The Cathedral and Abbey Church of Saint Alban
If you are a newcomer just come along and feel free to introduce yourself to a Welcomer or a member of the clergy. Newcomer forms are available in the South Transept by the bookstall for you register your contact details. We regularly invite all Newcomers to tea at the Abbey.
Those using a hearing aid may turn to the T position to access the loop system. There are large print service books available on request.
All areas of the Abbey where worship takes place can be accessed by wheelchair. If you need help please speak to a steward who will be glad to assist you.
Baptised children are welcome to receive Holy Communion. Please speak to the clergy about preparation. Confirmation preparation is available for all.
Just occasionally there is a special service which may be ticketed for a particular reason. These services are clearly indicated.
We would advise you to check the Service & Music list for the full listings of all our services
There is a regular pattern of Sunday services.
| 08.00 | The Eucharist A simple and quiet said service held in the Crossing using traditional language, often with a short sermon. |
| 09.30 | The Parish Eucharist sung by the Parish Singers This is our largest service, held in the nave and lasting just over an hour. The congregation sing the service, led by the Parish Singers. At certain times, one of the cathedral choirs lead the service. The Parish Eucharist is participatory with members of the congregation reading and leading the intercessions. There is a strong sense of community. Children and young people are especially welcome. There is a thriving Sunday Club and Creche which begin in the service, leave during the Gloria for their activities and return in time for the Lord's Prayer. There is a 'crawling corner' in the nave for the use of parents with small children who wish to remain in the service. Busy Bags with toys and interesting things are also available. On Second Sundays of the month, all ages remain in the service throughout and the service is more focused on our younger members. Our uniformed organisations of Rainbows, Beavers, Brownies, Cubs, Guides and Scouts attend eight times a year. Most of our common life springs from the Parish Eucharist. There are important notices given at the end of the service which is followed by refreshments in the Refectory. |
| 11.15 | The Choral Eucharist sung by a choir of the cathedral Set in front of the High Altar screen, this beautiful and powerful service combines the very best in Anglican liturgy and music. There are servers and incense is used. The Cathedral Choir or the Abbey Girls Choir lead the service with the singing of a traditional choral setting. Full details of the music are available on the Service and Music List. Visiting choirs also sing the service when our choirs are on leave. Traditional language is used and a sermon is preached. |
| 3rd/5th Sunday | Matins
At 11.15 on 3rd & 5th Sunday of each month, Choral Matins is led by one of our Cathedral Choirs.
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| 12.15 | The Eucharist Matins is followed by a short said service using traditional language. |
| 18.30 | Evensong sung by a choir of the cathedral Evensong is part of the bedrock of cathedral worship. All are welcome to this service of readings, prayers and preaching which lasts just over an hour. It is reflective in mood and a wonderful way to end the day. |
The provision of daily worship gives shape and meaning to every day in the cathedral. All are welcome.
| 07.30 | Morning Prayer |
| 08.00 | The Eucharist |
| 12.00 | The Eucharist at the Shrine of St Alban |
| 17.00 | Evensong |
Evensong is sung by the choristers of the Cathedral Choir on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays during term-time. The choristers of the Abbey Girls Choir sing on Wednesdays and Fridays during term times.
Outside of choir terms, there may be a visiting choir or Evening Prayer is a short said service.
On Fridays, the service at 12Noon is the Roman Catholic Mass
On Saturdays the worship pattern is as follows:
| 08.30 | Morning Prayer |
| 09.00 | The Eucharist |
| 12.00 | The Eucharist at the Shrine of St Alban |
| 16.00 | Evensong sung by the Cathedral Choir |
Very infrequently service times can change slightly; full details of the choir terms and service alterations are given on the Service and Music List (link).
Some services take place monthly.
| 1st Wednesday | 10.30 | Free Church Service |
| 1st Thursday | 17.45 | Forward in Faith Eucharist |
| 2nd Wednesday | 10.30 | Mothers Union Corporate Communion |
| 3rd Wednesday | 10.00 | Teddy Bear Service An informal service for pre-school service followed by refreshments and play, hosted by Abbey Bear! |
| Last Tuesday | 19.00 | Lutheran Service (in German) |
| Monthly on a Tuesday | 10.00 | Orthodox Service |
There are many special services throughout the Christian Year. Plan your year around these key acts of worship. A selection of Abbey annual services include:
| The Advent Procession | Advent Sunday evening at 6.30pm |
| Festival of Lessons & Carols | Two identical services for Christmas on two evenings (entry by ticket only). |
| Crib Service | Christmas Eve at 3pm for families |
| Midnight Mass | Christmas Eve at 11.30pm |
| Christmas Day | See the Christmas notices for all special services |
| Christingle Service | A service of light for the Children's Society |
| Candlemas | Celebrating the manifestation of Christ's glory from the visit of the wise men to his acclamation as the light of the world. |
| Ash Wednesday | Beginning the season of Lent |
| Mothering Sunday | Fourth Sunday of Lent |
| Palm Sunday | Beginning Holy Week |
| Maundy Thursday | The Mass of the Last Supper and Watch until midnight |
| Good Friday | Marking the day of our Lord's Death |
| Holy Saturday | The Easter Vigil with Baptism and Confirmation |
| Easter Day | See the Easter notices for all special services |
| Easter Monday | The Easter Monday Pilgrimage |
| Ascension Day | Celebrated with an evening Choral Eucharist |
| Pentecost | Marking the gift of the Holy Spirit to the church |
| Corpus Christi | Celebrating the gift of Christ in word and sacrament |
| Albantide Festival | See the special notices to participate in the great pilgrimage of the first martyr of Britain |
| Harvest Festival | The second Sunday in October |
| All Saints Day | 1st November |