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Category Archives: Formation
Investment Committee members
The Diocesan Synod Finance Committee is looking for people with a keen interest in investments to serve on its Investment Sub-committee. The committee monitors the Diocesan Consolidated Investment Fund (DCIF) and working with its portfolio manager offers advice and recommendation to the Finance Committee regarding these funds. Given the importance of investment income to the Cathedral, many parishes as well as the Synod itself, people skilled in this field who have an interest in serving are being invited to inquire.
If you know of someone you think has the skills and interest, please pass on this request. Those interested are asked to send a brief summary (250 words or less) of background and interest in this area to interim chairperson Scott Fairweather at <fairws at nbnet.nb.ca> (replace the 'at' with '@') or contact the Synod Office (506) 459-1801.
Guide for 10 days of prayer – Thy Kingdom Come – 21-31 May 2020
Daily Office Readings | Daily Short Readings | Daily Prayer Intentions
Readings on Discipleship and Evangelism | God Is Indestructible
DAILY OFFICE READINGS
to be used at Morning and Evening Prayer
Thursday (21 May) Ascension of the Lord
Morning Psalm 8, 47; Ezekiel 1:1–14, 24–28b; Hebrews 2:5–18
Evening Psalm 24, 96; Daniel 7:9–14; Matthew 28:16–20
Friday (22 May) Easter Feria
Morning Psalm 85, 86; 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Ephesians 2:1-10
Evening Psalm 91, 92; Ezekiel 1:28–3:3); Matthew 7:22-27
Saturday (23 May) Easter Feria
Morning Psalm 87, 90; Numbers 11:16-17, 24-29; Ephesians 2:11-22
Evening Psalm 68:1-20; 2 Kings 2:1-15; Revelation 5:1-14
Sunday (24 May) Seventh Sunday of Easter - Jerusalem Sunday
Morning Psalm 8, 47; Daniel 7:9-14; Hebrews 2:5-18
Evening Psalm 24, 96; Ezekiel 1:1-14, 24-28b; Matthew 28:16-20
Monday (25 May) Bede, Priest, Monk, Historian and Educator, 735
Morning Psalm 89:1-18; Josiah 1:1-9; Ephesians 3:1-13
Evening Psalm 89:19-52; Ezekiel 4:1-17; Matthew 8:5-17
Tuesday (26 May) Augustine, First Archbishop of Canterbury, 605
Morning Psalm 97, 99, [100]; 1 Samuel 16:1-13a; Ephesians 3:14-21
Evening Psalm 94, [95]; Ezekiel:7:10-15, 23b-27; Matthew 8:18-27
Wednesday (27 May) John Charles Roper, Bishop of Ottawa, 1940
Morning Psalm 101, 109:1-4, (5-19), 20-30; Isaiah 4:2-6; Ephesians 4:1-16
Evening Psalm 119:121-144; Ezekiel 11:14-25; Matthew 8:28-34
Thursday (28 May) Easter Feria
Morning Psalm 105:1-22; Zechariah 4:1-14; Ephesians 4:17-32
Evening Psalm 105:23-45; Ezekiel 18:1-4, 19-32; Matthew 9:1-8
Friday (29 May) Easter Feria
Morning Psalm 102; Jeremiah 31:27-34; Ephesians 5:1-20
Evening Psalm 107:1-32; Ezekiel 34:17-31; Matthew 9:9-17
Saturday (30 May) Roberta Elizabeth Tilton, Women’s Auxiliary, 1925 /
Eve of Pentecost
Morning Psalm 107:33-43, 108:1-6, (7-13); Ezekiel 36:22-27; Eph 6:10-24
Evening Psalm 33; Exodus 19:3–8a, 16–20; 1 Peter 2:4–10
Sunday (31 May) Day of Pentecost
Morning Psalm 118; Deuteronomy 16:9-12; Acts 4:18-21, 23-33
Evening Psalm Ps 145; Isaiah 11:1-9; John 4:19-26
DAILY SHORT READINGS
FRIDAY AFTER ASCENSION
As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to human beings, but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honour because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Hebrews 2.8b-10
SATURDAY AFTER ASCENSION
I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8.38,39
SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION
On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.”’ Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive. John 7.37-39a
MONDAY
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Isaiah 40.28,29
TUESDAY
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12.4-7
WEDNESDAY
I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female slaves, in those days, I will pour out my spirit. Joel 2.28,29
THURSDAY
Jesus said, ‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’ Luke 11.9-13
FRIDAY
In Christ every one of God’s promises is a ‘Yes.’ For this reason it is through him that we say the ‘Amen’, to the glory of God. But it is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us, by putting his seal on us and giving us his Spirit in our hearts as a first instalment. 2 Corinthians 1.20-22
SATURDAY
The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3.17,18
Daily Prayer Intentions
Thy Kingdom Come encourages every Christian to pray for 5 individuals so that they would know God's love for them in Christ
ASCENSION DAY The call to share our faith
For all Christians to have the confidence to share the good news of Jesus Christ.
