On 26th June 1856, Rev J Dowling, parish priest of St John’s Rochdale issued the following statement:

"The treasurers appointed by the Lord Bishop of Salford and the Committee elected at a public meeting on Sunday, June 22nd, beg most respectfully to inform the Congregation of Saint John’s Catholic Church that they have unanimously agreed to commence weekly contributions for funds for the erection of St Patrick’s Church and Schools in Wardlworth, and hope with the assistance of the Congregation, and the liberality of the public, they will be able to complete the good work in a short time, they also beg to inform you that the Lord Bishop of Salford has given his sanctions to the undertaking and endorsed his consent by giving the very handsome donation of £50 towards the funds.

Again, therefore, do we most respectfully ask your kind assistance towards the great object in view, hoping that every one will give cheerfully and contribute according to their means."

In the beginning of 1856 the mission was started by the Rev Michael Moriarty. He was appointed from St John’s Rochdale, where he had been assistant priest to the Rev J Dowling. He first began by hiring disused premises in Yorkshire Street to serve as a chapel, which was used for two or three years until the School Chapel was built in Watts Street. A few years more saw the completion of the present church and presbytery. The church was opened on October 13th 1861 during the Sepul of the Right Rev William Turner, then Bishop of Salford.