Information for non-Catholics

Lancaster Cathedral welcomes people of all backgrounds and denominations. We ask only that visitors respect the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church. Those who are not in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church are welcome to visit the Cathedral and to attend any service, but we ask that non-Catholics do not receive the sacraments (Holy Communion, Confession).

Why not?

Identity as a Catholic is closely related to the sacraments. In Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist we become full members of the Church. To receive the Eucharist (Holy Communion) in a Catholic church is therefore to publicly declare oneself as a Roman Catholic. It is in this sacrament that we are bound together as members of the Church.

Confession restores us to full membership of the Church when our unity has been damaged by sin. To receive this sacrament from a Catholic priest expresses a desire to be in full unity with the Catholic Church.

In exceptional circumstances, under strict conditions, members of some other denominations may receive sacraments when no priest of their own denomination is available. In this situation, the non-Catholic should speak to a Catholic priest about their circumstances.

For couples seeking marriage or baptism of a child at the Cathedral, at least one partner must be a baptised Catholic.

If you are unsure of your situation and would like to talk to a priest, please contact us. Similarly, if you are a non-Catholic who is interested in the life of the Catholic Church, please get in touch.