Wigan Album

Is the recruitment of choir boys still as flourishing as it was in the 1940s?. I have my doubts. Probably our Reverend can provide an answer. I do the occasional altar boy, at eighty three, and Eucharistic Minister. All are mostly elderly, that now do these essential duties.

It's the same at our church Albert -the usual stalwarts and all 'getting on' in years. I dare say it's the same all over. When the children make their First Holy Communion the church is filled to the rafters - a couple of weeks later and it's back to empty pews again. It's very sad.

Veronica. Now in the pews, these days, it is just bald heads, and grey hair. It is a pity, but that is the way of this modern world that we live in. Not much spiritual, but a lot of materialism.

I think we are all getting used to seeing the old un's at church but isn't that young lad in the photo angelic looking!

Veronica. How true it is, I am not sure, but I have heard that there is another R.C.Church scheduled to close in Wigan. Have you heard anything?.

I haven't heard anything Albert- I hope it's not St . Pat's or for that matter St. Mary's or St. John's . The latter being very convenient if in town. Those two are very near to one another as you know. Where I live we come under a different diocese.

Albert , I agree with you entirely! Only wish I could accept the changes I see around me so graciously as you. Maybe I should seek an anger management course perhaps.

Veronica. I have heard that a letter has been circulated to members' of the diocese, asking what would be their preferred choice. I feel very sorry for those in the priesthood now, some quite elderly, who have to look after a number of parishes.

We have already gone through that procedure Albert but our church is staying as it is with more input from the parishioners. There may
be one less mass at weekend - but it's all very slow moving at the moment. It's just the way things are now - in a 'state of flux'! Many priests who should be retired are still keeping going. Those who are retired are called on when needed!

Veronica/Julie. Such daunting times for practising Christians, of every denomination. We can only live in hope, that things will somehow change.

Veronica he's singing with the angels now and he could sing lovely tenor voice he was in choir at St John the Baptist New Springs for many years

It's a wonderful gift to be able to sing well Eunice. May your dad rest in peace.