On a recent Sunday at the cathedral, several multilingual members of the congregation beautifully illustrated that the first gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost was, according to Acts 2:4, the gift of language.
Suddenly, many cultures and identities flowed in harmony. Everyone not only heard but also understood one another and God's marvellous power. It was an emotional moment when communication and social cohesion were conveyed in such a positive way. People shared smiles and knowing looks as scriptural excerpts were read aloud in Hebrew, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Swahili, Ukranian, Welsh and English.
Later, it occurred to me that we have a small Tower of Babel on the steps of Cathedral Memorial Hall for the Outreach Program on the last Monday morning of every month.
Years ago I would greet the people-in-need who arrived for supermarket gift cards and lunch bags with a cheery hello and bonjour. Canada's two official languages easily captured all the guests. Sometimes an Indigenous person or two would attend, and I learned to say qwey to welcome Mi'kmaq or Wolastoqey speakers.
Nowadays the demographics of our Monday visitors have changed quite a bit. Each time I arrive for our gathering, it is important to wave and smile to those waiting. I call out marhaba (hello in Lebanese), hola (Spanish), ni hao (Mandarin), dobryi den (Ukranian), asalaam alaikum (Arabic), namaste (Hindi). In past years I occasionally needed other languages for the group such as anyoung haseyo (Korean) and shalom (Hebrew).
People grin, delighted to be welcomed in their own language even if I am probably mangling some of the pronounciations. They usually set me straight. I do my best to remember their first names. If I miss anybody, they remind me and also they make sure that I add any newcomer's language to my welcome spiel.
It is a real pleasure to watch people from across the world come together and share in God's love as we open our hearts and our hands to people-in-need in this city. Their gratitude is quickly and easily understood, no matter the languages spoken. It is a small glimpse of Pentecost Sunday all year round!
Join us on Sunday, 22 June after the 10:30 a.m. service at the Cathedral for an information session about the upcoming Belize Mission. Whether you are looking to be involved in the Away Team, Home Team or are simply curious, join us to learn what this mission is, and how and why we are doing it. Information on timelines and commitment dates will be shared at the meeting. We can’t wait to see you there!
If you have any questions or would like to express your interest in supporting or joining the Belize mission, please email <belizemissions at cccath.ca>.
The Cathedral has a special relationship with the staff and students of St. Hilda’s Anglican School, an elementary in the rural village of Georgeville. Over two hundred children attend the school, ranging between kindergarten and grade 8, in addition to a recently established preschool.
Cathedral teams have travelled to Belize five times: in 2005, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2018. Over 60 Cathedral members ranging in age from 15 to 79 have participated in a mission trip to Belize, and hundreds of people in Fredericton have supported the work at St. Hilda's through organizational support, donations and prayers.
In 2010, Cathedral mission team members established a high school scholarship program which has allowed students from St. Hilda’s to apply for a scholarship to continue their education past grade 8 (high school is not publicly funded in Belize, and finances are a barrier for many families). Some of the graduates supported by the Cathedral have continued on to post-secondary education, and all have gained knowledge and experience that will help them in their future. We are grateful to everyone from our congregation and beyond that has helped to provide scholarships for these teenagers, and support for programs at the elementary school.
On 06 May, the Cathedral was the setting for a lovely afternoon Tea prepared, hosted and served by ACW and Health Ministry members. Ten tables were set and elegantly adorned with spring-like flowers and soft pastel colored napkins. Delicate sandwiches (crustless, of course) and mouth-watering sweets accompanied by bottomless cups of freshly brewed tea were on offer. And the offer was taken up by approximately 40 people. Gentlemen and ladies alike.
The Blue Drawing Room where the Duchess of Bedford entertained guests for Afternoon Tea.
We have all heard of “high tea” and “afternoon tea” and probably all recognize both as typically British customs. Indeed, a little excursion into Google will tell you that we have the very British Anna, the Duchess of Bedford to thank for coming up with the idea of “afternoon tea” sometime in the 19th century. Whereas we now tend to view it as a special and often quite elaborate treat, for the peckish Duchess it started out as simply a snack between meals. She would request tea accompanied by finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and cakes just for her. No simple apple or peanut butter sandwich to tide Anna over!
Anna so enjoyed her afternoon snacks that she soon began inviting her friends and relatives to join her and as news spread of these afternoon occasions (which sometimes included entertainment), others started hosting their own tea parties and before they knew it, the entire country was on to Anna’s invention and a tradition was born.
So what distinguishes “afternoon tea” from “high tea”? Well believe it or not, it seems to have been the type of chair one sits in, along with one’s class. Anna’s wealthy friends and relatives dined seated on low, comfortable and well-padded chairs and sofas. Whilst the working class folks whose jobs didn’t allow for a lengthy afternoon tea, such as enjoyed by the Royals and rich, took their tea after 5:00 pm and sitting in high backed chairs (no doubt not well-padded) and high tables. Thus was born “high tea”! Needless to say, it isn’t only the chairs that differentiate the two. Crustless sandwiches and delicate sweets weren’t exactly the nectar of working class men and women. “High tea” is what is now known as supper or dinner and is the substantial evening meal. Although some folks in Britain still refer to that meal as “tea”, the use of the word high has largely been dropped.
