As we head ever closer to the feast of Christmas, things are as busy as ever across the diocese. Top of the agenda is the beginning of our synodal journey. This is an exciting opportunity for us as a diocese to listen to our parishes and communities, and to discern a way forward in becoming the Church God is calling us to be.
We also catch up with Bishop John following his visit to Glasgow for the COP26 Climate Change Conference, and share news of the cathedral restoration project, as well as scripture and Caritas resources for Advent.
We love hearing news from your parishes, so if you have any exciting events or projects going on pleaselet us know!
Beginning our Synodal journey
Pope Francis has called a Universal Synod which is taking place in every Catholic diocese across the world. The Synod is themed: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission”. We want to hear from as many people as possible, those involved in the church and those who are not. You can take part by completing an online submission using the following link: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3D3FXJ2.
Please share this link with family and friends. We have until 1st March 2022 to make our submissions then, after national and continental gatherings, the Synod of Bishops will gather in Rome in 2023 to reflect on what has been heard. Please remember the Synod in your prayers. Your contribution is invaluable and will make a considerable difference to the future of the Church in our diocese and across the world.
We are delighted to announce that we will be joined by Sr Nathalie Becquart for a fascinating online talk about the Synod. Sr Nathalie is the Undersecretary of the Vatican Synod Office coordinating the Universal Synod 2021-2023, so this is a fantastic opportunity to discover more about the process. Find out more in the events section below.
Every year, Caritas Diocese of Salford helps thousands of children and families across our diocese with practical support, like giving them food parcels or helping to pay for essential items and emergencies, like a new washing machine, so their children can have clean clothes for school. They also employ members of staff who are trained and experienced in working with families when things are tough.
This Advent, Caritas Salford is asking people across the diocese to share what they can to help support their vital work with families across Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
To see the difference your donations make, please watch the short video above and click the button below, where you can also make a donation.
Join us this Advent as we journey with the prophets to learn more about what their messages mean for us today and how their words can help prepare our hearts for Christmas.
We are thankful to be joined by members of the clergy who delve a little more into the historical context of the prophets, explore what their message was for the people of Israel at that time, and what it could mean for us today.
Click the button below to read the latest piece and find additional links to Jeremiah and the First Sunday of Advent.
Salford Cathedral has announced a multi-million-pound restoration project that aims to revive the iconic splendour of this church whilst making it the most sustainable cathedral in the country.
The work, beginning in 2022, coincides with the cathedral’s 175th anniversary in 2023 and will use modern-day techniques to preserve its sacred ambience and accommodate our growing congregation.
This work will include the temporary closure of the Cathedral from 1st March 2023. During this time, alternative accommodation for the Cathedral Parish will be provided. The Cathedral will reopen in December 2024.
Read more and find out more about how you can support the project by clicking the button below.
Bishop John speaks of hope despite disappointing COP26 Conference
Following his visit to Glasgow as part of the COP26 Climate Change talks, Bishop John has spoken about his hopes for the future, despite a disappointing outcome from the conference.
Praising the Church's response to the environmental crisis - particularly the work of schools and young people - Bishop John is hopeful that grassroots action can inspire a culture of change in the way we care for our planet, and strengthen the link between young people and faith.
The Laudato Si' Centre - our environmental hub based at Wardley Hall - has just launched its new website.
Although a work in progress, we have a number of resources already available to help schools and parishes as they work to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly, in addition to news stories and articles featuring top tips, such as How to Have a More Sustainable Christmas.
You can also follow the Laudato Si' Centre on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to get regular updates, reflections, and stories from schools, communities, and parishes across the diocese.
As the Christmas season draws near, we're delighted to welcome you back to in-person events, as well as maintaining a virtual offer for people preferring to join via Zoom. Find out more about upcoming events below:
Christmas Carols with St Philip Neri Singers & Diocese of Salford Youth St Augustine's Church, Grosvenor Street, All Saints, Manchester
Sunday 19th December, 4pm
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” will feature the wonderful St Philip Neri Singers and has been organised in association with the Young Adults of the Diocese of Salford. Featuring beautiful performances of some of the best-loved carols, this festive concert will be followed by mulled wine and mince pies.
Carols by Candlelight Salford Cathedral, 250 Chapel St, Salford, M3 5LE
Sunday 19th December 7.30pm
This atmospheric service is open to all and is an opportunity to hear all our cathedral choirs sing. If you can’t make it in person, Carols by Candlelight will also be streamed live and recorded on Salford Cathedral’s churchservices.tv profile, which you can find at www.salfordcathedral.co.uk.
Midnight Mass at Salford Cathedral (Broadcast on BBC Radio 4) Salford Cathedral, 250 Chapel St, Salford, M3 5LE
Friday 24th December, 11:30pm broadcast on BBC Radio 4, arrive for 11pm in person
Salford Cathedral’s annual Midnight Mass will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 this year! This is a beautiful service, and we are proud that it will be heard across the nation. Everyone is welcome to attend in person or tune in at the BBC Sounds Website.
Synodality in the Universal Church Online (Zoom)
Wednesday 19th January 2022, 7:30pm
As part of our Formation Series on Synodality, we will be hearing from Sr Nathalie Becquart, Undersecretary of the Vatican Synod Office coordinating the Universal Synod 2021-2023. This fascinating event will see Sr Nathalie sharing her experience of Synodality across the universal Church.
Do you have some good news to share?
We are always looking to hear news from our parishes.
How have you been making Hope in the Future a reality in your parish?
Prayer groups?
Charity work?
Events like Alpha or Nightfever?
Holding deanery gatherings?
Shared leadership teams?
