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Saint Mary, Balderstone, was one of the first parishes to receive a visit from the Bishop of Manchester, The Rt Revd Nigel McCulloch, as part of his pilgrimage to the Diocese. The visit took place on May 23 2006.
Initially the Bishop and his team met with a few church members for prayers and worship. Prayers were said regarding the events of the evening. Revd Faraday, Team Rector of the South Rochdale Team ministry, explained: "One lady came into Church late, and even though the Bishop was ready to hurry to the next event he gave her time to pray with her and anoint her. In this, and other ways, Bishop Nigel showed that individual people are very special. His pastoral concern was highly appreciated. The lady concerned was delighted and has continued to talk about it since then!"
The next event was a meeting in a nursing home based in the local community. Revd Faraday said: "The only ones who came along were the usual Home Communion congregation from the home, and again, they appreciated the Bishop's presence there."
A Community Reception then followed. The proprietor of a local hardware shop particularly appreciated this event. His wife was in hospital and he benefited from the Bishop's care and prayer. Almost all of the people who had been invited attended the reception. They enjoyed the atmosphere and went home encouraged by it.
There was a Pilgrimage Service in Church attended by members of Saint Mary's Primary School. An exceptionally good number of parents and children were present. During the service the Bishop of Manchester handed the
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