Special services to mark the completion of work to York Minster’s Great East Window
Two special services will take place at York Minster this month to celebrate the completion of the decade long project to conserve and restore the cathedral’s Great East Window.
On Saturday 12 May, pilgrims walking from across the Diocese of York will gather at the cathedral to share in a special reception and Evensong service hosted by the Chapter of York and the York Minster Fund. The event has been organised to give pilgrims and worshippers from across the diocese an opportunity to enjoy the fully restored window for the first time in ten years.
Then, on Thursday 17 May, a celebratory Evensong will take place in the Minster’s Nave where the window will be rededicated by the Dean of York, the Very Reverend Vivienne Faull. The service, which is open to all to attend, has been organised to thank everyone who has been involved in the restoration project over the last decade.
It will be followed by a reception where copies of the new book by York Glaziers Trust Director Sarah Brown – The Great East Window of York Minster – An English Masterpiece – will be available to purchase.
Neil Sanderson, Director of the York Minster Fund, said: “We are holding these events to say thank you to the many people whose work, support, wishes and prayers over the last decade have sustained us through this incredibly challenging and complex project.
“We look forward to welcoming people at both events to enjoy and celebrate the completion of work on the window, which is the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the country.”
The pilgrimage started on Sunday (6 May) with walkers setting out from locations across the diocese. Many pilgrims are walking to raise money for charities including Christian Aid and Embrace the Middle East, one of three charities sponsored by York Minster’s congregation. Most of those walking for Embrace are walking on Saturday 12 May from Huby Church to York Minster – a distance of 11 miles.
Pilgrimage is a personal journey: for some it involves a strenuous physical journey, while for others it is simply the act of travelling and arriving.
The pilgrims will travel through some of Yorkshire’s most beautiful scenery and along some of the most ancient pilgrimage routes in the country. The walkers will tackle a variety of routes with some distances taking several days to complete, whilst others will choose day walks or to walk short sections. York Minster’s walking group of 16 pilgrims recently embarked on a seven day journey from Whitby to the Minster.
Pilgrims will be welcomed at the cathedral on Saturday afternoon (12 May) for refreshments before the Evensong service takes place in the Quire at 5.15pm.
On Thursday 17 May the service starts in the Minster’s Nave at 5.15pm and the reception will follow at 6pm.
York Minster to screen Manchester Arena attack anniversary service
York Minster will host the live screening of a special service from 2.00 to 3.00pm on Tuesday 22 May to mark and reflect on the first anniversary of the Manchester Arena terror attack.
The attack claimed the lives of 22 people and left those of many others changed forever.
The National Service of Commemoration at Manchester Cathedral will welcome a congregation including bereaved families, first responders, city leaders and senior national figures. Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu will be attending the service at Manchester Cathedral.
But in recognition of the fact that the terrible events of 22 May 2017 touched people across the country, and that many of the victims came from across the North of Britain, the service is also being screened at York Minster, Glasgow Cathedral and Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral – giving others the chance to come together in solidarity and prayer.
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
“The attack at Manchester Arena last year was an attack on our common humanity. The solidarity, love and support shown across the country and beyond helped us through an incredibly difficult period and demonstrated a collective refusal to give in to hatred and fear. We were incredibly grateful for that and I’m grateful to York Minster for giving people the opportunity to join with us as we reflect on the anniversary.”
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu said:
“I will be at the service in Manchester on Tuesday, as I was last year, standing alongside the Bishop of Manchester and many other leaders from a great city in shared grief at the loss of so many young lives. We will stand together in shared solidarity and commitment to peace and the wellbeing of all. This is a time for communities to hold together, to care for one another, to respect the privacy of those carrying this grief, and to hold on to the truth that: ‘Love is stronger than hate, light is stronger than darkness, life is stronger than death.’ May God give us his peace and blessing.”
The Dean of York, The Very Reverend Dr Vivienne Faull said:
“This will be a very difficult day for the people of Manchester and the many across the north of England who were affected by the attack. It is almost impossible to come to terms with an event so savage, so senseless and so inhumane. For those who lost loved ones or suffered serious injury, the loss and trauma will be life changing and life-long.
