Thank you to all who assisted with the Provincial commemorative service for the Queen. Photos from the memorial will be shared on our website soon. *
A Provincial commemorative service for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be held in Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton on Monday, 19 September at 2:00 p.m.
Attendance will be by invitation only, but the public is welcome to gather on the lawn. Loudspeakers will be placed outside. Please be aware that parking will be limited. A ceremonial gun salute will take place in conjunction with the commemorative service, resulting in increased noise levels in the cathedral area. For safety reasons, traffic and pedestrian access around this area may be suspended. Learn more about provincial commemorative events.
The service will be livestreamed by the Province of New Brunswick. It is a joint effort of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Province of New Brunswick, in collaboration with the Diocese of Fredericton and Christ Church Cathedral.
A Book of Condolence for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be available in the Cathedral on Monday, 19 September, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Online condolences can be shared on the Government of Canada website.
* * * * *
A national memorial service for Queen Elizabeth II will be held at St. James Cathedral in Toronto, Ontario on Tuesday, 20 September 20 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time (4:00 p.m. Atlantic). The service will be livestreamed on the Anglican Church of Canada's website.
Gracious God, we give thanks for the life of your servant Queen Elizabeth, for her faith and her dedication to duty. Bless us as we mourn her death and may her example continue to inspire us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A message from Thomas Gonder, Cathedral Organist and Director of Music:
“I am thoroughly delighted to announce that upon approval of The Dean, I have appointed Christian Vanicek Organ Scholar to Christ Church Cathedral. Christian just turned sixteen and has been studying with me since late last Summer/Early Autumn. He has progressed at an astonishing rate and recently made a stunning debut this past Summer closing our Summer Concert Series (and broke attendance records!). Christian is currently the organist at St. Peter's Anglican Church in Fredericton, so we won't see him on Sunday mornings. However, as an extension of his private organ studies with me, I will be guiding him through service playing for the bi-weekly Evensong at the Cathedral. He'll shadow me for a month or so before I put him on the bench for Hymns, Psalms, Canticles, Anthems, Preludes and Postludes and the like. He'll do an amazing job. He's a wonderful talent of exceedingly delightful countenance and extraordinary discipline. What great news to share! Welcome, Christian!!”
Christian played the final concert of the 2022 Summer Music Series at the Cathedral on 26 August, on the piano and organ. Here is his biography from the program.
* * * * *
Christian Vanicek recently turned sixteen and is a native of Fredericton. He is a graduate of Bliss Carman Middle School and currently enrolled at Fredericton High School. He has won numerous prizes at the Fredericton Music Festival and just this past June represented Fredericton at the Provincials. He has studied piano since the age of four and pipe organ since last October. He studies piano with Barbara Marks and organ with J. Thomas D. Gonder. Aside from his musical studies, he is involved with the Calithumpians and enjoys playing soccer. Christian is currently the organist at St. Peter's Anglican Church, Fredericton.
The eucharist is the family meal. It is the act of thanksgiving in which we receive the gift of God, the body and blood of Christ. It is the food of God which strengthens us to do the work of God. It is the heavenly banquet. It is communion with Jesus Christ.
Preparation for First Communion for children ages 7+ will begin soon, using the program Life in the Eucharist. An information meeting will be held in the Cathedral at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, 18 September.
Can you volunteer some time to assist? There will be a need for leadership companions for participants and prayer as we accompany our young people on this journey to the Table.
Learn more about First Communion at the Cathedral and contact Kurt Schmidt, Cathedral Director of Christian Formation, if you or someone you know wishes to be involved <formation at christchurchcathedral.com>.
Members of the Cathedral congregation are invited to gather after 10:30 a.m. worship on Sunday, 11 September for food and fellowship!
Corn on the cob, treats and lemonade will be served on the Cathedral lawn. Feel free to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket. If the weather is poor, we will bring the festivities inside Cathedral Memorial Hall.
Are you able to prepare a plate of sweets to share? If so, please contact Kirsten McKnight at the Cathedral Office by email <office at christchurchcathedral.com> or phone (506) 450-8500.
Thank you to our volunteers - many hands make light work!
August 31, 2022 marks the 169th anniversary of the consecration of Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton.
The Cathedral was consecrated on August 31, 1853. Bishop Medley wrote in his journal on that day,
"The Cathedral, the corner stone of which was laid October 15, 1845, was consecrated this day. All praise be to God, who has enabled me, amidst many difficulties, to finish it. May the Lord pardon all that is amiss, and make it His holy dwelling place for evermore. Amen."
