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, and 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.

We already have more than 180 Representatives, covering 173 parishes in the Diocese, in place, but we are constantly looking to all of the remaining 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:

• regular contact is maintained with the Cathedral Parish Co-ordinator,
• the parish is made fully aware of what the Cathedral has to offer in terms of worship, education, visitor experience, and other events,
• we at the Cathedral are aware of the needs of the parish,

so that we can:

• pray meaningfully and in a more focussed manner,
• organise worship with your needs in mind,
•  ensure each parishioner’s visit to the Cathedral, either as an individual or in an organised group  may always be both positive and pleasing, and also spiritual and uplifting.

We have 'get togethers' for Parish Representatives in the Cathedral when we are all able to get to know each other and the Cathedral Staff.

The meetings will usually have a guest speaker and will focus on relevant issues of the time. Over the last few months we have had the following speakers at our meetings, Bishop Paul, Dean Pete and Canon Cynthia Dowdle. 

• Bishop Paul greatly encouraged us in our role saying among other things that a good working link between Cathedral and Parishes of the Diocese is essential if we are to work to our maximum potential in order that the message of the Gospel may be shared with all in the Diocese.  We can learn from each other and grow together in Christ.  Bishop Paul also preached at Evensong after the meeting.

• Canon Cynthia talked of her ministry in the Diocese over the last 25 years emphasising her role as Dean of Women's Ministry. We wish her and Ultan a happy and healthy retirement.

The Cathedral experience is to be shared by everyone in the Diocese and our prayer is that the new Cathedral-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,  please get in touch:
Gratten Williams
Cathedral-Parish Co-ordinator
Email: gratten.williams@liverpoolcathedral.org.uk