Sunday, 18 June 2018: Feast of Corpus Christi at Manchester Ordinariate

After a really incredible day-trip to London with Fr. Starkie (and some family) and Raven, Sunday morning started early also. Mrs. Starkie drove to pick us up for Manchester Ordinariate Mission's Sunday Mass at St Joseph's Church, Heywood, which is on the other side of Manchester from Broadbottom. (One of the benefits of having both the OF and EF liturgical calendars is begin able to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi twice!)

Front entrance

Side entrance

Side entrance mosaic of St. Joseph

West entrance

Sanctuary

Altar

Apse mosaic

North transept with choir loft and organ

Organ & console close-up

Mass was simple and elegant, with much singing from the small congregation. The husband/wife cantor/organist duo were very good. All of the music was from "The New English Hymnal" and "The English Gradual". At the end of Mass, we had a Eucharistic Procession to a side Altar for Benediction.

Fr. Starkie, me, and Raven

Mrs. Starkie and two daughters, and other members of the congregation

After Mass, we had some refreshments in the parish library, including tea and scones, served by the Starkie daughters.

Raven & Michael

Then we had a wonderful afternoon dinner and visiting at the Starkie's.

Mrs. Starkie drove us back home to Broadbottom at about 3:30. Once we got there, we had about 30 minutes to relax before Martin was to take us to the opening of "Virtuoso", a play in Manchester about a famous concert pianist, John Ogdon. This was opening night in a very quaint store-front theater/bar. Martin played two parts, one in the first act, and another in the second act. We really enjoyed it. 

Addendum

Here is an older photo from the Manchester Ordinariate website:

Fr. Starkie (+ son, wife, and3 daughters), Raven, Msgr. Keith Newton