St Alban’s offers warm welcome as community comes together for Mass

There’s a warm welcome for all at St Alban’s in Walker, which has been inviting members of the community to join staff and children for Mass.

St Alban’s Catholic Primary has been hosting the services every other Tuesday, after heating problems left neighbouring parishioners literally out in the cold.

“Due to ongoing issues with the church heating, and limited funds to repair it, the local parish has been unable to hold Mass in the church building,” explained Headteacher Ciara Yeoman.

“To ensure that parishioners do not miss the opportunity to gather and celebrate together, St Alban’s has opened its doors and is now holding parish Masses on site.”

“The Mass takes place in our school hall, which we have arranged to include a dedicated altar and prayer space,” she continued. “The hall provides a large, flexible area that allows us to comfortably accommodate pupils, staff, and parishioners.

“This arrangement came about through collaboration with the Parish Team, as the parish church building is currently without heating.

“We were keen to offer a warm and welcoming space for worship during the colder months, and to continue enabling parish Masses to take place regularly.

“It also gives our children a wonderful opportunity to experience the Mass within their school setting, and to strengthen the relationship between the school and the parish community.”

Led by Father Jonathan Bowes from Christ the King Partnership, each fortnightly service involves one year group from St Alban’s in rotation, so that every pupil, from Reception to Year 6, has the opportunity to be included.

“Children participate in readings, prayers, and the offertory, as well as supporting through music and song,” said Mrs Yeoman.

“Class teachers and support staff attend with classes to guide and supervise the children. Members of the Leadership Team also attend regularly to support the service. All staff are welcome to join the Mass, if they are available.

“This arrangement has already brought the parish and school community even closer together. Children, staff, and parishioners are sharing in worship, prayer, and fellowship – a true reflection of our mission to live out our faith in service and community.”

In an additional act of hospitality, St Alban’s also offers post-service refreshment to the worshippers.

“After each Mass, we provide light refreshments for parishioners and staff, creating a lovely opportunity for conversation and fellowship,” added Mrs Yeoman.

“We typically welcome around 15 to 20 parishioners from the local community to each service. They join the children and staff in prayer, and are always warmly welcomed by the school.

“The arrangement will continue through the winter months, while the parish heating system is being repaired. We will continue to review this in partnership with the Parish Team, but we are very happy to support the community for as long as the need remains.”