Category Archives: Ministry

2018 Christmas Mothers’ Union Outreach

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This past spring the Cathedral Mothers' Union, with the help of members of the congregation prepared a little over 200 'care packs' and handed them out to University of New Brunswick students prior to their final exams.  The packs were well received, and we are hoping to continue our outreach prior to the Christmas exams - preparing even more care packs if possible.  But we need the help of our congregation family!
Sunday, December 2nd from 1-4pm at the Cathedral Hall, we will be baking cookies, writing and decorating a note of encouragement, and packing the care packages to be delivered the following week.  It is our hope that many will be able to join us to help bake cookies, package cookies, write and/or decorate the notes, or pack the care pack bags.
If you are unable to join us on 02 December, donations of individually wrapped packages of hot chocolate or other flavoured drink mixes, individually wrapped candies/treats, or home baked cookies (we are planning on chocolate chip, sugar cookies, and ginger cookies - avoiding nuts) would be very much appreciated, and can be dropped off at the Hall marked MU anytime before December 2nd.
One student came back after receiving a care package and told our member that the hand written note was the best part!  If you'd like to complete some of the notes with some cheerful words of encouragement for the student prior to their exams, packs of blank cards are available.  Please return them by December 2nd.
Many thanks!  If you have any questions, please contact Diane Nash at (506) 455-9698 or <diane.nash at gnb.ca>.

2018 Christmas Angels

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This year's crop of angels has arrived at the Cathedral!

Paper angels from the Fredericton Food Bank are waiting to be chosen from small trees in the cathedral and in the hall foyer. Each of the 60 angels indicates a specific gift for a needy boy or girl in our city.

Unwrapped gifts, with the paper angels, firmly attached, should be brought to the church or the hall on Sunday, 02 December. Drop-off boxes will be set up near the angel trees in advance.

If you cannot bring your gift on time, please take it to the drop-off box in the hall no later than Monday, 03 December. It might seem early, but it's the Food Bank's deadline for our deliveries, allowing them time to distribute the gifts to the families they serve.

If you prefer to donate money, please write a cheque payable to Christ Church Cathedral and indicate Christmas Outreach on the memo line. Your cheque should reach the church office by Monday, 17 December. These funds will be divided equally among the Fredericton Homeless Shelters, Women in Transition House Inc. and the Fredericton Community Kitchen.

The Fredericton Food Bank has more than 700 children on its list this year. The Outreach Committee thanks you for your generous support in making Christmas special for 60 of them.

Canadian Church Calendar 2019 – Interview with Carol Ann Melvin

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2019 Canadian Church Calendar reflects life of the church 'inside and out' - The Anglican Church of Canada

In 2019, the new Canadian Church Calendar brings together the best of both worlds: a reflection of our beautiful Anglican tradition in twelve Canadian cathedrals, and the ministry that each cathedral community leads inside and outside the walls of its church buildings. The calendar deftly weaves together photographs of Anglican cathedrals with the church's ministry ...

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ROATAN / NELSON AND KARA MINISTRY (August Update 2018)

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Nelson and Kara Mejia were back in New Brunswick with their children for a short time this summer. While we were unable to arrange a time for them to speak at the Cathedral, some of you may have had a chance to talk with Nelson at the Ordination service and reception in June.

It has been wonderful seeing so many of our supporters again and meeting new people, too.
Our family is very grateful to all those who have hosted us and provided transportation and meals, and for the fellowship that has been offered. We sincerely thank you.
Things are going well in our churches in Roatán; the leaders are doing a great job. Our Dean, the Rev. Nery Varela from the mainland, visited our congregations in Roatán in our absence. We will return to Roatán to continue serving the Lord  – Nelson Mejia, July 2018

For all the latest news from Nelson and Kara’s ministry in Honduras, please check out their August 2018 update below!

August Update 2018

Summer outreach a success

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The joy of giving was obvious this summer among people who took part in three Monday morning drop-ins for people in need.

“Usually, the Outreach Committee operates weekly drop-ins from mid-September until mid-May and takes the summer off to give our dedicated volunteers a chance to rest and relax,” committee chair Penny Ericson explained. “This year we decided to offer one gathering monthly because, as some of our guests have often reminded us, they're still poor in the summer!”

Penny said the event was popular and successful. On average, 45 people attended the sessions in June, July and August.

Parish nurse Kathleen Snow was one of the driving forces behind continuation of the program.

On average, 45 people attended the sessions in June, July and August.

“It was wonderful to see our clients over the summer months,” Kathleen said, adding that the need for this type of outreach is there for the full 12 months of the year. “The sense of community between these individuals and our volunteers is so heartwarming to witness; the goodwill and friendships are tangible.”

She provided blood pressure monitoring and blood glucose readings. “It has been a blessing to develop relationships with my clients and share with them in their concern for their health and well-being,” she said.

Summer Outreach 2018

STEPPING UP – John Dos Santos (left) and Doug Milander distributed bottled water, granola bars and either city bus tickets or grocery store gift cards to people who lined up Aug. 13th at Cathedral Memorial Hall. Doug is a longtime volunteer with the outreach program.

Volunteer musicians played and sang during two of the three sessions. Plenty of used clothing was available for browsing. New Maryland United Church and St. Margaret's Anglican Church participated throughout the summer which was an unexpected bonus for event organizers.

“We were inspired by studying Michael Frost's book, "Surprise the World," and learning about the importance of blessing, eating, listening,” said committee member Ann Deveau. “People at the cathedral took it to heart because we received wonderful donations of food, time or effort from people who have not previously been involved. We are grateful for the interest and support.”

Gratitude was also expressed by many of the guests who attended to eat sandwiches and muffins, drink juice and coffee, and to receive four city transit tickets or a $10 gift card from a local supermarket.

“It's really nice of you to give up some of your summer vacation to be here,” smiled one young man. “Every little bit helps.”

Another accepted a free bottle of water and a granola bar with her voucher. She said: “Thank you! The other churches in town all closed their programs for the whole summer, so this is great.”

Penny noted that St. Paul advised the church in Thessalonica to build up its faith by helping the weak and encouraging the disheartened.

“Paul's message is just as relevant in Fredericton 2000 years later, and it is still just as gratifying to give as to receive,” she said. “We will resume our weekly gatherings September 10th and hope that some people who assisted during the summer will want to continue.”

Ann Deveau