Brindle St Joseph’s church to close after more than two centuries

Brindle St Joseph’s RC Church, Hoghton. Pic: Alexander P Kapp

A 240-year-old village church will close its doors to worshippers when its priest leaves later this year.

Brindle St Joseph’s, in Hoghton, will continue until the summer but then parishioners will be advised to attend alternative churches such as St Bede’s. Clayton Green and St Chad’s.

The grade-II listed catholic church dates back to 1786 and, after two centuries of hosting weddings, funerals and other services, its future use is now unclear but is to be decided by the trustees of the abbot and Ampleforth Abbey. As well as the main church, the other buildings are currently used for a wide range of community activities including scouts, music, dancing, sports and parenting groups.

A notice informing church-goers of the decision explained that Fr Raphael has been asked to return to Ampleforth Abbey but will not be replaced. This decision has been attributed to the Archdiocese of Liverpool not having “financial or personnel” resources to maintain the buildings of St Joseph’s.

As a result, once Fr Raphael returns to Ampleforth Abbey – which must happen by the end of August – the parish of St Joseph’s will close.

In his notice, Abbot Robert wrote that St Joseph’s parish will become part of St Bede’s parish, with pastoral care to be provided by Fr Mark Beattie.

He wrote: “It will be a painful and tricky time and we will do our best to keep you informed in a timely manner. Both the Archdiocese and the monastic community at Ampleforth Abbey are saddened that this decision has had to be made.”

“Some or you may also be sad, others angry, others may feel a sense of betrayal after many years of faithful and loyal worship in the parish through different generations.

“But it is worth repeating that this does not mean there will be no pastoral provision for the people currently served in St Joseph’s by Fr Raphael.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your great loyalty and love for your parish and those monks who have served you.

“Let us pray for each other in the months ahead, that this period of transition may go well and that the faith in this area of the Archdiocese of Liverpool may remain steadfast for future generations.”

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