Joint statement by the Archbishop of York and Archbishop of Canterbury
Recent events in the United States of America have once again drawn public attention to the ongoing evil of white supremacy.
Systemic racism continues to cause incalculable harm across the world. Our hearts weep for the suffering caused – for those who have lost their lives, those who have experienced persecution, those who live in fear. God’s justice and love for all creation demands that this evil is properly confronted and tackled. Let us be clear: racism is an affront to God. It is born out of ignorance, and must be eradicated. We all bear the responsibility and must play our part to eliminate this scourge on humanity.
As Dr Martin Luther King Jr said, “In a real sense, we are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Therefore, injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
We pray that God’s abounding wisdom, compassion and love will guide leaders across the world to forge a better society.
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu and Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.
The Chapter of York announces proposals for the closure of The Minster School
The Chapter of York, the governing body of York Minster, today announced proposals for the closure of The Minster School at the end of the summer term 2020.
As a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic York Minster has experienced a catastrophic loss of visitor income. This particular income stream is crucial to the financial performance of the organisation as a whole and its ability to continue funding of all activities.
Parents and staff were informed of the proposals today. The School will arrange a series of meetings with parents to discuss their options and to help them find new school places for their children. A formal consultation process with the School’s staff and their representatives starts today.
The Dean of York, the Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, said that it was a terribly sad day for York Minster and for parents, staff and pupils of the School. In a letter to parents, Jonathan explained:
“When setting its annual budget, in pre-Covid days, the Chapter of York anticipated an income of £9.4m in 2020. As a direct consequence of closure, and the total loss of visitor income and commercial activity associated with it, Chapter now anticipates a shortfall against budget of up to £5.2m in 2020. The severity of this shock to our system is only compounded by the unlikelihood of visitor numbers returning to 2019 levels in the foreseeable future.”
Jonathan explained that Chapter had planned to continue its investment of £750k in each of the next three years to create breathing space for the school to rise out of its financial deficit and to recruit new pupils. He said:
“With a £5.2m shortfall in 2020 and no return of visitors to 2019 levels in the short to medium term, such investment is no longer a viable option. Intelligence drawn from the wider independent preparatory school sector suggests that the Minster School will be far from unique in facing this kind of dilemma.”
The Dean also announced Chapter’s intention to continue its historic commitment to the Anglican Choral Tradition, and to the education of its choristers, in partnership with St Peter’s School, York. In this new partnership, choristers will continue to be trained by York Minster’s Department of Music.
Commenting on the partnership with York Minster, William Woolley, Chair of Governors at St Peter’s School, said:
“The Minster with its wonderful choral singing is hugely important not only for York but also nationally and internationally.
“St Peter’s School is proud to become the Choir School of the Minster and to continue the excellent education of the choristers after the sad announcement. We will now have an important addition to our already world class capabilities at the same time protecting this great York cultural tradition.”
Head Master of St Peter’s, Jeremy Walker added:
“I am saddened that The Minster School is closing but look forward to welcoming choristers and their families to St Peter’s. They will be joining a school which nurtures and celebrates excellence, whether that be in music, academics, sport or all the other opportunities we share with our pupils. They and future generations of choristers will be a great addition to the life of St Peter’s.”
Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster said:
“The Minster School can trace its origins back to AD 627 when St Paulinus founded the Minster and a school for its choristers. This school went on to become what is now St Peter’s School. The very sad decision to close the present Minster School is set alongside this excellent opportunity for our choristers to continue to be educated together a short distance away, and for the Minster’s mission and choral tradition to continue to flourish for years to come.”
Dean’s Park reopens
York Minster’s Dean’s Park, the popular green space which runs along the north side of the cathedral, will reopen from Monday, 1 June.
The park, which has been closed to the public since the 23 March as part of the Minster’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic, will be open daily from 10am to 6pm.
People using the area are asked to respect Government advice and social distancing guidance by remaining at least 2m apart from others outside of their group at all times to ensure the park remains open for all.
Please note that ball games, smoking, alcohol and dogs are not permitted.
The cathedral and its wider precinct currently remain closed to the public while its governing body, the Chapter of York, plan how to safely reopen for worship and sightseeing, in line with advice from Government and Public Health England.
Confirmation of Election of Bishop Stephen Cottrell
Confirmation of Election of Bishop Stephen Cottrell as the 98th Archbishop of York, Thursday 9 July 2020
Bishop Stephen Geoffrey Cottrell will be confirmed as the 98th Archbishop of York at 11am on Thursday 9 July 2020, in a service broadcast entirely via video conference due to the Coronavirus restrictions. As Presiding Judge, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, has granted permission for the virtual service to take place.
