Welcome back to our monthly E-Newsletter! As the nights draw in and we head ever closer to the end of our Church year, parishes and schools across the diocese have been working hard to demonstrate the vibrancy of our diocesan community.
This week alone, celebrations are taking place as we welcome three new canons to our Cathedral Chapter, while one group of parish volunteers celebrate a prestigious regional award.
In Rochdale, one parish has been opening the doors to the public to share a rare and fascinating glimpse of a remarkable restoration project.
Meanwhile, schools and community groups across our diocese have been showcasing their artistic talents by joining a campaign from our very own Laudato Si' Centre to send an important message to world leaders at COP27.
This edition also shares the latest travel diary from Bishop John, following his visit to South-East Asia earlier this autumn.
We hope you enjoy reading our latest news and finding out more about all our upcoming events and please do email us at communications@dioceseofsalford.org.uk with any stories you'd like us to share!
Welcome to our new canons!
Our congratulations to Fr Paul Daly, Fr Michael Jones, and Fr Michael Job, who have been made Canons of the Cathedral Chapter.
The Cathedral Chapter is a group of clergy that provide assistance to Bishop John in the governance of the diocese.
We also give our sincere thanks to Canon Anthony McBride, Canon David Ryder, and Canon Michael Buckley, who are stepping down.
Parish garden project scoops prestigious North West in Bloom award
A parish garden project that strives to live out the teachings of Laudato Si’ has received a prestigious award.
The Bee Together Community Centre and Garden – based at The Parish of the Nativity in Failsworth and Limeside – has received recognition from the RHS North West in Bloom competition for its pioneering project.
Located behind Holy Family RC Church in Hollinwood, Oldham, the Bee Together Community Centre and Garden has been a labour of love for dedicated volunteers over the past three years.
Click the button below to find out more about the project and why it wowed the judges!
Hard Hat Tours: Behind the scenes of an exciting restoration project
People across the diocese have been embracing an exciting opportunity to go behind the scenes of a remarkable restoration project.
St John the Baptist Church in Rochdale is opening the doors to its restoration project to give members of the community a fascinating glimpse of what the work entails.
The tours deliver a wonderful history of the church, in-depth talks of the work being carried out behind the scenes, and a rare opportunity to get up close to the staggering floor-to-ceiling mosaic.
Click the button below to find out more about the tours and stay tuned on our website as we also go behind the scenes!
Diocesan schools join Laudato Si' Centre to send message to leaders at COP27
As world leaders continue discussions on the climate crisis at COP27, our very own Laudato Si’ Centre is leading a digital campaign to speak out in defence of our common home.
Schools and community groups across the diocese have been heading online to share their views on our environmental emergency.
Putting their artistic talents to the test, young people have been designing posters to communicate their hopes and fears for the future of our planet. Parents, teachers, and group leaders have then taken to social to share their designs using the hashtag #hearthecry.
Click the button below to find out more about how to join our campaign.
Bishop John's travel diary from visit to South-East Asia
Earlier this autumn, Bishop John embarked on a visit to South-East Asia, calling in at Singapore, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Each country offered a remarkable and unique experience, allowing Bishop John to explore more about how the Church and associated charities and organisations are working for a future underpinned by Catholic Social Teaching, and how our own diocese might feed into that.
Bishop John has once again decided to share experiences from his trip with you by writing a daily diary, which you can read by clicking the link below.
Over the coming weeks, we have a number of different events lined up for you to enjoy - from opportunities for prayer, spiritual retreats, Masses and more!
Young Adults Mass St Augustine's Church, Grosvenor Street, All Saints, Manchester, M15 6BW Sunday 13th November, 5.30pm
Our next Young Adults Mass will take place on Sunday 13th November at St Augustine’s church in Manchester.
This month, we are delighted to welcome Canon Paul Daly as our main celebrant. Canon Paul Paul will also joining us for our social after Mass, where he will hold a Q&A session to answer all your faith-based questions!
Mass will begin at 5.30pm and will be followed by a social. As always, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available between 4.45 and 5.15pm before Mass.
Can't make it? Don't worry! Our Young Adults Mass returns on Sunday 11th December!
Women Saints and Spirituality Wardley Hall, Worsley, M28 2ND
Friday 18th November, 10am Join us for a new series of talks exploring the life and spirituality of women in the Church throughout history.
The monthly talks help us discover more about these inspirational women, their relevance for us today, and builds in time for prayer and discussion.
Sessions will take place at Wardley Hall, Worsley, on the third Friday of each month between 10am and 12.30pm
Retreat Programme: Advent Mystery Our Lady of Lourdes and St Gerard Majella, Brownedge Rd, Lostock Hall
Thursday 8th December 11.30am
Our formation department is delighted to announce a new programme of regular retreats to help nurture our spiritual lives.
The next retreat will take place on Thursday 8th December and will explore more about Mary's journey to becoming the mother of Christ.
This fascinating retreat will be led by Donna Worthington and will be hosted at the new centre at Our Lady of Lourdes and St Gerard Majella, Brownedge Road, Lostock Hall.
It will run from 11.30am to 3pm, including a 30-minute lunch, and will cost £20.
To register an initial interest for the retreat (or any others in our series) please call the parish office on 01772 335387 or email office@saintgerards.org.uk. Please include your name, contact details, and the retreat(s) you are interested in attending.
Please note – a minimum of 15 people are required for a retreat to be offered.
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?
