The Cathedral and Abbey Church of Saint Alban
There are many parish groups that are part of the common life of the Abbey. You are welcome at any of these groups.
The Pastoral Team organise social events for the congregation. These are important to help us all get to know each other better. If we know each other better, we can care for each other better. So the Pastoral Team is also responsible for the Pastoral Network, literally a network of those who belong to the Abbey community and named people throughout St Albans who care for their locality as Abbey Neighbours.
There are also five Lay Pastoral Assistants who work with the clergy in visiting, taking Communion to the housebound and in general pastoral care.
The Root Group are young people preparing for selection to the ordained ministry. Each year two or three ‘Roots’ live in community working with our pastoral, children and young people and education teams.
Every Monday and on some other days of the week a lunch club of our more elderly folk meets in the Café at the Abbey. Over good food friendship is shared and people can be cared for. Volunteers help to serve each meal and to befriend the members.
There are several House Groups at the Abbey which provide fellowship and study. Further groups run during Lent each year.
We are pleased to have a gifted and dedicated guild of sewers and embroiderers who help beautify the Abbey. Their work ranges from running repairs to clergy cassocks to intricate work on glorious vestments. They meet each Thursday in the Kell Room.
Offering simple friendship and social opportunities the Afternoon Fellowship meet monthly for input and refreshments. They provide an opportunity for older members of the congregation to come together.
This busy group welcomes all women, those with children and those without or with children that have grown up. They run a full programme for activities from regular coffee mornings to major social activities. Each month on the first Wednesday at 10am they meet at the Old Rectory for an informal Eucharist to which babies and toddlers are especially welcome.
St Albans has one of the most historic peel of bells in the world. There is a dedicated band of ringers who practice on a Tuesdays evening and ring for worship every weekend and on special occasions. Full training is provided.
Every Friday the Abbey is bustling with the workers of the Flower Guild. Their work glorifies God through the gifts of his creation, helping with worship and pleasing the visitor.
As part of the worldwide Mothers Union this group has an important role promoting family life. The Abbey Mothers Union takes on several significant projects each year to support a wide range of mission and ministry.
Each second Sunday there is a Traidcraft stall available after the Parish Eucharist.