National Deacon Assembly 2026

Get ready for the National Deacon Assembly 2026—an exciting in-person gathering where deacons from all over come together to connect, learn, and grow. Expect inspiring talks, engaging workshops, and plenty of chances to network with those who share your passion for the diaconate. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to be part of something special.

Theme

The theme of the 2026 Assembly is - ‘Human Dignity Beyond All Circumstances’ presence and practice of deacons in supporting human dignity in all and beyond all circumstances with reference to the Declaration ‘Dignitas Infinita’ on Human Dignity

• Raymond Friel OBE – on Social Action.

• Raymond is a seasoned Catholic leader who has made significant impact in a variety of leadership roles in the education and charity sectors for more than 20 years.

• Avril Baigent – on Synodality.

• Avril is the Co-Founder and Director of the School for Synodality and is the Director of Pastoral Development, Diocese of Northampton.

• David McLoughlin – on Scripture.

• David is a renowned theologist and scripture scholar. He is Emeritus Fellow of Christian Theology at Birmingham Newman University.

• Marriage and Diaconate
• Neurodiversity and Inclusiveness
• Domestic Abuse – Safe in Faith
• Migration and Culture, Retirement: A New Life Balance
• Dying and Bereavement: Pastoral Care
• Action Against Poverty
• Ministry Research

Austen is a writer, commentator and speaker on contemporary church affairs, with a specialist interest in the Church of Latin America and the papacy of the late Pope Francis.

He has an interest is in church communications, is the former deputy editor of The Tablet, and later public affairs director for Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor. Austen is also founder of the media project Catholic Voices, a movement of speakers that exists now in various countries.

As a journalist and commentator, he has written widely on church affairs and on the Francis papacy more specifically for The Tablet, Commonweal, The New York Times, Crux, America magazine, Thinking Faith and many others. He appears often on BBC and other media.

** Assembly attendance and accommodation need to be booked separately. **

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The Assembly

The costs to attend the Assembly are:

• £230 for a single Deacon

OR

• £330 for a Deacon and Wife.

This Assembly price includes evening dinner on the Friday evening, lunch on Saturday and all refreshments at morning and afternoon breaks on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Assembly price excludes accommodation and Sunday lunch (see below).

The Gala Dinner on the Saturday evening is ticket-only and costs an additional £59 per person.

To attend the Assembly on Saturday 6th September ONLY, the price, including lunch, is £150 per person.

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To be sent a booking form for the Assembly please e-mail [email protected]

Once you have completed and returned this form you will be sent an invoice and instructions for payment.

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PLEASE NOTE

You must make separate bookings and payment for acommodation and for Sunday lunch, if required, directly with the Assembly venue - Woodland Grange .

To contact the venue call 01926 310507 and quote the reference 231484.