“However on this difficult day we will remember with love, those who died. We will remember the courage of those who were first on the scene that night, the selflessness and professionalism of the emergency services and the wonderful response of the city of Manchester to this horrible event. Manchester is a resilient community united in grief but defiant and strong in the face of terror.”
The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Barbara Boyce, said:
“The inhumane and senseless attack in Manchester last year affected us all either directly or indirectly. York lost two of its citizens and their children were left without parents. This special service gives everyone the opportunity to stand together and to demonstrate that we will continue to show love and compassion to one another and not live in fear of hatred and terror.”
The Very Reverend Dr Vivienne Faull Dean of York to become 57th Bishop of Bristol
Statement from The Very Reverend Dr Vivienne Faull Dean of York on her appointment as the 57th Bishop of Bristol
Her Majesty The Queen has approved the nomination of the Very Reverend Dr Vivienne Frances Faull, Dean of York in the diocese of York, as the 57th Bishop of Bristol. She will be consecrated on 3 July in St Paul’s Cathedral.
Commenting on her appointment, Viv Faull said:
“The invitation to become Bishop of Bristol is a delight to me: the Diocese of Bristol is pioneering. It was the first to ordain women as priests and it is investing in several ambitious projects around the diocese as it grows in confidence.
“The main tasks for the new Bishop are to broaden the outreach of the church and to link with wider civil society in Bristol, Swindon and (as they say in the Diocese) along the M4 corridor.
“But alongside the delight there is the sadness of leaving the Minster and York, and in particular the volunteers, worshippers and staff.
“It has been wonderful to lead this great community in inviting everyone to discover God’s love.”
Click here to download the full press release from number 10 Downing Street
Click here to download the press release from Diocese of Bristol, including a statement from The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.
Hundreds gather for special York Minster Beacon event to celebrate finale of global prayer movement
York Minster will be hosting a special Beacon event to celebrate the international, ecumenical, prayer movement – Thy Kingdom Come – on Sunday 20 May from 7.30 until 9.00pm. (Doors open from 7pm).
Organised by The Belfrey and York Minster alongside One Voice York, the event aims to attract hundreds of people from York and beyond to celebrate Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Dean Vivienne Faull will welcome all to York Minster and the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu will preach at this contemporary event. It will include music by The Belfrey Band and opportunities for informal prayer and reflection, as well as in-conversation pieces with Associate Ministers at The Belfrey, Ben Doolan and Ellie May.
The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu said:
“Come and join me in the awe inspiring York Minster as we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirt, the same Spirit which powerfully raised Jesus Christ from the dead and now lives in us. It is my prayer that all who have joined in Thy Kingdom Come will be encouraged and inspired to live out lives which herald God’s kingdom of love, justice and mercy.”
York Minster is just one of a handful of Beacon events happening across the UK. Churches up and down the country will be hosting Thy Kingdom Come events from 10 – 20 May.
Thy Kingdom Come, began as a simple invitation to prayer from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York in 2016, but has since blossomed into a global movement bringing together hundreds of thousands of Christians from across the globe to pray for more people to come to know the amazing love of Jesus Christ during the 11-day period from Ascension to Pentecost.
In 2017 alone, more than 85 countries – ranging from Canada to Australia, South Sudan to Japan – took part and it is hoped that this year, even greater numbers of individuals, families and churches will be involved.
York Minster’s Grand Organ to undergo once-a-century refurbishment
York Minster’s Grand Organ will undergo a major, £2m refurbishment this autumn for the first time in 100 years.
The instrument, parts of which date back to 1834, will be removed – including almost all of its 5263 pipes – and taken to Durham for repair/rebuilding by organ specialists Harrison and Harrison.
The project will take around two years to complete, with the restored instrument due to be ready for use in autumn 2020.
Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster, said: “The organ plays a key part in the Minster’s services, providing the heartbeat at the centre of daily worship within the church. This once-in-a-century refurbishment will ensure the instrument’s reliability for the next 100 years.”
