Bishop of Middleton Consecrates New Burial Ground at St Barnabas

 

Photo: Bishop of Middleton

The Right Reverend Mark Davies, Bishop of Middleton, visited St Barnabas Church, Shore on Monday to formally consecrate newly prepared land in the churchyard for the burial of bodies and cremated remains.

The short but significant service marked the completion of months of preparation by the churchwardens and parish petitioners, who were thanked by Bishop Mark for their work in making the extension possible. He also paid tribute to the many volunteers and community members who care for local churchyards, describing them as “such important places in our communities” .

During the consecration rite, the Bishop used his pastoral staff to mark the ground with the sign of the Cross, declaring:

“The blessing of the Eternal God be upon this place to sanctify it and keep it holy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” 

He then read the Sentence of Consecration, formally setting the land apart for sacred use:

“By virtue of our authority in the Church of God we have now consecrated and set apart from all profane use this ground to be a resting place for the remains of those who have departed in the Lord: in the name of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.” 

The newly consecrated area will allow St Barnabas to continue offering Christian burial space for the local community.