A service in German is held on the last Tuesday of every month at 7pm
Free Church
First Wednesday of every month at 11am
Orthodox Liturgy
A service is held once a month on a Tuesday at 10.30am
Opening times
The Cathedral is open daily 9am - 5pm
Special Services
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday 5 March, 7.30pm
Mothering Sunday
Sunday 30 March, 9.30am
Passiontide Service
Sunday 6 April, 6pm
Holy Week and Easter Services
Sunday 13 April - Monday 21 April
Visit our website for more details.
Ascension Day Choral Eucharist
Thursday 29 May, 5pm
Highlight Events
Let the Women Speak! Tour
Saturday 8 March, 12.30pm and 2pm
Tuesday 25 March, 2pm
Handel’s Messiah with St Albans Bach Choir and Sinfonia Verdi
Saturday 5 April, 7pm
Stone Carving Workshop
Friday 11 April, 10.30am
Saturday 12 April, 10.30am
Volunteers Tea Party
Sunday 4 May, 2.30pm
All our events are available to view on our website.
A Day Chaplain is available to talk most days.
Message from the Dean
Warm greetings and welcome to this spring edition of Alban News.
As we look back on the wonderful celebrations of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, the Feast of Candlemas has turned us from the journey toward the crib to the journey toward the cross. Find in the pages ahead a full summary of our Lent, Holy Week and Easter worship and study opportunities. Do consider joining one of our Lent Groups this year.
Our Annual General Meeting is on Sunday 18 May. This year the Cathedral must renew our Congregational Electoral Roll. This involves everyone who wishes to, including those on the existing Roll, registering. I invite you all to register, as together we commit to our Cathedral’s vision of Following Christ in Alban’s footsteps.
Very significantly for our diocese, this spring also marks the retirement of the Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Revd Dr Alan Smith. Bishop Alan has offered 16 years of extraordinary, inspiring, generous, and faith-filled leadership to our diocese as he has called us all to Live God’s Love.
Bishop Alan has also served the national church, and our nation, in the House of Lords, most recently as the Convenor of the Lords Spiritual.
What we also know is that Bishop Alan has been a great supporter of our Cathedral ministry, supporting two Deans, the Chapter, clergy, staff, volunteers, and congregation in so many ways. Bishop Alan has shared in our daily prayer life, as a regular attendee and leader of our daily offices, and he has been a wonderful neighbour. On behalf of the Cathedral community, I offer our sincere and heartfelt thanks to Bishop Alan, and assure him of our prayerful good wishes for a blessed and fulfilling retirement. We will miss him! Please watch our Cathedral notices for information on opportunities to gather to farewell Bishop Alan.
Enjoy this Alban News! Rejoicing in the lengthening daylight, we look forward to all that spring will offer in the life of our Cathedral.
Jo Kelly-Moore | The Dean
Electoral Roll
The importance of signing up to the Church of England’s Electoral Roll at St Albans Cathedral
The Church of England’s Electoral Roll is a register of church members who are eligible to vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). In 2025 there must be a complete renewal of the Electoral Roll, not just a revision. This means that every person, who wishes to have their name entered on the new Roll, whether you have previously been registered or not, must apply for enrolment.
By registering you will be:
1. Strengthening Your Voice in Cathedral’s Decisions
Members of the Electoral Roll are eligible to vote in the APCM, where key decisions about the Cathedral’s mission, finances, and leadership are made. As a result, your voice will contribute to shaping the future direction of St Albans Cathedral and its role in the wider community.
2. Deepening Your Commitment to the Cathedral’s Mission
Joining the Electoral Roll is a tangible way to affirm your commitment to the life and mission of St Albans Cathedral. Whether
it’s through worship or community events, your membership underscores your dedication to the Cathedral’s vision and mission.
3. Supporting the Cathedral’s Governance and Administration
The Electoral Roll helps the Cathedral maintain accurate records of its congregation, which is crucial for effective governance and planning. It also provides the Cathedral with a clearer picture of its community.
