The smell of pancakes and sausages filled Cathedral Memorial Hall on February 21st during the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. After a two-year hiatus, the Guild of St. Joseph returned with many volunteers to host the supper. The men of the Cathedral greeted, cooked, served and cleaned during this much-loved event.
The "Holy Joes" as the Guild is affectionately called, graciously served almost 200 Cathedral parishioners, friends and members of the community. Many were thrilled to resume the longtime tradition, which celebrates the beginning of Lent.
Gathering together in the middle of winter gave a much-needed lift to everyone's spirits. Conversation filled the air, as old and new friends gathered over the delicious shared meal.
Gary Barfitt, President of the Guild of St. Joseph, shared this message:
"The Guild of St. Joseph would like to say thank you to all who made the revival of our Pancake Supper such a resounding success this past week. We served almost 200 patrons. A special word of thanks to those who supported us in so many ways, including providing gingerbreads, serving at the tables and those who helped with the clean-up after the supper. We could not have done it without all the volunteers. The very generous freewill contributions at the door will be put to good use as Guild members continue their work."
Shrove Tuesday is just around the corner and for many Christians, that means pancakes for supper!
Not being a pancake lover, I decided to do a little research on this questionable meal choice. I knew that Shrove Tuesday (also known as Pancake Day, Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras) preceded Ash Wednesday when many folks give up something that they love as a sort of penance during Lent. Historically, it would be rich food of some sort that was given up and your Shrove Tuesday meal would be your last kick at the rich food can, so to speak.
This just made me all the more curious why anyone would choose pancakes as their last tasty meal!
Well, it seems that we owe a debt of gratitude (or not) to a lady in the middle of cooking up a pancake supper. When the Church bells rang in Olney, UK one day in 1445 indicating it was time for confession (where one would be “shriven” or absolved of sin), she ran to the Church in her apron, clutching her frying pan full of pancakes.
And now, centuries later, in many parts of the UK, pancake races are a big part of Shrove Tuesday celebrations. And, not surprisingly, the most famous race of all is held in Olney where local “housewives” don their aprons, hats and scarves, clutch their frying pans and race to the finish line, all the while flipping their pancake at least three times. The first woman to finish the course and arrive at the Church, serve her pancake to the bellringer and kiss him wins the race.
Pancake recipes can apparently be traced back to Roman times. The main ingredients – milk, flour, eggs – were considered “rich” ingredients which, I guess, accounts for their becoming the “rich” meal of choice.
Even if they aren’t my favourite food group, the following description of Shrove Tuesday at the Cathedral may be enough to entice me out this year. I asked Jim Morrell for his memories of Shrove Tuesday meals at Christ Church Cathedral.
Here’s what Jim had to say:
“Male members of the Cathedral (take that Olney!) have been preparing and serving pancakes, sausages and beans for the Shrove Tuesday congregation-and-friends supper for over 60 yeas. One of my childhood memories is eating pancakes that my Dad served to my Mother, brother and me in the original Memorial Hall lower level in the late 1950’s. Not only was it a tasty (mmmm) and plentiful meal for the growing number of post-war baby boomers like me, it was a 'day off' so to speak for our stay-at-home Moms who didn’t have to prepare it. It’s always been lots of fun for those who come to enjoy the food and the conversation and for those who cook and serve.”
Well, Jim, you and the members of St. Joseph’s Guild will be warming up your favourite pancake flipper in no time!
Maybe even I will put aside my pancake dislike and come out for that evening of fun with family and friends. After all, there will be lots of time after supper to grab some chocolate or other rich delicacy on the way home before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent!
by Gail MacGillivray
Celebrate the beginning of Lent by attending Christ Church Cathedral’s Shrove Tuesday pancake supper at Cathedral Memorial Hall on 13 February from 4:30-6:30 pm. Enjoy pancakes, sausages, and beans followed by gingerbread with toppings. Coffee and tea will be available. Admission is through freewill donation. Everyone is welcome, so bring your friends and family!
This Prayer Diary, created by Mothers' Union, contains daily and monthly prayers. You are encouraged to use it to facilitate your devotions. Each month in the colourful book begins with a reflection, an opening prayer and a creative prayer activity.
"As we use this resource, we remember that we are united with each other, wherever we are, in our prayers. May we continue to seek transformation in our world and in our lives, with the profound knowledge that God is with us and shines through us," says Sheran Harper, worldwide President of Mothers' Union.
Mothers’ Union is a Christian organisation that has been supporting families worldwide for over 140 years. Started by founder Mary Sumner in 1876 in her local parish, it has grown into an international charity with over 4 million members in 84 countries.
As a Christian membership charity, Mothers' Union demonstrates faith in action. This happens as they work towards stopping poverty, stopping inequality and stopping injustice. Members work at grassroots level around the world. They bring hope and practical support to millions of people every year through parenting, literacy and community development programmes.
Prayer is at the heart of their work. Members come together every day at midday to focus prayers for their communities, fellow members and for those in need, in the belief that the power of prayer is transformational and supports their work around the world.
Despite the name, Mothers' Union is an inclusive organisation with a growing number of men.
Officers, committees, groups and organizations are reminded that annual reports are needed by 31 January 2023. Ideally, emailed in open text or by file attachment to the Cathedral Office. If submitted on paper, please allow a few days before the deadline.
