Author Archive: Kirsten McKnight

Update from St. Hilda’s School in Belize

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We continually pray for our friends in Belize - the students and teachers at St. Hilda's Anglican School, as well as the scholarship students who have moved on to High School. In March, Ms. Jane Ramirez, Principal at St. Hilda's, sent us this update.

Greetings Friends,

I pray that this email reaches you in good health. I am sorry that it has taken so long to send an update. Times have been a bit hectic and we're now trying to establish a new sense of normalcy on a personal and professional level. The COVID-19 pandemic really had an impact on our staff, students and families. There were many who were affected health-wise and financially.

Since January 17th, 2022, we returned to school for two days face to face sessions and we did two days online. It has been a challenge because many children did not participate in the online sessions. In terms of academics, we are far behind but striving to reach our goal. Parents have been skeptical about sending their child for face to face sessions as well. We are trying our best to ensure that safety protocols are in place. Starting this Monday, March 14th, 2022, we will be back fully face to face. We have divided the children into two groups so we will have each group coming on alternate days. Please keep us in prayer that all goes well.

I cannot express how thankful I truly am for your support and prayers. I cannot find the words to tell you how blessed we are to have your partnership. I can testify that whenever our financial resources run low, it is at that right time that you send funds. Those funds have kept us operating, especially this school year. Many parents are experiencing financial difficulties so they cannot pay their fees. Please express how thankful we are to our Friends of St. Hilda's.

I have spoken to each of [the scholarship students] or their guardian regarding their grades. I believe this will be a better semester since most schools have returned or are returning to face to face sessions.

We at St. Hilda's will continue to keep you and your family in prayers.

Blessings,
Jane Martinez

Spring Concerts in the Cathedral

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Spring is returning to Fredericton, and concerts are returning to the Cathedral!

Known for its wonderful acoustics, Christ Church Cathedral is considered an excellent venue for musical performances. This spring, we are pleased to be the host venue for a number of concerts featuring local musicians.

09 April, 2022 -- The Fredericton Symphony Orchestra invites you to welcome the change of the season on Saturday, 09 April at 7:30 p.m., at Christ Church Cathedral. Our concert “FSO Big & Bold” features an overture by Canadian composer, Sir Ernest MacMillan, “Nimrod” from Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations, “Norsk Kunstnerkarneval” by Johan Svendsen, and Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 6 in D Major. Tickets available online.

24 April, 2022 -- After a two-year break, Choeur Louisbourg (The Louisbourg Choir) will be back on stage with a spring tour of New Brunswick, with 4 concerts including Sunday, 24 April, 3:00 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral in Fredericton. Cathedral Organist and Director of Music Thomas Gonder will accompany the choir at all locations. For this first concert since the beginning of the pandemic, artistic director Monique Richard has chosen a repertoire that is meant to be balm for the soul. The program will be devoted to two major works for choir and organ: Requiem by Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986) and Lux aeterna by Morten Lauridsen (b. 1943). Tickets, at a cost of $30.00, will be on sale at the door. Admission is free for students. Learn more.

14 May, 2022 -- The Capital Camerata Singers, a Fredericton chamber choir under the direction of Anne Sessa, will present a concert on Saturday, 14 May, at 7:30 p.m. in Christ Church Cathedral. Known for their blend and artistic expression, the Camarata Singers perform the very best in choral a cappella music, from Renaissance to contemporary choral arrangements and Spirituals. Tickets are available at Westminster Books and at the door. $20 (adults), $15 (students/underemployed) and $30 (families).

03-05 June -- Unfortunately, the New Brunswick Choral Federation’s Choral Fest has been cancelled for 2022. Details.

11 June, 2022 -- Bel Canto Singers (program and ticket information to come)

We look forward to welcoming you to the Cathedral to enjoy these spring musical events. In July, we will resume our own Summer Music Series with concerts an noon each Friday throughout July and August. Stay tuned for an announcement about the lineup.

When We Gather

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This post reflects direction for staying safe to the end of June 2022 and continues to be a model of our regard for each other.

The Government of New Brunswick has lifted its COVID-19 mandates, but we are still requesting care for others. Procedures and recommendations for the Cathedral and Memorial Hall are listed below.

Cathedral West Door

Photo: Dalton London

1. Face masks
Masks are encouraged at worship and Cathedral gatherings (read about well-fitting masks).

2. Self-monitor
If you have any symptoms of illness – even mild – please stay at home. Livestreams and recorded video are available from our YouTube Channel. Worship and sermon podcasts are available: listen or subscribe.

3. Entering and exiting
Please be understanding of those who may wish to maintain some personal space. Keeping personal traffic flowing at entrances will be helpful.

4. Seating
Greeters may be able to help you find suitable seating if you prefer to remain distanced.

5. Hand sanitation
Please continue to be attentive to hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer, especially before and after contact with high touch surfaces.

6. Communion
Before the administration, the presider will wash thoroughly by going briefly to the sacristy. At Communion, approach in one line up the center aisle, with your mask in place. The host only will be safely delivered to your hands. Return by way of a side aisle. If you need to remove a mask, please consume the host after leaving the Communion station, removing it briefly.

