For the past few years parishes across Lancashire have been invited to attend a themed festival at the County’s Anglican Cathedral in Blackburn, to foster growth in faith

Two years ago, there was a Festival of the Eucharist and last year it was a Festival of Prayer.

The response to these events was strong, with people attending from all parts of the region and they also proved to be a good way for the Cathedral to serve local churches, both near and far.

The festival is fast becoming an annual fixture and this year the third festival will be on Saturday, October 19. It will contribute to an ongoing ‘focus on discipleship’ as a Diocese by being a Festival of Baptism. Booking information at end of story.

Aimed at lay people and clergy it will explore a number of key areas. Writing to parish clergy recently, Bishop of Burnley, Rt Rev Philip North, gave more detail: “On this day of worship, learning and fellowship, we will explore two things.

“First, what it means to live out our baptism in every aspect of our daily lives. And second, how we can best use Baptism (and Confirmation) as a means to develop and grow the local church.”

Bishop Philip added: “The keynote speaker will be the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell. Bishop Stephen is a compelling speaker, a gifted evangelist and a well-known author.

“We will also be joined by Sandra Millar who is the Church of England’s expert on using life events such as weddings and baptisms as means of sharing the Gospel.

The day will start with the Eucharist at 10.30am and there will also be a range of 10 workshops to explore the theme further while the festival will end with a liturgy of renewal of baptismal promises.

Canon Missioner at Blackburn Cathedral, Rev Canon Dr Rowena Pailing added: “We are delighted once again to be welcoming people from parishes across Lancashire who will be attending the Festival of Baptism.

“Baptism is a key moment in the lives of many people in our local communities and gives us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate together.”

“I look forward to hearing some inspiring talks and participating in some stimulating workshops at our third festival for parishes in as many years.”

• For further details and to book places, please email Jean Duerden at jeanmduerden@virginmedia.com