FRIDAY AFTER ASCENSION Know God better
For all those who have lost sight of God, that they would see His love revealed in their lives.
SATURDAY AFTER ASCENSION Trust
For those who feel isolated and alone, that they will develop meaningful relationships through a childlike trust in God.
SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION Forgiveness
For those in need of God’s mercy, that they will know the joy of his forgiveness.
MONDAY Openness
For the hearts of those we know and love to be more open to Christ who waits to be invited in.
TUESDAY Curiosity
For all those who are beginning to show an interest in matters of faith, that their curiosity will grow into a desire for the living God.
WEDNESDAY Seek
For those who seek God, that their search may lead them to find their heart’s desire.
THURSDAY Encounter
For us all to encounter the person of Jesus Christ and experience life lived to the full.
FRIDAY Freedom
For those who are held down by past experiences, hurt or pain, that they may know the freedom that Christ brings when we follow him.
SATURDAY Faith
For those who want to grow in faith, that we may all be filled with the hope of what is to come.
THE DAY OF PENTECOST Filled with the Holy Spirit
For the whole Church to be filled with the Holy Spirit ‘as by a new Pentecost.’
READINGS ON DISCIPLESHIP AND EVANGELISM
And now the Lord says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honoured in the sight of the Lord, and my God has become my strength – he says, ‘It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.’ Isaiah 49.5-6
Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. Isaiah 52.8-9
Many nations shall come and say: ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many peoples, and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. Micah 4.2-3
‘While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.’ Acts 17.30-31
From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 2 Corinthians 5.16-17
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. Ephesians 2.19-21
Jesus said, ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.’ Matthew 5.13-16
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ Matthew 28.16-end
God Is Indestructible
12 Responses to the Relevance Crisis of Christianity (Christian A. Schwarz)
Daily studies, weekdays at 4:00 p.m., during Thy Kingdom Come
New research from churches in eighty-six countries around the worldreveals that, throughout the last few years, there have been dramatic shiftsin Christianity. In this book, Christian A. Schwarz not only presents thesefindings for the first time, but also pleads for twelve practical reforms thatcould unshackle the relevancy of the Christian faith, restoring it as afascinating, transformative pursuit for people in our time.
Three main benefits:
Understand the background of the relevance crisis of Christianity- Learn 12 practical responses to dramatically increase the relevance of your church
- Apply new ways of interaction between Christians and non-Christians
Introduction: Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s wake-up call
Chapter 1: Face the challenges of the global participation shift
Chapter 2: Re-define leadership
Chapter 3: Learn from both Eastern and Western Christianity
Chapter 4: Reclaim the New Testament reality of God’s energy
Chapter 5: Encounter the transpersonal dimension of God
Chapter 6: Acknowledge different spiritual styles
Chapter 7: Abandon the us/ them divide
Chapter 8: Communicate at eye level
Chapter 9: Defuse fundamentalist tendencies
Chapter 10: Update outdated notions about science and faith
Chapter 11: Embrace the 10/90 reality
Chapter 12: Pursue ongoing growth
We’ll gather by video conference for 7 sessions (considering two chapters each day) ending by 5:00 p.m.
Sign up for the sessions, preferably before 21 May 2020.
You’ll need the book!
