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.
The Cathedral Communications Committee has invited members of the congregation to share their Christmas memories. Below is a story from Andreas Decken.
I grew up in Germany, near the border with the Netherlands. The Christmas season started on December 6th. In neighbouring Holland, the 6th is similar to Dec 25th in Canada, when gifts are exchanged. Where I grew up, kids put their polished winter boots in the hallway the night before, and Sankt Nikolas (Santa) would either leave chocolates or bare twigs from trees in the boots. You can guess who received bare twigs.
There were many outdoor Christmas markets. People sold handcrafted gifts, but there were, of course, many booths with food and the traditional “Glühwein”, spiced wine that is served hot.
Christmas was celebrated on the eve of Christmas, “Heiligabend”. On that day, children were not allowed in the living room so that they wouldn’t disturb the “Christkind” (Christ child), who was decorating the tree. The Christmas tree originates from western Germany, a tradition that goes back hundreds of years. Once it was dark outside, the Christmas tree was lit, originally with candles but later with electric lights. After re-citing Christmas poems and singing carols, I was allowed to open my gifts.
Later on Christmas Eve, we attended the Christmas service. After the service, we congregated in the market square. A large bonfire was burning, and the church trombone choir played carols late into the night.
When I got older, I was a member of the YMCA. In Germany, the YMCA is closely connected to the Protestant church, and we would have a birthday party for baby Jesus at Christmas. The young people in their teens and twenties attended this party on Christmas Eve.
Many other German traditions are quite different from here in Canada. Did you know that the German Santa lives in the clouds? Every time it snows, it is Frau Holle (his wife) shaking out the bedding. Sankt Nikolas comes on foot from the forest, and he is not dressed in red and white. He carries a large sack with the gifts for the Christkind to place under the tree.
Other German traditions include lighting the advent wreath which has four red candles; placing nutcrackers in the house; opening the advent calendar; doing lots of Christmas baking including Stollen, the German fruitcake; and of course, lighting the candles of the Christmas Pyramid. The Christmas Pyramid is a hand-carved nativity scene placed on a multi-tier carousel that spins due to propellers that are driven by the heat of the candles.
When I came to Canada, I realized that I knew quite a few of the popular Christmas carols, since they were translated from German into English. While it was composed in Austria, the most famous German language carol is likely “Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht” (Silent Night, Holy Night). Even today, I cannot resist singing it in German when it is sung as one of the hymns in our Cathedral Christmas services.
The Cathedral Communications Committee has invited members of the congregation to share their Christmas memories. Below, listen to a story from Rachel.
The life of Edith Nutter, widow of former Archbishop Harold Nutter, was celebrated at Christ Church Cathedral September 17.
Edith, in her 98th year, died July 29 in Perth, Ont. where she had lived for 10 years. A small, intimate service for family and friends was held there in early August, but the family wanted to come home for a memorial service and her burial next to her husband, thus the September service.
Dean Geoffrey Hall presided, while the Rev. Keith Joyce, former dean of the Cathedral, preached. The Rev. Bruce Nutter, Edith’s son, presided at the Eucharist, assisted by Archbishop David Edwards and the Rev. Craig O’Brien. ...
My family join me in saying: Thank you so very much for all your letters, cards, condolences but more especially contained within them expressions of such love, care and support in every way. You truly are a Scriptural example of following Jesus' teaching on how to care for those who are in grief and mourning. Your action through words and prayer have sustained me during this time. I have known the Grace of the Holy Spirit daily manifested in the peace, courage, stamina to do what I needed to do. My prayers have been for you. Please keep praying, it is early days yet!!
Who would have ever thought my dear Nathan, whom so many of you knew would leave us all so quickly?
As a long time member of the Cathedral family, Nathan loved and delighted in being involved in the Cathedral life; he was looking forward to the time when we would return. Nathan loved life. "Life is wonderful, full of wonder" he would say. He has taken that with him, I am sure as he steps forward into the 'great mystery" that is God.
We have postponed a Memorial Service at the Cathedral until next spring/early summer due to our present COVID situation. God willing we can celebrate Nathan's life with tears and laughter with the hope that COVID restrictions are eased. A small group will be planning a rose garden in his memory in Fredericton over these winter months. Any suggestions will be very welcome.
I have waited a few weeks, on my return to Fredericton, to send this message of thanks for all of you. I do so now at this time of Thanksgiving when we give our thanks to God Our Father, Son and Holy Spirit who loves us and is with us amidst all that we have to face, and who is so willing to fill us with His Grace, His gifts to help, and sustain us always.
Thank you dear friends. I look forward to when I can meet you face to face and give my thanks to you personally.
