Ways to worship and pray

Join our worship

Daily worship lies at the heart of York Minster, providing the rhythm to life at the cathedral. Our regular services are an opportunity to come closer to God and find peace in a diverse and welcoming community.

Whether you are a regular worshipper and know the cathedral well or whether you are experiencing this building and style of worship for the first time, you are very welcome here. You do not have to be familiar with our services or a practising member of the Church of England to join our worship. We never charge people to attend a service.

There are many different services at York Minster, each provide a different way to connect with God. Time your visit around joining our worship:

Welcoming the day ahead

Matins

Matins or Morning Prayer has a long history. For hundreds of years, gathering together as a community to pray at the beginning of the day has provided Christians with a spiritual framework.

In this service, we are immersed in the words of spoken and sung scripture, taking the time and space to come closer to God as we welcome the day ahead.

Services of Matins take place Monday to Friday at 7.30am and on Saturdays at 8am. On Sundays, the service is sung at 10am.

Find a service of Matins

Giving thanks

Eucharist

In services of Eucharist, we are invited to remember Jesus’ death and resurrection and to anticipate the hope of Heaven. Holy Communion is shared and prayers offered for our world and the coming of God’s Kingdom, a sermon may also be preached.

This tradition lies at the heart of Christian faith and for many people forms part of their weekly or daily routine of worship. At York Minster, the Eucharist is said at 7.50am and 12.30pm Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, the service is sung at 11am with seasonal hymns, readings and a motet.

Find a service of Eucharist

A sensory experience

Choral Evensong

Extend your visit to York Minster with a service of Choral Evensong, a sensory experience that marks the end of another day of faith. Spectacular choral music, seasonal readings and night prayers wash over those who attend, providing rest and peace after a busy day.

Choral Evensong takes place at 5.30pm Tuesday to Saturday in York Minster. On Sundays, the service takes place at 4pm and includes a sermon and congregational hymn. On occasions, Evening Prayer is said in place of Choral Evensong.

Find a service of Evensong

Personal prayer and reflection

The Minster has absorbed the prayers of thousands of people across the centuries; people visit to soak up the atmosphere and spend time in contemplation away from the pressures and noise of the day. There are many ways for you be still and connect with God at York Minster:

Feeling God’s presence

Private prayer

York Minster has been a place of prayer for many hundreds of years. Depending on when and how you are visiting, our visitor team will guide you to a quiet space for private prayer and spiritual reflection.

Anyone can email our clergy with a request for themselves or a loved one to be held in prayer at the cathedral. Friends and family can also request that a candle be lit for those who have died.

Submit your prayer

A symbolic act

Lighting a candle

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” – John, 1.5

Many visitors choose to light a candle during their time at York Minster. This can be to remember a loved one or to mark a prayer to God.

Lighting a candle is a symbolic act; when we leave, it continues to shine.

Someone to listen

Pastoral care

York Minster has a team of dedicated volunteer chaplains who can offer pastoral support to visitors and worshippers. Our chaplains can pray with you or provide a listening ear when times are tough.

If you would like to spend time with a chaplain, please speak to a member of staff when you arrive at the cathedral.