Due to their regular use and environment, cathedral organs ideally require small-scale cleaning and adjustment every 15 to 20 years, with more extensive repairs carried out every 30 to 35 years and a major refurbishment every 100 years. The last major refurbishment of the Minster’s organ was carried out in 1903.
The project will include replacing the organ’s mechanism, extensive work to dismantle, clean and overhaul the instrument and minor changes to the organ case to both improve how it looks and the sound it allows out. The plans also include creating a new music library underneath the organ, inside the screen which separates the Quire from the Nave, subject to the relevant permissions being obtained.
The aim is to ensure the unique sound of the Minster’s organ is preserved, while restoring the grander, imposing qualities of the instrument which were altered during work in the 1960s.
During the two years of refurbishment work, the Minster’s full music programme will continue. A grand piano will be used alongside an existing chamber organ in the Quire and a digital organ will serve both the Nave and Quire.
A final series of organ concerts and recitals will take place at the Minster during 2018 before the instrument is removed. Dates include an informal organ promenade on Monday 7 May at 1.10pm, a performance of Olivier Messiaen’s L’Ascension on Sunday 13 May at 5.15pm and a gala concert on Saturday 25 August at 7pm to close the series.
If you would like to support the project please contact the York Minster Fund by emailing ymf@yorkminster.org or calling 01904 557245.
York Minster event explores the healing, calming power of silence
The restorative power of silence and silent meditation will be explored in Silence in the Minster, a special after-hours event in the magnificent surroundings of York Minster’s Nave on Thursday 26 April at 7.00pm.
The Revd Canon Dr Christopher Collingwood, Chancellor of York Minster said:
“We lead rushed, busy, lives, juggling multiple responsibilities, absorbing the daily noise of our lives as a matter of routine. We are plugged into an amazing, exciting but often overwhelming online, digital world, which spends seemingly endless resources on capturing our time and attention. There is a huge amount of pressure, particularly on young people, to be involved and connected 24/7.
“Many report that they are totally exhausted by the noise and constant demands of everyday life and how difficult it is to find somewhere – anywhere – where they can escape and be quiet even if just for a short while. The Silence in the Minster event will allow many people to encounter the restorative, calming, healing power of silent meditation and silence, possibly for the first time.”
Organised by the York Minster Pilgrimage Group, this event follows two highly successful pilot events run in the Minster last year. The response was overwhelming in terms both of attendance and appreciation. The evening will begin with Canon Chris talking about how to embrace, enter into, use and enjoy silence, drawing on the deep well of teaching, resources and experience in the Christian contemplative tradition, before leading periods of meditation. No previous experience of silent meditation is necessary, although those with experience are more than welcome, and the event is open to people of all faiths and of none.
People will be encouraged to sit and experience the silence and special stillness of the Minster in the evening or simply wander through the Minster quietly as they wish. The silence will be sustained by the reading of poetry at regular intervals. The evening will conclude with a contemplative service of night prayer with music provided by students from the University of York and arranged by one of the Minster’s choral scholars, George Clark. George will also play violin at various stages in the evening.
Silence in the Minster will be held in the Nave at York Minster on Thursday 26 April from 7.00 -9.00pm. The event is free to enter, although donations will be welcome (entrance is via the Northwest door from 6.30pm) and everyone is welcome to attend.
Chapter of York publishes gender pay gap report for 2017
We are proud of our commitment to equity of pay as well as to the Accredited Living Wage
The Chapter of York today published its gender pay gap report for the 258 members of staff employed at York Minster at 5 April 2017.
Government regulations introduced earlier this year require employers with 250 or more employees (including those who are self-employed), to publish statutory calculations every year showing how large the pay gap is between their male and female employees. The data is collected on 5 April each year.
The Chapter of York’s mean pay gap is 1.25 percent – 16.75 percent lower than the national average which is currently 18 percent.
Commenting on the report, the Dean of York, the Very Reverend Dr Vivienne Faull said that the Chapter of York is committed to using gender pay gap data to benchmark staff pay in an appropriate and consistent way. She said:
“We are proud of our commitment to equity of pay as well as to the Accredited Living Wage and this figure of 1.25 percent reinforces our commitment to all forms of equality including gender equality.
