Weekly Record

Third Sunday of Advent 13 December 2009

I’m not sure the term ‘late developer’ is ever used now but this week it definitely applied to me. After 50 years I appeared in my first Nativity Play and my mother turned up to see it. I never seemed to be chosen when I was in school I was either a bit too active or shy – not sure which. Neither did I misbehave nor get told off at least not by the teachers. Congratulations and thanks to all the children from St Nicholas School, adult actors, backroom staff and Patrick the dog. Everyone did a great job and the feedback from the schools was that the children really enjoyed it and felt very much a part of the whole service. All you wannabe thespians can now have a well earned rest and hang up your acting boots for a while.

Advent seems to be racing past without there being much time for catching breath. Archbishop Kelly and Bishop Tom will be here this weekend for the Solemn Mass at 11am forthe celebration of the third Sunday ‘Gaudete’ in Advent. Heralds of joy and good news. The Archbishop will be dashing off straight afterwards but Bishop Tom will stay to preside at the service at 5pm for Marie Curie Cancer Care entitled – ‘Lights to Remember’. Sandwiched between these two services the choir will sing a shortened form of Evening Prayer and then Benjamin Brittens ‘Ceremony of Carols’ at 3pm.

Next Friday we have our Cathedral Christmas Party in the Crypt Concert Hall. Everyone seems to think that it is the Party to be seen at this year with all the tickets sold out. We hope all those coming will be wearing something Christmassy and have their dancing shoes on. No doubt Bishop Malone will be taking to the dance floor at some time in the evening. The next day- Saturday 19th – we put on a more sober attitude for our Advent Service of Reconciliation led by Archbishop Kelly at 3pm. This is always a very reflective and moving service and, in my book, infinitely preferable to trudging round town in and out of the shops.

On Saturday evening I am compering one of the Philharmonic Christmas Carols Evenings, which I am a bit apprehensive about. Last Thursday after the Trustees meeting Archbishop Kelly asked about this and another priest piped up that he wouldn’t be paying £16 to come and listen to me to which I replied that the payment was to hear the wonderful orchestra and choirs and that I was just there to pad the proceedings out during changes. It was a bit disconcerting to hear everyone then say that they could now see why I was asked to do it! Next Sunday evening there will be a performance of Handels oratorio ‘The Messiah ‘ in the Cathedral involving orchestra choirs and soloists and you can be reassured there will be no padding – just fabulous choral music!

It was reported in the Daily Post this week that Philip Duffy is to be awarded a Fellowship of the Royal School of Church Music. Philip was Director of Music here for many years and the award is in recognition of his service to church music but particularly the development of music for the catholic liturgy during those years. The award is well deserved and we offer him our congratulations.

Canon Anthony O’Brien
Dean of the Cathedral