🎊With great joy, we unveil a new chapter in our journey. We are Places Project. New look, same heart. Excited to share this moment with the incredible team that makes it all happen. Here’s to wearing our mission with pride and moving forward together! @DioManchester #TeamUnity #freshstart #PlacesProject

The words of the Lord's Prayer are familiar to many of us, but why not take some time today to reflect on it afresh with this beautiful song that children in many of our schools are loving: youtu.be/JDMOcV0-mHQ?si=2de3…

With free videos, a leaders guide and printable resources, the Open Doors Faithfuls game meant we had a fun-filled evening at Tread youth group (St Peter's Halliwell) on Tuesday, whilst approaching the serious topic of Christian persecution and Bible smuggling. youth.opendoorsuk.org/faithf… We finished the evening, recognising our own privilege to be able to gift the young people with their own Bibles. We chose The Good News Bible The Youth Addition which has large margins for notes and interactive sections throughout.

Over the past two months, the KTJC Elders group (ages 14–18) at St Andrews Over Hulton Church have been diving into the powerful parables of Jesus. Together, they’ve explored the story of the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders — discovering what it truly means to be a peacemaker and how to build a life on wise foundations.

Honoured to share the work of Si Smith. ✨ His 40 series captures Jesus’ wilderness journey with gentle lines and deep humanity. Each image invites us to slow down and enter the story. May these weekly releases bring you reflection, peace, and fresh insight. 🌾💛 Enjoy Days 7–14. 🙏

🌟 We’re Hiring — but be quick! 🌟
Passionate about racial justice, faith, and supporting young people? This is your chance to make a real impact as a Shades Schools Worker. ⏳ Closing date is THIS Friday!
Don’t miss out — watch the video, feel inspired, and get your application in. 👉 Apply here: manchester.anglican.org/vaca…
🔗 Link also in the comments! #YouthWork #RacialJustice #FaithInAction #JobOpportunity #SchoolsWork

The Children & Families Team had a fabulous weekend at the Hand in Hand Conference 2026. Bookings are now open for 2027 at a reduced rate until the end of February. The theme will be TRUTH UNSHAKEABLE! Check it out: Hand In Hand 2027 Tickets – ETCEvents

Grateful for the national REND events — and especially the very first one here in Manchester 🙌✨ Such an inspiring space to connect, learn, and network with passionate educators and leaders. We left uplifted by young voices like Sreeja Bhowmick and moved by the powerful words of Keisha Thompson 🎤💛 A reminder that every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and rooted in belonging. And as Mark 12:31 teaches us: “Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” 🤍 The Shades Team is energised and committed to creating spaces where every young person can thrive 🌱💫 #RENDMANCHESTER #REND

✨ We’re grateful to share the artwork of Si Smith, whose series 40 captures Jesus in the wilderness with honesty, simplicity, and humanity. Each image carries a quiet depth that invites us to step into the story ourselves. As we release these images week by week, we hope they offer moments of reflection and a fresh way of seeing a familiar journey. 🌾🙏

Last week was Children’s Mental Health Week, and we had a series of creative Prayer Spaces at @CanonSlade for students to pause, reflect, and pray. It was such a gift to see young people engaging so thoughtfully and finding moments of peace in their day. #prayerspaces

Why ashes? Because they tell the truth. They remind us we are dust — fragile, limited, beautifully human. They mark the beginning of Lent — 40 days to slow down and turn back toward God. They give us permission to start again. Students across our schools and youth communities step forward to receive this simple sign of the cross. Not because they have it all figured out. But because faith is a journey — and every journey needs a beginning. Today we begin again. #AshWednesday #LentJourney #YoungPeople #FaithInAction

At Ignite at St Peter's CE Primary School Farnworth we celebrated Shrove Tuesday with a session themed ‘Taste and See.’ We reflected on God’s gift of taste, how He allows us to enjoy His goodness while also protecting us from harm. We discussed His creativity as we learned how different creatures experience taste in their own unique ways. And, in true Shrove Tuesday tradition, we shared delicious pancakes, a reminder of God’s kindness and our fellowship together. 🍋🥞♥️@DioManchester

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 How can you show your love for God and for others? Love in action! Talk about it with your family.

“For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son. God gave His Son so that whoever believes in Him may not be lost, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 Take time to think about how God loves you so much... It is the greatest love of all! Praise Him in a creative way.

The Shades Team extends a huge thank you to everyone who engaged with our Shades of Love Racial Justice Sunday resource — your powerful artwork has been truly inspiring 🎨✨ Special thanks to the Shades Ambassadors at @CanonSlade for their beautiful Racial Justice Sunday Prayer — what an amazing way to bring this week to a close 🙏🏾💛 Let’s keep learning, praying, and growing together 🌍🤍

This week, the Shades team have been deeply moved by the powerful, creative responses to Shades of Love for Racial Justice Sunday. This beautiful contribution from Bolton St Catherine’s Academy is a reminder of the hope and energy young people bring to this work. You are AMAZING. 🫆❤️ #ShadesOfLove #RJS