An insight into COO Jason’s first 6 months in cathedral life and his visions for the future of Sheffield Cathedral …
Our COO Jason was thrown into cathedral life headfirst. It’s been a whirlwind 6 months but we’ve finally got round to introducing him to the rest of the cathedral community, rather than just the four walls of the office corridor where he has been a welcomed addition and a true asset to all we do behind the scenes.
We caught up with Jason and asked him about his time here so far and his plans and ambitions for the future …
So, Jason you started at the busiest time of the year and were thrown straight into Christmas at the Cathedral with Sheffield Cathedral Illuminated: The Manger. Now, 6 months on and with Holy Week just passed, what new projects are you excited to get started on?
‘Well, the work to reimagine our heritage area and telling the story of Sheffield Cathedral is just getting started. This is something really exciting and great to be a part of. I love the history of this place and seeing this being brought to life and shared with visitors is a real joy.’
In his role Jason works closely with the Dean and Chapter. He is passionate about bringing positive changes to the Cathedral … ‘influencing and shaping efforts to achieve the Church of England pledge to be carbon Net Zero by 2030.’ This is a process we have already started on in line with the Eco Church Scheme.
We have long been a hub of community and sanctuary for all manner of people, something Jason hopes to maintain …
‘I love the wide variety of events held at the cathedral, our wonderful coffee shop and gift shop and that we can offer a place of peace and sanctuary to all people’.
‘I think it’s the contrast between events such as a craft and flea market or a concert, with the silence of a period of reflection in a service that I treasure most. There is also nothing to compare with being able to step away from my desk, and the chaos around it, to find five minutes of total peace in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit.’
No two days are ever the same at the Cathedral and everyone is passionate about making this a place for all people. Jason’s hopes for the cathedral and its community are no different, ‘I hope to be able to help the cathedral continue to truly be a place for all people, ensuring that we give opportunities for everyone to find peace and joy here whether they are attending an event, visiting as a tourist, attending a service, or simply visiting the 1554 Coffee Shop. I also want to continue to developed the already open and encouraging culture among staff and volunteers.
With Jason’s help and support we look forward to seeing what’s in store for Sheffield Cathedral over the next few years and progressing our vision of being ‘A Place for All People’.