Our Lady of Lourdes - Wirral

Introduction

Our Lady of Lourdes in Wirral, in the Diocese of Shrewsbury, began on 3 February 1957, when the Parish Priest said the first Mass in the hall of the Birket Infants School, making it the first parish dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes in the diocese. The church is a pleasing edifice built on classical lines, its tower looking out over the Irish Sea.

History

The parish was formed from both the English Martyrs, Wallasey and the Sacred Heart, Moreton, with the larger slice coming from English Martyrs. The Mass centre had been started some eighteen months previously by the English Martyrs' Clergy. In April 1957, a house was bought on the Leasowe estate for a temporary Presbytery, where daily mass was said and the Sanctuary lamp was lit. Arthur Farebrother and Partners, of Manchester, were commissioned to draw up plans for the church and presbytery.

The builders Tysons Ltd, of Liverpool, moved onto the site and the great work began. In 2010 the church was completely refurbished and a modern community centre established at the rear of the church. To create a new liturgical space with full disabled access, the church was turned round to face the rear of the building.