‘Let all guests that come to the monastery be received as Christ. For one day he will say: "I was a stranger and you welcomed me"’. The Rule of St Benedict. Today we extend that Benedictine welcome to guests in ways that our monastic founders could never have imagined. However the principle, and the warmth that lies behind the welcome, remain the same.
Visitors to the Cathedral are greeted by one of our volunteer Welcomers. The Welcomers are a mine of information and can help with, for example, times of services, where to find our prayer request board, tours on offer and where to get a cup of coffee. Everyone is welcome to join any of the services. To find out more please consult the Worship section.
The Cathedral is always looking for new Volunteers. Just ask a Welcomer or a member of the staff for further details. We would be delighted to discuss it with you!
Our Hostry Visitor and Education Centre, opening in 2009, will enable us to offer superb new facilities to welcome visitors and the many children who come here with their schools and families. Its sister building, the Refectory Restaurant and Coffee Shop is already open. Here visitors can relax during the day and enjoy delicious local food and drink, while at breakfast time and during the evening this stunning building is a popular venue for private and corporate functions.
Since 2000 the Inspiration for the Future campaign has raised a staggering £10 million from individuals, churches, businesses and charities in order to build the Refectory and Hostry. The time and money given reinforces how important the Benedictine tradition of hospitality is to everyone involved with the Cathedral.