Many Cathedral programs are kicking off or resuming over the next few days and weeks -- that is, during and for this Season of Creation.
Godly Play resumes (biweekly) on Sunday, 08 September.
Taizé Worship resumes (biweekly) Tuesday, 10 September -- and we are moving Taizé gatherings (back) to Tuesdays. The first session will be online via Zoom and afterward alternate biweekly with in-person/livestreamed in the Cathedral.
The WednesdaySpiritualitySeries resumes (biweekly) Wednesday, 11 September, at 3:00 p.m. in the Hall Lounge. September's theme will be the wisdom of creation-mystic Hildegard of Bingen.
LifeintheEucharist first communion preparation program launches on Saturday, 14 September (biweekly, 2-3:30 p.m. in the Cathedral) with its 2024 cohort -- which currently stands at 8 candidates.
An Art & Faith session (online, 5:30-6:15pm) is scheduled for Thursday, 19 September. One session of Art & Faith will be offered each month for September, October and November -- then weekly during Advent.
Hoping to launch this (school-)year's edition of CYG (Cathedral Youth Group) on Sunday, 22 September.
Any inquiries or expressions of interest can be sent along to Kurt Schmidt, Cathedral Director of Christian Formation. Email <k.schmidt at cccath.ca>.
Wednesday afternoon spirituality sessions at Cathedral Memorial Hall will continue through Eastertide, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
The sessions will maintain the now-customary basic structure of a "Celtic Threshold Gathering" -- which comprises a simple regular sequence of elements, informed by a specific theme for the day/week. Four of the seven Spirituality of Easter sessions will have as their theme a particular -- and particularly interesting -- saint! Not to worry -- there's nothing required to memorize or prepare beforehand; it just means that the basic pattern of the gatherings will remain consistent. It also means that each session is "standalone," so drop-ins and even one-timers are most welcome!
Themes and topics include several saints. Please RSVP to Kurt Schmidt to prepare materials and set-up. Email <k.schmidt at cccath.ca>.
• 3 April ~ Holy Laughter / Risus Paschalis
• 10 April ~ no session (rescheduled to 22 May)
• 17 April ~ Kateri Tekakwitha
• 24 April ~ Celtic Eastertide
• 1 May ~ Catherine of Siena
• 8 May ~ Julian of Norwich
• 15 May ~ Brendan the Navigator
• 22 May ~ Anglican Prayer Beads
The session on Anglican Prayer Beads (build-your-own with supplies provided) has been rescheduled to Wednesday, 22 May at 2:00 p.m. in the Formation Room. Due to rescheduling, this session will now be 'Spirituality of Pentecost'!
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 12 February
Home Study and Eucharist Lectionary study and Communion for a small group. Weekly rotating location in group members' homes, 2:00-3:30 p.m. Facilitated by Dean Geoffrey Hall. RSVP.
TUESDAYS ~ Five sessions, beginning 20 February
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.
Book Study: DFA
Book study of Death on a Friday Afternoon: Meditations on the Last Words of Jesus from the Cross by Richard John Neuhaus. Hosted by Alan Sears and James Kerr. 7:00-8:00 p.m., Hall Formation Room. RSVP to Alan Sears. Six sessions. Limited copies of the book available from Kurt Schmidt, $20.
WEDNESDAYS ~ Six sessions, beginning 21 February
Spirituality of Lent
Exploration of contemplative prayer traditions in the context of the liturgical season. Topics may include Centering Prayer, Celtic (Threshold) prayer, group lectio divina, praying with dreams, prayer and poetry, and Franciscan prayer. Various facilitators. 2:00-3:00 p.m. Hall Formation Room. RSVP to Kurt Schmidt.
Diocesan Book Study: LBD
Diocesan book study of Lent with the Beloved Disciple by Bishop Michael Marshall (2024 Bloomsbury Lent Book). Facilitated by Shawn Branch, 6:30 p.m., 60-90 minutes, online. Register through the Diocesan website to receive the Zoom link.
