Lenten Study 2016

Prayer will be the suggested focus for Lent.

Our Bishop has recommended a book for use throughout the Diocese entitled: “Meditative Prayer: Entering God’s Presence” by Richard Peace.

The plan will be to form small groups for study and we’ll need both willing hosts and/or facilitators. Each group can schedule as it prefers. The Dean will attempt to visit each of the groups for one session during Lent to provide an informal celebration of the Eucharist and a blessing of the home (if desired).

View a preview version of “Meditative Prayer” or read the jacket overview that follows.  Register and share your participation preferences HERE.

From “Meditative Prayer:”

Our prayers should go as deep as our souls.

Spiritual disciplines are simply ways to open ourselves to God. They help us become aware of the many ways God speaks to us and provide us with ways to respond to God. This book explores and explains how the historical disciplines and perspectives of the Christian faith can deepen both our walk with God and our community with others.

In today’s society we ore often handicapped in our spiritual growth by too narrow a horizon when it comes to spiritual practices. Each generation suffers a kind of collective amnesia, forgetting the practices and perspectives that nourished countless followers of Christ in centuries past. Rediscovering these skills is one way to respond to our culture’s—and our own—deep spiritual hunger.

While it is seemingly preposterous for us to suppose we can interact with the God of this universe, Scripture repeatedly invites us to do that very thing. Prayer is not a minor idea tucked into the cracks of the text; it is central, normative, and expected. Why is it, then, that our prayers are so often dry and difficult?

In Meditative Prayer, you’ll discover those ways of prayer that make use of your mind and imagination, that address your needs as well as strengthen your spirit. By drawing from a number of different sources —from Scripture, from wise men and women who have gone before, and from one another—this study guide will enable your soul to drink deeply from the inexhaustible well of prayer. Though you can use this guide for a personal journey of prayer, it is ideally suited for exploration with a small group of like-minded friends.

Dean Geoffrey Hall
08 January 2016

Letter from Belize

Greetings my friends,

I pray that the blessings of this season be yours as we continue to celebrate God’s greatest gift to us. My time at St.Hilda’s has been a blessing thus far. I have seen God’s handiwork in the events that have occurred and the friendships I have made. As I had said before, your interest and dedication to St.Hilda’s is highly appreciated. After evaluating what we have accomplished for the first term, I can see growth in our relationship among staff and students and parents and staff.

Your blessing this school year has touched many lives. Our teachers have materials to work with, our children can be more comfortable in class having the things needed at their fingertips.

Please inform your board and church members that we are blessed by your contribution. Any amount of finance is a blessing to us at this point. It’s not easy managing a school and depending on financing from parents because most of them don’t have money to contribute. Most of our finances come from fund-raising drives and the donations that you send. We try our best to address the most urgent needs then attend to others.

This coming term, we will be making other necessary repairs to classrooms since we couldn’t do them before due to rainy weather. There are some classrooms that are very hot also so I will be buying fans to put in those classes. We are moving along slowly but surely. With God’s help, we will have a productive school year.I have sent a summary of the account that you sent us. I will be scanning the other receipts to send you when school reopens next week because they are at school. I just thought you might need a summary so you know how the money is being used. When school reopens I will be purchasing other supplies for the teachers and any other needs for the classrooms.

I look forward to seeing you all soon. God knows best! Be blessed and continue doing a wonderful job. Many lives are touched by your ministry. Have a blessed New Year. May God’s favor rest on you all.

Best Regards,
Jane Martinez
Principal, St. Hilda’s School

Words of Thanks and Farewell

To Isabel Cutler on her retirement

 

The church family of Christ Church Cathedral bids farewell to Isabel Cutler who is retiring from her position as Parish Nurse. Isabel has been Parish Nurse for 10 years and Chair of the Health Ministry Team for the past twelve.

Isabel had a vision and a calling to serve her church family and in this way be able to do God’s work.

