Welcome to Guildford Cathedral...

Dean’s Welcome

Guildford Cathedral is a warm-hearted community that is open to God, open to all. 

Sunday Services recommenced in the Cathedral on Sunday 19 July.

I was delighted to be able to welcome the congregation back into the Cathedral on Sunday for our first Sunday Service in the Cathedral since lockdown. It was different to what we are used to and we couldn’t sing, but we were fortunate to have pre-recorded musical input and hymns from our virtual visiting choir, and Katherine Dienes-Williams played the organ for us during the service. As well as all the developments inside the Cathedral Nave, high up in the Ringing Chamber, again for the first time since lockdown, our Bell Ringers were able to ring. Although only for 15 minutes, and not with the normal number of bells, this was a welcome addition to our worship and one which was noted by neighbours around us on Facebook saying how lovely it was to hear the familiar bells again.

For further details of Sunday Services please visit our Worship page. If possible please register for the service using one of the three methods stated. We are following UK government and Church of England guidelines to ensure the safety of all, whether it be staff, volunteers or pilgrims. There are limited numbers allowed in the Cathedral at any one time, so please be aware that you may need to queue. Please dress according to the weather. 

In addition to the Holy Communion Service in the Cathedral, for the summer weeks we will continue to celebrate the Cathedral Eucharist on-line with a pre-recorded streamed service. This continues this Sunday, 2 August, the Eighth Sunday after Trinity, Waltham St Lawrence Virtual Voices is our virtual choir for this Sunday, our thanks to them for their contribution to our worship. I do hope that whether it be with us in the Cathedral or on-line, you are able to join us for one of our Services this Sunday.

On Thursday 6 August we mark the Transfiguration of our Lord with a Choral Eucharist at 5.30pm on-line. We do hope you will be able to join us for this service with the musical contribution supplied from the Ethelbert Consort – we also offer our thanks to them for their contribution to our worship.

All previous services are available here, including links to Morning Prayer and Holy Cathedral on Tuesdays – Fridays that is streamed. We do endeavour to update these pages as often as possible but please do bear with us as we are working with a limited team who are working really hard.

Stag Hill is coming to life again as we continue to take new steps all the time towards the future. Seasons Café is open 9.30am – 3.00pm on Tuesday – Saturdays and you are able to dine in as well as take their delicious fayre away. 

We’re also delighted to report that on Tuesday 4 August the Cathedral Shop will open between 10am – 2pm Tuesday to Saturdays. Sharon is delighted and is looking forward to welcoming you. Please do come and visit her if you get an opportunity – she has lots of lovely items in the shop which I am sure you will be delighted to see. 

We urge everyone visiting to continue to carry out the social distancing regulations and follow the guidance in place in both the Cathedral, the shop and the Cafe; we are all in this situation together and we all have such a vital role to play to continue to protect ourselves and others.

Please continue to show kindness and understanding to others and we step into this next phase together.

With every blessing

The Very Reverend Dianna Gwilliams
Dean of Guildford