THURSDAYS ~ Seven sessions, beginning 15 February
Taizé Thursdays
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.
Dante Group
Ongoing study group currently reading The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1879-1880). Hosted by Alan Hall and friends. 7:00-8:00 p.m. Hall Lounge. RSVP.
FRIDAYS ~ Six sessions beginning 16 February
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.
Contact Facilitators and Join
Please contact the facilitators directly to: express interest / ask a question / RSVP. Take special note of online options. Flexibility in schedules and locations may be possible within given restraints.
Geoffrey Hall <dean at christchurchcathedral.com> (506) 450-7761
Kurt Schmidt <formation at christchurchcathedral.com> (506) 259-3711
Alan Sears <asears at unb.ca>
Shawn Branch <sbranch at diofton.ca> (506) 459-1801
Alan Hall <alanwilliamhall at gmail.com>
Cathedral Office <office at christchurchcathedral.com > (506) 450-8500
Why not add something to your devotional life to mark a fresh start?
Choose from the following list of diverse opportunities on the Advent weekdays to deepen your prayer and/or study and/or worship.
MONDAYS - beginning 27 November
Spirituality of Advent – Prayer Series: Contemplative ideas and practices for Advent and beyond. Celtic Advent, Centering Prayer and Labyrinth Walks among the topics to be covered. Led by Kurt Schmidt. In person, 2:00-3:00 p.m., Cathedral Memorial Hall Lounge.
* Please reserve your seat with Kurt for any/all sessions.
TUESDAYS - beginning 28 November
Art & Faith: Short, guided weekly meditation on a work of art related to the upcoming Sunday’s Gospel and in the tradition of Ignatian (imaginative) contemplation. 5:30-6:00 p.m. on Zoom.
* Link through the Cathedral Calendar or from Kurt.
WEDNESDAYS - beginning 29 November
Advent Book Study: Seasonal diocesan study of Paula Gooder’s book, The Meaning is in the Waiting. Facilitated by Shawn Branch. 6:30-8:00 p.m. on Zoom.
* Registration required through the diocesan website.
THURSDAYS - beginning 30 November
Taizé worship: A simple and contemplative half hour of scripture, prayer, silence and song. 5:30 p.m. start.
30 November and 14 December in-person and livestreamed from the Cathedral.
7 and 21 December on Zoom.
* Link through the Cathedral Calendar or from Kurt.
DAILY / ONGOING
Divine Office: Regular, short daily prayer opportunity in the Cathedral. Morning Prayer at 8:45 a.m., Evening Prayer at 4:45 p.m. Weekdays.
* Just drop in!
Dante Group: But reading Milton now! Reflective study of Paradise Lost. Led by Alan Hall. Thursday evenings, 7:00-8:00 p.m., Cathedral Memorial Hall Lounge.
* Just drop in!
Holy Eucharist: Wednesday mornings, 10:00 a.m. in the Cathedral.
You are encouraged to add at least one new Advent-ure to your schedule this year!
Questions or expressions of interest can be communicated to Cathedral Director of Christian Formation, Kurt Schmidt by email <formation at christchurchcathedral.com> or by phone/text to (506) 259-3711. Thank you, and Advent Blessings!
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 ~ beginning 27 February
Afternoon Study Group
Book study of Let Me Go There: The Spirit of Lent by Paula Gooder -- the Archbishop's recommended study book for 2023. Come join the conversation(s) about Lenten themes such as wilderness, journey, prayer and fasting. Facilitated by Dean Geoffrey Hall. 2:00-3:15 p.m, in Cathedral Memorial Hall. RSVP.
*Note: The Bishop's Office will be hosting online gatherings exploring the same text, facilitated by Shawn Branch and Cheryl Jacobs. Online sessions will be hosted on Mondays at 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m. Register through the Anglican Diocese of Fredericton website.
TUESDAYS ~ beginning 28 February
Art & Faith
An Ignatian-flavoured contemplative consideration of select works of sacred art. Hosted by Kurt Schmidt. 5:30-6:00pm, Drop-in online via Zoom. Link through the Cathedral calendar.
