Sacred Heart & St. William, Uppermill

Introduction

Sacred Heart & Saint William in Saddleworth was built in 1873 and originally owned by the Ebenezer Congregation.

History

The first Mass in Uppermill was said in 1943 in rooms above the old Co-op, attended by over 100 people. Ladcastle Hall in Dobcross was acquired as the Catholic centre, with services in the front room until the stable was converted into a chapel. In 1966 the Diocese of Leeds purchased the church building from the Ebenezer Congregation. The parish was served by Missionaries of the Sacred Heart priests from 1952 until 2012.

In November 2024 permission was granted for Sacred Heart to be transferred from the Diocese of Leeds to the Diocese of Salford, with a new Parish Priest appointed. Father Richard Scriven served from 1973 to 1990.

Architecture and furnishings

In April 2008 parishioners commissioned a stained glass window depicting Our Lady of Saddleworth, dedicated to all MSC priests who served in the parish. The Blessed Sacrament is kept in a tabernacle on the sanctuary wall behind the altar, covered by two small curtains. A crucifix hangs above the tabernacle, with a lectern to the left of the altar and a processional cross to the right. The baptismal font is at the front, along with the Paschal candle used at baptisms and funerals.

The confessional is at the back of the church on the left-hand side. A statue of the Sacred Heart stands on the left of the sanctuary, a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus on the right, and a Pieta halfway down the right-hand side. The church has the 14 Stations of the Cross around its two sides. The side stained glass windows depict scenes from Jesus' life, and a rose window above the gallery features Jesus Christ and the Angels. The newest window, designed by a parishioner and called Our Lady of Saddleworth, is in the centre of the back window.

Music and liturgy

On certain Sundays the parish holds Liturgy of the Word for Children during Sunday Mass. On some Sundays children help proclaim the Gospel through acting. Older children and teenagers are encouraged to join in playing music at Mass. Big print mass leaflets are available to help follow the Mass.

The parish makes active use of The Wednesday Word family time leaflet, suggesting a 'word' from the coming Sunday's Gospel for families to discuss. The parish offers preparation courses for baptism, reconciliation, first holy communion, marriage, and for adults entering the Catholic faith. The church live streams Sunday Mass, weekly Masses, Services of the Word and other church services.

Parish life

The parish is active with the Charity Shop, Churches Together in Saddleworth and the Whit Friday celebrations. The parish runs a programme of Liturgy of the Word for Children and sacramental preparation. The parish priests and parish help with funeral arrangements.

Regular events

The parish celebrated a Golden Jubilee of ordination with a special Mass on 28 September 2003. In September 2013 a large group of parishioners travelled to Dublin to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee of ordination.

Visiting

Many clearly signposted public car parks in Uppermill are all just a short walk from the church. The church is a sacred space where everyone is welcome to look around, have quiet time, pray, and join services and liturgical celebrations.

There is a toilet accessible from the porch at the back of the church. A lit candle in a red holder close to either side of the altar tells that there are consecrated hosts in the Tabernacle. Religious story books are available at the back of church for younger children.