“God Is Indestructible” is available in print format from Natural Church Development (NCD) Canada
OR
Upon sign up in the study classroom, the e-book will be available at a 10% discount in Kindle, .epub or .pdf formats.Arrangements for payment can be madethrough the Christ Church Cathedral. See the email to sign up.
Read along with the Dean – 21-30 May 2020
12 Responses to the Relevance Crisis of Christianity
Table of Contents with Chapter Summaries
WHO
Christian Schwarz is the leader of Natural Church Development, now a worldwide organization offering tools to help Christian church congregations toward greater health “naturally.”
WHAT and WHEN
On weekdays, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., during Thy Kingdom Come (Thursday, 21 May to 31 May 2020) the Dean of Fredericton invites you to read and study “God Is Indestructible.” In seven “virtual” sessions, we’ll discuss two chapters per day. Ideally, join us using a device with a microphone and camera, but we can also call you by telephone or, you might just choose to read along and discuss with others in your own time and according to your own schedule.
Getting the Book
You’ll need a copy of “God is Indestructible.”
WHERE and HOW
Using your internet web browser, sign up for the class via Google Classroom. If you already have a Google account, you’ll be all set. If not, you can create one at no cost or obligation when you sign up. For joining the virtual meetings, you shouldn’t need any additional software or logins.
Refer to recent emails from the Dean for the Class Code
Use the class code to sign up and sign in to the Classroom.
At the top centre: “Stream” is a log of our interactions; “Classwork” is material organized according to each session; “People” are the members of the group. So you’ll find the reading assignments for each session, links to other materials you might wish to explore, the opportunity to chat or message other members of the group and at the top left, the link to the meeting space for the sessions.
Once logged in to Classroom, in “Classwork” see GET THE E-BOOK at the very top of the list. One of three formats available (.mobi; .pdf; .epub). The one you’ll need depends on your device (Kindle, Kobo or Nook readers, tablet, smartphone, PC etc.). [See below for more information about using these files.] The cost of the e-book is $20. Payment please through the Cathedral HERE, mail or drop off in the secure mail slot at the Cathedral Hall or, add to your next offering.
If it’s impossible for you to read the e-book, or you wish to join us by telephone, please contact me <dean at christchurchcathedral.
Come back to the classroom or have us call you each day just before 4:00 p.m. and join the discussion.
More about the e-book:
Amazon Kindle. Use the .mobi file. Visit your Amazon account page and view “Content and Devices.” Find your Kindle device and the unique email address to send files to your Kindle. Attach the .mobi to a message and send to that address. Your book will appear in your library.
PDF. This is a normal document file that can be read using any PDF reader or most web browsers these days on a desktop PC, Mac, tablet or smartphone.
Other. epub is a generic e-book format used by Kobo, Nook, Calibre and other apps and devices. Adding the file to any of these will enable your reading in the way you usually do.
Visit the Classroom, sign up and sign in. We’ll do everything possible to end by 5:00 p.m. each day but feel free to come and go as you need to do!
Feel free to contact me if you have unanswered questions.
Hoping you can join us!
GMH
Join us for God Is Indestructible
God Is Indestructible
12 Responses to the Relevance Crisis of Christianity
Christian A. Schwarz
Daily studies with the Dean
Weekdays at 4:00 p.m., during Thy Kingdom Come (21-31 May 2020)
New research from churches in eighty-six countries around the world reveals that, throughout the last few years, there have been dramatic shifts in Christianity. In this book, Christian A. Schwarz not only presents these findings for the first time, but also pleads for twelve practical reforms that could unshackle the relevancy of the Christian faith, restoring it as a fascinating, transformative pursuit for people in our time.
Three main benefits:
- Understand the background of the relevance crisis of Christianity
- Learn 12 practical responses to dramatically increase the relevance of your church
- Apply new ways of interaction between Christians and non-Christians
Introduction: Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s wake-up call
In his letters from prison, Dietrich Bonhoeffer formulated a vision for the church of the future, a time when “the world has come of age.” This vision was about Christianity’s spiritual and theological compass. Bonhoeffer’s message has gained urgency in this time of unparalleled shifts in the way both religious and non-religious people process reality.
