The Cathedral Of St John The Baptist

Cathedral Garden looking lovely in today’s lovely weather!

Blessed John Henry Newman, pray for us!

Fr Andrew celebrated Mass in the Extraordinary Form for the first time yesterday afternoon. The next Extraordinary Form Mass will be on Sunday 3rd March.
The 1st Sunday EF Masses from March onwards will be at the new time of 3pm, not at 4pm, to accommodate Fr Andrew’s responsibilities as Chaplain to the University of East Anglia.
Latin Mass Society

This weeks newsletter now available to download:

THE 'O ANTIPHONS'
Each day in the lead up to Christmas, we will be using the O Antiphons as a meditation as we enter the last days of Advent. These Antiphons feature before and after the Magnificat during Vespers from 17th-23rd December, and they spell out the acrostic 'ERO CRAS' ('I will be here tomorrow').
O EMMANUEL
... O Emmanuel, you are our king and our judge, the One whom the peoples await and their Saviour. O come and save us, Lord our God.
With this last antiphon our expectation finds joy now in the certainty of fulfillment. We call Jesus by one of the most personal and intimate of his titles, Emmanuel, God-with-us. We recall that in his birth from the Virgin Mary God takes on our very flesh and human nature: God coming nearer to us than we could have ever imagined! Yet he is also to be exalted above us as our king, the lawgiver and judge, the one whom we honor and obey. And he is our savior, long-expected by all creation. The final cry rises from us urgent in our need for daily salvation and forgiveness of our sins, and confident that our God will not withhold himself from us.
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THE 'O ANTIPHONS'
Each day in the lead up to Christmas, we will be using the O Antiphons as a meditation as we enter the last days of Advent. These Antiphons feature before and after the Magnificat during Vespers from 17th-23rd December, and they spell out the acrostic 'ERO CRAS' ('I will be here tomorrow').
O REX GENTIUM
... O King whom all the peoples desire, you are the cornerstone which makes all one. O come and save man, whom you made from clay.
The earlier antiphons have already alluded to the Messiah coming not only to Israel but to convert the gentile nations and redeem them for his own. Now this sixth antiphon clearly addresses the savior as the king of the gentiles (Jer.10:7) and the Desired One of the nations. The Messiah is the cornerstone on whom our spiritual foundations are laid, but on whom unbelievers stumble (Matt. 21:42). This cornerstone unites and binds Jew and gentile into one, making peace between them. The plea is that God save all humanity, all his creation that he formed from the dust of the earth (Gen.2:7). We yearn for him once again to breathe the breath of his new life into us.
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THE 'O ANTIPHONS'
Each day in the lead up to Christmas, we will be using the O Antiphons as a meditation as we enter the last days of Advent. These Antiphons feature before and after the Magnificat during Vespers from 17th-23rd December, and they spell out the acrostic 'ERO CRAS' ('I will be here tomorrow').
O ORIENS
... O Rising Sun, you are the splendour of eternal light and the sun of justice. O come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
This title is variously translated "morning star", "Dayspring", "rising sun", "radiant dawn", "orient". All beautifully express the idea of light shattering the darkness of night, of sin and death, of sickness and despair, with its brightness bringing healing and warmth to cold hearts. Jesus is indeed the true light, the radiance of his Father's splendour. The church prays this petition daily in the Benedictus, joining in the words of Zechariah: "He, the Dayspring, shall visit us in his mercy to shine on those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death" (Luke 1:78-79).
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THE 'O ANTIPHONS'
Each day in the lead up to Christmas, we will be using the O Antiphons as a meditation as we enter the last days of Advent. These Antiphons feature before and after the Magnificat during Vespers from 17th-23rd December, and they spell out the acrostic 'ERO CRAS' ('I will be here tomorrow').
O CLAVIS DAVID
... O key of David and sceptre of Israel, what you open no one else can close again; what you close, no one can open. O come and lead the captive from prison; free those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
The key and scepter are traditional symbols of kingly power and authority. Christ, the anointed one, is the heir of David and possessor of the kingdom. Jesus himself also made use of this symbol, showing the prophetic relationship of the earthly kingdom of David to the kingdom of God. All power and authority was given to him after the resurrection, and he entrusted this power to "bind and to loose" to Peter and the ministers of his church. In the closing petition we look to Jesus to unlock the fetters of sin that keeps us tightly chained. It is he who frees us from our captivity. We recall the deliverance proclaimed by the psalmist of old: "they dwelt in darkness and gloom, bondsmen in want and in chains,...and he led them forth from darkness and gloom and broke their bonds asunder" (Psalm 107: 10, 14).
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THE 'O ANTIPHONS' Each day in the lead up to Christmas, we will be using the O Antiphons as a meditation as we enter the last days of Advent. These Antiphons feature before and after the Magnificat during Vespers from 17th-23rd December, and they spell out the acrostic 'ERO CRAS' ('I will be here tomorrow').
O RADIX JESSE
... O root of Jesse, you stand as a signal for the nations; kings fall silent before you whom the peoples acclaim. O come to deliver us, and do not delay.le manner. O come to teach us the way of truth.
Isaiah prophesied a restoration of David's throne a new branch budding out of the old root. Christ is the root of Jesse in a two-fold sense: he is the descendant of David, who was the youngest son of Jesse, and he inherited the royal throne. The angel foretold to Mary, "The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father. He will rule over the house of Jacob forever and his reign will be without end" (Luke 1:32-33). Our hearts more and more urgently cry out for God's reign to extend over all humanity: "Come, save us, and do not delay".
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THE 'O ANTIPHONS'
Each day in the lead up to Christmas, we will be using the O Antiphons as a meditation as we enter the last days of Advent. These Antiphons feature before and after the Magnificat during Vespers from 17th-23rd December, and they spell out the acrostic 'ERO CRAS' ('I will be here tomorrow').
O ADONAI
... O Adonai and leader of Israel, you appeared to Moses in a burning bush and you gave him the Law on Sinai. O come and save us with your mighty power.
"Adonai" is Hebrew for "my Lord", and was substituted by devout Jews for the name "Yahweh", out of reverence. With this second antiphon we progress from creation to the familiar story of God manifesting himself by name to Moses and giving his law to Israel as their way of life. We are also reminded of the Israelites' deliverance from bondage under pharaoh; a foreshadowing of our own redemption from sin. The image of God's arm outstretched in power to save his chosen people also brings to mind the later scene of Jesus with his arms outstretched for us on the cross.
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THE 'O ANTIPHONS'
Each day in the lead up to Christmas, we will be using the O Antiphons as a meditation as we enter the last days of Advent. These Antiphons feature before and after the Magnificat during Vespers from 17th-23rd December, and they spell out the acrostic 'ERO CRAS' ('I will be here tomorrow').
O SAPIENTIA
... O Wisdom, you come forth from the mouth of the Most High. You fill the universe and hold all things together in a strong yet gentle manner. O come to teach us the way of truth.
The idea of Wisdom is something which Isaiah prophesied: "The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord."
Wisdom is here personified, present with God at the beginning of creation. This is a prefigurement of Jesus, the eternal Word of God, the "logos" John described in the opening of his gospel. Wisdom is the foundation of fear of the Lord, of holiness, or right living: it is wisdom whom we bid to come and teach us prudence. The cry "Come" will be repeated again and again, insistent and hope-filled.
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Gaudete!
The reason for today being called Gaudete Sunday comes from the text for the Introit at Mass: ‘Gaudete in Domini Semper’ - ‘Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.’
Today the liturgical colour is Rose Pink and the pink candle on the Advent wreath is lit. The origins of today come from when Advent was a 40 day fast, like Lent, and Gaudete Sunday was a ‘day off’ from fasting half way through.

