No. 431 January 2016

St ’s News COMMUNITY, WORSHIP, CULTURE

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Epiphany

What can I give him? The Angelus

Painting by Jean-Francois Millet, ‘The Angelus’ 1859

A farming couple stop their work for a moment to pray the Angelus at dusk.

The word Angelus is taken form the Latin words of Greeting in Luke 1.26-27: ‘The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary’. The Latin for Angel is Angelus.

The Angelus evolved in about the 12th century with the practice of lay people on hearing the bells of a local monastery in the evening stopping work for a moment and reciting three Hail Mary’s (Luke 1.42). By the 16th century the Angelus was also being said at 6am, 12 noon as well as 6pm.

The prayer involves knitting together a number of scriptural passages associated with Christ’s birth (his incarnation).

The restored Cathedral chimes now incorporate the Angelus at the beginning of morning prayer at 9.02 am, at 12.02pm (when prayers are said when a chaplain is on duty) and at the beginning of evening prayer 5.32pm.

The bells sound in a pattern and are said in conjunction with the following prayer:

The Angelus– continued

The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

3 bells Hail Mary, full of grace, The Lord is with Thee; Blessed art thou among women And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to Your Word.

3 bells Hail Mary, etc…

And the Word was made flesh, And dwelt among us.

3 bells Hail Mary, etc…

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray 9 bells Pour forth, we beseech You, O Lord, Your Grace into our hearts; That as we have known the incarnation of Christ, Your Son by the message of an angel, So by His passion and cross We may be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

So why not when you hear the bell ring, join with us with a minute or two of your own prayers at that time of the day. There is of course no need to use the Angelus prayer, your own God moments are just a reminder of the real meaning of life. Dean Nigel Godfrey

Editor: Christiane Litman [email protected] 271326

The editor is happy to publish articles and photographs from contributors but they do not necessarily represent the views of the editor or the Cathedral. Please inform the editor directly if you have any dates to be included in the diary.

Please submit articles and images for consideration by the 25th of each month. Music across the Great Festival of Christmas I am often asked - do you really have that much to do at Christmas….?

Christmas has been very busy for the Music department, so busy that I thought we ought to report our various ventures across the season:

Liturgical- December started with the great festival of Advent, both services were well attended and both services included music newly composed by our organ scholar Jack Oades. The candle-lit procession was particularly poignant and Jack’s beautiful setting of the O Antiphons made a strong impact on the large congregation in attendance.

December 5th not only saw the most astonishingly bad weather of rain and very high winds, but also a concert ‘The Cathedral Choir at Christmas’ at the Erin Arts Centre. It was very touch-and-go as to whether the concert went ahead; it did, and I was glad as we had an audience of 70+ people, none of whom I recognised as ever setting foot into the Cathedral for a Choral service!

The concert was accompanied by Jack on both the Chamber organ (built by Peter Jones, pictured) and the concert grand piano at the centre. The concert was compèred by Judith Ley and also featured my Mother-in-law, Anne Munding (soprano), who sang pieces by Peter Cornelius and with the choir for Adam’s O Holy Night; as you can imagine it was a stunning performance!

On Sunday 6th December, the Feast of St Nicholas, at Evensong we installed Francesca Fairbairn as this year’s Chorister-Bishop in the Cathedral. Francesca led a big part of the service, gave her blessing on the work of the Cathedral and gave out chocolate coins to the children. She did such a great job the Precentor had no hesitation in paying her the customary 2p for candles to light the service.

Life then got very busy with Jack playing also for the KWC Carol Services and directing the Tallis Consort along with myself, the music department became ‘ a non-office based institution’ for a week or so, leading to the Choir’s important service on Sunday 13th, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Music across the Great Festival of Christmas- continued An exquisite solo from Mackenzie Brown started the service with his spine-tingling ‘Once in Royal’ –bang in tune! In fact the choir were on excellent form to a very busy Cathedral. Again, the great majority were people we had never seen before. The choir sang a popular mixture of Christmas music interspersed with the Christmas story and the well-loved carols and descants of old. Choir favourites included Andrew Carter’s Make we Merry; Stopford’s Lully, Lulla, Lullay; Huxley’s Of a Rose and Handel’s And the Glory of the Lord. A wonderful occasion, it is great that we can offer such high quality of music making to the island community as a gift, and in this case a very special Christmas gift. Jack played superbly and I compliment all my choristers, children and adults on another excellent festival service.

The Cathedral Choir at the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols 2015.

Immediately following our own carol service came the usual Peel schools run of services and events which both Jack and I were very involved in. A welcome break in this busy rehearsal schedule was the Mothers’ Union Christmas lunch, where I provided some Christmassy background music and led a few carols. On Thursday 17th, I waved goodbye to Jack as he took his leave for Christmas, slightly nervous at the remaining Christmas services. I spent several days learning how to play the organ again or at least convincing myself I could do a good job in Jack’s absence!

