Where is the Diocese located?
The heart of the Diocese is Jesus Christ, powerfully alive and active in His Church – the baptised People of God gathered in communion with their pastors and their Bishop.
The Diocese is situated in the Northwest in England – all of Cumbria and Lancashire north of the River Ribble. The Mother church of the Diocese is St Peter’s Cathedral, Lancaster. This is the Bishop’s Church where the Bishop presides over the Liturgy for major diocesan occasions and feasts. The Pastoral Centre, which since 2004, houses the central administration, is to be found beside the Cathedral on Balmoral Road. This has allowed the Diocese to bring various departments and ministries stretched across the nine Deaneries into one building to better serve parishes, schools, and other communities.
What makes up the Diocese of Lancaster?
Our parishes, schools, and other central ministries are all important and vital elements of the Diocese of Lancaster. Besides those ministries and departments that directly support the good works of the Church, there are nearly 40 related Catholic entities, which also serve the local Catholic community. But it is our people, our clergy, religious, deacons, and lay members, working together in a shared commitment to follow Jesus Christ that defines who and what we are as a Catholic community.
What offices are located in The Pastoral Centre in Lancaster?
The Pastoral Centre provides a central location for approximately 10 employees and a number of offices that includes the Bishop, The Bishop’s Archive, The Finance and Property Offices, the Marriage Tribunal. Right beside the Pastoral Centre is the Education Centre which supports the work of Education and Formation in our schools, and colleges.
Where can I learn more about the Diocese of Lancaster?
Through visiting this our Diocesan Website: www.lancasterdiocese.org.uk one can learn more about the Diocese, its parishes and its people. The Diocese also publishes its own Catholic newspaper, The Catholic Voice. Bishop Campbell also publishes online a weekly blog recapping his week serving the Catholic community as Bishop of Lancaster.
Who makes up the leadership of the Diocese?
The Bishop leads the Diocese of Lancaster and the priests are his primary collaborators. The Vicar General, the Episcopal Vicars, the Council of Priests and the various Diocesan Offices and Commissions all assist the Bishop in implementing his vision for the Diocese. This group, working in cooperation with priests, religious, deacons, laity, parishes and schools all contribute to advancing the good works of the Church.
What is the difference between a Diocese and an Archdiocese?
Roman Catholic dioceses are grouped together in ecclesiastical provinces, usually according to geographical proximity, and the bishop of one of the older or larger dioceses in that group is named the metropolitan archbishop. He has some, but limited, authority over the Suffragan dioceses of his province. The main reason for this arrangement is a better coordination of pastoral efforts and services in contiguous areas. The Province of Liverpool consists of the Archdiocese of Liverpool itself and the six suffragan sees of Hallam, Hexham & Newcastle, Lancaster, Leeds, Middlesbrough and Salford.
How can I learn what parish is in my neighbourhood?
Information regarding parishes is available by clicking here. Choose the city or town and click on the parish closest to you to get contact and website information.
Where can I find my baptismal or marriage records?
Sacramental records are maintained at the local and individual parishes where the sacraments were administered. Please click here for an external link to an online listing of the parishes’ contact information.
Does the Diocese publish an official directory?
Yes, we publish the Lancaster Diocesan Directory annually, with parish, school, staff and organisation information. For more information, please contact:
T. SNAPE PRINTERS
BOLTONS COURT
PRESTON
LANCASHIRE
PR1 3TY
UNITED KINGDOM
tel: + 44 (0) 1772 254553
email: info@tsnapeprinters.co.uk
I am interested in being confirmed or being baptized into the Catholic Church?
The Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) is administered at the parish level. Please contact your local parish for the details of how they go about it. The process may vary considerably based on the specifics of your situation and that of the parish. For more information on what RCIA is, visit the Being Catholic section of this website.
How do I arrange for a Mass to be offered for someone who has died or is sick?
This is done through your local parish or a particular shrine. Call the parish office to get the details on how to arrange for a Mass to be celebrated for your intention. To view the parishes of the Diocese of Lancaster click here.
How do I go about getting an ‘annulment’?
We strongly recommend that you contact your local Parish Priest for help through the process. The contact information for the Diocesan Tribunal may be found in the Offices and Services section of this website by clicking here.