A description of the events was included in a history of the Cathedral published in 1910, during the episcopacy of Bishop John A. Richardson (1907 - 1938).
Photo from 1910 history booklet
The Consecration was of course performed by the Bishop of the Diocese. There were present also the Bishop of Quebec, Right Reverend G. J. Mountain, the Bishop of Toronto, the Right Reverend John Strachan, and Right Reverend Horatio Southgate, a Bishop of the Church in the United States, besides the Reverend Dr. Haight, of New York, Dr. Edson, of Lowell, Mass., Archdeacon Coster, Rector of Fredericton, Reverend Richard Podmore, Curate of St. Anne's Chapel, Reverend F. Coster, Rector of Carleton, and other Clergy of the diocese to the number of sixty. A procession was formed at 10 a.m. in which were several members of the Bench and Bar in their robes, Officers of the 76th Regiment, the Mayor, and other distinguished inhabitants of the city and neighborhood, attended by boys bearing banners.
The sermon was preached by Bishop Southgate from Ps. cxxii., v. 8, 9. It was an able and eloquent address, expressive of the deep joy felt by the members of the American Church in this event as an earnest of the wider extension of catholic unity.
The music at the consecration service was very fine, and included a beautiful anthem by Dr. George Elvey, organist of St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, and was well rendered by a large and efficient choir. The organist was Mr. S. A. Hayter, who had received his training at Salisbury Cathedral. The organ was built by Mr. Naish, who had served his apprenticeship with Walker, the great London organ builder, and who was brought out by the Bishop to do this work.
Photo from 1910 history booklet
The services connected with the consecration of the Cathedral lasted for a week; during which eloquent and appropriate sermons were preached by the Bishop of Quebec, formerly Rector of the Parish of Fredericton; by Dr. Haight, and by Dr. Edson. The Bishop held his first visitation, and delivered his first charge to his clergy on the Thursday of this week. Addresses were presented to the visiting Bishops and Clergy, and also to the Bishop of the Diocese from his clergy, before the proceedings terminated. The crowded congregations, the reverent demeanor of the worshippers, and the large amount of the offertory collections, showed that the great body of the people took a very hearty interest, and an honest pride, in their new Cathedral.
An updated history booklet was published in 1975, during the episcopacy of Bishop Harold L. Nutter (1971-1989).
Learn more about Cathedral history and explore the building virtually.
A member of the Cathedral congregation, the talented artist Sarah Petite, has been selected as a recipient of a prestigious art award from the Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation.
Sarah Petite will be presented with one of two 2022 Marie Hélène Allain Fellowship awards of $10,000, during a celebration on 26 August at Kingsbrae International Residence for the Arts in St. Andrews.
These fellowship awards are presented every two years as part of the Foundation's mandate to promote the visual arts in New Brunswick. The Marie Hélène Allain Fellowship Award recognizes "the career accomplishments of New Brunswick mid-career artists, currently engaged in the exploration or the deepening of creative endeavour." It supports creative exploration and innovation, recognizing artists who have distinguished themselves during the last decade of their practice, and have proposed a significant body of new work.
According to the news release: "The jury was convinced by the accomplishments and developments evidenced in the proposal of artist Sarah Petite, supported as it was by the eloquence of her succinct and eloquent artist’s statement. The artist’s perseverance in discovering new directions through considered engagement with her materials and process, reveal a practice that contributes to and is in discourse with modernist painting traditions. Sarah’s recent explorations in the reconciliation of painting and sculpture reveal objects that embody her creative experience and explorations, and suggest she is in an expansive period in her work."
We extend warmest congratulations to Sarah on this honour!
Sarah's work with encaustic paint can be seen in the gallery on her website. Her art has also been displayed in the Cathedral, including the Penal Cross and the Faces of Christ, which she created for our Godly Play children's program. Sarah is also a member of Lucy's Sewing Group, which makes, embroiders and repairs linens for various churches, including the Cathedral.
This summer, we are pleased to welcome two Cathedral tour guides: Alex LeBlanc and Sophia Pacione. Learn about Alex below.
Learning to Adapt
I have been waiting for the last three years to return to the Cathedral as a tour guide. When I was a tour guide back in 2019, I truly enjoyed the experience of connecting with people each day. Over the last three years, before I returned to working as a tour guide, I continued to bring people into the Cathedral for free. For example, I recently brought my minister and his husband from Spain for a tour. I enjoyed giving the Cathedral tours so much in 2019 that I just wanted to bring people that I know to see it.
