Author Archive: Kirsten McKnight

Level 1 Public Health Measures

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Please note: As of Monday, 28 February, proof of vaccination will no longer be required in the Cathedral or Memorial Hall. All other pandemic precautions listed below remain at this time.

New Brunswick returns to Level 1 of Public Health's COVID-19 Winter Plan on 18 February. As a congregation, we continue to be watchful and will implement and communicate changes as needed. During Level 1, we will continue to require proof of vaccination upon entry. Please be as understanding as possible with greeters, who are required to check vaccination records as required under Public Health directives.

At the Cathedral, current precautions during worship include:

1. Vaccination status (ends 28 February). Proof of full vaccination is required for all age 12 and up at the Cathedral. ID will be required for those not known to greeters. These requirements apply similarly to weddings, funerals, and events held in Cathedral Memorial Hall.

2. Face masks. The Government of New Brunswick mandates wearing masks in gatherings. Choose a tight fitting mask without gaps, and ensure that your nose and mouth are covered.

3. Self-monitor. If you have any symptoms of illness – even mild – please stay at home. Livestreams and recordings of worship are available on our YouTube channel.

4. 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.

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

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

7. Communion. 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. Please consume the host after leaving the Communion station, removing your mask briefly

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

As always, thank you for your continuing cooperation as we care for ourselves and others.

Our worship livestream is available to watch at 10:30 am on Sundays, if you are not able to be with us. Both livestreams and recordings can be found on our YouTube channel. Audio podcasts are also available. Listen here. Get notification of new episodes when you Subscribe here.

The Health Ministry Team is willing to assist members of the congregation with making appointments for vaccinations and answering health questions. Please contact our Parish Nurse, Sarah Ecker.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Cathedral Office by email or phone (506) 450-8500, or the Dean by email or (506) 450-7761.

Readiness to Return?

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Our Parish Nurse, Sarah Ecker, offers her reflections on change.

It seems to be time again for some more changes to be coming our way. This can be exciting and daunting, even at the same time. Part of maintaining your whole health is to accept that these things are not always as “either/or” as we would like them to be, but more of “both/and”. As this pandemic churns on, and hopefully begins to wane, we will be met with new opportunities and old obligations to consider. I would like to offer you this question to ponder: What is your readiness to return? In looking forward, what do you desire your life to look like? This season is a really good time to reflect on what brought you connection, joy, and fulfillment pre-pandemic; what was changed by the pandemic and what do you need to bring you wholeness, going forward?

Some food for thought might be, group activities - like book clubs, Bible studies, hobbies, community socials, worship, support groups, sports or even games or yoga; or maybe you were more interested in music, choirs, watching a play, going for a walk with a friend, travelling, or volunteering. Whatever your mix, I would love to encourage people to start dreaming again. As the days begin to warm up, the snow begins to melt, and we all start to thaw out of this very long literal, and proverbial winter state, what will be “life-bringing” to you? It is very important to not bypass legitimate feelings of anxiety or caution, but now is a good time to take an inventory of them and ponder the external metrics that will help you spring to life in ways that honour your experiences and values. As well, we want to be intentional about making space for others as we find our “new normal”.

To come together and heal and grow in community is always the goal, but to have some authentic self-definition is a good starting place to begin the reflecting and introspection phase. That will allow room for the gentleness, compassion, patience, and connection that we are all needing, while respecting people and the pace they feel comfortable moving at. We have adapted and grown and have many tools in our kits for our safety, like, the use of masks and vaccines. Some might be ready to go and others might need a nudge from a friend to consider joining in something again, and that is okay. When mandates and restrictions are no more, the responsibility will shift to us -- to know our own limitations, and to accept that others have their reasons for caution, but to work together to use wisdom to engage safely in this next unknown phase.

Where are you at, and what will be your next steps in your readiness to return?

Sewing for a Cause

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Beverly Morell (center) with granddaughters Rachel (left) and Cara (right), delivering lunch bags to Cathedral Memorial Hall - with Bailey the dog.

