St. Agnes, Eccleston

Introduction

In 2016 a ramp to facilitate access for disabled people was added, designed to harmonise with the existing building.

Music and liturgy

Construction of the present church began in 1919 and was completed in 1922. The apse was added in 1958, and the tower in 1963.

St Agnes Church is a member of the Guild of Saint Stephen, and all its altar servers are enrolled and serve in accordance with the Guild guidelines. Parishioners at St Agnes are invited to read at Mass, be a Eucharistic minister, join the altar serving team, lead the children's liturgy, and contribute to lay-led liturgy.

Parish life

The parish is seeking more flower helpers and trainees for the children's liturgy. The parish enjoys several social events each year, some arranged as fundraisers and some for fellowship.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Many young people begin altar serving once they have received their first Holy Communion and many continue into their teens. Altar servers carry, bring and fetch the things needed by the priest or bishop who is presiding, ring the bells as appropriate, and carry the candles in procession. Altar servers perform specific actions during the liturgy, such as ringing the altar bell at certain points during the Mass, assisting with incense, and helping with the presentation and preparation of the bread and wine for the Eucharist. The parish is always looking for new recruits for certain volunteer tasks.

Visiting

Visitors can use the church's fully automated defibrillator, which requires no previous experience or first aid training. The church links to Boarbank Hall, described as a special place of peace and hospitality offering retreats and holidays.