Archbishop Sentamu is visiting Harewood Whin Resource Recovery Facility next Tuesday; speaking at an evangelistic event held at Poppleton Tithe Barn on Wednesday at 7.30pm; leading prayers by the side of the river Wharfe at Tadcaster on Thursday; and is meeting with prisoners for a question and answer session at HMP Wealstun on Friday.

“The Harewood Whin Resource Recovery Facility site is known to everyone in Rufforth, and is of vital importance to the city-and beyond- in how we manage waste and continue to care for creation”, says Rev. Roy Shaw, vicar of Marston Moor Parish. “I hope that the Archbishop and those with him will gain a greater understanding of what goes on here, and not just regard it as ‘rubbish’.”

These visits are just a few of many calling points on Archbishop Sentamu’s Prayer, Witness and Blessing as he journeys to the New Ainsty Deanery next week (26 April to 1 May 2016). His Pilgrimage will also include seven school visits, 14 Pilgrimage prayer services to be held at local churches, a visit to Leeds East Airport – the former RAF Church Fenton base and daily invitations to walk with the Archbishop to join him on his journey.

St John’s Catholic School for Deaf Children is one of the schools that the Archbishop is to visit. Ann Bradbury, Headteacher said: “We feel very honoured that the Archbishop of York will visit us on Friday 29 April as part of his Pilgrimage. Our students are very proud of St John’s which has been educating deaf young people since 1869 and where we believe everyone’s voice should be heard and celebrated.”

On Saturday 30 April, departing from All Saints Wighill after prayers at 9.45am, there is a walk planned through the village to Bilton in Ainsty, calling in at The Chequers Pub at 10.30am for coffee – and then onto the Healaugh Memorial Hall. Continuing from the Memorial Hall at 1.30pm, the walk departs to Hutton Wandesley over fields. At around 2.35pm, the walk continues from ‘Get A Head Hats’ through the village to Hessay Methodist Church – all are welcome to join. Pilgrimage Prayers will be offered at All Saints Moor Monkton at 5.30pm.

On Sunday 1 May, St Paul’s Church Colton is the venue for Pilgrimage Prayers at 8am – with a rogation walk at 9.15am from Bolton Percy, all are welcome to join. The 11am Sunday Celebration Service is to be held at St John’s Church, Acaster Selby. At 1.15pm – is the afternoon walk from Stubb Wood to Acaster Malbis. Pilgrimage Prayers will be offered at 1.45pm at Holy Trinity Acaster Malbis.

For opportunities to walk, to pray and to share in the Archbishop’s Pilgrimage of Prayer, Witness and Blessing, please visit: pilgrimage.archbishopofyork.org.