Coronavirus: Peterborough Cathedral to stream live Mother’s Day Service

This week The Church of England banned large public services taking place in churches and cathedrals as a result of the crisis.

While teh buildings have not closed completely, allowing residents a moment of quiet contemplation and prayer, there will be no churches holding services to mark Mother’s Day tomorrow.

But tomorrow’s 10.30am service, led by Cathedral clergy, will be live streamed via the Cathedral’s Facebook page. The service, with Holy Communion celebrated on behalf of those not present, will include a short talk from Canon Sarah Brown, and pre-recorded music from the Cathedral Choir.

A recording of the choristers singing a special hymn for Mothering Sunday was made early this week, just before their school was closed, so that the clip could not only be included in the live stream but also shared with grandparents and others who might feel isolated at home. The children end the video with a cheery ‘Happy Mothering Sunday’ greeting.

A candle will be lit on the altar to remember mothers who have died, but also from whom we are separated, especially due to the coronavirus restrictions. At the end of the service, a number of candles will be lit to remember mothers whose families have asked for them to be prayed for. This idea was inspired by a request from an Instagram follower who wanted to remember her own Mum. Since then the Cathedral has extended the offer across its other social media platforms and many more requests have come in.

Whilst public worship is suspended, you can find out when services will be live streamed by checking this link to the Cathedral’s website: www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/services.aspx.To request a candle to be lit, please email [email protected].