FAQs

Welcome to the website of the Parish of the Holy Cross and St Helen Ashton! We are delighted to have you here and hope that this platform will serve as a valuable resource for all your inquiries about our Parish community. Whether you are a long-standing member of our congregation, a visitor seeking spiritual nourishment, or someone curious to learn more about our faith and services, we aim to provide you with the information you need. On this page, you will find a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) that cover a range of topics related to our Parish, including our location, worship services, community involvement, and more. We hope that these FAQs will address many of your initial queries, but if you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to use the contact us page or contact the Parish office directly. We look forward to connecting with you and warmly welcoming you to the Parish of the Holy Cross and St Helen in Ashton.


  • The Parish of the Holy Cross and St Helen Ashton is located in Ashton-under-Lyne and is made up of two Churches- St Ann Church on Burlington Street OL6 7DG and St Christopher Church on Lees Road OL6 9DP.

  • We offer a range of services and worship opportunities throughout the week. Here are our main mass times:

    St. Ann’s Church: 5.30pm (Saturday), 11am, 1pm (Polish Mass)

    St Christopher’s Church: 9am

  • There are several ways to get involved in our Parish community. You can join one of our ministries in any of the churches, such as the choir, hospitality, or liturgical ministries. We also have various social and educational groups you can participate in. Feel free to speak with our Parish office or visit our website to learn more about these opportunities.

  • Yes, we organize various social and community events throughout the year. These may include picnics, fundraisers, holiday celebrations, and more. Stay updated by checking our bulletin, website, or social media platforms for announcements about upcoming events.

  • Yes, donations are always appreciated and help support the work of our Parish. You can make a donation during Mass, via the donate button on the website or contact our Parish office to inquire about other donation options.

  • Baptism is about bringing your child into the Family of God. Your first step is simply to come along to Mass at the weekend and make yourself known to the priest afterwards. Sunday's Masses are probably the best as there are better family facilities. It also gives you an opportunity to get to know some of that "Family of God" that you are asking for your child to join. More info available on the Baptism page.

  • The simple answer is "no" - whilst Catholic schools give priority to baptised Catholic children, there may well be other places which are available to non-Catholic children. The important thing to remember is that Baptism is a life-commitment, not simply a ticket to a Catholic school. Contact the schools for full details of their admissions policies.

  • Yes. We welcome families at our Masses, and this means we must be tolerant, within reason, of a certain amount of noise from children. If they need a break, we have a space in the foyer at the back of all Churches where you can take them for a short "time out" (but do, please, supervise them at all times).

  • Yes. Whilst most of the children on our Sacramental Programme are from our own primary schools, the Sacramental Programme is organised in the Parish by our catechists so no one misses out.

  • Come along to Mass and make yourself known to the priest afterwards, without any obligation. Different options can be discussed with you then.

  • Yes. We have the Priest and Extra ordinary ministers of Holy Communion (Eucharistic Ministers) who take Holy Communion to the sick and housebound, and we are always happy to add people to our lists. Just let us know.

  • A: Yes. Most hospitals have a chaplaincy service, but you will need to let the nursing staff know you would like a visit from the chaplain - they are unlikely to ask you if you do not speak to them first. If you would like your own parish priest to come and visit, again just let him know.

  • Speak to the priests or to any of the stewards. We welcome volunteers - indeed the parish could not run without them. You will, we are sure, appreciate that some volunteers are required to complete a DBS check.

  • All our churches have a loop system for the hard of hearing, and ramped access. All have accessible toilet facilities.

  • Yes, electronic copies are available on the Parish Website/Newsletters.

  • If you feel we have let you down in any way, please tell us - we cannot put it right otherwise. But please don't shout at our volunteers, even if you think they have made the mistake. They work so hard and give so generously of their time. If you have a complaint please speak to the parish priest - or if you feel it is serious enough you may, of course, contact the Bishop. (His contact details are available on the Diocesan website). If you have any safeguarding concerns, please speak to our Safeguarding Reps.