John 10:10 says: I come that they may have life and have it abundantly. I believe this has been lived out by Isabel in many ways.

Parish nursing had been circling in Isabel’s thoughts well before her retirement from her position at the Chalmers here in Fredericton.

As a beginning,the Cathedral Health Ministry was established with members of the congregation serving on the Team. Members were already serving the church family in very many ways and these were all co-ordinated under the umbrella of the Health Ministry Team. As a certified Parish Nurse, Isabel began leading us on a remarkable journey.

A pebble dropped in a still pond sends out waves in an ever increasing circle. It all began here with Isabel’s vision, the support of Dean Joyce, Bishop and Chapter and of course our Cathedral family. Her vision slowly and surely began to spread outward to embrace and be embraced by the greater community.

Today the CCC Parish Nurse is a respected partner with River Valley Health, UNB Faculty of Nursing, Brunswick Street Community Health Clinic, and many other health related organizations in the community. There are close links with Parish Nurses ,other faith communities in the city and throughout the province and indeed the country.

As co-ordinator of the Health  Ministry Team and as Parish Nurse, Isabel’s one day of office hours was in reality a full time plus job.

Her days were filled with visiting in home and hospital, telephone calls, meetings, education programs for the public, for professional learning, UNB nursing community experience, the Monday morning outreach with UNB nursing students, office hours, staff meetings, Red Cross certifications for staff and congregational members. Did I mention telephone calls both incoming and outgoing working with families, health care and long term facilities to achieve safe living environments for clients but keeping the clients preferences in front all the time. Not an easy mutually satisfying outcome to achieve. There are BP clinics, fit club, visiting, helping hands and traveling throughout the Archdeaconry and beyond to spread the Parish Nurse vision. Did I say telephone calls, at any time, anywhere?

Isabel accomplished this and more with a deep, confident and abiding faith.

She will tell you this was not accomplished on her own and indeed one person could not do it! Our church family, health ministry team, the support of Bishop and Chapter, Dean Hall and the staff as well as many others made this vision a reality. It was Isabel’s gentle and determined leadership that made it all happen. As part of of the Health Ministry Team and the Parish Nurse team, we have been privileged to walk this path with Isabel.

John 10:10 says: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

I join the rest of our church family and Isabel’s family in wishing her a happy, peaceful and fulfilling retirement. May God continue to richly bless you.

Thank you.

Michele LeBlanc

The Canadian Association for Parish Nursing Ministry

 

 

Bishop and Chapter News – Dec 2015

Bishop and Chapter met on 22 December with 10 of 13 members present. Minutes of the 16 November 2015 meeting were adopted.

Open

The Dean led a conversation on the first three verses of the Epistle to the Hebrews, read at Christmas. Jesus was the “Word” of God, according to the Gospel of John. Witness of the prophets was also that word. What was the message of the prophets and, how does that compare to the Word in Jesus? If Jesus is the exact imprint of God’s glory, what does that say about God?

Business Arising from the Minutes

  • Cathedral maintenance. The committee to prepare a plan for the longer term maintenance of the Cathedral building and to to oversee that plan has been determined. An initial meeting will be arranged early in the new year with the Bishop as chair.
  • Memorial Hall – some members of the committee have been determined, Dianne Wilkins chair. Significant work to extract previously determined costs from renovation planning has been completed. The challenge now is to determine what items need to be done and what is within our funding capability.
  • Steeple repair – Contact has been made with Atlantic Roofers who will do the repair. Early January is the likely availability. It remains unclear if insurance will help to fund the repair or if it is to our advantage to make that claim.. Adjusters will observe the damage at the time of repair.
  • Staff changes – the church musician / director of music search committee has been formed, Keith Radford, chair, Sally Dibblee, David Perritt, Kathleen Snow and the Dean. A proposed time line includes a 31 January deadline for applications. St. Thomas University will also be advertising course teaching positions in early February. Advertising on General Synod job board, Diocesan eNews and with RCCO.

