St. Herbert Church, Hollinwood

Introduction

Saint Herbert Church in Hollinwood, Oldham, in the Diocese of Salford, is named after Saint Herbert, a seventh-century hermit, and also commemorates Herbert Vaughan. In 1916 the house at 439 Middleton Road was leased as a presbytery and used for weekly Mass. The Parish Centre was extended in 1985.

Parish life

Eucharistic Ministers take Holy Communion to the sick and housebound in the parish. The church has a loop system for the hard of hearing, ramped access, and accessible toilet facilities. Children from non-Catholic schools are welcome to join the Sacramental Programme, with additional classes provided in the parish. The church has a foyer space at the back where families can take restless children for a break.

The parish newsletter lists hymn numbers for St Herbert's services, including Entrance 389, Offertory 156, Communion 492 and 105, and Recessional 678. Confessions are available before and after Mass on request. The parish promotes Catholic family holidays in the Lake District.

The parish supports Caritas Salford's campaign to help end child poverty, with almost one in three children in the area growing up in poverty. Adult receptions normally take place at Easter, with preparation through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

Father William Guinan built the present church in 1933. Father Guinan died in 1955 and has a window to his memory in the narthex of Saint Herbert’s Church.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish Sacramental Programme in preparation for First Holy Communion is geared to children in Year 3, and also brings them to First Reconciliation. Couples wishing to marry at St Herbert's must allow at least six months for preparations. Couples married in a civil ceremony can seek a 'Convalidation' in church, also requiring the full six months' preparation.