St. Cuthbert, Blackpool

Parish life

Catechists work in teams with groups of young parishioners preparing for First Confession, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. A team of parishioners organises and runs fundraising and social events. An enthusiastic team of flower-arrangers enhances the beauty of the churches. Volunteer sacristans prepare the churches and assist the priest and servers for Mass.

Volunteer cleaners clean the churches and launder the church linen. Altar servers must have made their first holy communion, and adults are encouraged to serve.

Volunteers help with food parcels for the poor. There is a Children's Liturgy for primary-aged children.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Parents wishing to have a child baptised are asked to see the Parish Priest at Mass at the weekend. For baptism, at least one parent must be a baptised Catholic and normally reside in the parish or regularly attend Mass there. Baptisms take place on Sunday after Mass and occasionally within the Mass itself upon request. In Confirmation, young Catholics from Year 6 upwards are strengthened by the Holy Spirit and become full members of the Church, with regular participation in Sunday Mass and the parish preparation programme expected.

Visiting

First-time visitors can identify themselves and receive guidance on entering the church. Visitors are welcome to attend Mass regardless of age, background or personal situation, and need not be Catholic.