Weekly Record

3rd February 2008

It is interesting as the year of Culture develops what events are considered the main cultural events of the year, meaning that they gain a high profile and are focussed on by the press and media, and which are passed over. For me, the service last Sunday evening, at which the Archbishop of Canterbury preached, was an expression of Liverpool at its best. A mix of faith, heritage and culture celebrated with an air of dignity yet with a great amount of warmth and at times informality. Our Cathedral, packed with Christians of different denominations and involving the Church Leaders and the musicians and Choirs of both Cathedrals, showed a very unique aspect of Liverpool life and a number of people commented “A service like this could only happen in this City!” Many thanks to all who made it possible.

This Sunday we welcome the Civic, Judicial leaders and all in senior positions in our City and regions to the Solemn Mass. Behind all the pomp and ceremony at the heart of our celebration (which I quite enjoy!) is the desire and need to come humbly before God to seek blessing and guidance for those in authority and on us all as a City community. With the weather taking a turn for the worst we have developed a plan B for all the processions if it is as bad on Sunday. Swirling vestments are one thing but the sight of dignitaries chasing after hats that have blown off would not add to the occasion.

The season of Lent begins this week with Ash Wednesday on 6th February. Please note the times and locations of the Masses that day. It is normally at this time that I regret agreeing to take part in services or give talks at venues other than the Cathedral - the effort to gear up for Lent and the extra demands always seems daunting. The ashes with all their symbolism are a reminder to me to get on with things and stop moaning! That should last about a day if I’m lucky.

Following numerous requests it was decided to purchase a full length mirror for the sacristy corridor for those that had to vest. Up until now we had to make do with a small mirror in the main sacristy. This week we suddenly had a very generous offer of 15 8ft mirrors from a hairdressers that was relocating. Sadly we had also purchased our own and we have now gone from relatively Spartan facilities, ‘re the glamour stakes’, to a coiffures heaven with full length mirrors in every room. There should now be no excuse for any of our stewards, choir or clergy to have a hair out of place – that is if they are fortunate to have any.

The Crypt works have now progressed to the stage that work on the link with the Cathedral should begin. It is likely that the East Apse will be enclosed and construction noise will be a factor within the Cathedral for the next few months, outside of worship times. There may also be some disturbance this week in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel as a new public address system is fitted enabling better audibility and a loop system for the services held in this area.

Don’t forget to support us at the Car Boot sale next Saturday. I’m sure there will be lots of bargains to be had and the ‘Deans Diner’ may be selling bacon sandwiches this month – all in the name of raising money for the Crypt Project.

Next Sunday Bishop Tom Williams will be 60 and he will be presiding at the Solemn Mass and in the afternoon those preparing to be received into the church at Easter will attend the Cathedral for the Rite of Election.

Canon Anthony O'Brien
Cathedral Dean