I have learned to adapt each tour to the person, family, or group. I either take out information or go beyond the official tour information, adding extra details when the visitors are interested in learning more. I know much more of the history of the Cathedral than is required.
For me, I feel that it is important to be productive. For example, going beyond my duties, I helped out with the eucharist at a 10 a.m. service and recently, I helped Hank Williams bring out cake from the sacristy after worship.
The Cathedral was my church previously, but I now attend Nashwaaksis United Church, and I was confirmed there. At first, I was very hesitant to take communion at the Cathedral. Was I allowed to take it? However, we're all Protestant, all branches on the same tree of Christianity. This month on the north side, the Nashwaaksis United Church, the Nashwaaksis Baptist Church, and St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church are partnering up for services. It’s nice to have the Anglican and United churches together.
I feel a connection when I come in the Cathedral. I now do the things that other people do in an Anglican church. For example, I bow my head towards the altar. It has become a habit. I unlock the doors and bow my head right away.
I have done a lot of volunteer work at the Cathedral and at Nashwaaksis United Church. I feel connected to both of them. In 2016, I visited the Cathedral and Hank gave me a tour. Eric Hadley showed me the bells, and I saw the door to the clock tower. I really wanted to wind the clock. For three years, I helped Mark Jacobs wind the 169-year-old Cathedral clock weekly. Then we needed help, so now other people are winding it, too. It was a privilege, at the age of twelve, to learn how to wind the clock from Ken Howlett. He has wound it for over 40 years!
When I was a member of the Cathedral, I was also on the Property Committee. At my present church, I volunteer with my grandmother, who co-chairs the Outreach Committee. We provide for people. It is wonderful to see the joy on people’s faces, especially at Christmas.
In 2020, I deeply wanted to come back to the Cathedral. It was hard leaving the Cathedral tour guide job and then waiting three years to return. To feel this way about a job is really, really special. I wondered if this summer, with COVID, would I feel the same way about being a tour guide as I did in 2019, and I do.
- written by Carol Ann Melvin, based on an interview with Alex LeBlanc
Alexandre LeBlanc is originally from Moncton and moved to Fredericton in grade four. Alex has just graduated from Leo Hayes High School. He is an avid volunteer, dedicating much time to supporting his church. After this summer, Alex will continue in his position working at Walmart.
This summer, we are pleased to welcome two Cathedral tour guides: Sophia Pacione and Alex LeBlanc. Here is Sophia's story.
Learning from Others
Everyone seems to have a different reason for entering the Cathedral as a building, let alone as a church. It is interesting for me, as a tour guide this summer, to see the contrast between the various Cathedral visitors. Some tourists simply come to admire the architecture, snapping a photo or two. Others are drawn to what it means symbolically. All, in my mind, are fascinating.
People have travelled from all over the world to be here, which has truly struck me by surprise. Frankly, it still shocks me. But that’s not to say that tourists are our only visitors—I have a soft spot for the many Frederictonians who stop by, curious to explore a building they’ve gone past dozens, if not hundreds, of times, yet never felt inclined to enter. It’s always a joy.
Now, after a few weeks of working, I’ve become quite comfortable with the job and all its parts. But my first day (which, somewhat ironically, had the most tours) was a bit nerve-wracking. I was still in the process of memorizing the material, so when an Ontarian pair came in and took up the offer for a tour, I was certain it would go poorly. The worries were unwarranted, however; the two were incredibly understanding whenever I’d fumble over words, listening intently to each snippet regardless. I really appreciated that.
Three other tours from that shift have stuck with me, even now. First was a lady from Fredericton. She jokingly agreed to the tour if it would keep me from sitting around all day. She told fascinating stories, and soon we were laughing and chatting easily. Then, after she’d remarked on a church from her childhood, I asked her if she was religious. Her reply was kind, expressing that while she wasn't devout, people tend to develop a different view of the church as they get older—herself included. She liked cathedrals because they were peaceful places, at least most of the time, where one could enjoy their own thoughts without bother. I’m inclined to agree; more than once I’ve found myself lost in a reverie, almost melancholic, when staring at the stain glass. It’s lovely.