The service, which had been due to take place in York Minster, will be in two parts: a legal ceremony with readings, prayers and music; and a film marking the start of Bishop Stephen’s ministry as Archbishop of York.
The service will include music from York Minster Choir and Manor Church of England Academy School (York). Young people from across the North of England, will read a letter written by the medieval religious scholar Alcuin of York. Bishop Stephen will offer his first address as Archbishop of York. Prayers will be offered for the Archbishop, the Diocese of York and the Northern Province of the Church of England as well as for the wider world in these difficult times.
Commenting on the service, Bishop Stephen Cottrell said: “I am looking forward to beginning my ministry as the 98th Archbishop of York. This isn’t quite how I imagined it would begin. It is certainly the first time an Archbishop’s election will have been confirmed via video conference. But we’re all having to re-imagine how we live our lives and how we inhabit the world. These are difficult times. My hope is that through this service the love of God that is given us in Jesus Christ will shine out, perhaps even to those who while never attending a service in York Minster, might have a look online. I can still just about remember what it’s like to not be part of the Christian community. What inspired me to follow Jesus is that vision of a new humanity that I see in him. Following in the footsteps of my many predecessors, I look forward to serving our nation and bringing the love and peace of Christ to our world, especially here in the north.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said: “Like so many across the Church of England and Anglican Communion, I am looking forward to welcoming Bishop Stephen to his new ministry with joy, thanksgiving and hope. He radiates the love of Jesus Christ wherever he goes, and along with my fellow bishops, I look forward to serving alongside him. These are difficult times for everyone, and frightening and painful times for many. But we believe as strongly as ever that Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness. I pray that this new beginning for Bishop Stephen as he becomes Archbishop of York is also a moment that refreshes our hope, deepens our faith and sends us out with new energy to love and serve others in Christ’s name.”
Commenting on behalf of the Bishops of the Northern Province, the Bishop of Newcastle, Christine Hardman said: “The Bishops of the Province of York welcome Bishop Stephen to his new ministry and look forward to working with him in serving communities across the north and in building confidence in the good news of Jesus Christ.”
The Dean of York, the Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost said: “It is a joy to welcome Bishop Stephen to his Cathedral Church, new Diocese and to a vibrant community of cathedrals across the North of England: they are true powerhouses of love and prayer. Bishop Stephen, Rebecca and their family are enfolded in our prayers and love.”
Dr Nick Land, Chair of the House of Laity in York Diocesan Synod and Chair of the Diocese’s Vacancy in See Committee said: “I would like to add my voice of welcome to Bishop Stephen. Anyone spending any time with him will be struck by Bishop Stephen’s deep love for God and his infectious enthusiasm for telling people about Jesus. My prayer and expectation is that he will lead us in deepening our personal commitment to Christ and will help us become more confident in sharing the Good News of the Gospel in the Diocese of York.”
The Confirmation of Election is the formal legal process that completes the appointment of senior bishops. Prior to the confirmation, the College of Canons of York Minster will have elected the Archbishop Designate as the Queen’s nominee for the post. At the start of the proceedings, he will give his consent to his appointment. Following the reading of the Queen’s Letters Patent, legal documents supporting the appointment will be produced to show that all necessary procedures have been followed. At the conclusion, the election will be confirmed, and Bishop Stephen will become the Archbishop of York. The service would ordinarily take place in York Minster, the seat of the Archbishop of York.
The service will be available on the Church of England website at www.churchofengland.org
Arrangements for Bishop Stephen’s enthronement service will be announced later in the year.
Prayer on the announcement of the Archbishop of York Designate
Generous God, we give you thanks:
you have heard our prayer,
guided your people
and raised up Stephen
to serve as the next Archbishop of York.
By your Holy Spirit, grant to him
good counsel, holy insight and
joy in the gospel,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Biographical details – Bishop Stephen Cottrell
Born in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, in 1958, Stephen Cottrell was educated at Belfairs High School, Leigh-on-Sea, and the Polytechnic of Central London. He found faith as a teenager through the work of youth organisations in his local church. After a brief spell working in the film industry, he began training for ministry at St Stephen’s House, Oxford, in 1981 and was ordained deacon at the age of 26. He later studied for an MA with St Mellitus College.
Serving his curacy in Christ Church and St Paul’s, Forest Hill, south London, in the mid-1980s he was priest-in-charge at St Wilfrid’s, in Parklands, a council estate parish in Chichester from 1988 to 1993. He also served as Assistant Director of Pastoral Studies at Chichester Theological College at the same time.
