The Sanctuary Guild of Christ Church Cathedral encourages gifts for flowers in memory or as a thank offering at the High Altar and throughout the Cathedral, at any time and especially at festival times of the church year.
Forms must be received by Tuesday, March 26, 2024 to have memorials published in the Easter bulletin. Thank you.
Complete this form and return it to the Cathedral Office. Paper copies are available at the back of the Cathedral and at the Office.
Children participating in Godly Play at Cathedral Memorial Hall have been preparing for Easter with stories and art.
During the Faces of Easter week 4 lesson, the children used the Faces of Christ paintings. This photo shows how, after the story was told using the paintings, the children were invited to add other things from the room to "add to our story".
Godly Play is an innovative method of faith formation, which allows participants to experience faith-building stories through intentional storytelling and imaginative wondering.
Learn more about our Godly Play sessions, which are back in-person after a time of online gatherings.
Children 4 and up are invited to join this adventure every other Sunday at 9:15am in the Christian Formation Room in Cathedral Memorial Hall. Consult the Cathedral calendar for the schedule.
Would you like to explore this ministry further? Speak with us and consider taking a training session. Contact Kurt Schmidt or Cheryl Jacobs, or inquire through the Cathedral Office.
We recently received this note from Montgomery Street Elementary's Home and School Association, to which the Cathedral has previously provided support for children in need.
I wanted to let the church know that with the remainder of the donation provided to our committee, after paying for the hot lunches and milk program to our children within the school who needed it, we were also able to help an urgent need to a family.
A recent call ended up with a family who had to quickly move out of their house due to pipes leaking through their ceiling. Home and School were able to purchase and drop off groceries for their family of six (with three children at Montgomery) and purchase their meals at the restaurant within the hotel for a few days. Without the donation from the church, we wouldn’t have been able to do what we did for them until their insurance was able to take over.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for always supporting our committee and trust that we will help whenever and where we need to.
Reegan McDougall
President/Volunteer, Montgomery Street Home and School Association
The Beaverbrook Art Gallery and the Provincial Archives have collaborated on an exhibit showcasing artistic treasures from the archives.
The exhibit, AR(T)CHIVES: Visual Treasures from the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick, is open to the public until May 28, 2023. Gallery admission is required.
"Archives are more than simply repositories of paper documents, ledgers, and census volumes; they often hold artistic treasures that tell an entirely different story than one containing only the written word. In partnership with the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick, we are pleased to present some of the most beautiful and fascinating visual records of New Brunswick (and Canada, for that matter) that you may ever see."
An illustrated booklet, available at the gallery, includes several works featuring Christ Church Cathedral, including architectural designs of the stonework, a pencil sketch showing the Cathedral and the Parish Church, and a watercolour sketch for the Reredos. Visit the exhibit to explore other treasures!
Thank you to all who submitted annual reports and attended the Annual Congregational Meeting on 26 February, 2023.
Click to read online copies of the Cathedral Annual Report and view the Narrative Budget, "Turning Resources into Grace", a magazine-style brochure which tells the story of our ministry with photos.
We are pleased to announce the election of Jane Hand as Health and Pastoral Care Chair, and Bonnie Greenwood as Mission and Outreach Chair. Victoria Hachey was reelected for another term as as Finance and Administration Chair.
Delegates to Synod are Rosa Macaulay, Catherine Schmidt and Claire McKnight. Substitute delegates are Jim Clowater, Randy Audfroid and Nat Fetter.
Appreciation to all who offered for positions.
The position of Property Chair is vacant and a Bishop’s appointment can be made. Please consider serving in this position.
Bishop and Chapter members, Synod delegates, clergy and staff are listed in every Sunday bulletin. A digital copy of the current week's bulletin can be found at the top right-hand corner of our website (refreshed every Friday afternoon).
Join us for yoga this winter and spring!
The Cathedral Health Ministry is pleased to announce a new series of chair yoga classes led by experienced yoga instructor Monique Smith.
Ideal for both young and old, chair yoga is a unique way to exercise while sitting in a chair. Classes will be held in the Cathedral, making it easy even for those with mobility issues.
As Monique explains, “As far as abilities, even beginners will feel welcomed! … The key is to listen to one’s body.”
These weekly classes are sure to provide a stress-free way to exercise your body, mind, and spirit in fun and friendly group sessions.
