Holy Angels Church - Hale Barns

Parish Groups

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Liturgy and spirituality

All the volunteers in the following groups generously give their time, talents, and energy freely for the glory of God and for building up our parish community. Every member of the Parish is grateful for your gifts and generous service. If you are interested in joining or would like further information about any of these groups, please contact the Parish Office.

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
— Mother Teresa of Calcutta

1. Special Ministers of Eucharist

Eucharistic Ministers are appointed to assist the parish priest in the distribution of Holy Communion under both kinds at Mass. They may also take the Blessed Sacrament out to the sick and housebound in their own homes. A small team of ministers are trained to conduct Celebrations of Word and Communion on the occasions when the parish priest is away.

2. Choir

At Holy Angels Church, our choir is a friendly and welcoming group of parishioners who simply love to sing and support the liturgy through music. We sing at the 10.30am Mass every Sunday, helping the congregation to take an active and prayerful part in the celebration of the Mass.

Our choir exists not to perform, but to support the congregation in singing together. We usually sing hymns in unison because we want everyone to feel confident joining in, and we would love you to sing with us. The more voices we have, the richer and more uplifting our worship becomes.

As St Augustine beautifully said: “He who sings praise, does not only praise, but also praises joyfully… the singing is the expression of one’s love.” Singing is far more than music alone — it is an act of prayer that embodies the liturgy and helps draw us closer to God.

During Communion, the choir sings anthems in harmony, creating moments of reflection and prayerfulness within the Mass. Music has a unique way of touching hearts and minds, helping us to lift ourselves above the distractions of everyday life. As Sr Christina Neumann reminds us, “Music has a beautiful way of making God’s word remain in our hearts.”

We practise for about an hour after Mass each Sunday, and new members are always welcome. Whether you have sung in choirs before or simply enjoy singing hymns at Mass, we would be delighted for you to join us.

The choir prayer:

“May we sing with our lips what we believe in our hearts,
and may what we believe in our hearts
show forth in our lives.”

3. Welcomers

There are ‘Welcomers’ for each of the weekend Masses but there is only a rota for the 10.30am Mass on Sundays. They are responsible for handing out hymn books, Mass books and the Newsletter and for collecting them in at the end of the service. It is also customary for the ‘Welcomers’ to carry up the gifts at the Offertory. If you would like to ‘welcome’ at any of our Masses please let us know via the Parish Office.

4. Readers

Readers at Mass are performing one of the ministries integral to the celebration of the Eucharist. At Holy Angels we have a reading rota for the three weekend masses – Saturday Vigil Mass (two readers), the 8.30am Sunday Mass (one reader) and the 10.30am Sunday Mass (three readers). The rotas are issued on a six-monthly basis and include details of the readings for each Mass. As preparation is needed to ensure that proclaiming the Word of God is done with due reverence, the readings are always available in advance, either from the presbytery or from the liturgical website. Parishioners are encouraged to put themselves forward for reading at any time.

5. Bereavement Support Group

This is a small group of parishioners who have received training in supporting the bereaved. They are always available to assist the clergy in being alongside those who are making the difficult journey through their bereavement. The group also helps to organise services for the bereaved.

6. Altar Servers

Over the past 50 years, Holy Angels has had many altar servers who have chosen to serve God in this way. A team of altar servers (boys and girls) covers the weekend Masses, on a rota basis, playing an important part in the smooth running of the community’s liturgy. New servers are welcome. Applicants should have made their First Communion.

7. Raphaelites

A group of young people who are actively involved in the Mass and other special parish occasions, under the guidance of adult leaders. If you can sing, play an instrument, or would like to help with readings, you are warmly invited to join this group.

8. Sacristans

A small group of dedicated volunteers who support the clergy by caring for the sacristy and the church. Their work includes looking after sacred vessels, church linens, altar servers’ robes, candles, and the sanctuary itself. These items are essential for the daily celebration of the Mass and the Sacrifice of the Eucharist. Sacristans work quietly behind the scenes, and for this reason they can be called the ‘hidden gems’ of the parish. If you feel called to be part of this sacred and discreet service, please consider joining this ministry.

