Cathedral Community
Many people have an image of Cathedrals as quiet, secluded places where the pace of life is slow. Whilst the Cathedral itself is a haven of peace and a place for reflection and prayer, the life of the Cathedral is actually very full. There are over 50 staff members, including the clergy, administrative staff, professional musicians, In addition, a large number of volunteers offer their time and skills to the cathedral, as welcomers and guides, flower arrangers, bellringers and servers. Without them the Cathedral could not offer the quality of welcome and care that it does. Details of some of the organisations and people involved can be found below.
Clergy and Staff
There are two full-time residentiary clergy serving at the Cathedral: the Dean and the Dean’s Vicar. There is a large staff of full-time and part-time employees who serve the Cathedral’s daily life: music, visitor welcome, administration, maintenance and security.
The Chapter
The Chapter is made up of four Dignitaries (Dean, Precentor, Chancellor and Treasurer); the Archbishop of Dublin; twelve Diocesan canons to represent each of the twelve sees; nine Chapter canons elected by the Chapter; and two Ecumenical canons elected by the Chapter.
The Cathedral Board
The Cathedral Board is responsible for matters of finance, the maintenance of the Cathedral’s fabric, and the employment of staff. The Board’s membership is made up of clergy and laity. Much of its work is devolved to its sub-committees who report to the Board at its monthly meetings.
Full details of the Rotation of Residence for 2009 and full details of the Cathedral Board can be found here.
Bell ringing
The bells of the cathedral are rung as a call to worship. Details of the bells of Saint Patrick's can be found here. Belling ringing practice takes place on Tuesday evening and the bells are rung each Sunday and for special services and events.
The Friends of Saint Patrick's Cathedral
The Friends of Saint Patrick's Cathedral are of all denominations and of none. Each Friend's name is inscribed in the Friends' Roll, kept on display in the cathedral. Each week a page of the roll is turned. The activities of the Friends of Saint Patrick's Cathedral include a Festival Service and a Garden Party in June, visits to places of interest and fundraising events. Click here for further details.
Saint Patrick's Cathedral Past Choristers' and Past Pupils' Association
The association was founded in 1882 and is the oldest school past pupils' association in. Founded originally as an educational association it quickly developed into an organisation based on friendship and fellowship between choristers and past choristers associated with Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. Today its membership is worldwide with members meeting regularly for social occasions. The Association hosts an annual dinner held in March, an annual wine and savoury evening in the autumn a table quiz in February and members also assist in various capacities in the day to day life of the cathedral. Further details on the association can be found here
Saint Patrick's Cathedral Grammar School
Saint Patrick's Cathedral Grammar School was established by Edward VI in 1547. The Grammar school caters for boys and girls between the ages of twelve and eighteen. Choir music is a key part of the ethos of the school. The school welcomes children of all denominations and offers a wide ranging academic education, with the full range of subjects at Junior and Leaving Certificate.
Contact Details:
Sylvia Hick
Principal
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Grammar School
Saint Patrick’s Close
Dublin 8
Ireland
T: +353 1 454 3388
F: +353 1 454 9632
Saint Patrick's Cathedral Choir School
The Choir School was founded in 1432 by Archbishop Richard Talbot to provide for the education of the choirboys and was originally housed in what is now the robing room of the cathedral. It has had an almost continuous history since its foundation, the two interruptions being the Reformation and Cromwell's Commonwealth. Today it is housed in modern buildings opposite the Cathedral. The school is a co-educational national school and all the boys are choristers in the cathedral choir. Girls at the school are often sisters of current choristers and some sing in the cathedral girls' choir.
The school is renowned for the excellence of its teaching staff, and for its friendliness: small classes mean a real focus and care for each child. Saint Patrick's Cathedral Choir School is unique in being the only school of its kind in this country, and it is the oldest school in Ireland.
Contact Details:
Sandra Morgan
Principal
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Choir School
Saint Patrick’s Close
Dublin 8
Ireland
T: +353 1 454 0588
