Immaculate Conception, Failsworth

Introduction

Immaculate Conception Church in Failsworth, in the Diocese of Salford, was built between 1963 and 1967 to designs by Tadeusz Lesisz of Greenhalgh & Williams.

History

The mission began as a foundation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, who arrived in 1846. The foundation stone of the new church was laid by the Bishop on 3 August 1963. The main contractors for the new church were W Fearnley & Sons of Salford.

Architecture and furnishings

The double-pitched roof is surmounted by a cylindrical, concrete spire with projecting fins narrowing to a point like a furled umbrella, topped by a gilded orb and crown and a circle-headed cross by Faulkner & Sons of Manchester. The recessed main entrance has a cast stone relief lintel reading ‘HIC EST DOMUS DEI’ interspersed with the symbols of the Four Evangelists. The nave has a coffered ceiling with decorative plasterwork panels by the Art Plaster Co Ltd of Salford. The organ was built by Jardine and Co Ltd of Old Trafford.

The church is built of light brown brick in stretcher bond with concrete dressings and decorative friezes of cast stone, and Westmorland green slate roofs. The decorative stained glass is by Charles Lightfoot, much of it to designs by Tadeusz Lesisz, some incorporating glass from the previous church. The sanctuary has a curved, suspended baldacchino decorated with an image of the Holy Spirit.

Parish life

The parish runs a formal programme, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), to prepare adults and young people for reception into the Catholic Church. The parish maintains a Sick, Housebound, Outreach and Charity Apostolate. The parish community includes members of diverse nationalities, cultures and religious upbringings.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Couples are required to approach a priest at least six months before their intended wedding date for marriage preparation. The parish's Wisdom Group has produced a series of Home Celebrations for children and their families on the Sacramental Programme, each including prayer, scripture, discussion, an activity and a symbolic action.

Visiting

Light refreshments are served at the church following Sunday morning high Masses, outside of special COVID-19 measures. The church has a seating capacity of approximately 500, with on-premise parking for around 50 cars. The building is wheelchair-accessible and includes accessible toilet facilities.