Chapter 1: Face the challenges of the global participation shift
The research presented in this chapter reveals that participation in Christianity around the world has gone through a massive shift during the last decade. Approaches that were celebrated as innovative until a few years ago, don’t seem to work any longer. While many Christians might feel threatened by these changes, this chapter shows how the global shifts open up new possibilities for living out what church is all about.
Chapter 2: Re-define leadership
In recent years, the public has been shocked by a never-ending series of leadership scandals in churches around the world, involving spiritual, emotional and physical abuse. In discussions on the topic, it is widely overlooked that the vast majority of these scandals are rooted in disempowering leadership paradigms. This chapter introduces a leadership approach that results in the systematic increase of people’s freedom, maturity, and sense of responsibility.
Chapter 3: Learn from both Eastern and Western Christianity
Alienation between the Eastern and the Western wings of the church has led to two amputated forms of Christianity that are becoming increasingly irrelevant in their respective cultural contexts. The surprising discovery is that the very elements that are lacking in the West can be found in the East, and vice versa. This chapter shows how this insight can lay the foundation for a vital and inspiring spirituality that contains the very elements that are so lacking today.
Chapter 4: Reclaim the New Testament reality of God’s energy
As unlikely as it may seem, there is a reality in the texts of the New Testament that is virtually unknown in Western Christianity -- God’s energy. This chapter shows what the results are when people discover this reality and relate it to the daily challenges of their lives. The outcome will be a fundamentally deeper connectedness with God, and new spiritual experiences to which both Christians and non-Christians can relate.
Chapter 5: Encounter the transpersonal dimension of God
Throughout history, Christianity has rightfully stressed the personhood of God, as this is a central feature of both the Old and New Testaments. However, the transpersonal aspect of God that is also found in the Bible (transpersonal = not less than a person, but more than a person) has been neglected. This chapter demonstrates how a biblical understanding of God’s energy can open the door to experiencing the God of the Bible in ways that an increasing number of people are longing for.
Chapter 6: Acknowledge different spiritual styles
One of the major reasons for dissatisfaction within existing churches is an insensitivity to people’s spiritual styles— the ways they best connect with God. Research reveals that churches typically appeal to an extremely limited spectrum of styles, thereby creating a situation in which people who have a different “spiritual antenna” are expected to express their spirituality in ways that feel unnatural to them. This chapter shows how a higher appreciation of various spiritual styles would increase the relevance of Christianity dramatically.
Chapter 7: Abandon the us/ them divide
Whenever people groups stress an “us,” they tend to position it against a “them.” People placed in the “them” category are usually very sensitive about this “us versus them” mindset, since it makes them feel that they are in the wrong place. This chapter suggests alternative forms of interaction between people of different persuasions— processes of mutual learning that provide new perspectives to the most diverse of dialogue partners.
Chapter 8: Communicate at eye level
Even if you may not agree with another person’s position, you can usually learn something from it. Such mutual learning exercises should not be targeted primarily at changing others, but at becoming stronger yourself. This chapter presents four examples of mutual learning processes, initiated by atheists, that can serve as an inspiration to Christians.
Chapter 9: Defuse fundamentalist tendencies
The past few years have seen an unprecedented increase in fundamentalism, both religious and atheistic. The research findings presented in this chapter reveal that fundamentalism is not the problem of a select few; rather, fundamentalist tendencies exist in all kinds of groups, though to varying degrees. This chapter demonstrates how Christian fundamentalism can be reduced, while at the same time increasing people’s commitment both to the Bible and to sharing the gospel.
Chapter 10: Update outdated notions about science and faith
Many people have the impression that there is an irreconcilable contradiction between science and faith. However, in most cases that notion is the result of a phenomenon called “category confusion,” comparable to the question: Is a pear green or a fruit? This chapter shows how science and Christian faith can be related to each other in such a way that both science and faith benefit.
Chapter 11: Embrace the 10/90 reality
Given the fact that even the most active church members seldom spend more than 10% of their waking hours in church-organized activities, the remaining 90% of their time needs to become the focus of attention. How can people support each other to be change agents in their sphere of influence? This chapter shows how acknowledging the 10/90 reality helps Christianity rediscover its unique purpose and, in doing so, increases its relevance to those who have not yet experienced the Christian faith.
