On Saturday 1 November, St Albans Cathedral welcomed the 2025 cohort of The Alban Way along with their leaders and supporters for a joyful and spirit-filled commissioning service, marking the culmination of their year-long discipleship journey.
Friends, family, and members of the wider diocesan community gathered to celebrate and give thanks. The young adults themselves led the worship, offering heartfelt prayers, readings, and personal reflections on their experiences throughout the year.
The Very Revd Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans and The Revd Canon Dr Tim Lomax warmly greeted the cohort, reminding them that the cathedral is “your cathedral” – a spiritual home for all who walk the Alban Way. Archdeacon Dave Middlebrook preached from Jeremiah 29:11–13 and Matthew 11:28–30, encouraging participants to trust in God’s plan and find rest in Christ as they step into the next chapter of their lives:
“When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. When you come looking for me, you’ll find me.” Jeremiah 29:12-13, The Message.
Bishop Jane commissioned each participant, presenting commemorative coins as symbols of their journey: Camino coins for those who walked in Spain, and Durham Cathedral coins for those who journeyed in the UK. The service concluded with intercessions led by the young adults, offering prayers of thanksgiving for the past year, hope for the future, and blessings for the incoming 2026 cohort.
Following the service, the community gathered in The Alban Room for lunch, story sharing and conversations about what lies ahead.
Hear more from our 2025 cohort
Catch up with the coverage of the UK or Spanish pilgrimages, hearing from the young adults and their experiences here:
Spanish pilgrimage along the Camino Inglés
UK-based pilgrimage to Lindisfarne
How to find out more
Are you interested in joining the The Alban Way in 2026? Do you know someone who might benefit from this experience?
You can sign up and express your interest in joining the 2026 cohort to begin or continue with your journey of discipleship and spiritual formation here.
Dates for 2026:
Tuesday 3 March Introductory online session
Friday 6 – Saturday 8 March Residential Weekend
There will once again be a UK and a Spanish cohort. You can read more The Alban Way website.