St. Joseph, Halliwell

Introduction

Saint Joseph, Halliwell, in Bolton, within the Diocese of Salford, was founded in 1879 as an offshoot of the mother parish of Bolton SS. Peter & Paul’s by Father Henry Brewer.

History

The first mass was celebrated in a rented Temperance hall on 30th March 1879, with solemn opening on 7th April and formal opening and Dedication on 27th April, the sermon preached by Bishop (later Cardinal) Vaughan. The foundation stone for the present church was laid in 1898. Bishop Bilsborrow opened the new church in 1900.

Music and liturgy

The parish music group provides music at the three Sunday masses and at special services such as Youth masses and Holy Hour services. The parish music group aims for a shared repertoire of both traditional and modern music, including quiet/contemplative and joyful/worship and praise styles.

The parish uses its own sacramental programme following Salford Diocese guidelines, an online and written programme sent out monthly. The parish promotes opportunities for parishioners to read, pray, and apply the scriptures in their daily lives, including Lectio Divina and Praying with the Psalms.

Parish life

The parish supports food banks through food bins placed in the church porches. The parish runs 'Children helping Children', a monthly cake and produce sale supporting children's charities in Uganda, Congo, Sri Lanka and Mary's Meals. The parish has a long tradition of supporting social outreach through Cornerstone (Caritas), Urban Outreach (Bolton) and Revive (Spiritans Salford). Parishioners help prepare packed lunches in school holidays and hampers for 'Christmas Dinner on Jesus' (Urban Outreach).

The Legion of Mary and Saint Vincent de Paul Society carry out regular work in the local area. The parish participated in the 'Churches in the Park' celebration in Moss Bank Park, held in June 2018. The parish is working to establish a Youth Ministry team, inviting young people to join and have a voice in parish life.

Regular events

Children's Liturgy takes place at each weekend Mass in both parishes. The parish begins the sacramental programme in Advent by formally enrolling the children during Mass.

Visiting

The church of St James the Great was closed in November 2018, with masses and services continuing at St Josephs and St Thomas of Canterbury. The parish of St Cuthbert, formed in 2018, is made up of the churches of St Joseph and St Thomas of Canterbury.