Plans released over the weekend by Salford Diocese will see twenty two Catholic Churches closing across the region.
The closures follow a very successful consultation process during the latter half of 2016. The consultation saw over 2000 responses to the proposed plans that were published back in 2015.
The overwhelming majority of these responses were positive, as parishioners across the diocese embraced the message of the diocese moving forward to enable its local mission.
Just over 100 parishes will be involved in amalgamations. The plan identifies the closure of 22 churches across the diocese, three of which are not currently used.
The Bishop of Salford, the Right Rev John Arnold said: “This plan is a real chance to make changes that will help build, sustain and grow parishes fit for future generations. Not just for members of our Church but also for the wider community we live in.
The plan allows the Diocese of Salford to look forward, creating outward facing parishes, responding to the call from Pope Francis to develop ‘missionary parishes’.
The Catholic Church plays an essential role in delivering key services across the world and we have some excellent examples of local projects and groups here in Salford. I am hopeful these changes will support these projects to continue and enable other projects to emerge.
I understand that where churches are closing this will be met with initial sadness from parishioners. But I am sure that these feelings can be overcome as our new communities come together in prayer and to welcome one another.”
No final decisions on the future use of the buildings to close has yet been made. Each building, says the report, will be considered as an individual case and it is hoped that some use can be found for each one, with priority given to whether or not it can be used for a community purpose.
The following churches will close in Greater Manchester
Saint Bernadette in Withington
Saint Brigid in Bradford
Saint Malachy in Collyhurst
Saint Mary in Heaton Norris
Saint Boniface in Lower Broughton (the church has already gone, the proposal is to cease using this centre for Mass)
Saint Matthew in Eccles
Sacred Heart chapel of ease, Cadishead (the church is not currently in use)
Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Swinton
Saint Antony of Padua, Trafford Park
Saint Mary in Oldham
Holy Rosary in Fitton Hill
Sacred Heart in Derker
Saint Anne in Greenacres or Saint Michael in Abbeyhills – decision is subject to further consultation
Our Lady and St Paul in Heywood
The following amalgamations are also being considered
Saint John the Evangelist in Chorlton and Saint Ambrose in Didsbury
The English Martyrs in Whalley Range and Saint Kentigern in Fallowfield
Saint Cuthbert and Saint Bernadette in Withington
Saint Edward in Rusholme and Saint Joseph in Longsight
Saint Willibrord in Clayton and Saint Anne with Saint Brigid in Ancoats
Saint Mary and Holy Cross, St Matthew and St Gilbert In Eccles
Saints Peter and Paul in Pendleton and Saint Luke in Irlams o’th’Height
Saint Teresa of Avila in Irlam and Saint Joseph the Worker in Irlam
Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Swinton; Saint Charles in Moorside and Saint Mark in Pendlebury
Christ the King in Walkden and St Edmund in Little Hulton
Saint Joseph in Reddish, Stockport and Holy Family in Denton
Saint Stephen in Droylsden and Saint Anne in Higher Openshaw
Saint Mary with St Patrick, Oldham and the territory of the former parish of Holy Rosary in Oldham
Corpus Christi in Hollinwood and Saint Herbert in Chadderton
Saints Aidan and Oswald, Royton and Saint Joseph, Shaw
Saint Ann in Stretford; Saint Hugh of Lincoln in Stretford and Saint Antony of Padua in Trafford Park
Our Lady and the English Martyrs in Urmston and Saint Monica in Flixton
Sacred Heart in Rochdale and Holy Family in Kirkholt, Rochdale
Saint Patrick in Rochdale and Saint Mary of the Annunciation in Littleborough
Saint Peter in Middleton and Saint Thomas More in Alkrington, Middleton
