In keeping with the historic custom of praying for those in civic leadership, the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Noel Bayley, led a delegation of local officials to his home parish of St Michael’s on Sunday, 8 March. The Civic Mass served as a powerful reminder of the link between our faith community and the wider public life of our borough.

Our Parish Priest, Canon Steven Parkinson, who is also serving as the Mayor’s Chaplain this year, presided over the Mass. In his welcome, Fr Steven described the occasion as a vital opportunity to pray for those in civic life and for the common good.

Working Together for the Common Good

During his homily, centred on the Gospel story of the Samaritan woman at the well, Fr Steven reflected on our shared human experiences – thirst, loneliness, and the longing for joy – that unite us across all cultures and backgrounds.

He spoke specifically about Catholic Social Teaching, often called the Church’s “best-kept secret,” which calls us to work for the common good in our personal and civic lives. Drawing on Pope Benedict XVI’s 2010 address to UK Houses of Parliament, he noted that both our faith and Britain’s civic traditions share a profound commitment to human dignity and the rule of law. He urged the congregation to move beyond stereotypes and tribalism, seeing one another as God does, and to build a society where we flourish by offering our gifts in service to others.

Special Prayers

During the bidding prayers, special prayers were offered for all who serve in public life and civic leadership, that the men and women of our time may respond to the call to become God’s messengers of compassion and reconciliation.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Fr Steven thanked the Mayor and his team for their visit and for all the generous work of service carried out locally and beyond.

“We flourish not by clinging to what we have, but by offering our gifts in service of one another.” — Canon Steven Parkinson