DIOCESE
St Stephen's is part of the Diocese of Salford. Diocesan life is varied and vibrant – there are many faithful priests, religious and parishioners who serve the Diocese of Salford in countless ways. The Diocese is led by Bishop John Arnold.
If you would like any information about the departments and services of the Diocese please see www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk
If you can’t find what you are looking for please email [email protected] or phone 0161 817 2222
If you would like any information about the departments and services of the Diocese please see www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk
If you can’t find what you are looking for please email [email protected] or phone 0161 817 2222
Please note to access linked items shown click with your mouse OVER the letterING of the item you wish to view and this will HIGHLIGHT THE LINK AND allow you to select AND VIEW.
Relics of St Carlo Acutis to Visit Diocese of Salford
In January, the relics of St Carlo Acutis will be hosted at two of our churches over five days, during which time the Diocese will welcome schools, parishioners and people from all over for veneration.
Carlo is the first millennial saint, and is celebrated for his profound faith and his use of the internet to log Eucharistic miracles from around the world. He was passionate about spreading the teachings of the Catholic Church up until his death from leukaemia at the age of 15.
The relics will be presented at St Mary’s Church, Burnley from 28-29 January 2026 before they travel to St Patrick’s Church, Collyhurst from 30 January to 1 February 2026. More information will be shared soon with parishes and on the Diocesan website and social media channels.
Advice as energy bills continue to rise
If you or those in your wider parish community are in need of support with rising energy bills, Caritas Salford has put together some helpful advice on their website. Their energy advice service team can support with free sessions and drop-ins in your area. You can find out more by visiting www.caritassalford.org.uk/energysupport
Laudato Si' Centre Volunteer Call-out: Retired Educators
The Diocese of Salford's Environment Team is inviting retired education staff to volunteer at the Laudato Si' Centre to assist with their successful programme of school visits. Volunteers would be supporting sessions with children from nursery age to Year 11 with activities including arts and crafts, games, and foraging. To find out more, please email [email protected]
December Carol Services: Diocese of Salford Schools' Singing Programme
The Diocese of Salford Schools’ Singing Programme will be hosting a series of free carol services in churches across the diocese this December. Each service begins at 6.30pm and includes traditional carols and readings as part of a one-hour programme. Find your nearest service at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/whats-on/
Relics of St Carlo Acutis to Visit Diocese of Salford
In January, the relics of St Carlo Acutis will be hosted at two of our churches over five days, during which time the Diocese will welcome schools, parishioners and people from all over for veneration.
Carlo is the first millennial saint, and is celebrated for his profound faith and his use of the internet to log Eucharistic miracles from around the world. He was passionate about spreading the teachings of the Catholic Church up until his death from leukaemia at the age of 15.
The relics will be presented at St Mary’s Church, Burnley from 28-29 January 2026 before they travel to St Patrick’s Church, Collyhurst from 30 January to 1 February 2026. More information will be shared soon with parishes and on the Diocesan website and social media channels.
Safeguarding Survey - Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency
The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) are completing an inspection into diocesan safeguarding arrangements, and would like to understand more from you about those in place within your parish and the diocese as a whole.
CSSA have provided a survey link to collect responses, which will be received anonymously. It is kindly requested that this be completed before the survey closes at 11:45pm on Friday 16th January 2026.
In order to submit your response, please use the following link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=SSQzRY2fT0OpJmB_Xy63KOz8_ROsBGpBouU_JrRd1ldUNTMzM0hWUUZWRVFLNUNVNFUwNE5LR1BGVC4u&route=shorturl
Advent Resources
As we start our journey through Advent, Fr James Manock has prepared the attached prayer calendar resources for use in parishes. There are a number of ways to help reflect and grow in faith this Advent.
Advent Prayer Calendar
Children's Advent Prayer Calendar
Distance Learning MA in Catholic Theology: Standalone Modules Available
Father Hitchen has asked that we share the below notice, which maybe of interest to clergy in their ongoing formation.
Durham University's Centre for Catholic Studies (CCS) is once again running its Distance Learning MA in Catholic Theology. In addition to completing the MA, PG Diploma or PG Certificate, it is also possible to take single standalone modules, such as 'Catholic Social Thought and Practice' or 'Catholic Theology: A Preliminary Tour.' These can be completed at your own pace alongside ministry and other obligations.
