ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA

Catholic Church

The Roman Catholic Church of St. Anthony of Padua is on Cadley Causeway, and serves a large area in central Fulwood to the north of Blackpool Road and to the west of Garstang Road. There is a thriving and lively community with a good spread of people across all age ranges.

Activities range from an annual residential parish retreat, through adult education programs and quizzes for all ages, to parish walks and social events.

There are many activities for young people, especially in the uniformed organisations and a social centre which retains a parish family atmosphere. There is a primary school with over 300 pupils, a playgroup and, alongside, Our Ladies High School, which is the catholic secondary school for the area.

The parish began in 1943 when Fr. Michael Geoghegan arrived from St. Augustine’s to found a new parish. Much work by parishioners during the late 1940’s and early 1950’s resulted in the development of the parish property as church, school, social centre and presbytery. The church was opened on 15 November 1959 by Rt. Rev. T. E. Flynn, Bishop of Lancaster. The architect for the building was Gilbert Scott, who also designed the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. St. Anthony’s building was designed in the Romanesque style.

The present priest is Monsignor Cannon Peter Verity. Other staff includes Curate, Rev. Kevin Lowry and Deacon, Rev. Tom Butler.

St. Anthony’s church joined the Fulwood and Broughton Covenant of Churches last year. The church can be contacted by email at ....... peterverity@stantcadley.freeserve.co.uk