2023 was a great year for the Diocese of Manchester. Here, we are taking a look back at some of the fantastic things we achieved as a diocese.
Archbishop of York visit
In March we welcomed the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, to the Diocese of Manchester. He visited churches across the diocese, meeting with local people and leaders to give thanks for the work that they are doing in their communities. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also joined him for a visit to St John’s House, our new head office in Bury.
Easter fun in parishes
Our parishes celebrated Easter with lots of activities, including community walks, performances and of course, Easter egg hunts! Many parishes also collected plenty of Easter eggs to donate to charity.
Trip to Vatican City
Community and faith leaders from Manchester travelled to Rome to discuss climate change matters with Pope Francis. Amongst those who visited the Vatican were Bishop David Walker, Bishop of Manchester; Dean of Manchester Rogers Govender; Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham; The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Donna Ludford; Gorton MP Mohammed Afzal Kahn, and Chair of the Manchester Climate Change Partnership, Mike Wilton.
The King’s Coronation
Communities and churches across the Diocese of Manchester celebrated King Charles III's coronation over a weekend of exciting events and gatherings. The celebrations brought people together for street parties, community events and a day dedicated to good causes.
Clergy conference
In May, our clergy conference took place over two days in the stunning chapel at The Hayes Conference Centre. It was a great opportunity for clergy to spend time in fellowship with each other, sharing the joys and challenges of ministry.
Launch of Transforming Prayer Community
May also saw the launch of our Transforming Prayer Community, the diocese-wide community connected by the simple vocation to pray three prayers daily: The Lord’s Prayer, Our Diocesan Prayer of Thanksgiving and Hope and The Prayer for your local area.
Whit Walk
On May Bank Holiday weekend, the Manchester and Salford Whit Walk finally returned to the streets of Manchester. The sun shone and the crowds turned out in their numbers to see the procession of local church groups and brass bands. It was a joyful celebration of community!
Consecration of Bishop Matthew Walker, Bishop of Bolton
The Rt Revd Dr Matthew Porter was consecrated as the Bishop of Bolton at York Minster alongside the Rt Revd Smitha Prasadam, Bishop of Huddersfield and the Rt Revd Anna Eltringham, Bishop of Ripon. Family, friends, civic leaders and colleagues gathered in the historic setting for the service, led by the Most Revd Stephen Cottrell with a sermon by the Rt Revd Dr David Hamid, Suffragan Bishop in Europe.
Year 6 leaver services
Over two weeks in June, 3,500 children from Church of England schools across the diocese attended services at Manchester Cathedral. Led by Bishop Mark Davies, Bishop of Middleton, Deborah Smith, Director of Education, and supported by the entire diocesan education team, these joyful gatherings celebrated all that the children had achieved through primary school, whilst looking forward to their futures and their transition to secondary school.
Ordinations of deacons, priests and readers
In July, we were blessed to have 14 deacons and 21 priests ordained at Manchester Cathedral, along with a new Reader and four Reader Emeritus. The cathedral was filled with supporters, family and friends for the services, with those who were ordained and licensed able to enjoy the sunshine and celebrations with their loved ones.
ALM authorisation service
In September, family, friends and supporting clergy gathered for a service at Manchester Cathedral to celebrate the authorisation and commissioning of Authorised Lay Ministers (ALMs). The Rt Revd Dr Matthew Porter, Bishop of Bolton, preached at the service and it was brilliant to see so many in attendance!
Launch of Eco Stepping Stones
We launched our Eco Stepping Stones course, the three-part video series built to enable and equip parishes on their eco journeys. For the launch event, we were joined by passionate eco ambassadors from across Manchester, including the Rt Revd Dr Matthew Porter, the Bishop of Bolton, alongside the Rt Revd John Arnold, the Bishop of Salford.
Remembrance Day
In November churches across the diocese hosted Remembrance Sunday services, commemorating the contribution of British and Commonwealth military servicemen and women in the two World Wars. Church members and community groups also contributed to beautiful poppy displays in churches.
Children Changing Places Project Celebration
To celebrate five years of the Children Changing Places Project, hundreds gathered at Bolton Parish Church for a joyous service of singing, dancing, and prayer. The service was warm and vibrant, with children from schools and youth groups from across Bolton putting on performances, giving praise and offering prayers for the work of CCPP.
Advent services and serving communities
During Advent, parishes came together to serve their communities by collecting for charities, organizing community Christmas dinners, holding Christmas crafts and play sessions for families, and much, much more. There were also lots of services held throughout Advent including Nativity plays, Christingle services, carol services, and quiet services of reflection.
Manchester Cathedral Christmas service on BBC
To finish off a fantastic year, Manchester Cathedral was selected to hold the BBC’s Christmas Service. Televised across the nation, the service was led by Bishop David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, and was a beautiful celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.