Holy Trinity, Shaw

The Bishop of Manchester's pilgrimage visit to Holy Trinity Shaw on April 29th, 2010 gave great encouragement to parish in vacancy, waiting for news of a new priest, said churchwarden Noreen Clayton, who organised the day with fellow warden Fred Hollingworth.

After praying with a small group of parishioners, the bishop's first visit was to Crompton Primary School, where he met members of the school choir together with parents and staff. Although Crompton is not a church school, pupils were very keen to meet the bishop and enthusiastic in their response.

The bishop was then taken to Laburnum House residential home. Noreen reports, 'The bishop had so much for time for everyone, he didn't rush; he spoke to every person, staff and residents. One of the residents said, "I'm at a great age, if I die tomorrow, I'll die happy!"'

In the early evening church members entertained the local community with refreshments in the parish hall. Guests included parish councillors, schoolteachers and members of the Royal British Legion, many of whom spoke with the bishop at some length.
 
The reception was followed by a Pilgrimage Service in Holy Trinity. Church members spoke in the service of the special place the church has in their life, and the Commonwealth Games baton that has accompanied the bishop throughout his pilgrimage was carried in relay up and down the aisle, finally to be returned to the bishop by Lillian Rhodes, one of the longest serving choir and church members, together with Ashley, Holy Trinity's harvest queen, a pupil a Crompton House.

Noreen said, 'We were delighted that a significant number of members of community beyond the

Photos from this Run the race Bishop's pilgrimage

church regulars attended. The occasion has brought people back too: several have started to come more regularly since.
 
'We're still wearing our badges too: I go in the Legion on Sundays and see lots of ladies with their Run the Race badges on their jackets!'

One of the most moving parts of the Pilgrimage Service was the silence during the anointing. People have told me they loved it; and they all came. One person said, "I feel so wonderful after that".

'The bishop left a beautiful memory at Holy Trinity, We're now looking forward to a new stage in the church's and parish's life.

'Since his visit we've done a lot of work in restoring the church building too: I hope the bishop comes back soon to see the church as it is now.'