About Our Parish
Welcome to the Parish of St Mary & St Wilfrid, a vibrant and welcoming Catholic community serving the town of Bishop Auckland and surrounding areas. Our parish consists of two churches, St Wilfrid’s on Hexham Street and St Mary’s on Vart Road, and is part of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. Whether you are a lifelong member, new to the area, or simply exploring faith, we warmly invite you to join us for Mass, parish activities, and community outreach initiatives. Our present Parish Priest is Fr. David Coxon.
Our Parish Community
Originally operating as two separate parishes, St Mary’s and St Wilfrid’s have come together as one faith community, working in unity to serve the needs of our parishioners. As we navigate a changing world, we are committed to growing in faith, worshipping together, and responding to the needs of our community with love and service.
St Wilfrid’s Church
Built in 1846, St Wilfrid’s Church has a rich history of faith and service. It was established to support the growing Catholic population, particularly Irish immigrants who arrived in Bishop Auckland to work in the developing industries. Before its construction, Jesuit priests traveled from Durham to minister to the local Catholic community. For nearly a century, St Wilfrid’s was the primary Catholic parish in the area, until additional parishes, including St Mary’s and St Paulinus’, were formed in the 1950s. Today, St Wilfrid’s remains a welcoming place of worship, prayer, and community for all.
St Mary’s Church
St Mary’s Church was established in 1956 to serve the growing Catholic community, particularly those moving into the Woodhouse Close estate and its surrounding areas. As the more modern of our two churches, St Mary’s serves as the residence of our parish priest, Fr. David Coxon. The St Mary’s community is known for its warmth, hospitality, and dedication to worship, service, and fellowship. While we cherish our history, we also look to the future, ensuring that our parish continues to be a beacon of faith and community for generations to come.
We invite you to be part of our journey in faith—whether by joining us for Mass, engaging in parish life, or participating in our outreach efforts. Together, we continue to grow as a parish family, committed to worshipping God, sharing the Gospel, and serving those in need.