Cami Twilling, Cathedral Director of Christian Formation Kurt Schmidt, and John Philip Newell
He describes himself as a wandering teacher, and on May 7, Dr. John Philip Newell was at Christ Church Cathedral teaching about 120 people in person and another 140 online about the sacredness of earth and its inhabitants.
He is an internationally celebrated teacher and author whose message is one of Celtic spirituality: a call for us to recognize and embrace the sacredness of Earth and every human being in it. ...
This year marks the tenth anniversary of Thy Kingdom Come – a worldwide prayer movement inviting Christians around the world to intentional prayer from Ascension to Pentecost.
Since it began in May 2016, God has grown TKC from a dream of possibility into a movement which unites more than a million Christians in prayer, in nearly 90% of countries worldwide, across 85 different denominations and traditions ‐ so that friends and family, neighbours and colleagues might come to faith in Jesus Christ. Every person, household and church are encouraged to pray during the 11 days in their own way.
It is our hope and prayer, that those who have not yet heard the Good News of Jesus Christ and his love for the world, will hear it for themselves and respond and follow him.
Specifically, we again invite each and every Christian across the globe to pray that God’s Spirit might work in the lives of 5 people who have not responded with their ‘Yes’ to God’s call.
Daily prayer. Commit to attending all or some of the daily offices (morning and evening prayer) at the Cathedral, Monday ‐ Friday or say the offices at home.
It takes about 15 minutes each day.
2025 NOVENA ‐ Join us on weekdays during Thy Kingdom Come for a local discussion (45 min) about the series of reflections on the Lord’s Prayer by Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York. We begin at 5:15 p.m. Friday 30 May at Memorial Hall boardroom or via Video Conference. Visit the calendar event for online access or to download the resource.
2025 Digital Detox ‐ Resources to help you to undertake a digital detox during Thy Kingdom Come. Prayer Journals and Session outlines in both youth and adult versions. Visit the website to download the resources. Follow them by yourself or invite your family or small group to join you. Use these guides in any way that will help you best. But do make sure that you read them fully before you’re face‐to‐face with a young person! Some of the content is there just for you leaders. You’ll also realize that during small group segments, there may be more questions than you’ll need. You don’t need to use them all! Use as many as you have time for, pick and choose the best ones for your setting, and don’t worry if conversation strays away from them.
Family resources ‐ praying for young disciples, prayer beads and dozens of ideas about how to actively engage in the wave of prayer. Videos from “The Way” for teens, new Cheeky Panda videos for younger children on “Ways to Pray,” and more.
Pray for 5 ‐ At the heart of Thy Kingdom Come, is praying for friends, family and neighbours who donʹt yet know Jesus. Each year, we’re encouraged to choose 5 people to commit to pray for during the 11 days and beyond. Visit thykingdomcome.global for little prompts that might be helpful as a reminder throughout the day.
Prayer Journal ‐ Download this resource. Each day’s reflection will focus on a line of the Lord’s Prayer and include a time to pause and pray for your five, in keeping with that day’s theme with space each day for your own notes. What has God been saying to you in your reading and your prayers? Download the Prayer Journal
Congratulations to those who were baptized, confirmed, reaffirmed their faith or were received into the Anglican Communion at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, 19 April. It was a wonderful celebration of faith. Below you can see a few photos taken from our worship recording.
Baptism:
Michael Van Tassell
Confirmation:
Alexandria Pope, Jamie Lougheed, Michael Van Tassell, Shallon Woodcock, Rik Hall, Linda Hall, Leah Perry
Recently, I found myself pondering the subject of saying grace before (or after) meals. I was curious if today’s on-the-go lifestyle lent itself to this practice. My very unscientific and small sample group didn’t really produce a conclusion that I would like to stake my reputation on, but overall, it would seem that saying grace regularly may have fallen somewhat by the wayside. But then again, the act of gathering around the family dinner table to share a meal often falls victim to today’s busy schedules and some folks noted that it was when they sat around that table that saying grace was the most common.