He then moved to West Yorkshire, as Diocesan Missioner and Bishop’s Chaplain for Evangelism in the Diocese of Wakefield and in 1998 he took up the role of Springboard Missioner and Consultant in Evangelism. During his time in the diocese he adopted Huddersfield Town as his team alongside his beloved Spurs.
In 2001, he was called south to become Canon Pastor of Peterborough Cathedral and three years later was consecrated as Bishop of Reading. He took up his current role as Bishop of Chelmsford in 2010.
Author of more than 20 books including children’s books, he enjoys poetry, music and art. His 2013 book on the artist Stanley Spencer, Christ in the Wilderness, prompted a recent podcast reflection with Russell Brand, discussing the crucifixion and resurrection.
He has undertaken several pilgrimages, including twice walking the Camino to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, as well as pilgrim routes in England including to his future See in York.
A founding member of the Church of England’s College of Evangelists, he chairs a group of bishops with an interest in the media and is one of the authors of the Church of England’s Pilgrim course, a major teaching and discipleship resource. He also chairs the Board of Church Army. Based in Sheffield, but working across the British Isles, Church Army is an organisation committed to evangelism and social justice. He is Bishop Protector for the Society of St Francis.
Stephen is married to Rebecca who is a potter. They have three sons.
Paschal Candle to be focus for prayer requests
Paschal (Easter) Candle to be focus for prayer requests at York Minster
Clergy at York Minster have launched a new initiative to use the Paschal Candle as a focus for prayer for all those directly, or indirectly affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. Following an announcement by the House of Bishops last week, clergy can now re-enter churches and cathedrals to pray. Clergy will pray inside the cathedral every day and the Paschal Candle has been set up as a symbol of hope and prayer in the Minster’s Lady Chapel.
Understandably, many people are struggling with the pain of bereavement during the Covid-19 pandemic. So York Minster will make it possible for families and friends to email a request for their loved one, or for someone for whom they are concerned, to be remembered in a prayer that will be said at the Paschal Candle.
Because of the national lockdown, it was not possible to hold the customary Easter services in the Minster this year. The Paschal Candle, symbolising the life and light of the Risen Christ bursting forth from the empty tomb before dawn on the first Easter Day, would have been lit from a newly-kindled fire, and would have continued burning throughout the Easter season until the Feast of Pentecost, 50 days later. The Minster clergy, along with members of the wider Minster Community, have continued to pray and hold services online during this time. With the House of Bishops’ recent announcement that clergy can re-enter churches and cathedrals to pray, it is a matter of great rejoicing that the Paschal Candle will be lit and used in the Minster during the Easter season, and prayers requested by families and friends for their loved ones and others will be said. Relatives will receive an email to confirm the prayer and a photograph of the lit Paschal Candle.
Canon Maggie McLean, Canon Missioner at York Minster said that whilst the Covid-19 lockdown measures are necessary to keep everyone safe, they have been particularly tough for the family and friends of those who have died in recent weeks. Maggie said:
“The death of a loved one is one of life’s most difficult moments. For many, the chance to visit a church or cathedral to offer a prayer in their memory or to attend their funeral are hugely important rites of passage, deeply emotional acts of respect and love that give comfort and solace and which are important for the grieving process.
“With places of worship having been closed, these simple, human rituals have become all but impossible, amplifying the heartbreak and trauma of the bereavement. While it is still not possible to offer the full services of the Church to those who are grieving, this is an important step in the direction of what many are looking and hoping for. The offering of prayer in this way, will be a reminder that they are not alone but are embraced in the love and care of God and the human family.”
The email address to request a prayer and a candle to be lit for those who have recently died is prayer@yorkminster.org. All emails will receive a response within 48 hours.
Notes
On 5 May 2020, the House of Bishops announced their agreement to a phased return to church buildings. The initial immediate phase will allow very limited access to church buildings for activities such as streaming of services or private prayer by clergy in their own parishes so long as the necessary hygiene and social distancing precautions are taken. In cathedrals and larger churches there may be scope for multiple clergy to offer prayer on different days.
York Minster’s virtual service to mark VE Day 75
Army Chaplains join York Minster’s virtual service to mark VE Day 75
Army Chaplains have joined York Minster’s Canon Precentor to make a special virtual service commemorating the 75th Anniversary of VE Day and the ending of the Second World War.
