About Our Parish
Our Story: A Living Heritage of FaithTwo Histories, One Family
The story of our parish is uniquely told through our two beautiful churches in Swinton, Manchester, UK.
Saint Charles' Church,
Moorside
The community at St. Charles began with the 1847 mission. The current church, a modest and functional building in a modern Romanesque style, was constructed in 1955 to serve the growing post-war community. It stands as a testament to the parish's commitment to adapting to the needs of a new world.
Saint Mark's Church,
Pendlebury
The Parish of St. Mark was founded in 1923 to serve the Catholic faithful in Pendlebury. The church, built in 1926 in a traditional Gothic style, was a beacon of hope for the interwar community and represents a deep connection to our long heritage of sacred architecture.
Two beautiful churches, each with its own history and character, and together they embody the journey of our faith through the 20th century.
Our History: A Foundation of Faith
Our parish roots are deeply planted in the great Catholic revival that reshaped North West England during the Industrial Revolution. The first Catholic mission in Swinton was founded in 1847, primarily to serve the spiritual needs of the growing number of Irish families who came to the area seeking work and refuge from the Great Famine.
This spirit of building and service took place within the newly formed Diocese of Salford, which was established in 1850 to care for the burgeoning Catholic population. Our parish is a direct heir to this legacy of faith, determination, and community-building.
Our Patron: A Martyr Next Door
Our parish is named for a man from this very region, Saint Ambrose Barlow. He was a courageous Benedictine priest who secretly ministered to scattered Catholics in Lancashire during a time of intense persecution. Refusing to abandon his flock, he was arrested on Easter Sunday in 1641 and was martyred for his unwavering faith and his love for the Eucharist. His life of fortitude and joyful service in the face of adversity is the model for our parish mission today.
Our Mission Today: A Future of Hope
In 2017, the two historic churches were amalgamated to form the new, unified Parish of Saint Ambrose Barlow. This forward-looking step created a stronger, more vibrant "missionary parish" poised to carry its mission into the future.
Today, under the guidance of our pastor, Rev. Ernest Attah, we are a single thriving family that worships God and serves our community across both church sites. Our foundational link to Catholic education remains as strong as ever through our vital partnership with St. Charles' RC Primary School, St. Mark's RC Primary School, and St. Ambrose Barlow RC High School.
Our story is a powerful tapestry woven from the courage of our patron saint, the spirit of our founders, and the unique characters of our two church communities.