A little research on saying grace tells me that it’s a practice in many cultures and religions to express thanks for our food and its source. It can be a part of our religious belief as in thanking God or a simple acknowledgement of appreciation for the food and the cook. Wikipedia tells us that the term saying grace comes from the Ecclesiastical Latin phrase gratiarum actio, “act of thanks”. Theologically, the act is derived from the Bible, in which Jesus and Saint Paul pray before meals. One interesting article mentioned that in the Middle Ages it was said as an incantation to protect people from questionable food — of which there was plenty! And the author notes that praying for God’s grace that you don’t die from food poisoning isn’t necessarily a bad motive!
In an article by Lauren F. Winner, she says, “You don’t find grace said when people are rushing around, scarfing food, eating over the sink or in the car, polishing off a meal in ten minutes flat. You find grace offered at tables where people sit still, where they’re trying to pay attention”. But she points out that grace is portable! We don’t need a dinner table to pause and to give thanks even when we are on the run - “saying grace can transform a mere meal into an act of celebration, focus and gratitude.”
So for those of us who are on the run trying to keep up with the fast-paced world that we live in, and sacrificing saying grace because we can’t slow down, here are some short prayers. Be it the hockey arena hot dog or the chips and chocolate bar between meetings, these short words of thanksgiving can always fit into even the busiest schedule.
- by Gail MacGillivray
May all be fed May all be healed May all be loved -- John Robbins
Thank you Lord for what we are about to receive. In Jesus' name. Amen
Lord, make us truly thankful for these and all other blessings. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen
Lord Jesus, bless this food to our use, and us to Your service. Amen
Lord, as we enjoy this food may it nourish our bodies and renew our spirits. Amen
What is a vocation? Where does discipleship and faith formation fit within the Church today? Archbishop David explores these topics in this study series, intended for both individuals and groups.
Its purpose is to give an opportunity for time to reflect on the nature of discipleship and vocation. These topics are more than merely an academic study, they are to do with the whole of life.
As you or your group progress through this series, watching each video and engaging with the selected scriptures, two things will happen: you will understand the word vocation more deeply and a vision for the mission and ministry of your church will begin to form.
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)
MONDAYS ~ Six sessions beginning 10 March
Book Study: Practicing the Way
Cathedral-based study of the Bishop's recommended Lenten book by John Mark Comer. 2:00-3:00 p.m. Hybrid – Cathedral Hall Boardroom and online. Hosted remotely by Cheryl Jacobs. Books available through Cathedral Office, $20 each. RSVP. Note: The Diocese will hold a separate book study on Wednesdays (see below).
TUESDAYS ~ Five sessions, beginning 11 March
Taizé Tuesday
Ecumenical and contemplative services of worship that incorporate simple song, scripture and silence. 5:30-6:00pm, alternating formats -- online via Zoom or in-person/livestreamed from the Cathedral. Drop-in. Link through the Cathedral calendar or Cathedral YouTube channel. Curious about Taizé? Read about an online session and in-person Taizé at the Cathedral.
Lectionary Study A reading and group discussion of all or part of the Bible passages for the upcoming Sunday. Hosted by the Dean. 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Hybrid – Cathedral Hall Boardroom and online. RSVP.
WEDNESDAYS ~ Six sessions, beginning 12 March
Wednesday Spirituality Series
Celtic Lent: saintly and storied seasonal wisdom from the Celtic stream. 3:00-4:00 p.m. Cathedral Hall Lounge. Hosted by Kurt Schmidt. RSVP for individual sessions.
Book Study: Practicing the Way
Diocese-based study of the Bishop's recommended Lenten book by John Mark Comer. 6:30-8:00 p.m. Online via Zoom. Hosted remotely by Shawn Branch. Books available through Cathedral Office, $20 each. Register here.
THURSDAYS ~ Seven sessions, beginning 06 March
Art & Faith
An Ignatian-flavoured contemplative consideration of select works of sacred art related to the upcoming Sunday's gospel. Hosted by Kurt Schmidt. 5:30-6:00pm, Drop-in online via Zoom. Link through the Cathedral calendar.
Dante Group
Ongoing study group currently reading Gravity and Grace by Simone Weil. Hosted by Alan Hall. 7:00-8:00 p.m. Hall Lounge. RSVP.
FRIDAYS ~ Six sessions beginning 07 March
Stations of the Cross
Various versions of the ancient devotional/meditation on the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross). 12:00 noon, Cathedral. Approximately 30-45 minutes long. Drop-in. Text and video versions available here, if you can't join us in-person.