This year we have moved enrolment online. To register for the 2025 Electoral Roll please visit our website: www.stalbanscathedral.org/electoral-roll
Fr Will | Canon for Mission and Pastoral Care
Celebrating Sanctuary
Asylum Support three years on
In January 2022 a committed group of volunteers was inspired to set up support for asylum seekers and refugees living locally and attending the Cathedral. Starting with weekly English conversation sessions, they could not have imagined the scale and impact of the work which has grown in the three years since then. Led by Helen Bishop, with dedicated support from all involved, including the clergy, the group has become a key part of Cathedral’s ministry of welcome and it forms an important part of a wide range of services provided by churches and other groups across St Albans.
From those early conversation sessions, the group and the Cathedral have adapted their response to the changing needs of asylum seekers and refugees, offering Sunday study sessions,
shared meals, outings, craft activities, a new games evening and much more. The emotional and practical support given to them is especially important as they navigate the asylum system and make the transition to independence.
It is estimated that since 2022 we have helped 130 people from over 30 different countries and we have developed long-lasting friendships with many. Among them are positive stories of successful transition, but also many who have experienced anxiety and distress. Housing remains a particular challenge for refugees and the Cathedral is working with other agencies to explore additional temporary accommodation and a day centre facility.
As we celebrate the first three years of asylum support at the Cathedral, we thank all who are involved in or have contributed to it over that time and we pray for all those who seek sanctuary among us.
If you would like to know more about any of these initiatives or how you can be involved, please contact us at socialjustice@stalbanscathedral.org
Phil Waller | Social Justice Group
Lent Groups
Lent Groups are small groups (with 4 to 15 members) that meet during Lent to provide an opportunity to discuss the Bible in a comfortable environment and let spiritual growth and fellowship evolve from this.
Once again we have 15 Lent Groups for you to choose from. They will meet in a variety locations: in individual homes, a café, a pub and the Cathedral Offices; all in St Albans, save for one in Harpenden and one on Zoom only. There is at least one every day of the week, except Saturdays, at a wide range of times! Most start in the week commencing 10 March, but some the week before.
This year each group will be using a booklet entitled “Following Christ in Alban’s footsteps”. It will be set out in five Bible based sessions with different members of our Clergy preparing one or two of the sessions.
The first session will discuss this overall vision of the Cathedral. Each of the subsequent sessions will focus on: Welcome & Compassion; Worship & Witness; Courage & Justice; Leadership & Service. Doubtless, each session will generate much discussion and thought about how to incorporate these topics into our individual daily living, as well as in our interaction with the Cathedral.
Details of all these Groups are advertised in the Cathedral Notice Sheet, in the South Transept and on the website so you can sign up (ideally by the first week in March).
If you find the opportunity of discussing the Scriptures in a small group stimulating, please contact co-ordinator Dawn Knight. (dawnandandrew@ntlworld.com | 07795 117312).
Dawn Knight | Co-ordinator of Lent Groups and Home Groups
Home Groups
Our Home Group is more of a cafe group! It began during Lent 2024 and has met weekly ever since. With young children in tow, group members Rachel and Tienie needed a group they could join without worrying about the extra noise and disruption.
Rachel: Life’s busyness can make it hard to prioritise time for my faith. I really value having some midweek moments to go deeper with God and explore with others aspects of our faith. I learn so much from hearing other people’s perspectives, sometimes receiving fresh insights even to Bible stories and characters I know well. It’s also been wonderful to help build a community. While a privilege to be in a large congregation, I did feel a bit lost and, for a long time, I didn’t know many people despite attending regularly.
This group has been a great way to connect with others who have become friends and a support.
Tienie: Juggling the demands of motherhood often feels rushed and overwhelming. This group provides a space to slow down and make God a priority. Each week, over coffee, we explore Bible characters and passages, digging deeper into their context and meaning. Unlike Sundays, where we hear beautiful sermons but often have no time or space to discuss them, this group allows for meaningful discussion, shared perspectives and even disagreements as we grow together.
