St. John's Roman Catholic Cathedral - Press Releases

4th July 2008: Lord Mayor’s Civic Service held on 15th June 2008

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

It was a great joy and privilege for St John’s to host this year’s annual Civic Service. A large congregation assembled to take part in this act of worship. The prayers were led by the Dean of St John’s and the Dean of Norwich Cathedral. The lessons were read by the Vice-Chancellor of the University and the new Lord Mayor. Canon Dr John Armson gave the address. The cathedral choir sang music by Britten, Howard Goodall and Richard Shephard and the congregation sang the hymns with enthusiasm. This year the processions, while representative of the city’s civic, legal and academic bodies, were simplified. This decision was taken by the Lord Mayor’s office, not by the Dean of St John’s. The venue for this year’s service was a reminder to the city and the county that Norwich has two cathedrals, each of them a worthy setting for such a prestigious occasion. Ends

2nd December 2007 - Norwich’s St John’s Cathedral gets £1m boost from Heritage Lottery Fund

Tue, 4 Dec 2007 22:10:42 +0000

Plans to dramatically improve visitor and educational facilities at Norwich’s historic St John’s Roman Catholic Cathedral have taken a major step forward with news that the £2.7m development project is being backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Cathedral has been awarded a grant of just under £1m towards an ambitious project to encourage more people to discover and enjoy the listed building in Earlham Road.

A new addition to the Cathedral – known as The Narthex – will be built as part of a drive to increase the number of educational visits by local schoolchildren and open up the building for wider use as a venue for arts and music events.

The current outdated facilities are to be replaced by new and accessible spaces, as part of the vision to make the Cathedral an open and inviting place to visit.

With over a third of the budget cost already raised to turn the project into reality, news of the Heritage Lottery grant will allow the drive to search to find a further £800,000 in funding to be stepped up.

The Cathedral, designed by George Gilbert Scott Junior and opened in 1910, is the most complete example of neo-gothic ecclesiastical architecture in the country, and the extra 400 sq metre Narthex will provide much-needed educational, interpretative and community space as well as providing level access.

Bishop Michael Evans, Bishop of East Anglia commented “I am delighted by this grant, and most grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund. Our plan is to draw St John's Cathedral ever deeper into the life of our county of Norfolk and our two cathedrals city of Norwich, as a way of serving the wider community. This project is a vital step in that direction.” His reaction was echoed by the Cathedral Dean, Fr James Walsh, who said “This major grant is a milestone on our journey towards making St John’s a player in the big league among the iconic buildings of Norwich. The city’s second cathedral has much to offer people of all faiths and none and every walk of life. Although primarily a place of prayer and home to a large and flourishing community, the new centre will provide facilities for new educational and cultural activities that will enrich the life of the city and the region. It will also help us to welcome the region’s new migrant workers, many of whom look to St John’s as a ‘home from home’. The Heritage Lottery grant gives greater credibility to our plans and will help us to unlock further funding, both from other bodies and individuals.”

Robyn Llewellyn, Heritage Lottery Fund Manager in the East of England added; ‘This award will be hugely beneficial for everyone from local people to the thousands of visitors that come to Norwich from around the world to explore its history. The planned work will rejuvenate the Cathedral, providing much needed community facilities and a fitting welcome for all visitors.’

Work should begin on site next year and be completed within 12 months.

*Anyone wishing to make a donation or to offer support to the Narthex project can do so by calling the Cathedral Development Office on 01603 615288 (email development@stjohncathedral.co.uk.

Note for Editors Fr James Walsh is happy to be interviewed and can be contacted on 01603 728930 or contact Naomi Perowne on 01603 615288

An artist’s impression of how the Narthex will look is also attached.

The Heritage Lottery Fund enables communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about our diverse heritage. From our great museums and historic buildings to local parks and countryside or recording and celebrating traditions, customs and history, HLF grants open up our nation's heritage for everyone to enjoy. We have awarded grants totalling more than £4 billion to over 26,000 projects, including £250 million in the East of England alone.

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22nd July 2007 - 40th Anniversary

Sun, 22 Jul 2007 14:00:00 +0000

Homily preached by Fr James on Sunday, 22nd July on the occasion of his 40th anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood.

A friend sent a card the other day. It read: ‘Many happy returns on your 40th wedding anniversary’! The wedding was crossed out and ordination was written in its place. I had to smile. I suppose you could say that a priest is wedded to the Church. But I prefer the words of St Paul in today’s second reading: ‘I became the servant of the Church when God made me responsible for delivering God’s message to you’. Paul did this on a grand scale. We priests share that responsibility, each in our own way and according to our gifts and limitations. Paul goes on to say: ‘The message was a mystery hidden for generations and centuries and has now been revealed. The mystery is Christ among you, your hope of glory: this is the Christ that we proclaim’. These are wonderful words: powerful, profound, confident. The proclamation involves all of us. It is made to us and it is handed on by us, priests and people alike.

