Christmas cathedral attendance was up (From Chelmsford Weekly News)

Christmas cathedral attendance was up

7:30am Friday 11th January 2013 in News

ATTENDANCES at Chelmsford Cathedral have increased during the Christmas period, compared to previous years.

Figures collated officials from Chelmsford Cathedral show the number of people who came to services during December totalled nearly 11,000, a rise of 5 per cent from the same time period in 2011.

Sermons conducted at the building included Christingle and Advent school carol services.

Tony Allen, press officer for the cathedral, said congregation sizes across the country have been increasing, adding the door is always open for anyone who wants to attend.

Mr Allen said: “There are a number of reasons why people choose to worship with us at this time of year, among them the quality of the music and the large numbers of children and young families make a sense of community.

“Another point worth sharing regarding cathedrals is that some people feel unwelcome if they only worship once a year.

“But as our bishop, Stephen Cottrell, said on Christmas morning, you are welcome here any time.”

The cathedral is open from 7.45am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and from 7.30am to 7pm on Sundays.