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St. Dunstan's RC Church, Moston

Nationally the RC church reports a drought in the number of men being ordained as priests and some cities last year celebrated as few as three.

Now north Manchester, which comes under the St Patrick's Deanery, is boasting five candidates for the priesthood including three at the same parish.

Deacon Chris McGrane, who has been working as part of the team at St Patrick's Church in Collyhurst and as a chaplain at North Manchester General Hospital will be ordained at St Hilda's, Tottington on July 14.

On July 7, deacon Mark Jaworowski, who served with Father Michael Kujacz last summer at St Dunstan's in Moston, will be ordained there at 2pm.

The deanery has been involved in discussions on the future of churches in the area including proposals which could mean closing one parish due to a shortage of priests.

At the end of July the north Manchester parishes will join together for the diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes when scores of people will travel by air and overland to the French shrine.

The group will include 10 young people who will travel non-stop on a 24-hour coach journey to reach Lourdes where they will act as helpers to the frail and sick.

They have raised ?1025 towards their fares and are now seeking further donations to help pay their way.