7. Offering
The offering will be received by way of a plate near the back of the Cathedral and collected by greeters following worship.

Thank you for your continued care and concern for others.

Cathedral Memorial Hall is open to the public, for rentals and congregational use. Pandemic precautions are encouraged.

We're pleased to rent space to community groups participating in the arts, youth programs, addiction recovery, and inclusive programming. Cathedral groups include crafting, child/youth activities, emotional support, Bible studies, service groups and exercise. Individual rentals for private events are also available. Those wishing to rent the Hall should contact the Office to book space and specify set-up needs. Phone (506) 450-8500 or email <office at christchurchcathedral.com>.

Navigate This New Season With Love and Respect

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Our Parish Nurse, Sarah Ecker, offers encouragement as we move into a new phase of pandemic management.

You may be feeling uncertain or concerned, and/or you may feel rejuvenated and hopeful. No matter where you are on this spectrum, know that you’re not alone.

We recently removed our mandatory safeguards and have moved into a place of personal responsibility to govern ourselves as we see fit in terms of COVID-19 management. While some feel we are ready for this responsibility as a whole, others have valid concerns about our collective ability to keep others, and especially our vulnerable, safe.

I would love to just encourage us all that we have been given an opportunity to love our neighbours and prefer each other, not because we have to, but because we choose to. Whether or not you choose to mask is now up to us, each individually. At the Cathedral we are encouraging the wearing of masks, though it is no longer mandatory.

Everyone will have different risk levels and comfort levels. To be loving during this time of transition, I am encouraging us to take the approach of asking, with a heart of empathy and humility when approaching others, if they feel comfortable with you stepping into their personal space - specifically if you are unmasked and indoors. Giving someone the option to consent is gracious and will create a culture where people feel safe and respected.

If someone is ever uncomfortable and communicates that they prefer not to be approached, be mindful not to take it personally. We have all been relying on these mandates to fall back on, so if someone declines for whatever reason, so try not take it personally. Remember that everyone has someone they may be trying to protect, and it may be them. We want to make everyone feel safe and welcome to be present in our communities. It may feel a bit uncomfortable to state your boundaries, whatever they may be, but we can all commit to reserving judgment of the motivation of a person who chooses to mask or not, and if they’re comfortable with an unmasked person in their personal space or not.

So, as we jump into this new phase with both feet, let us be mindful and inclusive while we navigate this new season with love and respect.

Bishop McAllister College is finally, fully open

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A positive update from Canon Paul Jeffries, Rector of Bishop McAllister College and Anglican Seminary in Uganda.

"Late last year, we had been given reason to believe that schools would be allowed to open in January. I worked hard to keep my hopes and expectations under control, and only allowed myself some cautious optimism. After the many times our hopes got fuelled by rumours and false stories over the past two years, I would like to think I learned my lesson..."

[Continue reading below]

Read the full update from Paul Jeffries and published in the March 2022 edition of the NB Anglican.

Watch ‘The Chosen’ With Us

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On Sunday 6 March, the first Sunday of Lent, as part of our Ad-LENT-ures 2022 offerings, the Cathedral and the Cathedral Youth Group (CYG) were pleased to host a screening of the first episode of The Chosen. More than twenty people gathered in the Cathedral Main Hall and were introduced in a new way to four important scriptural figures -- Mary of Magdala, Nicodemus the Pharisee, Matthew the tax collector, and Simon the fisherman.

The Chosen claims to be the largest crowd-funded media project in history, and aims to film and produce seven full seasons of eight episodes each, portraying the life of Christ and the disciples. All of the episodes can be streamed -- for free -- from The Chosen standalone app.

If you missed episode 1, watch it at home and join us on Sundays to enjoy fellowship and watch more episodes!

The Cathedral/CYG will be screening the first season of The Chosen on Sunday evenings during Lent, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in Cathedral Memorial Hall.  Here is the tentative schedule:

  • 6 March ~ Episode 1
  • 13 March ~ Episodes 2 & 3
  • 20 March ~ Episode 4
  • 27 March ~ Episode 5
  • 3 April ~ Episodes 6 & 7
  • 10 April (Palm Sunday) ~ Episode 8
Please come along to any or all of the evenings for the viewings and a brief time of discussion afterwards. And bring friend(s)! Refreshments provided.RSVPs requested, to Kurt Schmidt -- by email to <k.schmidt at cccath.ca> or by text to 506-259-3711.

Adventures in Youth Group

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Recently, the Cathedral Youth Group (CYG) met at Mitch Clarke Park for an outdoor ice skating session.

The group of middle and high schoolers had taken a hiatus from in-person programming while the province was under more restrictive levels of the COVID-19 Winter Plan. Members of the group who were able to attend were thrilled to be back together and having fun outdoors.

Since then, CYG has been able to meet again inside Cathedral Memorial Hall. The kids typically meet in the Main Hall on the stage, which has been converted into a youth area now that the Synod Office has expended its offices into the former youth room upstairs.

