St Thomas of Canterbury, Heaton

Introduction

St Thomas of Canterbury in Heaton, in the Diocese of Salford, was established as the population of St Edmund's parish grew and residents moved from the town centre. The church's land had been used for the wartime 'Dig for Victory' campaign, and construction began in 1956.

Music and liturgy

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

The sacramental programme begins in Advent by formally enrolling the children during Mass. The parish invited everyone to undertake a Novena to Saint Monica for her intercession for God’s blessings and guidance.

An Annual Diocesan Mission Mass is celebrated during the summer, usually at Salford Cathedral. The parish encourages parishioners to take advantage of opportunities for deepening their relationship with the Risen Lord provided by Benediction and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The parish encourages opportunities for parishioners to read, pray, and apply the scriptures in their daily lives, such as Lectio Divina and Praying with the Psalms. The parish provides a funeral booklet for guidance and understanding of a Roman Catholic requiem.

Parish life

The parish supports food banks through food bins in the church porches for Cornerstone (Caritas), Urban Outreach (Bolton) and Revive (Spiritans Salford). 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 Back Pack project. The Legion of Mary and Saint Vincent de Paul Society carry out regular work in the local area. Parishioners help prepare packed lunches in school holidays and hampers for 'Christmas Dinner on Jesus' (Urban Outreach).

The parish took part in the 'Churches in the Park' celebration in Moss Bank Park in June 2018. The parish has opened links in the Halliwell area through the 'Meet your Mosque' programme.

The Pastoral Team advises relatives and friends who wish to be involved in the funeral liturgy, such as readings or delivering the eulogy. Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament is offered at St Thomas of Canterbury Church before each Mass.

Regular events

In March each year, all are invited to join in a Novena in preparation for the feast of St Joseph, the Patron of the Mill Hill Missionary Society, on March 19th. Children's Liturgy takes place at each weekend Mass in both parishes.