Welcome to the March edition of the Cathedral Update!
As I look out over the cathedral lawn, I can see the evidence of a change of season. Although the damp weather appears to be remaining with us, the snowdrops and crocuses have popped up in the last few weeks, heralding spring. Part of that change will include the arrival of our new interim Dean, Jonathan, who is being installed and welcomed into the cathedral family at a service on Sunday, 1st March. Do consider joining us as we welcome him and Joanne (back) to Bradford.
Easter falling early this year means that Lent is already upon us. The 40-day period can allow us— if we want to seize the opportunity— to refocus on how and who we are. We may want to consider how habits like fasting, silence, and prayer might, whatever the shape of our faith, be helpful in countering the otherwise relentless nature of modern life.
We will be running Lent courses both in person and online using the Church of England material entitled “Draw Near”. This incorporates reflections focussed on some of these habits and spiritual practises. We are delighted that Bishop Toby will once again be joining us for a day of retreat later in the month to mark this season, where he will also be leading us and reflecting on some of these practises. You can find more details about the Lent course, the retreat, and all the other events that lead us through Lent on our website.
One of the joys for me of my time here at the cathedral has been the music— whether it be hearing our choir on Sunday morning, at evensong, or rehearsing during the week, or whether it be one of our many candlelight concerts we hold throughout the year. You can see from the Update that there will be opportunities to hear music old and new over the next month. A musical highlight for me— and I expect for many— will be the performance of the ever-popular Handel’s Messiah at the end of the month.
The diversity of our choir has always impressed me and the sense of the opportunities being a junior chorister affords. One of the highlights of being a chorister is the ability to join the annual choir tour— this year to Scotland. We want to ensure that cost is not a barrier to any of the choristers from participating. With this in mind, our Director of Music is aiming to raise funds by hiking from Ripon to Bradford. Please consider supporting him with this! Additionally, if you know someone who might have children interested in the possibility of singing in the choir, do point them in the direction of our Be a Chorister for a Day event.
No matter why you are here—for worship, music, or reflection—we hope you find an opportunity to Draw Near this season.
Duncan Milwain, Assistant Curate