The 2021 census revealed that for the first time, less than half of the population in England and Wales identified as Christian. Despite this, the numbers of people attending Mass in the diocese continued to grow from the pandemic, with 111,130 Massgoers in 2024 representing an increase of 5% on the previous year. In this changing landscape, the Church’s mission to proclaim the Gospel and bring the light of Christ to all has never been more vital.
The call to evangelise is at the heart of our faith. In his final commission to the disciples, Jesus said: ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations’ (Matthew 28:19), and the Catechism reminds us that ‘evangelisation is the Church’s deepest identity’ (CCC 905). This mission belongs to every baptised Christian and cannot be undertaken alone. Effective evangelisation thrives on collaboration and cooperation, uniting clergy and laity to witness to Christ’s love.
This spirit of collaboration is essential to the Church’s very existence. The Second Vatican Council taught that ‘as all the members of the human body, though they are many, form one body, so also are the faithful in Christ’ (Lumen Gentium 7).
At the heart of the local Church is the parish, which Pope Francis describes as ‘an environment for hearing God’s word, for growth in the Christian life, for dialogue, proclamation, charitable outreach, worship, and celebration’ (Evangelii Gaudium 28).
Our 207 parishes are unique places where faith is nurtured, and people find meaning, communion, and calling. From this, individuals deepen their faith and are empowered to share it with others.
People of Hope
The mission of the Church is above all to bring people into communion with Jesus Christ and his Church. In the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:4-7), Jesus speaks of the joy in Heaven over one soul brought back to God. This joy was palpable at the Rite of Election in February, when over a thousand gathered at Westminster Cathedral in support of 398 adults from 82 parishes preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.
In his homily for the occasion, Cardinal Vincent Nichols reminded those present:
‘In faith, we receive a longer horizon by which to judge and act. Yes, we live here, but we know our fulfilment is still to come. This means that we are a people of enormous and irrepressible hope! We have a hope that is beyond this world and yet already rooted, and visible, to be lived in this world.’
This transformation does not happen by chance. It is the fruit of hearts touched by God and nurtured by those who accompany individuals on their journey of faith, often over many years.
Catechists play a pivotal role in this mission, guiding and supporting those seeking faith. Recognising the importance of this work, the Agency for Evangelisation collaborated with Human Resources throughout 2024 to help parishes establish paid catechetical and evangelisation roles. By developing structured job descriptions, facilitating recruitment, and supporting new hires, this initiative ensures sustainability and professionalism in parish faith formation.
The Agency also provided tailored support to catechists, with 359 attending formation or training days across 31 events. A pilot 'Catechists Course,' – designed to deepen understanding of catechesis, spiritual reflection and sacramental preparation – proved so effective that it has become the principal model of catechetical formation in the diocese.
Sharing the Gospel with all
Evangelisation extends beyond those already in the Church. The Gospel is for everyone, especially the most vulnerable and marginalised in society.
The Caritas Deaf Service exemplifies this mission, supporting Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing individuals to facilitate their participation in the life of the Church. Through interpreted liturgies, Deaf Awareness sessions and Liturgical Sign Language courses, the service empowers members of the Deaf Community while fostering inclusion in parishes and beyond.
The team also works closely with priests who sign Mass across the diocese, teaching BSL and liturgical sign languages to seminarians from across the UK at Allen Hall Seminary in London. One seminarian commented,
‘Learning BSL has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Being able to have conversation and engage the Deaf Community in the Mass and liturgy has been incredibly useful during my parish placements, and will be of great use in my future ministry.’
Similarly, Caritas St Joseph’s Outreach offers inclusive sacramental preparation for individuals with intellectual disabilities, led by trained staff and volunteers, including the internationally recognised ‘Symbols of Faith’ programme. By offering inclusive formation, this ministry enables people who might otherwise be excluded to engage fully in the sacramental and communal life of the Church. In partnership with the Agency for Evangelisation, they offered regular training sessions, equipping priests, catechists, and parents to better support these individuals on their faith journey.
A Family Link Worker at Caritas St Joseph’s shared this moving anecdote:
‘In St Alban’s, I am preparing four boys to receive their First Holy Communion. They have autism and are quite lively! At the end of one session when we were praying around the tabernacle, one of the boys who is usually very quiet stood up and kissed the tabernacle. He said: “That is the closest I have ever been to Jesus.” And I think that says it all.’
The Future
2024 was a year of preparation for the Jubilee Year 2025, in which Pope Francis called for a 'great symphony of prayer.'
Westminster Youth Ministry played a crucial role in engaging under-35s in this spiritual preparation. The 2024 ‘Resonate’ series of talks explored the Lord’s Prayer petition by petition, offering intellectual and spiritual reflection through diverse speakers, group discussions, personal prayer and fellowship.
The Youth Ministry’s retreat centre also welcomed over 4,500 young people, providing an opportunity to step away from daily distractions, rest, and refocus on Jesus Christ.
These initiatives serve as beacons of hope at a time when many feel distant from their faith. Speaking in 2010, Pope Benedict XVI reminded the young people of the UK:
‘God wants your friendship. And once you enter into friendship with God, everything in your life begins to change. As you come to know Him better, you find you want to reflect something of His infinite goodness in your own life.’
This encouragement affirms that evangelisation is a living response to a world around us where many people can feel lost. Despite challenges, the Gospel continues to inspire, transform, and unite. By working together, we ensure that faith remains a vibrant and powerful force, drawing people – especially the young – into a deeper relationship with God and one another.