The service is led by Canon Victoria Johnson, Canon Precentor, York Minster with guest contributors, the Revd Richard Hall, Chaplain to the 2nd Signal Regiment, York and the Revd David Barrett, Assistant Chaplain General, 1st United Kingdom Division, with music from the York Minster Choir.
Commenting on the virtual service, Canon Victoria said: “Lockdown will make it impossible for communities to come together to mark VE Day 75 – an important milestone in our country’s history. We hope that this virtual service will provide people with a spiritual space to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of the wartime generation and, at this particular time, to reflect on the courage, professionalism and commitment of everyone working to keep us safe from Covid-19.”
The contributors recorded their audio segments in lockdown using mobile phones. These were then edited and uploaded to the York Minster website and shared via the Minster’s social media channels.
The Revd Richard Hall, Chaplain to the 2nd Signal Regiment based in York, offers a short reflection in the service. Richard joined the army as a chaplain in 2001. He has lived in quarters in London, Cyprus, Northern Ireland, South Wales and Ripon. He has undertaken operational tours in Iraq, Afghanistan and most recently, with the United Nations in South Sudan. Richard has been Chaplain to 2nd Signal Regiment since September 2019.
The prayers are led by the Revd David Barrett, Assistant Chaplain General, 1st United Kingdom Division. David joined the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department in 1999. David joined the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department in 1999. He served as a regimental chaplain in both the United Kingdom and Germany, before becoming a Brigade Senior Chaplain, firstly in Shrewsbury and then in Bergen-Hohne Germany. During this period he deployed operationally to the Balkans, Iraq and twice to Afghanistan. In 2014 he became Chief Instructor at the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre at Amport House and this was followed by a move to become Senior Chaplain 16 (Air Assault) Brigade, based in Colchester. In May 2018 he took up a chaplaincy role in Army Headquarters in Andover. David was appointed Assistant Chaplain General, 1st (United Kingdom Division) based in York in January 2019.
York Minster’s virtual service for VE Day will be available from Friday 8 May HERE
New digital stained glass resource launched
New digital resource allows unique access to York Minster’s
medieval stained glass windows
Virtual visitors can now explore the hidden stories of York Minster’s Great East Window, the country’s largest single expanse of medieval stained glass, through a new online resource.
The new Stained Glass Navigator site features high-resolution photos of all 311 panels from the recently restored medieval masterpiece, allowing people to explore the whole window online for the first time and view the detail of its intricately painted 600-year old glass.
The resource has been created by York Glaziers Trust, Britain’s oldest and largest specialist stained glass conservation studio, with support from the Chapter of York and the York Minster Fund.
It uses photos taken during the ten year project to restore and conserve the window, which was completed in 2018, presented together with new views of the St Cuthbert Window, which will be the subject of the cathedral’s next major stained glass conservation project, due to start in 2021.
“The new navigator tool offers visitors a unique insight into the details of the two windows’ stained glass and their stories, creating views which would be physically impossible for people to see even if they were standing inside the cathedral,” explains Sarah Brown, Director of York Glaziers Trust.
“The photography has been taken by conservators during our work to care for the Minster’s treasure trove of stained glass, allowing us to share with the public the amazing artwork and stories in a completely new way.”
Visitors to the site can navigate through all the stained glass panels in the two windows and read explanations of the stories they tell.
“The biggest technical challenge was how to display an enormous photograph without users having to wait for it to download,” explains Sarah.
“The photograph is split into tiles at various resolutions that are loaded as the user moves around and zooms in to the image of the window. This means the window displays quickly initially, and high-resolution tiles are only loaded when needed.”
The Great East Window was created between 1405 and 1408 by a team of artists and craftsmen led by master-glazier and glass-painter John Thornton, and depicts the beginning and end of all things from the first book of the bible, the book of Genesis, to the last, the book of Revelation.
It was revealed in May 2018 after a decade long conservation and restoration project, one of the largest of its kind in Europe, which included repairing and replacing nearly 2,500 stones in the cathedral’s East End, which houses the window.
The project included installing state-of-the-art environmental protective glazing, incorporating newly developed UV resistant glass, to provide a barrier between the 600-year old glass and the environment. It was the first time the material had been used in the UK and the largest worldwide use to date.
The development of the new technique for protecting the glass helped shape plans to protect the cathedral’s other windows, which hold the largest in-situ collection of medieval stained glass in the country.
In 2017 a 20-year partnership project was announced by the Chapter of York, the York Glaziers Trust and the York Minster Fund, with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to extend protective glazing to all 128 of the Minster’s mostly medieval windows.
