I WRITE with concern about the proposed Catholic church closures throughout our diocese.

According to one report: Dozens of Catholic churches will close under plans to half the number of parishes in the Salford Diocese from 150 to 75.

The Bishop John Arnold has said 'radical; action is needed and that the Catholic population has dispersed and declined and it must be acknowledged that ehre are any Catholics who do not attend Mass and other church services. As a consequence there are many churches with small communities that have become unviable.

Our Catholic churches are comforting, familiar landmarks of our community. Many are culturally and historically important examples of architecture. We are now living in an integrated society but whilst alternative faiths are expanding their places of worship, churches are under threat of virtual extinction in our Christian country, which is very sad.

Sunday is the start of Advent and I would like to appeal to 'lapsed' Catholics of Bolton to attend a service in the run-up to Christmas.

Embrace and be proud of your Christian heritage and feel more spiritually enriched during Advent — it is a great antidote to the cynical commercialism that bombards us each December. Peace.

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