Pastoral Council

Parish Pastoral Committee consists of eleven parishioners and the parish priest, who work together to build the parish into a vibrant Christian community reflecting the gospel values of mercy, love, justice and peace for all. Parish Pastoral Committee exists to:

Support all members of the community in their spiritual development and personal encounter with Jesus Christ.

Support the leadership of the parish.

Listen to the needs and concerns of the community;

Reflect and prayerfully plan future directions for the parish that are appropriate and accessible for a range of different needs and stages.

Prioritise initiatives to be undertaken within the parish and with the local community.

Provide the ongoing formation, evaluation and training for all interested parishioners.

Ensure that effective communication takes place within the parish, the diocese and the wider community.

Recognise and build on work already done, affirm the contribution of those involved as well as celebrating the gifts and achievements of all parishioners.

Review the life and activities of the parish in order to enable the kingdom of God to flourish in the life of the community of Holy Angels Parish.

Liaise and collaborate with our fellow Christian communities, supporting joint initiatives, working and praying together.

Support the development of friendships with other religious traditions.

Catechetical

1. Baptismal Preparation

Here at Holy Angels we have a Baptism team who help you to prepare for this sacrament. First we ask you to contact the parish priest or office and complete a form that will be sent to you. A member of the Baptism team will then be in touch to take you through the programme of preparation right up to the Baptism. Members visit families prior to the celebration if agreed, to befriend and explain about the ceremony, answering any questions or concerns. They also chat about parish life and groups, including local schools and nurseries. Stressing the importance of the preparation of the parents and godparents reflects the roles and responsibility of the parish community in welcoming and supporting the parents and the new baby, a responsibility that will be shared in the years to come through a partnership with schools. Baptisms are usually held on Sundays either during Mass or at a separate Liturgy.

2. Children’s Liturgy

Our Children’s Liturgy has flourished since its inception at Holy Angels in 1988. Our aim is to proclaim and interpret the scriptures in a fun and loving environment, enabling our children to experience and understand The Word in a manner and language they can understand. A team of volunteers run the sessions, if you are interested in knowing more, or maybe volunteering to help, please contact the Parish Office.

3. First Forgiveness and Communion

This is a significant time in the life of a child and also a special time for parents. For children attending our parish school, St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School, preparation takes place in Year 3. For those children who attend other schools, sessions to help in their preparation take place during November, January and the Easter term. These classes are held in the parish room. Both groups come together in our church to celebrate the special Mass of Election in December; First Reconciliation which is usually in March and the children receive the Eucharist for the for the first time in May.

4. Confirmation

At Holy Angels we prepare our young adults for Confirmation during Year 8. The aim of the group is to help integration into their new Secondary Schools and to keep them involved in parish life after children’s liturgy has finished. We would also like to help bridge the difficult years when young people frequently raise questions about church and religion.

5. RCIA

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a programme for non-baptised adults who want to become full members of the Catholic Church. We also include in our programme those who are already baptised Christians but not in full communion with the Catholic Church. The programme at Holy Angels is therefore open to anyone, of any denomination or none, whether or not they are already baptised Christians. The programme is run by volunteers who want to share their faith and accompany candidates on their journey in faith, which enquirers make with the whole parish, including the parish priest, over a six-to-seven-month period, beginning in September with a ‘taster evening’. The process culminates in Baptism and/or reception into full communion with Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. Candidates are never placed under any obligation and are free to leave the preparation process at any time.

Gardening Team

We are blessed with a wonderful and dedicated gardening team. During the time of COVID-19, when regular activities were limited, the church grounds became increasingly overgrown with creepers and weeds. In response to this challenge, an initiative was taken up by a group of volunteers with the support of the then parish priest, to care for and restore our church grounds. This is how the gardening team was formed.

