In this interview, Todd Townshend, Bishop of the Diocese of Huron in the Anglican Church of Canada joins us for a thoughtful conversation about what it means for faith communities to serve their neighbours in this moment. We explore the changing realities facing congregations, the role of sacred space in public life, and the opportunity for faith-owned land and buildings to be stewarded in ways that strengthen communities, expand belonging, and support practical responses to housing insecurity and homelessness. Whether you’re a faith leader, community builder, planner, or neighbour curious about the future of churches and community infrastructure, this conversation offers encouragement, clarity, and a compelling vision for what’s possible when we lead with courage and care. Relèven.org
Giving Tuesday is a global movement that encourages giving to the charities and non-profits that matter to you. This year the Cathedral is once again participating, to make an extra effort to reach out to our community.
We've made a $1000 commitment in advance to the Montgomery Street School Home & School Association, in support of their food and clothing program for children who need a little extra help. Help us meet that goal and more! Funds raised in excess will support Christmas Outreach for local charities (divided between the Fredericton Homeless Shelters, Women in Transition House and the Fredericton Community Kitchens).
This will be the fifth year that the Cathedral congregation has supported programs at Montgomery Street School. In 2021,2022, 2023 and 2024, donated funds have been directed towards the lunch program and ensuring that children in need have adequate winter clothing to safely enjoy Fredericton's winter climate. In 2021, funds also helped to create sensory rooms for children with developmental challenges. The school is located up the hill from Christ Church Cathedral, beside the University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University. It has a diverse student body. Approximately 250 children are enrolled in Kindergarten to Grade 5, and the child-to-parent ratio is high. The Home & School Association is a volunteer group of parents, guardians and staff representatives who regularly fundraise for school initiatives and to support students and families in need.
Use the form below for giving online and receive a charitable tax receipt by email. Or clearly mark "Giving Tuesday" on an offering envelope from your boxed set, one you can find in our pews or one of your own. You may also drop off a donation to the Cathedral Office during office hours, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Monday to Friday. A tax receipt will be sent to anyone who provides their contact information on the donation.
Giving Tuesday falls on 02 December, but we plan to continue the campaign until 14 December 2025 so there is plenty of time to give.
242 Gibson Street, Fredericton NB E3B 1J1 Open in Google Maps
Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(506) 459-9102
The Fredericton Anti-Poverty Organization was established in New Brunswick's capital city in March 1983.
YARD SALE STORE
The Facebook page also features some of the more interesting items for sale at our Yard Sale Store.
Through the funds raised at the Yard Sale Store and the Furniture Store, FAPO is able to pay for the many services it provides to low-income persons in the community such as free or low-cost clothing, furniture, appliances and bedding. FAPO regularly assists families in emergency situations.
Fredericton Anti-Poverty Organization recycles
accepts any product donations and offers a pick-up and delivery service
purchased items can be priced by the buyer
certain products are also given away to those who cannot afford them
FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Wednesday, 11 am to 1 pm or until supplies last.
Food distribution takes place on Wednesdays from 11 am to 1 pm at the Yard Sale Store, 242 Gibson Street. There is no means test and no one will be turned away. Thanks to the Fredericton Community Kitchen, Costco, Sobeys and Walmart for their support of the Free Food distribution network in Fredericton without which this service would not exist.
Check out the FACEBOOK page for news about poverty issues impacting citizens in Fredericton, around New Brunswick, across Canada and the world.
ABOUT FREDERICTON ANTI-POVERTY
In its early days, FAPO received government funding which allowed them to grow. “We got bigger and in ‘91, we bought this place,” said FAPO spokesperson Dan Weston in reference to the white house at 242 Gibson St. Today FAPO receives no government support. The success of the organization depends on the people who use and support it. People donate their time or their used furniture or they shop there, all of which helps to keep the doors open for those who need it most.
FAPO exists to champion issues facing those in poverty. They maintain semi-paid and semi-volunteer employees to ensure the organization meets and provides basic needs to the community.
You can participate and support FAPO by donating or buying.
“There is dead capital sitting in people’s basements”, said Weston. “Many people have unused furniture just collecting dust that someone who needs it could greatly use. If you’re furnishing a new apartment or house, look here first.” Weston explained that FAPO is now using Kijiji as a source to expand the clientele.
FAPO is a resource for everyone. The organization provides an opportunity to give a new purpose to second-hand goods in the homes of people who need them. It’s a give and take environment that relies largely on donations and the kindness that is characteristic of Fredericton.
You might not be so interested, but maybe your parents or grandparents would be. Why not show them how easy it can be? Did you know we podcast both worship and sermons each Sunday and there are many ways to listen?
1) Amazon Alexa, Google Home or Siri enables devices. If you have an Amazon Alexa device, for example, simply saying: "Alexa, play Christ Church Cathedral Audio" will play the latest Sunday podcast. Listen to up to two months of recorded worship and sermon podcasts for free.
2) On the Cathedral website, click the Watch and Listen tab and the most recent podcasts are listed on the left. Click "see all available episodes" for the whole list.
3) If you use Apple, Podchaser or Spotify podcasts, you can subscribe to receive new episodes when they become available or listen from those platforms on the web or on an Apple or Android app.
You're welcome to use the form for giving online and receive a chartiable tax receipt by email. Or clearly mark "Giving Tuesday" on an offering envelope in your boxed set, one you can find in our pews or one of your own. You may also drop off a donation to the Cathedral Office during office hours, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Monday to Friday. A tax receipt will be sent to anyone who provides their contact information on the donation. We plan to continue the campaign until 15 December 2024 so there's still time to give.
Upper Canadian tourist and tech exec Evans Brockhurst, a man determined to disrupt all the paradigms with his new, cutting-edge technology, runs afoul of the local constabulary in the tech-averse Luddite haven of Fredericton, NB. His crime: walking while using his cellphone. Will his fancy devices and team of lawyers get him out of this jam, or will analogue rule (and digital rue) the day?
Directed by Len Falkenstein
Featuring Isaac Gilbert, Kaylee MacNeil, Esther Soucoup, and Kat Hall
Videographer Clarissa Andersen-White
Location: the SE corner of Church and King streets.
Writer's Note:
"Careless Walking" tackles a big issue we are facing in society: how do we deal with the extraordinary force and societal transformation stemming from the technology revolution?
From the rise of a handful of what we may well call monopolists - Amazon, Apple, Google, Facebook to the fears provoked, by the rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence and robotics, to our discussions of smartphones in the classroom, various observers have tried to motivate their readers about our need to control big tech, its billionaire class, and the internet, if we still can.
My short play portrays a fictional Fredericton that has formed an island of resistance, so to speak, against this sea of change.
Hopefully, this play will bring the audience a few smiles, while at the same time leaving it with something to think about.
Many members of the Cathedral congregation have recently helped neighbours in our community by donating items for a young mother, and by providing snacks for the monthly Monday morning Outreach program for people in need. Your generosity is appreciated!
Here is a letter of thanks from the young woman, who received items to furnish a new apartment for herself and her son.