Decisions

Refugee crisis response – Ann Deveau and Brad McKnight presented an informative overview of the current state of planning. It was decided that the Cathedral will join with parishes of the Archdeaconry of Fredericton to begin to formulate a shared response. The extent of response will depend on fund-raising efforts and resources identified in joint planning.
Nominating Committee – J. Morell, C. Schmidt, the Dean (chair)

From the Dean

Creation of a mentorship-based programme for confirmation preparation. Pastoral and administrative duties as usual including: visits to hospital and Communion to Farraline Place and Windsor Court. Weekly mentoring for a postulant leading towards ordination.

Discussion

2016 Budget – significant discussion on the challenges of preparing a budget for 2016. A status quo plan for next year creates a $50,000 deficit over current giving. The degree to which we can continue/expand the position of Parish Nurse will depend on available budget. General agreement that projected offerings should increase. It was agreed that effort towards building a congregation-wide budget consultation process will help to determine where priorities lie with those who support Cathedral ministry and budget.

Events

Annual meeting: 2:00 p.m., 21 February 2016; weather 28 February

Next Meeting
Monday, 18 January, 7:00 p.m. GMH

Cathedral Faces – Ken and Carolyn Howlett

“He” was born in 1927, in Lake Edward, New Brunswick. Or as he puts it, “I was born in the suburbs, on the outskirts of the city of New Denmark.” “She” was born in New Denmark. They were both raised on potato farms. They first met at Recreation Centre dances. Her family moved to Fredericton in the early 1950’s and he followed shortly thereafter. He was following his dream. She was his dream!

And so begins the story of Carolyn and Ken Howlett. Childhood sweethearts who will soon celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary (November, 16, 1956). I asked the standard question – “was it love at first sight?” Without taking a breath, Ken responded “Oh, yes!” And accompanying that pronouncement was a broad smile and a twinkling eye. In almost the same breath, Carolyn answered “No.” I must have looked a little confused as she proceeded to say “We’re very different people, you know”. But honestly, I think there was a little twinkle in her eye as well and maybe even a little blush. Very different; but apparently quite well matched!

Ken is proud of his Lake Edward roots and won’t hesitate to tell you that. Like most rural New Brunswickers of his generation, he learned his abc’s in a one room schoolhouse that went to grade eight and was presided over by one teacher. He grew up with three sisters and one brother and has many happy memories of his childhood on the farm. I asked if he had picked potatoes and Carolyn said his preference was to operate the potato picker. Apparently, he has always had a keen interest in all things mechanical! Ken was brought up in the Anglican faith and attended St. George’s Anglican Church in Lake Edward. His father had helped to build the church, which is still standing, in the early 1920’s. Ken was active in the church from a very young age teaching Sunday School. He noted, however, that he liked to finish his class as quick as he could so that he could listen to the other teachers.

St. Ansgar's Church, Parish of Denmark

St. Ansgar’s Church, Parish of Denmark

Carolyn was also brought up in the Anglican faith and attended St. Ansgar’s Church in New Denmark. St. Ansgar’s is also still standing and is a beautiful sight to behold on the crest of a hill as you enter the picturesque village. Carolyn’s family’s move to Fredericton in the early 50’s lead to her attending NB Teacher’s College and obtaining a teacher’s certificate. She taught school until the first of their four sons arrived.

Ken, who had originally worked in construction with Carolyn’s father, started his own construction business and built their first home in Devon. By the time the fourth son arrived, they began to think that separate bedrooms might make life a little more peaceful around the Howlett household and so, Ken built their second home in New Maryland where they have been since 1977. It is a lovely, warm and welcoming family home presided over by two lovely warm and welcoming people.

Ken and Carolyn started attending the Cathedral in 1963 – 52 years of almost perfect attendance! I asked them to tell me a bit about what they have been involved in over those 52 years and wound up thinking I should have asked if there was anything they hadn’t been involved in!

