St. Joseph's Withnell, founded in 1884, is the highest
parish in the Liverpool Archdiocese. This moorland church stands 750 feet
above sea level, looking out to Darwen Tower, Withnell Moor, Belmont Moor,
Great Hill, and Winter Hill.
The parish is now run by a Council, which was formed in
2001. The parish community is quite small but nevertheless active in many
ways. There is a strong sense of belonging and parishioners are encouraged
to be involved in all areas, whether through the Permanent Diaconate,
Eucharistic Ministry, reading at Mass, helping with social events or
joining the Parish Council.
The church was re-ordered in 1994, when the altar rail was
removed, and the altar and the tabernacle were re-positioned. We hope you
would agree that it provides a prayerful atmosphere.
