St. Magnus Cathedral - Congregational Information
Whether you come from north or south,
east or west, whether you live here or are a visitor,
are here for the first time, or are here regularly..
you are welcome to our worship.
The worshipping community over the centuries has been part of the Roman
Catholic Church, the Norwegian Church, the Scottish Episcopal Church, and
the Church of Scotland {Presbyterian}. The worshipping community thus inherits
an ecumenical tradition and in our day and generation worshippers come from
a whole host of denominational backgrounds [and none] to worship.
Our worship style may best be described as ‘contemporary liturgical’ seeking
to use contemporary language and images in an inclusive way through metaphor
and story. The involvement of others each week in the leading of worship,
with a printed order of service, is essential. Colour, symbols, candles,
inclusive language and story, all help to shape the worship experience.
In a fast changing world and church, Cathedral worship aims to help us know
and feel how we relate as individuals to ourselves, others, and to the world.
To celebrate that relationship and to celebrate of whole of life, in the
continuing, creative presence of the sacred we call God.
SUNDAY WORSHIP
Morning Worship is held in the Cathedral each Sunday at 11.15am. During school terms, the Sunday Club also meets in the St Magnus Centre and shares in the latter part of the Service. Tea and Coffee are served at the west end of the Cathedral after the Service, to which visitors are especially welcome.The following facilities are also provided each Sunday at the Service:
- A loop system for the hard of hearing is in operation in the Cathedral.
- Large-print Hymn books are available from the Elders on duty at the door.
- A Cathedral Directory, the Who's Who list of contacts for all Cathedral activities and organisations and copies of the current edition of the Cathedral magazine ‘The Grapevine’ are available at the West End.
- The Presbytery Of Orkney Resources Table, offering books, postcards, small gifts and souvenirs, is situated at the West door entrance.
COMMUNION DATES
Holy Communion is celebrated on the significant dates in the Christian Year,
namely Science Festival Sunday [1st in September] All Saints Sunday [1st
in November, Christmas Day [jointly with Kirkwall East Church, Candlemas
[1st in February] Easter Day, around Pentecost/Trinity [1st in June]. There
is also a Communion service held on the first Sunday in August.
COMMUNION SERVICES
We have an open Table at Communion services which means that any baptised
member of Christ’s Church is welcome to share in the Sacrament. This
includes children.
BAPTISMS
The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on occasions suitable to the family
concerned. The Minister is very happy to discuss the baptism of children
with any parents who would like to explore the subject.
It is also possible to arrange to have a Service of Blessing for a child
at which no promises are required to be made in the way required at baptism.
WEDDINGS
The Cathedral is very popular as a venue for Christian marriage. If you
would like to be married in the Cathedral, it is very important that interested
parties contact the Minister before deciding on a date, in order to ascertain
the availability of the Cathedral. In the first instance you will be sent
a ‘Cathedral Wedding Guide’ which lays out what we can offer.
OPPORTUNITIES
There are many opportunities for people to become involved in the life of
the Cathedral in addition to worship. These include the Contact Group,
visiting housebound members, taking with them news of Cathedral activities,
the Friendship group, the Guild, Volunteer staff at the St Magnus Centre
in the summer months, delivering the Cathedral magazine, Christian Aid.
House-to-house collections, the Cathedral Bell Ringers.