Ken has:
– served on Bishop and Chapter (many times)
– served as Property Chairman (many times)
– been a member of the Guild of St. Joseph
– served as a sidesman
– taught Sunday school

That’s a lot of service about which he is very humble. But then, we talked about the “little jobs” around the Cathedral that Ken has done, some of which I had heard people talk about in the way that we often talk about legends. Like climbing a forty foot ladder to change a light bulb. By my estimation, that’s about five average ceiling heights and those pesky sanctuary lights require one to step on the very top step in order to reach the bulb. Not for the faint-hearted, but changing the light bulbs in the steeple spotlights on the peak of the Cathedral also wouldn’t be for the faint-hearted, and Ken has done that. He maintained the bells; he wound the clock; worked on the pointing of the stone on the exterior of the Church; helped with the maintenance of the Deanery; etc. Also not for the faint-hearted (at least in my book), Ken has spent more than one night alone in the basement of the Cathedral with no one for company other than a very uncooperative boiler decidedly lacking in warmth. “Not even the famed Cathedral ghost” appeared, according to Ken, who shrugged off my horror of spending the night alone in any basement with a very matter-of-fact “I understood how it worked and the church had to be warm for Sunday services.” Just last year, Ken drove in to the Cathedral three times in the middle of the night to tend to that unruly boiler. I’m not sure what you or I will be doing when we are Ken’s age, but I’m willing to wager not many of us will be heading out at 2 am to tend to a boiler anywhere!

St. Ansgar's Church, Parish of Denmark

St. Ansgar’s Church, Parish of Denmark

Carolyn has an equally impressive history of service in the church. She too taught Sunday School, her first class at the age of 13 at the Church in New Denmark. She recalled having 20 children in her class of 7 to 9 year olds and enjoying them immensely. While Carolyn did obtain her teaching certificate and did teach for a short while, after her son’s were grown, she decided to launch a new career and went back to university in 1984 to obtain a degree in Social Work. Almost 30 years spent raising four boys, and she was not prepared to simply rest on her laurels! She worked for many years and was well known in the social work community of the Province of NB. At the Cathedral, Carolyn has been active in the ACW, the Little Helpers (predecessor to the Mothers Union), youth work at the Cathedral, a member of the Diocesan Youth Committee, a member of Bishop and Chapter and is currently, the Prayer Chain coordinator. In 1976, Carolyn became the first female from the NB Diocese to attend the General Synod meeting!

Four children, 6 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and 52 years later, Ken and Carolyn are still members of the Christ Church Cathedral congregation and are still serving. Carolyn pointed out that they have seen many changes over the years. They were both keen to note that the addition of the Health Ministry is one that they are very thankful for and one which they both feel has made a big difference to a sense of community in the Cathedral.

Thank you, Ken and Carolyn for allowing me into your home and sharing your story. You have accomplished and are still accomplishing so much in your day to day lives and certainly, in the Cathedral community. And no, Ken, I wouldn’t spend the night in the basement by myself no matter how well acquainted I was with the boiler!

– by Gail MacGillivray

Belize Missions

On the bulletin board in Christ Church Cathedral, photos of children from Belize are a reminder of a link between our congregation and St. Hilda’s Anglican School. On the school playground in Belize, picnic tables affixed with a handmade wooden maple leaf and cross are a reminder of the Canadian missioners who care for the school.

Mission groups from Christ Church Cathedral have travelled to Belize four times: in 2005, 2007, 2010 and 2013, and through these trips, bonds have been formed with the staff and students of St. Hilda’s, an elementary school in the rural village of Georgeville. Two hundred children attend the school, ranging between kindergarten and grade 8. Over 50 Cathedral members ranging in age from 15 to 79 have gone on a mission trip to Belize, and hundreds of people in Fredericton have supported the work through organizational support, donations and prayers.

