A CHRISTMAS appeal has been launched to raise vital funds for the upkeep of Worcester Cathedral.
The cathedral is facing increasing financial hardship and as it prepares to welcome thousands of visitors to a packed programme of festive celebrations, it is asking for donations.
Events for this year will include the Christmas Tree Festival, a Christmas Eve crib service featuring real donkeys and sheep, and a carol concert.
The Very Revd Dr Stephen Edwards, Dean of Worcester, said: “It is my privilege and joy to invite you and your loved ones to the cathedral for our rich programme of Christmas celebrations and worship. The doors will be open for everyone – from regular worshippers to those who have yet to set foot inside. And all will receive the heartiest of welcomes.
“This Christmas will be extremely important to me, as it will be my first as Dean of Worcester. It is a huge honour to have been appointed to this responsibility – and I believe that this coincides with a renewed sense of hope and opportunity for us all.
“It is my prayer and deepest wish that this Christmas can be a time of friendship, togetherness and shared joy within our community – joy for the sake of joy – and I want the cathedral to be at the heart of that. This wonderful, iconic building can be both a calm, warm, safe space for those who are struggling and a joyous house of life-affirming Christian celebration.
“The cathedral is always a special, moving place – but perhaps never more so than at Christmas time. If you are able to support financially, please contribute whatever is reasonable and affordable for you, to help us to keep the cathedral open, warm and welcoming this Christmas.
“In a time when many local families are struggling, the cathedral is one of the very few places that is completely free to visit. Your support will help us to pay for the increasingly challenging costs of keeping this magnificent building open over Christmas – so that we can continue to be a bright beacon of peace and joy for all.”
To donate to the cathedral’s Christmas Appeal, and for the full programme of Christmas event, visit www.worcestercathedral.org.uk/christmas24
