St. Aelred's of Rievaulx

Introduction

Saint Aelred's of Rievaulx in Harrogate is a cruciform church with a lofty appearance under a severe ceiling, designed to hold 300 people.

History

The original church building later became St Aelred's Parish Church Hall. The first Baptism at the parish was Sylvia Crompton on 6 April 1913, when she was 1 month old. On 10 October 1937 Bishop Henry John Poskitt confirmed 42 people, 24 girls and 18 boys, in the first confirmations. The first wedding took place on 26 December 1940 when Percival Richard Todd, a Knaresborough man, married Helen Brennan of Starbeck.

In 1992 the Lady Chapel on the north side became an adoration chapel for the Blessed Sacrament. The old church continued to be used as a parish hall and was refurbished in 1993 with a new kitchen and new toilets built on to the original structure. The Baptismal font has moved from the rear of the church to the front and the Altar rails have been moved.

Music and liturgy

The Traditional Choir provides music for the Sunday morning Mass, accompanied by the organ, with hymns and Mass settings reflecting the liturgy of the day.

Parish life

The parish serves the eastern side of Harrogate and the chaplaincy at Harrogate District Hospital. The parish is closely associated with St Mary's parish, Knaresborough, where Mass, Sacraments and Celebrations are shared.

The parish runs a wide range of ministries providing opportunities for parishioners to engage in the community. The Folk Choir includes keyboard, violin, flute and guitars and a choir of singers.

Children aged 4 to 8 are invited to a special liturgy during the first half of Sunday morning Mass in term time. The parish bereavement team supports families during the grieving process.

The parish runs the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) for those exploring becoming Catholic. The Parish Pastoral Council provides guidance to the parish priest and helps ensure pastoral care and overall management of the parish.

Sacraments and pastoral care

To arrange a baptism, contact the parish clergy. Anointing of the sick is available by contacting a member of the parish clergy.

For marriage information, contact the parish priest. The parish offers pastoral care and practical guidance for planning funerals.

A fish and chip lunch is held at St Aelred's. The parish held a BBQ in September 2026.

Visiting

The church is on Woodlands Drive, reached by turning sharp left over a hump at the traffic lights by the Woodlands pub. The parish newsletter is available in print at the back of the church.