Roof Damage
During two months the roof of our church was seriously damaged by criminals
who removed lead sheets and other metal fittings. They hoped to make a few
pounds by selling these items on the scrap metal market, but they left in their
wake a huge repair bill. Click
[here].
for more details of the problem facing the church community.
Parish & School Partnership Award
There is a long history here at St James' of close collaboration between church and school.
Recently the Head Teacher and the clergy went through an exercise to document this collaboration.
Together we secured the prestigeous Parish & School Partnership Award, which is shortly to
be displayed in the church. To see the certificate please click
[here].
Doctor of Souls
On Sunday 3rd July we were delighted to welcome Fr Ian Wynne
to the ministry team here at St James the Great, Haydock. He had been ordained
deacon that morning in a service at Liverpool Cathedral, but as he embraces his
new ministry Fr Ian will continue to practice as a GP in Newton. To see what the
St Helens Reporter thought about this, please click
[here].
Mary's Month
The month of May is Mary’s month so on a chilly and cloudy (but thankfully dry) May Saturday (21st of the month)
we held our Annual May Devotion. The day was particularly enlightening and thought-provoking
in many ways. Click
[here]
to read about the day and see some photographs taken at the services.
Pilgrimage to Barcelona and Monserrat
A most moving experience. Especially to see the "little brown one", the statue of Our Lady
with the Christ Child enthrooned on her knee. The Roman Catholic administrators of the Shrine
were enormously helpful and supportive of our pilgrimage, and allowed us the use of North Chapel,
a beautiful nearly circular chapel immediately behind the image of Our Lady, to celebrate mass,
which was the hight point of our Pilgrimage. Please click
[here]
if you would like to see an account of our journey (it's a 2MB download which may take a little time
to download on a slow connection).
Wines from Around the World
We were delighted with the support we recieved for our Wine Tasting on Friday 14th October at 7.30pm,
which featured wines from around the world. The room was full, the wine proved popular, the sellers of raffle
tickets persuasive. As a result this most enjoyable evening raised over £400 towards our roof rescue
project. Sincere thanks to all who supported us.
Pilgrimage to Ladyewell
On Saturday 4th June 2011 Anglicans from the North West converged on the ancient shrine of Ladyewell
at Fernyhalgh near Preston. A group from St James the Great took part in the Pilgrimage.
If you'd like to read about the day and see some photographs taken at the services, please click
[here].
International Choir Concert
17th March
Book this date now! Warrington Male Voice Choir has a long history of choral excellence.
Following the Warrington bombings of 1993, Warrington Male Voice Choir has been at the
forefront of local initiatives aimed at building links between the people of Warrington and
those on the island of Ireland. Using the gift of music, the Choir has endeavoured to build
a fresh spirit of harmony and reconciliation. Under their Patron, Terry Waite, they have become
known as "the Choir for Peace". On Saturday 17th March this outstanding choir joins forces
with a visiting choir from Australia to stage a unique concert in the Church of St James the Great, Haydock.
This special event will raise funds to help with the repair and upkeep of our Church.
You can download the press realease
[here]
- about 600kB - or there is an information pamphlet
[here]
which is only 200kB.
We also have a poster which you can get
[here]
and if you would like to use it to help publicise this landmark event we would be most grateful.
For further details please email
David.Martlew@gmail.com.