Bishop Patrick O'Donoghue was able to come and carried out the enrolment ceremony as well as being the Principal Concelebrant at Mass.

Before enrolling them into the Guild the Bishop talked to the servers asking them questions to which the servers responded but not always with the answer he was looking for, although it was very appropriate. We had TWENTY-EIGHT servers on the sanctuary that evening, with two others who work away and one who is studying for the priesthood and are unable to get home mid-week.

Our total number of servers is now THIRTY-THREE.
Of these Six proudly wear Solid Silver medals, with Three of them now over Thirty, with the remaining three being 28, 26, and 25.

The Parish Altar Servers have a total of 270 Years Service; this is not including the Parish M.C. who has 64 years. Before the final blessing at the end of Mass, the Bishop in thanking all those present, commented that he was always pleased and happy to come to Alston Lane, because he was well supported with all these servers.

He also informed everyone that of all the 108 parishes within the Lancaster Diocese, Alston Lane had the greatest number of servers, and this is something of which the parish should be very proud. AND INDEED WE ARE,

The total number of Altar Servers is a tremendous achievement when the position of the Church is taken into account. The Church and School are in the middle of fields and are situated halfway between the village of Grimsargh and the country town of Longridge, some 5 miles north east of Preston

After Mass refreshments were served in the Caton Room, allowing Bishop Patrick to talk with the parishioners