On each of the Cathedral’s mission trips, the activities of the teams have been different, based on the current needs of the school and skills of the missioners. Our relationship with the Belizean people began in 2005 when the Cathedral Puppeteers responded to an invitation from the Anglican Diocese of Belize. They visited many schools during their trip, and during subsequent trips the Cathedral began to strengthen its relationship with St. Hilda’s School. Missioners from Fredericton have helped to: build a foundation for bathrooms at the school; paint classrooms; build much needed bookshelves; provide literacy materials and support; provide first aid training; wire the school for internet; and build the aforementioned picnic tables.

The former St. Hilda’s principal, Mrs. Ida Bennett, appreciates the ongoing support from Christ Church Cathedral, and the continuing relationship has been a blessing for both Belizeans and Frederictonians. Several missioners have returned to Belize multiple times, and it is always a joy to reconnect with students and teachers they formed a bond with on previous trips.

“Nobody had any idea it would grow into what it is now… the building of bonds between two distant Anglican congregations,” said Beverly Morell, who has been part of all four mission teams. “The reason we go is bounded in scripture. We are called to help those less fortunate. I feel that we are God’s hands and feet in the world; that we’re helping in some small way to further His kingdom.”

The support from our entire Cathedral family has been overwhelming. Thousands of dollars have been donated to the school over the past decade, and a portion of the funds are sent to St. Hilda’s each year to help with costs such as school supplies, crucial renovations, and continuing education for teachers.

Belize-feature8In addition to providing infrastructure and academic support for the school, spiritual aspects of each mission have benefitted both the Belizeans and the Cathedral missioners. On the most recent trip, missioners made a special gift to the sanctuary guild at St. Hilda’s chapel — a beautiful set of altar linens in the liturgical colours of purple, red, green and white, expertly stitched by Lucy’s Sewing Group at the Cathedral. The sanctuary guild at St. Hilda’s chapel was very touched that people so far away were praying for them and wanted to help beautify their humble chapel. Each teacher at St. Hilda’s School was also given a cross necklace made by the Cathedral Pewtersmiths – crosses matching the ones worn by each missioner.

“I really think we received the greatest gifts,” Anne Thornton, a busy mother of two small boys, said about the 2013 trip. “We held daily devotionals to give our time to God. We stayed at a quiet mission centre surrounded by the beauty of nature. This was precious.”

Before traveling to Belize, each member of each mission team made a nearly year-long time commitment, as well as a financial commitment. Each team met more than a dozen times over several months, to get to know each other, share their skills, fundraise, learn about working in other cultures, and develop spiritually. The emphasis for each trip was on teamwork, building loving relationships with each other and with the Belizeans, and serving God in a beautiful corner of His kingdom.

“We enjoyed laughter and fellowship,” says student Lionel Hayter, who has travelled to Belize on 2 Cathedral mission trips. “We learned from each other and from the wonderful children and their hard-working teachers. We saw deep-rooted challenges due to socio-economic conditions, but also noticed compassion and dedication.”

“The physical work was hard, and there was a deep sense of satisfaction when we finished tiling and painting,” Diane Stevenson said of the 2007 trip. “But it was talking with the kids that touched my heart.”

Indeed, the smiling faces of St. Hilda’s students will forever inspire and motivate the Cathedral members who have travelled to Belize. “We felt blessed to be able to give something back to help others,” Doug Milander says. “They worked with us, and we learned so much from them. I’ve thought of the people I met in Belize every day since I got home.”

Elinor Joyce, who travelled to Belize in 2007, returned to Fredericton with “a renewed appreciation for all the things that we take for granted – comfortable homes, clean water, knowing that our children have hopes for the future. So many of the children won’t be able to afford to go past grade 8, and their futures are so uncertain,” she remarked. “In the midst of that, I keep seeing their beautiful smiles, and their joy in all the simple things that they do have.”

