Today, on the Sunday of RECOGNISE Week, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone across the Diocese of St Albans who serves children, young people and families. Thank you for all that you do. You are valued, appreciated and prayed for. #Recognise2026

The prayer focus for this coming week (12 - 18 July) is on the diocesan vision of Living God's Love through 'going deeper into God', with a particular focus on all those going on pilgrimage and parishes within the Deaneries of Hemel Hempstead and Hertford and Ware. 🙏 View online: buff.ly/5JelSTr

We're delighted to launch our new Racial Justice Grants Scheme, offering funding of up to £1,000 for projects that promote racial justice, intercultural worship and greater inclusion across the Diocese of St Albans. Find our more: buff.ly/oqSWlPh

This week (6-12 July) is RECOGNISE, a national week of recognition for everyone involved in ministry with children, young people and families. Thank you for all that you do. We celebrate and appreciate you this week. 🎉 Resources available here to help you celebrate: buff.ly/o7KnoPz

More than 40 young adults from across the Bedfordshire Archdeaconry gathered at Bishop's Lodge for this year's Young Adults Supper Party. The evening was filled with worship, sharing food together and plenty of opportunities to make new connections. Read more: buff.ly/LDwyWWg

The Rt Revd Richard Atkinson, Bishop of Bedford, has announced that he will retire at the end of this year. We give thanks for his 14 years of ministry in the Diocese of St Albans, including as Acting Bishop of St Albans. Read more and hear from Bishop Richard: buff.ly/x3E8DmX

Congratulations and a very warm welcome to all nine deacons and 13 priests to the Diocese of St Albans, ordained at St Albans Cathedral over the weekend. 🎉 👉 Read the story and see the pictures: buff.ly/LRhlR6K 📷 Photos: Gregory Owain

Today we pray for our nine candidates to be ordained Deacon this afternoon at St Albans Cathedral. 🙏 Please join us in prayer, and you can watch online at 4pm: buff.ly/ORPCMwK

Praying for our 13 candidates who will be ordained Priest at St Albans Cathedral this afternoon. 🙏 🎦 Watch online here: buff.ly/m7DuHBU

The prayer focus for this coming week (5 - 11 July) is on the diocesan vision of Living God's Love through 'transforming communities', with a particular focus on those running debt advice schemes and parishes within the Deanery of Hemel Hempstead. 🙏 View prayers online: buff.ly/5JelSTr

We are delighted to announce our nine candidates who will be ordained deacon at St Albans Cathedral on Sunday 5 July at 4pm, beginning their ordained ministry in the Church. You can see a full list of candidates and their parishes in our news story: buff.ly/Rrv6XFU

We are thrilled to introduce you to our candidates to be ordained to the priesthood on Saturday 4 July at St Albans Cathedral. The service will be at 2pm, led by Bishop Richard. Come along and support our new priests this weekend or watch the livestream from the cathedral here: buff.ly/bBJsnrp

Townsend Church of England School was delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester on 24 June as part of their celebrations marking 50 years at its High Oaks site. The visit included time with pupils and staff and a service in the school chapel. Read the story: buff.ly/BgXaGeb

The prayer focus for this coming week (28 June - 4 July) is on the diocesan vision of Living God's Love through 'making new disciples', with a particular focus on those approaching retirement and parishes within the Deanery of Dunstable and Hemel Hempstead. 🙏 View prayers online: buff.ly/UkUHCDm

Bishop Richard joined local faith and community leaders to visit places of worship across Luton this week, strengthening relationships and affirming a shared commitment to peace, understanding and the common good. Read the story here: buff.ly/VB31Gb4

You are warmly invited to a simple Act of Prayer and Reflection following the recent rail incident near Bedford. 📍 Elstow Abbey (MK42 9XT) 🗓️ Friday 26 June 🕔 5.00pm More details: buff.ly/DBW8TbC

This year’s ordination services are taking place at St Albans Cathedral on Saturday 4 July and Sunday 5 July. 🙏 To see the names of those being ordained and find out more, read our news story and please join us in prayer: buff.ly/k5m6qc9 🎥 Live streaming links will be shared soon.

