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Centenary Year in Review

It's been a year of celebration in our school and parish community of 100 years of praise and worship. 100 years ago Blackpool was expanding and there was a need for another school and church for the growing Catholic community.

The local Jesuits from the Sacred Heart wanted to head the new venture, but the Archbishop of Liverpool decided that he should put secular clergy in charge and the new church was built in what is now the school/parish hall.

In the 1930's Fr McManus was given the task of building a new church. He was a man of great taste, the project went way over budget but it is thanks to him that we worship in this beautiful church today.

Over the years many people have worked hard to build up this parish community. Research and letters sent in by former parishioners tell us about trips, annual balls, fairs and gatherings. This year we have tried to condense as many of these events into 12 months as was possible.

• Photos from 1930 - 1949
• Photos from 1950 - 1969
• Photos from the Early Days of the Parish

Feast of St Kentigern

In January we were overwhelmed with the turn out for the Mass at the Feast of St Kentigern. It was an evening which gave the opportunity for former clergy and parishioners to meet up and reminisce on old times.

• Photos from the Feast of St Kentigern Celebrations

Flower Festival

We held concerts in Church, we were visited by Bishop Patrick who confirmed many of our young people, we held a Flower Festival, a Centenary Ball, School Open Days and finished off with a Deanery Quiz.

• Images from the Flower Festival preparation days
• Photos from the opening ceremony by the Mayor of Blackpool
• General Photos from the Festival

All these events brought together people whose hearts have been touched by this parish community over the past century.

I would like to thank all the people, too numerous to name, who have contributed their time and talents and who helped to organise and take part in the many events held over the year. We are standing on the shoulders of people who have made this parish community so successful and it is our joy and privilege, as baptised members of the Church, to continue this work today.

Please consider your part in the building up of the Church and think about what gifts you have to offer. We are always in need of volunteers. Let's work together to keep this community moving forward so that there will be a bi-centennial celebration in 2104.