Gardening brings people together and supports the holistic health of the human person—body, mind, and spirit. It encourages physical mobility, keeps us active, and allows us to breathe in fresh air, which is essential for both physical well-being and mental clarity. Time spent outdoors among plants and trees reduces stress, lifts the spirit, and nurtures a sense of peace and joy. There is something life-giving about watching flowers blossom and woodland areas flourish—it reminds us of hope, renewal, and God’s ongoing work in creation.

Pope Francis, in Laudato Si’ (On Care for Our Common Home), calls us to an “integral ecology,” reminding us that care for the environment is inseparable from care for one another and for our own way of living. The encyclical beautifully highlights the relationship between human beings and nature, inviting us to live in harmony with the earth, not as owners, but as stewards. If you feel called to join the gardening team, please speak to any of its members. You do not need to belong to any particular denomination—what matters is a shared commitment to a holistic, respectful, and life-affirming way of living, and a love for caring for God’s creation.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our gardeners who faithfully care for the garden and the church campus. Your dedication, hard work, and service do not go unnoticed and are appreciated by the entire community. May our gardens continue to flourish as signs of God’s beauty, generosity, and abiding presence among us.

Social Groups

1. Sunday Coffee

At present, a very dedicated group of parishioners faithfully organise our Sunday coffee mornings. We are truly grateful for their commitment and service. To bring more variety and wider involvement, we invite one or two families to volunteer to host the coffee morning on a rotating basis throughout the year. Even if you would like to organise just one coffee morning during the year, your contribution would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to speak to the volunteers who currently coordinate this programme. While parish priests may come and go, we, as parishioners, remain the pillars of our parish community. Let us continue to stay united, strengthen our bonds, and work together to build a vibrant and welcoming parish for everyone.

2. Parish Social Life

Our parish volunteers regularly organise parish social events. Parish socials bring our community together — a beautiful tradition that has long been part of parish life. In today’s world, modern communication and social media often keep us connected virtually, yet sometimes distant from one another in real life. Parish social gatherings provide a wonderful opportunity to rebuild that sense of belonging, strengthen friendships, and care for one another as one parish family. In this year a Tuesday Afternoon Coffee and Chat has emerged and has proved to be very popular, not just on a social level but it has also helped with wellbeing for some. There is also a Book Club which meets on the second Monday of each month which is very much enjoyed by those who attend but also by those who enjoy our book choices but prefer to read at home. A copy of our regular meetings is available on our Newsletter and our planned monthly social events are listed at the back of the church.

Any small profits made are used to subsidise future events e.g. the Parish BBQ and sometimes cover the complete cost, e.g. the Christmas Afternoon Tea and Altar Servers outings. The aim is to keep events affordable to all.

We warmly invite anyone who is interested in organising or helping to run social events to step forward. There is a wealth of talent within our parish community, and you will have the support and encouragement of many willing hands.

Interfaith and Spiritual Outreach

1. Churches together

This group unites the Christian Churches in Hale and Hale Barns in seeking a deepening of their communion with Christ and with one another and to fulfil their mission to proclaim the Gospel by common witness and service to the people of our community. The forum normally meets every two months and each church is represented by its clergy and up to two others from each church. Churches Together organises such events as distribution of Christmas Service Cards, pulpit exchange, Lenten Prayer Groups and One World Week Suppers.

The Interfaith Group includes Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Unitarians and Christians and works to encourage interfaith understanding, respect and cooperation within and between faith communities. It provides opportunities for friendships to develop within and between the different communities in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Examples are Friendship Groups of mixed faiths, which meet regularly in each other’s homes, the annual picnic in Tatton Park, entertainment and cultural exchange evenings and a shared meal with proceeds going to charity.