That same day, a family of three B. C. tourists came in: a fellow in his twenties, a friend of his, and the first man’s mother. At first, though they had agreed to a tour, none of them seemed particularly interested, especially not the first man. But slowly, they became invested in the Cathedral’s history. "Where is John Medley buried, if this is just a cenotaph? How do you get up to the clock? What was Bishop Medley's wife's name?"—it was questions like these that they’d ask at each stop. Most were even asked by the man who had shown the least enthusiasm initially. It felt rewarding to see them absorb what they had just been told, taking a candid interest in the information. There’s a strong sense of gratification to be had from teaching, which I’d never had the chance to experience before.
Later that afternoon, about an hour and a half before closing, another man came in. He asked politely if there was a place to put his bag, inquiring whether he could look around or not. He seemed relieved when I answered, "Yes", and after it was offered, agreed that a tour would be wonderful. As we made our way around, we talked—a guarantee when giving a tour, I’ve learned—and went on to explain how life had not been going swell for him of late. He didn’t know what to do, or how to fix things, so he had decided to come here to pray; something he said he hadn’t done in years. So, from then on, he sat. Sometimes he was praying, asking a question every once and a while. Sometimes, he was simply sitting. However, throughout the duration of his time in the pew, his demeanor changed. It was as if he’d gotten something off his shoulders, and could stand just a little bit taller. As the time to go came, he wished me well, and I him, and that was that.
Before he’d done so, I had never seen someone pray alone in a church. It seemed to me, as a removed onlooker, that it was a far more personal experience than what I pictured praying to be, a room of people singing and reciting as one. Not to say that one kind of prayer is better than the other—just that this was an aspect of faith I hadn’t considered much before, the individual experience, as opposed to that of the congregation as a whole.
Personally, I’m not religious; however, I do think that everyone should seek the chance to view others practicing their religion, whatever your personal beliefs may be. Many, many groups and individuals have been left hurt by religion, or religious organizations, so I don’t say that to glorify religious faith in the slightest. But to fear the concept enough to avoid learning about it is to shut yourself off to a major part of human nature and history, which I don’t feel helps anyone. Though that’s just how I personally see it, and my experience is admittedly quite limited.
Throughout the summer so far, the biggest thing I’ve come to realize is that you tend to learn more from others than you ultimately teach or show. Not about the information you’re giving them, of course—but from their experiences, views, and stories. To listen is an invaluable tool, especially in a job like this. I look forward to the rest of my time at the Cathedral, and to the wonderful, diverse group of people and perspectives that I hope to meet.
- by Sophia Pacione
Sophia is going into grade 12 at Fredericton High School. She is not sure what her future will bring, but she loves to read, travel, and study art and history.
The dedicated and talented chair of the Cathedral Outreach Committee, Penny Ericson, is being inducted into the Order of New Brunswick for her many accomplishments achieved during decades in this province.
Penny is a professor emeritus from the University of New Brunswick and a retired Dean of the Faculty of Nursing. She has been recognized for "outstanding achievements and leadership in improving the health, social and cultural well-being of her community and province."
Premier Blaine Higgs announced the 10 new recipients of the Order of New Brunswick during New Brunswick Day celebrations in Fredericton.
“It is with the greatest respect and admiration that I congratulate the newly appointed recipients of the Order of New Brunswick," said Higgs. "By awarding the province's highest civilian honour to individuals who use their skills and talents to serve others, we are recognizing exemplary New Brunswickers who, through their dedication and generosity, have made a real difference in the lives of people in their community and their province.”
At the Cathedral, we are immensely appreciative of Penny’s contributions.
The old adage "ask a busy person" was probably created with Penny Ericson in mind.
Aside from being a busy wife, mother and grandmother, she has successfully worn many hats in Fredericton: nursing instructor and university dean of nursing; nurturer and builder of such organizations as a research centre into family violence and a hospice for palliative care patients; long-time supporter of the arts, culture and heritage in Fredericton; advocate for housing initiatives to help the homeless and precariously housed.
Some would say that the common thread in her many and disparate activities is her leadership ability. Penny Ericson is the type of person who is always undaunted by obstacles and challenges. "It can't be done" or "we've never done that" are simply not in her vocabulary. Her approach is to swiftly size up a situation and go around, over, under or through any obstacles to achieve her stated goal. This might mean arguing her case, marshalling forces, overcoming opposition, hatching creative solutions. She always does so with shrewdness, tenacity, wit, grace and boundless energy.
