Responses to Questionnaires

Honouring what has been – considering what we need to do to mark the ending of the

parishes and churches that have served us so well

Mass Schedule – the need for a new timetable of Masses across all of the 4 churches that

will serve our one new parish

Name – although the four churches that will serve us as one parish will retain their church

names we need a name for our new parish community

Honouring what has been

Each parish 1 church to arrange celebration as they see relevant – not be led. We have to be aware that all parishes will be closing and 1 opening – so all churches in that parish should have equal fai. It should be a time for each parish to celebrate their uniqueness and unite past priests to share their sadness.

A service with all our priests and children from each of the schools to be present

Have a very special Mass at each church with all clergy attending

Consider what the people belonging to the churches, that are closing, would like to happen – as a priority

A daytime mass in the church hall that is closing followed by parishioners gathering socially to share their memories over refreshments.

Have a plaque in one main parish church with the names of the 4 churches closing. History given of each church Also mention them in each mass in the 4 churches re open every week for a year

Special mass Photographs – old for memories + new Social gatherings

On the Closure of the 4 Churches here in Widnes, I think it would be a Fantastic opportunity to have one BIG Mass at St Michaels Church for everyone from Widnes, hopefully this would bring and unite all Widnes together and pull together all strong resources that Widnes have, at the finish of this important Mass we all get together for drinks and bites and get together to make strong the very important 4 Churches that we have. This would be a Mass to Remember for the Church / People / and to look forward to a very strong united Widnes.

Final Mass and Benediction in each church that is closing

Thanksgiving Mass with a party afterwards?

Special services in each of the four churches arranged so that all parishioners in the Pastoral Area can attend each one if they so wish.

We should have a farewell Mass and a welcoming Mass

At least one ‘Final’ celebration mass at each church that is to close but at different times + days so as many Parishioners as possible can attend.

Hold a special closing Mass at each Church that is to close. Parishioners, past and present, to be invited to attend. Many people worship at their own parish Church but hold dear churches where their faith was nurtured as a child or young adult and have a lasting connection with them.

Promote a local celebration in each parish, perhaps for one weekend per parish celebrate the original mass schedule for each church? Ensure the change of use / closure as place of worship is carried out in a manner to minimise any pain felt by older members of the community. Ensure the wider community ( non practicing / non catholic) are aware of the changes and the reason for them. Provide a clear positive message to counter any perceived negativity.

Special Celebration Masses in the buildings that are closing over the last weekend with refreshments in the same locations afterwards.

Masses of thanksgiving in churches that are closing & welcoming masses in other churches.

Maybe a last Mass, preceded by an ‘open day’?

Hold a Special mass in each of the churches that will be closing, followed by a celebration in their associated clubs/halls. Remove a significant item(s) from each and place in the churches that will be remaining open for worship.

There must be a celebration to recognise all the service and love generated by the parishioners of each of the closing churches. Could the Archbishop be involved?

Walk of faith from any of the places of worship which are closing, to the remaining churches.

A Thanksgiving Mass

An individual closure service in each church, with notice boards displaying details of history / events / Parish Priests who have served.

I feel that for the very last celebration of their parish, parishioners should arrange their own celebration in a way that they have celebrated priests jubilees and parish get togethers as they have done over the life of their parish.

Plant a tree in the grounds of St. Bede’s for each church that will close. A painting of each church to close to be hung on display and accessible to all visibly.

1) Closing Mass for each Parish. Memory books where parishioner’s may add photos, memories etc-

ideally to be accessible on-line as well as for each parish.

2) A final Mass in each church as well as a celebration of it’s existence.

3) A Mass of thanksgiving for the building and the clergy that have served the community.

4) Each Parish should have a celebration with a social element – this will support the understanding that 8 parishes are closing and the start od one new beginning.

5) A celebration Mass which is well advertised to mark the closing of each of the 4 churches, (On a Sunday and at a time that many can attend). Say special prayers give thanks to the parish team helpers and make sure they feel welcome to continue their good work in the remaining churches. St Julie’s in St Helens have an excellent community spirit, parish. Friends meet after Mass there is a lovely community spirit which especially helps lonely older people.

6) Celebrating Mass in each church.

7) No comment

8) No comment

9) No comment

10) No comment

11) No comment

12) Individual final Masses followed by refreshments.

13) Thanksgiving Masses & celebration for the community followed by a get-together for each. Time to look at/reflect within each church.

14) A month of mourning

15) No comment

16) No comment

17) No comment

18) A celebration in each church

19)A final Mass and Benediction followed by a social gathering for the community

20) A celebration Mass

21) A Mass of thanksgiving involving our parish school children – a celebration

22) no comment

23)To have a service at each church ollowed by an opportunity for people to bring momentos, photographs and memories of that church and why it was important to them i.e. wedding photos.

24)Try to find appropriate use for the surplus buildings

25) No Comment

To have a mass at each church, also a display of old photographs connected to each church over the years. An afternoon tea with music at each parish hall.

A parish sing-a-long and buffet with artists and disco at St Bede’s/St Michael’s with transport (school buses) laid on for the elderly/housebound.

Special mass farewell celebration at each church and get together bringing photos and mementoes to collate into a book for each church.

A mass in all the churches on different nights so that all parishioners to go.

Holy Mass in each church. Get together afterwards.

Allow each parish to arrange their own event. One last opportunity to be parish before we all become one.

Ensure that the local parish communities decide what they want rather than something organised via the Pastoral Area.

Displays of memorabilia. Mass and perhaps Benediction.

Have a Mass in each pf the churches that are to close.

Perhaps a simple social get-together in the church hall of each parish. And why not something akin to the walkway of the stars in the USA with the name of each of the parishes engraved on a plaque set into the approach to the main church.