2. Retreats/Spirituality

In order to enrich our relationship with God and the living out of our faith, all aspects of spiritual guidance and development are offered; Quiet Days, Days of Renewal or Recollection, Evenings of Prayer and Reflection, Space To Be. Specific topics/themes are catered for including different ways of praying, images of God, listening prayer and discernment. Individual spiritual direction sessions arranged either as one-offs or as regular accompaniment. The Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola offered in full or in adapted form, e.g. Open Door Retreats or Weeks of Accompanied Prayer. If you feel this could benefit you, please contact us in the strictest confidence.

3. Stay awake

Jesus said: “Stay awake with me” Matt 26:38 “Stay awake and pray” Matt 26:41 “Stay awake one hour” Matt 14:38 This takes place on Fridays 9:30am – 11am at 31 Delaheys Road, Hale. After getting ‘in touch’ we share briefly where and how we are in our lives, our relationships and with God. We then “Stay awake an hour’ in silence letting God lead and draw us. We finish with a short time of reflection and listening to each other’s journey of faith. All welcome.

4. Bethany Prayer Group

This group gathers each week (Thursday 7:30pm – 9pm) to spend time praying with the Readings for the following Sunday. The Group use a way of praying called Lectio Divina. The passage is read aloud twice after which we allow ourselves to be drawn to a word or phrase which we share. Having reflected more deeply on the texts for ten/ fifteen minutes, we again share in the group, finishing with a short time of intercession.

Church Fabric

1. Safeguard

Parishioners are aware of the changes, over the years, regarding voluntary work with Children and Vulnerable Adults within the parish and how it affects us all. Holy Angels work hand in hand with the Diocesan Department in Shrewsbury to assist volunteers in completing the necessary paperwork required when working with any potentially vulnerable group.If you have any questions or required any assistance with the forms, please contact the Parish Safeguarding Officers, named at the back of Church, or the Curial Offices.

2. Church Maintenance

Parishioners are involved in the maintenance of the fabric of the Church and its grounds.

3. Finance committee

The parish finance committee meets to oversee the parish finances. It comprises two parishioners and the parish priest. Every Sunday several parishioners, on a rota basis, collect, count and bank the money.

4. Health and Safety

In line with legislative and diocesan guidelines we have a nominated Health and Safety Representative who has the necessary links to the on-line Diocesan guide. The Parish representatives are updated from time to time on current health and safety issues and occasional training and information sessions are run to help with refreshing existing parish representative and the induction of new representatives.

5. Flower Group

A small team of volunteers decorate the church every week on a rota basis, with the exception of Lent and Advent. They are willing to use flowers or colours as requested for special occasions such as anniversaries etc. It is only a small group and anyone who would like to join would be most welcome. (Training can be arranged.)

Social Justice

1. SVP

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul was founded in Paris in 1833 ‘for the service of those in need’. ‘Need’ has to be taken literally. Very few in our parish have material needs, but we do help financially other conferences both near and in other parts of the world. Locally, there are plenty of people whose needs may be expressed in the lonely, housebound, sick, etc. The SVP try to help with visits and practical support. The group meets in the presbytery every Wednesday at 8pm. New members are always welcome. Please advise us if you know of someone who might benefit from our work and phone if you would like more information.

2. Pro Life

This group meet regularly to discuss a range of pro-life issues including abortion, euthanasia and cloning, with a view to keeping ourselves informed on current events and supporting national campaigns in any practical way possible. The group organises the free distribution after Masses of the quarterly Pro-Life Times newspaper to Holy Angels parishioners and the annual White Flower Appeal to support the work locally and internationally. A variety of information s displayed on a notice board at the back of church.

3. Cornerstone

This is a drop-in centre supported by Salford Diocese, but many of its volunteers live in our own diocese of Shrewsbury. Every week day 130-160 vulnerable adults come for food, showers and laundry facilities. Full-time staff provides counselling, assistance with benefit claims and outreach work, including visiting prisons, hospitals and families. There is a collection box at the back of church for parishioners to donate contributions to the centre e.g. non-perishable foods, toiletries and clothing. These goods are taken to Cornerstone weekly by parishioners. Appeals for specific needs are made through the parish newsletter.

