Future of Glossop churches uncertain

Consultation has begun on the future of Glossop’s Catholic churches. 

The Diocese of Nottingham has confirmed that the future of Catholic worship in Glossop is under consultation, with the potential that one of the town’s two Catholic churches may have to close. 

Glossop is currently served by All Saints Catholic Church on Church Street and St Mary Crowned Catholic Church on Sumner Street. A diocesan spokesperson said: 

“We would like to confirm that a consultation process has indeed begun regarding the future of Catholic worship in Glossop. However, no decision has been made at this stage as to which existing church will remain open.” 

The review was set in motion after Bishop Patrick asked parish priest Fr Martin Sylvester to begin discussions with parishioners and prepare a report by the end of 2025. The bishop explained that this is part of a wider diocesan review, looking at how best to sustain worship and ministry given changing circumstances, such as declining numbers of Mass-goers, the needs of local schools and chaplaincies, and the availability of clergy. He also acknowledged that the location of Saint Philip Howard School might play a part in the discussions. 

This is not the first time Glossop’s Catholic community has faced such a decision. In 2019, an earlier consultation resulted in a commitment to keep both churches open for as long as possible. Since then, the two parishes have increasingly worked together, sharing a joint pastoral council, finance committee and leadership team. 

In his letter to parishioners in July, Fr Martin acknowledged the emotional weight of the process: 

“We love our churches, and our first reaction is bound to be one of dismay. To ask me, or any priest, for his opinion about which of the two churches he serves should remain as a single place of worship for the town feels like asking a parent which of their children should be spared.” 

However, he also noted the benefits of formally combining the two parishes into one - a move known as an ‘extinctive union’ - which would reduce duplication of administration, lesson the load on volunteers and strengthen the Catholic mission in the town. 

To support the consultation, parishioners have been invited to take part in guided discussions over the autumn, with several parish meetings planned and opportunities for written responses for those unable to attend. The process will once again be facilitated by management consultant Ron Lynch, who played a similar role in 2019. 

Fr Martin stressed that no decisions have been made and urged parishioners to enter the process prayerfully. 

A final recommendation on whether Glossop should move to a single parish and one parish church is expected to be considered by the diocesan Council of Priests in early 2026.