Special Masses and perhaps a gathering for a meal or party (concert) of some kind.

Obviously a Mass of Thanksgiving followed by a family get-together not in the evening when a lot of people won’t go out in the dark but possibly a Sunday.

A special Mass with a brief history of the church and music chosen by the local parishioners.

A special Mass for all past clergy and parishioners in each closing church.

Have closing Masses possibly with photographic exhibitions of events from the history of the churches.

A Mass to be said at the closing of our lovely church & reverent church.

Mass & Social.

Have a social evening with memorabilia (photos etc). Final Mass with the ceremony of collecting chalices etc: and closing the front doors, then walk to the nearest church that is staying open and have a welcoming service where they present the chalices etc: with the congregation then social meeting with tea and

biscuits.

A farewell Mass at each church.

A Farewell Mass at each church that is to close.

Mass followed by a social evening – with photographs from years ago – the church through the ages.

Remember the parishioners. Remember the forgotten people of West Bank who will have lost two churches.

Closing Masses for each Parish. ‘Memory’ Books where parishioners may add photos, memories etc – ideally to be accessible online as well as a book for each parish.

To mark the ending of closing the churches not have the usual Mass times but have all the Masses together at each church that is closing, one at a time.

Gathering in each parish with buffet and photographs, memorabilia, tears and laughs, and last Mass.

Hold a thanksgiving Mass at each church to be closed. Perhaps a display of photos showing weddings, baptisms etc.

A farewell Mass in each church.

Photo & memorabilia opportunity.

Not only the Roman Catholic church is suffering from failing attendances, so it very much needed that our new parish attracts young people, we should have a celebration mass at St Peter and Paul Mass while also seeing the sadness of the closing of the other church. Through the junior schools in Widnes invite pupils past and present to attend, making the point this is a fresh start for all of us together and together.

Preserve our heritage and culture – let’s build on it and not be afraid of it!

Mass/social get together.

Have a Mass & party at each venue.

I think we should open the doors to all Christians in our community. It is not through good works that we are saved but by the free gift that God give us. All we have to do is accept, this is the link that bonds us all together unlike other non-Christian faiths. I don’t believe that it is only Catholics that will welcome into Heaven so let’s move forward together because of our common belief in Jesus. I think it would also make a lot of sense sharing our churches with the current climate and financial situation instead of losing them to other organisations that are not necessarily Christian.

Mass of thanksgiving to be held in each church due to close.

A concelebrated Mass in each of the churches that are closing. Then a community social for the new parish at Easter.

A Celebration Mass held in each church that is closing for past and present parishioners with a social gathering maybe with photo displays celebrating the life of the parish community. Refreshment and time to reflect on what has made there past has been to them (hopefully happy events). Looking forward to celebrate one Mass in each church at the same time as the beginning of a new Parish one community.

Thinking about me above question & not cancelling the Carol Service with memorial candles that has worked so well over the past 6 years!

Preserve them for the future – they might be needed for only God knows the future.

A special thanksgiving Mass for priests and parishioners past and present, who have worked and served in the parishes which will close

Each parish should have their own ceremony. Care should be given to make sure as many of our housebound will be part of that ceremony, as many have given years of unselfish service to their parishes

One important point to consider: Let every priest be a parish priest in his own parish. Some friends have said to me that the priests have no time to get to know the parishioners as they have to rush on to other commitments as soon as Mass is over.

Celebration of Mass inviting all parishioners. Display of photos and memories etc

Like what St Marie’s had – recent gatherings and ask for old photos throughout the years to be on display for people’s memories

A special Mass with contributions of memorabilia. Also give the people of the various parishes a chance to have an artefact from their closed down church. Do not throw away the contents of these churches, which is what occurred with St Patrick’s/St Marie’s.

Can’t come to terms with all this. I think closing 4 churches all at the same time is too much to take in and can’t see why we need to do this. It is for me a very sad time.

All the churches to have a final Mass – at different times to enable people to go to more than one. Some sort of get together to share memories and photos etc

I’m not too certain about this. At the moment I feel a lot of people are still struggling with this. Perhaps some sort of gallery for each church displaying Christenings, weddings etc that have been celebrated there during the churches lifetimes, including photos of all the clergy.

Feb 14: Weekend Masses of thanksgiving in all churches. Each member of the congregation to write down what they have loved about their parish that is to close (all 8). Each written memory to be carried forward at the offertory by children. A week of open churches with these memories on display with memorabilia. Sunday Pilgrim Day or travelling lunch, shared food, encouraging people to lunch in each church/hall/school. How many churches can you visit and share food in?

Organise special closing Mass at the four closing churches, and one celebrating Mass, a special welcoming Mass for our new parish.

Generally to look forward rather than back, but to mark the occasion perhaps a Social, exhibition, as well as religious Services. Cf. Closure of Fisher/ More school in 1997

Special Masses at all churches that will be closing

This is hard. Some people don’t want to acknowledge that their church or one they’re fond of is closing. One thought is a Mass to thank God for all the years the church has been open and how we’ve been a community. But also to ask God to help us in the days/weeks/months/maybe years to adjust in the changes we must make

Have a Mass in each of the churches that are closing

Organise a celebration Mass in every church. Make it a positive get-together to recognise its past history and all that has been achieved. Invite parishioners to bring old photographs. Have a Social afterwards so people can chat and share their memories. It is important to share all the artefacts from churches are closing with ones remaining open i.e. crosses, stations of the cross, nativity figures, so people will feel ‘at home’ when they go to Mass in a new church.

