"Showing all people in St Helens that God loves them"
St Helens Parish Church is part of the Church of England in the Diocese of Liverpool. We are also part of a group of 11 churches coming together to form a larger single Parish of Church St Helens. We are really enjoying working together to renew hope in our town and see more justice as more people know Jesus.
Our Vision and Values
Here at St Helens Parish Church we are mediating on what our vision statement to show all people in St Helens that God loves them means. We are passionate about being God’s family, recognising that we value being together as we worship God, as we grow in faith, as we explore what following Jesus means in our lives. We may not all agree! But we want to be together and invest in our relationships, honouring one another in our difference. Our worship on Sundays reflects this, with it being slightly different each week so that through the month there is something for all of the family - old and young!
We are exploring our mission to serve the town centre here in St Helens and are working towards being a ‘Minster’ church for the town. The full mission plan for St Helens Minster is available to read here.
As a worshipping community we remain dedicated to following Jesus Christ, preaching the good news of the gospel and welcoming people in His name.
Meet our Team
Rachel Shuttleworth - Team Vicar
Hi, I am Rachel and I am the Team Vicar here at St Helens Parish Church. Before training for the ministry I worked in TV production amongst other things. I am married to Rob, I love trees, cups of tea, baking and laughing. I am passionate about Jesus and hope and pray that all who connect with St Helens Parish Church, whether online or in the church building are able to get to know more about Jesus and find a safe space to explore faith.
Liz Thornton - Operations and Events Manager
Hello! I’m Liz, and I started working here in February! I live in Haydock with my husband Phil and our two cats, and we worship at St Paul’s, Blackbrook. In my spare time I love singing and making music. I’m so excited to be part of the team here at St Helens Parish Church, as we journey, with the other churches in St Helens to become The Minster church for the town and work together to make the love of Jesus known to everyone.
Phil Watkins - Church Warden
Phil enjoys retirement with his wife Janice and all their family. He can often be found bowling at the Parish Church bowling green.
Paul Brown - Community and Engagement Worker
Paul is the newest member of our team, and joins us to develop the work of St Helens Minster with all parts of the town.
Gill Lea-Wilson - Childrens Worker
Gill is married to Nigel and also works as a florist. She leads Tots & Tinies and Tuesday cafe.
Kim Quinn - Office Administrator
Kim has been an office administrator at St Helens Parish Church for many years, following over 24 years’ experience as a solicitor. She is married to Mark, and they have a daughter. Kim’s hobbies include horse-riding, dog-walking, reading & going to the cinema.
Our History
The church was built in 1926, after the former Parish Church building, known as St Mary’s, burned down in 1916. The church commissioned W.D. Caröe, one of the most distinguished of English church architects, to design a new church building. St Helens Parish Church was to be the first of Caröe’s churches to be designed after the Great War. The foundation stone was laid in 1920 and the building was completed in 1926.
We took our information about the Parish Church building from the following sources:
1. Jennifer M Freeman, W.D.Caröe, His Architecural Achievement, 1990, Manchester University Press.
2. Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, Buildings of England: South Lancashire, Penguin, 1969. p.50
Our Preaching Team
We currently have a team of 6 people who regularly preach at St Helens Parish Church. Click here.