Categories: uncategorized
Date: 11 February 2008 21:44:34
Wednesday saw the biggest ash crosses I have ever seen. I'm not quite sure whose handiwork they were, as the three clergy (well-choreographed, in splendid purple vestments) ashed the congregation in threes, before moving on to each next group of three. I was glad I had a fringe, as the bald-headed and high-foreheaded congregants looked the strangest. We did not sing an anthem as there are not normally many people at the Ash Wednesday service. However, this year there were 16 in the choir and about 30 in the congregation.
Every few months I'm in need of a Cathedral 'fix'. This weekend we deserted our posts and travelled up to Bristol cathedral for the morning Eucharist and Exeter cathedral for evensong. Both cathedrals had their girl choristers singing; both groups were very impressive. The Bristol choristers were older girls (one with a nose ring!) who sang an enchanting Missa Brevis (upper voices only), the Exeter girl choristers being aged 8 - 13, singing with the men. Bristol's Eucharist was surprisingly like our own Church Eucharist, with a responsorial psalm and Gospel Acclamation (rehearsed beforehand with the congregation), a young acolyte with an alarmingly large hem on her alb, and a little procession of toddlers (called 'Happy Hippos') part way through the service. An obviously very chummy 'core' congregation made their way to the very decorative Chapter House for post-service coffee, which was accompanied by shortbread biscuits. I felt very at home.