Churches throughout the Rochdale area are opening their doors wide this Christmas, inviting both regular congregations and newcomers to join in a host of festive services and community gatherings. From traditional carol concerts to midnight communion, the programme offers moments of reflection and celebration for all.
Festive Highlights at St Chad's and St Mary's
St Chad's Church on Sparrow Hill has already hosted two major civic carol services this December. The Mayor of Rochdale's Civic Carol Service, led by Reverend Pamela Parr, featured a multilingual rendition of 'Silent Night', performances by Parkfield Primary School choir, and traditional clog dancing. The subsequent St John's Ambulance Greater Manchester Carol Service was led by the Bishop of Middleton, the Rt Rev Mark Davies, with readings from high-profile figures including the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.
Looking ahead, St Chad's will hold a Candlelit Service of Lessons and Carols led by Bishop Mark Davies at 3pm on Sunday, December 21. This is followed by Midnight Mass at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve, officiated by the Archdeacon of Rochdale, the Ven Karen Smeeton. On Christmas Day, a Parish Eucharist with Advent hymns takes place at 11.15am.
Meanwhile, at St Mary in the Baum, the Eucharist for the Fourth Sunday of Advent is at 9.15am on December 21. Christmas Day Eucharist with carols is at 9.15am, led by Rev James Read. The church also hosts a weekly Red Cross session for refugees every Monday from 12.30pm.
Community Celebrations Across the Borough
St Luke's Church in Deeplish holds a carol service on Sunday, December 21 at 10am, officiated by Revd Pamela Parr, with refreshments to follow. The church will then celebrate Christmas Day with a Holy Communion service at 10am.
In Balderstone, St Mary's invites the community to a Carols by Candlelight service at 6.30pm on December 21, promising mince pies and refreshments. Their family-friendly Christingle Service is at 4pm on Christmas Eve, with a Christmas Day communion at 9am.
The Benefice of Littleborough, encompassing Holy Trinity, St James, and St Barnabas, will celebrate with a Christmas Carol Service at 6pm on December 21 at Holy Trinity, featuring a raffle draw. Midnight Holy Communion on Christmas Eve is at St James, Calderbrook, starting at 11.30pm, with Christmas Day Communion at Holy Trinity at 10am.
A Warm Welcome for All This Christmas
Each church emphasises its open-door policy, extending a warm welcome to regular members and newcomers alike. The services blend traditional hymns, scripture readings, and festive music, often followed by seasonal refreshments offering a chance for community fellowship.
From the grandeur of St Chad's civic services to the intimate gatherings in local parishes, Rochdale's churches are poised to mark the Christmas season with a blend of solemnity and joyful celebration. They collectively wish everyone in the community a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas.
