The parish of St Joseph's includes a number of villages other than Pickering itself - Thornton Dale, Wilton, Allerston and Ebberston, Middleton, Aislaby,     Wrelton, Sinnington, Stape, Lockton,   Levisham, Kirby Misperton, Marishes, Great and Little Habton, to name only a few. Whereas other denominations often have a church or chapel in every village, the Catholic Church has only St Joseph's to cover the whole area. This is why St Joseph's has begun a programme of saying Mass in the outlying villages of the parish. A Mass in Ebberston attracted eighteen people, eleven of whom were from the village itself. Another Mass is scheduled for the village hall in Middleton on 18th  November at 7 pm. Further Masses will be held around the parish in the coming year. All are welcome.

            Is your Christmas all work and no pray? Then drop in to St Joseph's on Monday 21st December. The church will be open for prayer from 11 am - 3 pm. Someone will be on hand to help if you want a word, but if you don't, you won't be pestered. All are welcome: you don't have to be a Catholic, you don't have to be religious at all. All you need to be is in need of a little space for a quiet prayer during this busy season.

            On Christmas Day our Masses will be at 12 midnight (starting at 11.30 pm with carols) and 10.00 am. Father Christmas will be in attendance after the 10 am Mass, with presents for the children.

Fr Bill East.