“Nevertheless, it is our aim to maintain this level of gender pay equality and commit to conducting regular reviews of policies and procedures to further promote equality and inclusivity for all. We recognise that flexible working opportunities are a key way to attract both working parents and carers and we try to accommodate our staff needs on this basis wherever possible.”
Full report available here
Minster up 10 places in annual poll of leading visitor attractions
It is a great privilege to welcome so many visitors from all over the world and we are grateful to them
A record-breaking increase in visitors to York Minster last year is reflected in the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) visitor figures for 2017 released today.
The Minster rose 10 places to number 51 in ALVA’s annual survey of its top 237 sites in the United Kingdom with almost 692,000 visitors in 2017 – an increase of 13 per cent on the previous year.
Commenting on the Minster’s performance, the Very Reverend Vivienne Faull, Dean of York said:
“It is very exciting to learn that York Minster was one of ALVA’s best performers in 2017. It is a great privilege to welcome so many visitors from all over the world and we are grateful to them for making the Minster one of the UK’s “must-see” destinations last year.”
Dean Faull said that a turning point six years ago forced the Minster to overhaul its approach to customer service and visitor welcome. She said:
“Back in 2012 we received just over 422,000 visitors and it became clear that we had to up our game and take a more active role in York’s thriving tourism economy. We developed strong links with city, regional, national and international tourism organisations to persuade visitors to come to the Minster, to the city of York and to explore the wider region.
“We also recognised that the quality and warmth of welcome is perhaps the most important success factor for any visitor. Our visitor experience team is dedicated to providing a world class welcome for each and every person that enters the Minster. We want our visitors to enjoy their time with us, come back in the future and to feel that they can recommend the Minster to their friends and family.
“The response from visitors has been overwhelming with people coming to experience the magnificent gothic medieval architecture, see the newly restored Great East Window, climb the central tower, attend Evensong or just to enjoy sitting quietly in this beautiful place of worship, observing the daily routine of life in a working cathedral.”
ALVA attractions across the UK recorded a 7.4 per cent average increase in visitor numbers in 2017. Scotland and Northern Ireland had record tourism numbers with Scotland outperforming the rest of the UK for the 6th year in a row. Concerns that the sector would be adversely affected by global security issues were not reflected in the figures in London where many ALVA members experienced exceptional growth. Anecdotal evidence suggests that economic issues – including the costs of food drink and travel – might be more critical for the attractions in central London that saw a decline in visitors last year.
The National Railway Museum, also based in York, were positioned next to the Minster; ranking 50th place.
The Northern Lights Dinner
These exquisite windows are world-class masterpieces and must be protected for future generations. We are grateful to the sponsors who have already pledged their support for the event
On 15 June 2018, for the first time in six years, the York Minster Fund will host a gala dinner in the cathedral’s nave. The Fund is delighted to announce York-based Langleys Solicitors as the headline sponsor for this high profile event.
The Northern Lights Dinner promises to be the event of 2018. Up to 900 guests from Yorkshire and beyond will gather to experience a unique occasion, with fine dining and spectacular entertainment.
Langleys’ sponsorship marks the start of a new partnership between the law firm and the York Minster Fund which will see a programme of events unfold at York Minster over the coming months.
The Northern Lights Dinner will raise money towards an exciting project already underway at York Minster – a 20-year programme to provide cutting-edge protective glazing to all the windows within the Minster.
Of the 128 windows in the cathedral, 125 contain stained glass of either historic or artistic importance, with some of the glazing over 700 years old. The corrosive effects of weather and condensation over seven centuries have resulted in significant damage to the glass including thinning, flaking paintwork and even holes.
York Minster holds one of the greatest collections of medieval and post-medieval stained glass windows ever painted and they need to be preserved. The Northern Lights Dinner is part of a four- year campaign to build an ongoing endowment for the protection and restoration of the Minster’s priceless historic glass.
Contributions to this endowment will be match-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, so doubling the proceeds of the Northern Lights Dinner.
