Durham Cathedral recently appointed the Reverend Daniel Parkinson as Minor Canon and Succentor. This re-established role is part of the implementation of the Encountering God strand of the cathedral’s Vision 2033, and is designed to increase the capacity of the cathedral in the key area of worship, so that the Liturgy and Music team can play a full part in developing their work on our vision and strategy in the years ahead.
Dan has served part-time as Minor Canon for Liturgy and Learning for the past four years, playing a key role in planning and delivering services at the cathedral, while researching for a PhD on the thought of Thomas Aquinas. The new role will see Dan continuing to work closely with Michael Hampel, Precentor, in overseeing and developing the worshipping and community life of Durham Cathedral.
Welcoming the appointment, Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham, said,
‘I am delighted that Dan is taking up this new full-time role in September. At Durham Cathedral we have been richly blessed with Dan’s leadership and gifts these past four years, and he is a much-loved part of the worshipping community. It will be great having him on the team full-time so that our exciting plans for Vision 2033 have the leadership capacity to come to fruition.
Michael Hampel, Vice-Dean and Precentor, added
‘Dan understands well the dignity and warmth of worship, and his prayerful wisdom and pastoral sensitivity will enhance people’s encounters with God in the liturgy and music of Durham Cathedral.’
Dan Parkinson commented,
‘Durham Cathedral is an immensely special place – in both its historic witness to the faith of the Northern Saints, and also its contemporary significance in the hearts of the people of this region – and so it is a great privilege to be given the opportunity to continue serving God here. In the next stage of my time at the Cathedral, I hope that my work will help others to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.’
Dan will be licensed and installed at a special service of Choral Evensong on Tuesday 9 September at 5.30 p.m. All are welcome.