Donations accepted until 15 April.

When Beverly Morell heard that Lunch Connection in Saint John was looking for volunteers to sew cloth bags to help make their school lunch program more environmentally friendly, she was struck with inspiration.

Her granddaughter, Cara, has an interest in sewing and had received a sewing machine for Christmas. Beverly saw this as a perfect opportunity to teach her granddaughter while helping others.

Together, Beverly and Cara sewed 10 drawstring cloth bags, as requested by Saint John Inner City Youth Ministry.

Volunteers are requested to sew simple drawstring bags for lunches donated to schoolchildren. Through the program, approximately 400 children in six K-8 schools receive subsidized lunches three times a week. Cloth bags will result in a significant decrease in waste, as the program currently uses paper bags. Program organizers are requesting 1200 cloth bags so they can be washed between uses.

The Anglican Diocese of Fredericton has placed a drop-box in the lobby of Cathedral Memorial Hall. They are asking people to put completed bags or fabric (at least 12" x 28") in the drop-box in the lobby of Cathedral Memorial Hall during office hours, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The deadline is April 15. Bags will be delivered periodically to Saint John by Synod Office staff.

Visit the Diocese website to learn more about the program and watch the sewing video tutorial.

 

 

 

Return to Level 2 – 28 January, 2022

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On Friday, January 28, 2022 at 11:59 p.m., the Province of New Brunswick returns to Level 2 of the COVID-19 Winter Plan, with precautions to reduce the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant. We continue to be watchful and will implement and communicate changes as needed.

*** Please note that worship on Sunday, 30 January will remain online as scheduled, since preparations were already in place. Watch the livestream at 10:30 a.m. on our YouTube channel. We look forward to resuming in-person worship on Wednesday, 02 February.

New Brunswick Public Health's COVID-19 Winter Plan informs all sectors of current restrictions and protocols. Visit the website for information about how the Plan will affect your activities.

During Level 2, our capacity at worship gatherings is reduced to 50%, requiring 2 metres of distance between bubbles and masks are required at all times. No corporate singing is allowed, which means that there will be no congregational singing but a soloist at 4 metres distance is allowed. We will continue to require proof of vaccination upon entry. Please be as understanding as possible with greeters, who are required to check vaccination records as required under Public Health directives.

Groups and events at the Memorial Hall are also limited to 50% capacity, two metres of distance, masks at all times (except briefly when eating or drinking while seated), and proof of vaccination.

In Level 2, the Cathedral Office will return to regular office hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

To review

Proof of double vaccination or medical exemption is currently required for anyone 12+ attending worship in the Cathedral or visiting Memorial Hall. Please remember to bring your vaccine record to worship and group events, and wear your mask. Leaders of groups holding meetings at Cathedral Memorial Hall will be responsible for checking proof of vaccination for those attending [details]. Individuals visiting during office hours please check-in at the Cathedral Office.

The current Sunday bulletin will continue to outline restrictions in place, including:

NO CORPORATE SINGING - the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus is proving to be quickly spread and readily airborne. Some studies have indicated that singing in groups can add an unnecessary risk of transmission if someone happens to be infected.

VACCINATION STATUS - Proof of full vaccination is required for all age 12 and up at the Cathedral. ID will be required for those not known to greeters. These requirements apply similarly to weddings, funerals, and events held in Cathedral Memorial Hall as per current direction by Public Health.

FACE MASKS - The Government of New Brunswick currently mandates wearing masks in gatherings.

As always thank you for your continuing cooperation as we care for ourselves and others.

Worship livestreams are available at worship times and as recorded on our YouTube channel. Audio podcasts are also available. Listen here. Get notification of new podcast episodes when you Subscribe here.

The Health Ministry Team is willing to assist members of the congregation with making appointments for vaccinations and answering health questions. Please contact our Parish Nurse, Sarah Ecker <nurse at christchurchcathedral.com>.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Cathedral Office <office at christchurchcathedral.com> or phone (506) 450-8500, or the Dean <dean at christchurchcathedral.com> or (506) 450-7761.