In the Ordination Mass the Bishop presents to the newly-ordained priest the bread and wine that have been brought up in procession by members of the congregation. As he does so he says these words: ‘Accept from the holy people of God the gifts to be offered to him. Know what you are doing, and imitate the mystery you celebrate: model your life on the mystery of the Lord’s cross’.

Some weeks ago I happened to come into the Cathedral through the west doors while Bishop Michael was celebrating Mass. I looked first at the great crucifix on the Rood screen. Underneath the Bishop was praying the Eucharistic Prayer and his arms were outstretched in the ancient attitude of prayer. As he stood at the altar I saw the mystery of the Lord’s cross symbolised in those outstretched arms. Every priest is, as it were, a focal point of a world of loss and expectation, of grief and joy, of birth and death, of faith and hope, that somehow form the essence of our weekly coming together for Sunday Mass. The priest, this fragile human symbol, is the ‘alter Christus’, an ikon of Christ himself: he who stands at the centre of a universe of love and pain that is made present in each person as they goes to receive Communion in that moment when differences of age and education, foolishness and wisdom, frailty and strength all dissolve before the consecrated host.
You may ask yourself why the priest stands to pray with arms outstretched. It is to portray the vertical and horizontal axis of the cross. The upright body is a sign of the relationship between the priest and people and God; the outstretched arms symbolise his relationship with the people that he serves. A priest is called to be the sacrament of the two great commandments – love of God and love of neighbour. I have come to see more and more clearly that the love at the heart of Christianity is a cruciform love, centred on God and radiating out to others.

You might well say – isn’t this true for all of us? Isn’t each of us called to embody these two commandments? And you would be right. We are, all of us, journeying together on a great pilgrimage of grace, priests and people, driven forward by faith and sharing the joys and hazards of the journey.

But a priest is, in a special way, a ‘vir propter homines’ – a man for others.
He promises obedience to his Bishop on the day of his ordination. In doing so he hands over a large degree of self-determination, allowing another person, under God, to direct the course of his life. Little did I think, on that day 40 years ago, that the God of surprises, through the wisdom (or folly) of Bishop Peter Smith, would lead me to this place on this day!

A priest’s commitment to celibacy marks his enrolment in a particular school of loving. It is here that he learns to give his heart away to all who need him. At its best, celibacy is about freedom: freedom to love more but also freedom to love without conditions. To love, not just the loveable but the unlovely, the difficult, the crabby and the hypercritical. But we don’t have anyone like this at St John’s, do we? The reality is that whatever sacrifice is entailed in priestly celibacy is more than repaid by the affection, support and friendship of his people.

The priest’s parish becomes his extended family. It is from the people he serves that the priest receives a hundred-fold – more than he could ever have imagined on the day of his ordination. He is called to exercise his ministerial priesthood in the service of the priesthood of all the baptised in a Church which understands itself as ‘communion’. This means working with people in a truly collaborative way as partners in mission. The Preface to the Chrism Mass reminds us of the three-fold function of the priest: to lead God’s holy people, to nourish them by his word, and strengthen them by the sacraments. .

Today is also the feast of St Mary Magdalen. She is a key figure in the Resurrection narrative. The Gospels tell of her encounter with the Risen Christ and how she recognised him when he spoke her name. She reminds us that the cross is not the whole story: that death gives way to life: that pain and struggle and darkness break through to resurrection. That same Lord speaks our name too. He calls us to walk with him, to hold fast to the mystery that is Christ revealed, no matter what happens, to celebrate our faith in prayer and sacrament, and to work together to build up the Kingdom of God.

A small boy was once asked what he thought made a good priest. He said: ‘he must be kind and caring and never boring’. I hope that in the space of 40 years I may have achieved one of these!

18th May 2007 - Madeleine McCann

Fri, 18 May 2007 18:22:44 +0100

A place has been set aside in St John’s Cathedral for all who wish to pray for Madeleine McCann and her family. Everyone is welcome to come and offer a prayer and light a candle. St John’s is open every day from 7 am to 8 pm.

For further information please contact:

Rev. James Walsh
07876 196032

27th January 2007 - Conflict between the Church and Government

Sat, 27 Jan 2007 17:57:36 +0000

An extract from Fr. James' Sunday Homily.

