Albrighton, Boningale & Donington

• St. Mary Magdalene, Albrighton
• St. Chad, Boningale
• St. Cuthbert, Donington

Training Incumbent
The Revd Mary Thomas

Trained: The Queens Foundation, Birmingham. Deaconed: 2012

Following a successful career in teaching in the UK and in international schools, I have been Incumbent of the benefice since 2015, having also served my curacy here. I am married to Charles (a retired priest) and we have 7 children (neuro-typical, neuro-diverse, straight, gay and trans) and a grandson between us. I am passionate about inclusion believing that God's love is for everyone and that God does not make mistakes. For me, ministry is about building relationships so that we can show people that God loves them, holding a space for them to encounter God and Jesus, and encouraging them in their own discipleship journey.

The context

Situated off J3 of the M54, the benefice is midway between Wolverhampton and Telford with excellent transport links (train & bus). It is semi -rural, and well resourced with 2 primary schools, 5 pubs, many cafes, salons, an estate agent, medical practice and dental surgery. Although RAF Cosford is located within the parish of St. Cuthbert, Donington, the population, on the whole, is relatively static. Recent new housing developments have led to some growth in the population but proposed further building has resulted in a passionate campaign against building on green belt land led by local people.

Relationships between the three churches are positive and there is a culture of kindness and openness. There is some fragility - St.Chad's and St. Cuthbert's have smaller congregations but are working really hard to build up their communities. Mission and ministry is varied - we have a reasonable number of occasional offices, a weekly mid-week Eucharist and community outreach activities such as Cosy Cafe (weekly on Mondays), Tiny Club (Thursdays), TU4BAF Singing Group, Reel Issues, St. Mary's Afternoon Tea and Messy Church. Our biggest outreach and fundraising opportunity is our annual Beer Festival held in St. Mary Magdalene Church. It leads to fascinating conversations and draws people into the building who otherwise would not come. 2025 will be our 10th festival.

There are also Churches Together events such as Advent Sunday worship, Lent Study Groups and Lunches, and participation in Ride and Stride. People are supportive and encouraging and are good at holding a space enabling others to grow and flourish.

We would be looking to use the Prayers of Love and Faith as part of our ministry here at Albrighton, Boningale & Donington.

Mission statistics (2023)