St. Hilda’s Year in Review

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Ms. Jane Martinez, Principal of St. Hilda's Anglican School in Belize, recently sent us a 'Year In Review' document with photos that show an overview of activities at the school in 2021. Throughout the pandemic, education has been a combination of in-person and online learning, depending on the COVID infection rates at different times of the year. Several construction and repair projects have also been underway at St. Hilda's.

She also shared a video greeting on behalf of the staff and students. Watch it below.

Please pray for the students and teachers at St. Hilda's elementary school, our high school scholarship students, and their families. Contributions towards the Belize mission are welcome and appreciated, especially during these pandemic times when the Missions Committee has not been able to hold a fundraiser. You may give and receive a charitable tax receipt by making an online donation or submitting a donation marked 'Belize' through the Cathedral office or offering plate.

Encouragement During Trying Times

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Our Parish Nurse, Sarah Ecker, offers encouragement and suggestions for wellbeing.

In the cold of January during another round of single household bubbles and reduced contact with family, friends, and community, I just want to send a note of encouragement. You are not alone. Part of maintaining wholistic health is found in taking care of our mental and spiritual wellbeing. Here are a few practical ways to do this:

** Connect with others over phone or video calls - you can even schedule a group chat with some friends on a weekly basis.

** Try to get some sunlight, even if that means pulling up a chair beside the window and pretending to be in a warmer place. On the odd warm day, bundle up and get some fresh air, even if that means opening your windows or sitting outside for a few minutes.

** Make room for your feelings and emotions. Being cooped up is hard, and it is important to recognize when it is making us feel out of sorts. You can use this as an indicator that maybe you should reach out to someone you trust to have a meaningful conversation and connect.

There is no shame in talking about the challenges of these times. We can accept that while we have many things to be thankful for, we can also struggle. Those two concepts can exist together, and accepting reality and finding ways to connect will help us stay mentally and spiritually well until we can all meet again. If you need a person to talk with, please reach out to myself or someone you feel comfortable sharing with. I pray for wellness despite the circumstances for you all.

-- Sarah Ecker - your Parish Nurse

Level 3 Pandemic Protections

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On Friday, January 14 at 11:59 p.m., the Province of New Brunswick enters Level 3 of the COVID-19 Winter Plan, in order to reduce the rapidly rising number of cases of the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

New pandemic restrictions are not welcome news for any of us as we avoid in-person worship and meetings. However, added attention now should assist with stress on our health care system and the help to keep our most vulnerable with medical needs, COVID-19 and otherwise, as safe as possible. We’ll continue to care for one another with patience, compassion and kindness and see this through together.

During Level 3 of the COVID-19 Winter Plan, worship will be held online only, Sundays at 10:30 a.m. View the livestream and recordings on our YouTube channel. While we are in Level 3, worship at 8:00 a.m. on Sundays and 10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays will be cancelled.

Cathedral office hours will be reduced: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. The doors of Memorial Hall will be locked outside of these times. Email and voicemail will be checked throughout the week (506) 450-8500.

Under Level 3 precautions, public gatherings are not permitted. As such, groups will be unable to hold meetings inside Cathedral Memorial Hall.

We hope that this temporary pause will help to protect each other, and look forward to seeing you again when it is safe to do so.

During this time, your continued support is appreciated. Donate online, by postal mail, or drop an envelope in the secure mail slot on the front door of Memorial Hall. Thank you!

 

Christmas Helpers

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On December 20th, forty-three people attended the pre-Christmas event for the Monday Morning Outreach program at Christ Church Cathedral. Throughout the pandemic, guests have been appreciative of the continued support, and look forward to the time when they can again gather inside the Hall with music, conversation, and a buffet table.