Hoping to go to St Pius X church on 15th Feb 2015, the last day, my son Brian birthday; been confirmed by Bishop Rawsthorne in which a good friend to Mgr C Glass who died 14th Feb 1998. A hoping the Mass (on that day?) is for Mgr Glass. (From John Martin)

So all of a sudden we matter? Remember the night of the stadium in Lower House Lane. We might as well have stayed at home.

Let each parish do their own thing

Close churches in stages. This will give people time to try and adapt

Help (?)

Open the doors. That’s what our holy father asked of you. See Catholic Pic of Jan 2014

Leave Widnes

A shared table after the end of a thanksgiving Service for each church to be closed.

This is difficult because memories are spanning over 50 years. A lot of family life has been celebrated and a lot of funerals etc have taken place. I don’t think one Mass should be seen as a celebration, but more of a ‘memory’ Mass to share memories like you said of faith shared.

Hold special Masses and not just at night as many older people don’t go out on wintry nights

Thanksgiving Mass

Social evening in each parish

Mass of celebration. Plant a tree for each parish

Booklet featuring all churches and special events concerning each church

I think each church should hold its own social evening in its own hall to say farewell to all its parishioners

A final Mass in each church closing with all the PA priests, inviting any former priests of that parish

Mass of thanksgiving and mark the occasion as we have all past parish events, by a final ‘celebration’ in the parish hall

Individual ‘knees up.’ Books/parish archives/photos (affordably priced!)

Each parish church should have a special Mass to mark their closing, this gives each person from these churches the chance to say their own special goodbyes and make their last Mass special there, a memory they will always remember

Have a ‘songs of praise and thanksgiving’ party

A Mass of remembrance – based on the Sacraments celebrated over the years in each church

We cannot celebrate churches getting closed down!

To have the final Mass in each church in the evening of the last week, followed by tea/coffee in the halls afterwards

No comment as it’s not my parish church closing

Find ways to stop the loss of so many members of the church’s that have been closed that will be lost. The church having backed down to pressure from people of Cronton to keep their church open

Photo exhibitions. An artefact kept from each of the redundant churches relocated to one that is staying open as a ‘touchstone’ in memory

To invite the archbishop or bishop to hold an appropriate Service for the occasion

A Mass of thanksgiving followed by a social evening to share photographs of different events that have taken place in the past 100 or so years of the catholic church in Widnes, or ask people to write a short history of their parish memories

Maybe a shrine in each of the surviving churches dedicated to our former parishes. This would help the former parishes to feel a part of their new parish and a place of remembrance

A thanksgiving Mass for all parishes followed by a tea/coffee evening with various photos of the various Parishes past and present held at whatever venue is chosen

Thanksgiving Mass followed by social events. Photo displays in all churches

We should evangelise and stand up for the Gospel and bring people that don’t know God or our Lady.

EVERY church needs a Mass to celebrate the life of that church in the past NOT to mourn. I think the actual parish priests should say the Mass(es). Where parishes have shared a priest, lots of people might want to attend both. If not weekend Masses, pm best.

Mass schedule

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Be mindful that some people are unable to attend morning mass or travel to another church. So all churches should offer an evening mass. Reinstate evening mass at St. basils at 5.30pm. Have an early morning mass at St. Basils.

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The elderly unable to travel too far to attend a Mass An evening Sat Mass at the north end of town for people who don’t drive to get to St. Michaeld Sat evening Mass. Prefer an early Sunday Mass instead of midday

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Definitely Saturday evening Mass. We miss our Saturday night family. I have tried different churches but its not the same especially not (St. Michaels)

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Older people and those who have no transport What about public transport? Is it convenient for our churches Varied time options for the Masses throughout the P.A.

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St Bedes to be a Saturday night mass because of ease of bus routes and St. Michaels to become the Sunday night mass because of the opportunity of masses all Sunday morning throughout the 4 parishes. The masses should stay as they are in the 4 churches remaining, with the opportunity to add more if necessary at a later date

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Think about people who like to attend Mass on a Saturday night either 5; 5.30 or 6 p.m. (This is my choice). I used to attend 5pm Mass at Holy Family. This has stopped now. I attend St Basils Sunday Masses 9 & 10am. Have a ballot each church of times preffered. Keep in mind Hon people will travel to Mass. Especially some older and infirm. Also bus routs and times. Make sure enough parking space is available.

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Accessibility – dark nights – transport – local buses Capability of holding congregation for popular Mass times

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Saturday evening Masses Bus Services limited on Sundays

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Morning Mass times Saturday night Masses Multiple Sunday Masses Helping people to get to Mass Its TIME FOR CHANGE

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Number of priests we have and how many masses they can celebrate at weekend More variety in times of weekday masses Public transport issues

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Could we please have our 6pm Mass at St. Bede’s its difficult for us to get to St. Michaels Now that St. Raphaels is closing – Sunday Buses are not very often as on weekdays

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More than one Saturday Evening Masses Bus schedules for people without Transport Convenient times of Masses thinking about the elderly and children

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Mass Times organised so people have more than one choice. More than one mass on a Sunday at each church. Transport arranged if possible for people who will habe some difficulties in getting to a different church.

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Sunday morning at St Michael’s, maybe 2 Evening Mass at St. Bede’s More Sunday Masses than Saturday Masses.

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Evening Mass at St Bede’s. Plenty of car space with no main road to cross.

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Take account of elderly people and those with young families for whom travelling poses particular difficulties. Mass times should be varied with services spread across the town to make them accessible to all of our parish community so that everyone feels included Please listen to parishioners’ views and act upon them as far as possible. Please can we have a warm church and Mass sheets to help people feel more involved in the Mass.

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There must be another Saturday evening Mass as St. Michael’s is too far away from the rest of the town. Also there is a dark, rough road to the church and parking is poor. As St. Pius, St. Raphael’s + St. Maries are loosing their churches their parishioners should keep their Mass times.

