In the Cathedral buildings and the beauty of the Close you will indeed find a powerful sense of space, of peace and of holiness. However many people work long hours to ensure that the Cathedral is, in the words of its mission statement,
- a place to be holy,
- a place to learn, and
- a place to feel welcome.
Who comes here?
We are the mother church of the Diocese of Norwich and were recently voted the best loved building in Norfolk. We are a focal point in times of celebration and grief, and many special services are held here to mark events of importance to the people of Norfolk.
But every day we are also visited by people from all over the world.
All are welcome here - people of Norfolk and beyond, of all ages and backgrounds, of all faiths and none. People come to the Cathedral for a host of different purposes. People come to light a candle in private prayer or attend one of the many services held every day; some come to study the architecture of the Cathedral or to enjoy the Herb Garden; some come for a concert, civic event or graduation ceremony; some bring children to family activities like the Big Draw and some come to meet friends for lunch in our Refectory Restaurant and Coffee Shop. But not many people realise how many people work and learn here.
Who works here?
When you consider who works at the Cathedral you may think immediately of the clergy. However Norwich Cathedral employs over seventy people in a wide variety of roles.
Norwich Cathedral could not function without over 500 Volunteers who assist the clergy with services, maintain the Herb Garden, work with children, serve in the Shop and Refectory, create exquisite ecclesiastical textiles and help in very many other ways. New volunteers are always welcome.
Few realise that the Close is also a thriving business community. In addition to those working for the Cathedral, a number of businesses have their offices in the Close. On a summer’s day the Upper and Lower Close are full of people out enjoying their lunch break in this beautiful green space at the heart of Norwich.
Who learns here?
Every year over 15,000 young people take part in one of our school visits or other structured learning activities not to mention the thousands who come informally with their families for services or as tourists. This is in addition to the educational role of the music department as regards those in the various Cathedral Choirs and the local primary school children involved in the music outreach scheme.
Moreover Norwich Cathedral has close ties with Norwich School, a co-educational independent school for children aged seven - eighteen based in the Close. The school, which was originally part of the Benedictine monastery, still holds its morning assembly in the Cathedral and educates all the Cathedral Choristers.
The learning opportunities we provide are not just for those under eighteen. Throughout the year there are events and lectures ranging from lectures on art history to a creative writing course to a labyrinth workshop.
The Close is also home to The Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures and Emmaus House, the Diocesan Education Centre, where those taking training courses make extensive use of the Cathedral Library.