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 communications@dioceseofsalford.org.uk 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 communications@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or phone 0161 817 2222
diocese
Statement from Bishops on: "Our plan to Rebuild - The UK Government's Covid-19 Recover Strategy"
The following statement has been released from the Bishops' Conference regarding the Government's Covid-19 recovery strategy.
"The timing and the manner of the opening of churches touches profound sensitivities and spiritual needs. The Government's document and statements fail to recognise this.
The Government's position, established today, includes these steps aimed at opening churches as soon as possible: the establishment of a task force for places of worship, to work closely with 'stakeholders' in ensuring that premises are COVID-19 secure; and heeding the experience of other countries in which churches are already open for worship.
In dialogue with the Government, the Catholic Church will continue its engagement in this process and has already submitted a detailed plan, in full accordance with public health guidelines, for churches to be opened for private prayer. The Church is ready to play its full part in the task force, understanding that this includes the possible earlier use of churches for private prayer, as a first safe step towards their use for public worship."
Day of Prayer, Fasting and Works of Charity
Pope Francis has called on believers from all religions to spiritually unite themselves in a Day of prayer, fasting and works of charity on May 14th.
While the day will not feature any public gatherings of worship, it is an opportunity for individuals to spiritually unite for a moment of reflection, hope and faith.
Royal College of Organists - Guidance During Lockdown
We have been asked to circulate the following guidance from The Royal College of Organists to keep organs working during lockdown.
The guidance is to "switch on organs and play them for a short time to avert the danger of the mechanism seizing up in these days of lockdown."
Webinars Offered by Divine Renovation
We have been asked to share the below webinars which you may find useful to watch.
Engaging Seekers, Reaching the Unchurched
Thursday 14 May, 2 - 3pm
https://divinerenovationuk.churchsuite.co.uk/events/zg7s4qrj
In the current pandemic, people are asking who is in control of their lives, and what the purpose of their lives is. Many are seeking, and many churches are in prime positions to offer them a place to search and provide answers to their deepest longings. Join Sherry Weddell (author of Forming Intentional Disciples), Fr James Mallon (founder of the Divine Renovation ministry) and Hannah Vaughan-Spruce and representatives from UK parishes as we explore innovative ways we can reach people right now.
Divine Renovation from Square 1
Tuesday 19 May, 11am - 12pm
https://divinerenovationuk.churchsuite.co.uk/events/fh5q6bg9
Join Director of Coaching, Ron Huntley, and UK priests in coaching with Divine Renovation as they share how to get started with some Divine Renovation basics - even in the midst of pandemic.
You can view some of our previous webinars here:
Taking Church Online https://youtu.be/J7dHlJSxVnM
Livestream your first Mass https://youtu.be/GTGkxiBjWt0
How could this crisis lead to more mission-focussed parishes? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeLU_rOVlVA&feature=youtu.be
Finally, please download and share our free parish response kit available here https://divinerenovation.org
Clergy Reminders
Online Donations Reminder
You can set up a standing order to support your parish
Simply email the parish or ring fr bernard and we can get the paperwork to go very soon. We just need your name and address to get process started.
You can access the diocesan website via this link:
https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/
The donate button is found in the right-hand corner of the main page when on a desktop and it directs you this this page.
https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/supporting-your-parish-financially/
On a mobile device the donate button is listed in the main menu. We are currently working on improving the access and making the button more prominent when on a mobile device.
Visitors to the donations page will find two options:
How can you share in your parish?
The best way to promote is to do so by sharing this link https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/supporting-your-parish-financially/
You can send this directly to any parishioner who has asked how they can continue to give their offertory donation, add the link to your website or mention (if you feel appropriate) during your live streams.
When promoting the donation function, we must remain mindful of the changing financial position many of our parishioners find themselves in during this time. You may make the decision that circumstances in your parish mean you do not want to actively promote this option.
Notices for Parishes and Newsletter Inserts
Prayer Resource - Lord's Day at Home
If you would like to say the prayers along with the livestream of Mass, the Lord's Day at Home resource can help you. You can find this week's resource by clicking here.
RemindersCAFOD Emergency Coronavirus Appeal
CAFOD is calling on people in our diocese to help communities around the world by donating to its coronavirus emergency appeal.
Families without enough to eat and without access to clean water, possibly living with HIV or other underlying health conditions, will be particularly vulnerable to coronavirus.
If it hits refugee camps, like the Rohingya camps in Bangladesh’s Cox's Bazar or camps for Syrian refugees inside and outside of the country, it could be catastrophic for the millions of people already struggling to access healthcare.
CAFOD works with valuable experts on the ground understand the challenges and needs in their respective communities. They are able to respond quickly and are already involved in activities that include: delivering food to where it is needed most, improving hygiene, handwashing and sanitation at the community and household level and producing radio messages, posters and leaflets on risks and prevention.
To donate, visit: Cafod.org.uk/coronavirus
Further Updates and Resources
We are regularly updating our website with signposts to helpful resources we have collated for use during this difficult time. You can find this, along with livestreaming times, here: https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/covid19/
If you would like to add any live streaming details please email communications@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
The following statement has been released from the Bishops' Conference regarding the Government's Covid-19 recovery strategy.
