St Mary’s Church in Leyland is celebrating an increase in the number of altar servers at the parish – with 27 active servers.

All servers vary in age, with the oldest being 92 and the youngest being in primary school.

Explaining the reason behind the increase in servers, parish priest Fr Joe Bibby, said: “When children make their first Holy Communion, they have the catechesis sessions after the monthly Children’s Mass. We do this so that the children get used to coming to Mass so they become comfortable, confident and at home in the church.

“In autumn, every child who has made their first Holy Communion that year receives a personal invite from me to become an altar server.

“Those who accept are then given preparation sessions and our experienced altar servers guide them through the different responsibilities involved in the role.”

The parish is a very welcoming place for families – with a well-attended children’s liturgy every week and a popular children’s Mass on the last Sunday of every month. This includes an interactive homily where children get involved.

Fr Joe added: “Our family Masses are really popular, and the children love to get involved.”

The church is set to be well represented at the Chrism Mass on 1 April with a coach full of parishioners and altar servers from the parish travelling to the Metropolitan Cathedral.