News and Notices

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mothering Sunday

Sung Eucharist for Mothering Sunday

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

Other services

Compline by Candlelight
This Tuesday 21 March at 8.40 pm · Watch the service

Said Eucharist
This Wednesday 22 March at 10.00 am

Lent Course 2023: Sound and Sight

Tuesday 21 March 2023 at 7.30 pm
St Mary's Church, Whitkirk

Come and join us as we listen and look at carefully chosen pieces of music and images inspired by Lent, Holy Week and Easter to accompany us on our journey through the season.

Each session will be co-led by our Director of Music who will introduce two pieces of music. Then another member of our Church family will introduce and share two images. After every piece or image there will be time to reflect and, if you wish, to share insights based on what you have heard and seen.

The third Sunday of Lent

Sung Eucharist for the third Sunday of Lent

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

Other services

Messy Church
Today at 4.00 pm

Compline by Candlelight
This Tuesday 14 March at 8.40 pm · Watch the service

Said Eucharist
This Wednesday 15 March at 10.00 am

Messy Church

Sunday 12 March 2023 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.

Lent Course 2023: Sound and Sight

Tuesday 14 March 2023 at 7.30 pm
St Mary's Church, Whitkirk

Come and join us as we listen and look at carefully chosen pieces of music and images inspired by Lent, Holy Week and Easter to accompany us on our journey through the season.

Each session will be co-led by our Director of Music who will introduce two pieces of music. Then another member of our Church family will introduce and share two images. After every piece or image there will be time to reflect and, if you wish, to share insights based on what you have heard and seen.

Sung Eucharist for Mothering Sunday

Sunday 19 March 2023 at 10.00 am
St Mary's Church, Whitkirk

Join us for this service of sung eucharist as we celebrate Mothering Sunday.

The second Sunday of Lent

Sung Eucharist for the second Sunday of Lent

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

Compline by Candlelight
This Tuesday 7 March at 8.40 pm · Watch the service

Said Eucharist
This Wednesday 8 March at 10.00 am

Confirmation

The Bishop of Kirkstall is coming to lead a confirmation service for adults on the evening of Ascension Day, Thursday 18th May. If you’re interested in confirmation or want to know what’s involved please visit wkrk.uk/conf or have a chat with Matthew who will let you know what’s involved.

Lent Course 2023: Sound and Sight

Tuesday 7 March 2023 at 7.30 pm
St Mary's Church, Whitkirk

Come and join us as we listen and look at carefully chosen pieces of music and images inspired by Lent, Holy Week and Easter to accompany us on our journey through the season.

Each session will be co-led by our Director of Music who will introduce two pieces of music. Then another member of our Church family will introduce and share two images. After every piece or image there will be time to reflect and, if you wish, to share insights based on what you have heard and seen.

2nd Halton Guides Coffee Morning

Saturday 11 March 2023 at 10.00 am
St Mary's Church Whitkirk Community Centre

Come along for a cuppa and a slice of cake as the 2nd Halton Guides return with their fabulous Coffee Morning. While you’re there why not have a spin on the tombola or try to name the cuddly toy as you help raise funds for Church?

Messy Church

Sunday 12 March 2023 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.

Sung Eucharist for Mothering Sunday

Sunday 19 March 2023 at 10.00 am
St Mary's Church, Whitkirk

Join us for this service of sung eucharist as we celebrate Mothering Sunday.

The first Sunday of Lent

Sung Eucharist for the first Sunday of Lent

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

Other services

Said Eucharist
This Wednesday 1 March at 10.00 am

Compline by Candlelight
This Thursday 2 March at 8.40 pm

Lent Course 2023: Sound and Sight

Thursday 2 March 2023 at 7.30 pm
St Mary's Church, Whitkirk

Come and join us as we listen and look at carefully chosen pieces of music and images inspired by Lent, Holy Week and Easter to accompany us on our journey through the season.

Each session will be co-led by our Director of Music who will introduce two pieces of music. Then another member of our Church family will introduce and share two images. After every piece or image there will be time to reflect and, if you wish, to share insights based on what you have heard and seen.

Thank God It's Friday

Friday 3 March 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.

Study Day: Ethical and Theological Challenges of Artificial Intelligence

Saturday 4 March 2023 at 9.00 am
St Chad's Church, Far Headingley

A study day for both clergy and laity, led by the Revd Prof David Wilkinson (Leader of Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science) and Revd Dr Lucas Mix (Head of Scientists in Congregations).

Starting at 9.00 am with coffee and ending at 1.30 pm with lunch, the day includes talks and discussions on “the question of what it means to be human”, “ethical and theological challenges of AI” and “the gift of scientists in congregations”.

If you would like to attend please let [email protected] know by Monday 27 February, along with any dietary requirements.

The Sunday next before Lent

Sung Eucharist for the Sunday next before Lent

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

Other services

Said Eucharist
This Wednesday 22 February at 10.00 am

Parish Retreat to Parcival Hall

A weekend retreat away from everything. A time for rest, relaxation and fun. A time for worship and being together.

Come and join us for a Parish weekend at Parcevall Hall, the Diocesan Retreat House in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Starting with dinner on Friday 21 July through to lunch on Sunday 23 July. Bookings are now being taken – for more information speak to Joan Williams, Jean Bradley or Matthew after this service.

Confirmation

The Bishop of Kirkstall is coming to lead a confirmation service for adults on the evening of Ascension Day, Thursday 18th May. If you’re interested in confirmation or want to know what’s involved please visit wkrk.uk/conf or have a chat with Matthew who will let you know what’s involved.

Pancake Social

Tuesday 21 February 2023 at 6.00 pm
St Mary's Church Whitkirk Community Centre

Come along and have a flipping good time as we prepare for Lent with pancakes, games, races and quizzes.

We’ve got everything for the classic sugar and lemon juice pancake, but if you fancy a different topping just bring it along! Entry is free, but donations toward costs are gratefully accepted.

Ash Wednesday Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes

Wednesday 22 February 2023 at 7.30 pm
St Mary's Church, Whitkirk

A Eucharist service to mark the start of Lent, including the traditional imposition of ashes – the drawing of an ash cross on the foreheads of those who attend, as a reminder that we are dust, and to dust we shall return.