St. Joseph, Chorley

Introduction

Saint Joseph, Chorley, in the Archdiocese of Liverpool, was officially opened and first Mass offered on May 1, 1910, with the foundation stone laid June 20 the previous year by Archbishop Whiteside. In 1935, Dean Dowling enlarged the sanctuary and fitted two stained glass windows, one on each side of the Altar.

Architecture and furnishings

The Lady Chapel, with windows of St Joachim and St Anne, was built as a memorial to a former priest. A new oak pulpit and altar-rails were added, with carvings depicting the Good Shepherd, St Luke, St Gregory and St Patrick. After Dean Dowling died in 1937, oak panelling was fitted round the sanctuary walls in his memory. New Stations of the Cross were carved in wood by Ferdinando Stuflesser of Ortisei, Italy.

Stained glass windows depicting the five Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary were fitted in the Lady Chapel transept. The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary were introduced into the body of the Church, completing all Fifteen Mysteries in stained glass. A large stained glass window of the Holy Family replaced the old south window in the choir. Stained glass windows depicting the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary were placed over the confessionals in the Sacred Heart transept.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Families are asked to contact the presbytery if a member is admitted to Chorley Hospital and would appreciate a visit, and in an emergency the hospital switchboard contacts the on-call Catholic priest. Baptisms and weddings are by appointment.

Visiting

The parish is linked to the Focolare Movement. The church is situated in Harpers Lane, Chorley, Lancashire.

St Joseph's School was built in Railway Road and opened in August 1914, just as World War I broke out. Mass is live streamed. The parish has a Facebook page: Chorley St Joseph.