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Availability to all the churches in the new parish for every one.

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There should be more central evening \mass instead of / as well as St. Michael’s, either on a Saturday / or as well as, a Sunday. As there will only be 4 churches, perhaps there could be 2 Masses at each church. Help for the old people to get to Mass – perhaps a pool of volunteers who will be willing to take individuals to / from Church.

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Times of masses, so that older people may have an alternative, e.g. 9.30, 10.30, 11.15. The Saturday evening needs to be more central to the town. For those who travel by car – sufficient parking + parking that is safe for older people, e.g. the unmade road – St. Michael’s or crossing a very dark road from the school. Availability of public transport at times meeting service times.

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Accessibility to all, in daylight, safely i.e. early Saturday evening mass so those without transport can get to / from mass in daylight hours – particularly in winter. Toilet facilities – as people travel further to mass and leave home earlier accessibility to toilets should be made available. Geographical area mass start time should reflect public transport availability i.e. without a car how can someone from further parish get to mass?

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To have a Saturday evening back at St Bede’s

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Times of public transport on Sunday Even spread of Mass times throughout the day Parking – is there sufficient for numbers going to Mass?

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Central, easy to reach location with good public transport links early and late. Even spread of services throughout PA –times, locations Diversity being accounted for: children’s Masses, youth and young adult Masses,traditional Masses.

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An early Mass 8am I get up early

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Please keep the early Mass for the elderly so they can return to the loved ones who are ill. It would also be nice to see a priest. Visiting the ill the time as gone when the priest did not need asking to visit. Please follow the Pope and have compassion. A lot of parishioners are disappointed with the clergy.

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East Widnes not adequately covered- Mass times need another Mass. Change the Sunday Mass time or Saturday night re-instated Need to think of the parishioners who work unsociable hours who are not catered for.

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Evening Mass Saturday has been a success of St Mikes. But maybe another at St Bede’s to cover all the area. A Sunday Mass at each church.

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There must be another Saturday evening Mass as St. Michael’s is too far away from the rest of the town. Also there is a dark, rough road to the church and parking is poor. As St. Pius, St. Raphael’s + St. Maries are loosing their churches their parishioners should keep their Mass times.

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Availability to all the churches in the new parish for every one.

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There should be more central evening \mass instead of / as well as St. Michael’s, either on a Saturday / or as well as, a Sunday. As there will only be 4 churches, perhaps there could be 2 Masses at each church. Help for the old people to get to Mass – perhaps a pool of volunteers who will be willing to take individuals to / from Church.

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Times of masses, so that older people may have an alternative, e.g. 9.30, 10.30, 11.15. The Saturday evening needs to be more central to the town. For those who travel by car – sufficient parking + parking that is safe for older people, e.g. the unmade road – St. Michael’s or crossing a very dark road from the school. Availability of public transport at times meeting service times.

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Accessibility to all, in daylight, safely i.e. early Saturday evening mass so those without transport can get to / from mass in daylight hours – particularly in winter. Toilet facilities – as people travel further to mass and leave home earlier accessibility to toilets should be made available. Geographical area mass start time should reflect public transport availability i.e. without a car how can someone from further parish get to mass?

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To have a Saturday evening back at St Bede’s

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For a Saturday evening Mass at St Bede’s

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Many people work weekends- early morning Mass ion Sundays e.g 8.30am are convenient as are Saturday & Sunday evenings. Not everyone has transport or can travel to Mass. Many would still prefer to go to their ‘own’ church, so ideally there needs to be a good spread of Masses across the parishes.

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Early Mass for children possibly Sunday afternoon. Saturday evening Mass morning Masses throughout the area. Time suitable for elderly parishioners to be transported to other parishes.

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Parishes losing their churches should have their Mass times transferred to alternative church at the expense of that church Mass time. There should be an alternative Saturday night Mass at St john Fisher 5/5.30pm Arrangements should be made for those requiring transport. St Bede’s Sunday 8am,10am,5.30pm, St John Fisher 9.30am (incorporating 9.30am Masses St Pius and St Marie’s) St Michael’s 10am (incorporating 10am Mass at St Raphael’s, Our Lady’s) St Basil’s 11.15am

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If some of the current Mass times are favoured in responses then they should move to a different building as times may suit but change is needed. Types of masses need to be considered, types of music but always liturgically correct and supportive of the congregation. A reduced number of Masses but at various times across the town to enable fuller attendance to enrich the liturgy.

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To consider times that are going to cater for people who need to work nights or on a Sunday i.e. a range of times but especially night and early morning Mass.

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No comment

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Availability: Early Mass each area, later Mass each area. Access: St Bede’s is on the best bus route – older people, young families, invalids – no transport Vigil Masses: Sat – St Michael’s, St Bede’s. Vigil Mass Holy Days.

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Times of Masses, times of Confession. With only 4 churches amount of people at all Masses.

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Saturday evening Mass besides St michael’s6.30pm Weekday Masses usual times of 4 churches. Sunday Masses – early Mass, late Mass.

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8:30am 10am 4:30 Saturday Mass in St Bede’s 6pm

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People’s commitments on a Sunday ie 9am Mass for elderly people. 5pm Mass for other people – most of the day is free. Mass at 7pm alternate Sundays for people working. All four churches to be opened up for Sunday Mass ie Mass 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm. 7pm, at alternate churches.

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Location of Sat. night Mass. St Michael’s is a beautiful church but a nightmare to drive away from. (Majority of cars go right at bottom of the drive into red lights). We need to utilise the most ‘centrally’ located church for ease of travel. Lighting for elderly and visually impaired (outside).

