Monthly Archives: June 2023

Weddings in the Cathedral: Kathryn & Roger

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The month of June has long been known for its brides, but why, we wondered, were “June brides” so popular?

Well, it turns out that the tradition of “June Brides” dates back to Roman times when Juno and her husband Jupiter were celebrated on the first day of June. Juno was the goddess of marriage and childbirth.

Continuing on to Victorian times the availability of fresh flowers made June a good month to wed. And since baths tended to be taken in the warmer months of May and June in medieval times, those sweet smelling bouquets came in handy!

The Celtics also had a hand in promoting June! Young couples would be paired on Cross-Quarter Day or May 1st. They would then be expected to date until the next Cross-Quarter Day on August 1st. But alas, impatience led to more and more June weddings!

Finally, a June wedding in farming communities was a good thing. If the bride fell pregnant, she would still be in good shape to work the fall harvest!

All of this information got us to thinking about all the weddings that have been celebrated in Christ Church Cathedral! We are looking back and sharing some of those weddings and special memories from the bride and groom! Read all of the wedding reflections, and stay tuned for more!

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Were you married in the Cathedral? Or do you have a story of relatives who were? We would love to hear your story and see a photo! If you are willing to chat with a member of the Communications Committee and be included in an upcoming series of articles, please contact the Cathedral Office. Phone (506) 450-8500 or email <office at christchurchcathedral.com>.

Kathryn & Roger

September 18, 1993

Kathryn Collet (nee Galey) shared these memories of her wedding to Roger Collett almost 30 years ago:

"The service was officiated by my Dad, the Rev. Canon Leonard J. Galey, Rev. Canon E.F. (Ted) Eaton, Rev. Fr. Stanislas Paulin and Dean John Wright"

Memorable moment: "There were so many clergy there, there was no way we weren't getting married that day!"

 

Jubilee Tea and a Jubilee Tree

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From left to right: Susan Watson, Kathleen Snow, Diane Radford, Bonnie Greenwood, Joanne Barfitt, John DosSantos, Michele Leblanc, Lilian Ketch, and Susan Colpitts-Judd.

The Cathedral branch of the Mothers’ Union hosted a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Tea in June of 2022 and although it was not a fundraising event, we did however, receive donations. After covering our expenses, we decided we wanted to use the balance of the funds to commemorate the Queen’s Jubilee in a lasting way.

The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative was launched to encourage people to “Plant a tree for the Jubilee” to mark her 70 years on the throne. It was subsequently extended to give the opportunity to plant trees in the Queen’s memory.

When we heard of this project, we all agreed that this would be the perfect memorial to our beloved Queen Elizabeth II.

After consultation with Eric Hadley, a member of the Cathedral Property Committee, and with help from other members of the Guild of Saint Joseph, our Jubilee Sugar Maple was planted on the corner of Brunswick and Church Streets on May 12.

Ashley Swim, Eric Hadley, and Harry Palmer planting the tree.

Prior to our May 17th meeting, many of our Mothers’ Union members gathered around our tree, a blessing was read, and a group photo was taken. A cold wind had picked up and almost blew us all away so a re-shoot took place on a sunny and warm May 23rd.

Much appreciation is extended to Eric Hadley, Gary Barfitt, Harry Palmer, and Ashley Swim for delivering the tree from the nursery and planting it for us. Thanks to Gary Barfitt and Bill Robinson for taking the photos.

Submitted by Bonnie Greenwood

The Prayer:

Almighty God, we come before you this day in humility and gratitude as we seek your blessing on the life of this Sugar Maple tree, which is planted to remember our Sovereign Lady and Patron Queen Elizabeth II. May this tree take root in this soil, drawing from it water and nutrients, so it may grow and prosper, bringing beauty in its leaves offering shelter to birds and insects and enriching this place with its presence and life. And we ask this in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Work with us as a Summer Tour Guide!

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Do you love history and enjoy meeting new people? Apply for a summer job as a Cathedral Tour Guide!

Christ Church Cathedral in Fredericton, New Brunswick is pleased to once again open its doors for tours this summer. We are seeking a part-time tour guide to work alongside our Lead Tour Guide, providing a warm welcome and excellent hospitality to visitors and locals.

With hundreds of people choosing to visit the Cathedral each year, it is a wonderful opportunity for our guides to share the key role of our church in Fredericton’s past and present. Previous summer tour guides have enjoyed meeting people from around the world, learning the history of the Cathedral, and gaining experience in bilingual tourism.

A job as a Cathedral tour guide involves welcoming visitors in English and French, providing tours, and assisting with events. Training will be provided. The position is available to an adult or youth 16+ years old. Candidates for this position are not restricted by religious affiliation; however, knowledge of the Anglican Church would be considered an asset.

Click here for details about the position.

Application Process
Please submit a resume and a cover letter which explains why you have applied for the position and why you feel you are a suitable candidate. Applications may be submitted by postal mail, email, or in person during office hours (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Monday-Friday).

Email: <office at christchurchcathedral.com>

Christ Church Cathedral Office
168 Church Street
Fredericton, NB  E3B 4C9

Deadline for Applications
Applications must be received by Friday, 09 June, 2023. Interviews will take place with selected candidates during the following two weeks, with orientation training to take place the week of June 25, 2023.