Our Lady of Lourdes, Harpenden

03/09/2026

Welcome back! We hope that you are returning to school & work or just back to normal after a restful summer break. Please consider whether you could be part of our church community in any of the following ways:

- Altar Servers: open to boys and girls who have made their First Holy Communion (no upper age limit);
- Confirmation Catechists: no previous experience is necessary – just a willingness to share your faith and be part of a friendly, supportive team;
- Zoom operator: would suit someone who has a (mildly) technical brain to undertake the occasional task of running the Sunday Zoom/YouTube session at the 11:30 mass;
- Sing For... Fifteen (in aid of NOAH & Keystage Housing): 4x Tuesday evenings 7.30pm-9.00pm in the Undercroft, starting on Tuesday 15th. Everyone welcome, no previous singing experience needed;
- Join the Church Choir: open to adults & children (year 4-year 13)
- Come to the Developing World Group's Quiz Night on Saturday 17th October at Lourdes Hall. 7.00pm for 7.30pm start.
- Support St Albans & District Foodbank: www.stalbansdistrict.foodbank.org.uk/supportus/

21/08/2026

Visit our website for the latest news and events: www.catholicchurchharpenden.org.uk

11/08/2026

Read our summer newsletter here - still lots happening at OLOL!

23/07/2026

We would like to make you aware of a new type of scam that is now targeting individuals within our parish communities through WhatsApp.

Cyber criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to create convincing videos, voice messages and written communications while impersonating members of the clergy. Their aim is to deceive unsuspecting individuals into believing they are communicating with a Priest, Bishop, or other Parish representative before requesting money or donations.

We ask that you please remain vigilant:

• Never assume that a WhatsApp message or video is genuine simply because it appears to come from a member of the clergy.

• Never send money, gift cards or bank details in response to unsolicited requests received via WhatsApp or other messaging platforms.

• Always verify the identity of the sender by contacting the priest or parish directly using a known telephone number or official email address before responding to any request.

• Report any suspicious messages and the phone numbers to Action Fraud https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/.

Please help us spread this warning as widely as possible throughout our parish community, particularly among those who may be more vulnerable to this type of fraud.

18/07/2026

The Big Butterfly Count takes place from 17th July – 9th August. The LiveSimply Environment group are organising a Butterfly Walk on Sunday August 2nd at 2.30pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and see how many different species of butterfly we can spot! We will be meeting at Roundwood Halt on the Nickey Line.
https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/

18/07/2026

17/07/2026

Thank you from The Harpenden Child Contact Centre:

'Thank you to all the parishioners for welcoming us so warmly at the Strawberry Social on Sunday 5th July. We are deeply grateful for the generous £500 donation to the Harpenden Child Contact Centre.

A special thank you to Marva for organising such a lovely event and for hosting us. Her support made everything run very smoothly.

If you know someone who may benefit from our service, or if you’re interested in volunteering, we would love to hear from you.'

Child Contact Services that work better for children Providing safe spaces where children can meet the parents they don’t live with. Child Contact Services that work better for children Providing safe spaces where children can meet the parents they don’t live with. Harpenden Child Contact Centre...