As we prepare to enter the holy season of Lent in just three weeks’ time, we are invited to journey together under the simple yet profound encouragement found in the Letter of James: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8). These words offer both a promise and a pathway. They remind us that God is never distant, but always ready to meet us as we turn our hearts toward him.
This coming Sunday we mark Candlemas, when we recall Christ as the Light revealed to the nations, and are reminded that God’s presence shines in both the pain and chaos we see and experience in the world, alongside the ordinary rhythms of our daily lives. Candlemas marks a turning of the season, as our gaze shifts from the crib toward the cross. It is a moment that invites us to step forward in faith, trusting that Jesus, the Light who has come into the world, continues to guide our steps.
This year’s Lent campaign, Draw Near, encourages us to rediscover the habits that help us make space for God in our daily lives. Whether through prayer, reflection, acts of kindness, or quiet moments of stillness, each small step we take opens us more fully to God’s presence. And as we do so, we discover again the truth that James proclaims: God draws near to us with grace, strength, and renewal.
My hope is that this Lent will be a season of deepening faith for each of us across the Diocese. May we find fresh ways to draw near to the One who knows us, loves us, and walks with us always.
With every blessing,
+Richard
Bishop of Bedford
Acting Bishop of St Albans
Prayers for the next Bishop of St Albans
Thank you for your prayers for the interviews held last week for the next Bishop of St Albans. A message from Archdeacon Dave, one of the six on the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC), said last week:
“Thank you for your prayers and support. We are conscious of the many prayers from across the diocese, especially in the last week or so, and very much feel supported. We will endeavour to discern, under God and led by His Holy Spirit, who God is calling to be the next Bishop of St Albans.”
We ask you to continue to join us in prayer as the process continues. A reminder of the timeline can be found on the diocese website here.
Call for information and listening exercise
We have opened a call for safeguarding information, along with an optional listening exercise, for anyone with experiences of abuse connected to St Andrew’s Chorleywood from the 1980s–2000s.
This is a voluntary, survivor‑centred process, offered to ensure that anyone who wishes to share can do so safely and in the way that suits them. If this is relevant to you or someone you know, you can find further details on our website.
Retired Clergy Quiet Day
We are very grateful to all our retired clergy who serve so faithfully and make such an important contribution to the maintenance of worship across the Diocese. We wouldn’t be able to resource worship in many places without your assistance. Thank you.
Please pray for our retired clergy and for those approaching retirement.
On Wednesday 4 March there is a quiet day for retired clergy where Bishop Richard will explore how the Gospel of the crucified Christ offers hope to an anxious world. Lunch and refreshments will be provided and the day will end with a eucharistic service at St Mary’s, Stotfold. If you are interested in attending, please book your place using the online form via the link below by Wednesday 25 February at the latest.
You can contact Linda Watson or one of the Retired Clergy Officers if you have any questions.
Chrism Mass at St Albans Cathedral
We invite you to add to your diaries the Chrism Mass at 11am on Thursday 2 April at St Albans Cathedral.
A sung Eucharist, gathering together clergy, lay ministers from the Diocese and open to all, is an act of commitment to ministry and the blessing of the holy oils for use throughout the following year.
Treasuring the Earth: a new Grove booklet from one of our colleagues
We are pleased to share that Dr Ryan Parker, RE and Christian Ethos Adviser for the Diocese of St Albans Schools Team, has authored the latest Grove Education Booklet, titled ‘Treasuring the Earth: Inspiring Heads, Hearts and Hands in School Communities for People and Planet’.
Ryan said: “Treasuring our planet is the fifth of the ‘Marks of Mission’, yet concern for the earth’s ecology is often forgotten or soft-pedalled. I hope this book supports those working in and alongside schools in offering a simple theology and practical steps which help inspire the heads , hearts and hands of children and young people for people and planet.”
Ryan also presents a podcast called ‘Flourishing Together’, and the latest episode, titled ‘How I approached the Understanding Christianity resource via a worldview lens’ with Kate Christopher, is released today. You can listen to the podcast here.
Draw Near: Lent Resources
The Church of England’s theme for Lent 2026 is Draw Near: Life-giving habits for Lent.
This year’s resources have at their heart the theme of a ‘rhythm of life’ – habits and patterns which help us grow as disciples of Christ day by day, especially as we prepare to celebrate the great mystery of God’s saving love at Easter.