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).
The Star of David in 600 Candles: York Minster’s commemoration for International Holocaust Day
Posted 22 Jan 2020
Six hundred candles set out in the shape of the Star of David will be lit at York Minster on Thursday 23 January, in memory of more than 6 million Jewish people murdered by the Nazis in the Second World War.
The candle-lit star on the floor of the cathedral’s ancient Chapter House, is part of a week-long programme of events across York and the region, marking International Holocaust Memorial Day which takes place on the 27 January each year, the date in 1945, of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp – the largest Nazi death camp.
The international theme for this year’s commemoration – ‘Stand Together’ – encourages people everywhere to support each other, speak out and stand together against forces – such as religious and racial hatred, social and political inequalities – that divide and displace communities and which can lead to acts of genocidal violence.
York Minster’s event will begin with a Choral Evensong service attended by representatives from York’s Jewish community and other faith communities. This will be followed by a procession to the cathedral’s Chapter House for the act of commemoration, which will include readings, music, poetry, prayers and periods of silence for quiet reflection.
Singers from York Minster Choir will perform a setting of the Kaddish – the traditional Jewish prayer of mourning – in English. Throughout the event, people will be invited to light a candle and then add it to the Star of David until all 600 candles are lit.
The Revd Canon Dr Christopher Collingwood, Canon Chancellor at York Minster said: “This act of commemoration brings people together to remember and reflect upon the horrific events of the Holocaust, in which 6 million of our Jewish brothers and sisters lost their lives, as well as other genocides and persecutions that have happened in more recent history.
“It also challenges us not to be complacent. There are communities and individuals around the world today experiencing, discrimination, persecution, violence and the constant threat of death as part of their daily reality. We must ‘Stand Together’ in solidarity with all who suffer, and raise our voices in protest against those who perpetrate these acts. We must also encourage our leaders to be brave and bold in speaking out and in taking positive action to create a safer future for everyone.”
The 2020 search for new choristers begins
Posted 13 Jan 2020
York school pupils currently in Year 2 and Year 3 and who love singing are encouraged to try for a place in York Minster’s world famous choir and the chance to be educated at the Minster School.
Children joining the choir, which is made up of 20 boys, 20 girls and 12 adult singers, will be part of an internationally renowned team of singers whose voices are an essential part of worship at the Minster.
Choristers perform at services, high profile occasions, events and concerts. They will also have the opportunity to take part in broadcasts for national media organisations such as BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM, recordings for classical music labels and to tour abroad.
Recent alumni of the York Minster Choir include Will Miles-Kingston who was announced as the winner of the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Young Choristers of the Year competition in December 2019. Will won the title as the UK’s best boy chorister.
Will was a chorister at York Minster from 2014 until 2019, singing rehearsals as part of the school day and singing up to four services each week. Will is now a music scholar at St Peter’s School York, where he has continued to develop both his singing and performing.
Choristers are educated at the Minster School and each receive a bursary worth 60% of their school fees, with means-tested funding potentially increasing this to 100%. This makes the benefits of a chorister education available to every child, irrespective of family circumstances. Mrs Angela Mitchell, Head Teacher at the Minster School said:
“Our school is a very friendly and warm community where the staff get to know each child incredibly well. Our pupils enjoy a rich and extensive range of learning opportunities. They thrive with traditional curriculum subjects and they also experience high quality learning in art, music and languages with opportunities to take part in residential events in France. They will also take part in events in the magnificence of York Minster.
“By Year 8, our pupils are lovely, responsible and confident young adults, ready for the next stage of their education. They go on to a range of schools including excellent local schools and boarding schools in other parts of the country. Parents and carers are welcome to contact the school for an appointment to come and visit and to learn more about the process of becoming a York Minster Chorister.”
Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster, explained that the audition process aims to identify children with musicality and potential, rather than recruiting fully formed singers. He said:
“There will be many parents in and around York with a son or daughter who just loves singing and who may be searching for ways to nurture their child’s ability. Becoming a chorister at York Minster is an excellent way to harness a child’s musical talent. Energy, enthusiasm and humour are just as important as musical talent.
“In addition to developing their musical skills, chorister training helps children to develop lifelong skills such as self-discipline, organisational skills, concentration, poise and attention to detail.
“This is a unique opportunity for a child to have a superb education and to play a part in the life of one of the most important and beautiful cathedrals in the world.”
York Minster Neighbourhood Forum finalises draft Neighbourhood Plan for public consultation
A revised draft York Minster Neighbourhood Plan is published for six weeks of public consultation today. The plans will be on view at a public exhibition in St William’s College on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 January and also online from 10 January until midnight on 23 February.
Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at the Minster said:
“There was an excellent response to last year’s consultation and it was hugely encouraging that 69% of those who responded supported the proposals and shared our vision for a sustainable, long-term future for the York Minster Precinct. We are grateful to everyone who took the time to give us their views. Their input has been vital in reshaping and refining our plans.”
