St Barnabas Cathedral Nottingham

My partner was really excited about our 2 year old being baptised. She had spent the previous two days cooking food, organising the house and ensuring that arriving guests on the day were well catered for. My partner has faith; although I don’t I do accept , appreciate and am slightly envious of her ability to believe. On Sunday and after being told to wear something more than a black t shirt we all arrived at the cathedral. We were met by Rev Canon Malachy Brett with what I could only assume was a joke and reference to the two Ronnie’s four candles sketch. He came bounding over and said “one candle not four”. It was completely acceptable that he did not get the joke but all quickly fell in-line and waited his instruction. We were presented a pamphlet of the service and we were told to sit in specific places according to our relevance to the family. Our little two year at this point decided to have a cry (as every parent knows - there is no magic off switch). The rev started pushing for us to hush the child in order for him to hurry the service along. My heart told me to question him however, not wanting to upset my partner I bit my lip. When the service started which was after we had managed to calm our boy with some nursery rhymes the reverend started what can only be classed as speed reading. Not one of us in the group had any way of following. This made it challenging when responses were required and we seemed to rely on one of our guests who seemed to know when “praise the lord” was needed over “Amen”. After the service I have to admit that the Reverend seemed to cheer up slightly: he took some photos of our group which was appreciated but for something we will do once or twice in life only then I feel the reverends attitude was way below what it should have been. When we left the cathedral and walked home I mentioned to the group that the reverend could have been a little friendlier, everyone agreed and hence why I’m leaving this review. Initially, I thought who do I complain to; a friend said pray to god but given that would be pointless I thought an online review would suffice! I hope I don’t burn for eternity for this!!