Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Serving North West England Through Faith, Education, and Mission
Diocese Of Lancaster Education Service has been a cornerstone of faith, hope, and mission in North West England since its establishment in 1924. Rooted in the Gospel and guided by the Bishop, we serve vibrant parishes, schools, and communities across Lancashire and Cumbria. Our commitment to worship, witness, service, and mission reflects our dedication to living out Christ's teachings. Spanning from the Irish Sea to the Pennines, we provide spiritual guidance, educational support, and outreach to both Catholic families and the wider community. With a rich heritage dating back to the English Reformation martyrs, we continue to nurture faith through pilgrimage sites like Ladyewell Shrine and Lancaster Cathedral.Our Education Service supports over 80 schools, fostering environments of prayer, learning, and inclusion. Through departments like Youth Service, Safeguarding, and Vocations, we address contemporary challenges while upholding traditional values. We welcome all, whether exploring faith, returning to church, or seeking deeper involvement, offering resources to connect with parishes, schools, and diocesan staff. Our history, marked by the leadership of bishops from Thomas Wulstan Pearson to Paul Swarbrick, underscores our enduring mission. Today, we remain united in Christ, striving to proclaim His message of hope and renewal in a changing world.
Services
Parishes
Catholic Schools
Youth Ministry
Safeguarding
Vocations
Pilgrimage Sites
Clergy Formation
Finance Management
Tribunal Services
Ecumenism
Details
- Year established: 1924
Highlights and features
- We have served North West England since 1924 with unwavering commitment to faith.
- Our Education Service supports over 80 Catholic schools rooted in Gospel values.
- We offer pilgrimage sites like Ladyewell Shrine and Lancaster Cathedral for spiritual renewal.
- Our departments address modern challenges while upholding traditional Catholic teachings.
- We welcome all, providing resources to connect with parishes, schools, and community initiatives.
Services
Parish Communities
Our parishes form the heart of Catholic life across Lancashire and Cumbria. Each community offers worship, sacraments, and outreach programs tailored to local needs. Through regular Masses, pastoral care, and social initiatives, we foster spiritual growth and fellowship. These vibrant congregations serve as centres for prayer, learning, and service to the wider community.
Catholic Education
The diocese supports over 80 Catholic schools and a sixth form college. Our Education Service ensures institutions uphold Gospel values while delivering academic excellence. Programs integrate faith formation with curriculum learning, creating inclusive environments where students grow in knowledge and virtue. Schools serve both Catholic families and the broader community.
Youth Ministry
Our Youth Service engages young people through spiritual development programs, retreats, and outreach. Initiatives include confirmation preparation, youth groups, and vocational discernment support. We aim to nurture faith in the next generation while addressing contemporary challenges facing young Catholics in the region.
Safeguarding
The diocese maintains rigorous safeguarding policies to protect vulnerable individuals. Our Safeguarding Department provides training, incident reporting systems, and support for survivors of abuse. We adhere to national standards while offering pastoral care to those affected by historical or current safeguarding concerns within church contexts.
Pilgrimage Sites
Ladyewell Shrine and Lancaster Cathedral serve as key pilgrimage destinations. These sites offer opportunities for spiritual renewal through prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and reflection on our martyrs' heritage. Annual pilgrimages connect modern faithful with centuries of Catholic tradition in the region's historic landscapes.
People
Bishop Paul Swarbrick
Bishop of Lancaster
Ordained in 2018, Bishop Swarbrick emphasizes evangelisation and spiritual renewal. He leads the diocese with a focus on Gospel values, continuing initiatives to strengthen parishes and schools across North West England.
Bishop Michael Gregory Campbell
Bishop Emeritus
Served as Bishop of Lancaster from 2009 to 2018. An Augustinian with extensive pastoral experience, he strengthened diocesan structures and promoted vocations before retiring to continue spiritual ministry.
Questions
What areas does the Diocese of Lancaster cover?
The diocese serves Lancashire and Cumbria, spanning from the Irish Sea to the Pennines.
How can I find a Catholic parish in the diocese?
Use our 'Find Places' section to locate parishes, schools, or diocesan staff in your area.
What educational support does the diocese provide?
Our Education Service supports over 80 Catholic schools and a sixth form college in the region.
Are there pilgrimage sites in the diocese?
Yes, including Ladyewell Shrine and Lancaster Cathedral, dedicated to spiritual renewal.
What is the diocese's mission statement?
We are committed to living out the Gospel through worship, witness, service, and mission.