Commenting on the partnership with Langleys, Neil Sanderson, Director of the York Minster Fund, said: “The Northern Lights Dinner will be the event of the year and we are delighted that Langleys has chosen to support this great cause. We see this as the start of a journey together and are excited by the prospect of working with Langleys.
“The support for the event so far has been fantastic, with only a few tables remaining to be sold. These exquisite windows are world-class masterpieces and must be protected for future generations. We are grateful to the sponsors who have already pledged their support for the event and we look forward to hearing from other potential sponsors wanting to get involved in this work.”
David Thompson, managing partner at Langleys Solicitors, said: “We are very pleased to enter into this exciting partnership with the York Minster Fund and help to drive its mission to preserve the Minster’s magnificent stained glass windows for the benefit of all to enjoy.
“Like the Minster, Langleys is a landmark organisation in York and this partnership is a great opportunity to showcase the characteristics we share – history, heritage, long term planning and attention to detail.”
York Minster’s Choral Scholars – In concert
The extraordinary vocal range of York Minster’s current choral scholars will be showcased in a free concert taking place in the cathedral’s North Transept on Saturday 3 March at 7.30pm.
Each member of the young, super-talented quartet – George Clark, David McGregor, Jack Harberd and Chris Murphy – already has an impressive portfolio of achievements as both musicians and performers. These include TV and radio performances with acclaimed vocal ensembles such as Robert Hollingsworth’s I Fagiolini, and Schola Cantorum of Oxford, numerous concert and opera performances, solo recitals at internationally renowned festivals such as Aldeburgh, roles in musicals such as Oliver! and Little Shop of Horrors, and even singing backing vocals for pop superstar Kylie Minogue. The quartet will be accompanied on the chamber organ by Jeremy Lloyd, Assisting Organist at York Minster, and on the piano by Timothy Hone, Music and Liturgy Manager at York Minster.
Choral Scholars at York Minster are paid, student singers who are seeking to develop their experience in church music. They sing alongside the choir’s seven Songmen, paid, professional singers committed to maintaining and developing musical standards at the cathedral.
The concert programme will include Britten’s Canticle Abraham and Isaac, English songs, and a group of close-harmony arrangements.
Meet the performers
George Clark (bass baritone)
George grew up in Cornwall and began singing as a chorister at Truro Cathedral becoming a bass choral scholar in his upper-sixth year. George is a final year undergraduate at York University, studying as a bass baritone. During his time at university he has directed and performed in various productions with the university’s opera society and also played violin. He is the current leader of the university’s Symphony Orchestra. He has performed live on BBC TV’s Newsnight with I Fagiolini, the British vocal ensemble founded by Robert Hollingsworth. Recent performances include bass soloist in Mozart’s Requiem at the Sage Gateshead with the Royal Northern Sinfonia, and in Finzi’s Let Us Garlands Bring with the University Chamber Orchestra. He is currently a member of Genesis Sixteen.
David McGregor (alto)
David began playing piano at aged five before taking up the clarinet, saxophone and singing. As a teenager, he competed in music festivals, played in orchestras, jazz bands and chamber ensembles. After secondary school in Cumbria, he read music at Girton College, Cambridge, where he was awarded both academic and choral scholarships. He was granted the opportunity to sing solos Bach’s St. John Passion alongside prestigious evangelist Nicholas Mulroy. David’s time at university fostered a love of choral singing which brought him back to the north of England in order to be choral scholar at York Minster, a post for which he is very grateful.
Jack Harberd (tenor)
Jack developed his love of singing at the age of two. He is currently studying music at York University. He has toured and recorded with numerous choirs, notably Schola Cantorum of Oxford and I Fagiolini. He has performed as a soloist at Aldeburgh Festival and as a backing singer for Kylie Minogue. Jack has explored all kinds of musical opportunities at university, including operas, musicals, and joining the university A Capella group, Vox. Stage credits include Billy Crocker in Anything Goes, Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors and Henrick Egermann in A Little Night Music. He has also produced and directed university productions of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas and Play On, a student-devised piece of music theatre. Jack is moving south to pursue a career in TV production.
