St Joseph, Penketh

Introduction

St Joseph's Church, Penketh in Warrington celebrated its centenary on 23rd September 2023, marking 100 years of Catholic life and service in the community.

History

While the church was being built, Mass was first celebrated in a private home at 25 Station Road, Sankey. St Joseph's came into use in 1924 and officially became a parish in 1926, with Father James Lonergan as its first parish priest. The first recorded baptism at St Joseph's was that of Dorothy Ainsworth on 31 January 1927, and the first marriage was celebrated in 1929 by Father Joseph Roche. Under Father Charles Joseph McCabe, the parish became firmly established, with the Sisters of Charity of St Paul founding a school in 1934 and the presbytery being built around 1938.

During the Second World War, St Joseph's gained an international character, with Italian and later German prisoners of war attending Mass and American servicemen from Burtonwood worshipping in the area. Since April 2023, St Joseph's has been home to a small Spiritan community.

Parish life

The parish is served by a Spiritan community based at St Joseph's, with a parish priest and an assistant. Eucharistic ministers bring Holy Communion to sick and housebound parishioners. Children in Year 4 and above are invited to make their First Holy Communion, with preparation in school or through meetings with parents. Adults and young people in Year 8 or above are invited to join the Archdiocesan Confirmation Programme.

Once a year, there is a preparation course for those who want to become a Catholic, known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). To arrange a funeral, contact the parish priest.