Currently, around 50% of the windows have no protection, leaving their delicate surfaces exposed to the elements and subject to corrosion and decay, meaning the irreplaceable glass could be lost for future generations.
The St Cuthbert Window will be the next major window in the cathedral to benefit from the scheme, with work to repair and restore its glass due to start in 2021.
The window dates from c.1440 and is one of the largest surviving narrative windows in Europe, telling the story of the life and miracles of one of Northern England’s most significant saints.
The project will take around three years to complete, with the window’s existing external quarry glazing, which was installed in the 1930s, being replaced by the new state-of-the art protective glazing before the repaired and restored stained glass is returned.
The new website currently focuses on the Great East and St Cuthbert Windows, but it is hoped images from more windows in the Minster’s collection will be added over time.
Visit the new stained glass navigator site here.
York Minster plans Memorial Service for those bereaved by COVID-19
York Minster plans Memorial Service to comfort those bereaved by the Covid-19 pandemic
A special memorial service to comfort relatives and friends bereaved during the Covid-19 pandemic will take place at York Minster later in the year.
The impact of the virus, and the national lockdown that has been in place to support the NHS and essential services during the emergency, has made it virtually impossible for relatives and friends to comfort and support their loved ones in their final hours and social distancing measures have resulted in restrictions for funerals and cremations.
The Revd Michael Smith, Canon Pastor at York Minster said that the circumstances have left many people feeling desolate and heartbroken. He said:
“One of the most painful aspects of the current ‘lockdown’ is that many people have been unable to sit by the side of loved ones as they died or to attend their funerals. When regulations are lifted there will be a Memorial Service at York Minster to enable those bereaved during the pandemic to grieve and to give thanks for loved ones who have died.
“The proposed York Minster Memorial Service will complement local, personal church services held across the Diocese of York for families wishing to commemorate a loved one who they were unable to visit at the end of their life and whose funeral they were unable to attend.
“We will announce the date for this service as soon as we can but we wanted people to know that in addition to what local ministers and churches will be doing for individual families, there will be an opportunity for anyone to come to a service at York Minster to grieve and give thanks for loved ones who have died, and to light a candle in their memory.
“We hope that in this way we will be able to walk alongside all who have been bereaved during the pandemic, and, by sharing the good news of God’s love, to bring some comfort and healing to all those who have been unable to grieve properly because of the present situation.”
ENDS
For media enquiries contact:
Sharon Atkinson – Director of Communications – t: 01904 557248 m: 07785 615457
sharona@yorkminster.org
Leanne Woodhurst – Marketing and Communications Manager – t: 01904 559534 m: 07824 017585
leannew@yorkminster.org
Tom Outing – Marketing and Communications Officer – t: 01904 557249 m: 07469 084143
tom.outing@yorkminster.org
Welcome to York Minster’s digital worship for Holy Week and Easter
-Published 3 April 2020-
Worship and prayers for Holy Week and Easter at York Minster will be entirely digital for the first time this year – a landmark in the Minster’s 800 year history.
Having closed to the public on 17 March in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Minster’s Dean and clergy have since been releasing daily reflections and prayers online, via the cathedral’s website and social media channels.
Next week, a new series of audio services will be released to mark some of the most important days in the Christian calendar – Palm Sunday (5 April), Maundy Thursday (9 April), Good Friday (10 April), Easter Eve (11 April) and Easter Day (12 April).
The mini-services, lasting around 15-20 minutes, will include readings, prayers and music recorded by the York Minster Choir both in late March and on earlier CDs, and a special video message from the Dean of York, Dr Jonathan Frost, for Easter Day.
The Dean of York, the Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost said: “Confined to our homes as we seek to stay safe, it is to box-sets or drama series to which many of us will turn. A good story can draw us in, reframe our perspective and open up new horizons.
“The true story of the last days of Jesus of Nazareth can do the same. Once again, we are invited to enter into the story of Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter. It’s all there, inviting us in: love and betrayal; politics and broken dreams; a vision to live and to die for.
“May you find hope in the reflections, meditations stories and music offered for Holy Week and Easter via the York Minster website. It is my prayer that you find confidence, fresh perspective and, most of all, your unique place within the story, and heart, of Jesus.”
Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, 5 April, and concludes with Easter Day on Sunday 12 April.
The York Minster resources will complement wider activity by the Archbishop of York and the Church of England.
The Church of England will broadcast national services for Palm Sunday and Easter Day via its Facebook page.
On Palm Sunday the bishops of Hull, Selby and Whitby will again be offering short prayers at 12noon, 4pm and 8pm, via the Diocese of York’s social media channels.