Chapter 12: Pursue ongoing growth
One of the hallmarks of Christianity should be the pursuit of ongoing growth. However, research reveals that the very opposite is true: The longer people are Christians (and church members), the more likely they are to regress in their Christian journey. This chapter pleads for processes of continuous growth that take people from where they presently are, and help them start and sustain a never-ending journey with God.
We’ll gather by video conference for 7 sessions (considering two chapters each day) ending by 5:00 p.m. Sign up for the sessions, preferably before 21 May 2020.
You’ll need the book!
“God Is Indestructible” is available in print format from Natural Church Development (NCD) Canada
OR
Upon sign up in the classroom, (refer to recent emails from the Dean for the Class Code or contact the Dean) the e-book is available immediately at a 10% discount in Kindle, .epub or .pdf formats. Arrangements for payment can be made through the Christ Church Cathedral.
See the email to sign up.
Stations of the Cross – Video and Photos
Visit the Cathedral at Noon on Fridays during Lent to participate in Stations of the Cross, and find two different meditations here on our website.
The depiction of the Stations of the Cross below features photos of the stations in the Cathedral, with text adapted from The Stations of the Cross for Kids, which we have used in the past. The video above contains alternate meditations. There are many different versions of the Stations of the Cross. Try a different one each Friday!
The First Station: Jesus Is Condemned to Death
Jesus stood before Pontius Pilate.
Jesus was alone.
Jesus had done only good things in life.
Jesus had to be put to death.
The procession was ready.
The gates were opened.
The soldiers lead the way.
Jesus followed.
Dear Jesus, you stood all alone before Pilate. Nobody speaks up for you. Nobody defends you. Sometimes I feel alone. Sometimes I feel afraid. Sometimes I feel like I am treated unfairly. Help me to accept unfairness and not complain. Help me pray for those who have hurt me.
Almighty Father, many times people don't seem to understand me. Sometimes they are unfair. You accept me when I make mistakes. Help me to accept others when they make mistakes. Help me to forgive as Jesus did. This I ask through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The Second Station: Jesus Accepts His Cross
The people wanted to crucify Jesus.
Pontius Pilate did not want to crucify Him.
He tried everything he could think of to change the crowd's mind but nothing worked.
He washed his hands in front of the crowd saying, "This is a righteous man."
He gave Jesus to the soldiers to be crucified.
Dear Jesus, you carried your cross. You knew it wouldn't be easy, but you carried it just the same. Sometimes I get upset with the troubles that I have. Sometimes I get upset when people ask me to do things for them. I don't want to carry my cross. Give me the courage to carry my cross as You did.
Almighty Father, Jesus carried his cross without complaint. When I am tempted to complain, help me to remember Jesus and the cross he carried for me. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Third Station: Jesus Falls the First Time
The procession moves out of the city gate.
Jesus was unsteady on his feet.
The soldiers were pushing Him.
Jesus is tired. He can hardly carry the cross. He fell.
The soldiers yanked him up.
The procession is moving again.
Dear Jesus, sometimes I don't pay attention to what I should be doing. When things get hard for me, sometimes I give up. Your cross was so heavy. It was hard for you. You never gave up. You fell, but you got up and moved on. Help me to get up when I fall and keep moving.
Almighty Father, I know there are many times when I give up before I should. When I fall, help me get up again and keep going. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Sorrowful Mother
Mary sees the procession moving through the streets. She sees her son. She hurries to him.
There he was in front of her. The cross was so heavy, he was trembling. His body was bleeding. His mother tries to get closer to him. He tries to get closer to his mother but the soldiers pushed him away.
The procession moves on.
Dear Jesus, help me to see those around me who love me. Help me to understand that I need them as much as they need me.
Almighty Father, when I feel alone, help me to remember to turn to my parents for help and most of all, to you. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Fifth Station: Simon Helps Carry the Cross
The soldiers saw that Jesus was weak. They were afraid that he might not make it to the place where he was to be crucified. The soldiers see Simon of Cyrene.
