Dates for your diary: Around the Diocese this Autumn
Saturday 27th August 2022Autumn 2022 is shaping up to be a busy season right across our diocese with some exciting events, occasions and opportunities ahead.
Continue reading to find out more about what’s coming up and how you can get involved.
Digital Missionaries Training Day
The Department of Communications has arranged a Digital Missionaries Training Day as part of Stage 4 of our Hope in the Future journey.
The day is aimed at those who already play a role in parish communications and want to learn more about different options available to them and also to anyone looking to get started.
The theme for the day will be ‘How can parishes be digital missionaries in a post Covid world’.
Cathedral Restoration
Salford Cathedral’s Restoration Project officially begins on Monday 5th September. The restoration works are part of a masterplan ahead of the 175th Anniversary of the dedication of the cathedral in 2023. The project aims to revive the iconic splendour of our mother church whilst making it the most sustainable cathedral in the country.
Simpsons of York have been chosen to undertake both Phase 1 (external works) and Phase 2 (internal works) of the Restoration Project. The contractors will move onsite to begin setting up their compound and other related works on Monday 5 September 2022.
The first phase of the restoration works will focus on the exterior of the cathedral, which will involve a complete re-roof, the re-pointing of the stonework and other masonry repairs, as well as remedial works to the tower and spire. During the initial part of phase one, the cathedral will remain open. However, at times, there may be some disruption to the cathedral’s daily schedule, but this will be kept to a minimum when possible.
The cathedral will then close at the end of April 2023, for the start of the phase two works, which will involve the restoration of the cathedral’s interior. During this second phase, the sacramental and devotional life of the cathedral will be accommodated in a temporary church, located in the cathedral gardens.
You can follow Salford Cathedral’s restoration journey here.
Launch of the regular retreat programme
A new series of day retreats is set to help us learn more about our faith through the study of scripture, prayer, and other religious texts.
The retreats will be hosted at the new centre at Our Lady of Lourdes and St Gerard Majella, Brownedge Road, Lostock Hall.
Find out more and register your interest now
Young Adults Mass
Sunday 11th September, 5.30pm
St Augustine’s Church, Grosvenor Street, Manchester
Our next Young Adults Mass will take place on Sunday 11th September at St Augustine’s, in Manchester.
This month, we are delighted to welcome Fr Kevin Murphy as our main celebrant and homilist, and Deacon Davie Nalikata as our speaker after Mass.
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.
All are very welcome to attend.
Caritas Salford Big Sleep Out
The Caritas Big Sleep Out is returning to our diocese on Friday 16 September.
Join us at Xaverian College Manchester or Holy Cross College Bury to raise funds to help Caritas Salford provide vital support to people across our diocese facing homelessness.
To sign up, you can register online now at: https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/big-sleep-out-2022/ or to register a team, please call Kirstie Davidson on 07949 174 369 or email fundraising@caritassalford.org.uk
Relics of Saint Bernadette visit Salford Cathedral
The relics of St Bernadette will journey on pilgrimage to England, Scotland, and Wales for the very first time this autumn, calling in at Salford Cathedral on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 September.
This very special, once-in-a-lifetime event will provide an opportunity for people across the diocese to experience the special gifts and charisms of Lourdes from our very own cathedral.
Click here for a full schedule of open visit, Mass and service times and book your visit online now.
Mass for LGBTQ+ Catholics
We are delighted to announce that we will be introducing a series of regular Masses for LGBTQ+ Catholics, and their friends and families.
Our next Mass will take place at 3pm on Saturday 24th September at St Augustine’s RC Church, Grosvenor Street, Manchester.
All are welcome to attend.
Feast of Our Lady of Walsingham Mass
Saturday 24 September, 2.30pm
Our Lady of Grace Church, Prestwich
Join us in celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Walsingham with a special Mass and reciting of the Rosary at Our Lady of Grace Church, Prestwich.
Rosary and confessions will begin at 2.30pm and will be followed by a Mass, celebrated by Bishop John, at 3pm.
There will also be an opportunity to find out more about next year’s diocesan pilgrimage to Walsingham and to register your interest.
Diocesan Walk for Creation
On Sunday 2 October, we will be holding a special walk to reflect on the beauty of the earth and our call to be guardians of creation.
The walk follows on from the successful climate walk held in the Salford deanery last year, ahead of COP26, and is returning this autumn due to popular demand.
Launch of Hope in the Future – Stage 5
Save the date: Tuesday 4th October 2022, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Further details to follow.
Young Adults Retreat
Join other young adults from across our diocese with a weekend of prayer and reflection.
It will begin with Mass on Saturday 5th November at 11am and will conclude with Mass on Sunday 6th November at 12pm.
The retreat will include: Talks, Opportunity for Reconciliation, Personal Reflection and Group discussions.
Click here to find out more and register your interest
Do you have an event or story you’d like to share? Get in touch now by emailing communications@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Tagged | Around the Diocese | Bishop John | Caritas Salford | Catholic Church | Environment | Events | Hope in the Future | Laudato Si' Centre | Parishes | Prayer