Friday 4 December 2009

Monthly Hospital Mass

From the top of the Cathedral tower you get a good view of the Royal Lancaster Infirmary; it can be seen here towards the top of the built-up area in the picture. The Infirmary is the largest institution served by the Cathedral's clergy; the priests here provide 24-hour emergency cover for Catholic patients and their families, while day-to-day cover is provided by Deacon Jim Murphy and a small team of visitors, including some Cathedral parishioners. Also, each month Mass is celebrated in the hospital chapel. The monthly Mass takes place this morning at 8am, and will be offered for the sick and for those who care for them. In days gone by, before the National Health Service, Cathedral parishioners and priests played a significant role in supporting the hospital; there was even an annual 'hospital Sunday', when the parish made a concerted effort to raise money to support the institution's work.