St Michael,
Tong with Alkrington

The Bishop of Manchester met a number of 'local heroes' when he visited St Michael's parish on Wednesday 29th October 2008.

The bishop's visit began with prayers in the Lady Chapel - with over 30 parishioners joining him.

The Vicar, the Revd Maureen Thorp then took the Bishop to a children's Craft and  Games Day in the Scout Hut, where he joined in with the games and met a number of local children. The bishop also visited local people in their homes and was moved by meeting housebound parishioners including an elderly couple who recently celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

St Michael`s Band played during the  community reception which followed in church. Engaging with a national "Halloween Choice" Heroes Poll,  church youngsters made a display of their heroes (the results of which matched the national poll which put parents at number one!). Rochdale's Mayor and local MP Jim Dobbin attended, together with church members, local police, library staff, and headteachers; about 120 in all.

The half-term break prevented local schools from taking a significant part in the pilgrimage service, but adults and children from the schools were well represented nonetheless.

A ballot was held to choose two young people to receive the 2002 Commonwealth Games baton from the bishop. Church members illustrated the life of the church using embroidered kneelers representing various church and community groups, by building a wall of kneelers symbolising "living stones"

Vicar, the Revd. Maureen Thorpe said, "People were very moved by the service; especially the anointing.

Photos from this Run the race Bishop's pilgrimage

"On reflection, we should have chosen a date in term time as the timing of the visit meant we had no input from our local schools - and we ourselves have over 160 children on our books!

"However, Bishop Mark has visited the church school twice since then and there is no doubt that the bishops of the diocese are their friends. The schools actively invite more input from the diocese."


The parish needlework group, wanting to mark the bishop's visit with something special, are working on a tapestry that should be completed by Bishop Nigel's return visit to the parish in December 2009

Vicar, the Revd. Maureen Thorpe  concluded:"This is a vibrant time for St Michael's, with a lot of growth through our Youth Group and young families, increased fellowship in church, and discovering the joy of working more closely with the deanery, and we hope that  Bishop Nigel's visit, will add to that impetus."