In the 19th century, in particular the 40s and 50s, many Irish Catholics came to Wolverhampton especially from Galway, Roscommon and Mayo. As a result, the Bishop recognised the need for a new parish to meet the spiritual needs of the growing Catholic population. The name ‘St Patrick’ was chosen for the new parish, as this was most appropriate given the large percentage of Irish desiring a new church.

So, in 1865 the Parish of St Patrick was founded and for more than a century its Parishioners worshipped at the old St Patrick’s church at the corner of Littles Lane and Carberry Street, until it was demolished when Ring Road was being built. Among the many priests serving at St Patrick’s we need to mention Canon Anthony Allport (Parish Priest of St Patrick’s for 38 years, 1964-2002, died in 2014), who presided over the building of a new Church and contributed so much to Catholic and spiritual life in Wolverhampton.

In January 1971, Bishop Joseph Cleary laid the foundation stone for the new church, adjacent to Heath Town Park and close to New Cross Hospital, and it was solemnly blessed by Archbishop George Dwyer in March 1972.

So, 50 years have passed and today, St Patrick’s Day 17th March 2022, we give thanks to God for all the Clergy, Parishioners and Visitors, who have been coming to this church over those years to pray here and give glory to God.

A solemn Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated at 12noon by his Grace Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham. Among the clergy present were the former Parish Priests: Fr. Brendan Carrick (2002-2004) and Fr. Eamon Corduff (2004-2011), as well as the present Parish Priest, Fr. Dawid Piskorz OSPPE (2012 onwards).

To participate in these celebrations, Fr Dawid’s superiors came from Poland: Fr Michał Lukoszek OSPPE, the Vicar General of the Pauline Fathers, together with Fr Piotr Łoza OSPPE. The local clergy from Dudley and Wolverhampton Deanery were present too, and also Mr Dowdall who was the Quantity Surveyor when the church was being built. We were blessed to have the choir from St Patrick’s Primary Academy; the children were singing during the Mass, celebrating St Patrick’s Day with us.

After Mass the celebrations continued in the Parish Hall, where refreshments provided by Rakkyy’s Catering were served.  

A big ‘thank you’ to all who have contributed in any way, either in the church or in the hall (too many to mention by name!), to our celebrations of St Patrick’s Day. We pray that our Patron Saint and Apostle of Ireland will continue to intercede for all our Parishioners and Visitors who come to this church.

You can find more information on our website: www.stpatrickwolves.org and on our YouTube Channel: St Patrick’s Wolverhampton where our celebrations are livestreamed.

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