This child-friendly group is a lifeline for parents without childcare, welcoming everyone. Even on the hardest days, pushing through to attend leaves us feeling lighter, renewed, and reminded of God’s love. It’s not just a meeting; it’s a place to re-centre with God, build friendships and embrace community. I know as a Christian I am not meant to do life alone.
To join any of the Cathedral’s regular Home Groups contact any of the clergy or Dawn Knight.
Holy Week
This year we welcome the Rev’d Max Kramer, Chaplain of Keble College Oxford, as our Holy Week preacher. He will lead us through the week reflecting on ‘The Passion in Speech and Silence’ exploring how the Passion, in the context of Christ’s life as a whole, “makes sense” in the Gospels. How speech and scriptural texts combine with the actions of Christ’s life, to express both what God offers, and how he communicates, with our world. Holy Week is the high point of the liturgical year, and I’d strongly
Rev’d Max Kramer
Shepheard Photography
encourage you to share in the journey through the events of Holy Week from Palm Sunday to Easter Day. There will be compline services with reflections Monday - Wednesday. On Maundy Thursday we journey with Jesus to Gethsemane as we keep vigil and watch and wait. On Good Friday there is something for all ages with children’s activities in the morning and the three hours devotion including the Liturgy of Good Friday where we venerate the cross as we remember Christ’s death for us. With drama and excitement comes the Easter Vigil as the light of the resurrection breaks through in the first celebration of Easter and we welcome new Christians in baptism and confirmation. Join us for this special season in what promises to be an enriching Holy Week.
Rev’d Vanessa Jefferson | Precentor
Toby
Children and Youth
To celebrate National Astronomy Week from Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 February, we’ve planned a captivating line-up of events
There will also be evening pilgrimages and special moments for reflection under the moon.
2025 has got off to a busy start for all things Children and Youth around the Cathedral. Following our Angel theme during the Christmas services, we have enjoyed the Cathedral being adorned with wings crafted from our young people’s handprints.
There really is something for everyone.
Gemma Jones | Head of Marketing and Visitor Experience
There is also change in the department, with the departure of both myself and Anna Chambers, our Children and Families Worker. We are confident that the ministry to children and young people is set to thrive in the future, and we wish every blessing for our successors. Over the last three years, we have been delighted to see some great transitions in this area of ministry, spurred on by a review of ministry and a report making many recommendations, all of which were accepted by the Cathedral Chapter. We have enjoyed implementing such changes as the
For thousands of generations the human race has gazed up into the night sky in wonderment at the glowing moon, and for God’s handiwork marking months and seasons through the year as and beauty of our own planet earth. In this Museum of the Moon and accompanying programme, we hope to inspire many to come and ponder at the mysterious attraction which the moon continues to hold.
Toby Shepheard Photography
Children’s Area in the North Aisle during 9.30am and special services, overhauling our provision for Children’s Church, reinvigorating children’s participation in Alban Pilgrimage, and – of course –employing a Children and Families Worker. Other opportunities have been seized, such as starting a summer holiday camp with the learning team, and the Holy Pumpkin Trail with St Michael’s Church. We have seen growth across all areas of our work with children and young people over this time.
Fr Kevin | Canon Chancellor
We are deeply blessed by our children, young people, and their families here. My sincere gratitude goes to all who have volunteered and assisted in this ministry. Please join me as I pray that this ministry for and with children and young people will continue to flourish here.
Fr Calum | Youth Chaplain
Eco Team
The Eco Team has put together a Cathedral Land Management Plan. This is a requirement for our Gold Eco Church Award application and it has been adopted by Chapter. The plan will enable the cathedral to prioritise and organise biodiversity management of its outside space. It will ensure that wildlife can thrive within the cathedral precincts namely Sumpter Yard, Cathedral House gardens, North, West and South Churchyards and Waxhouse Gate.