A soldier pushes Simon toward Jesus telling him to carry the cross. Simon saw Jesus was bruised and bleeding and quickly picked up the cross. He carried it for Jesus. They moved on with Jesus following Simon.
Dear Jesus, sometimes I pretend not to hear when my parents call me. I leave when I know others could use my help. You gave help to everyone. When you needed help, you accepted it. Help me to give and accept help.
Almighty Father, help me to be a friend to friendless. Help me to help the needy. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Sixth Station: Veronica Offers her Veil to Jesus
Veronica steps towards Jesus with a wet cloth.
She wanted to comfort Jesus in any way she could.
She gently wiped his face.
The soldiers roughly pushed her back.
They continued along their way.
Dear Jesus, there are times when I see someone that is being picked on. There are times when I see someone that is sad. Just as Veronica wiped your face to comfort you, help me to always help others in whatever way I can.
Almighty Father, help me to see the needs of others. Remind me to be helpful, even if I am not asked. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Seventh Station: Jesus Falls the Second Time
Jesus is getting more tired.
Jesus is getting weaker.
Jesus falls.
Jesus struggles to get up.
He tries until He makes it to his feet.
He moves on.
Dear Jesus, you didn't give up. Sometimes when things get hard for me, it's hard to keep trying. I want to quit. When things get hard for me, help me to get up and keep going as you did.
Almighty Father, help me to keep trying when things get hard and when I fall. Help me not to give up. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Eighth Station: Jesus Speaks to the Women of Jerusalem
Jesus could hear the crying of the women in the crowd.
He knew they were sad.
He stopped and talked to them.
Even at this terrible time, Jesus was not thinking of himself, he was thinking of all of us.
Dear Jesus, you stopped to help those in need. I get selfish at times and think only of myself. Help me to reach out to others as you did. Help me to see the needs of others and put their needs above mine.
Almighty Father, help me not to be hurtful or selfish. Help me to see the needs others have even when I have problems of my own. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Ninth Station: Jesus Falls the Third Time
Jesus continues walking, tired, in pain, and pushed by the soldiers.
Jesus falls once more.
They laugh at him.
He gets up, steadies himself and walks the last few yards to the Place of the Skull.
Dear Jesus, help me to see that nothing is greater than you. Nothing is greater than your love for me. Help me to see that with your help, I can do your Father's will.
Almighty Father, Thank you for sending Jesus to us. Help me to always follow Him. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Tenth Station: Jesus Is Stripped of His Garments
Jesus arrives at the Place of Skull.
The soldiers remove his clothes, tossing them in a heap.
The soldiers didn't know what to do with his clothes.
They decided to throw dice for them.
Dear Jesus, You set an example of truth, humility and love. Help me to set a good example for others to follow.
Almighty Father, help me to always be respectful and follow the examples of Jesus. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Eleventh Station: Jesus Is Nailed to the Cross
The soldiers grab Jesus and lie him face up on the cross stretching his arms. They hold his wrist and hand to the wood. They drive the nail with a hammer. They do the same with the other arm. Raising his knees so that his feet would lie flat, they hammer.
It was done. Jesus was nailed to the cross.
Dear Jesus, sometimes I say or do hurtful things to others. You stretched your arms of love on the cross. Help me to bring Your love to others and cause them no hurt.
Almighty Father, help me to follow your son and make his hands bleed no more through my fault. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Twelfth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross
As Pilate had ordered, a soldier placed, above Jesus' head, a notice reading 'Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews."
The cross was hoisted into place.
Mary and John stayed at the foot of the cross and prayed.
Jesus looked down and said to his mother "Dear woman, here is your son" and to John "Here is your mother."
Even at this terrible time, he was taking care of his mother.
The sky was dark.
Jesus said "I am thirsty". A soldier offered him wine mixed with vinegar.
The two thieves that were crucified beside Jesus talked to him. Looking at one of them Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
Jesus said, "EIi, Eli, lama sabachthani? - My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Then he said "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit."
A few moments later He said, "It is finished."
He died.
At that instant, the earth shook, rocks split, the curtain in the temple ripped from top to bottom. The centurion guarding Jesus saw the earth quake and said "Surely he was the Son of God".