On Maundy Thursday (9 April) at 11am, the Archbishop of York and Bishops of the Diocese of York, will offer a short online service including renewal of vows for lay ministers, deacons and priests, and a renewal of commitment and baptismal vows for all the faithful. All are welcome to join via Facebook, Twitter or Vimeo. Recordings of these services will be available for people to catch up later if they miss the service.
In addition to the programme for Holy Week and Easter, a range of resources including prayers are available for daily use from both the York Minster and Church of England websites.
For full details about York Minster’s digital programme for Holy Week and Easter Day, visit our WHAT’S ON page.
York Minster closes due to the coronavirus
Update: Monday 1 June 2020
Dean’s Park, the popular green space which runs along the north side of York Minster, has reopened. The park will be open daily from 10am to 6pm. People using the area are asked to respect Government advice and social distancing guidance by remaining at least 2m apart from others outside of their group at all times to ensure the park remains open for all.
The cathedral and its wider precinct currently remain closed to the public while its governing body, the Chapter of York, plans how to safely reopen for worship and sightseeing, in line with advice from Government and Public Health England.
Statement – 17 March 2020 (with updates on the 20 & 23 March)
The Chapter of York, the governing body of York Minster, today announced that the Minster will be closed until further notice. The decision, which will be reviewed on a regular basis, follows yesterday’s update from the UK Government on the national response to the coronavirus and today’s statement by the Archbishops of York and Canterbury.
The decision covers the many events, concerts and programmes that are part of the life of the Minster. The closure also applies to the Old Palace Museum, Library and Archives in Dean’s Park. and to Dean’s Park itself. Following government advice, the Minster School has also now closed. All decisions will remain under review on a daily basis.
Since 627AD, through all the many changes and challenges facing the city of York and the communities of the North, the Minster Community has kept a rhythm of prayer and openness to God alive. Even though the Minster will be closed to the public, the Minster clergy will still maintain a pattern of daily prayer, praying for the needs of the nation and our world at this time.
Prayer has been offered in this place for many centuries and it will continue. We will consider the ways in which we can serve and support our community, our city and the North of England. The Archbishops have called all of us to pray this Sunday (Mothering Sunday), particularly remembering those who are sick or anxious and all those involved in health and the emergency services. In the coming days, the Minster will seek ways in which we can reach out to people through prayer, social media and through serving the community. Regular updates will be published on the website.
Commenting on the decision, The Right Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, Dean of York said:
“We find ourselves in unprecedented times. But the same disciplines of prayer and mutual care that have been life giving in the past will now serve us well in the future. I’m well aware that in the communities of York and across the North, there are plans developing for mutual aid and for taking care of our neighbours, particularly the most vulnerable and needy.
“For example, only this morning I heard of one community scheme that has emerged which will support self-isolating elderly people in gathering their shopping. In another example, people are caring for work colleagues unable to come into their usual place of work through regular telephone contact and keeping in touch. In a crisis we discover what matters most.
“At the heart of this is the care and compassion that we show to one another by keeping in touch and keeping aware. I would also encourage those affected by the current situation to keep in touch and to be aware of God through prayer. Whatever matters to us, matters to God. We can always bring our concerns and fears just as they are to the God who loves us and who will never fail or forsake us. Be assured that the Minster Community is praying for all our neighbours at this time and is ready to support and care in any practical way possible.”
LISTEN:
Jonathan Frost (Dean) talks to BBC Radio York (18/03/2020). Audio kindly supplied by BBC Radio York
‘Excellent’ results for The Minster School following inspection
The academic achievement and personal development of pupils at The Minster School, York, have been judged as ‘excellent’ by independent school inspectors.
The results follow a combined inspection at the independent school, which is part of York Minster, between 28 and 30 January this year, assessing both educational quality and compliance with the Independent Schools Standards (ISS).
It found that both the pupils’ achievement and personal development was ‘excellent’, (the highest possible grading) and that the school has met all eight standards required of it under the ISS.
The report, issued by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), states: “Pupils of all abilities achieve highly across a range of subjects”, with achievements in music, art and French particularly high. Inspectors noted that ‘Pupils of all ages demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a passionate desire to learn’ alongside ‘exemplary attitudes to learning’.
It adds that: “Throughout the school, pupils approach their learning with eagerness and intellectual curiosity. They work with commitment and focus, responding positively to the school’s ethos of striving for excellence.”
The report also references the ‘excellent progress’ pupils make as they transition through the school, with almost half of the final year group consistently gaining music, sport and all-rounder scholarships to their senior schools.
