Norwich Cathedral suspends worship in public

The Chapter of Norwich's Anglican Cathedral has decided to suspend public worship from Wednesday 13 January due to the current situation with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic.

While the Cathedral clergy will alone ensure the daily rhythm of worship continues in the building, the Cathedral’s virtual doors will continue to be open online to both worshippers and visitors alike via the Cathedral’s website and social media.
 
The Sunday Eucharist will be live-streamed every week on the Norwich Cathedral Services YouTube Channel and full details of how people can participate in daily worship at home are available on the Cathedral website. A member of clergy will alone hold a Requiem to remember departed loved ones on Wednesdays and anybody who would like a candle lit in a loved one’s memory during the Requiem is welcome to email prayers@cathedral.org.uk
 
In line with Government guidance, the Cathedral building will remain open daily for individual prayer from 12pm until 2.30pm on Sundays and from 10am until 2pm Monday to Saturday.
 
The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Jane Hedges, said that it was with a heavy heart that the Chapter had chosen to suspend public worship for the time being but said that the current situation with regard to the Coronavirus meant that it was important to reinforce the message that people should stay at home.
 
“We all need to look out for each other at this time and to heed the message to stay at home as much as possible. As soon as we can we will resume public services but in the meantime we will live stream the 10.30am Eucharist every Sunday and the residentiary clergy will maintain the daily rhythm of Morning and Evening Prayer and offer a daily Eucharist, holding the nation, the local community, the NHS and everyone affected by the pandemic in our prayers.

"While we may not be able to gather for public worship or welcome general visitors at this time, the Cathedral’s virtual doors are always open via our website and social media. We hope the Cathedral’s digital worship and online events will be of help and comfort to people at this difficult time for everyone.”

The Cathedral’s organists will be playing weekly online organ recitals throughout the lockdown, starting with a performance by assistant organist George Inscoe at 7.30pm on Wednesday 13 January on the Norwich Cathedral Services YouTube Channel.
 
The concert series will continue with the following online performances:
Organist David Dunnett - Wednesday 20 January 2.30pm-3pm
Master of Music Ashley Grote - Wednesday 27 January 7.30pm–8.30pm
Assistant Organist George Inscoe - Wednesday 3 February 2.30pm–3pm
Master of Music Ashley Grote - Wednesday 10 February 2.30pm–3pm 

Next week, people will also be able to watch a Facebook discussion about Norfolk nurse and First World War heroine Edith Cavell who is buried at the Cathedral, which is being hosted on the @findmypast Facebook page on Wednesday 20 January at 4pm.
 
cathedral.org.uk

Pictured above, Norwich Cathedral (c) Bill Smith.