Prayer for Liverpool
Early in my time as Precentor, on a Sunday at the end of September, the Cathedral hosted a National Service to commemorate the lives of police officers who had died in service during the previous year. The service took place on Sunday afternoon and was attended by government ministers with HRH The Prince of Wales as the Principal Guest. As always on such occasions, strict security measures were in place, including the requirement for the Cathedral to be closed altogether on the Sunday morning. It happened to be ‘Back to Church’ Sunday, and irony of this was not lost on Dean Justin, as he was then. ‘How did you celebrate ‘Back to Church’ Sunday?’ he quipped. ‘We closed the Cathedral!’ was the answer. In fact we provided an alternative service in the early evening, so all was not lost. Next Sunday is once more ‘Back to Church’ Sunday and how is the Cathedral marking it? Once again we are closing the Cathedral not just for the day but for the entire weekend, Friday to Sunday. No royal visitors this time, but the occasion is one of huge significance for our Diocese which the Cathedral is here to serve, and for the parishes whose curates made deacon last year will be ordained priest, while other parishes will be receiving the gift of a newly ordained deacon. As government and national church guidelines lay down that no more than thirty people may currently attend an ordination service, we are holding no less than eleven such services, during which eleven priests and twenty five deacons will be ordained. I hope this helps to explain why the Cathedral has to be closed for visitors and worshippers during the weekend. There will however be one exception, as at the earlier time of 10am, there will be a quiet Eucharist in the Well of the Cathedral. Places for this are very limited and need to be booked through the Cathedral Website. There is also, of course, the recorded celebration of the Eucharist available for you to join in at home, available from the Website too. Earlier in my ministry in the Diocese, for almost twenty four years I was involved in listening to those who wanted to explore their vocation, and in supporting many of them through their years of training and formation. Many of these women and men currently serve as clergy in the Diocese now. In these last few months before I retire, I am so thankful that there should be such a diverse and talented group of people about to take this step and begin a new chapter of their Christian journey. Please remember those to be ordained in your prayers, and within our Cathedral company, we remember Simon Macaulay, formerly a lay clerk and member of staff in the Liturgy and Music department, who will be ordained Deacon. These words have been sung at ordinations in Liverpool for very many years: Jesus, confirm my heart’s desire to work and speak and think for thee. Amen. Canon Myles While you're here: Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html.
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supporting you during these uncertain times AuthorLiverpool Cathedral is a place of encounter. Built by the people, for the people, to the Glory of God Archives
September 2022
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Prayer for Liverpool
brought to you from Liverpool Cathedral St James Mount Liverpool L1 7AZ |
Liverpool Cathedral is a place of encounter.
Built by the people, for the people, to the Glory of God www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk |