The Very Reverend Joe Hawes was installed in July 2018 as the Dean of St Edmundsbury.
Dean Joe Hawes is a former Durham University graduate who studied theology at St Stephen’s House, Oxford. He came to Bury St Edmunds from All Saints’ Fulham and was previously Team Vicar for eight years at St Michael’s, Barnes Team Ministry, in London. He served his curacy within the Clapham Team Ministry.
He serves on General Synod, representing the Deans and he is a governor at Framlingham College. He is also a trustee of USPG - United Society Partners in the Gospel – the Anglican mission agency that partners churches and communities worldwide in God’s mission to enliven faith, strengthen relationships, unlock potential and champion justice.
The Dean, as the leading priest, has oversight of the spiritual and administrative life of the Cathedral Community. The Dean is a senior member of the clergy of the Diocese and so represents the Cathedral in its role as Mother Church of the Diocese.
Dean Joe's ways the Cathedral can be of help:
Pilgrimage - the Cathedral has offered a place of pilgrimage since it's beginnings. Welcoming groups for Sunday and weekday pilgrimages, and offering a monthly slot for a parish or group which includes a guided tour, a Eucharist or participation in one of our regular services, space to meet and reflect and hospitality in our ‘Pilgrims' Kitchen’.
Artistic and cultural life - The Cathedral hosts major concerts, art exhibitions, drama and recitals and participates in the Bury and Aldeburgh Festivals.
Retreat - a warm welcome to individuals who may want to spend a day on retreat. With a small private space within the Cathedral with a member of clergy to meet with a daily round of worship which gives a framework. Meals can also be arranged.
Resourcing: music and liturgy - Precentor, Canon Philip Banks, and the Music and Liturgy department can help you think about reviewing your regular pattern of worship or can advise and suggest resources for particular services. The InHarmony project, run by Richard Hubbard, runs workshops and special events designed to help develop and enhance music in parishes and are available for advice and reflection.
Resourcing: Children and young people’s work - the Leraning Hub exists to welcome parishes and schools to the Cathedral. The team will be delighted to help organise a visit to the Cathedral for a parish, school or organisation.
Resourcing: Pastoral care best practice - Sub Dean, Canon Matthew Vernon, co-ordinates pastoral care at the Cathedral and is happy to advise on pastoral situations which may feel challenging.
Lifelong learning - The Cathedral is working on a programme of opportunities for lifelong learning, whether in the form of training for lay and ordained ministry, or courses and events which will discuss the major issues of the day.
Cover - The Dean and the Canon Precentor are available once a month to visit parishes to provide Sunday cover. Please contact the Cathedral if you would like to arrange cover but please book in advance.
A listening ear - Dean Joe makes time for clergy who would like a confidential listening ear distinct from any structures of management and discipline.
For further information please visit the Cathedral website: www.stedscathedral.org
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Updated 29 June 2020.