THURSDAYS ~ beginning 23 February
Taizé Thursdays
Ecumenical and contemplative services of worship that incorporate simple song, scripture and silence. 5:30-6:00pm, alternating formats -- online via Zoom and 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.
The Divine Comedy
Ongoing study group discussing Dante's classic poem. Hosted and led by Alan Hall and friends. 7:00-8:30 p.m, Hall Lounge. RSVP.
FRIDAYS ~ beginning 24 February
Stations of the Cross
Various versions of the ancient meditation on the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross). 12:00 noon, Cathedral. Drop-in.
SUNDAYS
The Chosen
Intergenerational screening of the recently released third season of The Chosen, the largest crowd-funded media project in history, portraying the life of Christ and the disciples. 6:00-8:00pm, Cathedral Memorial Hall. Popcorn provided!
Contact Facilitators and Join
Please contact the facilitators directly to: express interest / ask a question / register / RSVP. Take special note of online options. Flexibility in schedules and locations may be possible within given restraints.
Geoffrey Hall: email or phone (506) 450-7761 or the Cathedral Office
Cheryl Jacobs: email or phone (506) 459-5795 or the Cathedral Office
Alan Hall: email or phone (506) 443-0196 or the Cathedral Office
Kurt Schmidt: email or phone (506) 259-3711 or the Cathedral Office
Why not add something to your devotional life to mark a fresh start?
Choose from the following list of diverse opportunities on the Advent weekdays to deepen your prayer and/or study and/or worship. You are encouraged and invited to add at least one new Advent-ure to your schedule this year!
*** Events begin after the first Sunday of Advent (27 November, 2022) ***
MONDAYS
So What About the Bible (Anyway)? Reflective study on the nature and purpose(s) of the biblical scriptures. Led by Cheryl Jacobs. In-person and livestreamed (hybrid), 2:00-3:00 p.m. from the Boardroom of Cathedral Memorial Hall.
* Please reserve your ‘seat’ with Cheryl or Kurt.
TUESDAYS
Art & Faith: Short, guided weekly meditation on a work of art related to the prior Sunday’s Gospel and in the tradition of Ignatian (imaginative) contemplation. 5:30-6:00 p.m. on Zoom.
* Link through the Cathedral Calendar or from Kurt.
WEDNESDAYS
December—Month of Miracles: Advent 2022 Talks with retired Bishop Bill Hockin and musical guests.
7 December - “A Friend Who Changes Everything”
14 December - “Miracles on the Margin”
* 12:15-1:00 p.m., Christ Church (Parish) Church
THURSDAYS
Virtual Taizé worship: A simple and contemplative half hour of scripture, prayer, and song. 5:30pm start.
1 and 15 December on Zoom
8 and 22 December in-person and livestreamed from Christ Church Cathedral
* Link through the Cathedral Calendar or from Kurt.
FRIDAYS
Adoratio: A simple and contemplative, Celtic-flavoured half hour of scripture, prayer(s) and quiet in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. 5:30 p.m., Christ Church Cathedral Side (Lady) Chapel.
* Just drop in!
DAILY / ONGOING
Divine Office: Regular (and brief) daily prayer, each weekday in the Cathedral. Morning Prayer at 8:45 a.m., Evening Prayer at 4:45 p.m.
* Just drop in!
Divine Comedy: Reflective study of Dante’s poetic masterpiece. Led by Alan Hall. Thursday evenings, 7:00-8:00 p.m., Cathedral Memorial Hall Lounge.
* Just drop in!
Holy Eucharist: Wednesday mornings, 10:00 a.m. in the Cathedral.
Questions or expressions of interest can be communicated to Cathedral Director of Christian Formation, Kurt Schmidt by email <formation at christchurchcathedral.com> or by phone/text to (506) 259-3711. Thank you, and Advent Blessings!
Advent candles are available from Mothers’ Union after 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. worship on November 20 and 27. The cost is $20 for a set of five candles and the booklet 'Celebrating Advent at Home.’ Candle sets can also be ordered by contacting Susan Watson <bagel.watson at hotmail.com>.
