Pilgrims Walk the Gospel Through North Norfolk
September 4, 2026
CAFOD Co-ordinator to Visit St John’s Cathedral
September 8, 2026
St Mary’s Catholic Church in Thetford is celebrating its bicentenary with a year of events marking 200 years of Catholic faith and worship in the town.
Built in 1826, St Mary’s is the oldest Catholic church in continuous use in the Diocese of East Anglia. Its bicentenary year also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Diocese.
The church was built during a period when Catholics in England still faced significant social, political and legal restrictions. Funded by Thetford resident George Gardiner, its construction represented an important act of faith and courage at a challenging time for the Catholic community. The circumstances in which it was built also help to explain the church’s understated design.
Bicentenary celebrations began with a special Jubilee Mass on July 5, celebrated by Bishop Peter Collins and parish priest Fr Andrew Eburne.
A programme of ecclesiastical, historical and social events is continuing throughout the year, giving parishioners and the wider community an opportunity to celebrate the church’s past while looking ahead to its third century.
As part of the national Heritage Open Days, St Mary’s will welcome visitors on Saturday September 19, from 11am to 5pm, and Sunday September 20, from 12 noon to 5pm. Visitors will be able to explore the church and learn more about its history and continuing pastoral mission in Thetford.
Other events planned during the bicentenary year include an exhibition, history talks, a concert, community presentations, a parish mission day, the creation of a rosary garden and a pilgrimage, alongside a number of special liturgical celebrations.
Fr Andrew said, “This jubilee is a very special celebration for the parish. With its understated design, this church is so little known by Thetford residents that we want to take every opportunity to showcase our beautiful church and tell people our story. Thetford was such an extremely important Christian centre in East Anglia and we are a reminder of that heritage. Our parish today brings together so many different communities who have found their home in Thetford. It is such a joy!”