In Belize, the average age at which a child leaves school is 13 years old, because high school costs $700 USD a year. Most families don’t have that kind of money. The average annual income is $8,400, and 43% of Belizeans live below the poverty line. Unemployment is high. People tend to have large families, and 75% of the children at St. Hilda’s School come from single-parent families.

Belize-feature3The socio-economic realities are harsh, and education is so important. In 2010, Cathedral mission team members established a high school scholarship program which has allowed selected St. Hilda’s students to continue their education past grade 8. The rationale is that if we can give bright children a chance to graduate from high school, they will have a leg up on life. Some of the graduates supported by the Cathedral have gone on to post-secondary education. Our congregation continues to support and pray for St. Hilda’s school, and hopes to send another mission team to Belize in the coming years.

Many people have asked our missioners if they decided to go to Belize from a sense of adventure, to help other people, to seek a challenge, to grow in their relationship with God, or to serve Him by showing love and compassion. Each missioner might answer that question differently, as their experiences have been deeply personal.

One person remarked, “It was an unforgettable experience to express my faith openly and to offer myself as the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.”

Student Natalie Barrie summed up the mission experience by saying, “We returned as different people with a new understanding of mission and a better outlook on life. We’re enthusiastic about what God is doing in the world, and we’re excited by what the future might hold for us and for St. Hilda’s.”

2015 Christmas Pastoral Letter

Advent 2015

Dear Friends,

Christian Faith is unique among the religions of the world. It was Martin Luther who once offered a short and precise summary of the uniqueness of the Christian Faith when he said, “We find the heart and will of the Father in Christ.”

To the world Christmas has become a very important season. For society-at-large it is a time of good will and gifting, a time of good cheer 15_christmas_titleand togetherness. The Church recognizes these elements of the season and links them firmly with the “reason for the season” — Jesus. Could there possibly be a better reason to celebrate the joys and merriment of the Christmas Season than the birth of the one whose title appears in its very name — the Christ.

Why is Christ and Christmas important to Christians?

“We find the heart and will of the Father in Christ.” The appearance of Christ in the world removes the veil that exists between us and the Divine nature of God and reveals the very heart of God. “He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being …” (Hebrews 1:3)

He is not identical with God but he and the Father are one. In Jesus there is not just a certain likeness to God but rather in Jesus, is the love of God. One in will, one in heart, one in purpose. Where Christ is, there is God; and where Christ is active, there God is active also.

What better reason to express the attitudes of the season — “peace on earth, happy holidays, good will among all?” Jesus has offered us the assurance that God is merciful and kind and has love for us beyond all measure. His very Spirit has entered into our experience and become flesh! God himself has come and dwelt among us in order to show us his heart.

At the Cathedral we will once again celebrate the great mystery of the Incarnation and as a family, break bread in remembrance of him and our salvation through him. You are invited to make your Christmas Communion with the Lord and Saviour and with the members of his community of believers at one of the scheduled service times. If you are unable to be present at the Table of the Lord because of illness or some other cause and would like the Sacrament at home, please phone the Cathedral Office (506) 450-8500 to make arrangements. A schedule for the Season is HERE.

Have a happy and blessed Christmas!

Geoffrey Hall, Dean of Fredericton

Give your Christmas gift to the Cathedral

From the Cathedral Parish Nurse

This is my last week as Parish Nurse. I retire at the end of this year after ten years as your Parish Nurse and two additional years as coordinator of the Health Ministry. I wish to say to you all I have been honoured and feel truly blessed to have been accepted so willingly by so many of you over the years as we have shared good times and some challenging times in our lives. Thank you for your love and care of me.

This is a team ministry and I could not have coordinated all that we have provided without the active help and support of the dedicated Parish Nursing Team: Michele LeBlanc, RN, Wendy Brien, Marilyn Lewell, Carol Hynes and Kathleen Snow RN. Alongside too are the multitude of congregational members who have provided their circle of care as Visitors, Helping Hands and in many other ways to our congregation at critical times in their lives. Thank you to Bishop and Chapter, the Health Ministry Team, Dean Geoff, Fran and the staff who have worked alongside to make this ministry work.

