The Archconfraternity of St Stephen invites all Altar Servers and their families to the annual National Mass to be hosted by the Diocese of Lancaster in its centenary year, at St Peter’s Cathedral, Lancaster.
Lancaster is of course a City and those visiting could make a day or more out of attending the Mass. Attractions include, Williamson Park, Lancaster Castle, Lancaster Grand Theatre, Lancaster City Museum, Lancaster Maritime Museum, Lancaster Canal and many more. The City is also close to the Lake District.
The tower will be open ringing for half an hour before Mass. Servers or their family members who can ring bells are welcome to join the team before going to vest. Due to work needing to take place in the tower, the ringers are currently ringing on 6 bells, tenor 19cwt. Visitors will need to be able to ring bells of that weight with a fairly long draught confidently. Please us know are the below address if you are interested.
Post Mass there will be some light refreshments and there will be an opportunity for altar servers from around England and Wales to meet each other.
For enquiries, please contact nationalmass@guildofststephen.org.
Date: Saturday, 17th May 2025, 12:15pm
Principal celebrant: Rt Rev. Paul Swarbrick, Bishop of Lancaster.
RSVP
Please let us know if you are coming by completing the RSVP form. This is not required to attend but helps the organisers plan for expected numbers. Please RSVP by Sunday 27th April, 2025.
Transport
Train
The closest train station is Lancaster on the West Coast Main Line. The cathedral is about 15 minutes walk away from the station. Taxi’s are available at the station, there is no direct bus service to the cathedral from the station, it is quicker to walk.
Car
Sat Nav: St Peter’s Cathedral, Balmoral Road, Lancaster, LA1 3BT
There is limited parking available at the Cathedral and social centre car parks which are likely to fill very quickly. There is ample public parking available, 2 minutes walk away from the Cathedral at Nelson Street Car Park.
From the north: Exit the M6 at Junction 34, follow the signs for city centre and look out for brown tourist signs marked ‘Cathedral’.
From the south: Exit the M6 at Junction 33. Follow signs for Lancaster and then city centre. Once on the one-way system keep right and look out for brown tourist signs marked ‘Cathedral’.
Coach
If you are planning to arrive as a coach group, please contact the Cathedral to let them know in advance for advice on suitable parking locations outside the Cathedral.