When does Junior Church take place?
Every Sunday during term time at 10am.
During the school holidays there are craft bags available at the back of the cathedral which children are welcome to use. See all dates here.
Where do I go?
The sessions take place in the Chapter House and the Education Centre. Simply make your way to the South Transcept in the main cathedral (ask a service steward for directions) just before the service where the children will be led into the Chapter House.
We then come back into the cathedral to receive Holy Communion or a blessing. Please collect your child from the South Transcept after the service where we can then gather for refreshments in the Galilee Chapel.
What are the age groups?
We have three groups, Preschool (0-4), Primary (4-11) and Secondary (11-18) which are led by a team of qualified teachers, supported by a wonderful group of volunteer helpers who ensure that the children are safe and have lots of fun! All our leaders and volunteers are DBS checked and have completed Safeguarding training.
Preschool - Baby Zone: A supervised area where babies and toddlers can explore the gospel passage through play and can join in with the Junior Church activities if they wish. Please note that children joining this group must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Primary - Junior Church: The children will gather to explore the gospel passage through songs, craft and prayer.
Secondary - HC: DC (Hot chocolate Drinking Club): The children move to the Education Centre where they explore the gospel passage through discussion and sometimes craft - whilst enjoying hot chocolate!
Who leads the sessions?
Our leaders are all professional teachers and regular worshippers of Durham Cathedral. They have all completed Safeguarding training to a leadership level.
Leaders:
Miss Erica Jane Soulsby
I taught in London for 32 years, and my final job was as ‘Assistant Head: Pastoral’ at Westminster Abbey Choir School. I am also trained and licensed as a Reader in the Diocese of Southwark, and I enjoy singing and a proud Grandma.
Sarah Parkinson
I am a primary school teacher in Durham, and I have been teaching for nearly 10 years. I have 3 children of my own and we love being part of the worshipping community at the Cathedral.
Michael Aspin
I grew up in Oldham but moved to Durham in 2014 to study and I’ve been here ever since! I read PPE and then a Modern History MA at St. Chad’s College before taking up teaching at Christ’s College in Sunderland, where I am currently their Head of History and a Teacher of Religious Studies. I’m a regular worshipper and server here in the Cathedral. I enjoy reading, listening to classical music, and I have a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo!
The Reverend Kathryn Tiernan
I am currently the Assistant Curate at Durham Cathedral. Before ordination to the priesthood, I was the manager of a FE/HE music specialist college. I am also mum to two young boys who love being a part of Junior Church!
Volunteers:
Our wonderful volunteers are a mix of regular worshippers at Durham Cathedral and students from the University of Durham. They have all completed safeguarding and first aid training.
- Jayne Oliver
- David Tiernan
- Liliana Lukashuk
- Megan Thomas
- Jemima Bailey
- Jeffrey Hewitt
- Sharon Mallard
Junior Church Upcoming Dates
Junior Church
Event date and start time
Various dates and times
Children aged 0 to 18 are invited to learn more about the Christian Gospel through storytelling and exciting craft activities every Sunday during term time.
More info