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Should have one Saturday evening Mass 2 early Sunday morning Masses from which ministers will take (Holy) Communion to the housebound; 2 late Sunday morning Masses during which there can be children’s liturgy Think it is very important to keep one late Sunday evening Mass so people if for some reason have not been able to attend any of the other Masses, they will have the opportunity to go. Think this one should stay at St Bede’s as it most central church in the Pastoral Area

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A Saturday night Mass that takes into account older parishioners Consideration needs to be given to ministers who need to collect their pyks in order to take Communion to the sick. At least 2 weekday Masses in each remaining church/parish

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Saturday night Mass is needed in the parish. So many people miss St John Fisher Saturday night Mass as St Michael’s is not on any bus route. It’s very cold (church) and not sufficient parking

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Each church should have a Sunday morning Mass that families with children can attend 2 Saturday evening Masses – keeping one at St Michael’s church, and a 2nd in a central position possibly St Bede’s Everyone should have a means to get to a Mass. Some people will be badly affected as they do not have transport and are not fit enough to walk to the other end of town, especially in bad weather.

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Sensible times – e.g. not having 1 Mass on a Saturday evening at a church which is impossible for most parishioners to attend because it is in the wilderness, and there are no buses that go near it. Parking is in the lane or school playground, and people won’t go along that lane anyway as its too lonely. Bring back the evening Mass at St John Fisher church. I know young altar servers who don’t go to Mass because they are involved in sports on a Sunday. If their games begin later they get to go to Mass first. Have daily Mass at each of the churches, as we have priests at each church now, thank God.

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A Saturday evening Mass is needed in this area of town (Halton View). Perhaps re-introduce the 5pm Mass at St John Fisher Making Masses accessible to people needing transport, who might not otherwise to able to attend Mass

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For me a children’s liturgy Mass is important, having a 9, 6, and 2 year old Keeping Mass times (Sunday) as near as possible to the original times now

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Ability to serve all parishes equally Times convenient for parishioners An early Mass on Sunday

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Convenience for parishioners More Saturday vigil Masses

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More Masses at St Bede’s which is central to the town especially at Easter. Since we have these at St Michael’s, I have not been to Holy Thursday which I had done for 60 years. Masses Sunday at St John Fisher to remain the same

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9.30am 11am 5pm

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Transport is important – so consider public transport when arranging Mass times. We may have 4 priests, but could go down to 3 – consider this. Workers need to be considered, so look at Saturday night Masses either end of town – different times. For some, Saturday night seems a popular time Keep a late Sunday Mass, again for workers but also to encourage the young. One Sunday Mass in each church at a range of times, that still leaves time for baptisms

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Most importantly – the accessibility of the Mass. Another Saturday evening Mass is essential. Another Saturday night Mass and better parking. St Michael’s was the worst possible choice. IT’S ALWAYS FREEZING COLD! The choice of a “quieter” Mass (not singing all prayers), to help all these changes, Just a few hymns please

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Sick and housebound to be ministered to each Sunday at a time suitable for the sick. All churches have new Mass times Bus routes. Timetables may change but routes less frequently. Mass times arranged to enable people to attend. Vigil Mass consider having 4 each church or 2 at either end of town in 1 in a central church with a well lit car park (St Bede’s). Children’s Mass /Youth Mass?

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Need to rethink the Saturday night Mass

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The times of new Masses maybe more Saturday evening Mass or maybe Sunday evening Mass for workers.

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Make sure there is either a Saturday evening Mass or an early Sunday Mass in each church.

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9.30pm (yes pm) 10pm (yes pm)

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Reinstate 6pm Saturday Mass at St Bede’s

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Keep 5.30pm Sat at St Michael’s. Popular. Good parking. Everyone adapted and settled!

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Keep vigil but locate it more centrally for elderly, vulnerable, non-car users If possible, marry Mass times to local bus times Keep 5.30 for workers, people returning from holiday etc

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A varied selection of Mass times A Saturday eve Mass 10 am Mass

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Saturday evening Mass Sunday evening Mass Sunday morning Mass – all with public transport if possible

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That transport will be available for those who live a distant away or are without their own transport

1. 2. 3.

Sunday morning Mass in the various parishes. Eg starting 10am and so on Sat night Mass in various parishes eg 5.30pm St Michael’s Ditton Hall. Possible transport to the various parishes as and when required. Visiting the sick and housebound and disturbing Holy Communion to the sick.

1. 2.

Ensure that the elderly, disabled, have a way to attend Mass Make sure Masses are well spread out to enable everyone to attend Mass

3. Maybe remove Sat evening Mass and replace with late Sunday afternoon perhaps 4pm Mass

1. 2. 3.

Variety! I like the fact there are plenty of times from which to choose An early Mass AND a late afternoon/early evening one on Sunday to help those who work at weekends or maybe parents of young children Ideas: Sat: 5pm, Sun: 8am, 10am, 11am, 5pm

1. 2. 3.

Mass times that enable parishioners to have a choice of Masses: E.g.: Saturday 6.30pm, Sunday 9.30am, 11am, and 5.30pm Eucharistic ministers and the housebound who are unable to come to church but they are part of our parish family

1. 2. 3.

The length of distance people will have to come with the closures of their churches The loss of income which in my opinion will cause other churches to close How to stop the loss of more priests

1. 2. 3.

More Masses on Sat night for people who cannot get to Mass because it too far to travel Sunday Masses in all churches, extra Masses of an evening for Holy Days of Obligation More flexible Masses

1. 2. 3.

All churches must have at least one Mass on Sunday, St Bede’s 2 or 3 Masses If possible 2 churches to have Saturday night Masses

1. 2. 3.

A quiet Mass – not everyone prays well through music Another Sat evening Mass. The distance to St M’s is too far for some people Sunday morning Mass at St Michael’s to compensate for closure of St Raphael’s and Our Lady’s

1. 2. 3.

