Celtic spirituality scholar visits Cathedral

Cami Twilling, Cathedral Director of Christian Formation Kurt Schmidt, and John Philip Newell

He describes himself as a wandering teacher, and on May 7, Dr. John Philip Newell was at Christ Church Cathedral teaching about 120 people in person and another 140 online about the sacredness of earth and its inhabitants.

He is an internationally celebrated teacher and author whose message is one of Celtic spirituality: a call for us to recognize and embrace the sacredness of Earth and every human being in it. ...

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Read the full article, written by Gisele McKnight and published on the NB Anglican website on May 27, 2025.

 

 

Thy Kingdom Come 2025

This year marks the tenth anniversary of Thy Kingdom Come – a worldwide prayer movement inviting Christians around the world to intentional prayer from Ascension to Pentecost.

Since it began in May 2016, God has grown TKC from a dream of possibility into a movement which unites more than a million Christians in prayer, in nearly 90% of countries worldwide, across 85 different denominations and traditions ‐ so that friends and family, neighbours and colleagues might come to faith in Jesus Christ. Every person, household and church are encouraged to pray during the 11 days in their own way.

It is our hope and prayer, that those who have not yet heard the Good News of Jesus Christ and his love for the world, will hear it for themselves and respond and follow him.

Specifically, we again invite each and every Christian across the globe to pray that God’s Spirit might work in the lives of 5 people who have not responded with their ‘Yes’ to God’s call.

Whether you have joined in ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ before or not, you are invited to take part and join in. All resources are downloadable.

Daily prayer. Commit to attending all or some of the daily offices (morning and evening prayer) at the Cathedral, Monday ‐ Friday or say the offices at home.
It takes about 15 minutes each day.

2025 NOVENA ‐ Join us on weekdays during Thy Kingdom Come for a local discussion (45 min) about the series of reflections on the Lord’s Prayer by Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York. We begin at 5:15 p.m. Friday 30 May at Memorial Hall boardroom or via Video Conference. Visit the calendar event for online access or to download the resource.

2025 Digital Detox ‐ Resources to help you to undertake a digital detox during Thy Kingdom Come. Prayer Journals and Session outlines in both youth and adult versions. Visit the website to download the resources. Follow them by yourself or invite your family or small group to join you. Use these guides in any way that will help you best. But do make sure that you read them fully before you’re face‐to‐face with a young person! Some of the content is there just for you leaders. You’ll also realize that during small group segments, there may be more questions than you’ll need. You don’t need to use them all! Use as many as you have time for, pick and choose the best ones for your setting, and don’t worry if conversation strays away from them.

Family resources ‐ praying for young disciples, prayer beads and dozens of ideas about how to actively engage in the wave of prayer. Videos from “The Way” for teens, new Cheeky Panda videos for younger children on “Ways to Pray,” and more.

Pray for 5 ‐ At the heart of Thy Kingdom Come, is praying for friends, family and neighbours who donʹt yet know Jesus. Each year, we’re encouraged to choose 5 people to commit to pray for during the 11 days and beyond. Visit thykingdomcome.global for little prompts that might be helpful as a reminder throughout the day.

Prayer Journal ‐ Download this resource. Each day’s reflection will focus on a line of the Lord’s Prayer and include a time to pause and pray for your five, in keeping with that day’s theme with space each day for your own notes. What has God been saying to you in your reading and your prayers? Download the Prayer Journal

 

Thy Kingdom Come at Christ Church Cathedral

 

 

Bishop and Chapter News – May 2025

Bishop and Chapter met in the evening of 20 May 2025 with 11 of 13 present. The Chapter discussed an article “A Letter to Churches Seeking New Members” outlining 8 messages a visitor might want a congregation to hear from a prospective member. Minutes of 11 March 2025 and 08 April were received and approved.

