Whitkirk

We begin Holy Week with the blessing of palms, a procession to the church from the Community Centre, and a dramatic reading of the Passion.

Pints of View

Sunday 2 April 2023 at 7.00 pm
The Brown Cow

A special meeting for the beginning of Holy Week when we shall be joined by Fr. John Gribben CR who is our preacher throughout Holy Week. Got any questions you’ve always wanted to ask a monk? Now is your chance!

Stations of the Cross: An exhibition and introduction

Monday 3 April 2023 at 6.30 pm
St Mary's Church Whitkirk Community Centre

Artist Stephen Walker introduces his exhibition of paintings of the Stations of the Cross, on display through Holy Week.

Over the Rainbow

Tuesday 4 April 2023 at 2.00 pm
The Smeaton Room, St Mary's Church Whitkirk Community Centre

Father John Gribben CR, our preacher for Holy Week, is reflecting on his interest in faith and film in a talk entitled ‘Over the rainbow’. During our time together we shall hear from Fr. John as he recalls memories of different films and we shall watch some excerpts. Do come and join us, there will be refreshments and maybe even some popcorn.

Spiritual direction with Fr John Gribben

Thursday 6 April 2023 at 2.00 pm
St Mary's Church, Whitkirk

Fr. John Gribben CR will be available in the church to offer spiritual direction to any who would like to see him.

Maundy Thursday

Thursday 6 April 2023 at 7.30 pm
St Mary's Church, Whitkirk

Maundy Thursday marks the Last Supper, and through the washing of feet we remind ourselves of the commandment to “love one another”.

Good Friday Activity Morning

Friday 7 April 2023 at 10.00 am
St Mary's Church Whitkirk Community Centre

Good food, good fun, Good Friday. Learn about the meaning of Holy Week with activities such as building an Easter Garden, and enjoy a tasty hot cross bun.

The Liturgy of Good Friday

Friday 7 April 2023 at 2.00 pm
St Mary's Church, Whitkirk

Before the celebration of Easter Day comes the solemnity of Good Friday. In this service, we recount Jesus’s arrest, trial, crucifixion and death on the Cross.

The Stations of the Cross

Friday 7 April 2023 at 7.30 pm
St Mary's Church, Whitkirk

St Mary’s provides the background to this reflective journey through the fourteen Stations of the Cross.

The Easter Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter

Sunday 9 April 2023 at 6.00 am
St Mary's Church, Whitkirk

Meeting at the Vicarage we welcome the light of Christ and process to the church, proclaiming to all that He is risen.

Sung Eucharist for Easter Day

Sunday 9 April 2023 at 10.00 am
St Mary's Church, Whitkirk

Join us in song, prayer, reading and communion as we celebrate the resurrection of Christ on Easter morning.

Parish notices: 26 March 2023

The fifth Sunday of Lent

Sung Eucharist for the fifth Sunday of Lent

Today at 10.00 am · Watch the service · View the order of service

Other services

Compline by Candlelight
This Tuesday 28 March at 8.40 pm · Watch the service

Said Eucharist
This Wednesday 29 March at 10.00 am

Daily Prayers for the Coronation of King Charles III

Copies of the prayer booklet to be used during the 28 days are available at the back of the church. A donation of £1 is invited to cover the cost.

"Hello" from Father John Gribben

Hello Whitkirk,

I am looking forward to being with you for Holy Week. Matthew suggested that you might like a few introductory remarks, so here goes. I was born and grew up in Belfast. After three years at Divinity College in Dublin and another two at King’s College, London I was ordained for a parish just outside Belfast. It was called Dunmurry and I had four happy years there before coming to Mirfield to test my vocation to monastic life. That was in January 1979 and I have been here ever since. Twenty of those years were spent teaching in the College and during that time I have been on several visits to Whitkirk to listen to student sermons. I have now spent more than half my life at Mirfield. It isn’t always easy but I have always loved my calling and the community. I used to teach doctrine and Church History but now I am more interested in study. I enjoy (as an amateur) the history of art and in the recent past I’ve taken to reading on scientific subjects. I try to apply these things to my meditation and in preaching. On a lighter note I’m fond of Cinema and old comics. Oh yes – I also do a bit of running. See you all on Palm Sunday.

– John Gribben CR

Lent 2023: Praying the Passion

Tuesday 28 March 2023 at 7.30 pm
St Mary's Church, Whitkirk

On Tuesday Matthew will lead the last of our Lent meetings with a talk entitled ‘Praying the Passion.’ The talk will begin with exploring something of the purpose of liturgy, before moving to consider the liturgies of Holy Week.

The hope is that the talk will help deepen the experience of the liturgies in the most important week of the Church year. It starts at 7.30 pm and will last an hour, followed by Sung Compline at 8.40 pm.