Helen Platts to Retire in March 2026
First published on: 16th September 2025Today, we share the news that Helen Platts, our Chief Operating Officer and Diocesan Secretary, will be retiring in March 2026.
Latest News
Summer Prayer Activities
First published on: 7th August 2025Looking for a meaningful and fun activity for children this summer? Jo Haslam, our Early Years Adviser, has created a series of new prayer activities designed especially for young children to enjoy during the holidays.
QR Codes Boost Donations at St Peter’s
First published on: 7th August 2025St Peter’s Church in Westleigh has recently seen fundraising success by placing QR codes around the church.
New Mothers’ Union Provincial President Commissioned by Archbishop of York
First published on: 30th July 2025Christine Sharp, Manchester’s Diocesan President of Mothers’ Union, was commissioned last week as the new Provincial President of York. Archbishop Stephen Cottrell led the commissioning service, which took place in York Minster and was attended by Mothers’ Union members from across the Province of York and beyond.
Back to School Sunday 2025 Resources
First published on: 22nd July 2025As the summer holidays commence, many parishes are already looking ahead and starting to let local families know that they will be holding a Back to School Sunday service before the new school year starts. This annual tradition is a prayerful opportunity to bless and support children, young people, school staff, and families in our communities.
Summary of General Synod July 2025
First published on: 17th July 2025The Church of England’s General Synod gathered in York for a five-day summer group of sessions (11–15 July 2025), addressing a wide range of theological, pastoral, and administrative matters.
Service to Celebrate Reader Ministry Held at Manchester Cathedral
First published on: 10th July 2025On Sunday afternoon, we gathered at Manchester Cathedral to celebrate the vital ministry of Readers across our diocese. In a joyful service led by Bishop Matthew Porter, six new Readers were admitted, and five were honoured with the title of Reader Emeritus.
Fifteen New Priests Ordained at Manchester Cathedral
First published on: 2nd July 2025This past weekend marked a significant occasion in the life of our diocese, as 15 people were ordained as priests at Manchester Cathedral during our annual Petertide Ordinations.
Twenty One New Deacons Ordained at Manchester Cathedral
First published on: 2nd July 2025This past weekend marked a significant occasion in the life of our diocese, as 21 people were ordained as deacons at Manchester Cathedral during our annual Petertide Ordinations.
Truth-Telling, Healing and Hope
First published on: 25th June 2025This week, members of clergy and the Shades team joined colleagues from across the country for the Truth-Telling Gathering at the University of Liverpool - a city with a deep and complex history tied to the transatlantic slave trade. This significant location set the tone for a powerful and moving experience of reflection, truth, and learning.
