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Daily worship lies at the heart of Cathedral life and every day starts with morning prayer (Matins) and ends with evening prayer (Evensong). The Eucharist is also offered daily.
Regular worship times
For more than 1,400 years God has been worshipped in Canterbury Cathedral. There’s history in every chime of our bells, and passion in every note sang by our choir.
Matins |
07.30 Monday - Friday (in Jesus Chapel) 09.15 Weekends and Bank Holidays (in Jesus Chapel) |
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Daily Eucharist | 08.00 | |
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and Counsel |
12:00-13:00 Fridays, in The Holy Innocents Chapel (subject to change around events) Outside of these times, Chaplains are always available should you want to speak with them. |
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Lunchtime Eucharist | 12.30 (Wednesdays and Feast Days only) | |
Daily Choral Evensong or Said Evening Prayer with Organ Meditation* |
17.30 Monday - Sunday (except Thursdays) |
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Said Evening Prayer |
17.30 - Thursdays, in the Crypt (This service is not live streamed) A said service of evening prayer from the Book of Common Prayer. |
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Sunday Choral Eucharist* | 11.00 Sunday |
All are welcome and there is no charge to attend a service.
*Live streamed online.
Our services explained
Morning Prayer (Matins)
Morning Prayer is a service of prayer and praise to begin the day. A simple, said service which lasts approximately 20 minutes.
Choral Evensong
Regular evening service Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (subject to change)
As the day begins with Morning Prayer, the day ends with an evening service of prayer and praise, using the traditional language of the Book of Common Prayer. This is normally sung by the Cathedral Choir and the services lasts about 40 minutes.
When the members of the Cathedral Choir are taking a holiday, Evensong is usually sung by a visiting choir, but occasionally is replaced by said Evening Prayer.
Said Evening Prayer with Organ Meditation
An alternative evening service (held in place of evensong)
As the day begins with Morning Prayer, the day ends with an evening service of prayer and praise, using the traditional language of the Book of Common Prayer.
This service comprises of said prayer with organ meditation, and lasts about 40 minutes.
Said Evening Prayer
Our regular Thursday evening service (subject to change)
As the day begins with Morning Prayer, the day ends with an evening service of prayer and praise, using the traditional language of the Book of Common Prayer.
This service takes place in the Cathedral Crypt, comprising of said prayer and lasts about 40 minutes.
Daily Eucharist
In this service, which is also known as Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper, or the Mass we give thanks over bread and wine for all that Jesus had done and continues to do for us and remember the meal Jesus shared with his disciples on the night before he died.
We have a said Eucharist service every day at 08.00 hrs and also at 12.30 hrs on Wednesdays and other special days in the church's calendar. The service lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Sunday Eucharist
On Sundays, we have a Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion at 08.00 hrs and Sung Eucharist at 11.00 hrs.
The Sunday Sung Eucharist is a celebration of Holy Communion with beautiful hymns and songs, a choir, and usually a sermon. The service lasts for about an hour and 15 minutes.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and Counsel
On Fridays, a priest is available for The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and Counsel, in The Holy Innocents Chapel, 12:00-13:00 (subject to change around events).
This healing ministry of receiving God's loving forgiveness helps us to make a fresh start in our lives. Through the ministry of the priest we may also receive advice and counsel to help us overcome those sins that draw us away from God.
Sunday mornings during term time
Sunday Club
Our Sunday Club is held in the Water Tower at 11am on Sundays during term time. Children aged between 0 and 13 are very welcome to join us whilst the 11am Eucharist service takes place.
Parents/carers must stay with children who are under school age. Meet in the North Transept at the start of the service. No booking required.
Access for Services
The Cathedral is a medieval building on several levels and arrangements vary depending on the area used or the format of the service. Our Music Lists and Events Calendar includes details of the service locations.
Large print copies of Orders of Service are usually available; please ask the Virgers or Stewards on arrival.
Advance notice is preferred so that we can best accommodate you, especially for special events, but staff and service stewards will always do their best to make suitable arrangements for anyone attending a service or event.
To help us plan seating arrangements in advance, please contact us:
Tel: +44(0)1227 762862 (Cathedral House Reception) during normal office hours.
Email: [email protected].
Contact the Visits Office for up-to-date service information:
Tel: +44 (0) 1227 865279
Email: [email protected]
Ticketed concerts, services and other events
Please inform the box office of any accessibility requirements prior, so that seating arrangements can be arranged. For example, if attending in a wheelchair or bringing a pram, seats can be removed to accommodate, and grouped seating can be allocated.
Help during services of worship
Holy Communion
If you are unable to go up to the altar for Communion during a service, please speak with one of our stewards before the service starts. They will be happy to make arrangements for you.
Large-print service sheets
Large-print service sheets are available from our virgers or Stewards on request.
Induction Loop
An Induction Loop for people who are hard of hearing has been installed in the Nave, Quire and Crypt for use during services. Hearing aid users should adjust their aid to T.
Send a prayer
If you are unable to attend the Cathedral in person, we invite you to email your prayers for inclusion in our daily worship via [email protected]
Services FAQs
Do I need to book to attend a service of worship?
Will I be able to take Communion at a service?
Yes. All baptised Christians are welcome to receive Holy Communion.
Will there be Orders of Service available?
Yes.
Will I be able to light a candle?
Yes. There are a number of stands within the Cathedral where you can light a candle.
With every child and vulnerable adult that enters Canterbury Cathedral we have a duty of care and responsibility which we take seriously. We have policies in place to ensure we follow the principles for the whole Church of England. You can find our independent safeguarding audit here.
Can I donate to support the Cathedral?
Yes, we welcome any support of the Cathedral. You can donate online, give at one of the contactless donation stands in the Cathedral, or make a cash donation into one of our collection boxes.
Parking in the Cathedral grounds is only available for Blue Badge holders, subject to limited availability and prior arrangement. Please use the public car parks within the city.
Services and Music List
Our Services and Music List gives details of the music performed at Cathedral services, as well as names of choirs, preachers and where the service will take place.
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