This weeks newsletter now available to download:

Service times for Advent and Christmas can now be downloaded from the website:

Tonight, the Cathedral will be floodlit red, and at 7pm Bishop Alan will celebrate the Annual Votive Mass for Persecuted Christians for Red Wednesday, organised by Aid to the Church in Need UK

Come and join our special celebration and browse for Christmas presents in a convivial setting. Handmade crafts/ art/ books/ foods/ prints/ jewellery. Food and refreshments will be available from the garden café throughout the day and the Cathedral shop will be open for the sale of unique gifts and cards. Free entrance. St Nicholas will arrive on his horse at 4pm with gifts for the children! Saturday 8th December, 10.30am-5pm.
If you are interested in having a stall to sell your goods such as jewellery, arts and crafts, prints, cards, foods, books etc the cost is £15. Please get in touch with Karen on 01603 724380, or email admin@sjbcathedral.org.uk

The upcoming weeks newsletter is now available to download

Next Monday (26th November) we welcome the Maltese Gaulitanus Choir to sing a Lunchtime Concert in the Cathedral at 1pm. All are welcome to come and hear this fabulous group in our wonderful Cathedral. Admission free - retiring collection.

This weeks newsletter now online:

Wonderful Liturgy today. Full Cathedral as usual for the farewell to the young priest, Fr Henry. He gave an inspiring homily and the serving team were great. The music is so well done. The Cathedral looked beautiful which must be the work of many unsung heroes. A great team spirit under the leadership of the Dean It was great to be a part of it. May the Lord be praised.