RETAIN 5.30pm Mass on Sat evening – quite popular After looking at the present Mass times, it requires input from the clergy as they areable to regulate the times to suit their purposes

1. 2. 3.

The heating at St Michaels has got to be sorted. Parishioners should not have to shiver during Mass – it is not right, especially for the elderly and children. Children need to be catered for to encourage them to attend services Choice of Saturday or Sunday Mass in each church

1. 2. 3.

2 Masses preferably on Saturday, and also on Sunday evening to help those who work in retail To consider bus timetabling issues or provide transport for those who don’t have a car

1. 2. 3.

At least 2 Sat evening Masses per week

1. 2. 3.

Not on bus routes so how do I get to Mass? Variety so I can choose which church to go to at certain times Access in Winter months

1. 2. 3.

Convenient Mass times for the elderly A quiet minimal singing Mass in one of the churches Mass times in the remaining churches to accommodate parishioners fro churches that are closing

1. 2. 3.

Public transport Parking availability Numbers attending each Mass

1. 2. 3.

Make sure the elderly have lifts if needed More than 1 Mass on Sat and Sunday night Sort heating in older churches especially in winter, they are really cold

1. 2. 3.

Regular Mass times More heating in St Michael’s Take care of the elderly

1. 2. 3.

Masses at different times, morning, afternoon and evening. Wide choice of Masses throughout weekend on Sat evening and Sunday. Transport considered for parishioners Availability of priests

1. Times that will help the people who have no transport and the OAP

1. 2. 3.

Varied times to allow people to go at different times Public transport. Times of Masses to help those who have to get buses I like anything between 10.30am to 1pm on Sunday. Sat night between 5pm – 6pm

1. 2.

More day time Masses Transport for elderly

3. For priests to stay safe and well to serve the people, as they do now

1. 2. 3.

Transport – West Bank community needs considering – lost 3 churches Age. Distance. Working schedules. Nursing homes and Eucharistic ministers

1. 2. 3.

Being flexible with times. Maybe we could vote for Mass times Masses should be evenly spread across the PA, and not 3 at St Bede’s. The new one parish should be equally shared 2 Sat evening Masses needed

1. 2. 3.

Another Sat night Mass please other than St Michaels’ – terrible parking there Perhaps a midweek evening Mass that workers could go to – e.g. 7.30pm Wed Bring novena and rosary back please

1. 2.

Weekday Masses EVERY day in each of the surviving 4 churches, not just one Mass per day, somewhere, concelebrated. Possibly more than one daily Mass at 9.15am depending on clergy availability/funerals etc – weekday Masses that workers can get to not just the retired. Varied times so that shifts workers can get to Mass. Some days Mass in the afternoon (for those who work mornings or evenings / who rely on buses / OAPs who find it hard to get going in the morning and afraid to go out at night), and some days Mass in the evening for those who work full time and have their own transport. Allow ministers of Word / Eucharist a chance to carry on their ministries in some capacity

1. 2. 3.

Access especially in winter Choices – not just one time and one Mass Cannot rely on public transport. How will we get there?

1. 2. 3.

Access for those who do not drive. Bus times. Provide transport? Size of churches – most popular times will attract big crowd The PA 5.30 Mass has been a huge success bringing everyone together. I think it should be retained as only Sat night Mass

1. 2.

2 Masses at separate churches on Saturday night Availability of transport fro outlying areas

1. 2. 3.

How people in the church, particularly the elderly will be able to get to church. Important to consider transport Morning Sunday Masses at ALL the churches if possible To keep weekend Masses at ALL churches. The present rota seems ok.

1. 2.

It’s all about you, you, you, not us. Goodbye

1. 2. 3.

Daily Mass at noon, owing to funerals Various buses to both St Bede’s and St Basil’s

1. 2. 3.

Transport? Change all Mass times so churches staying open also feel things have changed Consider shift workers and families when devising times

1. 2. 3.

A Sunday morning Mass in each of the remaining churches Convenience for all parishioners accessing church – especially in south Widnes (West Bank) town centre and Ditton / Halebank Build on existing networks of Readers / Eucharistic Ministers

1. 2. 3.

Morning Mass at each church on Sunday, especially as a lot of elderly people may not want to go out in dark bad weather at night in winter Need to keep our morning Masses at each church during the week Perhaps instead of one PA Mass a week for the whole community, we could have one late Mass at each church for people who work

1. 2. 3.

The times of the new Masses and transport times for people who have to use public transport to get to Mass People with young families who attend Mass with them, allowing them time to get them up and ready to go to church With not having as many churches for people to attend, will just the one Sat night Mass be enough? Should another one be added?

1 2.

Bus times and costs – could with the upkeep money saved, drivers and minibuses be hired? Buses are expensive for low income families. Also disability access an issue at present in remaining churches People who work at weekends need variety – early Sunday am, Sunday afternoon, Sat night 9.30/10am Sun for those who need to cook the dinner

A Name for our New Parish

Name: St John Paul Reason: Pope John Paul II was & still is very revered by the people and it would be a lovely way to remember him.

Name: St. John Paul II Reason: He believed in one loving community.

Name: St. Jude Reason: To help us avoid hopelessness & despair. As St. Jude is the ‘Patron Saint of the Impossible’ it may well help us achieve the many changes which at times seem impossible.

Name: St Peter + Paul Reason: Perhaps the School and Church can work together.

Name: Widnes parish of St. Jude Reason: St Jude is a saint of devotion. He answers the prayers of those who can’t see beyond particular difficulties. Many people feel they can’t see past the closed doors with all the changes that will affect them. St Jude can help us to take the step of opening the door.

