Advent & Christmas at Southwark Cathedral
Advent and Christmas at Southwark Cathedral
Sunday 29 November
Advent Procession
6.00pm
The Lay Clerks lead us in an online service taking us from darkness to light as we celebrate the biblical figures represented in the advent crown.
Due to present restrictions the service will be online only and can be viewed on the Cathedral website page here, Facebook page here and YouTube page here.
Remember a loved one with a message on our Christmas tree of Remembrance
Christmas can be a difficult time, especially if you have lost a loved one or aren’t able spend time with friends or family due to restrictions or if you are self isolating.
This year at Southwark Cathedral we invite you remember those who can’t be with us by dedicating a decoration on our Christmas Remembrance tree located in the Churchyard.
You can come along on the 5 December between noon and 4.00pm to add your message to our tree, or if you are unable to join us please email your loved ones name and message to Kate Dean, Director of The Friends of Southwark Cathedral who will add your message for you. Kate can be contacted by email here
These messages will remain on the tree until Epiphany on Wednesday 6 January 2021. We will also add your messages to this website here
Friday 11 December
Choral Evensong to mark the 850th anniversary of St Thomas Becket preaching at St Mary Overie
5.30pm
On 11 December 1170 Archbishop Thomas Becket preached at the Priory of St Mary Overie which is now Southwark Cathedral. This was to be the final sermon he preached in London as he was subsequently martyred in Canterbury Cathedral on 29 December. We will be joined for Choral Evensong by The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby. Archbishop of Canterbury, who will preach at the service. We will also be joined by the Dean of Canterbury, the Very Revd Robert Willis and representatives from St George’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, Southwark.
To register to attend this service please visit our Eventbrite page here
If you can’t join us at the Cathedral then you will be able to view this service on the Cathedral website page here, Facebook page here and YouTube page here.
Sunday 20 December
Family Service: Getting Ready to Welcome Jesus
12.30pm
Short informal service especially for the younger members of our congregation (we suggest ages 0–11) and their families. Using interactive storytelling and activities we will explore the Nativity story together. We have space for 20 families. Please book one ticket for the whole family.
FREE – Please register at the Cathedral Eventbrite page here
Sunday 20, Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 December
Southwark Cathedral Carol Services
6.00pm – 7.00pm
The Cathedral Carol Service is always a highlight of the year.
Please note that you must be seated by 5.30pm for a 6.00pm start.
Unfortunately due to present social-distancing restrictions only those who have registered will be permitted to attend. If you have registered to attend but your plans change please do let us know so we can offer your seat to someone else.
Please do not just turn up on the evening and expect any seats to be available.
To register attendance at these services please visit our Eventbrite page here
The first of our three Carol Services on Sunday 20 December will be live streamed. Please join us via our website here, on Facebook here or on YouTube here.
Thursday 24 December – Christmas Eve
Come to the Manger
10am – 4pm
Visit the Cathedral with your family and journey to Bethlehem.
Exploring different parts of the Cathedral and getting ready to welcome Jesus, your self-guided journey will end at the crib.
God invites us to come to the manger, the place where all are welcome, to meet the Christ-child and to celebrate his birth.
Midnight Mass
8.30pm – 10.00pm
This year in line with restrictions on other gatherings the service will begin at an earlier time than usual. But the joy of Christmas and the wonder of the good news of the incarnation just as powerful.
Please note that you must be seated by 8.00pm for an 8.30pm start.
Unfortunately due to present social-distancing restrictions only those who have registered will be permitted to attend. If you have registered to attend but your plans change please do let us know so we can offer your seat to someone else.
Please do not just turn up on the evening and expect any seats to be available.
To register attendance at this service please visit our Eventbrite page here
Christmas Day
Eucharist
9.00am
For those who like a quieter celebration of Christmas this service will not disappoint. Join us as we journey to Bethlehem to greet the Christ-child.
This service will take place in the Cathedral and is not online.
Choral Eucharist
11.00am
Whilst the turkey is roasting join us for the true highlight of Christmas Day as we celebrate the greatest gift to humankind, Jesus Christ, who we meet in word and music and sacrament.
To register to attend this service please visit our Eventbrite page here
If you can’t join us at the Cathedral then you will be able to view this service on the Cathedral website page here, Facebook page here and YouTube page here.
Please note that the Cathedral will close after this service and re-open on Boxing Day.