The current conflict between the Church and what the Government wishes to make law is a prime example of the Church speaking with a prophetic voice. It is a conflict of values, of where society is going, of the place and dignity of the family and of marriage, and what kind of environment we want to provide for our children. The Church has no choice but to protest at a law which threatens the liberty of adoptive societies. It would force them to act against their conscience and against basic Christian values. Our society is in moral freefall. Ordinary people have very little to guide them in their moral choices. All the more reason for us, the Church, to stand by our beliefs and our values even if, like Jeremiah, like Jesus, we are perceived to go against the grain of accepted wisdom.

For further information please contact:

Rev. James Walsh
07876 196032

30th October 2006 - Region's First Columbarium opens

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 14:05:42 +0000

St John's Cathedral, Norwich is to open a unique and special place of repose for cremated remains.

What is believed to be the region's first designated 'Columbarium' in a cathedral will be blessed by Bishop Michael Evans, Bishop of East Anglia following Mass celebrated at the magnificent neo-Gothic cathedral on Wednesday 1st November, Feast of All Saints.

The Columbarium - the word was used in Roman times for places of burial and comes from the Latin word for 'dovecote', reflecting the shape of the fittings - is sited in the beautiful vaulted undercroft at the East End of the cathedral.  Four finely worked bronze cabinets, designed by the Cathedral Architect, Russell Taylor, and constructed in Scotland by H & R Developments each contain over 90 special niches that will house cremation urns.  Each niche will be commemorated by an individual plaque.

"A common sight in East Anglia is a cemetery around an ancient church, a reminder that the living and the dead are one family of God", said Bishop Michael. "Our new Columbarium serves the same purpose, a focus for loving remembrance and prayer for those who have gone before us and who are still one with us in the Risen Christ."

Paul Allcock, a local independent funeral director, added that the Columbarium would offer an ideal solution for those who preferred a more spiritual focus for their cremated remains.  "Funeral Directors are frequently asked to suggest alternatives to the municipal facility for commemorating ashes.  We are delighted to have this option, at long last."

The Columbarium will eventually have space for several thousand urns and provide a fitting place of rest for members of the Diocese of East Anglia and their loved ones who wish to be associated with their Cathedral.

You are invited to attend the Blessing on Wednesday 1st of November at the Cathedral

Unthank Road Norwich, following the 10am Mass.  Bishop Michael and the Dean the Rev James Walsh will be available for interview and you will have a chance to look behind the scenes at this Grade I-listed Cathedral.

For further information please contact:

Naomi Perowne
01603 615288

Patrick Limacher
01603 624615

Or Richard Swallow Media Adviser
07774 270905

10th July 2006 - Heritage Lottery Fund support for Norwichs other Cathedral

Mon, 10 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Heritage Lottery Fund support for Norwich's 'other' Cathedral
10th July 2006

Norwich's Roman Catholic Cathedral - Norwich's 'other' cathedral has received support from the Heritage Lottery Fund for an exciting project to improve access and provide essential new facilities at the grade-1 listed church.
The Roman Catholic Cathedral Church of St John the Baptist has been fundraising for some time for a new Narthex and the project received a major boost this week with the announcement by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) that it has earmarked a grant of just under £1million for the project. HLF has awarded a Stage One Pass* to the cathedral's application.

The Narthex will provide much-needed amenities for visitors and for the cathedral's expanding education programme as well as generally improving access to the 100-year-old neo-Gothic church.

St John's Cathedral - which together with its Anglican sister cathedral was the joint focus of the city's magnificent Two Cathedrals' Flower Festival last month - is recognised as one of the city's finest buildings.

"This project is so important for St John's, if we are to achieve our aim of bringing more and more people into this wonderful place," said Cathedral Dean, Fr James Walsh. "So many visitors to the Flower Festival had never visited us before and were quite overwhelmed by the splendour of the cathedral. It belongs to everyone - not just to the Catholics - a house of God, for God's people, where are all welcome."

Naomi Perowne, Cathedral Development Officer who co-ordinated the bid, explained that the news would unlock further funding for the project. "Fundraising for a major capital project is a long process when you are starting from scratch - people need to be convinced the project is viable before committing large sums of money. Now we can show that it really will happen and other funders will come on board."

Mike Loveday, Chief Executive of Norwich's Heritage Regeneration Trust (HEART) said 'This is really great news for the city - once again, Norwich's fantastic built heritage has received support from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The cathedral is committed to working with HEART in bringing together and promoting the city's fine heritage sites. This collaboration is crucial and we will be working jointly to help to achieve a successful outcome at Stage Two.'

