St. Mary Cathedral

Introduction

The original cathedral burnt down in May 2000. The new cathedral opened in 1986. The original architect was Frank B Swainston, assisted by Peter A Fenton.

Architecture and furnishings

The new cathedral is built in brick over a structural steel frame with a slate roof mimicking the contours of Roseberry Topping. Brazilian mahogany is used for all the doors, and ash for the architect-designed pews which seat 700 people. The nave layout provides generous circulation space behind and around the fixed seating. Two V-shaped multi-purpose open spaces are elevated from and projected into the seating area.

Music and liturgy

The Senior Choristers rehearse weekly at the Cathedral and sing as part of the Cathedral Choir at the Sunday morning mass every week during term time, as well as extra services on Holy Days, during Holy Week, and at Christmas and Easter. The Junior Choir rehearses weekly at the Cathedral and sings with the Cathedral Choir about once a month, including for Family Masses and for major Festivals. Cathedral Choral Scholars sing with the Cathedral Choir and rehearse weekly either with the Senior Choristers or Adult Singers or in one or more of the midweek Evening Prayer with Benediction services.

The Adult Singers form part of the Cathedral Choir, along with the Senior Choristers, rehearse weekly and sing at the same services as the Senior Choristers, singing Alto, Tenor, or Bass. The Diocesan Choir, although not one of the Cathedral Choirs, often sings here, rehearses monthly in York, is non-auditioning, and sings at major Diocesan services at the Cathedral, such as the Chrism Mass. Sung Evening Prayer with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place weekly.

Regular events

The dedication of the cathedral is commemorated each year. Music for the Mind takes place on the second Monday afternoon of each month. Dementia friendly services are arranged throughout the year, by request and especially at Christmas.

Visiting

The public areas of the cathedral have complete step-free access, an accessible toilet, and a T Loop system. Visitors enter through the main door into the Narthex, then into the main body of the Cathedral Church. Photography is allowed, but not during prayer time, and flying drones requires special permission from cathedral staff. Groups should rendezvous outside the cathedral, directly opposite the main door.

School groups are especially welcome for educational visits and times of prayer. The cathedral is a Dementia Friendly Building.