SATURDAYS ~ 15 & 22 March, 5 & 12 April
The Chosen
Screening of Season 4 of The Chosen, portraying Jesus and his times. Two episodes screened each evening. 6:00-8:30pm, Cathedral Hall Lounge. Drop-in. Watch a quick recap of Season 1, Season 2 and Season 3.
Contact Facilitators and Join
Please contact the facilitators directly to: express interest, ask a question or RSVP.
Kurt Schmidt <formation at christchurchcathedral.com> (506) 259-3711
Cheryl Jacobs <cajacobs84 at gmail.com>
Dean Geoffrey Hall <dean @
Alan Hall <alanwilliamhall at gmail.com>
Cathedral Office <office at christchurchcathedral.com > (506) 450-8500
Archbishop David Edwards has appointed the Rev. Debbie Edmondson as chaplain at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton for a one-year period, with the possibility of renewal, beginning 01 February, 2025.
Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Debbie grew up in Keswick Ridge, New Brunswick, where she still makes her home with Phillip, her husband of 45+ years. They have two sons and daughters-in-law and four grandchildren, who are a tremendous source of joy.
She is a life-long Anglican, with, as she describes, “a well rounded Ecumenical background.” Drawing on her rural roots, she leads workshops and retreats with humour and a down to earth sense of the sacred. Debbie was ordained as a Vocational Deacon on 01 February 2009. She completed training in Spiritual Direction with the Haden Institute in conjunction with Mount Carmel Spiritual Center in Niagara Falls in 2014.
Debbie has always been involved with her church community through groups and activities from teaching Sunday School to serving on Vestry to being a Layreader and then being called to Ordained Ministry, which she feels is an ongoing learning and awakening experience. On 01 February, 2025, Debbie was appointed as chaplain at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton by Archbishop David Edwards. Debbie is also the Cathedral Hospital Visitors Coordinator, the Diocesan Representative for the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer and a member of the Diocesan Spiritual Development Team.
This ministry involved regular hour-long sessions with our young Godly Players (aged 4-12), following along with the standard schoolyear (that is, with a customary break during the summer months).
In May we transitioned to a “split-group” model, telling the same story for two weeks in a row to half of our roster of Godly Players—which is nearing 20 children! This made for more total GP sessions through the year (24), but allowed us to accommodate the growing group and the average attendance of 12 children for each lesson/story.
Cheryl Jacobs and Kurt Schmidt remain the only two certified GP storytellers among the congregation members. They continued their general pattern of alternating storytelling and doorperson responsibilities for each session, enlisting occasional assistance with the door from Jane Hand and Bonnie Greenwood.
Some Godly Play “flavour” and storytelling design was featured in the Cathedral’s Good Friday morning service in 2024.
Learn more about Godly Play and read some previous Godly Play updates.
The Bishop's Lenten book for 2025 is Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer, and there are two options for you to participate!
A Cathedral-based study will take place 10 March - 14 April, 2:00-3:00 p.m. . It will be a hybrid format, occuring in-person in the Cathedral Hall Boardroom and online. Hosted remotely by Cheryl Jacobs. Please RSVP to Cheryl by email <cajacobs84 at gmail.com>.
The diocesan online Lenten book study, will be held 12 March - 16 April, Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. for 60-90 minutes. Hosted by Shawn Branch. Visit the Diocese of Fredericton's website for more information or to register for the diocesan book study.
Books are available from the Cathedral office for $20 (cash or cheque please). It is also available as an e-book from your favourite provider.
The Cathedral Youth Group -- CYG -- had three lovely and lively gatherings in the later part of 2024.
We met first outside for supper and games on the Cathedral Green on 20 October, then again inside at Cathedral Memorial Hall on 17 November to prepare ourselves for Advent and decorate the Hall for Christmas, and a third time on 22 December to enjoy a holiday supper and watch "O Holy Night," the Christmas special produced by The Chosen.
We've got a wonderful group of young people involved in CYG for 2024-2025, with two combined 'subgroups' (representing middle school and high school) of roughly the same size. And we have hopes and plans to meet monthly or so from now until the end of the school year -- with some ice-skating and roller-skating both on the docket!
