The Catholic Church of the Holy Angels in Hale Barns, Cheshire, was established in 1958 as part of the Diocese of Shrewsbury. Designed by parishioner Arthur Farebrother, the church reflects a distinctive architectural style reminiscent of Quarr Abbey, characterised by its modern use of pale brick. Although founded in 1958, the church was formally dedicated in 1964.

From its beginnings, Holy Angels has developed a strong sense of community and a rich musical tradition. The parish has long enjoyed an active choir and was formerly home to the much-loved “Little Angels” children’s choir. Close ties with local schools continue to strengthen the church’s role at the heart of the community.

In 2023, a new Parish Hall was added, providing much-needed space for parish life and wider community use. The hall now supports a variety of activities, including weddings, celebrations, and social gatherings, enhancing the church’s mission as a welcoming and vibrant centre of faith and fellowship.

Key Historical Dates

Year of Establishment: 1958

Foundation Stone Laid: 1962 by Bishop Eric Grasar

Dedication of the Church: 1964

Visit of the Apostolic Delegate, Archbishop Bruno Heim: 1975

Opening of the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes: 2013

Opening of the Parish Hall: 2023

The first Parish Priest was Fr Gerald McDonald, whose leadership helped shape the early life of the parish.

Today, the Church of the Holy Angels continues to thrive as a place of worship, pilgrimage, and community life. We commend to God all those who have been, and continue to be, connected with the parish in any way. May God’s blessings rest upon all who are drawn to this place of peace, prayer, and pilgrimage.

Let us conclude this short introduction with a few paragraphs from Pope Francis’s apostolic exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate (The Call to Holiness in Today’s World)

“Let us not forget that Jesus asked his disciples to pay attention to details. The little detail that wine was running out at a party. The little detail that one sheep was missing. The little detail of noticing the widow who offered her two small coins. The little detail of having spare oil for the lamps, should the bridegroom delay. The little detail of asking the disciples how many loaves of bread they had. The little detail of having a fire burning and a fish cooking as he waited for the disciples at daybreak.  A community that cherishes the little details of love,[107]whose members care for one another and create an open and evangelizing environment, is a place where the risen Lord is present, sanctifying it in accordance with the Father’s plan. There are times when, by a gift of the Lord’s love, we are granted, amid these little details, consoling experiences of God. Contrary to the growing consumerist individualism that tends to isolate us in a quest for well-being apart from others, our path to holiness can only make us identify all the more with Jesus’ prayer “that all may be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you” (Jn 17:21)”.