Holy Cross, Patricroft

Introduction

Mr A.F. Ratcliffe of the architectural firm Walter Stirrup and Son designed the church in a modern brutalist style.

History

The church was entirely redecorated in May 1982 in honour of the Papal Visit to Manchester. A new marble high altar was erected for the consecration in 1986. In May 1988 an entirely new sanctuary area was constructed in marble to match the altar, completed in June 1988. In January 1989, the church confessionals were altered to give the option of either open or screened confessions.

In November 1990 a new boiler was installed in the church, acquired from the church of Ss Peter & Paul, Bolton. The side-altar dedicated to the Shroud of Turin was dismantled in December 1991 and replaced by a pieta statue. In 1995 the church was refurbished: the font was moved to the front, the baptistery became a piety store, the sanctuary canopy was removed, a larger crucifix was erected, and a new organ was installed with the console in the nave. Extensive repair work was undertaken to the church tower, completed in December 1995.

In September 2000, the church roof was completely overhauled. Fr Dalston died on 5 April 1989, and his requiem was celebrated at Holy Cross on 12 April 1989, after which he was interred at Wardley Cemetery.

Music and liturgy

A substantial and talented parish choir is heard at all major services, especially Christmas and Easter, with music at three of four weekend Masses. Most weekday Masses at Holy Cross are preceded by recitation of the Holy Rosary for world peace. A church organ was installed in 1980.

Parish life

The parish of St John Paul II was formed on 29 November 2018 from the amalgamation of the former parishes of Holy Cross, St Matthew, St Gilbert, Eccles, and St Mary, Eccles. The parish boundaries encompass Eccles, Barton Moss, Barton upon Irwell, Brookhouse, Monton, Patricroft, Peel Green, Winton and parts of Worsley. The parish is administered from Holy Cross, where the parish priest lives, and Holy Cross can accommodate 500 people with ease. Special Services are arranged at various times during the year by the Spirituality Group from the Parish Committee.

Several Eucharistic Ministers assist with Holy Communion at Mass and also take Holy Communion to the sick and housebound of the parish. A new Eco Group has been established to consider environmental issues in line with the papal document 'Laudato Si' (2015).

The ministry of Reader includes readers of several different nationalities and a number of child readers. A sister engaged by the Salford Deanery guides and supports all of the parish's Youth programmes, including a youth 'Impact' Group. Volunteer florists enhance the appropriate atmosphere for different liturgical seasons with flower arrangements.

In March 1985 a Parish Confraternity was set up. Upon arrival in 1988, a priest re-started the parish newsletter and formed a building and maintenance committee. A group of the Young Christian Workers was founded in the parish in July 1989. Services from Holy Cross are usually broadcast live on the parish website, Facebook and YouTube, where they continue to be available later.

Regular events

Each November, a special Mass of Remembrance commemorates all those who have died, inviting families who have suffered bereavements during the past year. The Social Committee puts on social activities including Fairs, Irish nights, Quizzes, Race Nights and Christmas Concerts.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Children over seven receive special preparation for Baptism, including tuition for Holy Communion and Confirmation, up to age fourteen. Adult receptions normally take place at Easter, using the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

Couples wishing to marry at Holy Cross must speak to the parish priest and allow at least six months for preparation. Couples married in a civil ceremony can seek a Convalidation in church, requiring the full six months' preparation.

Most First Communion preparation takes place in the context of Sunday Mass, with parents' meetings at the start. Annually a Day of Recollection is organised for spiritual renewal, and in 2023 a Parish Mission week took place led by the Redemptorists.

Visiting

Part of the old Holy Cross school buildings was refurbished as the Shannon Meeting Room, re-opened on Christmas Eve 1985. The church has modern, clean and accessible toilets including baby-change facilities, near the main exit doors. Defibrillators have been installed in Holy Cross and St Mary's churches.