In the Anglican Church of Canada, baptized children may be admitted to Holy Communion as provided in the August 1977 Memorial to the House of Bishops. In our diocese, Bishop’s Directive 3.1.2 outlines the process and requirements.
We’ll be offering “Life in the Eucharist” in the fall of 2022 for children (aged 7 and older) and parents of those who wish to participate. Children making Communion is an option and by no means required. Read the Pastoral Vision for “Life in the Eucharist.” An information meeting is scheduled for Sunday, 18 September following worship. Programme sessions are tentatively scheduled on six Sundays, 1-2:30 p.m. beginning 25 September 2022. Questions? speak to Kurt Schmidt <formation at christchurchcathedral.com> or the Dean <dean at christchurchcathedral.com>.
Information session for parents – 18 September 2022, following 10:30 worship, the Cathedral
“Life in the Eucharist” Six Sessions beginning Sunday, 25 September 2022, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Join the Dean for lectionary studies during the Easter Season beginning Monday, 18 April, 2-3:15 p.m.. Both online via Zoom or in-person are options. See the Dean for printed materials and please contact him by phone or email if you plan to attend. Everyone is welcome. No former biblical scholarship necessary!
Mary Magdalene’s encounter with Jesus at the tomb is a call to disciples everywhere to live in the power of the risen Christ and encourages us to continue to the story of Jesus. God’s love cannot be contained – in a tomb, closed rooms, or from the world. Stories of a spirit-filled community moving into the world lead us through the Easter season.
The story of Jesus continues through people like Peter who denied Jesus, Paul once a persecutor of Jesus’ disciples, Ananias who gives the gift of healing and reconciliation, Tabitha who lives in solidarity with the most vulnerable, and Lydia whose tenacity and hospitality facilitates a movement beyond boundaries and stereotypes.
We join our stories with these life-giving, liberating, boundary-breaking, resurrection stories and are challenged by the ever-present possibility of radical change and for the church to be a disruptive influence on the way things are.
This Easter season invites us into conversations for self-reflection and change on such things as anti-Semitism, diversity and inclusion, systemic injustice, anti-racism, multiculturism, chains of oppression.
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)
Listen to Kurt Schmidt speak about Ad-LENT-ures this year.
MONDAYS
Grace and Gratitude
Lectionary study with the Dean on the upcoming Sunday readings. 2:00-3:15pm, online or Cathedral Memorial Hall. RSVP to dean at christchurchcathedral.com or the Cathedral Office.
Lent us Pray
A five-part series of hands-on study and practice with various methods of prayer. Explore lectio divina, intercessory prayer, prayer with photography and poetry, the Psalms, and lament -- with a different local-expert facilitator for each session. Drop in to one, some, many or all! No RSVP needed. 5:30-6:30pm, Cathedral. **Please note that this time has been changed from the printed version.07 March: Kurt Schmidt, lectio divina; 14 March: Isabel Cutler, intercessory prayer; 21 March: Jill Dunderdale, photography and poetry; 28 March: Kurt Schmidt, praying with the psalms; 04 April: Cheryl Jacobs, lament.
TUESDAYS
Art & Faith
An Ignatian-flavoured contemplative consideration of select works of sacred art. Drop-in session hosted by Kurt Schmidt. 5:30-6:00pm, online via Zoom. Link through the Cathedral calendar.
WEDNESDAYS
Practicing Lament
Diocesan Lenten Study of the recent book by Rebekah Eklund. Led by Cheryl Jacobs and sponsored by the Diocese of Fredericton and Bishop David Edwards. 7:00-8:30pm, online via Zoom (beginning 9 March). Register here.
THURSDAYS
Virtual Taizé Thursdays
Ecumenical and contemplative service of worship that incorporates simple song, scripture and silence. 5:30-6:00pm, alternating online via Zoom (03, 17, 31 March, 07 April) and in-person/live-streamed from the Cathedral (10, 24 March). Link through the Cathedral calendar or Cathedral YouTube channel. Curious about Taizé? Read about an online session and in-person Taizé at the Cathedral.
