HELEN JOHNSON
A120-YEAR-OLD Stockport church could be closed under a major diocese shake up.
The Salford Diocese has announced that St Mary’s RC Church in Heaton Norris is one of 22 churches across Greater Manchester which has been earmarked for closure.
The Diocese has been consulting on plans for a major reorganisation in light of a shortage of priests and fewer people attending their services, over the last few months.
It says the changes are intended to give priests more time to perform their pastoral duties, including the celebration of Mass, ministering to the sick, elderly and infirm, and working in schools and colleges.
St Mary’s parishioners however, have been told that the plans are still subject to further consultation.
On Sunday, they were informed that the church could be amalgamated with St Bernard’s Church in Burnage, and St Winifed’s Church in Heaton Mersey. It already shares a priest with the latter.
The headteacher of St Mary’s RC Primary School meanwhile, has offered to let parishioners attend Mass in the school building, next door to the church.
Parishioner Mary Wheeler says the news has been deeply upsetting for the congregation.
She said: “It’s very difficult. People were crying on Sunday when it was announced. It’s the end of an era.”
The Bishop of Salford, Rt 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 in Stockport 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.”