Cathedral services

All are welcome at Cathedral services

If you are a newcomer just come along and please introduce yourself to a Welcomer or a member of the clergy. If you are interested in finding out more about the Abbey, or want to get involved, please complete a Newcomer form (available on the table in the South Transept near the bookstall). We regularly invite all Newcomers to tea at the Abbey.

Those using a hearing aid may turn to the T position to access the loop system in the Nave and the Crossing. There are large print service books available on request.

All areas of the Abbey where worship takes place can be accessed by wheelchair. If you need help please speak to a steward who will be glad to assist you.

Baptised children are welcome to receive Holy Communion after preparation. Please speak to the clergy to find out more. Confirmation preparation is available for all.

Occasionally, special services interrupt our usual pattern of worship. Some of these services may be ticketed for a particular reason and these services are clearly indicated.

We would advise you to check the Service & Music list for the full listings of all our services

8.00am - The Eucharist

A simple and quiet said service held at the High Altar using traditional language, with a sermon.

9.30am - Parish Eucharist

Sung by the Parish Singers or one of the Cathedral Choirs

This is our largest service, held in the nave and lasting just over an hour. The Parish Eucharist is participatory with members of the congregation reading and leading the intercessions. There is a strong sense of community. Children and young people are especially welcome. There is a thriving Sunday Club and Crèche which begin in the service. The children leave during the Gloria for their activities and return in time for the Lord's Prayer. There is a 'quiet area' in the Nave for the use of parents with small children who wish to remain in the service. Happy Bags with toys and interesting things are also available. On the second Sunday of each month, all ages remain in the service throughout and the service is more focused on our younger members. Worship is led by the Parish Orchestra with the Parish Singers and Parish Junior Singers. Our uniformed organisations of Rainbows, Beavers, Brownies, Cubs, Guides and Scouts attend eight times a year. Most of our common life springs from the Parish Eucharist. The service is followed by refreshments in the Refectory.

11.15am - Choral Eucharist (1st, 2nd and 4th Sunday)

Sung by one of the Cathedral Choirs

Set in front of the High Altar screen, this beautiful and powerful service combines the very best in Anglican liturgy and music. There are servers and incense is used. The Cathedral Choir or the Abbey Girls Choir lead the service with the singing of a traditional choral setting. Full details of the music are available on the Service and Music List. Visiting choirs also sing the service when our choirs are on leave. Traditional language is used and a sermon is preached.

11.15am - Matins (3rd and 5th Sunday)

Sung by one of the Cathedral Choirs

Choral Matins is led by one of our Cathedral Choirs and follows the traditional order from the book of Common Prayer.

12.15pm - The Eucharist (3rd and 5th Sunday)

On the 3rd and 5th Sunday of each month, Matins is followed by a short said service in the Lady Chapel using traditional language.

6.30pm - Evensong

Sung by one of the Cathedral Choirs

Evensong is part of the bedrock of Cathedral worship. All are welcome to this service of readings, prayers and preaching which follows the traditional order from the Book of Common Prayer. The service lasts just over an hour and it is reflective in mood and a wonderful way to end the day.

7.45pm - Silent Prayer and Compline (2nd Sunday only)

A time of silent prayer and meditation before the Sacrament in the Lady Chapel, ending with Compline (Night Prayer) by 8.30pm.

Evensong is sung by the choristers of the Cathedral Choir on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays during term-time. The choristers of the Abbey Girls Choir sing on Wednesdays and Fridays during term times.

Outside of choir terms, there may be a visiting choir or Evening Prayer is a short said service.

On Fridays, the service at 12 noon is the Roman Catholic Mass

The worship pattern on Saturdays varies slightly from the pattern of services during the week.

Very infrequently service times can change slightly; full details of the choir terms and service alterations are given on the Service and Music List .