It helps enormously that Penny is one of those rare people whose intelligence and charm allow her to be equally at home chatting amiably with an archbishop, a premier, a carpenter, a panhandler, a child. Her interest in people and her sincerity shine through in each conversation.
Others would say the common thread in her activities is her caring, empathetic attitude. If she spots a problem, she wants to solve it. If she sees a need, she wants to meet it. For example, she is the longtime Chair of the Outreach Committee here at the Cathedral. She has raised the congregation's awareness about the issue of poverty in our city and has rallied people there to contribute funds, food and used clothing to assist people in need.
Penny spearheaded a weekly drop-in at the church hall for people in need, but she knew it was not enough to simply hand out sandwiches and coffee. She arranged for the parish nurse, nursing students and law students to take part, knowing that the guests often needed to be put in touch with services in the city. She built community by bringing in musicians to play live music and friendly visitors to talk with guests and, more importantly, to listen to them. All are poor, and many have had difficult lives marred by family violence, addictions, criminal records, illiteracy, and so on. It illustrates her holistic approach to improving people's lives.
However, she is not only the stand-back supervisor of this program. She has worked as long and as hard as any volunteer on the team. She has always been willing to do the behind-the-scenes "grunt work" such as baking muffins, cleaning the kitchen sink, packing goodie bags of food and treats during the pandemic when in-person gatherings were impossible, and gathering jackets, boots and socks to keep the folks warm and dry.
Penny's warm welcome and big smile are much appreciated by the guests; she was lauded as "simply amazing" by one recent recipient of her kindness at the church hall. She has often helped folks outside of the formal hours of the program, e.g. talking with them on the telephone, driving them to medical appointments, helping them find a lawyer, file their income tax, or look for an apartment in a city where affordable housing is hard to find.
Some people have a big heart for the poor and the homeless, but Penny Ericson follows it up with concrete action, fund-raising, and hands-on efforts. She is a most deserving candidate for the Order of New Brunswick award.
The Order of New Brunswick celebrates the individuals who have served the province, its people and communities through a high level of excellence and achievement in their field. Since the first ceremony was held in 2002, over 190 New Brunswickers have received the award.
Penny and her fellow recipients will be invested with the Order of New Brunswick on November 2, 2022, in a ceremony at Government House in Fredericton.
-- by Ann Deveau
Read the press release from the Province of New Brunswick.
On August 1, Canada marks Emancipation Day. This is the day in 1834 when the Abolition of Slavery Act was enacted by the British parliament and became law across all the colonial territories claimed by Great Britain, including lands that today are commonly referred to as Canada. For nearly 400 years, approximately 12 million African children, women and men were abducted and trafficked to the Caribbean, North America and South America. Millions more of their descendants continued to be enslaved for generations, experiencing extreme violence, family separation, and the suppression of religious beliefs and practices. Enslavement denied the dignity of every person, often with the theological support of Christian churches.
Emancipation Day in 1834 marked an important step in a long and continuing journey toward freedom and the dismantling of embedded systemic racism and anti-Black racism that continues in different forms even today. We mark Emancipation Day even as it invites us to ask how that legacy still lives in our midst. The joy of emancipation is tempered by the racial injustice that continues for Black people, Indigenous peoples and people of colour in our communities.
To honour Emancipation Day is to honour those whose resistance, perseverance, and solidarity brought slavery to an end in these lands of Canada and in many other places around the world in 1834. We must also honour those whose resilience continues to call for an end to the legacy of racism and discrimination that denies the full human dignity of every person.
As Anglicans, we are committed to the Marks of Mission including “To seek to transform unjust structures of society.” Emancipation Day calls us all to action.
We must act to address the realities of racism, discrimination, and exclusion in our parishes, in our communities, and in our country.
As a Church, we look forward to the recommendations of the Dismantling Racism Task Force, calling us to specific action to move along our journey to true emancipation for all.
As we recognize Emancipation Day together this year, I invite you to pray with me:
God of Liberation, we offer our prayers of thanksgiving and praise. You have heard the cries of the oppressed and given us freedom. May we remember all of the ancestors who longed for liberty and may we have the courage, strength, and fortitude to continue striving for social justice and equity in the present day. Amen.
From “Prayers of the People”, Canadian Council of Churches Virtual Ecumenical Emancipation Day Service, August 1, 2021 created by Irene Moore Davis — final petition.
A Provincial commemorative service for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be held in Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton on Monday, 19 September at 2:00 p.m.
