People and Contacts

The Bishop

St. Ninian's Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane, at present the Right Rev David Chillingworth. To read Bishop David’s views and comments click on www.bishopdavid.net.

As the bishop tends his diocese the Cathedral continues to be a place of worship and is administered by the Provost assisted by a varied Clergy and Lay Ministry Team.

The Very Rev Hunter Buchanan Farquharson has been in post since 1999, before which he was team Rector to the Central Fife Group and then the West Fife Team. Appointed by the Bishop and Cathedral Vestry, he has overall responsibility for the pastoral care of his charge. The Provost convenes vestry meetings and ranks next to the Bishop in the Cathedral Chapter, which acts as Bishop's Council.

The Clergy and Lay Ministry Team

The clergy and lay ministry team includes ministers in secular employment (The Revd Ann Mazur and The Revd Christine Fraser), retired priests (The Revd Celia Matthews, The Revd Colin Preston Thomas and The Revd Canon Reg Saunders), a lay minister (Mrs Sarah Lawson) and a retired bishop (The Rt Revd Michael Hare-Duke).

The team assist the Provost in taking services and occasional offices such as baptisms, weddings and funerals. Pastoral duties include part time chaplaincy work to Perth Royal Infirmary, schools such as St. Ninian's Episcopal Primary School and Craigclowan, Horsecross Theatre and many other local organisations and centres of care.

Lay Ministry

Lay people have always played an important role at St. Ninian's. Some of the lay team have been licensed by the Bishop to take Holy Communion to the sick and frail at home, which allows those unable to travel to church to keep in contact with Cathedral life. Other members of the lay team participate in the taking of daily Offices, flower arranging, reading and interceding at Sunday worship, welcoming visitors to the Cathedral, and assisting at local community events.

The Sacristans

There are a team of sacristans at St Ninian’s responsible for laying out the vestments for the different services, polishing the brass and silverware and for changing the colour of the altar frontals, in accordance with the Church’s seasons. The vestments and vessels are kept in a dedicated room called the sacristry, where the clergy and servers robe before the services.

The Servers

“Speak Lord thy servant hears thee” 1 Samuel

The Cathedral servers, like Samuel of old, have the privilege of ministering in the Sanctuary, assisting the clergy during services. The five servers present at the 11am Eucharist ensure that the service is enriched by various ceremonial traditions to enhance the worship of God. These practices aim to incorporate the celebration of the senses and include the use of colourful and beautiful vestments, bells and candles. On festal occasions, such as Christmas and Easter, incense is used. St Ninian’s servers are affiliated to the wider church as members of the Scottish Guild of Servers.

Treasurer

Mr Richard Mazur, the Cathedral Treasurer, is responsible for covenants and stewardship. There are several exciting projects currently being developed at the Cathedral and any donations, however small, are always received with gratitude and put to good use.

The Cathedral costs almost £2,000 per week to run and is always in need of funds to support the work that it does on a daily basis. In addition to this there is the on-going restoration of the building, which requires in excess of £1m to maintain its fabric.

If you would like to help there are several ways you can contribute:

• Making a single donation
• Giving a pledge to donate a set amount over a period of time
• Gift aiding your donation so that we can reclaim the tax on it. Currently this means that a donation of £100 would have an additional £28 added to it.
• Arranging a bequest from your estate.

If you are interested in making a financial contribution to the Cathedral, please contact the Treasurer via the cathedral office or download the gift aid form and/or standing order form and return the completed form(s) to us. Thank you.

Cathedral office administrator

Mrs Sue Cameron is responsible for administration of the Cathedral office, which is open most mornings until 12 noon. Sue is happy to answer any questions about the Cathedral and its services by phone, letter or email. If necessary she will refer your queries to another member of the Cathedral team.

Bookings and room hire

Sue can also provide advice about the availability and cost of the various Cathedral rooms and facilities. Any bookings made must be confirmed in writing with an agreed deposit before the booking can be secured.

Cathedral contact details

Address:
St Ninian’s Cathedral
North Methven Street
Perth
PH1 5PP
Telephone: 01738 632053
Fax:01738 639811
Email: stninians.cathedral@btinternet.com