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The Diocese of East Anglia has published its Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024, revealing a year of significant financial recovery and continued growth in faith and community life.
Total income rose by 20% to £8.1 million — the highest level since before the pandemic — while expenditure fell by 1%. The Diocese achieved a surplus of £1.4 million, a marked turnaround from the £0.4 million deficit in 2023.
Alongside these results, the Diocese reported strong signs of spiritual renewal. Regular Mass attendance grew across several parishes, particularly among young families and new parishioners. There were over 800 baptisms, 539 confirmations (up 40%), two priestly ordinations, and the addition of four new seminarians and four men in formation for the permanent diaconate. Parish missions and outreach programmes encouraged renewed engagement in the life of the Church.
The Diocese also celebrated its growing cultural diversity, with active participation from Polish, Filipino, Indian, African and Latin American communities. Parishes continued to offer hospitality and support to migrants and refugees through pastoral and practical outreach.
Safeguarding remained central to diocesan life. Following an independent audit by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency, the Diocese received one of the highest possible assurance ratings for its safeguarding standards.
Investment in the Diocese’s historic buildings continued, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic England and local fundraising. Major projects included conservation work at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist and a research collaboration with the University of Cambridge on the Church of Our Lady of The Assumption and The English Martyrs. Norwich-based conservation architect Nicholas Warns was appointed as the Cathedral’s new Surveyor of the Works.
The year also saw progress in environmental sustainability and youth engagement. In Hunstanton, parishioners funded the installation of £27,000 worth of solar panels, while nearly 700 pupils gathered for the annual Schools Mass at the Cathedral, celebrating faith and community spirit.
The Rt Rev Peter G Collins, Bishop of East Anglia, commented:
“The past year has seen our diocesan family continue to grow, with a consistent increase in the numbers regularly attending to celebrate Sunday Mass. Communal resilience is evident across the network of our parishes and schools. Our communities are more diverse than ever, a feature that is nurturing spiritual renewal. Our faith, hope and charity are made manifest in an amazing array of activities and projects.”
The Trustees expressed their gratitude to clergy, religious, volunteers, donors and partners whose dedication sustains the mission of the Church. The 2024 Annual Report reflects a Diocese united in faith, strengthened by diversity, and confident in its mission for the future.
The full Annual Report is available here.
