An inspirational start to the Hope in the Future Parish Teams Retreat. Lots of enthusiasm for the rest of the day

Today the Diocese has announced a brand new initiative called – ‘Healing Through Community’. We will be working together with Survivors Manchester and Manchester Rape Crisis to provide help and practical support to those who are dealing with the impact of abuse. Together our shared vision of understanding and reconciliation will help us to deliver support right in the heart of our parish communities. The project, which can be accessed by any survivor of abuse, includes funding of specialist therapists, the creation of a faith-based support group and a programme of training within the Diocese. Bishop John said: 'As a church our role is to support the most vulnerable amongst us. There is no place for abuse in our society and the church is no different, our involvement in this project creates further opportunities for the diocese to meets its responsibility of support and compassion to all its parishioners, wherever they are and where their abuse happened. Our partnership with the Survivors Manchester and Manchester Rape Crisis teams is a positive step in our process of healing with survivors of abuse' #healingthroughcommunity

It is with sadness that we announce the death of Fr Philip Price who died peacefully this morning. Please remember him in your prayers. May he rest in peace.