Down Cathedral Trustees Report 2024
We continue to offer regular Sunday and midweek worship, including a weeklyThursday Communion and Daily Evening Prayer. Healing prayer continues on the 1st Friday of each month. Our services are streamed online and we are joined by ‘regular’ Watchers and by visitors from around the world. We regularly welcome visitors alongside our regular in-person congregation,especially in the Summer season and we welcomed 60,000 visitors over the year.
The Cathedral is a focal point for the Annual St Patrick’s Day Celebrations in the town, over the weekend we welcome thousands of people to worship with us and visit the Cathedral and St Patrick’s Grave. Revenue from these visitors maintain our welcome ministry.We are thankful to have a dedicated staff team and a faithful team of volunteers.
We continue to be grateful for the prayerful and financial support of our Cathedral Congregation,
And from the Diocese of Down and Dromore.
As well as our regular worship we recorded a service for RTE, hosted a concert in support of the Downpatrick community after the flooding. Collected £250 for bikes to help ministers in Sudan. Held a concert of St Mark’s Passion. Hosted the Mothers union service for mission overseas. Had a display of Quilts with Seff and a service where people shared their experiences. Later on in the year we had a Holocaust Memorial Service. £126 was raised for the Poppy appeal and we had our school carol services and the Cathedral’s own carol service on Christmas Eve.
Regarding on going maintenance, a new oil tank was installed,all wiring in the building was PAT tested with relevant recommendations covered. All Expenses Relating to this work have been covered.
In November 2024 The Rev Henry Blair was appointed Rector Elect for the Lamp group of Churches. Plans Being prepared for the refurbishment of the rectory.