For further information about options available, please click here: https://www.durham.ac.uk/research/institutes-and-centres/catholic-studies/facilities/distance-learning/ or call CCS on 0191 334 3952.
Alert from the Safeguarding Team
We have been asked to share an alert regarding an individual that has been representing himself as a priest from overseas and attempting to gain access to families and children. The individual goes by the name Luigi Ramazzoti and claims to perform exorcisms.
He has been operating in the Oxford area but we are advised he could appear in any location, so we encourage you to be vigilant within your parish and to please report any contact with this man to the police.
Ordo Corrections for Advent
Please also note two errors in the Ordo for Advent:
Wednesday 10th December is also the Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Loreto. Mass texts in the Proper of the BVM plus Common (M1089 and 1098). Liturgy of the Hours Proper texts see the attached document below.
Thursday 11th December is also the Optional Memorial of St. Damasus I, Pope and Martyr. Mass texts in the Proper of Saints (M1089). Liturgy of the Hours Proper texts see the attached document below.
Any questions to be directed to Canon Paul Daly.
Companion Text to the Ordo for Advent
Our Department for Formation would like to share a companion text to the Ordo for Advent, which includes the following notes:
Companion to the Ordo Document
Safeguarding Survey - Public Call for Information
The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) are completing a safeguarding inspection within the Diocese of Salford, and would like to hear the views of as many people as possible regarding their arrangements for safeguarding.
Responses will be collected anonymously unless you choose to provide your contact information, and the survey will close at 11:45pm on Friday 16th January 2026.
To submit your response, please scan the QR code:
Relics of St Carlo Acutis to Visit Diocese of Salford
In January, the relics of St Carlo Acutis will be hosted at two of our churches over five days, during which time the Diocese will welcome schools, parishioners and people from all over for veneration.
Carlo is the first millennial saint, and is celebrated for his profound faith and his use of the internet to log Eucharistic miracles from around the world. He was passionate about spreading the teachings of the Catholic Church up until his death from leukaemia at the age of 15.
The relics will be presented at St Mary’s Church, Burnley from 28-29 January 2026 before they travel to St Patrick’s Church, Collyhurst from 30 January to 1 February 2026. More information will be shared soon with parishes and on the Diocesan website and social media channels.
Advice as energy bills continue to rise
If you or those in your wider parish community are in need of support with rising energy bills, Caritas Salford has put together some helpful advice on their website. Their energy advice service team can support with free sessions and drop-ins in your area. You can find out more by visiting www.caritassalford.org.uk/energysupport
In January, the relics of St Carlo Acutis will be hosted at two of our churches over five days, during which time the Diocese will welcome schools, parishioners and people from all over for veneration.
Carlo is the first millennial saint, and is celebrated for his profound faith and his use of the internet to log Eucharistic miracles from around the world. He was passionate about spreading the teachings of the Catholic Church up until his death from leukaemia at the age of 15.
The relics will be presented at St Mary’s Church, Burnley from 28-29 January 2026 before they travel to St Patrick’s Church, Collyhurst from 30 January to 1 February 2026. More information will be shared soon with parishes and on the Diocesan website and social media channels.
Advice as energy bills continue to rise
If you or those in your wider parish community are in need of support with rising energy bills, Caritas Salford has put together some helpful advice on their website. Their energy advice service team can support with free sessions and drop-ins in your area. You can find out more by visiting www.caritassalford.org.uk/energysupport
Laudato Si' Centre Volunteer Call-out: Retired Educators
The Diocese of Salford's Environment Team is inviting retired education staff to volunteer at the Laudato Si' Centre to assist with their successful programme of school visits. Volunteers would be supporting sessions with children from nursery age to Year 11 with activities including arts and crafts, games, and foraging. To find out more, please email [email protected]
December Carol Services: Diocese of Salford Schools' Singing Programme
The Diocese of Salford Schools’ Singing Programme will be hosting a series of free carol services in churches across the diocese this December. Each service begins at 6.30pm and includes traditional carols and readings as part of a one-hour programme. Find your nearest service at https://dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/whats-on/
Relics of St Carlo Acutis to Visit Diocese of Salford
In January, the relics of St Carlo Acutis will be hosted at two of our churches over five days, during which time the Diocese will welcome schools, parishioners and people from all over for veneration.
Carlo is the first millennial saint, and is celebrated for his profound faith and his use of the internet to log Eucharistic miracles from around the world. He was passionate about spreading the teachings of the Catholic Church up until his death from leukaemia at the age of 15.