Unexplained feeling of calmness as i walked in. Very welcoming atmosphere. Lovely coffee shop thru to the garden.

To be honest I was with my son who was rehearsing with The Orchestrate Project within the Narthex. This is a wonderful venue. A fantastic cafe' and friendly people.

So many beautiful churches in England but this is the biggest catholic church I have visited so far. I just love it. �

I stood in awe! It’s one of the most beautiful churches and the service was so spirit led.

I love St Johns. I used 2 go there a lot when I lived nearer Norwich-but as we now live 8 miles away,its a worry where 2 park. Me & my husband re-newed our Wedding vows (50yrs) 11th June 2011 by the dear late Bishop Michael before he died. We got bus 2 City & Taxi from Guildhall 2 st John's. it was a lovely day.....my mum used 2 bring me to Mass when I was a little girl,and I would stand at the back on the grill that blew up warm air

I love St Johns always feel at Peace soon as I walk through the door and the Narthex and gardens are wonderful.

I always returned happy after a prayer in this church.This Cathedral is close to my heart. I am very pleased to see many new things, interesting events organised and most of all, a larger congregation of young people. God bless them.

Experience peace inside the Cathedral and quiet in the garden outside

Best cathedrale i ve ever seen so far!!!

Beautiful church ����� ��������

Beautiful church and wonderful Solemn Mass. Very impressed with the facilities in the Narthex. My first visit but hopefully not the last!

Beautiful church and very friendly people. Will definitely visit again.

Beautiful building, was amazed by the collections on display... will be returning with my children

Beautiful evening lovely people fantastic cathdral wonderful Santa thankyou

A really great Cathedral and so far my favourite of Catholic Cathedrals. Lovely tea shop.

I am visiting all the Cathedrals Anglican and Catholic in the Association of UK Cathedrals.

This is my 30th out of 75.

A place of Peace and Prayer. You will find a great mix of people and very welcoming Clergy. This has been my local Church for 13 years.

Enjoyable visit, outstanding cafe, beautiful building, will definitely go back.

A fantastic place to be

Wonderful Liturgy today. Full Cathedral as usual for the farewell to the young priest, Fr Henry. He gave an inspiring homily and the serving team were great. The music is so well done. The Cathedral looked beautiful which must be the work of many unsung heroes. A great team spirit under the leadership of the Dean It was great to be a part of it. May the Lord be praised.

Unexplained feeling of calmness as i walked in. Very welcoming atmosphere. Lovely coffee shop thru to the garden.

To be honest I was with my son who was rehearsing with The Orchestrate Project within the Narthex. This is a wonderful venue. A fantastic cafe' and friendly people.

So many beautiful churches in England but this is the biggest catholic church I have visited so far. I just love it. �

I stood in awe! It’s one of the most beautiful churches and the service was so spirit led.

I love St Johns. I used 2 go there a lot when I lived nearer Norwich-but as we now live 8 miles away,its a worry where 2 park. Me & my husband re-newed our Wedding vows (50yrs) 11th June 2011 by the dear late Bishop Michael before he died. We got bus 2 City & Taxi from Guildhall 2 st John's. it was a lovely day.....my mum used 2 bring me to Mass when I was a little girl,and I would stand at the back on the grill that blew up warm air

I love St Johns always feel at Peace soon as I walk through the door and the Narthex and gardens are wonderful.

I always returned happy after a prayer in this church.This Cathedral is close to my heart. I am very pleased to see many new things, interesting events organised and most of all, a larger congregation of young people. God bless them.

Experience peace inside the Cathedral and quiet in the garden outside

Best cathedrale i ve ever seen so far!!!

Beautiful church ����� ��������

Beautiful church and wonderful Solemn Mass. Very impressed with the facilities in the Narthex. My first visit but hopefully not the last!

Beautiful church and very friendly people. Will definitely visit again.

Beautiful building, was amazed by the collections on display... will be returning with my children

Beautiful evening lovely people fantastic cathdral wonderful Santa thankyou

A really great Cathedral and so far my favourite of Catholic Cathedrals. Lovely tea shop.

I am visiting all the Cathedrals Anglican and Catholic in the Association of UK Cathedrals.

This is my 30th out of 75.

A place of Peace and Prayer. You will find a great mix of people and very welcoming Clergy. This has been my local Church for 13 years.

Enjoyable visit, outstanding cafe, beautiful building, will definitely go back.

A fantastic place to be