Community outreach

1. Book Club

The Book Club meets on the third Monday of every month at 7:30 pm in the Parish Room. Books are chosen by the group for the forthcoming two months, our choice is eclectic. All are welcome to join, just come along on the relevant evening.

2. Interfaith Group

3. Hale Barns Carnival

The Hale Barns Carnival was originally established to raise funds for the construction of the parish hall. It ran successfully for a few years and became a much-anticipated parish event, bringing together families and friends in a spirit of joy and community. In recent years, however, the carnival has faced a number of challenges, including adverse weather conditions and limitations regarding suitable larger field space. As a result, it has not been possible to continue the event in the same way. We are currently awaiting further information regarding the future of the Hale Barns Carnival and will share updates with the parish community as they become available.

Catholic Organisations

1. Newman Association

The Newman Association is a national organisation of Catholic laity and clergy, which aims to help Catholics to discuss and develop their understanding of the faith throughout life. The Association was founded in 1942, out of the then University Catholic Federation (UCF), to provide a forum for Catholic graduates and professionals, taking its name from Cardinal Newman, who firmly believed in the formation of an ‘informed laity’.

Membership is now open to all interested Catholics, and Associate Status is available for members of other churches. The local circle meets monthly from October to June at St Theresa’s Church Hall, Green Lane, Wilmslow, beginning with Mass at 7.30pm, followed by a talk at 8.15pm. Visitors are always most welcome to attend the meetings. No need to book, just turn up. For more information visit the website at www.phavard.demon.co.uk

2. Catenians

Wouldn’t it be a great idea to have an organisation which makes it easy for Catholic families in the area and region to meet and become friends? The Catenian Association fills this need for 10,000 men around the world. The Catenian Association is an organisation for Catholic men to meet socially. We have a monthly meeting and also organise a variety of evening and daytime events throughout the year for members and their families. We hope to promote Catholic family values through fellowship and brotherhood. We sometimes raise money for good causes at the discretion of our members, but fundraising is not our main objective. Today, when many of us lead hectic lifestyles, it can be difficult to establish connections in our community, particularly the Catholic community. If you would like to find out more please have a look at our website www.thecatenians.co.uk or leave your contact details with the Parish Office and one of the parish Catenians will contact you. Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight, when visiting as a chorister to hear Gregorian chant. In consequence, the church incorporates a number of architectural features found at Quarr. Designed as a Choir Church, the building had to be narrower than intended, as special piling was needed with the discovery of a prehistoric glacial lake under the site. The foundation stone was laid by Bishop Grasar on 15 September 1962, in mud and pouring rain. The church cost some £80,000 and was built by T Brown and Sons of Wilmslow. The completed church was dedicated on 12 March 1964.

In 1975, two hundred priests and religious of the Diocese concelebrated Mass with Archbishop Bruno Heim, Apostolic Delegate, during his Holy Year visit. In 1969, Granada TV televised a sung Mass concelebrated with Bishop Grasar, and the BBC recorded “Sunday Half Hour” in the church in January 1997. Music has featured prominently in the parish, from the robed choir in the choir stalls around the altar, to the “Little Angels” children’s choir; and with professional recordings produced in the church, one of which was, “Hymns for the Angels” – a Benediction Service organised by the Blessed Sacrament Guild with traditional Catholic hymns sung by the congregation. The church is used periodically for rehearsal and for concerts by Altrincham Choral Society and by the Romulus Singers, and is in frequent use by St Ambrose College. A number of former choir members now sing professionally, while one former parishioner and organist, Martin Baker, is currently Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral, and another former parishioner and organist, now Monsignor Philip Whitmore, is Rector of Rome’s Venerable English College. The pipe organ on which they played, originating from Ringway Chapel, was later replaced by an electronic instrument, the pipe organ being donated to a parish in Romania.

