St Peter and St Paul's Church, New Brighton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Peter and St Paul's Church, New Brighton |
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| Ss. Peter and Paul and St. Philomena Catholic Church | |
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The church as seen from Atherton Street.
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| Location | Wirral |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Heritage designation | Grade II listed |
| Designated | 22 December 2003 |
| Architect(s) | Ernest Bower Norris |
| Completed | 1935 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Shrewsbury |
The Sacred Shrine of Ss. Peter, Paul and St. Philomena is a special church located on Atherton Street in New Brighton, Wirral, England. It is a "Grade II listed" building, which means it's an important historical place.
This church has a unique green dome. Because of this dome, local people often call it "The Dome of Home." This nickname started in the mid-1900s. Sailors coming back to Merseyside would see the church's dome. It was a sign that they were almost home!
How the Church Began
The idea for this church came from a priest named Father Tom Mullins. He was born in Ireland and studied to become a priest in Portugal. When Father Tom returned to the Wirral, he worked at another church. But he had a big dream: to build a new church in New Brighton.
He worked hard to make his dream come true. By the time the church was finished, New Brighton was a very popular holiday spot. The church officially opened its doors in 1935.
Leaders of the Church
Many priests have served the church over the years. They helped guide the community and lead services. Here are some of the priests who have served:
- Fr Tom Mullins 1935-1945
- Mgr Canon Maurice Curran V.G 1945-1960
- Father John Quinn 1960–1983
- Father Joseph Prendiville 1983
- Father (later canon) Robert Fallon 1983-1990
- Father Anthony Myers 1990-1996
- Father Michael Wentworth 1996-2006
- Father John Feeney 2006–2008 (church closed)
- Canon Oliver Meney 2011-2012
- Canon Amaury Montjean 2012 -
A retired priest, Canon William Briscoe O.B.E, also lived at the church from 1986 to 2001.
The Church Today
In 2006, Father Michael Wentworth retired. Father John Feeney became the new Parish Priest. He was in charge of three churches, including Ss. Peter, Paul and St. Philomena. These three churches worked together as the North Wallasey Catholic Community.
In 2008, the local church leaders made a decision to close the church. People who went to the church then moved to another church nearby. This church, called All Saints, belonged to the Church of England.
However, in 2011, good news arrived! The church was reopened for a weekly Mass. A religious group called the Institute of Christ the King became interested in fully reopening the church.
On October 15, 2011, Canon Oliver Meney and another member of the Institute of Christ the King moved into the church's newly fixed-up house, called the presbytery. Now, daily Mass is held in the day chapel. The church is fully open, and a special Sung High Mass is celebrated every Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
See also
- Listed buildings in New Brighton, Merseyside