Chris Murphy (bass baritone)
Chris started singing aged 10 when he took to the stage as Oliverin Jam theatre’s production of Oliver! He quickly found a passion in choral singing in Taplow choirs and other local choirs. After school Chris took a gap year to sing with the choir of Southwark Cathedral, a year which inspired him to read music at York University where he has enjoyed singing with a wide variety of groups performing a wide range of repertoire. Chris has taken part in a variety of productions including ballet, musicals and opera. Chris would like to pursue a career in opera one day.
Jeremy Lloyd (chamber organ)
Jeremy Lloyd is the Assisting Organist at York Minster where he accompanies the Minster Choir on a regular basis as part of the daily round of services. Jeremy joined York Minster in September 2016, having previously held positions at Peterborough Cathedral, The London Oratory, and Methodist Central Hall, Westminster. He is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music with first class honours, and is in demand throughout the UK as a solo performer and accompanist.
Timothy Hone (piano)
Born in Leicestershire, Timothy Hone was educated at Peterhouse, Cambridge where he was Organ Scholar. He was appointed Sub-Organist at Leeds Parish Church in 1980, moving to a similar post at Coventry Cathedral in 1982. During his time there he performed the complete organ works of J S Bach and appeared as soloist in a broadcast concert with the BBC Concert Orchestra.
In 1987, Tim was appointed Director of Music at Newcastle Cathedral. Under his direction, the choir performed with the London Festival Orchestra and Northern Sinfonia, appeared on radio and television and made two recordings. His interest in the interface between liturgy and music led to post-graduate study for an MA in Liturgy and Music at University of Leeds, which he was awarded with Distinction in 2001.
He moved to the Department of Liturgy and Music at Salisbury Cathedral in 2002. In January 2015, he took up the post of Music and Liturgy Manager at York Minster. Later that year he was also appointed Director of Music at the city centre Guild church of All Saints, Pavement. Tim continues to combine these duties with activity as organ soloist, continuo-player, and accompanist.
Lent, Holy Week and Easter 2018 at York Minster
York Minster today announced its services and events for Lent, Holy Week and Easter 2018. Lent and Easter are at the heart of the Christian faith recalling the final weeks and days in the life of Jesus Christ including his arrival in Jerusalem, the solemn events of the crucifixion, and the joy and triumph of the resurrection on Easter Day.
The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday – 14 February – and Eastertide ends on Sunday 20 May, the Feast of Pentecost. Holy Week runs from Palm Sunday (25 March) and ends on Easter Day (1 April). Entry to the Minster is free to everyone on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Tuesday 13 February – Shrove Tuesday
The Lent Cross, the central symbol of the Christian Faith, will be suspended from the Central Tower above the King’s Screen in the Minster. It will remain in place until Sunday 20 May– the Feast of Pentecost.
Wednesday 14 February – Ash Wednesday – Imposition of Ashes
Imposition of the Ashes at 11am and 2pm, Holy Communion at 7.50am and 12.30pm, and Sung Eucharist at 5.15pm. Free entry to all.
People can come and receive the sign of the cross marked in ash on their foreheads. The Imposition of the Ashes is a reminder of our mortality and of our sharing of death in Christ.
Stations of the Cross
Every Friday from 16 February until 23 March at 11.30am (additional Good Friday family service)
A cornerstone of the season, running throughout Lent, Stations of the Cross echoes Jesus’ journey to
crucifixion and the 14 stages along the way. As the walk journeys around the Minster, hymns will be
sung and each station will provide an opportunity for reflection.
Lunchtime Lent Talks
Every Thursday from 22 February until 22 March at 1.15pm in the Nave
An established favourite in the Minster calendar, the Lunchtime Lent Talks return again this year with five inspiring speakers sharing their insights and perspectives on the challenging subject of ‘Reconciliation’. There will be a free, simple lunch served before each talk, with donations to Christian Aid welcome.
