On Monday the Bishop of Richborough celebrated the Chrism Mass at Chelmsford Cathedral. It was a bitterly cold day and the wind around the cathedral was very icy. The main body of the Cathedral was full. Sadly the Cathedral Authorities have seen fit to impose a charge for the use of the Cathedral for the Chrism Mass of £700. I think this is really a scandal – they did so last year and, if the Anglo-Catholics wish to continue to use the Cathedral for this event, they will continue to do so. It seems to me that there is a message here – something upon the lines of “go away – you’re not wanted.” Makes a complete nonsense of the supposed “honoured” place Catholics were promised. It must be a matter of debate as to whether we can go to our Cathedral in the future or possibly seek an alternative venue.
In the evening I celebrated the Monday in Holy Week Mass at St. Augustine’s and gave a brief homily. Later today (Tuesday) I have the Redbridge Council Christian Union Service for their Holy Week service at the Ilford Hospital Chapel in the presence of the Deputy Mayor.
Cheap when compared with St Pauls! In any event why did you not go a friendly church where you surely could have fitted in?
ReplyDeleteI take Father Mervyn's comments to be directed more at the principle of the charge rather than its quantum. And I wonder whether the episcopal nether garments might get into a state if disarray were approaches to be made to Bishop McMahon for the use of Brentwood Cathedral instead of Chelmsford.
DeleteThe thought had crossed my mind!!! You are quite right: we are part of the Diocese of Chelmsford and the Cathedral is as much ours as any one else.
DeleteAnd the sad thing is, if you were part of WATCH, they would have laid on the red carpet and you'd have found refreshments waiting for you in the hall, all complimentary of the cathedral.
ReplyDeleteAfter the Chrism Mass the members of Forward in Faith provide refreshments in the Cathedral Chapter House including wine and very good they are too. To them many thanks.
DeleteIs this true? In any event it raises the interesting question of how the Cathedral is funded, particularly one that is essentially a parish church. Who pays for the heating, cleaning, organ etc.?
DeleteIn the past the collection has been for the Cathedral. Last year, they asked for the collection to be "topped up" and basically it is the same this year: if the collection does not come to £700 the balance has to be found from those who support this event. This could be individual parishes or people, or one of the organisations such as Forward in Faith. My feeling is that the Cathedral as the mother church of the Diocese should make Anglo-Catholics welcome. I understand that heating, cleaning etc. has to be paid for but the annual quota assessed on all parishes partly funds this and of course the Cathedral congregation, and collections taken at other services also contributes.
ReplyDeleteSounds to me, Father, that next year there could be a case for turning over the tables at the entrance - even if only figuratively......
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