What hasn’t changed, is the appeal of an afternoon tea! It’s an opportunity to slow down and savour a cup of tea and delicious finger food whilst enjoying the company of new and old friends in perhaps much the same way that Anna did. It’s a treat in this busy life allowing us to put our lives on hold and just relax. It can also be an opportunity to celebrate a special occasion.
This Medley Tea in the Cathedral was both. Time to chat and enjoy friends and time to celebrate the milestone 100th birthday of Mary Alwood! Congratulations and best wishes to Mary and we look forward to sharing more Medley Teas with Mary and everyone!
A special thank you to our verger and historian, Hank Williams, for putting together a special selection of historical pieces and being on hand to answer questions. These pieces and the accompanying write-ups were quite extraordinary.
Many thanks to all involved in making this such a lovely occasion, and thanks to Duchess Anna for her tendency to be peckish in the afternoon!
Canadian contingent of MU members supporting Kathleen Snow at her commissioning in March in London.
To say Kathleen Snow’s life has changed is an understatement.
The newly commissioned president of Mothers’ Union worldwide now has a travel schedule that rivals that of a busy CEO.
Last fall she spent a few weeks in Argentina to visit Mothers’ Union members and see projects first-hand. Then in February, she jetted off to the UK to meet Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, the new patron of Mothers’ Union. In March she was back for her commissioning. ...
On 26 April, at the annual Mothers’ Union Diocesan Rally at St. Mary's Church, Archbishop David Edwards installed the Canadian Council and the Diocesan Council of the Mothers’ Union, both of which will serve in office for the next four years. We're pleased to have several members of the Cathedral congregation involved with Mothers' Union at the Canadian and Diocesan levels.
Pictured in the photos are:
Susan Watson (Canadian Provincial President), Joanne Ham (Canadian Vice President)(Diocesan Past President), Susan Black (Canadian Secretary), Adele Knox (Canadian Northern Clergy Families Fund), Heather Miller (Canadian CoMarketing), Alice Kennedy (Canadian CoMarketing), Mary Stone (Past Canadian Provincial President), Shara Golden (Advisor to Canadian Council GBV chair)(Diocesan Vice President), Rev. David Smith (Canadian Chaplin), Bonnie Greenwood (Canadian CoNewsletter Editor) Susan Colpitts-Judd (Canadian CoNewsletter Editor)(Diocesan Secretary), Lilian Ketch (Canadian Conference Coordinator)(Diocesan President), Deanna Morrison (Diocesan Link Secretary), Elaine Robichaud (Diocesan Treasurer), Kathleen Snow (Worldwide President), Pat Margison (Diocesan Historian), and Rev. Caleb Twinamatsiko (Diocesan Chaplin).
Mothering Sunday celebrations on 30 March included an enrolment of new Mothers' Union members and a fundraising luncheon.
Branch leader Susan Watson shared this message:
"The Cathedral Mothers’ Union wishes to thank the congregation for their attendance at our Chili and Soup Luncheon. We really appreciate how everyone has supported us and our projects, and we would welcome any interested persons to inquire about joining us. We are so pleased to welcome our 4 new members, installed at the service on Mothering Sunday.
Please take a moment to view our presentation that highlights both our local branch and Mothers’ Union International."
The presentation and photos from the event can be viewed below.
Join us for a hot lunch after worship on Sunday, 30 March (Mothering Sunday).
The Cathedral branch of Mothers’ Union will serve soup, chili and simnel cake at this fundraising luncheon in Cathedral Memorial Hall.
Members of the congregation are invited for food and fellowship. Feel free to bring a friend! Freewill offerings at the luncheon will support the work of Mothers’ Union.
Mothering Sunday, not to be confused with Canadian Mother's Day, is celebrated in Anglican Churches on the Fourth Sunday in Lent. Learn more about Mothering Sunday and Simnel Cake, a traditional Mothering Sunday treat.
Mothers' Union is an international Christian membership charity of 4 million members living in over 80 countries, who share one heartfelt vision — to bring about a world where God's love is shown through loving, respectful and flourishing relationships. Members actively pursue this vision through community programs, advocacy campaigns and a committed prayer life.
This winter, Dean Geoffrey Hall visited Montgomery Street School to present a donation to help children in need at the school. They were welcomed by Principal Rebecca Piercy and several children. The school community is thankful for the $2000 donation toward the school lunch and winter clothing programs.
Members of the Cathedral congregation had contributed to a 2024 Giving Tuesday campaign in November to support the programs at the school, which has a number of children in need.
This is the fourth 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.
Montgomery Street Elementary 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. Its Home and School Association, a volunteer group of parents, guardians and staff representatives, regularly fundraises for school initiatives and to support students and families in need.
We're grateful for the contributions to this community outreach project which will help to feed and clothe our neighbours in need.
