First socially distanced service at Peterborough Cathedral ‘feels like coming home’

Many of the congregation at today’s (Sunday, July 12) service had followed advice and downloaded the service sheet before they came and carefully followed social distancing guidelines.

The Very Revd Chris Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough, said: “We’re delighted to have returned to worship in the Cathedral. Despite all the precautions we have taken to make sure people can be safe, the simplicity of the ceremony and the bar on singing, there was real sense of joy and deep emotion after months of exile.

“The Church is much more than its buildings, however glorious, and we will continue with our online services, but this truly felt like coming home.”

A Cathedral spokeswoman said: “At the start of the service the Dean said a special prayer at the great West Door, then lit the large Easter candle and carried a light from it up to the altar. Normally this would be done at Easter, when this year the Cathedral had been closed even to the clergy.

“During the Communion service, the congregation took the bread only, and the two clergy who gave out the bread donned face masks just for this part of the service.

“Prior to the service some of the Cathedral bell ringers briefly rang eight of the bells.

“This is less than the usual 12, to allow for social distancing - although some of the ringers were from the same households.”

The 10.30am public Eucharist service will be held each Sunday until further notice. Details are on the Cathedral website here