Who could have foreseen all that was to unfold in the world, the Diocese and the Cathedral over the last twelve months? It is a constant reminder that, as Thomas à Kempis rendered Proverbs 16.9, “Man proposes, but God disposes.”
This should humble us and encourage us to ‘pray at all times in the Spirit’ remembering we are utterly dependent on the grace of God and that for all of us, our times are in his hands.
So trusting in the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, it is always with a degree of conditionality that we lay our plans for the future before him. We look forward:
- to the commissioning of the2012 at a great celebration in the Cathedral on St Mellitus Day, 24th April. There is still time for your younger people to sign up and be involved. (www.the2012.org.uk)
- to the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and thanksgiving
- to all the opportunities for witness and service that the Olympics and the Paralympics will bring
- to the clergy Study Summit (20th September), one of the last engagements of Rowan as Archbishop of Canterbury
- to praying and listening to each other as we move on beyond the London Challenge 2012 and try to discern our priorities, direction and vision for the next few years.
It was inspiring to see over 350 clergy and Readers in the Cathedral last year. Maundy Thursday is a day when we can rejoice in the diversity that God has given us and as clergy, renew our ordination vows, pray for the people we serve and bless the oils used for baptism, confirmation and healing. My brother bishops and I hope you will join us, all are welcome, clergy and people together rejoicing in the love of God, revealed to us in Christ Jesus our Lord.
As Holy Week approaches we recall our Lord’s agony in the Garden and as we commit ourselves afresh to God, we plan for the future with hope, yet dare to pray with our Saviour, “not my will, but yours be done”.
Practical Arrangements for Clergy and Licensed Ministers
Time: all robing in the Chapel of St Faith in the Crypt by 10.15 am at the latest. Enter by northwest crypt door – congregation only through West doors.
Robing: cassock, surplice, and if it is your tradition, white stole for clergy, scarf for Readers.
Oil Distribution: collect vials from the Crypt after the Eucharist – please wash and return empty containers from last year and leave them in the receptacles in the Crypt.
Deputies: a parish or chaplaincy representative may collect oils on behalf of the priest. Oils are available from the Virgers throughout the year should you require further supplies.
Coffee will be served in the Nelson Chamber after divesting.
