Around the Diocese

Since our journey began in 2019, parishes, schools, and community groups have responded to Bishop John’s call for environmental action with hope and determination, paving the way for some truly inspirational projects right across the diocese.

From creating gardens for prayer and building community, to growing organic produce to share with the neighbourhood, and establishing social outreach projects – as well as inspiring future generations with educational activities – our parish and school communities have fast become thriving hubs of environmental action.

However, it’s not always easy to know where or how to begin such projects, so we’ve pulled together some stories and resources to help you begin your own journey.

Parish Case Studies

Explore the drop down section below to read more about how some of our parishes began their journey of environmental healing.

This iconic Bavarian-style chapel is the only Schoenstatt Shrine in England, boasting stunning views of the countryside from its beautiful gardens.

An inner-city parish is challenging people across the diocese to adopt a “waste not, want not” lifestyle in a bid to build a more sustainable future.

The Parish of the Sacred Heart and St Francis began work on its community garden almost 10 years ago, transforming a grassy area of land into a breath-taking garden, complete with allotment and polytunnel, for the whole community.

Click here to read more about how this dedicated team of volunteers transformed the space into a beautiful garden for prayer and an inspiring example of sustainable living.

On the outskirts of Oldham is a small corner of creation that is bringing people of all faiths and backgrounds together in a combined mission to care for our common home.

The Parish of the Nativity in Failsworth and Limeside is home to the Bee Together Community Garden, a small space behind Holy Family Catholic Church that has been transformed from an overgrown, unused space into a hub of environmental activity – and has recently won special recognition through winning a RHS North West in Bloom award.

You can read more about how this wonderful garden began its journey by clicking here. 

A parish community is putting its faith into action by answering Pope Francis’ call to ecological and social conversion.

Holy Trinity Parish in Walkden began work on a beautiful community garden three years ago in a bid to provide support for people facing social isolation and loneliness.

Click here to find out more about how this inspiring parish is using the healing power of nature to reach out to people in their community.

Out of the darkness of the pandemic emerged a bright symbol of hope; a community parish garden project that cares for both community and common home.

Home to England’s only Schoenstatt Shrine, this parish of St John Fisher’s in Kearsley is truly unique, and not just because of its iconic Bavarian-style chapel. In a bid to make better use of the parish grounds for the many people from across the world who travel and stay at the shrine, in addition to strengthening ties with the local community, work began on creating a welcoming space where people could come and spend some time outdoors.

Click here to find out more.

Resources for Parishes

Got a story?

If your parish or school has a story to tell, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch by emailing communications@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

Parishes across the diocese are working hard to care for creation, creating beautiful gardens like this at The Parish of the Nativity in Failsworth and Limeside.