The main aims for the Land Management Plan are to maintain and care for the land, burial plots, headstones and buildings which will include regular, seasonal maintenance; to improve existing biodiversity habitats, create new ones and continue conducting nature surveys; to engage with others by providing relaxing and attractive public spaces. Also, to involve the Cathedral and wider community in land management activities and events to increase awareness of the natural world. Our work in the Cathedral Eco House garden continues and tidying
up and work on the paths has consolidated the achievements of the Big Help Out. Other jobs completed include planting of seeds, bulbs and plants throughout the year, installing a bird table, feeder and water butts, constructing twin compost bins from pallets and Rainbows rebuilding the Bug Hotel. Last autumn sections of the Abbey Orchard meadow space were scarified. Wild flower seed and donated Yellow Rattle were sown. Another project is to install a Swift call system near to the cathedral nest box before the breeding season to encourage swifts to nest.
The Eco Team will be participating in SustFest 25 with a celebration throughout the year featuring four seasonal community weekends: 14 - 17 March | Nature & Biodiversity, 6 - 19 May | Local to Global, 19 - 22 September | Travel & Transport and 14 - 17 November | Ten Years of SustFest. More details to follow.
Sarah Brooks | Eco Team
Event Highlights
We blasted into the new year with Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon installation which was a resounding success. Over the past 45 days, we had over 30 events ranging from Concerts by Candlelight and the return of Tim Boniface and his jazz band, to collaborating with local businesses including The Noisemakers, Wellness with Steph, and Mind the Yoga, all with sell-out sessions.
Being able to create and build partnerships with local businesses was a great opportunity for us and it brought new people to the Cathedral. In light of having the moon and a high volume of events underneath, we have invested in new up lighting technology that has already had a transformative impact on our evening events.
These uplighters have allowed us to create a more dynamic atmosphere, adding depth and drama to events such as our Late Moon Viewings, Jazz performances, Burns Supper, Sound Baths, and even our Godspell performances.
The lighting has enhanced the mood, making each event feel more immersive and special. In February they made their debut at the Candlemas service.
The hope is to have a similar impact on other events and beautifully complement the sacred atmosphere, creating an enchanting visual experience for attendees for many services and events to come.
Elouise Wathen | Events and Visitor Experience Executive
View from the Back Row
Karolina Csathy joined the choir as a lay clerk in January with wide-eyed enthusiasm. Neil Baker, appointed in 1990, still relishes every note. Here they compare experiences through your correspondent’s vacuous questions, and prove that whether you’re new or a veteran, choir life is a blend of tradition, teamwork, and welltimed tea breaks.
Karolina, what’s the biggest surprise about life in the cathedral choir?
I was very pleasantly surprised by how sociable everyone is and what a genuine community the choir has established here.
And Neil, as longest serving, what is something that hasn’t changed?
Chris Head reckons he was in the choir before I was so not sure you can frame the question that way. I would say the friendliness of the people at the Cathedral is something which hasn’t changed.
What’s your go-to survival tactic for getting through a long choral service?
K: The thought of a post-service meal or beverage.
N: Take an interest in the service.
Is there one piece of advice you wish you’d had before joining the choir?
K: I don’t think anything has taken me majorly by surprise, but it’s nice to know that I can call upon Neil’s wisdom.
N: Never underestimate the traffic in St Albans. It spares no effort to make you late for choir.
Favourite hymn or anthem?
K: Coe Fen (How shall I sing that majesty).
N: So many to choose from! “How shall I sing that majesty” maybe, or “Christ triumphant ever reigning”. As far as anthems are concerned, maybe Faire is the heaven or Vox Dicentis.
Favourite place in the Cathedral (apart from the choir stalls)?
K: The Nave (it’s great for a Burns Night ceilidh and some parts of it have astonishing acoustics).
N: I think the Watching Loft is pretty amazing, but lots of other places too.
One word to describe the choir stalls?
K: Wooden
N: Great
Tea or coffee before Evensong?