FROM THE DEAN

A summary of usual items from the Dean's calendar was offered

• Easter lectionary study on Tuesdays, 2:30 p.m. will conclude 03 June
• Chapter orientation was on Saturday, 05 April
• video conference with Canadian Deans
• Easter worship attendance 341

Up-coming

• Ascension Day is 29 May and “Thy Kingdom Come” begins
• Day of Pentecost is 09 June 2025

CORRESPONDENCE

Cathedral 3D mapping - through Heritage Standing, offer by a Toronto PhD student

Montgomery Street School - note of thanks from for supporting home and school ($2,000) from 2024 Giving Tuesday

Appointment - Bishop’s letter, Tom Fetter to the Chapter

ARISING

War memorials - recommendation that plaques stored at memorial hall given on loan to the Oromocto Military History Museum

Advisory Committee on Appointments - follow-up on recent changes to the process for clergy appointments

DECISION

Honorary assistant clergy - permission granted for the Dean to make a request an appointment of Harley Clowater

Formation chair - Tom Fetter to Christian Formation Committee

REPORTS

Treasurer - April financials: Revenue $63,526 (including $16,381 energy rebate). Expense $51,799. April offering $4,137 below budget. Easter offering fell short of expectations. Offering is behind its budget -$32,924 year to date. Continue to investigate a change in bank for better service. Celtic Spirituality event income $4,795, expense $7,827 – $2,822 to be applied from Palmer bequest

Nominating - appointment of T. Fetter to Chapter

Administration and Finance - successful Chapter orientation 10 May. Gathering safe church documents. Summer tour guide position posted. Leadership in Safe Church and stewardship needed

Christian Formation - Celtic Spirituality 07 May. Future lectures/events? Godly Play leaders training. Future consideration of ways to strengthen resilience of formational ministries

Communications - planning a print piece to highlight website content. Request for feedback regarding effectiveness of efforts

Health / Pastoral Care - Health Ministries met 20 April, Medley Tea (36) 06 May, Hospital visitors 15 May. Target fall First Aid training.

Mission / Outreach - Monday outreach guests 28 April - 66. Awaiting word on 2026 Belize mission organization. J. Griffiths to represent Anglican Church Women

Property - spire tile wind damage repair 15 May ($2500 deductible), further roof stone and mortar repair identified – water is ingressing. Recommendation re memorial plaques and 3D modelling

Welcome and Hospitality - Soup supper on Maundy Thursday

Worship - youth choir? Canterbury cross framed info replaced. Inquiry re souvenirs. Larry Dickinson video

Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - appointed board members await word from the City of Fredericton regarding participation

UPCOMING

• Ascension Day, Thy Kingdom Come, Pentecost - 29 May-09 June

GMH

 

Work as a Cathedral Tour Guide this summer!

Do you love history and enjoy meeting new people? Apply for a summer job as a Cathedral Tour Guide!

Christ Church Cathedral in Fredericton, New Brunswick is pleased to once again open its doors for tours this summer. We are seeking a part-time tour guide to work alongside our Lead Tour Guide, providing a warm welcome and excellent hospitality to visitors and locals.

With hundreds of people choosing to visit the Cathedral each year, it is a wonderful opportunity for our guides to share the key role of our church in Fredericton’s past and present. Previous summer tour guides have enjoyed meeting people from around the world, learning the history of the Cathedral, and gaining experience in bilingual tourism.

A job as a Cathedral tour guide involves welcoming visitors in English and French, providing tours, and assisting with events. Training will be provided. The position is available to an adult or youth 16+ years old. Candidates for this position are not restricted by religious affiliation; however, knowledge of the Anglican Church would be considered an asset.

Click here for details about the position.

Application Process
Please submit a resume and a cover letter which explains why you have applied for the position and why you feel you are a suitable candidate. Applications may be submitted by email or in person during office hours (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Monday-Friday).

