People flock through new Cathedral doors

A pair of new glass doors have welcomed in thousands of new worshippers and visitors to Christ Church Cathedral.

Numbers attending services in Cathedrals across Britain have increased in recent years, and Christ Church is no exception, with  services particularly well attended last year and this Easter.

Last year’s numbers were boosted by the farewell to Bishop Richard, the former Bishop of Oxford, and a Mozart Requiem in Holy Week.

But this year there are already encouraging signs that worshippers are continuing to come to the Cathedral. Around 800 people worshipped there on Easter Day.

The new doors are designed to make the Cathedral much more open and welcoming, and are set inside the original wooden doors. Designed by Jane McDonald of Dorchester-on-Thames, they are delicately lettered with the words ‘Aedes Christi – House of Christ’.

Cathedral staff are already busy with plans for the next Cathedral and college open day on September 15.

The last event, two years ago, attracted more than 3,000 people.

The Cathedral will be full of stalls and displays, and there will be concerts, recitals and tours on offer – including Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter tours for youngsters.

There will also be a labyrinth, offering a spiritual experience, said the sub-Dean the Very Revd Nicholas Coulton.

Visitors can also sign up for dinner in the College in the evening.

All parishes in the diocese will be invited. Individuals and groups can just turn up but dinner does need to be pre-booked on 01865 286848. For more details see future issues of The Door.