Today, 22 June, we mark the feast day of St Alban, Britain’s first Christian saint and martyr, whose courage and faith in Christ led him to lay down his life. His witness continues to inspire us to live out God’s love today. 📷 Photos from Saturday 20 June 2026 from Luke Hoskisson and Gemma Jones

The prayer focus for this coming week (21 - 27 June) is on the diocesan vision of Living God's Love through 'going deeper into God', with a particular focus on those preparing for baptism and confirmation and parishes within the Deanery of Dunstable. 🙏 View prayers online: buff.ly/WZEhtav

Our prayers are with everyone involved in the train collision in Bedford this evening - the passengers, train staff and emergency responders. - Richard Atkinson, Bishop of Bedford

The Diocese of St Albans has today expressed its support for the Church of England’s apology for its role in post-war adoption practices. Read the full response from the Diocese: buff.ly/GcdJhwC Find out more and access support: buff.ly/rLz1FiY

Last weekend, the Revd Anne Abok was ordained priest in a deeply moving service, surrounded by her church community, fellow clergy and friends. The service was a profound occasion, marked by God’s presence and grace. Read more: buff.ly/4LNMPSB 🙏 Please join us in praying for Anne at this time.

The prayer focus for this coming week (14 - 20 June) is on the diocesan vision of Living God's Love through 'transforming communities', with a particular focus on carers support groups and parishes within the Deanery of Dunstable. 🙏 View online and please join us in prayer: buff.ly/WZEhtav

As the weather turns warmer again (and hopefully a little drier), we’re sharing this reflection from a recent pilgrimage along the Bunyan Way. It was a continuation of the pilgrimage walks begun during the 2025 Year of Spiritual Renewal and Wellbeing. Read the full story here: buff.ly/s9xq5p5

We are advertising for the following roles: A Generosity Enabler, a fixed-term, part-time post which is currently open to all Readers and Clergy (closing date 26 June): buff.ly/4ZojDat A Parish Safeguarding Support Officer, open to everyone, (closing date 1 July): buff.ly/A53m0ME

Across the Diocese of St Albans, we want to say thank you for all that you are doing to make our churches safer places. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and we are grateful for the care and commitment shown across our churches and chaplaincies. Read more: buff.ly/y88z4kn

Leaders and volunteers from across the Diocese came together for our Hope for Rural Churches Conference last weekend, for a day packed with inspiration, practical support and shared wisdom for ministry in rural communities. 👉 Read more: buff.ly/YWlqwxW

The Rt Revd Dr Andrew Rumsey has formally become Bishop of St Albans, following the Confirmation of his Election yesterday at St Mary-le-Bow in the City of London. Read the full story: buff.ly/sG5Ygsc

More than 30 families gathered at Rectory Lane Cemetery for a lively Great Big Nature Hunt. From pond dipping to bug hunting, children and adults discovered the rich wildlife thriving in this carefully restored green space. 👉 Read the full story here: buff.ly/mDuB3Tc

This week (6 - 14 June) Churches Count on Nature Week 2026 💚. It's a celebration of nature and of God's creation, and there are activities and counts taking place around the Diocese. Send pictures to: [email protected]. Check out this Forest Church story: buff.ly/5grdfT4

The prayer focus for this coming week (7 - 13 June) is on the diocesan vision of Living God's Love through 'making new disciples', with a particular focus on all who hear the Gospel through our Church Schools and parishes within the Deanery of Cheshunt. 🙏 View online: buff.ly/oGmHg5F

Today is World Environment Day 🌍 This year’s theme, Climate Action, invites us to reflect on how we care for God’s creation. As we see changes in our environment, each of us can play a part in protecting and restoring the world around us. 📷 Solar Panels, St Barnabas Church Linslade

We are currently hiring for the following two roles: Property and Trusts Adviser in our Property Team (full time) 👉 buff.ly/kQnravE 🗓️ Deadline for applications: 17 June PA to the Archdeacon of Bedford (part time) 👉 buff.ly/SiRjvJJ 🗓️ Deadline for applications: 22 June

