Pioneering Outreach Community Launched at Sheffield Cathedral
A pioneering Christian mission community – the first of its kind in a Church of England cathedral – has been launched in Sheffield.
The launch of the Community of St Paulinus (CsP) at Sheffield Cathedral on Sunday 11th October was followed by Evensong on Tuesday 13th October 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.”
The specially commissioned anthem Paulinus received its world premiere yesterday in celebration of the launch of the Community of St Paulinus.
Martin Bussey’s work takes words from Bede’s Ecclesiastical History of the English People, recounting the emergence of an English Christian identity through the deliberations of kings and councils, and amid the opposition of paganism.
Bede records the work of missionaries such as Augustine and Paulinus, who arrived in England in 601, having been sent by Pope St Gregory the Great. Through their preaching, hearts and minds were changed as the truth and beauty of Christ were proclaimed and revealed.
In this particular passage, King Edwin is willing to consider the doctrine preached by Paulinus, while one of his courtiers reflects on the fleeting life of a sparrow passing through the warmth and light of the king’s banquet hall. Bussey’s musical narration brings this striking image vividly to life, uniting the confidence of evangelism with the fragility, transience, and wonder embodied in the life of a simple sparrow – a part played musically by children from Prince Edward Primary School in Sheffield.
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About the Community of St Paulinus
The Community of St Paulinus (CsP) is a new missional community based at Sheffield Cathedral, combining contemplative Christian spirituality with practical mission, church planting and social justice.
Inspired by the example of St Paulinus of York, the community forms and supports ‘missioners’ through a shared rhythm of prayer, learning, service and fellowship, equipping them to serve in some of Sheffield’s most economically disadvantaged communities.
Working in partnership with local parishes and community organisations, the CsP seeks to foster spiritual renewal, strengthen local churches and develop new worshipping communities for the 21st century.
About Sheffield Cathedral
Sheffield Cathedral, the Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Paul, is the mother church of the Diocese of Sheffield and has been a centre of Christian worship for more than 1,000 years.
Located in the heart of the city, the cathedral welcomes people of all faiths and none through a programme of worship, music, education, heritage, culture and community outreach.
As one of Sheffield’s most significant historic buildings and a place of prayer, hospitality and service, it serves the city, region and wider church. Visitors are welcome year-round. For more information, visit www.sheffieldcathedral.org.
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