The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held Sunday, 26 February after worship. The 2023 Annual Report (for 2022) will be circulated one week in advance.
The Anglican Church Women (ACW) welcomed 35 guests to a Christmas Tea on a balmy December 7 afternoon.
Guests entering Memorial Hall were greeted by brightly lit Christmas trees and surrounding tables displaying beautiful and unique angels - no two of the 50+ were alike. Conversation, sharing and ‘catching up’ was the buzz around the tea tables.
The guests were very generous with their gifts for Grace House, and we receive grateful recognition from the women's shelter for the yearly delivery.
Of course, as a Christmas gathering, there were seasonal sweet favourites to enjoy with a beverage of choice.
We had pleasure in preparing and hosting; our guests had pleasure in sharing and fellowship.
Do you have Christmas angel decorations? Share your ‘host’ of angels, a single ‘lovely’ or a bevy of the ’littlest’ for an angel display that will be enjoyed by guests attending a Christmas Tea hosted by the Anglican Church Women.
Join the festivities! Celebrate the coming of the Christmas season with Cathedral members and friends. Tea and sweets will be provided at this event hosted by the Anglican Church Women on Wednesday, 07 December, 2:00-4:00 p.m. in Cathedral Memorial Hall. All ages are welcome to attend to enjoy conversation, sweets and the angel display. At the event, masks are encouraged when not eating.
As in past years, the ACW will collect items for the Grace House women's shelter. Personal care items are requested, as well as donations which can be used to purchase items.
Please drop off your angel(s) at the Cathedral Office between 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon weekdays, or contact Jennifer Griffiths <jmmgriffiths at gmail.com>. If possible, deliver angels by Tuesday, 06 December so the decorating team can display them in advance of the Tea. Please label your angels so they can be returned.
In September, the Guild of St. Joseph (affectionately referred to as the Holy Joes) gathered for a shared meal.
The last time this Cathedral men's group held a barbecue was in June 2019, over 3 years ago, and members were pleased to enjoy this time of fellowship, along with their spouses and Cathedral staff members.
Approximately 25 people attended and enjoyed socializing over hamburgers, hot dogs, fresh local corn on the cob, salads and desserts.
The Guild's motto is “Serving God and Church with heart and hands.” The focus is the maintenance and repair of the fabric of the Cathedral, the Green, and Memorial Hall.
Typically, the Guild hosts an annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper (which they hope to resume this spring) and provides a Halloween watch, spring flood watch and the 'Greening of the Cathedral' during Advent.
The group meets in the Hall Lounge on the first Tuesday of each month (September through June), and warmly welcomes new members. For more information, speak with the Guild President, Gary Barfitt, or contact the Cathedral Office.
On Saturday, 04 June, 2022, the Cathedral Branch of the Mothers’ Union (with the support of the ACW and other Fredericton MU branches) hosted “The Queen’s Jubilee Tea” to commemorate the 70th year since Her Majesty’s accession to the throne.
The Cathedral looked beautiful with the red, white and blue bunting combined with the Pentecost decorations!
Approximately 60 people attended and greatly enjoyed the abundant sandwiches and sweets. We listened to British music and sang “God Save the Queen” while sipping tea, sampling the Jubilee cake, and enjoying the fellowship of those who were in attendance.
It was a wonderful celebration that was held in conjunction with similar events hosted by MU Branches around the globe.
Many thanks for the financial donations, to those who provided the fancy sandwiches and sweets, and to those who volunteered their time to make tea, decorate and serve at this event.
-- Susan Watson, Co-Branch Leader, Mothers' Union - Cathedral Branch
Mothers’ Union is pleased to invite the congregation to The Queen’s Jubilee Tea, to be held inside the Cathedral on Saturday, 04 June from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Tea, cold drinks, sweets and sandwiches will be served in honour of the Platinum Jubilee of her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. Everyone is welcome to dress in their “Royal Best“ including hats and fascinators!
Free admission. Donations given through Cathedral envelopes or online giving will receive a tax receipt (please note 'Mothers' Union Tea' in the message field).
The Cathedral Quilters meet in the lounge of Cathedral Hall on Tuesday and Thursday mornings to quilt by hand beautiful quilts ranging in size from baby to queen.
Recently, the group of four women have been working on a large mermaid quilt, to be given to two young sisters. They also gifted a lap quilt to Cathedral Sexton Ashley Swim. Ashley, his wife Lana, and their daughter Piper will soon welcome a new baby girl into their home.
In 2021, the Quilters finished a sampler quilt made of spring-hued fabrics of purples and yellows, a lap quilt made in a cat's cradle pattern in turquoise batik and navy background, and a compass rose quilt that had been started by former quilter and Cathedral member Judy Colson and finished by the Quilters after her passing.
Funds raised through quilting services is primarily used to support girls who attend Bishop McAllister College in Uganda.
The Quilters are very skilled and willing to share their knowledge. If you would like to know more about the group or request their handiwork on a project, please contact the Cathedral Office or speak with quilter Jennifer Griffiths.
The smell of pancakes and sausages filled Cathedral Memorial Hall on February 21st during the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. After a two-year hiatus, the Guild of St. Joseph returned with many volunteers to host the supper. The men of the Cathedral greeted, cooked, served and cleaned during this much-loved event.