The most recent letters from our high school scholarship recipients are below. Our congregation currently sponsors four students' high school tuition. In Belize, high school is not publicly funded, and these students would have financial difficulty attending if not for the scholarships they receive.
Some of the letters were long, so we have included excerpts.
Letter from Amalio (Grade 9 - our newest scholarship recipient)
Joyful greetings from Amalio Revolorio and wishing you the best of all the blessings.
I am a 13 year old child. I was born on March 27, 2011. My favourite sports are football and volleyball. One thing I enjoy doing the most is reading books. I love to read non-fiction books, because some books talk about a person’s life, often giving advice.
As a person I am respectful and kind. Things I like about myself are that I am a very dedicated and responsible. In my family at this moment there is only three of us, my mother (single), my brother and me. I have my grandparents living only from my mother’s side. The family close to me is my mother’s family.
I am in 1 Tapir, that’s my class name, and I am the class president. My classes have been good so far. I learnt things in primary school and I am familiar with them, so I understand the work especially when it comes to Math and English subjects. At my orientation day I was nervous, but as the week went I adapted to the classroom and I started talking with some students. What I enjoy from my homeroom teacher and subject teachers is that they are kind, respectful and most important helpful. What I enjoy about my subjects is that I understand them as well as I enjoy myself learning them.
My goals for this school year is to have a 90% and above in every subject so I don’t take exam, also I look forward for a 4.0 GPA and I will achieve this goal by doing my work as best as possible. If I needed help along the way I think my friends can help me because they are dedicated.
As a president I face challenges. Some of my classmates don’t listen when I speak to them. I cope with this challenge by being strong and not giving up. I also told the homeroom teacher about it.
Thanks to God because by his grade I have no subject giving myself trouble. The only thing is that I had never used a computer so I am slow with typing on it.
Now I say thank you for the scholarship. I am very appreciative of it. This scholarship has helped me to stay more focus and show more interest in my studies. I will do all my classwork, homework and projects to pass so I can keep this scholarship. If I could change one thing in the world, it would that there may be free education everywhere. I would change this because I show interest in school and my studies, I want to continue studying and I know I am not the only one who wants to study. I would like to give this message to the world: “appreciate what you have because not everyone has what another person has.”
I would like to wish you the best of the best for you and your family, I wish you more prosper.
With love and appreciation,
Amalio
Letter from Sylvia (Grade 10)
Dear sponsor,
I am writing to thank you once again for always helping me. It has been such an honor to me. I am very grateful for your financial support and will forever be thankful.
I am now in the 10th grade and have been doing very well. I hope to continue and I will. This year was a blast and I had so much fun. I have been participating in so many activities like dances, acting and so forth. I would really like to join a sport, but there are no girls’ teams. This year I participated in the school’s harvest presentation. My class and I did a beautiful dance. I also participated in the chapel skits and dances and the Christmas presentation. We also had some sports days which I also participated in.
We had our 1st semester exams and I’m pretty sure I passed. I love my school so much and would never change to another school. Also, I never got any demerits nor suspension, I never disrespect teachers, I always do my homework and get good grades, I am also helpful to teachers and I will continue doing my best. I have a very big goal and I really want to succeed.
Once again, thank you so much.
Sincerely yours truly,
Silvia
Letter from Caleb (Grade 11)
Dear friends of St. Hilda's,
Merry Christmas friends of St. Hilda's, I hope you and your family are having a very merry Christmas.
As my journey at Belmopan Comprehensive High School hasn’t been easy but I continue to push on because I’m determined to make my family proud and reach new height.
With 2nd semester around the corner I plan to join my school’s track and field team again but to do so I have to keep all my grades high. We also received word that we will not be taking exams this year but instead a major project.
May God keep us safe for further days ahead, and I greatly thank you for this amazing opportunity.
Caleb
Letter from Korey (Grade 12)
Dear Christ Church Cathedral,
I hope this message finds you well. As the year comes to a close and the Christmas season arrives, I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support through this scholarship.
Your contribution has made a significant difference in my academic journey, and I am truly thankful for the opportunities it has provided. I am now at the exciting stage of deciding which college I will attend to further my studies, and I currently have two options in mind. Before making this important decision, I would greatly appreciate any advice or guidance you might have. If there are any colleges you would recommend, I would be grateful for your insights.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas filled with peace, love, and happiness. May the New Year bring you continued success and blessings.
Thank you once again for your kindness and generosity.
On a recent Sunday at the cathedral, several multilingual members of the congregation beautifully illustrated that the first gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost was, according to Acts 2:4, the gift of language.
Years ago I would greet the people-in-need who arrived for supermarket gift cards and lunch bags with a cheery hello and bonjour. Canada's two official languages easily captured all the guests. Sometimes an Indigenous person or two would attend, and I learned to say qwey to welcome Mi'kmaq or Wolastoqey speakers.
People grin, delighted to be welcomed in their own language even if I am probably mangling some of the pronounciations. They usually set me straight. I do my best to remember their first names. If I miss anybody, they remind me and also they make sure that I add any newcomer's language to my welcome spiel.
