Mass of Induction of Fr Michael Jones

Friday, 19 September 2014

 

Entrance	Here I am, Lord
Kyrie	Mass of the Redeemer (mcb) - Lord have mercy
Gloria	New Celtic Liturgy (Christopher Walker)
Psalm	Because the Lord is my Shepherd (Christopher Walker)
Gospel Acclamation	St Agatha Alleluia (mcb)
Preparation of the Gifts	Will you come and follow me (John Bell)
Sanctus, Acclamation, Amen	Mass of Creation (Marty Haugen)
Agnus Dei	Lamb of God II (mcb)
Communion	Take and Eat (Joncas)
Postcommunion	A Clare Benediction (John Rutter)
Recessional	God’s Spirit is in my heart

If I understand the historical accounts correctly, cathedrals by tradition have not had parish priests. The cathedral is the principal church (in ancient times the only church) of the diocese, and the bishop the principal pastor. In practice down the centuries, local pastoral functions relating to the cathedral community were delegated by the bishop to the provost, dean, chapter and what have you, and there was no office of parish priest in this arrangement.

I'm not sure when or why they came round to the view in these parts that this was a bad idea, but current thinking is that the Cathedral Dean (the title itself a recent creation, upgraded from Cathedral Administrator in about 2001) is also its parish priest. All of which goes to explain why tonight’s happy celebration was the first of its kind.

Our new Dean Fr Michael is not only parish priest of the Cathedral parish, but also of the neighbouring parish of St Joseph’s, Ordsall. He was keen that his Mass of induction should be a celebration for both parish communities, without anything of cathedral grandeur or solemnity. I told him we don’t especially do cathedral grandeur or etc., and instead we were happy to join forces with the music group from St Joseph’s to make music that was accessible, direct and undoubtedly parish-oriented. It wasn't a million miles from our usual fare, and included a choral welcome in the form of John Rutter’s simple and gentle prayer of blessing:

May the Lord show his mercy upon you;
May the light of his presence be your guide:
May he guard you and uphold you;
May his spirit be ever by your side.
When you sleep may his angels watch over you;
When you wake may he fill you with his grace:
May you love him and serve him all your days,
Then in heaven may you see his face.