Jesus died at 3 p.m. on the Cross at Calvary.
Dear Jesus, death is hard for us to understand. Remind us always that faith will carry us through our losses.
Almighty Father, help me to understand Jesus' death. Help me to understand the love Jesus has for me. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Thirteenth Station: Jesus Is Taken from the Cross
Sabbath was rapidly approaching and the crucified ones had to be taken down before the beginning of the Sabbath celebrations.
A soldier pierced the side of Jesus with his spear to be sure that he was dead.
The crowd hurried to their homes before the beginning of Sabbath or they would be excluded from the celebration.
Mary stayed under the cross with her son.
Two men came to the soldiers with orders from Pilate, Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus. Joseph had offered his burial tomb for Jesus.
Jesus was gently removed from the cross.
Dear Jesus, how bad was your death but how gently you were removed from the cross. Help me to treat others kindly always.
Almighty Father, help me to be a kinder, gentler person. Help me to always see the good in others. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Fourteenth Station: Jesus Is Laid in the Tomb
People had returned to their homes for the Sabbath.
John, Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, and Mary, went from Calvary to Jesus' burial tomb.
Joseph and John carried Jesus into the tomb.
They laid him on the rock bench in the burial chamber.
The men moved a big boulder in front of the entrance to block it.
Dear Jesus, help me to carry on your work.
Almighty Father, thank you for sending Jesus. Help me to be like Jesus. Help me to share my life and love more fully. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Why not connect with virtual Taizé?
The article below, originally written in April 2020, gives an overview of an online Taizé service. Virtual worship continues in 2022. Consult the Cathedral calendar for times.
Psalm 130:5 is comforting to read, but, in these strange times of self-isolation during a public health emergency, it's reassuring to see and hear someone familiar saying it aloud. That's what struck me as I listened to Rachel Schmidt sharing: “I wait for the Lord; my whole being waits, and in His word, I put my hope.”
Her mother, Catherine, had just played The Lord is My Song on the piano in their home, with its oft-repeated line, All my hope comes from God. The song occurred just after Rachel's father, Kurt, had welcomed nearly 20 people from three provinces to a virtual Taizé service, thanks to a video conferencing platform called Zoom.
More people connected to the virtual service than normally visit the cathedral for a half-hour of simple, meditative prayer and music in the Taizé tradition. Through words, music and silence, participants can focus on a single, burning candle and an icon or close their eyes to listen for the voice of God.
Cath Coombes and Leith Box attended virtually from Gagetown, NB, and thanked Kurt for making it possible, calling it “lovely.” They enjoyed the peaceful, thoughtful silence which followed a reflection written by German pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Bonhoeffer referred to chapter 8 of Mark's gospel in which the disciples are urged by Jesus to take up their cross and follow Him. He wrote that each person has his or her own cross ready, appointed and measured by God. For some, the sacrificial suffering will mean martyrdom; others will not be tempted beyond their strength, but a cross will be laid upon everyone committed to Jesus.
Participants pondered this theme, then joined in the prayers of the people and the Lord's Prayer, before closing with a Taizé-style song in Spanish, Nada Te Turbe. The words are attributed to St. Teresa of Avila, which is in Spain, a country whose citizens are currently being ravaged by COVID-19.
The translated lyrics are uplifting in these stressful times: “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you. All things are passing away. God alone is sufficient.”
Retired bishop Bill Hockin and his wife Isabelle have attended in person previously, but found the virtual service – necessary because of social distancing rules laid down by the chief medical officer of health – very well done.
Isabel and Nathan Cutler, former cathedral members who now live in Newfoundland and Labrador, signed on and found the service “beautiful,” adding they hope to take part in future weeks during Lent through “this great tool.”
Kurt plans to offer virtual Taizé on future Thursdays during Lent. Instructions for how to sign on to the Zoom meeting will be posted on the cathedral calendar and Facebook page the day prior. A person with a web camera or a forward-facing camera, as well as a microphone, will get the most out of the technology. But a reliable Internet connection will get you there, too. Even if you cannot be seen or heard, you will see and hear everything that is happening.
-- by Ann Deveau