Both: Tea
One thing you’d ban from church music?
K: Rubbish plainsong
N: If I told you that, I bet fate would intervene to make sure we were doing it next week.
Best excuse for missing a rehearsal?
K: There isn’t one.
N: “The dog ate my larynx.”
Who would play Mr Fox in a film about the choir?
K: Two options: a) Bradley Cooper given his newly acquired conducting prowess
b) Eddie Redmayne
N: Are you trying to get me fired?
If the choir had a motto, what should it be?
K: Si dubitas, spectate [if in doubt, watch!]
N: [Unprintable]
Don’t forget to book your table for the Cathedral Choir Quiz! Saturday 22 March, 7pm. Tickets avaiable on our website or at the Welcome Desk.
William Glendinning | Lay Clerk
Kindling Curiosity
Here at St Albans Cathedral, we want learning to be a lifelong journey –one that can be as enriching as it is exciting. That’s why we always try to keep our Adult Learning programme packed full of a rich variety of events that allow you to engage deeply with different subjects.
Passionate about the arts?
Explore some of our new hands-on heritage arts workshops, such as stone carving (11 and 12 April) or illuminated lettering (coming later in the year).
Fascinated by history?
Delve into the past and trace the story of our local history, as with archaeologist Alex Harvey’s talk on post-Roman Verulamium (3 April).
Keen for debate?
Engage with questions of philosophy, science or theology in thoughtful discussion – join historian Diarmaid MacCullough to discuss what history tells us of Christianity and Sex (26 June).
Learning at St Albans Cathedral isn’t just about what you discover – it’s also about where you discover it. By joining our events, you become part of the great tradition of learning here which stretches back to the medieval period. Our Archives and Library link back to our roots as a place of learning, and provide a quiet and peaceful place to pursue your own research or reading, too. Whether you’re a lifelong learner or just starting out, all are welcome here –we are for those of all faiths, and none.
An increasing number of Cathedrals in the country are currently grappling with a significant funding deficit, threatening our dual role as places of worship and cultural landmarks.
The rising costs of maintenance, energy, insurance, compliance and governance have outpaced the income generated from donations, events, and limited grants. For instance, Peterborough Cathedral has launched an urgent appeal to raise £300,000 by the end of March to cover its annual running costs of over £2million. A recent report indicates that nearly 1,000 historic cathedrals, churches, and chapels across England are at risk of disrepair due to funding challenges.
Government support has been inconsistent. The recent decision to nearly halve the funding for the Listed
Places of Worship Grant Scheme from £42 million to £23 million, along with the introduction of a £25,000 cap per building, poses significant challenges for larger projects.
To address these financial challenges, more and more Cathedrals are exploring alternative revenue streams, diversifying income through hosting events, charging entrance fees, and enhancing fundraising efforts are potential strategies.
Here at St Albans as the site of Britain’s first saint, whose story is one of selfless refuge and welcome, we strongly believe in keeping our doors open to all. However, to sustain this, we are trialling new ways to encourage donations, such as repositioning donation points and improving messaging.
We know this is a sensitive subject: these changes will be carefully planned, and we appreciate your support as we test and refine these initiatives throughout the year.
Alan Hartwell | Chief Operating Officer
Following Christ in Alban’s Footsteps
St Albans Cathedral is the United Kingdom’s oldest site of continuous Christian worship, inspired by Alban, Britain’s first saint and martyr.
Our vision and work today is inspired by his story and the Gospel he lived and proclaimed, and so we are committed to:
Welcome & Compassion
Worship & Witness
Courage & Justice
Leadership & Service
Opening times
The Cathedral is open daily 9am – 5pm.
Please donate generously
We need to raise £6,000 a day to keep this Cathedral open.
Tickets
Book online at www.stalbanscathedral.org, in-person at our Box Office, located in the Cathedral Shop, or call 01727 890290.
For the latest information visit our website and sign up for our What’s On newsletter.
