THE Catholic Church in Widnes is embarking on its biggest ever transformation.

All eight parishes in the town have closed to become one new parish.

It has been named St Wilfrid, after the earliest Christian foundation in Widnes, when a chapel in his honour was built in the year 1180.

The name was among five suggested by parishioners and was chosen by the Archbishop of Liverpool, Malcolm McMahon.

More than 1600 parishioners attended eight masses at the weekend to celebrate the refounding of the town’s Catholic community.

One parishioner said: “There was an air of excitement.”

Another added: “It has brought us all closer together.”

Fr Matthew Nunes, the Catholic Dean of Widnes, said: “These changes follow discussions over many years as to how we might respond to the reality of smaller congregations and less priests.

“It has been a painful time for many of us as we have said goodbye to cherished buildings that have held so many memories.

“But we look to the future with hope, building on the legacy of the past, in living the message of the gospel as a new parish.” 

Special masses were held to honour the past in each of the eight churches.

Parishioners brought photographs and shared their memories.

The new parish is now served by four churches, St Michael’s in Ditton, St Basil’s in Hough Green, St Bede’s in Appleton Village and St John Fisher in Halton View.

Five priests, Fr Nunes, Fr Joseph Bibby, Fr Malcolm Prince, retired bishop John Rawsthorne and Fr Tony Reynolds now work together as a team.

Four churches, Our Lady’s in Mayfield Avenue, St Pius in Sefton Avenue, St Marie’s in Lugsdale Road and St Raphael’s in Liverpool Road have closed.