Holy Cross Community Hall

Welcome to our parish website

The parish of St John Paul II was formed on 29th November 2018 from the amalgamation of the former parishes of Holy Cross, St Matthew and St Gilbert, Eccles, and St Mary, Eccles, and is a part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford. The parish is administered from Holy Cross, where the parish priest lives. Masses are regularly celebrated in the churches of Holy Cross and St Mary, though parishioners will join together for some larger "family" celebrations at Holy Cross church which is big enough to accommodate 500 people with ease. The presbytery at St Gilbert's, one of the former constituent parishes, is now the residence of a small community of Franciscan Missionaries of St Joseph, with Sister Jenny giving invaluable service to the parish from there as "Parish Sister". The Parish Priest, Fr Martin Collins, was appointed by bishop John Arnold in November 2018 as first parish priest of the new parish, having previously served for about 3½ years at Holy Cross, St Matthew's and St Gilbert's. Committees of parishioners work hard to maintain the smooth running of the parish, and assist in the planning and running of activities both spiritual and social. Our secretary, Marie, can be contacted in the parish office on Mondays or Tuesdays between 11am and 4pm, with Sister Jenny normally available on Wednesdays. Pam, who runs our Baptism preparation programme, is usually in the office on Thursdays. Come along to Mass on Saturday evening or Sunday and find a warm welcome in this large, family-friendly parish.

Look through the pages to learn more about the way we attempt to fulfil our mission, in Christ's name, here in Eccles and its surrounding districts.

Supporting your Parish

Our mission is to spread the Gospel, but we live in the material world and, like everyone else, we have many expenses to cover. We know that the cost of living crisis is making things difficult for people, and we do not wish to pressure you in any way. However, if you are able and willing to help support us financially, you can do so using the button below. Thank you for any gift, however small. Your generosity is greatly appreciated

Our Churches

Holy Cross, 370 Liverpool Road, Patricroft, M30 8QD

St Mary's, Oxford Street, Eccles, M30 0LU

Service Times

Sunday Masses

Saturday evening (Vigil): 6.00pm at Holy Cross

Sunday morning: 9.30am at St Mary's and 11.15am at Holy Cross

Sunday evening: 6.30pm at St Mary's

Masses are also available online and can be accessed from the Live page of this website, on our Facebook page and also on YouTube.

The Saturday evening Mass is also recorded and made available thoughout the week on our Facebook Page and on the Sunday Mass page of this website.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available during the Holy Hours on Friday (before the 7.00pm Mass at Holy Cross) and Saturday (before the Midday Mass at St Mary's). It can also be made available by appointment if you prefer - just speak to Fr Martin.

(For weekday Mass times and other services, please see the parish newsletter)

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