St Wulstan

Introduction

The church is built of buff brick with nine steel portal frames and no aisles. The foundation stone of the church was laid on 6 June 1959.

History

In the 1880s, Catholics in Wolstanton gathered in private homes for Mass, served by priests from St Joseph's, Burslem. The appointment of a resident priest in 1927 marked the formal founding of the Wolstanton parish. In 1954 the National Coal Board offered the current site, which was free from mining subsidence risk. The church officially opened on 7 October 1959.

In the late 1960s the church was reordered and the Lady Chapel was completed. A parish hall was constructed in 1980–1981. In 2004 Saint Wulstan’s, Saint John the Evangelist (Chesterton), and Knutton were officially amalgamated. A flat-roofed Lady Chapel was later added to the southeast. A Lady Chapel and a pipe organ were added in the late 1950s and 1960s.

Music and liturgy

The parish choir was re-established in 1994, led by Dave West. Musicians and choir members lead the congregation in hymns, psalms, and responses, helping all to participate fully in sung worship. Children's Liturgy of the Word offers young children an age-appropriate experience of the Sunday Gospel during part of the Mass. Liturgical ministers include lectors, welcomers/greeters, offertory collectors and presenters, and receive training and support.

Eucharistic Ministers assist in the distribution of Holy Communion during Mass and often extend their ministry by visiting the sick and housebound. Sacristans prepare the sacred vessels, vestments, altar linens, and books needed for each liturgy. Altar servers carry the cross, candles, and incense, and assist in setting up during the liturgy. The parish celebrates the Holy Eucharist, Adoration, and special liturgies with reverence and joy.

Parish life

The parish supports CAFOD, the Catholic Church's official aid agency, with a parish team raising awareness, leading prayers and campaigns, and coordinating fundraising. Uniformed groups including Scouts, Guides, Brownies, and Beavers have a long-standing connection with the parish. Weekly coffee mornings offer parishioners and guests a chance for conversation and fellowship, especially valuable for newcomers and those living alone. Occasional afternoon teas are a cherished part of parish life, especially among older community members.

The annual Autumn Fayre brings the community together with stalls, homemade goods, games, raffles, and refreshments, and is an important fundraiser. The Craft Club gathers parishioners to knit, crochet, sew, and craft items, some sold at church fundraisers like the Autumn Fayre. Community centres and parish halls at both churches host church-related events, social functions, classes, and external community groups, and are open to hire.

The parish offers faith formation including RCIA, sacramental preparation, and children's liturgy. Youth are encouraged to participate as readers, altar servers, musicians, and members of various parish groups, with youth-friendly liturgies, social events, service projects, and faith formation opportunities.

The parish supports CAFOD and the Catholic Women's League, established in 1987. RCIA has been offered since 1985 for those joining or deepening their Catholic faith. CAFOD and the Women's League have been supported since 1987, supporting global development and local service.

The parish participates in Synod discussions, listening circles, and formation gatherings. The parish maintains strong relationships with local Catholic primary and secondary schools, supporting spiritual and moral formation through school Masses, sacramental programmes, classroom visits, and RE support. The Parish Forum is a consultative and supportive body working with the Parish Priest to guide the spiritual, pastoral, and practical life of the parish community.

Regular events

The parish choir practices regularly and sings at weekend Masses and special liturgical celebrations. The parish newsletter provides weekly updates on group meetings and parish events.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish provides preparation for parents and families seeking Baptism for their children. Baptism preparation is offered for parents and godparents. Children typically prepare for First Holy Communion around the age of seven or eight.

Instruction and preparation are provided for those seeking Confirmation. The parish offers RCIA for adults entering the Church and catechesis for parishioners of all ages.

Couples are supported through marriage preparation to help them build a faithful and enduring Christian marriage. Couples should contact the parish office at least six months in advance for marriage preparation.

Engaged couples are invited to meet with the parish priest and take part in a marriage preparation course. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is available to those who are seriously ill, elderly, or preparing for surgery.

The parish offers Bible studies, discussion groups, and seasonal retreats. Liturgical ministries include choir, altar servers, lectors, sacristans, and Eucharistic ministers. Outreach and fellowship include CAFOD support, social action, and parish events. Community life includes coffee after Mass, social gatherings, and fundraising activities.