Sheffield Cathedral launches mission community to support city neighbourhoods
A pioneering Christian mission community – the first of its kind in a Church of England cathedral – has been established in Sheffield.
The launch of the Community of St Paulinus (CsP) at Sheffield Cathedral was followed by Evensong marking the role of music in the work of the new community.
The cathedral choir was joined by children from the Schools Singing Programme to sing a specially commissioned anthem for school choirs by the composer Martin Bussey called Paulinus.
The aim of the Community of St Paulinus is to help to renew churches in Sheffield and develop new Christian communities shaped by the people and neighbourhoods they serve.
Working alongside people in some of Sheffield’s most economically deprived areas, the Community will work with parish churches and residents to build on neighbourhood strengths, create opportunities for connection and belonging, and tackle issues that matter to people in the city.
The Community is named after St Paulinus, the first Bishop of York, who joined the mission of St Augustine of Canterbury and was sent to evangelise the Anglo-Saxons in the north of England.
Inspired by the rhythms of monastic life, members of the Community will make time for prayer, reflection, learning and service. They will combine these practices with creative ways of partnering with parishes, bringing local people together to nurture faith and deepen congregational life, and to work collaboratively for a fairer neighbourhood through community organising.
Dr Justin Dodd, Canon Missioner and Prior of the CsP, said: “Joining hands with the cathedral family and partner parishes, we will seek to renew congregations or help to establish new ones, listening for the Holy Spirit in the lives of local people and together pursuing the common good.
“As we do this, we will strive to share something of the cathedral’s capacities in sacred music, operational expertise, community organising and, above all, our love for the people of South Yorkshire.”
Tom Daggett, Director of Music at Sheffield Cathedral, added: “We know from our work with the Schools Singing Programme that singing builds confidence and a sense of community among young people while also opening the door to faith.
“It’s exciting to be working hand in glove with the Community of St Paulinus and parish partners to help develop junior choirs, after-school singing clubs and Choir Churches.”
