Congregation

Being part of the congregation at the Cathedral offers the opportunity to explore our life in God within the context of a thoughtful, nurturing, inclusive Christian community.

Newcomers For many, the Cathedral offers a chance to put a toe in the water of Christian faith and practice. For others it is a resting place on a journey that will take them elsewhere. That will be respected. Everyone is welcome at all our services and events, and we think it’s important that you find a level of involvement that is right for you. At first the Cathedral and its worship may seem difficult to understand. Don’t worry – it is like that for everybody. Just sit and enjoy it if you wish. Staying for refreshments after the service can be a good occasion to meet other people. For those who want to find out more, there is an ongoing programme of events to help introduce newcomers to the life of the Cathedral. Most of these take place after the 10.30 Sunday Eucharist. Contact us if you would like to know more. Top

Belonging If you would like to become more involved in the life of the Cathedral then taking part in worship on a regular basis is the best way of feeling at home.   Courses and social events offer a chance to meet people and discover more.   After worshipping here for six months you can put your name on the electoral roll, which gives you a say when it comes to choosing representatives or standing for particular positions of responsibility.   To belong to the Cathedral congregation is to be part of a ministry to the city, the region and the diocese, which calls us to be outward-looking and hospitable. Top

Confirmation If you are new to the Christian faith, or want to affirm a long-standing faith commitment, then confirmation may be for you.   Confirmation takes place at Easter. The Bishop lays his hands on the head of each candidate and prays for the anointing of the Holy Spirit.   If you haven’t been baptised, then that would take place as part of the service.   In the weeks leading up to Easter there is a course of preparation, exploring what a contemporary faith can mean.   You are welcome to take part in this course even if you have no wish to be confirmed.   Contact us if you would like to know more. Top

Giving If you make the Cathedral your place of worship you will eventually be asked to consider how much money you give to its ministry.   There are no rules about this, but we do ask people to be realistic and generous.   It costs about £3000 a day to keep the Cathedral open and we receive no state aid.   If you are a tax payer then giving by Gift Aid makes a big difference to the income we receive: £128 for every £100 given.   Contact Peter Ashworth for details about ways of giving. Top

It’s my story Ruth: “In the sixties I came into the Cathedral and heard the choir practising ‘I bind up the broken-hearted’, went home and felt that binding and found a very real presence in my own life.   I shared life with a friend through many operations and strokes and when she died I felt a bit lost.  I came to the Cathedral to find myself.   I enjoyed the quiet beauty of the liturgy, the wisdom of the sermons and grew to appreciate the wonders of the actual building and its outreach.   A craftsman’s daughter, I enjoy the fellowship of the sanctuary and flower guilds and the Archer Project.  I admire the quiet dedicated work of the Carers' group and the Vergers' team and I have enjoyed the fun and creativity of working with children.   I have grown to love the dedicated service of the daily office, both morning and evening, and the hard work that goes into efforts for excellence.   It is good to be part of the pulse of the city.” Top