Following the lifting of Government restrictions that closed places of worship at the start of the covid-19 lockdown, Lichfield Cathedral, in line with many other English Cathedrals and Parish Churches will be open for private prayer from Monday 15 June.
The Cathedral won’t be resuming public worship until the Government says it is safe to do so. But, as a first step, the Cathedral authorities are delighted to be able to offer a welcome to all who want to come and pray and light a candle. The building will be open from 2.30pm-4.30pm every day.
Social distancing measures, cleaning and hand sanitisation arrangements have been put in place . Staff and volunteers will be on hand to ensure everyone is kept safe and all abide by the distancing measures . Numbers entering the Cathedral will be limited and everyone coming to the Cathedral needs to be prepared to queue if necessary.
Unfortunately, visitors wishing to look round and wander will be asked to return when the Cathedral is fully open later in the year.
The Dean of Lichfield, the Very Reverend Adrian Dorber, commented:
“Despite the tight restrictions on re-opening, I am deeply pleased that the Cathedral can begin to welcome people again for prayer and reflection. The covid-19 crisis has affected us all . We’ve felt the anxiety and nervousness. We want to mourn the deaths of so many . We’re profoundly grateful for the work of the NHS and all essential workers. We’re counting the economic cost and the disruption to our children’s education and the threats to employment. We want to remember the thousands of acts of kindness, support and friendliness that have made the lockdown bearable. We’re all left wondering about what kind of world we’re moving into. It’s appropriate to want to bring all these feelings, thoughts and experiences to God and the Cathedral is a natural home and focus for these prayers.”
The Cathedral asks that all prayer-visitors observe all the arrangements in place and space their visits across opening times, allowing as many people as possible to gain entry. The building will be kept quiet and hushed and everyone is asked to respect the atmosphere of prayer.
Find out more on the latest guidance concerning church buildings re-opening for individual private prayer here.