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October 2006

 

Cathedral city - Creative in Christ

The Dean of St David's Cathedral, Lindsay Stoddart, ponders the question 'Cathedral and Parish - are they partners for Christ?'

Bishop Trevor Edwards recently asked me to give a keynote address in Canberra on the topic 'Repotting a Cathedral'. I was nearly stumped by the first question from the floor: 'Why have a Cathedral anyway?'

Clearly my questioner wanted more than the standard 'mother church of the Diocese' reply. Later I learnt the context of his question, but I had to admit I had not really considered this obvious subject.

So I am praying and dreaming my way forward. Some thoughts:

  1. The Cathedral is central and can offer ministries and services to supplement local parish ministry. But can we walk together?
    How? I am committed to an equipping model for clergy and lay people. So as Dean, I commit to looking outside my own patch.
  2. Shelagh Shaw and I are developing, with the assistance of our links with Coventry Cathedral, some liturgical resources. We hope to have services for Christ the King and King's College Nine Lessons and Carols on our webpage soon. We are re-editing our 2006 Easter and Pentecost Eucharists. You might find these useful for 2007.
  3. I have some experience with increasing local church giving. I am available to help a limited number of parishes a year.
  4. We are looking to partner parishes in one-off ministries. I have just emailed parishes with details of October's Seniors' Week ministry and our series of seven organ recitals. It is good sometimes to celebrate across parish boundaries.
  5. Our midweek communities are growing. We have a Communion at noon on Wednesdays, a BCP community at 10.30am on Thursdays and a Healing Service at noon on Fridays. In November the Rev. Shelagh Shaw is starting a midday communion especially for women (but men are welcome). Morning Prayer is read from October at 8.20am in the Hope Chapel. This could be a good fellowship opportunity for City workers or people who need a midweek service that parish resources do not permit.
Lindsay, Dean
John three sixteen

Contact the Cathedral for details or refer to the cathedral website.