St. Stephen, Droylsden

Introduction

The parish of Saint Stephen's Droylsden was established in 1935, with the first Mass celebrated above the Co-Op at the Toll Bar.

History

In 1938, a wooden church was purchased and set behind the site of the present building. The consecration of the new Church took place on the 12th May 1960.

Architecture and furnishings

The present brick Church was built between 1958-1959 with a marble interior and Altar by Alberti's. In the early 1970s, following Vatican II, the altar was moved from beneath the crucifix to face the people. The marble altar was removed and replaced with a modern one. More space at the rear of the church was created by repositioning and removing some benches.

The aisles and the altar were recarpeted. The foundation stone remains beneath the pulpit. The stone commemorating the consecration is situated under the pulpit.

Parish life

Parish volunteers offer lifts to Mass and help with errands for those who are unwell. The gardening club restored Our Lady's Garden, revealing the statue of Our Lady.

Early parish life included pantomimes, parish dances, and operettas. Money was raised through the Social Committee to repair and recover the kneelers. The May Procession tradition was begun by a parish priest.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Couples wishing to marry at St Stephen's must contact the Parish Priest at least six months before the chosen date, allowing time for preparation, paperwork, and a marriage preparation course. Couples preparing for marriage at St Stephen's attend a Pre-Marriage Course, which offers time and space to think about their relationship, communication, and shared faith.

The Sacramental Programme at St Stephen's welcomes children from other schools who live in the parish, adapting the programme to their needs and to older children. St Stephen's also offers a Requiem Service without Mass, a similar service but without a Eucharistic Celebration.

St Stephen's supports the Missio Red Box appeal, the Pope's charity for World Mission. St Stephen's participates in the Letters Against Isolation letter-writing drive to fight loneliness, with a goal of 100 letters over three months. St Stephen's supports Droylsden Food Bank, which appeals for tinned and other items. St Stephen's supports Caritas Salford's work on homelessness through a Lancashire Hike.

Visiting

A family member may give a short eulogy during the funeral liturgy. Children are welcome at Mass and may make noise. Non-Catholics may come forward for a blessing during Communion by crossing their arms. Children return to church in time for the Liturgy of the Eucharist, reunited with their families before Communion.