Cathedral - Parish Representatives

CATHEDRAL - PARISH REPRESENTATIVES
This great Cathedral was built to the glory of God and to be a place of worship for everyone in the diocese of Liverpool. Over the last 100 years the Dean and Chapter have worked to ensure that the vision of the Cathedral’s founders has not been lost. As we move forward into the Cathedral’s second century we want to ensure that its role takes into account the needs of all of the parishes and congregations it serves. In order to achieve this goal we need better two-way communication between parishes and the Cathedral, an increased understanding of what each can offer the other, so that through an enriched partnership we may better serve God as together we proclaim his love.
This task is not always helped by the fact that the Cathedral is geographically on the edge of the diocese and some parishes may well feel remote. We are therefore endeavouring to appoint a Cathedral Parish Representative in every parish. We are looking to build a two way bridge between each parish and the Cathedral. We have chosen the word “bridge” and phrase “two-way” very carefully for the bridges will link us together and ideas and prayers will flow between us all in both directions.
Members of the Chapter, Sally Jennings and I have already attended nearly all of the Deanery Synod meetings in order to discuss and promote the Cathedral Parish Representative scheme, and to date we have 140 Representatives, covering half of the parishes in the diocese, in place. We are still looking to all of the other Parishes to appoint a Cathedral-Parish Representative as quickly as they possibly can. So what are we looking for? We are looking for someone who will ensure that by regular contact with the Cathedral Parish Co-ordinator, that’s me, the parish is made fully aware of what the Cathedral has to offer in terms of worship, education, visitor experience, and other events; and that we at the Cathedral are aware of the needs of the parish so that we can pray meaningfully, so that we can organise worship with your needs in mind, so that each parishioner’s visit to the Cathedral, either as an individual or in an organised group, may always be not only positive and pleasing but also spiritual and uplifting.
We have now had two “get togethers” for Parish Representatives in the Cathedral when we were all able to get to know each other and the Cathedral Staff. We were also able to enjoy the wonderful Visitors Experience and to taste the goodies on offer in the Mezzanine Café. The next “getting to know you event is on 17th November at 11.00 am and again we at the Cathedral are looking forward to that event. We hope all the Representatives will join us for the new Dean’s installation on 8th December.
The Cathedral experience is to be shared by everyone in the diocese and our prayer is that the new Parish Representative scheme will go a long way to fulfil this goal. If you feel that you are one who could help in your parish then please contact me at the Cathedral.
Gratten Williams
Cathedral-Parish Co-ordinator
Email: gratten.williams@liverpoolcathedral.org.uk