St Peter - Stockport

Introduction

The independent parish of St Peter was founded in 1923/24. Edward Kirby of Liverpool designed the church, and Daniel Eadie & Son of Stockport built it.

History

Bishop Hugh Singleton blessed the site and laid the foundation stone on 23 August 1930. The church was officially opened on 12 April 1931 with a solemn High Mass celebrated by Canon McGeever. Messrs Shepherdsons of Great Moor made the pine furniture, and parishioners donated statues of Our Lady and the Sacred Heart.

Architecture and furnishings

The church was enlarged in the mid sixties to accommodate the expanding community. Internal alterations were made during the seventies to reflect the liturgical changes of the Second Vatican Council. The sanctuary was re-ordered and a new permanent altar erected, completed and blessed in April 2006.

Music and liturgy

The Junior Choir is open to boys and girls from age 7, singing regularly at Mass and performing in special services, concerts, entertainments and festivals, sometimes with the adult choir. The Adult Choir sings regularly at Mass on Sundays and special feast days and takes part in concerts and festivals with considerable success.

Parish life

St Peter's provides spiritual care for Roman Catholic patients at Stepping Hill Hospital, whose catchment covers parts of north Derbyshire, Cheshire and south Manchester. Teams of Eucharistic ministers take Communion to the housebound or hospitalised, and St Peter's Helpers serve the Stockport community in practical ways. A team of 'prayer warriors' prays for intentions sent to the parish office, and virtual candles can be lit. Active groups help with disability inclusion and for those with additional needs and their carers.

The parishes have three primary schools – St Peter's, St Philip's and St Simon's – and secondary schools including Harrytown Catholic High School and St James' Catholic High School, plus Aquinas College. St Peter's and St Philip's are part of Local Pastoral Area 20 under the patronage of Mary the Mother of God, together with five other parishes. Alpha is an opportunity to explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly, open and informal environment, gathering once a week over a ten week period.

Regular events

Throughout the year there are many LPA events such as Mass on New Year's Day (Solemnity of Mary Mother of God), Marian Songs of Praise and Reconciliation Services.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Adults seeking baptism are directed to the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Confirmation preparation programmes are available. Marriage preparation is offered to couples, with contact to the parish priest to discuss wedding plans. Reconciliation is available during Exposition on Saturdays or by appointment.

Anointing of the sick is available for those who are ill or elderly, with visits arranged by contacting the parish. Funerals and funeral services honour and remember loved ones through Catholic funeral rites, with support from the parish office. An active Bereavement Group offers practical support to the wider community.

Visiting

The church has a large car park for those attending events at the church or parish centre, with no overnight parking and it may be locked without notice when no events are taking place. The Parish Centre is located in the church car park, minutes from the A6 and Hazel Grove Train Station, and is available for private events such as birthday parties, weddings, charity events and meetings, with facilities including a meeting room.

Mass is live-streamed at churchservices.tv/stockport. A video introducing St Peter's church for newcomers has been prepared. A baptism course helps parents prepare for the baptism of their child and reflect on their role as first teachers of the faith.