This year marks a significant milestone for St Teresa of Avila Parish in St Helens as it celebrates its Centenary Year.
Founded in 1925, the parish initially held Sunday Mass in a local Victorian primary school. Two years later, in 1927, a temporary church was opened to serve the growing Catholic community. In July 1965, the current church was opened—marking a historic moment as the first Consecration and Mass in England celebrated in English.
In this Jubilee Year, the parish reflects on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” and the work of the priests and parishioners who built the Catholic community over the last century.
In 2024, A volunteer group was formed to help commemorate the centenary. As a result, several historical displays have been installed within the church, and a comprehensive parish history has been compiled.
A calendar of both spiritual and social events has been planned, bringing parishioners together in celebration and reflection.
In January, commemorative bookmarks were given to parishioners, with the parish’s oldest member, aged 99, presenting them during the Offertory collection. On Sunday 2 February, Fr Martin Kershaw, Parish Priest, celebrated a special Mass for all those baptised in the parish, during which the congregation renewed their Baptismal vows.
The first social event of the centenary, an Easter Bingo, raised £500 and highlighted the strong community spirit within the parish. In May, children from the primary school and Children’s Liturgy group led a joyful procession before Sunday Mass.
Looking ahead, the parish has several more events planned:
Upcoming social events include:
The centenary year will conclude with a festive Gala Concert on Tuesday 16 December.
St Teresa of Avila Parish celebrates 100 years of faithful service—and looks ahead to the next chapter with hope and unity.
Read this and more in the latest edition of the Catholic Pic. You can pick up a copy from your local parish, or read an online version here.
