Over the last year, Chichester Cathedral faced many challenges and developed new means of staying connected with the wider community and providing means of support and resources.
When public worship was suspended last March, the Cathedral began live-streaming a weekly Sunday service. As limited public worship returned, additional services continue to be live-streamed and made available on the Cathedral’s website. Other special services are live-streamed including those on Remembrance Sunday, Advent & Christmas, Holy Week and more.
The Cathedral developed resources for worship and prayer at home, and has run online lectures, concerts, choral music, and arts events. It has continued to support its partners including Chichester District Foodbank, UK Harvest and Stonepillow.
Like many other institutions there have been serious financial implications and throughout these changing times the Chichester Cathedral Friends have continued to provide invaluable support for the Cathedral’s ongoing life and work. Through project funding, the Friends have made considerable contributions in maintaining and improving facilities and services and developing the Cathedral’s mission.
Current projects cover all areas of Cathedral life, including new toilet facilities in the North Transept (currently facilities are only available outside), new IT infrastructure, and improved Cathedral lighting. Further details about how the Friends have helped can be found here on our website.
In normal times, the Friends like to socialise and have fun too! Events throughout the year include talks, day trips, lunches and holidays. Joining the Friends is a way to enjoy new experiences and friendships whilst supporting the Cathedral and its sacred heritage.
Howard Castle-Smith, Secretary of Chichester Cathedral Friends, said:
“We are delighted that in these difficult and uncertain times that the Friends have been able to continue actively contribute towards the ongoing work of the Cathedral. We are looking forward very much to meeting again in person, and are busy preparing a schedule of events for the second half of this year which will include some of the regular favourites as well as some new ones. We will be publishing the schedule in May so please keep an eye on the website. We hope to see you there.”