St. Gregory-Bollington

Introduction

The Catholic Church in Bollington was established in 1830 by Father John Hall, who was from Macclesfield. From 1981 the Salesians took up service of the parish because the Diocese had requested it. The parish was to mark in 2017 the 60th anniversary of the current church's consecration.

History

Two cottages in Bollington were rented and used at the same time as a church and a school. William Turner of Shrigley Hall donated land in 1834, which made it possible to build a permanent church. Father Hall ministered to Bollington from Macclesfield until 1845, when the first resident priest arrived.

Parish life

Little Church is for babies and children who have not started school, and parents accompany children aged 5 years and under. A catechist team advises which children’s liturgy is appropriate. Two readers serve at every Sunday Mass: one reads the first reading and the responsorial psalm, and the other reads the second reading, the gospel acclamation and the bidding prayers. The parish has a choir and a band.

A team arranges flowers for the church, and training can be given. A small team of volunteers cleans the church monthly. Volunteers clean the altar linen and the brasses.

Communion is offered daily during Mass or a Eucharistic Service. The cemetery is owned and managed by the Diocese of Shrewsbury Cemeteries' committee.

Saint Gregory's Parish Council was reformed in October 2016, and its members are voted for by the Parish Community. The Parish Council constitution was rewritten in October 2017. Mothers’ Prayers groups meet regularly in the parish.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Catechists prepare children for First Holy Communion, young people for Confirmation, and people considering becoming Catholic through RCIA. Young people in Year 8 or above may join the confirmation programme. The confirmation programme includes six sessions, two special Masses, a service of Reconciliation, a retreat day and the Confirmation ceremony.

Parish catechists lead the first sacraments programme, which is carried out in the parish. An enrolment Mass opens the first sacraments programme. Six sessions that follow the book “Making things right” lead to the children’s Sacrament of Forgiveness. After Christmas, eight sessions follow the book “Called to His Supper” until First Holy Communion Masses, usually around the feast of Corpus Christi in June.

More than one First Holy Communion Mass may be held, depending on the size of the group. Junior Church is for school-age children who have not yet made their First Communion. Anyone who has made their First Holy Communion may train to serve on the altar. Eucharistic Ministers distribute Holy Communion at Mass, and some take Holy Communion to the sick and housebound.

The parish visits and supports the bereaved and people who cannot attend Mass because of age or illness. Adults who have not been baptised are usually enrolled in the RCIA programme.

The parish regularly runs RCIA courses. Weddings are normally arranged at least six months in advance.