Chair yoga classes will be held on Fridays from 10:15-11:00 a.m. beginning March 3 and running to the start of June. All classes are drop-in with no need to register. The cost is $5 per session, payable each week. See you there!
Still curious about Chair Yoga? Learn more in the article, Chair Yoga and Why Seated Yoga Poses are Good for You.
The smell of pancakes and sausages filled Cathedral Memorial Hall on February 21st during the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. After a two-year hiatus, the Guild of St. Joseph returned with many volunteers to host the supper. The men of the Cathedral greeted, cooked, served and cleaned during this much-loved event.
The "Holy Joes" as the Guild is affectionately called, graciously served almost 200 Cathedral parishioners, friends and members of the community. Many were thrilled to resume the longtime tradition, which celebrates the beginning of Lent.
Gathering together in the middle of winter gave a much-needed lift to everyone's spirits. Conversation filled the air, as old and new friends gathered over the delicious shared meal.
Gary Barfitt, President of the Guild of St. Joseph, shared this message:
"The Guild of St. Joseph would like to say thank you to all who made the revival of our Pancake Supper such a resounding success this past week. We served almost 200 patrons. A special word of thanks to those who supported us in so many ways, including providing gingerbreads, serving at the tables and those who helped with the clean-up after the supper. We could not have done it without all the volunteers. The very generous freewill contributions at the door will be put to good use as Guild members continue their work."
During the Season of Lent, all members of the Cathedral congregation are encouraged to consider individual or small group study or reflection. The 40 days of Lent are an excellent time to take on a discipline of deeper reflection on the Christian life, growing personally in discipleship as well as helping us grow as a community of Christian faith. (See BAS p. 282 and BCP p. 612)
Afternoon Study Group
Book study of Let Me Go There: The Spirit of Lent by Paula Gooder -- the Archbishop's recommended study book for 2023. Come join the conversation(s) about Lenten themes such as wilderness, journey, prayer and fasting. Facilitated by Dean Geoffrey Hall. 2:00-3:15 p.m, in Cathedral Memorial Hall. RSVP.
*Note: The Bishop's Office will be hosting online gatherings exploring the same text, facilitated by Shawn Branch and Cheryl Jacobs. Online sessions will be hosted on Mondays at 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m. Register through the Anglican Diocese of Fredericton website.
Art & Faith
An Ignatian-flavoured contemplative consideration of select works of sacred art. Hosted by Kurt Schmidt. 5:30-6:00pm, Drop-in online via Zoom. Link through the Cathedral calendar.
Taizé Thursdays
Ecumenical and contemplative services of worship that incorporate simple song, scripture and silence. 5:30-6:00pm, alternating formats -- online via Zoom and in-person/livestreamed from the Cathedral. Drop-in. Link through the Cathedral calendar or Cathedral YouTube channel. Curious about Taizé? Read about an online session and in-person Taizé at the Cathedral.
The Divine Comedy
Ongoing study group discussing Dante's classic poem. Hosted and led by Alan Hall and friends. 7:00-8:30 p.m, Hall Lounge. RSVP.
Stations of the Cross
Various versions of the ancient meditation on the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross). 12:00 noon, Cathedral. Drop-in.
The Chosen
Intergenerational screening of the recently released third season of The Chosen, the largest crowd-funded media project in history, portraying the life of Christ and the disciples. 6:00-8:00pm, Cathedral Memorial Hall. Popcorn provided!
Please contact the facilitators directly to: express interest / ask a question / register / RSVP. Take special note of online options. Flexibility in schedules and locations may be possible within given restraints.
Geoffrey Hall: email or phone (506) 450-7761 or the Cathedral Office
Cheryl Jacobs: email or phone (506) 459-5795 or the Cathedral Office
Alan Hall: email or phone (506) 443-0196 or the Cathedral Office
Kurt Schmidt: email or phone (506) 259-3711 or the Cathedral Office
'It Remains for Me to Say', a book containing the memoirs of Archbishop Harold Lee Nutter is available for purchase at the Diocesan Synod Office for $28 (plus postage if required). Drop by the Synod Office upstairs in Memorial Hall, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. or email <office at anglican.nb.ca> for details. The book, edited by Archbishop Nutter’s son Andrew (Bruce) Nutter, tells a fascinating story of a long Anglican life.
