St. Christopher, Ashton-Under-Lyne

Parish life

The parish comprises two churches: St Ann's on Burlington Street and St Christopher's on Lees Road. The parish has a home communion coordinator for the sick and housebound.

The parish's priests and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion take Holy Communion to the sick and housebound. The parish's Sacramental Programme is organised by parish catechists, so children from non-Catholic schools can join.

The parish Sacramental Programme for First Holy Communion is geared to children in Year 3, with older children who missed it also welcome. The parish offers religious education programs including Sunday School for children, sacramental preparation classes, Bible studies, and faith formation for teens and adults. The parish has ministries and groups including music ministry, liturgical ministries, hospitality, outreach programs, and social justice initiatives. The parish offers youth programs including retreats, gatherings, and special events for teenagers.

The parish engages in outreach initiatives including food drives, shelter assistance, and support for local charitable organizations. The parish priests belong to the Vincentians (Congregation of the Mission).

Sacraments and pastoral care

Adult receptions into the Church normally take place at Easter, using the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) programme. Couples wishing to marry at St Ann's or St Christopher's must allow at least six months for preparations to satisfy both Canon and Civil Law. The parish's Marriage Preparation Course is run by the Sisters.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated every Saturday in both churches, and can also be scheduled on request. The parish encourages those near death to call the priest for the sacrament of anointing, sometimes known as the Last Rites. The parish has a chaplain for Tameside Hospital.