Coronavirus – Message and Prayer

Our cathedrals across the country are all working hard within the guidelines and advice from Government, the Church of England and public health organisations to ensure the safety of everyone.

This message from Wakefield Cathedral sums up our response to the ongoing coronavirus-COVID-19 situation.

Like many places open to the general public, Wakefield Cathedral is playing its part in trying to minimise the possibility of the transmission of coronavirus. We have posted notices throughout the cathedral reminding visitors and worshippers about the need for attention to basic personal hygiene, and we are following the Church of England’s national advice about adjustments to the way public worship is conducted, especially at Holy Communion. Further measures may be necessary in due course, but these will always be in accordance with the latest advice.

Meanwhile the cathedral remains open as a place of unconditional welcome, prayer and reflection as well as a place that is large enough for people to maintain a comfortable and appropriate level of social distance.

Our regular round of daily prayer and worship continues uninterrupted. We pray because we believe that through doing so we are making space for God to work in us and through us. In this way we will be strengthened in our calling to serve others as disciples of God’s son, Jesus Christ.

If you are aware of anyone who is particular need of prayer please let us know. We will be using the following prayer regularly in the cathedral during these troubled times. We hope you will find it helpful too:

Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Amen.

For more information on COVID-19 please refer to the NHS website here.