St. Aidan’s, Winstanley, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the church’s opening on Sunday 6 October, with Mass in the church and celebrations in the adjoining parish club.
The church was opened officially on 1 October 1974 by Archbishop Beck together with Bishop Gray, Bishop Harris, Canon Walsh, Canon Glass, Father Cronin and Father Cadogan.
Father Daniel Cadogan realised that Winstanley and Highfield were growing rapidly, with new houses being built and young couples moving in, and that a new parish was needed. The future parishioners of St Aidan’s worked hard to raise the money for the new school and church. Masses were celebrated in private homes before the first Mass at the Parish of St Aidan, Winstanley was celebrated by Fr Cadogan, in the newly built St. Aidan’s school on 5 December 1971. There were two baptisms at this first Mass.
Contributions of £2 per person were received to help buy chairs for the hall and a carpet to protect the floor. Every Saturday evening, parishioners would roll out the carpet and set up the school hall for Mass the following day. This went on until the church was finished in 1974. The architect Anthony Grimshaw had designed the plans for the new church and social centre and builder Robinson completed the construction.
In Sunday’s anniversary celebration, Mass was celebrated by Canon Pat MacNally with Deacon Jim Cardy assisting. Hymns led by the church’s music group and bidding prayers were read by the young people.
Canon MacNally thanked the parishioners for what they had done and continue to do for the parish.
After the Mass, all retired to a full social centre to continue the joyous celebrations with refreshments, dance and song. The children particularly enjoyed the dancing and singing.
The parish has a strong, vibrant catholic community, including severalgroups such as the UCM, Little Church and Youth Effect.
Parishioner Andy Connellan commented, “the parish has so much to be thankful for.”
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