Welcome to the December edition of the Cathedral Update.
After an unseasonably warm few weeks we have, just yesterday morning, had the first snow of the year as if serving to underline that we are now rapidly approaching Christmas.
This is a very busy time at what has been an exciting year for the Cathedral and for Bradford itself as it has celebrated being City of Culture 2025. We have had a record number of people visiting the Cathedral, more than doubling our previous numbers. Our hope and prayer is that as those visitors have returned to other parts of the country and, indeed, the world (representatives of 36 countries are recorded as having visited us) they may speak well both of the Cathedral and the city. And that in some way their speaking of the Cathedral as a place of peace continues the work of spreading the good news of Jesus, God incarnate. Work that has been carried on from this place for some 1400 years.
Our ability to continue to continue weaving this good news into the city of Bradford and further afield does – alongside our prayer and generosity of service – require our financial support. To this end please do consider our head of fundraising Liz’s message in the Update. Read it by clicking here.
The upcoming month brings a good deal that is familiar and, in many ways comforting. You will see from our concert and service schedule, full details of which are on our website, that many favourites return including the concert with the Black Dyke Band and the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Yet, the Christmas message that we share is not one that we should allow to become simply an exercise in nostalgic comfort but rather one that is a spur to optimism and joy about our creative engagement with the world.
However, for some, the anticipation and excitement that the season brings may be at odds with how they feel. It may have been a difficult year for them or it may be that the reality of the world sits uncomfortably amid all the jollity. The busyness may leave them feeling exhausted. In recognition of this we are this year holding a ‘Blue Christmas’ service – a more reflective service allowing us to acknowledge this.
One sadness that we will collectively experience at the Cathedral is the knowledge of the departure of Dean Andy and Ali to Melbourne, Australia early in 2026. This is mixed with joy in the knowledge that they are faithfully following a calling to use their gift of communicating the gospel message in a new context.
Whatever the reason for your visit – for worship, for music or for reflection we look forward to welcoming you this Advent to Bradford Cathedral.
The Revd Duncan Milwain, Assistant Curate