In terms of pupils’ personal development, it says this is strong, ‘nurtured by a community which values personal fulfilment, well-being and happiness, and seeks to promote these outcomes throughout the school.’ Inspectors recognise that: “Throughout the school, pupils feel valued and well-supported by those who look after them.”
It adds that these qualities are developed as a result of strong leadership which has successfully overseen initiatives like the introduction of a ‘spread the happiness’ campaign throughout the school.
Angela Mitchell, Headteacher at The Minster School, said: “We’re delighted with the results of the inspection and so pleased that the many strengths of The Minster School have been recognised in this report.
“As a school we aim to create an environment where pupils develop into well-rounded individuals, both culturally and emotionally, where each individual is able to contribute positively to their community, as well as developing a love of learning.
“The results in the report, particularly around the positive work ethic of our pupils, demonstrate we continue to achieve this aim. I would like to thank the staff for their hard work, the committed and supportive parents and School Board as well as our fabulous pupils for making this such a wonderful and successful school to be in.”
The full report is available via The Minster School’s website at: www.minsterschoolyork.co.uk.
Lent, Holy Week and Easter at York Minster
Article published 20 February 2020
From Ash Wednesday (26 February) until Easter Eve (Saturday 11 April), Christians around the world will enter the period of Lent – a time of reflection, penitence and solemnity – as they recall the momentous events leading to Jesus’ betrayal, imprisonment, torture, and crucifixion on Good Friday. Then on Easter Day (Sunday 12 April), sorrow turns to joy as Christians celebrate the wonder of Christ’s resurrection.
For the Right Reverend Dr Jonathan Frost, Dean of York, the Lent and Easter story raises many intriguing questions about faith, belief and hope. He said: “Every year Christians enter into the dramatic narrative of Lent, Holy Week and Easter. We journey with Jesus to the cross and rejoice in his glorious resurrection. From entering into this story we can find hope in times of despair, light in times of darkness and confidence in the power of love to overcome all things.
“We are given time to reflect on the big questions of life and experience the awe and wonder of worshipping in the amazing space of York Minster, built as a witness to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We hope people will feel able to come and see the story at the heart of the life of the Minster and the foundation of our faith.”
“Come and See” Mission during Lent at York Minster
Also taking place during Lent, from Thursday 12 until Sunday 15 March, is the “Come and See” Northern Bishops mission to the Diocese of York. “Come and See” is an invitation for people to have conversations about faith, to reflect, to pray and to discover God’s love. People will be invited to pray at the ‘HOPE’ prayer installation – an illuminated artwork with the word ‘HOPE’ created from free-standing wooden letters six feet high and four feet wide.
York Minster’s services and events for Lent and Easter are listed below:
Monday 24 February – The arrival of the cross for Lent and Easter
Six metres tall, three metres wide and hewn from rough scaffolding wood in the Minster’s workshop, the cross, the central symbol of the Christian faith, will be constructed in the Minster. It will be in the Minster from Ash Wednesday until the Feast of Pentecost.
Wednesday 26 February – Ash Wednesday – Imposition of the Ashes, 11am and 2pm, during Holy Communion at 7.50am and 12.30pm, and during the Sung Eucharist at 5.15pm.
We welcome visitors to receive the sign of the cross marked in ash on their foreheads as a reminder of our mortality and of our sharing of death in Christ.
Silence in the Minster
Thursdays during Lent – from 5 March until 2 April, 7.00-9.00pm
Introducing the restorative and meditative power of silence. A member of the Cathedral clergy will give a short talk on how to use silence, drawing on the deep well of teaching, resources and experience in the Christian contemplative tradition, before leading periods of silent meditation. Poetry readings and music during the event will sustain the stillness and calm. Silence in the Minster will conclude at 8.35pm with Choral Compline sung by the Ebor Singers.
Stations of the Cross
Fridays during Lent – 28, February, 6, 13, 20, 27 March and 3 April, 11.30am
14 dramatic and stunning artworks by renowned York based artist Jerry Scott will once again mark the Stations of the Cross in the Minster. The stations echo Jesus’s journey to his crucifixion and the 14 stages along the way. The walk around the Minster will include opportunities for reflection, hymns and prayers.