Date: Thursday 22 February
Title: ‘Reconciliation: a personal journey’
Speaker: Sister Patricia Harriss CJ, Director of Novices, the Bar Convent, York
Date: Thursday 1 March
Title: ‘The Cost of Reconciliation’
Speaker: The Right Reverend Philip North, Bishop of Burnley
Date: Thursday 8 March
Title: ‘Conversations in Contact: Reconciliation in Conflict Zones’
Speaker: The Reverend Joe Moesel, Assistant Chaplain General, HQ1 (UK) Division, Imphal Barracks
Date: Thursday 15 March
Title: ‘Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly: Reconciliation from Coventry Cathedral‘
Speaker: The Very Reverend John Witcombe, Dean of Coventry
Date: Thursday 22 March
Title: ‘Glimpses of Glory’
Speaker: The Reverend Dr Beatrice Brandon, Archbishops’ Adviser for the Healing Ministry.
Compline sung by The Ebor Singers
Every Thursday from 22 February until 22 March at 9-9.30pm
This moving service of night prayer for Lent and Passiontide, sung in the Quire by The Ebor Singers, offers a quiet space for reflection and contemplation throughout the season of Lent. All are invited to attend.
Palm Sunday
Sunday 25 March
Sung Eucharist and Procession with Palms
Meeting at the Mansion House, St Helen’s Square, York, from 9.45am.
Evensong for Holy Week
During Holy Week, Evensong will be sung daily at 5.15pm (4pm on Sunday).
Monday 26 March
François Couperin’s Troisième leçon de ténèbres pour le mercredi saint,7.30-8.30pm and Compline.
Tuesday 27 March
Reading of the Passion Gospel with Charpentier’s Le reniement de Saint Pierre, 7.30-8.30pm and Compline.
Wednesday 28 March
Stainer’s The Crucifixion, 7.30-9.30pm and Compline.
Maundy Thursday
Thursday 29 March
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. The
Archbishop will gather members of the clergy from around the Diocese to renew the vows made at their ordinations. The Archbishop 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 30 March
The Liturgy of Good Friday at 10am, Stations of the Cross for families at 11.30am, Three Hours Devotion from 12-3pm.
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. At 11.30am, families will be invited to gather in the Chapter House before setting out for Dean’s Park for a special family service of Stations of the Cross. Three Hours Devotion is a service of meditation, hymns and prayers with periods of silence for reflection.
Easter Eve Saturday 31 March
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 1 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.
York Minster’s Easter Garden
A key part of the Minster’s Lent and Easter tradition is the Easter Garden. Around 5 metres long, the 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 until the Feast of Pentecost on Sunday 20 May.
Minster Choristers visit York primary school for first 2018 Choral Outreach session
Research shows that singing can improve learning outcomes, confidence and creativity, but it also helps children to develop other important skills such as teamwork, resilience and self-discipline
Choristers from York Minster’s Choir visited pupils at Heworth Primary School this week for the first session of the Cathedral’s 2018 Choral Outreach scheme.
Run in partnership with the Minster School, the scheme gives York pupils in Years 3 to 6 access to specialist staff and resources from the Cathedral and its school to encourage children to explore and enjoy music and singing.
Each term three schools take part in the programme, with weekly, hour-long workshops run by Alison Forster, Director of Music at the Minster School or Ben Morris, York Minster’s Assistant Director of Music.
The other schools taking part this term are Knavesmire Primary School and Haxby Road Primary Academy. All three schools will perform at an end of term concert in the Minster in March, alongside senior choristers from the Cathedral’s choir and members of the Minster School Junior Choir.
Alison Forster, Director of Music at the Minster School, said: “The programme started in 2007 and we’ve seen tremendous support from local schools, with around 45 taking part over the last decade.
“The first session is very relaxed and it’s nice for the pupils to meet the choristers and learn more about what their role involves and about music at the Cathedral.
“Research shows that singing can improve learning outcomes, confidence and creativity, but it also helps children to develop other important skills such as teamwork, resilience and self-discipline.
“One of my favourite parts of the scheme is seeing children discovering their singing voices and recognising their vocal potential, often for the first time.”
The end of term concert takes place in the Cathedral’s Nave with teachers, parents, families and friends invited to see the children perform.
As well as the concert, there is an opportunity for children who have enjoyed taking part in the scheme to join the York Junior Youth Choir, an informal choir for children aged seven to 16 which meets every Saturday.