The relics will be presented at St Mary’s Church, Burnley from 28-29 January 2026 before they travel to St Patrick’s Church, Collyhurst from 30 January to 1 February 2026. More information will be shared soon with parishes and on the Diocesan website and social media channels.
Safeguarding Survey - Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency
The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) are completing an inspection into diocesan safeguarding arrangements, and would like to understand more from you about those in place within your parish and the diocese as a whole.
CSSA have provided a survey link to collect responses, which will be received anonymously. It is kindly requested that this be completed before the survey closes at 11:45pm on Friday 16th January 2026.
In order to submit your response, please use the following link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=SSQzRY2fT0OpJmB_Xy63KOz8_ROsBGpBouU_JrRd1ldUNTMzM0hWUUZWRVFLNUNVNFUwNE5LR1BGVC4u&route=shorturl
Advent Resources
As we start our journey through Advent, Fr James Manock has prepared the attached prayer calendar resources for use in parishes. There are a number of ways to help reflect and grow in faith this Advent.
Advent Prayer Calendar
Children's Advent Prayer Calendar
Distance Learning MA in Catholic Theology: Standalone Modules Available
Father Hitchen has asked that we share the below notice, which maybe of interest to clergy in their ongoing formation.
Durham University's Centre for Catholic Studies (CCS) is once again running its Distance Learning MA in Catholic Theology. In addition to completing the MA, PG Diploma or PG Certificate, it is also possible to take single standalone modules, such as 'Catholic Social Thought and Practice' or 'Catholic Theology: A Preliminary Tour.' These can be completed at your own pace alongside ministry and other obligations.
For further information about options available, please click here: https://www.durham.ac.uk/research/institutes-and-centres/catholic-studies/facilities/distance-learning/ or call CCS on 0191 334 3952.
Alert from the Safeguarding Team
We have been asked to share an alert regarding an individual that has been representing himself as a priest from overseas and attempting to gain access to families and children. The individual goes by the name Luigi Ramazzoti and claims to perform exorcisms.
He has been operating in the Oxford area but we are advised he could appear in any location, so we encourage you to be vigilant within your parish and to please report any contact with this man to the police.
Ordo Corrections for Advent
Please also note two errors in the Ordo for Advent:
Wednesday 10th December is also the Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Loreto. Mass texts in the Proper of the BVM plus Common (M1089 and 1098). Liturgy of the Hours Proper texts see the attached document below.
Thursday 11th December is also the Optional Memorial of St. Damasus I, Pope and Martyr. Mass texts in the Proper of Saints (M1089). Liturgy of the Hours Proper texts see the attached document below.
Any questions to be directed to Canon Paul Daly.
Companion Text to the Ordo for Advent
Our Department for Formation would like to share a companion text to the Ordo for Advent, which includes the following notes:
- Notes on the Liturgical Year, Advent, and Matthew’s Gospel
- Notes on the celebration of Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours
- Short notes on the saints
- Proper texts for the Liturgy of the Hours for St. Juan Diego, Our Lady of Loreto and Our Lady of Guadalupe
Companion to the Ordo Document
Safeguarding Survey - Public Call for Information
The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) are completing a safeguarding inspection within the Diocese of Salford, and would like to hear the views of as many people as possible regarding their arrangements for safeguarding.
Responses will be collected anonymously unless you choose to provide your contact information, and the survey will close at 11:45pm on Friday 16th January 2026.
To submit your response, please scan the QR code:
Relics of St Carlo Acutis to Visit Diocese of Salford
In January, the relics of St Carlo Acutis will be hosted at two of our churches over five days, during which time the Diocese will welcome schools, parishioners and people from all over for veneration.
Carlo is the first millennial saint, and is celebrated for his profound faith and his use of the internet to log Eucharistic miracles from around the world. He was passionate about spreading the teachings of the Catholic Church up until his death from leukaemia at the age of 15.
The relics will be presented at St Mary’s Church, Burnley from 28-29 January 2026 before they travel to St Patrick’s Church, Collyhurst from 30 January to 1 February 2026. More information will be shared soon with parishes and on the Diocesan website and social media channels.
Advice as energy bills continue to rise
If you or those in your wider parish community are in need of support with rising energy bills, Caritas Salford has put together some helpful advice on their website. Their energy advice service team can support with free sessions and drop-ins in your area. You can find out more by visiting www.caritassalford.org.uk/energysupport
