The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday – 5th March 2025. Bradford Cathedral will be marking this with the Liturgy of Ash Wednesday, a service of Choral Eucharist with the Imposition of Ashes at 7pm. This is in addition to the two regular said services on the Wednesday morning at 8:15am and 10:15am. All are welcome at these services.
Lent Course
Bradford Cathedral will also be running the Living Hope course this Lent, beginning Wednesday 12th March 2025 and meeting every Wednesday in Lent at 7pm. Copies of the accompanying booklet will be available for those attending the course. If you would like to take part in the course, please let one of the clergy team know or email [email protected].
About Ash Wednesday
The name ‘Ash Wednesday’ comes from the use of ashes on this day, which are an ancient sign of penitence. From the Middle Ages it became the custom to begin Lent by being marked in ash with the sign of the cross.
Lent is the 40-day period that begins on Ash Wednesday. The length of Lent reflects Jesus’ 40 days in the desert, and is a time of study and devotion for Christians. Many Christians today use Lent as an opportunity to focus on a spiritual discipline, such as prayer, fasting, study or service. Historically, many new Christians also prepared throughout Lent for their baptism, and entry into the life of God's Church, at Easter.
The Revd Pete Gunstone, Minor Canon for Worship and Nurture, says:
“Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, with an opportunity to embrace both our mortality and the mercy and power of God. We hope you can join us for our reflective worship at the start of Lent.”
Living Hope
This Lent we are encouraged to put down deep roots of hope by connecting with God who is with us at all times.
The Church of England’s Lent theme for 2025 is Living Hope.
“In Lent we journey with Jesus on the difficult and thorny road that leads all the way to the cross on Good Friday – and beyond, to the transformation of Easter Day.
“God invites us to bring to him our own journey through everyday life. In the disappointment of daily setbacks and the pain of deeper hurts, we discover that God is present with us. And God promises a future where all things are healed and made new.
“Living Hope offers us the opportunity to deepen our hope in God and be part of what God is doing to bring hope in the world.”
The Season of Lent
The Very Revd Andy Bowerman, Dean of Bradford, says:
“We would be delighted to invite you to join us in drawing closer to Jesus and each other this season. You will be sure of a generous and warm welcome.”
Special events this Lent include the World Day of Prayer service on Friday 7th March at 2pm, and a retreat morning with Bishop Toby on Saturday 8th March at 10am.
The Cathedral’s regular pattern of worship on Sundays comprises a 8am Holy Communion from the Book of Common Prayer, a 10:30am Choral Eucharist, and a 3:30pm Choral Evensong.
Other opportunities to gather for prayer include Morning and Evening Prayer online at 9am and 5:30pm, Midday Prayer at 12noon, Choral Evensong on Mondays and Tuesdays at 5:30pm, and services of Holy Communion on Wednesdays at 8:15am and 10:15am. For further details, please see the Bradford Cathedral website.
Bradford Cathedral will also be holding services and events during Holy Week, which follows the season of Lent, with more information on these to follow.
For more information about the season of Lent please visit bradfordcathedral.org.uk/lent.