Visitation services are held each summer following the election of churchwardens at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). These services, which take place across the diocese, mark the formal admission of parish churchwardens to their office, with sidespersons and PCC members also making declarations of support.

Visitation services are an important part of the Church calendar with special legal significance. A churchwarden is not considered to be in office until officially admitted by an archdeacon. Historically, when churchwardens were admitted, they would report on the moral standing of the clergy, the state of the parish, the condition of the church, and the administration of divine service. Today, visitation services focus on prayer, encouragement, and support, offering an opportunity to celebrate the vital role and work of churchwardens. These services also provide a chance to meet fellow churchwardens, Area Deans, and your Archdeacon.

The visitation form to display on your church door is available for download in two formats:

• 2026 Visitation Form (Microsoft Word)
• 2026 Visitation Form (Adobe PDF)

The 2026 services take place on the following dates:

Archdeaconry of Bolton

7:30pm, Monday 1st June, St Mary Rawtenstall

7:30pm, Wednesday 10th June, St Peter w St Philip Bolton

7:30pm, Wednesday 8th July, Christ Church Walshaw

Archdeaconry of Rochdale

7:30pm, Tuesday 2nd June, Christ Church Ashton

7:30pm, Tuesday 9th June, St Chad Rochdale

7:30pm, Thursday 18th June, Oldham Parish Church

7:30pm, Monday 22nd June, St Luke Heywood

Archdeaconry of Manchester

7:30pm, Thursday 4th June, William Temple Wythenshawe

7:30pm, Wednesday 10th June, St Matthew with St Mary Crumpsall

7:30pm, Wednesday 17th June, Manchester Cathedral

Archdeaconry of Salford

7:30pm, Wednesday 3rd June, St Peter Swinton

The Churchwarden Yearbook

The Churchwarden Yearbook is the annual diary and source of information for churchwardens in The Church of England and The Church in Wales. It provides useful information, resources, planning tools and more. You can order the 2026 version using the form below: