Holy Cross Church, St Helens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Holy Cross Church |
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| Church of the Holy Cross and St Helen | |
Front - Eastern Aspect
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| 53°27′13″N 2°43′55″W / 53.4537°N 2.7320°W | |
| OS grid reference | SJ5148795464 |
| Location | St Helens, Merseyside |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | http://holycrosssthelens.business.site/ |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Church |
| Heritage designation | Grade II listed |
| Designated | 23 August 1985 |
| Architect(s) | Joseph John Scoles |
| Groundbreaking | 3 May 1860 |
| Completed | 1 May 1862 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Holy Cross |
| Deanery | St Helens - St Monica Pastoral Area |
| Archdiocese | Liverpool |
| Province | Liverpool (aka Northern) |
The Holy Cross and St Helen Church is a Roman Catholic church located in St Helens, Merseyside, England. This beautiful church was built in 1860 by a group called the Society of Jesus. It was designed by a famous architect named Joseph John Scoles. The building is so important that it is listed as a Grade II heritage building.
Contents
History of Holy Cross Church
How the Church Began
The Holy Cross and St Helen Church was started by the Society of Jesus in 1860. On May 3, 1860, the first stone of the church was laid. This special event was led by Father Thomas Seed. He was the head of the Jesuits in Britain at that time. Father Seed also helped start the Sacred Heart Church in Edinburgh.
Who Designed the Church?
The church was designed by Joseph John Scoles. He was a well-known architect who designed several other important churches. Some of his other works include St Ignatius Church in Preston and the Church of Saint Francis Xavier in Liverpool. Building the Holy Cross and St Helen Church took almost two years. It officially opened its doors on May 1, 1862.
Changes Over Time
In 1933, the Jesuits handed over the church to the Archdiocese of Liverpool. This means the Archdiocese has been in charge of the church ever since. A special stone inside the church marks this important change.
Parish Life at Holy Cross
Church Services and Activities
The Holy Cross and St Helen Church holds services regularly. Sunday Mass is at 10:00 AM. Weekday Masses are held on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 12:15 PM. On Tuesdays, Mass is at 11:00 AM.
You can also go to Confession at the church. These are held from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM before the 12:15 PM Mass. There are no Confessions on Tuesdays. Additionally, a special prayer time called Exposition happens on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This takes place for half an hour before and after Mass.
How to Enter the Church
You can enter the church from two main streets. One entrance is on Corporation Street, which is on the southern side. The other entrance is on Parade Street, on the northern side. The Parade Street entrance also has a gate for easy access. The original front entrance of the church is no longer used.
Joining of Parishes
In July 2020, another church, SS Peter & Paul in Haresfinch, closed down. Its parish then joined with the Holy Cross and St Helen parish. The priest who was in charge of SS Peter & Paul, Father Kevan O'Brien, became the priest for the combined Holy Cross and St Helen parish.
Gallery
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North-Eastern aspect of Church of Holy Cross & St. Helen, St. Helens, Merseyside
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Southern aspect of Church of Holy Cross & St. Helen, St. Helens, Merseyside
See also
- Listed buildings in St Helens, Merseyside