Reverend Kelly Burke from New Maryland United Church attended, bringing treat bags lovingly provided by her congregation to bring some additional holiday cheer to outreach guests. Those contributions were added to a larger bag containing homemade muffins, cookies, hot chocolate, candy, cheese, yogurt and water supplied by the Cathedral congregation, two kinds of fresh fruit donated by St. Margaret's Anglican Church, a pair of warm socks, a signed Christmas card, and a $20 gift card for a supermarket or pharmacy.

A table of toys and activities for children was also set up, which brought smiles to our youngest guests.

Leftover food and toys were taken to the local transition house, where employees were grateful to receive the donations.

Socks, hats, scarves, gloves and jackets have been recently donated for Outreach guests, who may choose items they need each time they visit. Further donations are not needed at this time, as available storage space is full. The Outreach Committee thanks the Cathedral family for its generosity, and will request items when they are needed.

The next outreach event will be held on Monday, January 31st, 2022 -- outdoors, as has been necessary throughout the pandemic.

A card written by an outreach guest in 2021.

St. Hilda’s Harvest and Scholarship Update

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Ms. Jane Martinez, principal of St. Hilda's Anglican School in Belize, sent us some photos of 'St. Hilda's Harvest', a recent event where the students collected and packaged items for senior citizens in their neighbourhoods. View the gallery below to see photos of this special event.

Christ Church Cathedral provides funds each year to help provide necessities for the elementary school, which educates approximately 200 children between kindergarten and grade 8. Over 60 Cathedral members ranging in age from 15 to 79 have gone on a mission trip to Belize between 2005-2018, and hundreds of people in Fredericton have supported the work through organizational support, donations and prayers.

The Cathedral's four high school scholarship recipients, Korey, Edvin, Jenniah and Gian, continue their efforts. Two of the scholarship students had a difficult year due to pandemic challenges and family circumstances, but both have persevered and improved their marks in the recent semester. We have high hopes for all of the students' continued success at overcoming obstacles.

In Belize, the average age at which a child leaves school is 13 years old, because of the prohibitive costs of tuition for high school, which is not publicly funded. Unemployment in the country is high, there are many large single-parent families, and almost half of Belizeans live below the poverty line. In 2010, Cathedral mission team members established a high school scholarship program which has allowed St. Hilda’s students to apply for a scholarship to continue their education past grade 8. Some of the graduates supported by the Cathedral have gone on to post-secondary education.

Please pray for the students and teachers at St. Hilda's School, our scholarship students, and their families. Contributions towards the Belize mission are welcome and appreciated, especially during these pandemic times when the Missions Committee has not been able to hold a fundraiser. You may give and receive a charitable tax receipt by making an online donation or submitting a donation marked 'Belize' through the Cathedral office or offering plate.

Scroll through the photos below from St. Hilda’s Harvest:

Mask guidance from our Parish Nurse

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For your consideration: Some Canadian epidemiologists are suggesting moving to n95 respirator-type masks with the surge in COVID-19 due to the Omicron variant.

There is some evidence that points to it being airborne, and cloth masks and even surgical masks offer less effective protection. This news article addresses the discussion of which type of mask will be most effective.

If you feel you are wanting to switch your cloth/medial mask for an N95 or KN95, remember that FIT is the key here. For an N95 to work as it is intended, there must be a SEAL around the entire edge. The area of the bridge of the nose, and under your chin seem to be main problem areas when forming the seal. If you can feel air moving in or out from the edges of the mask when you are breathing, then you need to re-adjust, or may need a different size or type. Be sure to read and follow the directions provided with the purchase of your N95 mask, if you choose to go that route.

In typical New Brunswick fashion, we are a bit behind in the Omicron surge compared to our neighbours, which gives us a few extra moments to plan how we can adapt. This gift likely will not last long, and I suspect we will be hearing more about N95 usage in the coming days.

As always, my intent is to inform and update you all in as timely a manner as possible so you can make informed decisions. This was something I found interesting and valuable, and wanted to pass it along. Please take care, and reach out with any concerns or questions. We can get through this pandemic together.

-- Cathedral Parish Nurse, Sarah Ecker

Face mask guidance from the government of New Brunswick