ANNUAL MASS AND DINNER FOR THE RAF CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

The 5th annual Mass for the Royal Air Force to be concelebrated at St Clement Danes, the Central Church of The Royal Air Force in central London, took place on The Feast of St John Henry Newman, Thu 8 Oct 2025.  This annual celebration continues to grow alongside the other annual Mass for the RAF which takes place in April at the military Cathedral in Aldershot.  At both Masses, Catholics who serve the RAF from across the Whole Force, their loved ones, and indeed anyone who wishes to join in fellowship, gather, with Bishop Paul, in prayer, worship and praise of God our Father.
 

A warm welcome is always received from all at St Clement Danes and especially from the resident Chaplain, Rev (Wing Commander) Ashley Mitchell and his team.  It is an honour and privilege to celebrate the Eucharist, the source and summit of Christian life, in such a magnificent church, a church with so much historical significance for the RAF.

The RAF Chaplain-in-Chief, The Venerable Dr (AVM) Giles Legood MBE KHC, once again was able to attend Mass and read the first reading.  Bishop Paul Mason, Bishop-in-Ordinary to His Majesty's Forces was the principal celebrant, assisted by 3 RAF Chaplain Deacons, with 6 priests, a canon, a Monseigneur, and Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Holy Family London all concelebrating.
 

The liturgy was enhanced by the music and singing of the St Clement Danes choir under the Music Director, Simon Over.

In the evening, at the RAF Club on Picadilly, Rev (Wg Cdr) Dave Skillen, RAF Principal Roman Catholic Chaplain (RAF PRCC), hosted a Dinner for 70 invited guests.  At the Dinner, Padre Dave, was able to thank those who have contributed to the Catholic mission in the RAF and highlight the good works of RAF Catholics to a wider Defence and Church audience.  Guests heard vignettes on the work of RAF personnel with HCPT, with the Lourdes International Military Pilgrimage, with the Apostolat Militaire International, and the RAF Pastoral Advisory Group.  
 

Principal guests at the Dinner included Bishop Paul, Bishop Nowakowski, AVM Mark Hunt, Deputy Director General of the Defence Safety Authority, Dr Ven Dr (AVM) Legood, RAF Chaplain-in-Chief, and Msgr John Walsh, former RAF PRCC.  Musical accompaniment at dinner was provided by the RAF Salon Orchestra.