NO Roman Catholic churches in the Bury area will be closed under plans to make changes to parishes in the Diocese of Salford.

Bishop of Salford Rev John Arnold released a report at the weekend that outlined the vision of the diocese for the future of its parishes.

It revealed that 22 churches would be closed as a result of the amalgamation of parishes across Greater Manchester.

In the Deanery of St Therese of Lisieux, which covers the Bury and Rochdale areas, two churches are slated for closure and the number of parishes will reduce from 20 to 13.

Several of the parishes will amalgamate, with the Guardian Angels parish merging with St Hilda’s in Bury.

St Mary and St Philip Neri in Radcliffe will also be joining with St Michael and St Bernadette in Whitefield, with two priests covering the new parish.

Neither of the amalgamations will result in church closures and a spokesperson for the Diocese of Salford confirmed that no churches in the Bury area were being closed.

Bishop of Salford Rev John Arnold said: “The plan is a real chance to make changes that will help build, sustain and grow parishes fit for future generations. Not just for members of our church in Bolton but also for the wider community we live in.

“The plan allows the Diocese of Salford to look forward, creating outward facing parishes, responding to the call from Pope Francis to develop missionary parishes.

“The Catholic Church plays an essential role in delivering key services across the world and we have some excellent examples of local projects and groups here in Salford.

“I am hopeful these changes will support these projects to continue and enable other projects to emerge.

“I understand that where churches are closing this will be met with initial sadness from parishioners. But I am sure that these feelings can be overcome as our new communities come together in prayer and to welcome one another.”

The report can be viewed in full at dioceseofsalford.org.uk