Final mass held at Greenacres church

The final mass at St Anne’s Church, Greenacres

Sunday morning saw the final Mass to be said at St Anne’s Church, Greenacres.

The Mass was celebrated by the Rt Rev John Arnold, Bishop of Salford, and concelebrated by the parish priest Fr Derek Woodhead and Canon Michael Cooke.

It provided an opportunity for parishioners to celebrate the history of St Anne’s church and come together as a community in worship.

Parishioners were then welcomed into the Parish Hall for a reception to mark the occasion.

Bishop Arnold said: “Change can be difficult and demanding and separate people from what is familiar. But change can also create possibilities and opportunities.

"I understand that there is sadness amongst the Parishioners at St Anne’s. But I know that they will take their commitment and faith for this church, down the road to St Michaels and Our Lady’s, and make a stronger missionary parish. Which is what we must be creating here in our diocese.

"Sunday’s Mass has provided us with an opportunity to give thanks for all the years at St Anne’s.

"I would like to thank all those who have joined us and have spent time organising this evening’s celebration.”

The decision to close the Church of St Anne’s followed the Diocese of Salford’s review of parish structures published in 2017.

At that time it was decided that the three churches of Our Lady, St Michael and St Anne would join together as one parish.

St Michael’s church was then closed.

It since became apparent that the building at St Anne’s needed too many repairs to remain open.

The parish agreed to close St Anne’s and reopen the church at St Michael’s.

Mass will begin being said at St Michael’s next weekend.

No decision has yet been made on the future use of the building and the land.