During Volunteers’ Week (1–7 June), we give thanks for all who serve across the Diocese of St Albans, offering their time, care and gifts in churches and communities. Your kindness creates places of welcome and belonging for many. Thank you to all who give so generously. 💜

The Collect for Trinity Sunday (from Common Worship): Holy God, faithful and unchanging: enlarge our minds with the knowledge of your truth, and draw us more deeply into the mystery of your love, that we may truly worship you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

The prayer focus for this coming week (31 May - 6 June) is on the diocesan vision of Living God's Love through 'going deeper into God', highlighting places of pilgrimage within the United Kingdom, parishes within the Deanery of Buntingford and more. View prayer requests online: buff.ly/FnU7hWX

We are pleased to share that the Revd Dr Dan Drew, Assistant Director of Mission and Ministry, will be speaking at this exciting event on Saturday 6 June at St James, Thorley (Bishop’s Stortford). This event is for anyone with a passion for youth ministry. Find out more: buff.ly/maANZ7X

🕊️🔥 Today, we celebrate Pentecost, often referred to as the birthday of the church. Fifty days after Easter, we remember the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the disciples, equipping them to share God’s love across all nations. 📷 @St Albans Cathedral Rose Window

The prayer focus for this coming week (24 - 30 May) is on the diocesan vision of Living God's Love through 'transforming communities', with a particular focus on those who support the frail and vulnerable, and parishes within the Deanery of Buntingford. 🙏 View online: buff.ly/tjNUWKp

Sophie Tucker, Children’s and Families Worker at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Flitwick, shares how attending a GYMD (Growing Younger and More Diverse) Leaders Retreat has helped shape her ministry over the past year. 👉 Read the full story here: buff.ly/OUy5ln3

Join us for a day of seminars and inspirational talks on Saturday 6 June at Putteridge Bury in Luton for our Hope for Rural Churches Day Conference. 👉 We'd love to see you there. Book now while there are still places available: buff.ly/hCV4Bs6

The prayer focus for this coming week (17 - 23 May) is on the diocesan vision of Living God's Love through 'making new disciples', with a particular focus on café church groups, and parishes within the Deanery of Buntingford. View online to see the information for prayer: buff.ly/p2soyI9

Book your free place at next month's day conference on rural mission while there are still places available! 🗓️ Saturday 6 June, 9.30am - 4.30pm 📍 Putteridge Bury Conference Centre, Stopsley, Luton 👉 Book your place today: buff.ly/hCV4Bs6

The Bishop of Bedford, the Rt Revd Richard Atkinson, has opened a new £15.2 million YMCA Campus in Welwyn Garden City this week, providing vital accommodation and support for people experiencing homelessness. 👉 Read more in our story here: buff.ly/xBCkhlx

Today is Ascension Day, when Christians celebrate Jesus returning to his Father in Heaven, 40 days after Easter Day. Churches around the Diocese will be holding services today - find out what is happening near you: buff.ly/EZVcztL 📷 Ascension Window at St Peter's Church, London Colney

We have two exciting roles to share with you as part of our Alban Way programme, both with a closing date of Friday 29 May: 🟡 Alban Way Pastoral Lead (0.4): buff.ly/iCI0LQo 🟡 Alban Way Schools Worker (0.8): buff.ly/WJUg4EI Take a look at these inspiring roles and do share with others you know.

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week (11 - 17 May). This is a chance for us as a diocese to reflect on how our churches, schools and chaplaincies can be places of welcome, compassion and hope. 👉 Read more: buff.ly/emM43ip

St Paul’s Church Bedford, is celebrating after receiving a £209,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support its Tower Clock and Bells project. 👉 Read the full story here: buff.ly/zHvONRZ

The prayer focus for this coming week (10 - 16 May) is on the diocesan vision of Living God's Love through 'going deeper into God'. Take a look at the images below and view online to see the information for prayer: buff.ly/YkrnCQ8 🙏 Please join us in praying God’s blessing over all.

💬 Wondering if digital giving could work in your parish? Cost concerns? Wi‑Fi worries? Not sure where to start? Our Digital Giving Assistant, Caroline Child, tackles common questions and shares practical advice in a new blog post 👇 buff.ly/Ze0IYzy