You are in: Durham Cathedral - Introduction - News
Holy Week Retreat at Durham Cathedral
Holy Week provides an opportunity to focus our attention on the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ which culminated with his death and ultimate resurrection from the dead which the Church celebrates on Easter Day. Holy Week is one of the most significant times in the Church year and we invite you to share it with us at Durham Cathedral by participating in our worship and a special programme of retreat addresses, pilgrimage and guided study. Accommodation is provided by St Chad's College, opposite the Cathedral, and our observance of Holy Week will be led by members of the Cathedral Chapter.
A retreat programme will be provided from Monday morning until after Evening Prayer on Good Friday. Anyone wishing to stay until Easter Day is welcome to do so. The week is shaped by the regular worship at the Cathedral and includes:
Monday & Wednesday: a retreat address from a member of the Cathedral Chapter; an opportunity for engagement with the themes of Holy Week through an art pilgrimage, manuscripts from the Library, lectio divina; quiet time; Sung Compline and address by Canon Professor Mark McIntosh.
Maundy Thursday: a retreat address; optional attendance at the diocesan Chrism Eucharist; quiet time; Maundy Thursday liturgy including Durham's unique Judas Cup ceremony, Stripping of the Altar and Vigil in the Galilee Chapel.
Good Friday: the Liturgy of the Three Hours; Evening Prayer for Good Friday at the pieta.
Holy Saturday: A day of quiet at the Cathedral. Time for quiet reflection or a pilgrimage visit in the region * St Chad's College can provide ideas.
Easter Day: The Dawn Vigil with Baptism and Confirmation followed by breakfast; Easter Day services.
This week is a time for spiritual renewal. Participants are invited to share in the Cathedral's observance of Holy Week and to use the remaining time in a way that best meets their needs. A member of the Cathedral community will be available at certain times for personal conversation should that be helpful.
Accommodation at St Chad's is in student study bedrooms, some en-suite but a few minutes walk along North Bailey and some with shared bathrooms but opposite the Cathedral. Please indicate on your form if you would prefer to be close to the Cathedral or need a ground floor room, but in both cases there is some walking involved. As befits Holy Week, the food will be simple but good.
For more information or to book (either residentially or non-residentially), contact James Randle on j.d.randle@durham.ac.uk or write to Conference Department, St Chad's College, 18 North Bailey, Durham, DR1 3RH. People on the Cathedral Community Roll should indicate this when booking to receive a discount.
(Posted on Monday 22nd February 2010)