Weekly Record
9th November 2008
 This was probably the quietest lead up to, and
celebration of Bonfire Night that I can remember. Whether people can no
longer afford fireworks or that there are a very limited number of
shops that sell them or even perhaps they have now designed noiseless
fireworks and nobody told us. Perhaps Guy Fawkes could soon be able to
slip back into relative obscurity in the history books. I for one will
be pleased.
This Sunday is about Remembrance and of recalling the sacrifice of so
many who fought in defence of their country to safeguard peace and
freedom. Archbishop Kelly will celebrate Mass here at 8.30am on Sunday
and then attend the Remembrance Service outside St George’s Hall on
behalf of the Catholic Community of Merseyside. A wreath will be laid
in silence at 11am before the Solemn Mass in the Cathedral. At all our
other Masses this weekend we celebrate the Feast of the Lateran
Basilica.
 The Duke of Gloucester will be visiting
Liverpool on Monday, and as
part of his programme he will visit the Corbusier exhibition in the
Crypt. Instead of a red carpet he will probably have to step over
pavements to enter as a result of the major road works taking place on
Brownlow Hill. Without any communication or reference to us a new bus
stop shelter has been positioned right outside the external entrance to
the Crypt Hall!
Our Girls Choir have been busy rehearsing for the last month both at
the Cathedral and in school. This new choir will be singing at Mass for
the first time on Tuesday evening. They are extremely enthusiastic and
progressing well – they also create a considerably different noise
level, when not singing, on the evenings they are here compared to the
boys!
You may have noticed that there have been changes regarding the
catering in The Piazza. The Café closed last Saturday for a handover
from Mellors, our previous caterers, to Alan Crowe, former General
Manager of the Everyman Bistro. Thanks to all concerned this has been a
very smooth transition and we look forward to working with
Alan. We want to ensure the same friendly service with a
wider range of foods and freshly prepared salads along with extended
opening hours. The Gift Shop is also well stocked at the moment with
Advent and Christmas items so don’t forget to call into the shop if you
are sampling the new fayre in the Piazza.
We placed an advert in the paper to fill two security posts at the
Cathedral. So far we have received over 250 applicants. I’m beginning
to think that this must be one of the most sought after jobs in the
City. It will mean that shortlisting down to the final few will take a
lot of work but I’m sure it will be well worth it if we can select
suitable skilled new members of staff.
Both the Archbishop and Bishop Jones celebrate significant occasions
this month. Bishop James Jones celebrates his 10th Anniversary as
Bishop of Liverpool this weekend. We offer him our congratulations and
best wishes at this time. Archbishop Patrick will be 70 in two weeks
time on the Feast of Christ the King which will be another cause to
celebrate on that day.
Canon Anthony O'Brien
Cathedral Dean
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