St. John Vianney, 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 church linen. Altar servers must have made their first holy communion, and adults are encouraged to serve. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion serve in the parish. Readers at Mass serve in the parish.

Volunteers help with food parcels for the poor. The parish provides a Children's Liturgy for primary-aged children.

Sunday Benediction is held at St John Vianney's church, with details in the parish newsletter. First-time visitors are welcomed and can say 'This is my first time here' to be guided in.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish instructs contacting the parish office as soon as possible for the Anointing of the Sick while the sick person is alert and able to communicate. The priests are committed to accompanying dying souls on their journey once contacted by a family and to offering spiritual support to the family.

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 Catholic Church. Couples must give at least 6 months notice before marriage to allow for paperwork and marriage preparation.