The Sisters of the Cross and Passion have confirmed that they will be withdrawing from the Archdiocese of Liverpool at the end of the month (October 2025).

In a letter to Archbishop John Sherrington, the congregation confirmed that Sister Pat Redgrave CP and Sister Maureen McNally CP, the last two remaining Sisters serving in the archdiocese, will be leaving, bringing to a close more than 170 years of dedicated service in the area.

The Congregation was founded by Venerable Elizabeth Prout in Manchester 1852. In 1855, Elizabeth came to Sutton, St Helens where she and her companions taught in several schools.

Over the decades, the Sisters have also had a presence in Warrington (1899-2014), St Hugh’s parish Liverpool (from 1909), and following the Second World War, Our Lady of Good Help in Wavertree.  In 2006, Our Lady of Good Help Parish joined with Christ the King where the Sisters continued to serve in the Parish up to the present.  

The Sisters served in the Parish of St John the Evangelist, Kirkdale from 2013-2019.

In her letter to Archbishop John Sherrington, Sister Therese O’ Regan CP said: “Like many Religious congregations today, age has caught up with us and a shortage of vocations in this part of the world has led us to make hard decisions.  

“However, we are leaving behind in the archdiocese one of our most treasured possessions; our beloved Foundress Venerable Elizabeth Prout whose remains are enshrined along with two Passionist Priests, Blessed Dominic Barberi CP and Venerable Ignatius Spencer CP in the church of St Anne and Blessed Dominic in Sutton.”

Archbishop John Sherrington said: “I am very sad that the Sisters of the Cross and Passion will be leaving the Archdiocese of Liverpool after 170 years and thank them for their dedication, religious presence, and service to God’s holy people. I thank Sister Pat and Sister Maureen for their presence amongst us. May God stay with them in the next step of their lives.”

The Archdiocese of Liverpool expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the Sisters of the Cross and Passion for their faithful witness, compassion, and service over the past 170 years. Their legacy of prayer, education, and care will continue to inspire generations to come.