There was strong public support for:
- The development of a new, pedestrianised public square at Duncombe Place that will also incorporate the South African War Memorial
- Moving the main visitor entrance to the South Door and reserving the West Door for ceremonial services and events
- Creating a new space for education, learning and a dedicated museum to house the Minster’s extensive collection linked to the Old Palace
- Enhancing Dean’s Park as an important city centre green space.
Whilst there was overall support for proposals to create new visitor facilities, some people were concerned about housing the facilities in new buildings on the lawns under the South Quire Aisle. As a result, the new visitor facilities will now be located in existing buildings to the south of the Minster.
There was strong support for a new sensory garden but some people felt that the plan to provide direct access to the garden from the city walls might actually make the area too busy and noisy. Improving access to the city walls will now be considered as part of the project to develop the Old Palace in a later phase of work in the Precinct.
The revised draft York Minster Neighbourhood Plan is the result of detailed collaboration with the Minster’s immediate neighbours, the wider local community and statutory bodies including City of York Council and Historic England.
Following this consultation, final amendments will be incorporated into the draft Plan. It will then be submitted to City of York Council. The council will carry out a final statutory consultation before the Plan is submitted for independent examination by a Planning Inspector. Copies of the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitat Regulations Assessment are also available to view and comment on as part of the consultation process.
How to view the revised Neighbourhood Plan consultation
The revised Neighbourhood Plan proposals will be available for public view and comment at a two-day exhibition event at St William’s College, College Green, on Friday 10 January from 11.00am until 5.00pm and on Saturday 11 January from 10.00am until 5.00pm.
The exhibition will be available to view and comment online from 10 January until midnight on 23 February at https://yorkminster.org/about-us/master-planning/.
The exhibition can also be viewed inside the Minster’s North Transept and outside on the Queen’s Path next to the Mason’s Lodge.
Visitors can also drop-in to three city centre locations to view a printed version of the consultation and to pick-up a feedback form. The locations are:
- Church House, 10-14 Ogleforth, York,
- York Explore, Library Square, York
- City of York Council, West Offices, Station Rise, York.
Former Chorister wins Young Choristers of the Year, 2019
Will Miles-Kingston has won BBC Radio 2’s Young Choristers of the Year 2019. The 13 year old won the title and was delighted to bring the award home to York.
Eight contestants from around the UK, aged between 11 and 17 years of age, competed in the final, where one girl and one boy were awarded the title. To win this prestigious accolade, Will competed with three other shortlisted boy finalists at MediaCityUK. After a day of rehearsals and interviews, Radzi Chinyanganya hosted the final competition in the BBC Philharmonic Studio. Will was the last boy to sing and treated the audience to an exquisite performance of Holst’s In the Bleak Midwinter and The Sussex Carol arranged by David Willcocks. The judges commended the confidence in Will’s singing and enjoyed how he engaged his audience through telling the stories of each piece. They added that Will had “a lovely musicality” before making their decision to award him the prize.
Will began singing at York Minster in 2014. As a chorister, he had singing practices as part of the school day and sang up to four services each week. He has performed a wide range of solos from Allegri’s Miserere to Mendelssohn’s O for the Wings of a Dove to Blake’s The Snowman. These opportunities helped build in him a level of focus and courage that was clearly visible in the final.
Will finished his choristership in July 2019 and has continued to develop his singing and performing at St Peter’s School, York, where he is a music scholar. As well as classical music, he is enjoying singing songs from the shows and playing jazz trumpet. In a busy first term, Will has had the opportunity to play alongside the Cambridge University Jazz Orchestra, play in the National Concert Band Festival and sing Evensong at Durham Cathedral.
As Young Chorister of the Year 2019, Will, along with the winning girl chorister, Anna Haestrup from St Paul’s Girls School in London, will be recording with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and performing on a number of broadcasts. He will also be singing live as the soloist with the St Peter’s Chapel Choir, who will be accompanying the BBC Radio 4 Sunday Worship programme to be broadcast on 26 January.
Will said of his win, “I am really happy to be the Young Chorister of the Year 2019, especially knowing how talented the other finalists were. Taking part was an amazing experience and I am looking forward to singing in various venues during the year. I am also looking forward to returning to sing at York Minster with the St William’s Singers, which will be very special.”
Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster commented, “Will’s work as a Minster chorister was exemplary not just for his outstanding voice and huge contribution as a soloist at services, but also as a team-player and keen supporter of his peers. This result is a very fitting recognition of his talents.”
Jeremy Walker, Head Master of St Peter’s School, York added, “We are tremendously proud of Will and wish him every success as Young Chorister of the Year. He continues the centuries old tradition of choral singing here at St Peter’s, where sacred and secular music form an essential part of everyday life at the school. We are very much looking forward to inviting listeners from all over the world to tune into Radio 4’s Sunday Worship on January 26th, where they will hear Will and St Peter’s Chapel Choir perform.”