The Power and the Glory
Study of the 1940 novel by Graham Greene. RSVP to host Alan Hall <alanwilliamhall at gmail.com> or the Cathedral Office. 7:00-8:00pm, Cathedral Memorial Hall Lounge.
FRIDAYS
Stations of the Cross
Various versions of the ancient meditation on the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross). 12:00 noon, Cathedral.
SUNDAYS
The Chosen
Intergenerational screening of the first season of The Chosen, the largest crowd-funded media project in history, about the life of Christ and the disciples. 6:00-8:00pm, Cathedral Memorial Hall. RSVP requested, and popcorn provided! Contact Kurt Schmidt <formation at christchurchcathedral.com> or the Cathedral Office.
Contact Facilitators and Join
Please contact the facilitators directly to: express interest / ask a question / register. Take special note of online options. Flexibility in schedules and locations may be possible within given restraints.
Geoffrey Hall: email or phone (506) 450-7761 or the Cathedral Office
Kurt Schmidt: email or phone (506) 259-3711 or the Cathedral Office
Cheryl Jacobs: email or phone (506) 459-5795 or the Cathedral Office
Alan Hall: email or phone (506) 443-0196 or the Cathedral Office
Listen to Kurt Schmidt speak on Sunday, 28 November 2021 about the 2021 ADVENT-ures.
Happy New Year! — The new Church year is upon us!
Why not add something to your devotional life to mark a fresh start?
Choose from the following list of diverse opportunities on the Advent weekdays to deepen your prayer or study or worship. You are encouraged and invited to add at least one new Advent-ure to your schedule!
MONDAYS
Christmas—The Day God Took off the Mask: Video series with Bishop Bill Hockin and friends. Talks & music, made available beginning at 12:00 noon on each of the first three Mondays of Advent. Details and YouTube link at billhockin.ca.
Waiting for God: Reflective study of Simone Weil’s essay, “Forms of the Implicit Love of God,” led by Alan Hall. In person, 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Cathedral Sacristy. Please RSVP to Kurt Schmidt.
TUESDAYS
Art & Faith: Short guided meditation on a work of art related to the prior Sunday’s Gospel and in the tradition of Ignatian (imaginative) contemplation. 5:30-6:00 p.m. on Zoom. Link through the Cathedral Calendar or from Kurt.
THURSDAYS
Taizé worship: A simple and contemplative half hour of prayer, song & silence. 2 & 16 December on Zoom, 9 & 23 December in person and livestreamed in/from the Cathedral. 5:30 p.m. start. Link through the Cathedral Calendar or from Kurt.
FRIDAYS
Advent Lessons & Carols “miniseries”— UPDATE: The in-person versions scheduled for 10 and 17 December have been cancelled due to scheduling conflicts with our performers. View recordings from 2021 and 2020 on the Cathedral YouTube channel.
ONGOING / DAILY
Honest Advent: “Advent stations” art exhibit in the Cathedral, available for personal reflection & devotion, Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sundays 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Images by Scott Erickson which consider the seasonal theme of the vulnerability of incarnation, and which respond to the question, “Is Christ’s incarnation still happening in our midst?”
Divine Office: Regular (and short!) weekdaily prayer opportunity in the Cathedral. Morning Prayer at 8:45 a.m., Evening Prayer at 4:45 p.m.
Holy Eucharist: Wednesday mornings, 10:00 a.m. in the Cathedral.
Questions or expressions of interest can be communicated to Cathedral Director of Christian Formation, Kurt Schmidt by email or by phone/text to (506) 259-3711. Thanks & Blessings!
The Cathedral Branch of Mothers' Union has advent wreath candles available for purchase again this year. Contact a branch member or the Cathedral office by email or phone (506) 450-8500.
Many Cathedral programs are kicking off or resuming over the next few days and weeks -- that is, during and for this Season of Creation.