We do not know what the future holds for this Ministry at the Cathedral but we know God always has a plan, so we trust in Him to show us the way. God Bless you all and have a very blessed Christmas Season.

Isabel Cutler, RN

Report of Delegates to Diocesan Synod 2015

The 134th session of the Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Fredericton was held on Saturday, November 7, at Christ Church Parish Church. The theme for the synod was “Walk the Walk.” The Cathedral’s representatives were Dean Geoffrey Hall, Jim Morell (present lay chair of B&C) and Chris Stevenson (a past lay chair).

Bishop David Edwards was consecrated last fall. This was his first synod as our bishop, and he delivered his first charge to 273 synod delegates (75 clergy and 198 lay) who were in attendance from 70+ parishes across the diocese. The stated main purpose of the synod was to receive his charge, which was based on Ephesians 4: 1-6, and to respond to it through discussion in small groups.

“I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.” NRSV

The Bishop’s Charge, which can be found at anglican.nb.ca, was both bold and direction setting.

Some of his important messages were these:

  • God calls us, as his disciples, to live together in unity and “to bear with one another,” even when we have differing opinions on church matters
  • Centering ourselves personally and corporately on Jesus, prayer and Biblical knowledge are the foundations on which we are to build our individual lives and our shared life in the church
  • Our worship is meant to be “intentionally oriented to lifting us beyond the everyday and enabling us to touch the edge of heaven”
  • The Bishop will be focusing on new, 21st century methods of education and training for our leaders – both clergy and lay; and he intends to establish new models of ordained and non-ordained ministry
  • Youth work is vital to our church, and in that we must be more creative
  • God directs us to engage our communities and to take the Good News of Jesus to people outside our congregations. He made special mention of our obligation to those who suffer in a broken world
  • Despite having to deal with many issues and challenges, Bishop David said he continues to be encouraged by many positive developments within our diocesan family – including the rebuilding of the Anglican church in Edmundston (Parish of Madawaska) following a fire and a $5.5 million bequest to the diocese by a quiet, faithful Anglican woman in Saint John

In response to a pre-synod motion delegates voted in favour of asking Diocesan Council to review diocesan canon two respecting ‘election of bishops.’ Discussion prior to the vote centred on the importance of delegates having more knowledge of those nominated.

Synod Prayer:

Almighty God,
giver of all and ruler of all that is seen and unseen;
we ask for continual divine grace to your Church
and especially to the 134th Session of Diocesan Synod.
May we walk in your way,
leading lives worthy of our calling,
in humility, gentleness, and patience,
bearing with one another in love
and maintaining the unity of your Spirit in the bond of peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

J. Morell, C. Stevenson, G. Hall

2015 Christmas Angels

Paper angels from the Fredericton Food Bank are waiting to be chosen from small trees in the cathedral and in the hall foyer. Each angel indicates a gift or stocking stuffers for a needy boy or girl of a specific age.

Unwrapped gifts, with the paper angels firmly attached, should be brought to the church or the hall on Sunday, Dec. 6th. Drop-off boxes will be set up near the angel trees.

If you cannot bring your gift on time, please take it to the drop-off box in the hall no later than Monday, Dec. 7th. That is the deadline for the Cathedral Outreach Committee to deliver the gifts to the Food Bank.

If you prefer to donate money instead of toys or stocking stuffers, please write a cheque payable to Christ Church Cathedral and indicate Christmas Outreach on the memo line. Your cheque or cash should reach the church office by Friday, Dec. 18th. These funds will be divided equally among the Fredericton Homeless Shelters, Transition House and the Fredericton Community Kitchen.

The Outreach Committee thanks you for your generous support in making Christmas special for needy families in our community.