Name: St. Peter + Paul Reason: It’s something with local meaning but doesn’t favour any of the pre-existing churches.

Name: Saints Peter + Paul Reason: The high school is common to all the churches / to the catholic community in Widnes

Name: St. Francis Reason: Recognition of our Pope

Name: English Martyrs Reason: See Collect of that feast’s day ‘ we pray people may be gathered once again ‘ also responsorial psalm for that day.

Name: John Paul II Reason: Celebrate a saint that has been part of most peoples lives. Someone who can be remembered and admired in our own time.

Name: St. Patrick’s or St. Francis? Reason: to reflect our Irish heritage here in Widnes

Name: St. Stephens Reason: It is a name that is not found in Widnes churches and St. Stephen reminds us of what

following Jesus is all about, in terms of sacrifice. Also, St. Stephen is not a saint with a following from one denomination only, so is more ecumenical than some around.

Name: The English Martyrs Reason: Because we are now a group of churches.

Name: Saint John Paul II Reason: Much loved; Unification of Churches and faiths; forward thinking. All embracing.

Name: All Saints Community Catholic Church Reason: Because the churches are all saints names and this includes them all.

Name: Holy Trinity Area Catholic Parish Reason: Because all 3 in 1 have helped us on our journey

Name: St. John the Baptist Reason: He proclaimed the coming of Jesus. He baptised Jesus. There isn’t a church of this name in the Archdiocese of Liverpool.

Name: St. John Chrystostum Reason: He is the patron saint of preachers. There isn’t a church of this name in the Archdiocese of Liverpool.

Name: St. Edmund Arrowsmith Reason: He worked fearlessly as a priest in Lancashire. There isn’t a church of this name in the Archdiocese of Liverpool.

Name: St. Martha Reason: to recognise the workers who keep parishes running smoothly as they have done in the past and will have to do to a greater degree in the future.

Name: St. Jude Reason: The cause of joining eight not four parishes into one is going to be very difficult and will take a lot of work before one parish will function successfully.

Name: St Peter & St Paul or St Joseph Reason: I think the above 2 names would be most suitable because it would link the Catholic High School (present or past) to the New Parish and would hopefully encourage more young catholics to be involved in parish life. It would enhance the Catholic ethos of the whole town and the above Saints are obviously excellent role models to enable us all to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

Name: St John the Baptist Reason: John was selfless and drew people to Christ living simply bur focussing on preparing the way. John also drew people to different places – not the temples or church buildings as we have

today- John is about selflessness, simple lives with the focus on Christ.

Name: Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Reason: With 4 churches holding Saints names the Pastoral Area should be dedicated to Our Lady with direct connection to the proposed community centre

Name: St Anthony’s Reason: St Anthony is relevant in today’s world and is universally prayed to.

Name: No comment Reason:

Name: All Saints Reason: no reason

Name: St Jude Reason: Patron Saint of those in need. Gives support and guidance in times of need.

Name: No comment Reason:

Name: No comment Reason:

Name: St Francis of Assisi Reason: no reason

Name: St Ignatius Reason: He suffered incredible pain from a shattered leg which didn’t heal properly and he had to have it re-set but there was no anaesthetic to help him! Despite all this he never gave up. He referred to himself as the ‘Pilgrim’ and when his leg healed enough to walk he began a journey to Jerusalem so that he could kiss the earth where our Lord had walked. He would spend up to 7 hours a day in prayer. For periods he experienced doubts, anxieties but kept notes which became his Spiritual Exercises. To reflect on how he was loved and on what his personal gifts were and how to use them. With friends he made at University they formed the Jesuit Order. His philosophy was that we were all created to praise, reverence and prayer. Teach us ,good Lord, to serve you as you deserve to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labour and not to ask for reward except that of knowing that we are doing your will.

Name:St Anthony or St Jude Reason: none

Name: St Peter and St Paul

Reason: none

Name: St Gabriel Reason: We are beginning our journey at the start of a new year in the Church and we, in answering the challenge of forming a new parish, have listened to Christ at the door and taken up his message and it is fitting we acknowledge this with his greatest messenger.

Name:St Peter & Paul Reason:New pastures link to school without too many changes.

Name:No Comment Reason:

Name: Divine Mercy Reason:After the closing of so many churches, not just in Widnes, we will certainly need Our Lord’s mercy instead of his anger, which we will deserve.

Name: Holy Spirit Reason: We need the strength,, guidance and hope offered by the Holy Spirit at this time in supporting us through this change & helping develop & nurture our future.

Name: St Francis Reason: After our Pope who is an inspirational leader

Name: St Charles Borromeo Reason: That God guides the Church in the right direction in the turmoil and troubles in the church today. Loss of old ways and customs in our changing world of today.

Name: St John Paul Reason: we are a new parish, he is our newest saint.

Name: St Francis Reason: New parish, new Pope, new start

Name: St Peter Reason: A new beginning for Widnes. St Peter our first Pope. He made mistakes as we all do. Feb 22nd the feast of the chair of St Peter. No church dedicated to St Peter in Liverpool diocese. A good link to our secondary school Ss Peter & Paul.

Name: St Vincent De Paul Reason: Champion of the poor. Worked hard to alleviate suffering. His life would inspire people to ‘practise’ their faith. Faith should go ‘hand in hand’ with ‘practise of the faith’. ‘Read Letter of St James Chap 1&2’.

Name: St Peter & Paul

Reason: Same name High School

Name: Saints Peter & Paul Reason: To tie in with our one PA high school which is named after 2 great saints.

Name: St John Paul II Reason: First Pope to visit all Catholics around the world. Another name would be St Peter & Paul because our high school would be involved.

Name: St Peter & Paul Parish Reason: The rock on which God founded the Church and our Snr Catholic College.

