Report Reveals Encouraging Growth Across Diocese

Rising Mass attendance, growing numbers of catechumens and increased participation in the sacraments are among the encouraging signs highlighted in the Diocese of East Anglia’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2025.

The report describes 2025 as a year of renewed growth across the Diocese, with Sunday Mass attendance increasing by six per cent. This rise, reflecting both the return of people to the Church and the arrival of new members seeking a spiritual home, is presented as the clearest sign of growing confidence and engagement in parish life.

The number of catechumens preparing to enter the Catholic Church rose by 16 per cent, suggesting that this growth may continue in the years ahead. More than 1,000 people were welcomed into the life of the Church through baptism or reception during the year.

Participation in other sacraments also remained strong. Confirmations increased by 3.5 per cent, while the number of First Holy Communions also rose. Marriages celebrated across the Diocese increased by six per cent, providing what the report describes as a hopeful sign of commitment to Christian vocation and family life.

Introducing the report, the Bishop of East Anglia, the Rt Rev Peter Collins, expressed his gratitude for the life and witness of the Diocese.

He said: “2025 brought many encouraging signs of growth for our Diocesan family. There is particular joy in noting that the number of people attending Sunday Mass regularly continues to increase significantly.

“We can identify a renewed confidence in the life of our Parish communities and a deepening engagement with the call to service.”

Young people remained at the heart of the Diocese’s mission throughout the year. Catholic schools continued to support pupils in growing in wisdom, compassion, faith and service, while collaboration between schools, parishes and diocesan structures was strengthened.

The Ignite Team supported schools and parishes through retreats, workshops, events and formation. Nearly 400 young people and leaders attended the Ignite Festival, joining together for a weekend of worship, prayer, music, talks and fellowship.

Young pilgrims from East Anglia also travelled to Rome for the Jubilee of Youth, where they joined Catholics from around the world for prayer, formation and an encounter with the life of the Universal Church.

The report states that the growth in confirmations, youth events and pilgrimage participation demonstrates not simply attendance, but a genuine openness to faith among younger generations.

This expanding mission continued to be sustained by the generosity of the faithful. Total diocesan income rose to £9.9 million during 2025, although this included the disposal of an asset and restricted donations for particular projects. Parish offertory income increased by 4.3 per cent, while unrestricted donations rose by one per cent.

Before investment losses, the Diocese recorded a surplus of £1.1 million, compared with £400,000 in 2024. After investment losses and adjustments, the overall surplus was £100,000. Total funds at the end of the year stood at £36.5 million.

Significant investment was also made in the Diocese’s buildings and future mission. Nearly £4 million was committed to fixed assets, including church rebuilding and repairs, accommodation for clergy and the acquisition of new property.

Among the most significant developments was the redevelopment of the St Philip Howard site and the acquisition of the former United Reformed Church close to St John the Baptist Cathedral in Norwich. These projects are intended to provide the facilities needed to serve growing Catholic communities for generations to come.

The report acknowledges that this investment must be accompanied by prudent financial management. Plans are in place to restore cash reserves and achieve balance in the central diocesan finances by 2027.

Bishop Peter thanked the clergy, religious, lay faithful, staff and volunteers whose service makes the work of the Diocese possible.

He said: “Your quiet yet enduring fidelity, coupled with your courageous and generous spirit of service, sustains the great mission of the Church, day by day, year after year.”

As the Diocese prepared to celebrate its Golden Jubilee in 2026, the report concluded with a confident commitment to renew parish life, support the clergy, invest in young people, build for mission and proclaim the Gospel.

Its central message is clear: the Church in East Anglia is growing, and the foundations are being laid for that growth to become a lasting renewal.

The full report can be accessed here.

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