Weekly Record

25th February 2007

This week we hosted what has been a regular monthly planning meeting in preparation for the Two Cathedral Service at Pentecost this year. A major part of this year’s service was to be the unveiling of Stephen Broadbent’s sculpture on Hope Street which has been commissioned by the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo. It is to pay tribute to both Archbishop Worlock and Bishop David Sheppard and to symbolise the link from the middle of Hope Street between the two Cathedrals. It now seems that this is in jeopardy because of problems getting planning permission. It would be a terrible shame if this could not go ahead or not be located along Hope Street. Bishop Tom was at the meeting and he was dashing off to buy a new suit in preparation for a dinner he was attending the next day at St James Palace with the Queen. I smiled when I read in the paper that Kylie Minogue and Amir Khan were going to the same event but there was no mention of Tom. I asked the staff here to guess what the Bishop would say to Kylie the immediate response was ‘I should be so lucky’.

This is probably too much frivolity for Lent so down to more serious matters. The Archbishop will celebrate Solemn Mass this Sunday and the Rite of Election at 3.00pm for those adults preparing to be baptised and/or received into the church this Easter. On Tuesday we welcome the Chapter of Canons who will concelebrate 12.15pm Mass in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and share lunch in Cathedral House. This will be the first time I will attend the chapter meeting but I am sworn to secrecy under oath so you won’t be hearing anything about that. Probably the only skeletons in the cupboard will be former members!

Sadly, Sister Joan, one of the community of Sisters living at and serving the Cathedral died last Monday. She had been ill for a long time and faced her illness with great determination and dignity. Her funeral will take place on Wednesday at 12.15pm. The Mass will be transferred from the Crypt to the Cathedral. We pray for the Vincentian community at this time of loss.

On Thursday Archbishop Patrick will give a Lenten talk in the St Columba Chapel followed by Compline which will start at 7.00pm. Friday is Family Fast Day and a collection will be taken to support the work of Cafod next Sunday. On Friday evening there is a preview of the exhibition taking place in the Cathedral for the whole of March. This is entitled ‘100 Heads’ although at present there are only 76-there will be 100 by Summer 2008! They are faces of Liverpool people with symbols and other items which express the important things of their lives. It will have to be spread around the Cathedral as it is a large exhibition and will attract a great deal of interest. On Saturday evening there is a performance of the Fauré Requiem in the Cathedral in aid of Jospice. Admission is free but there will be a collection in to support the work of Jospice.

Finally, we had a great attendance at all the masses on Ash Wednesday- particularly of young adults. It was an uplifting sign to us all that so many had made such a special effort to mark the start of this season. May the Lord bless our Lenten journey.

Claire Hanlon
Assistant to the Dean