"The timing and the manner of the opening of churches touches profound sensitivities and spiritual needs. The Government's document and statements fail to recognise this.
The Government's position, established today, includes these steps aimed at opening churches as soon as possible: the establishment of a task force for places of worship, to work closely with 'stakeholders' in ensuring that premises are COVID-19 secure; and heeding the experience of other countries in which churches are already open for worship.
In dialogue with the Government, the Catholic Church will continue its engagement in this process and has already submitted a detailed plan, in full accordance with public health guidelines, for churches to be opened for private prayer. The Church is ready to play its full part in the task force, understanding that this includes the possible earlier use of churches for private prayer, as a first safe step towards their use for public worship."
Day of Prayer, Fasting and Works of Charity
Pope Francis has called on believers from all religions to spiritually unite themselves in a Day of prayer, fasting and works of charity on May 14th.
While the day will not feature any public gatherings of worship, it is an opportunity for individuals to spiritually unite for a moment of reflection, hope and faith.
Royal College of Organists - Guidance During Lockdown
We have been asked to circulate the following guidance from The Royal College of Organists to keep organs working during lockdown.
The guidance is to "switch on organs and play them for a short time to avert the danger of the mechanism seizing up in these days of lockdown."
Webinars Offered by Divine Renovation
We have been asked to share the below webinars which you may find useful to watch.
Engaging Seekers, Reaching the Unchurched
Thursday 14 May, 2 - 3pm
https://divinerenovationuk.churchsuite.co.uk/events/zg7s4qrj
In the current pandemic, people are asking who is in control of their lives, and what the purpose of their lives is. Many are seeking, and many churches are in prime positions to offer them a place to search and provide answers to their deepest longings. Join Sherry Weddell (author of Forming Intentional Disciples), Fr James Mallon (founder of the Divine Renovation ministry) and Hannah Vaughan-Spruce and representatives from UK parishes as we explore innovative ways we can reach people right now.
Divine Renovation from Square 1
Tuesday 19 May, 11am - 12pm
https://divinerenovationuk.churchsuite.co.uk/events/fh5q6bg9
Join Director of Coaching, Ron Huntley, and UK priests in coaching with Divine Renovation as they share how to get started with some Divine Renovation basics - even in the midst of pandemic.
You can view some of our previous webinars here:
Taking Church Online https://youtu.be/J7dHlJSxVnM
Livestream your first Mass https://youtu.be/GTGkxiBjWt0
How could this crisis lead to more mission-focussed parishes? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeLU_rOVlVA&feature=youtu.be
Finally, please download and share our free parish response kit available here https://divinerenovation.org
Clergy Reminders
Online Donations Reminder
You can set up a standing order to support your parish
Simply email the parish or ring fr bernard and we can get the paperwork to go very soon. We just need your name and address to get process started.
You can access the diocesan website via this link:
https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/
The donate button is found in the right-hand corner of the main page when on a desktop and it directs you this this page.
https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/supporting-your-parish-financially/
On a mobile device the donate button is listed in the main menu. We are currently working on improving the access and making the button more prominent when on a mobile device.
Visitors to the donations page will find two options:
- Setting up a standing order
- Make a donation
How can you share in your parish?
The best way to promote is to do so by sharing this link https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/supporting-your-parish-financially/
You can send this directly to any parishioner who has asked how they can continue to give their offertory donation, add the link to your website or mention (if you feel appropriate) during your live streams.
When promoting the donation function, we must remain mindful of the changing financial position many of our parishioners find themselves in during this time. You may make the decision that circumstances in your parish mean you do not want to actively promote this option.
Notices for Parishes and Newsletter Inserts
Prayer Resource - Lord's Day at Home
If you would like to say the prayers along with the livestream of Mass, the Lord's Day at Home resource can help you. You can find this week's resource by clicking here.
RemindersCAFOD Emergency Coronavirus Appeal
CAFOD is calling on people in our diocese to help communities around the world by donating to its coronavirus emergency appeal.
Families without enough to eat and without access to clean water, possibly living with HIV or other underlying health conditions, will be particularly vulnerable to coronavirus.
If it hits refugee camps, like the Rohingya camps in Bangladesh’s Cox's Bazar or camps for Syrian refugees inside and outside of the country, it could be catastrophic for the millions of people already struggling to access healthcare.
CAFOD works with valuable experts on the ground understand the challenges and needs in their respective communities. They are able to respond quickly and are already involved in activities that include: delivering food to where it is needed most, improving hygiene, handwashing and sanitation at the community and household level and producing radio messages, posters and leaflets on risks and prevention.
To donate, visit: Cafod.org.uk/coronavirus
Further Updates and Resources
We are regularly updating our website with signposts to helpful resources we have collated for use during this difficult time. You can find this, along with livestreaming times, here: https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/covid19/
If you would like to add any live streaming details please email communications@dioceseofsalford.org.uk