“Come and See” Northern Bishops Mission – Thursday 12 – Sunday 15 March
The mission events start with a York Minster Commissioning Service at 1.30pm on Thursday 12 March. The Northern Bishops mission to the Diocese of York, is an opportunity for all to unite in local mission and evangelism: we pray, we invite, we celebrate and we offer hospitality, all in the power of the Holy Spirit, telling the Good News of Jesus Christ. Find out more at comeandsee.uk
Stations of the Cross for families Good Friday, 10 April, 11.30am
Pupils from St Peter’s School, York, have used ceramics to create Stations of the Cross artworks for this year’s family event in Dean’s Park. The service begins in the Chapter House at 11.30am, will last about an hour and will be followed by drinks and hot cross buns.
Holy Week and Easter Day at York Minster
Palm Sunday
Sunday 5 April from 9.45am
Sung Eucharist and Procession with Palms. Meeting at the Mansion House, St Helen’s Square, York, at 9.45am.
Monday 6 April, 7.30-8.30pm
Johann Sebastian Bach’s Jesu meine Freude and Compline.
Tuesday 7 April, 7.30-8.30pm
Reading of the Passion Gospel with Charpentier’s Le reniement de Saint Pierre, and Compline.
Wednesday 8 April, 7.30-8.30pm
Stainer’s, The Crucifixion, and Compline.
Maundy Thursday, 9 April
Chrism Eucharist at 11am, Eucharist of the Last Supper at 7pm, Watch of the Passion from 8.15pm until midnight, with Tenebrae at 9.30pm
The Chrism Eucharist takes its name from Chrismation (anointing). The Archbishop of York, Dr John
Sentamu, will bless oils for anointing candidates for baptism and confirmation and for healing. Clergy and lay people from around the Diocese will renew their vows. Dr Sentamu will wash the feet of 12 people, commemorating Jesus’ washing the feet of his disciples before the Last Supper.
At the Eucharist of the Last Supper, the Dean will wash the feet of members of the Minster community. At the end of the service the consecrated bread will be taken to All Saints’ Chapel and will be placed on the altar where it will become the focus of the watch. Kept until midnight, the watch recalls Jesus’ time in the Garden of Gethsemane before his arrest, trial and crucifixion. During the watch, The Ebor Singers will sing the office of Tenebrae, recalling the gathering darkness as we move towards Good Friday.
Good Friday – Friday 10 April
The Liturgy of Good Friday at 10am
Stations of the Cross for families at 11.30am
The Liturgy of Good Friday includes Bible readings, singing of the Passion from St John’s Gospel, and the procession of a large wooden cross and prayers.
Three Hours Devotion – When I survey the wondrous cross from 12-3pm
Canon Michael Smith, Canon Pastor at York Minster, has written six short stories about people watching Jesus’ crucifixion. Some of the characters such as James the Disciple and Lazarus – raised from the dead by Jesus – are from the Gospels; others such as the mother of Barabbas, the bandit whose release by Pontius Pilate sealed Jesus’ fate, are imagined. In this session, Canon Michael will explore these six very different perspectives and experiences through scriptures, stories, hymns, prayers, music and silence.
Easter Eve – Saturday 11 April
The Easter Liturgy with Baptism and Confirmation from 8.30pm
Beginning in darkness, the service will consist of readings telling the story of the liberation from slavery in Egypt of the ancient Israelites, followed by the lighting of the Paschal (Easter) Candle. The proclamation of the Easter Gospel is followed by a procession to the Crypt for baptism, confirmation for candidates associated with the Minster, the annual reaffirmation of baptismal vows and concludes with the celebration of the First Eucharist of Easter. The President at the Easter Liturgy will be the Archbishop of York.
Easter Day – Sunday 12 April
Holy Communion at 8am, Solemn Eucharist at 10am, Choral Matins at 11.45am, Solemn Evensong with Blessing of the Easter Garden at 4pm. Free entry to all.
Our services will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu will preside at the 10am Solemn Eucharist service, his last Easter as a serving Archbishop.
Evensong for Holy Week
Throughout Holy Week, Evensong will be sung daily at 5.15pm and at 4pm on Sundays.
York Minster’s Easter Garden – Sunday 5 April
A much-loved tradition at York Minster, the Easter garden depicts key scenes from the Passion. Starting on Palm Sunday with just the tomb and three crosses, new elements will be added as the Easter story unfolds including palm branches, 30 pieces of silver (Judas Iscariot’s reward for his betrayal of Jesus), a crown of thorns and three nails and a length of material representing Jesus’ burial cloth. During the Easter Vigil on Easter Eve, the tomb will be opened and illuminated and the garden festooned with flowers to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. The garden will be blessed by the Archbishop of York during the vigil. The Easter Garden will be in the North Transept under the Five Sisters Window from Palm Sunday (5 April) until Ascension Day (21 May).