Worcester Cathedral in lockdown: 'We are still at the heart of the community'

Community is at the heart of Worcester Cathedral; from its foundation by Benedictine monks to the present day it is the relationships, friendships and compassion of people which illustrate faith in action. Since the doors of the building closed in March the community life of the Cathedral has continued in creative and inspiring ways.

The Cathedral’s activity goes beyond its magnificent building, providing hope and connection across the city. Through social media and phone call networks offering pastoral care and maintaining faithful relationships, the Cathedral continues as a community of hope and love. St Oswald’s Hospital on The Tything has been connected to the Cathedral for nearly a thousand years and continues today to provide supportive accommodation and community to residents – another practical sign of faith, hope and love in our city.

Across the city tremendous human effort is being directed to supporting the vulnerable and the needy. Since last autumn I have been privileged to chair Worcester Cares, the network bringing together various organisations at the forefront of care for the homeless and those on the streets of our city. An incredible, coordinated approach has seen food, accommodation, support and, when necessary, safe isolation, for rough sleepers and homeless people.

But vulnerability is not limited to circumstance. We have been humbled by the heroic commitment of our health and other key workers. Worcester Cathedral is supporting the ‘Welfare for Healthcare’ campaign to provide care packages for key workers which not only provide practical items but speak of connection, community and love – often to those we do not know personally but depend on for so much.

This appeal has broken through its original target of £10,000 and is soaring towards its next milestone. The people of the city are held in prayer and love at the Cathedral which witnesses to community in many ways. All of them signs of hope and love in a time when we treasure those things which connect us to one another, to creation, and to God.