St Wilfrid

Introduction

St Wilfrid's Church in Bishop Auckland, within the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, was built in 1846.

History

The church was established to support the growing Catholic population, particularly Irish immigrants who arrived to work in developing industries. Before its construction, Jesuit priests traveled from Durham to minister to the local Catholic community. For nearly a century, St Wilfrid's was the primary Catholic parish in the area until additional parishes, including St Mary's and St Paulinus', were formed in the 1950s.

Parish life

The Spirituality Group helps explore topics including music and liturgy. The parish maintains strong links with local Catholic primary schools St Wilfrid's and St Chad's, and St John's Catholic Secondary School and Sixth Form College. The parish collaborates with school staff to deliver First Holy Communion, Reconciliation, and Confirmation programmes. Staff and pupils regularly take part in Family Sunday Masses, usually held once per half term.

The parish contributes to national events such as Flame at Wembley Arena with financial support and parishioner involvement alongside students and staff from St John's. St Mary's SVP supports local families through the Christmas Hamper Appeal. Parishioners contribute to community events such as Remembrance Day commemorations. Many parish members serve as Foundation Governors within the schools.

Parishioners are welcomed to St John's Christmas lunches and monthly 'Natter and Entertainment' afternoons delivered with Age UK. The Social Group organises quiz nights, including an annual Christmas Quiz and Grand Raffle. The Parish Finance Group meets quarterly, with membership determined in accordance with Diocesan guidelines. The SVP Group meets every two to three months, as required, and its work is carried out in accordance with the Charity Acts and national guidance of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

The Church Cleaning Group helps care for the church, meeting room, and kitchen, with cleaning on a monthly basis. The Journey in Faith (RCIA) programme runs from autumn to Easter, with gatherings, discussions, and reflections, and participants may receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter. The Laudato Si' Group has met regularly since June 2021, inspired by the encyclical Laudato Si'.

The parish actively supports the local foodbank alongside other Christian churches, with weekly contributions from parishioners providing essential food supplies to local families in crisis. The parish is dedicated to supporting the local community through strong links with Catholic schools, pastoral care for the sick and housebound, and collaboration with neighbouring churches.

Each year, all three schools come together for a shared Carol Service at St Mary's. The Parish Pastoral Council meets four times each year.