The Bishop of Salford has announced details of an extensive restructure of his diocese and called for the laity to “take up the many and diverse ministries open to them” to enable priests to focus on pastoral duties.
The diocese published its plans to amalgamate 100 parishes and close 22 churches in a document called Strengthening our Presence as Church: A Journey in Hope that was shared in parishes on Sunday (15 January).
In it Bishop John Arnold explained that changes were needed to the structure of the diocese to help it become more “missionary” in outlook.
Denying the closures were a result of a shortage of priests, Bishop Arnold said the changes would better reflect the number of people regularly attending churches. “The reason for closure is usually a question of geography and the close proximity of another church,” he explained.
Among the churches due to close are: Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Swinton; Saint Antony of Padua, Trafford Park [not currently in use as parish church]; Saint Mary, Heaton Norris.
An initial proposal was shared with clergy and parishioners in June and since then the diocese has received over 2,000 responses during a four-month consultation period.
“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,” said the bishop.
“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.”
The document highlights the diocesan strategy to focus efforts in rural areas and areas of particular social deprivation. Bishop Arnold said he hoped other uses could be found for church buildings, parish centres or presbyteries, such as night shelters or nurseries.
But, he stressed: “Where a church is leased to others, we must ensure that the purpose for which it is being used are in keeping with our Catholic faith.”
The bishop said that changes will not happen at once, but that in certain cases developments “must begin within the coming weeks because of the retirement of a number of priests who have kindly continued in ministry until our plan could be finalised”.
Read the full document at www.salforddiocese.net/consultation
PICTURE - Saint Antony of Padua, in Trafford Park, which is not currently in use as a parish church, and is not slated for permanent closure
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