Name: Blessed John Henry Newman Reason: An English Cardinal who worked diligently on behalf of the R.C. Church for Christian Unity. he was also a composer of great hymns, "Lead kindly Light" ,"Praise to the holiest in the Height" etc., As his Feast Day is 9th October, a relatively quiet time of the year, this day could be set aside for celebrating the aim for Christian Unity, with invitations to other Communities invited to take part in the celebrations for the approximate birthday of the decision to create the New Parish as well. Like having another St. Patrick's Day ? Why Not !!!

Name: St Wilfred Reason: In the twelfth century there was just one Catholic Church in Widnes. Saint Wilfred's, this church is still here as St Luke's C of E Farnworth. Maybe we could consider the name St Wilfred's.

Name: St John the Evangelist Reason: As we try to roll out the new single Parish Community there is a need to encourage all to continue to attend Mass and remain an integral part of the new Parish community, within the Widnes Pastoral Area. Recognising the need for Rebirth, Evangelisation will become the principle challenge for the new Parish, and what better a Patron Saint to prepare all for participating in spreading the Good News than St John.

Name: St Patrick Reason: Return to a saint with a history in the town and in respect of the large number of Widnesians with Welsh & Irish ancestry.

Name: St Jude Reason: His intercessions have helped me through some terrible times in my life.

Name: St Edwin’s Reason: An anagram of Widnes

Name: St Francis or John Paul II Reason: After our new Pope or after our newly canonised previous Pope.

Name: Holy Spirit Reason: So the Holy Spirit can guide and help us as we embark on our journey

Name: All Saints Reason: Because it does not favour any particular saint

Name: The Sacred Heart

Reason: To draw people together

Name: St Francis of Assisi Reason: His basic rule was to follow the teaching of our Lord Jesus, and walk in his footsteps. St Francis is a saint for everyone whether they are a beggar, nobility or a pope.

Name: St Francis of Assisi Reason: He lived his life for Jesus and the poor and the sick. Jesus trusted St Francis to rebuild his house. We will ask him to help rebuild our church once again.

Name: St Francis of Assisi Reason: A name with meaning for children who will grow up in our new parish. Everyone knows St Francis, saint of simplicity. Also is name of present pope they know.

Name: Blessed Sacrament Reason: The highlight and climax of faith for children and families as they receive Communion, Confirmation and Reconciliation.

Name: St Peter (not ‘& Paul’) Reason: “You are Peter and upon this Rock I will build my Church”

Name: Our Lady Queen of Peace Reason: A church dedicated to Our Lady would be lovely

Name: The Immaculate Conception Reason: St Marie’s closed. Next year Our Lady’s closes. Churches left all saints names, none to Our Lady

Name: Pope John Paul II Reason: Saint of our times. Charismatic – reached out to young people who are the future.

Name: St Marie’s Reason: None given

Name: St Marie Reason: In memory of the great parish that once was so important to the people of Widnes. In fact the forbearer of today catholics in the town

Name: St Francis of Assisi Reason: One of my favourite saints. Name taken by present pope

Name: St Francis of Assisi Reason: Favourite saint

Name: St Jude Thaddeus Reason: I am biased when it comes to St Jude. My son Ciaran had cancer when he was 1 year old, he is now 9, fit and well and is an altar server. Ciaran and I thought really hard when it came to his Confirmation name, and Ciaran chose Jude. In my hours of darkness when Ciaran was ill, Jude the saint of desperate situations and hospitals

Name: St Francis of Assisi Reason: To link with new pope

Name: St Patrick Reason: To include the parish church and community which we have lost

Name: Our Lady of Hope Reason: None given

Name: Christ the King Reason: Christ is our King and died for us, to redeem us from sin

Name: Our Lady of Lourdes Reason: Many have a great devotion to her. Many of our Widnes parishioners show this by going to Lourdes with the Liverpool pilgrimage every year

Name: St Pope John Paul II Reason: He broke new ground and went out to make contact with many Catholics as possible, showing care love and humility.

Name: I don’t know - I am sure the name has already been decided Reason: All this change was done and dusted long ago.

Name: St Peter & St Paul

Reason: As the children from various catholic schools in Widnes come together in high school Sts Peter & Paul, it would be a good idea for all the various churches which will remain (although retaining their old names) to come together under the same umbrella as the high school. Thus giving a sense of belonging

Name: Our Lady and All Saints Reason: To cover all the previous churches in the parish and especially Our Lady’s

Name: St. John Fisher & Thomas More Reason: Because it was our first Catholic Secondary school in Widnes that is no longer here.

Name: All Saints Reason: Because it would include all the parishes under one titla

Name: St. Wilfred Reason: Which was the original name of St. Luke’s church when it was catholic

Name: St. George Reason: Patron Saint of England

Name: St. Bernadette Reason: She found favour with our Blessed Mother of God

Name: All Saints Reason: In memory of the Saints names of the four churches closing

Name: Sts Peter & Paul Reason: First Apostles → Fresh start

Name: St. Jude Reason: Patron of hopeless cases (Just joking!)

Name: St John Almond’s Reason: John Almond (martyr). John Almond was born 1577 at Allerton (near Liverpool), and passed his childhood there at Much Woolton, Lancashire until at the age of eight, he was taken to Ireland. He went to the English College in Rome, at the age of twenty, where he was ordained as a priest, returning to England as a missionary in 1602.

Name: Corpus Christ or The Good Shepherd Reason: To keep Christ as our focus

Name: Parish Community of The Divine Mercy Reason: My mother and I had and have great faith and trust in The Divine Mercy. “The graces of My Mercy are drawn by means of one vessel only, that is Trust. The more a soul trusts the more it will receive”.