Sunday 20th saw a departure from the ‘norm’, the Cathedral Music Group (of which I covered Jack’s part on the piano) had expanded dramatically for the service. The group consisted of piano, guitars, bass guitar, bassoon, ‘cello; oboe, trumpet and flute; but also included a ‘back row’ of singers which sang in 3 parts, accompanying Gill Poole in leading the worship that morning. I have to say (with my official hat on) I thought they did a fantastic job and brought a whole new sense of drive and energy to the service. My thanks to Jack, Chris and Gill for organising this and I hope we can revisit and A few member of the group in rehearsal. encourage the larger group on future occasions. The highlight of the service for me was the brave effort of the voices (unaccompanied) which sang Gaudete, and in 3 parts! Music across the Great Festival of Christmas– continued A bite for lunch and then off to St Stephen’s Church, Sulby, with eight Cathedral Choristers to sing at the village carol service. The Cathedral Choristers (4 boys and 4 girls) contributed 2 of their own pieces to the service: Paul Leddington-Wright’s setting of O Come, O Come Emmanuel and RV Williams This is the truth sent from above. The village church was crowded. Mackenzie Brown was due to sing the solo again, but at the last minute requested not to as his throat was very sore. I looked at the other 7 choristers for a soloist…Lily Bridson has just gained her RSCM Red medal, so I asked her and she said yes! Dad, Mark Bridson was in the congregation and had no idea Lily was to sing until he heard her at the start with that wonderful unaccompanied solo, bang in tune! Having scoffed down a mince-pie, a sandwich and a glass of lemonade, I then was hot-footing it (with the Head Chorister, Peter Boussougou) to Elim Church, where I was to accompany him in the solo ‘O Holy Night’. Quite a change of scene for me, the service was a refreshing break, there was I and the HC sat in our robes, listening to the most wonderful unaccompanied congregational carols I have heard for a long time, no instruments, no pianos or organs, just voices!

It is so much part of our mission in the music department to offer out Cathedral Music as a gift, and by engaging with the schools, villages and even other Christian traditions I hope we are beginning to do this.

Besides singing at the Cathedral and Island locations, our wider mission is to take Cathedral Music beyond these shores, and in Summer 2016 we are doing just that! The Cathedral Choir will visit our twin diocese at Cashel and Ossory and sing a weekend at Kilkenny Cathedral. As you can imagine the cost of this is significant and the Choir Parents’ Association have taken it upon themselves to help with these costs. While most of the costs are covered by local island charities, the total cost needs to be supplemented. One such endeavour was arranged for 23rd December, a charity ‘bag-pack’ by the Cathedral Choristers at Peel Shoprite. The event was a great success and we raised £804.65p from bag packing bucket collections!

The 5pm Christingle was again busy and wonderful to see so many children and adults engaging with the Christmas Story in this informal but special way (apart from playing, I was a proud daddy too- Benedict was a great shepherd!). The moment came, the great service of Midnight Mass – the all-adult choir were on very fine form and gave a wonderful rendition of Charpentier’s Mass for Midnight and a sublime and moving account of Victoria’s great anthem O Magnum Mysterium, for me the high point of my belief and tradition. It was wonderful to welcome the student choral scholar home-comers, all of whom had asked to sing at the Cathedral. I feel so privileged to work with the regular choir, but to have young talent asking to sing at the Cathedral is a great testament to the work of the music department. Music across the Great Festival of Christmas– concluded Christmas Day Eucharist welcomed Bishop Robert to the Cathedral. No choir on duty, but 2 sopranos who sang the mass setting and a beautiful anthem Duo Seraphim by Richard Dearing.

Finally, I could rest and enjoy my family celebrations. I am very thankful to my singers, organists Jack Oades and Don Roworth, Clergy and congregations for their support through this very busy season.

Sadly, it will now be public knowledge that a valued friend and colleague of mine, Graham Kirkland has decided to step down after 18 years in post at Kirk . He will be much missed, and the choir has dispersed; some staying on and others joining other choirs, including our own Cathedral Choir. It does however leave the Cathedral Choir as THE only substantial Anglican choir on the island, and that in a fragile future.

I ask for your continued support and prayers for the Music department, and if you feel you can do more, why not become a Friend of the Music Trust? For £100 p/a one off or £10 a month for a year you can help support the running costs of the Cathedral Choir (excluding salaries) by doing this, you will help sustain the future of Cathedral Music and the Cathedral Choir for the city of Peel, but also for the benefit of the whole island. Please ask me or the Precentor for a leaflet.