The parish debt was cleared in 1980, owing to the efforts of an enterprising Parish Committee, while to this day the Ladies Blessed Sacrament Guild, formed in the early days, continues to meet the cost of altar requirements – altar cloths, hosts, wine, candles, etc – and in 1974, provided a beautiful stained glass rose window in the Lady Chapel. Following Vatican II, the original marble altar rails were removed in 1989, some being re-used in the ambo, and the baptismal font was moved from the traditional adjoining baptistery to the front of the church, the baptistery becoming initially a parish library, and later, with the books moved to be displayed in the ambulatory behind the Sanctuary, a small meeting room. In the Lady Chapel, Our Lady’s statue was moved from above her dedicated altar to a side wall and replaced by embroidered panels created by the parish embroidery group. The high altar remains unchanged. Various groups provide a strong social cohesion, while others, including SVP, Pro-Life, Third World, and various prayer groups, engage in charitable and devotional activities within the parish and beyond, extending to involvement in Churches Together in Hale and the Altrincham Interfaith Group.

After almost 30 years as parish priest, Fr McDonald retired in 1987, being succeeded by Fr Roger Clarke until his replacement in 1991 by Canon Christopher Dwyer. On Canon Dwyer’s retirement in 2002, Father (now Canon) David Roberts became parish priest, to be succeeded in 2012 by Father Jonathan Brandon. Holy Angels is one of four churches forming the new Altrincham Pastoral Area. With the closure of St John the Baptist Church and the combining of that parish with St Hugh of Lincoln, Pastoral Area No15 now includes the three parishes of St Vincent de Paul, St Hugh and St John, and Holy Angels.

The Golden Jubilee of the parish of Holy Angels in 2008, and the Golden Jubilee of the dedication of the church in 2014, has been celebrated over the period by many and various events. An article in the Shrewsbury Diocesan Yearbook, as well as features on the parish website, celebrated the founding of the parish, but the main celebration commenced in November 2010 with a Parish Day, providing the many parish organisations with an opportunity to display examples of their impressively varied work and activities. In July 2011 an International Mass was followed by a parish luncheon, celebrated with members of the many nationalities that are part of the parish community, with all those attending dressed in a huge variety of national costume. The church was adorned with flags and colourful decorations to match that variety. September 2012 saw the erection and blessing of a large hand-hewn wooden carving of angels positioned at the entrance to the church grounds, with the blessing followed by a Ministry Fair with refreshments in St Ambrose Preparatory School hall.

The highlight of 2013, on 13 October to coincide with the dedication by Pope Francis of the world to Our Lady, was the blessing by Fr Jonathan of the new landscaped shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes and the dedication of the parish of Holy Angels to Our Lady, using the same text used by the pope. It has since become the custom that, after receiving their First Holy Communion, children process together to the shrine, each carrying a rose, to make their thanksgiving, and to have a group photograph taken with Fr Jonathan. The beautiful shrine has been provided by Holy Angels Blessed Sacrament Guild. Approaching the parish feast of The Holy Angels on 29 September 2014, a series of events commenced, with a Parish Jubilee Pilgrimage on 24 September to the shrine of Our Lady at Ladyewell near Preston. On Friday 26 September, a major Jubilee Celebration of Spirituality and Reflection took place in the church, attended by the Mayor of Trafford, with clergy and representatives of other faith groups throughout the area, and featuring singers, readers, musicians and dancers, with refreshments afterwards in the Preparatory School Hall. The following morning there was a Jubilee Parish Walk and Pub Lunch, and on the Sunday a Jubilee Barbecue and Bake-Off. A series of spiritual events led into 2015, featuring retreat evenings during Advent, and culminating in a Jubilee Retreat in Daily Life in January. A Jubilee Tea for parishioners and others was organised in May, while the youngsters of the parish entered a decorated Jubilee float in the Altrincham Festival on 4 July, and were awarded the trophy for Best Voluntary Entry. Please see relevant pictures in the gallery.