Members of CYG are excited to host episode screenings of The Chosen as part of the Christian Formation Team's Ad-LENT-ures devotional programming. Individuals from the congregation and beyond are invited to visit Memorial Hall each Sunday in Lent from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. (the typical youth group time slot), to watch the show about the life of Christ and the disciples. The kids plan to make popcorn to share with attendees.

World Day of Prayer: Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action

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04 March, 2022

Imagine Christians from over 170 countries coming together in spirit, uniting on a common day to pray for relevant issues affecting women and children. This is a reality: the World Day of Prayer movement has been active for nearly 100 years.

The motto of the World Day of Prayer movement is Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action. Through our participation in the World Day of Prayer, we affirm that prayer and action are inseparable and that both have immeasurable influence on the world.

Each year, a different country writes the service materials. The Prayer Service Video, prepared by the Women of England, Wales and Northern Ireland and produced by the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada can be watched online.  A children's video, Kids Pray Too! is also available.

A television broadcast of the World Day of Prayer will be available to watch in Fredericton on Friday, 04 March at 9:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m. and 10:05 p.m. on Bell Fiber TV channel 26 and Bell TV satellite channel 539.

Donations made online or by mail to Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada will help support women and children who are fighting injustice and abuse. Learn more at <wicc.org>.

The World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement which brings Christians of many traditions together to observe a common day of prayer each year. Through preparation and participation in the worship service, we can learn how our sisters of other countries, languages and cultures understand the Biblical passages in their context. We can hear their concerns and needs and can join in solidarity with them as we pray with and for them. In this way, it is possible to enrich our Christian faith as it grows deeper and broader in an international, ecumenical expression.

Ad-LENT-ures 2022

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02 March - 09 April 2022

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)

Listen to Kurt Schmidt speak about Ad-LENT-ures this year.

MONDAYS

Grace and Gratitude
Lectionary study with the Dean on the upcoming Sunday readings. 2:00-3:15pm, online or Cathedral Memorial Hall. RSVP to dean at christchurchcathedral.com or the Cathedral Office.

Lent us Pray
A five-part series of hands-on study and practice with various methods of prayer. Explore lectio divina, intercessory prayer, prayer with photography and poetry, the Psalms, and lament -- with a different local-expert facilitator for each session. Drop in to one, some, many or all! No RSVP needed. 5:30-6:30pm, Cathedral. **Please note that this time has been changed from the printed version. 07 March: Kurt Schmidt, lectio divina; 14 March: Isabel Cutler, intercessory prayer; 21 March: Jill Dunderdale, photography and poetry; 28 March: Kurt Schmidt, praying with the psalms; 04 April: Cheryl Jacobs, lament. 

TUESDAYS

Art & Faith
An Ignatian-flavoured contemplative consideration of select works of sacred art. Drop-in session hosted by Kurt Schmidt. 5:30-6:00pm, online via Zoom. Link through the Cathedral calendar.

WEDNESDAYS

Practicing Lament
Diocesan Lenten Study of the recent book by Rebekah Eklund. Led by Cheryl Jacobs and sponsored by the Diocese of Fredericton and Bishop David Edwards. 7:00-8:30pm, online via Zoom (beginning 9 March). Register here.

THURSDAYS

Virtual Taizé Thursdays
Ecumenical and contemplative service of worship that incorporates simple song, scripture and silence. 5:30-6:00pm, alternating online via Zoom (03, 17, 31 March, 07 April) and in-person/live-streamed from the Cathedral (10, 24 March). 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 Power and the Glory
Study of the 1940 novel by Graham Greene. RSVP to host Alan Hall <alanwilliamhall at gmail.com> or the Cathedral Office. 7:00-8:00pm, Cathedral Memorial Hall Lounge.

FRIDAYS

Stations of the Cross
Various versions of the ancient meditation on the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross). 12:00 noon, Cathedral.

SUNDAYS

The Chosen
Intergenerational screening of the first season of The Chosen, the largest crowd-funded media project in history, about the life of Christ and the disciples. 6:00-8:00pm, Cathedral Memorial Hall. RSVP requested, and popcorn provided! Contact Kurt Schmidt <formation at christchurchcathedral.com> or the Cathedral Office.

 

Contact Facilitators and Join

Please contact the facilitators directly to: express interest / ask a question / register. 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
Kurt Schmidt: email or phone (506) 259-3711 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

Annual Congregational Meeting

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The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, 20 February at 12:00 p.m, in the Cathedral following worship, and simultaneously via web conference. A representative from each family in the congregation is urged to participate.

Members of the congregation can participate in two ways:

1) Attend the meeting in-person.

2) Participate online via Zoom using the link in the Cathedral calendar. If you've used Zoom on your device before, you're all set. If not, you'll be given instructions for installing the Zoom application. Zoom participants will be able to view speakers at the lectern, vote using on-screen polls, and ask questions through a moderator.

View the 2022 Annual Report (for 2021) or obtain a print copy at the back of the Cathedral.