In the meantime, be safe and above all let us appreciate each other for the very special people God has made us to be.
I ask God's blessings for us all.
Isabel
NOTE: If you would like to reach out to Isabel, please contact the Cathedral Office by phone (506) 450-8500 or email for more information.
By now, you may have had an opportunity to check out Sarah Ecker's profile on our website under Clergy and Staff: Parish Nurse. While it gives you a glimpse into the life of this amazing, outgoing, bubbly, professional nurse, we think it just scratched the surface. And so, here's a slightly deeper look at our newest staff member.
Sarah was born and raised in Fredericton and thanks to her 'build one and sell it' father, she has lived in many different houses in different parts of the city. In typical New Brunswick fashion, it didn't take long to find a degree of separation connection between Sarah and I (Gail MacGillivray).
My Dad would not even consider the purchase of a vehicle that was not sold by Alison Monteith of Monteith Motors - Sarah's Dad! I recall many stops at Monteith Motors over the years. Alison was such a good salesman that he even managed to recruit Sarah to work for him. Her career as a used car salesperson lasted for about 2 years.
It was quite a leap from selling cars to nursing, and a whole lot of life experiences before and after both for Sarah.
Shortly after graduation, at the ripe old age of 17, Sarah headed for Virginia. A close friend of hers was heading off to a Bible College and Sarah decided to follow. Sarah's upbringing was as an Evangelical and this study of Theology gave Sarah a broader understanding of the many different ways that we worship. It was one of many life experiences where Sarah felt a calling to be in that place at that time. Her time at the College also gave her a chance to travel throughout the USA, to Northern Ireland and Jamaica, and to experience diversity in race, language, religion, lifestyle and more.
While Sarah was studying Nursing at UNB, she spent a summer working at a children's camp on the Miramichi. It was here that she met her husband, Andrew. Andrew was working on a degree in social work. Andrew was born in Ontario but grew up in Miramichi. As Sarah put it, "they just clicked" and by the next summer they were engaged.
Sarah and Andrew currently live in Mactaquac) and they have two children, chickens, a dog, a cat and a deep love for their community!
She describes their 6 year old son, Elias, as being "too smart for his own good" and says he is frequently referred to in her family as "the Mayor" as he always has a handle on what is going on and is more than willing to assume a leadership role. Elias is in Grade One and it sounds like he is destined to be class president! Daughter Mercy is 4 and her Mom describes her as "fire and ice". A deeply passionate spitfire who is also very tenderhearted. Andrew currently works for the Mobile Crisis Unit, a division of Horizon Health which responds to mental health crises.
Sarah and her family are deeply focused on their Christian beliefs and living a life in Christ internalized. When the Pandemic first broke out, like many people, Sarah and Andrew spent time at home in reflection. As Sarah put it, COVID gave them a chance to examine closely the human qualities most important to them, recognizing that what they wanted was "to be a part of a community that was part of their values." They came to the conclusion that their Church family, especially, had to reflect those values of justice, mercy and humility.
Sarah is "loving the new job" as our Parish Nurse. She describes herself as someone who "loves working in a team environment" and especially loves collaborating with different sectors and "building bridges". She looks forward to having the opportunity to work as part of a team focused on "bringing wellness to people in body, mind and spirit".
Once again, a hearty Cathedral welcome to Sarah, who hopes that everyone will reach out to her, if only just to say hi. She is looking forward to her role in Pastoral Care and to working with the many volunteers that allow the Parish Nurse to make a positive difference in the lives of our congregation members!
Pioneer, trailblazer, a man of firsts — they’re all good adjectives to describe Gerry Carty. The man had a list of talents, skills and hobbies that would boggle the mind. He was always busy, always enjoying himself, always making friends.
He was the first Black pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the youngest commissioned officer at 18. He flew 35 sorties over occupied territory during the Second World War.
While recovering in England from a plane crash, he studied electronics, and when, post-war, Air Canada rejected him as a potential pilot, he opened his own electronics store.
He was the first to bring cable television to Fredericton. He set up a tower in his backyard to facilitate an early communications system for the Fredericton Police Force. And with partners, he opened a charter air service in the province.
But that’s not all. He taught people to fly and helped found the Fredericton Flying Club. He was a beekeeper, Air Cadet commanding officer, musician and gymnastics coach. You could often find him at the YMCA. And he was a family man, raising four children.
It’s difficult to overstate the positive impact Gerry Carty had on his community, his province and his country...
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Read the full article about Gerry Carty, a longtime member of our Cathedral congregation. The article was written by Gisele McKnight and published in the September 2021 edition of the NB Anglican.
alented artist Sarah Petite, has been selected as a recipient of a prestigious art award from the Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation.