A description of the book is below.
It Remains for Me to Say
The Memoirs of Archbishop Harold Lee Nutter
edited by his son Andrew with a foreword by David Adams Richards
After he retired the Archbishop recorded his memoirs for the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick in 1992. They have had to be extensively culled but tell a fascinating story of a long Anglican life.
Harold Nutter was born in Welsford and named after his uncle whose name is included on the memorial at Vimy Ridge following his death in the Great War. His mother died of tuberculosis when he was nine. Unlike other boys of his age, interested in hunting and fishing, Harold began studying Greek at the age of twelve. His father, who ran the village grocery store, found his son’s unusual interest difficult to explain to fellow villagers.
In his first year at Mount Allison a devastating fire destroyed the men’s residence just before Christmas in 1941. Harold had been assigned to a top floor room with four other boys, but several days before the fire, the Dean of Residence moved him to another room on the same floor. Sadly, all the boys from that earlier room died understandably leaving Harold to wonder why he should be spared.
Later he was the recipient of five honorary degrees, a member of the Order of Canada, and a social reformer under New Brunswick premier Louis Robichaud. He was offered the Lieutenant Governorship of the province, and a seat in the Senate.
The Archbishop was sounding alarm bells in the later part of his episcopate over the wayward and woke direction of his beloved church. His writings now seem prescient.
Shrove Tuesday is just around the corner and for many Christians, that means pancakes for supper!
Not being a pancake lover, I decided to do a little research on this questionable meal choice. I knew that Shrove Tuesday (also known as Pancake Day, Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras) preceded Ash Wednesday when many folks give up something that they love as a sort of penance during Lent. Historically, it would be rich food of some sort that was given up and your Shrove Tuesday meal would be your last kick at the rich food can, so to speak.
This just made me all the more curious why anyone would choose pancakes as their last tasty meal!
Well, it seems that we owe a debt of gratitude (or not) to a lady in the middle of cooking up a pancake supper. When the Church bells rang in Olney, UK one day in 1445 indicating it was time for confession (where one would be “shriven” or absolved of sin), she ran to the Church in her apron, clutching her frying pan full of pancakes.
And now, centuries later, in many parts of the UK, pancake races are a big part of Shrove Tuesday celebrations. And, not surprisingly, the most famous race of all is held in Olney where local “housewives” don their aprons, hats and scarves, clutch their frying pans and race to the finish line, all the while flipping their pancake at least three times. The first woman to finish the course and arrive at the Church, serve her pancake to the bellringer and kiss him wins the race.
Pancake recipes can apparently be traced back to Roman times. The main ingredients – milk, flour, eggs – were considered “rich” ingredients which, I guess, accounts for their becoming the “rich” meal of choice.
Even if they aren’t my favourite food group, the following description of Shrove Tuesday at the Cathedral may be enough to entice me out this year. I asked Jim Morrell for his memories of Shrove Tuesday meals at Christ Church Cathedral.
Here’s what Jim had to say:
“Male members of the Cathedral (take that Olney!) have been preparing and serving pancakes, sausages and beans for the Shrove Tuesday congregation-and-friends supper for over 60 yeas. One of my childhood memories is eating pancakes that my Dad served to my Mother, brother and me in the original Memorial Hall lower level in the late 1950’s. Not only was it a tasty (mmmm) and plentiful meal for the growing number of post-war baby boomers like me, it was a 'day off' so to speak for our stay-at-home Moms who didn’t have to prepare it. It’s always been lots of fun for those who come to enjoy the food and the conversation and for those who cook and serve.”
Well, Jim, you and the members of St. Joseph’s Guild will be warming up your favourite pancake flipper in no time!
Maybe even I will put aside my pancake dislike and come out for that evening of fun with family and friends. After all, there will be lots of time after supper to grab some chocolate or other rich delicacy on the way home before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent!
by Gail MacGillivray
Celebrate the beginning of Lent by attending Christ Church Cathedral’s Shrove Tuesday pancake supper at Cathedral Memorial Hall on 04 March, 2025 from 4:30-6:30 pm. Enjoy pancakes, sausages, and beans followed by gingerbread with toppings. Coffee and tea will be available. Admission is through freewill donation. Everyone is welcome, so bring your friends and family!