HLF has recently made large grants to the Castle Museum and to Dragon Hall and Norwich Cathedral received a Stage One Pass for a grant of over £2 million a few months ago for its new Hostry.

Robyn Llewellyn, Heritage Lottery Fund Manager in the East of England added; 'This award will be hugely beneficial for everyone from local people to the thousands of visitors that come to Norwich from around the world to explore its history. The planned work will rejuvenate the Cathedral, providing much needed community facilities and a fitting welcome for all visitors.'

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* A 'Stage One Pass' means that money has been earmarked by the Heritage Lottery Fund for the project in question. Competition at this stage is tough, and while a Stage One Pass does not guarantee funding, it is an indication of positive support, and money for the scheme is set aside. The applicant can then progress to Stage Two and submit a further, fully developed application to secure the full grant. On occasion, at Stage One, funding will also be awarded towards the development of the scheme.

For more information contact:
Fr James Walsh 01603 624615/07876 196032
Naomi Perowne 01603 615288

19th December 2005 - A moment of peace amidst the Christmas madness

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 00:00:00 +0100

A moment of peace amidst the Christmas madness
(19 December 2005)

Frazzled by the run-up to Christmas? A Norwich priest has come up with a two-minute escape from the festive chaos, to rediscover the 2,000-year-old meaning behind it all.

"Many people know and appreciate the real reason for Christmas, and regret its increasing commercialisation, but we can't help getting pulled into it," said Father James Walsh, the Dean of St John's Cathedral. "So I have put four short reflections onto our website - one for each week of Advent.

"They are aimed at anyone, including those who don't feel comfortable actually visiting a church, but want a spiritual element to the season."

To listen to Fr James' Advent reflections, log onto www.stjohncathedral.co.uk

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For more information, contact:
Fr James Walsh: 01603 624615 / 07876 196032
Naomi Perowne: 01603 615288
www.stjohncathedral.co.uk

7th December 2005 - Norfolk Constabulary hold carol service at St Johns Cathedral

Wed, 7 Dec 2005 00:00:00 +0100

Norfolk Constabulary hold carol service at St John's Cathedral
(7 December 2005)

Policemen and women from around Norfolk will be gathering next Monday for a Christmas service at St John's Cathedral.

A choir from the Norfolk Constabulary will lead the special service - which is open to everyone - on Monday 12 December at the Cathedral on Earlham Road.

"I am delighted that the Norfolk Constabulary have chosen St John's as the venue for their Christmas Carol Service," said Fr James Walsh, the Dean of St John's, who will be there to welcome singers and congregation. "This is the first time they have done so, and I think they will be impressed by the splendour of the building as well as its wonderful acoustics."

The concert will begin at 7.30pm. Entrance is free.

Ends.

For more information, contact:
Fr James Walsh: 01603 624615 / 07876 196032
Naomi Perowne: 01603 615288
www.stjohncathedral.co.uk

5th December 2005 - View from St Johns Cathedral forms new background to Anglia News

Mon, 5 Dec 2005 00:00:00 +0100

View from St John's Cathedral forms new background to Anglia News
(5 December 2005)

The tower of St John's Cathedral has been re-opened - with Anglia TV one of the first to make the most of its spectacular view over Norwich, using it as the new backdrop for Anglia News.

The Cathedral, at the top of the Earlham Road, had closed the tower to work on access. Now work is completed, Anglia have installed a camera at the top, which will allow viewers to enjoy the superb vista across the city every day.

"The Cathedral tower has been closed to the public for some years," said Father James Walsh, the Dean of St John's Cathedral. "It is now open and Anglia TV have been among the first to recognise its wonderful position overlooking the city."

Neil Thompson, controller of Anglia News, added: "St John's Cathedral will provide an absolutely matchless window on the world which will inspire the Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex viewers to Anglia News on a daily basis. The view itself echoes some of the great landscapes of the city painted by the world-renowned Norwich School.

"But as well as enjoying one of the best views in the region, we are just as excited about the many other possibilities that this collaborative venture between ITV Anglia and the Cathedral might also generate going forward."

There will be regular tours up the Cathedral tower after Easter for anyone who would like to enjoy the panoramic view in person, rather than from the comfort of their own living room. In the meantime people can arrange a visit by appointment. Call St John's Cathedral on 624615.

Ends.

Editor's note: The viewers of Anglia News' West service (Cambridgeshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire and Lincolnshire) will have a different backdrop.

For more information, contact:
Fr James Walsh: 07876 196032
Naomi Perowne: 01603 615288
www.stjohncathedral.co.uk