St Mary's Parish Church

We are blessed to have close links between St Mary’s church, the Diocese of Manchester and our school. St Mary’s clergy team are regularly in school to deliver collective worship, support the delivery of Religious Studies and to be actively involved in the wider aspects of school life

A welcome from Fr Shaun Conlon, Parish Priest at St Mary’s Church

Since the 1800s, there have been strong links between St Mary’s Church and St Mary’s School, and these continue today. At the heart of the Bible and the Christian faith we find Jesus Christ teaching people, by word and example, what it is to flourish as human beings. In St John’s Gospel we read that Jesus came into the world in order that we might have life—life in all its fullness. (John 10:10).

The community of St Mary’s Church and school has, at its heart, a desire to help people discover, cherish, and grow into that fullness of life which God wants us all to have. We believe each person is made in the image of God and that all are loved equally by our Creator. As such, we seek to ensure that our community life and worship is marked by an inclusive welcome and a respect for all people, which allows for us to grow in our discovery of our own unique identities as well as in our common identity as God’s beloved children.

Prayerful and practical support and encouragement from the members of St Mary’s Church undergirds the link between school and church, and the clergy of the parish are regular weekly visitors in school to lead worship and to offer support to the staff, pupils and their families in all aspects of their lives. During times of lockdown, these links have also continued remotely. As we proclaim and share the love of God, it is a genuine delight to see children growing more alive to themselves, to each other, and to the spiritual dimension of their lives, as they move through the school and fulfil their potential.

Be assured that the welcome and support from the local Christian community of St Mary’s is offered with love and joy stemming from the generous heart of God.

May you know God’s rich blessings in all your ponderings,

Father Shaun Conlon

Parish priest

St Mary the Virgin, Prestwich