Dr Peter Litman, Organist & Director of Music

Candlemas...is it important? The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple falls on 2 February and celebrates an early episode in the life of Jesus. The traditional names of the service is Candlemas, it occurs 40 days after Christmas. It is referred to as ‘Candlemas’ on account of the blessing the beeswax candles for the coming year’s use, some of which are also distributed to the faithful for use in their homes. It was also the traditional time to take down any festive decorations:

"Down with the rosemary, and so Down with the bays and mistletoe; Down with the holly, ivy, all, Wherewith ye dress'd the Christmas Hall" Robert Herrick (1591–1674), "Ceremony upon Candlemas Eve" During the 15.30 Choral Evensong on January 31st the Cathedral Choristers will lead a Procession of Candle Light to the West door of the Cathedral, whereby the Dean will bless the light and request the congregation to take it out into the world, symbolising the light of Christ being take into the world. All are welcome to participate in this ancient and special ceremony, the service is followed by the usual hot chocolate refreshment. Cathedral Diary– January 2016 Sat 2 Messy Church 16.00-18.00 Corrin Hall Taizé service 18.00 Cathedral Sun 3 Feast of Epiphany Choral Eucharist (Schola) 10.30 Cathedral Said Evening Prayer 15.30 Cathedral Wed 6 BCP Eucharist (Epiphany) 9.30 Cathedral

Sun 10 Baptism of Christ Choral Eucharist (Choristers) 10.30 Cathedral Choral Evensong (Schola) 15.30 Cathedral Mon 11 MU meeting “Nottingham revisited” 19.30 TBC Speakers: Helen, Lynne and Eleanor Wed 13 BCP Eucharist Manx Saints: Kentigern 9.30 Cathedral

Sun 17 Second Sunday of Epiphany Worship Together 10.30 Cathedral Choral Evensong (full choir) 15.30 Cathedral Wed 20 BCP Eucharist Manx Saints: Machonna 9.30 Cathedral

Sun 24 Conversion of Paul & Septuagesima Choral Eucharist (Schola) 10.30 Cathedral Choral Evensong (Choristers) 15.30 Cathedral Mon 25 MU meeting “First Aid” 19.30 Deanery Speaker: Helen Smith Wed 27 BCP Eucharist Manx Saints: Conan 9.30 Cathedral

Sun 31 Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas) & Sexagesima Choral Eucharist (Schola) 10.30 Cathedral Choral Evensong (Choristers) 15.30 Cathedral with Procession of Light Crib and Christingle Service– photos

The crib scene developed as the story was narrated by Revd Canon Margaret Burrow.

For more photos, please look at the back cover.

Regular Events and Services Youth Groups: 1st Saturday of every month 16.00-18.00 Messy Church Corrin Hall 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month 10.30 Caterpillar Club Corrin Hall Every Wednesday 18.30 - 19.30 The Voice Corrin Hall Every Friday 20.00 - 22.00 Revolution Corrin Hall

Cathedral Choristers:

Every Thursday 16.00-17.00 Rehearsal Song Room

Regular Services:

Sunday 08.30 BCP Eucharist 10.30 CW Eucharist 15.30 Choral Evensong (term-time) or Said Evening Prayer (holidays) Wednesday 09.30 BCP Eucharist Monday– Friday 09.00 Morning Prayer Monday– Saturday 17.30 Evening Prayer

The Cathedral is open daily between 09.00 and 18.00. Notices ADVANCE NOTICE:

On Sunday, 7th February, the usual service of Choral Evensong will celebrate the Assession of Queen Val Garrett did not do Christmas Elizabeth II. 15.30 in the Cathedral. Cards this year (twinned a toilet Special music and the Prayer Book instead) and would like to wish will feature in the service, all you all a very happy New Year. welcome.

ADVANCE NOTICE: The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which falls this year on 10th February, details of Lenten courses and services will be in the next magazine and on the Sunday Link.

What would you like to see in this magazine? At times, it can be difficult to fill the pages of this magazine. If you have anything relevant to share, please do forward it to me at [email protected]. In particular, photos, notices and dates for the diary are always a welcome addition. Items should be forwarded by the 25th of the month at the latest, to allow for editing and printing. Thank you. Christiane Litman Editor Who’s who? St German’s Cathedral Chapter The Very Revd. Nigel Godfrey (Dean of St German’s Cathedral. Vicar for Parish of the West Coast serving Dalby, Kirk Michael, , Peel and St John’s) The Ven. Andie Brown (Archdeacon of the ) Revd. Canon Dr Jules Gomes (Canon of St Patrick, Canon Theologian) Revd. Canon Ian Brady (Canon of St German, Canon Evangelist) vacant (Canon of St ) Revd. Canon Margaret Burrow (Canon of St Columba)

Cathedral Clergy Cathedral Precentor and Vicar for Peel: Revd. Ian Faulds Cathedral Chaplain: Revd. Colin Fleetney

Cathedral Staffing PA to the Dean: Helen Parry Tel.: 01624 844830 Email: [email protected]

Cathedral Fundraising Campaign: Val Garrett Tel.: 01624 844830/ 07624 316001 Email: [email protected]

Cathedral Verger: Andrea Quine Cathedral Premises: Geoff Hall Cathedral Booking: Val Garrett Hall Booking: Moira Hall Tel.: 401435

Safeguarding Coordinator: Christiane Litman Tel.: 07624 271326 Email: [email protected]

Children and Families Worker: Ruth Walker Tel.: 07624 335203 Email: [email protected]

Organist and Director of Music: Dr Peter Litman Tel.: 07624 226356 Organ Scholar: Jack Oades Email: [email protected]

The Crib and Christingle Christmas Eve 2015