Email: <search AT christchurchcathedral.com>

Christ Church Cathedral Office
Cathedral Memorial Hall
168 Church Street
Fredericton, NB  E3B 4C9

Deadline for Applications
Applications must be received by Monday, June 9, 2025. Interviews will take place with selected candidates as soon as possible. Orientation training will take place during the last week of June, 2025.

 

This position is made possible through the City of Fredericton's Community Funding Grant program.

Afternoon Tea

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!

- by Gail MacGillivray

 

Kathleen Snow commissioned as Worldwide Mothers’ Union President

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. ...

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Read the full article, written by Gisele McKnight and published on the NB Anglican website on April 29, 2025.

 

 

Mothers’ Union Installation Service

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).

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Saving Grace

Recently, I found myself pondering the subject of saying grace before (or after) meals. I was curious if today’s on-the-go lifestyle lent itself to this practice. My very unscientific and small sample group didn’t really produce a conclusion that I would like to stake my reputation on, but overall, it would seem that saying grace regularly may have fallen somewhat by the wayside. But then again, the act of gathering around the family dinner table to share a meal often falls victim to today’s busy schedules and some folks noted that it was when they sat around that table that saying grace was the most common.

A little research on saying grace tells me that it’s a practice in many cultures and religions to express thanks for our food and its source. It can be a part of our religious belief as in thanking God or a simple acknowledgement of appreciation for the food and the cook. Wikipedia tells us that the term saying grace comes from the Ecclesiastical Latin phrase gratiarum actio, “act of thanks”. Theologically, the act is derived from the Bible, in which Jesus and Saint Paul pray before meals. One interesting article mentioned that in the Middle Ages it was said as an incantation to protect people from questionable food — of which there was plenty! And the author notes that praying for God’s grace that you don’t die from food poisoning isn’t necessarily a bad motive!

In an article by Lauren F. Winner, she says, “You don’t find grace said when people are rushing around, scarfing food, eating over the sink or in the car, polishing off a meal in ten minutes flat. You find grace offered at tables where people sit still, where they’re trying to pay attention”. But she points out that grace is portable! We don’t need a dinner table to pause and to give thanks even when we are on the run - “saying grace can transform a mere meal into an act of celebration, focus and gratitude.”

So for those of us who are on the run trying to keep up with the fast-paced world that we live in, and sacrificing saying grace because we can’t slow down, here are some short prayers. Be it the hockey arena hot dog or the chips and chocolate bar between meetings, these short words of thanksgiving can always fit into even the busiest schedule.

- by Gail MacGillivray

May all be fed
May all be healed
May all be loved
              -- John Robbins

Thank you Lord for what we are about to receive.
In Jesus' name. Amen

Lord, make us truly thankful for these and all other blessings.
I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen

Lord Jesus, bless this food to our use, and us to Your service. Amen

Lord, as we enjoy this food may it nourish our bodies and renew our spirits. Amen

 

Bishop and Chapter News – April 2025

Bishop and Chapter met in the evening of 08 April 2025 with 9 of 12 present. An article “7 Trends Impacting Church Leadership for 2025" was discussed noting ways in which we see evidence in our own church and ministry. Minutes of 16 March 2025 were adopted. Consideration of minutes of 11 March 2025 delayed to next meeting.

FROM THE DEAN

• the usual summary of Cathedral and Diocesan ministry engagement since the last meeting was provided

• Lenten lectionary study concluded with plans for a similar study programme during the Easter season, Tuesdays, 2:30 p.m.

Certificate in Stewardship study concludes Wednesday, 09 April

workshop for church officers Saturday, 05 April. Notes provided on items that warrant our attention. A presentation on the Camp Medley pool replacement project

Up-coming

• Holy Week and Easter worship planning in progress

CORRESPONDENCE

Safe Church Officer resignation - from Dianne Wilkins, 12 March

ARISING

• Chapter Orientation - will be held Saturday, 08 May 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

DECISION

2026 Belize Mission - endorsement of plans for trip March of 2026

Chapter member - recommend the Bishop appoint Tom Fetter

2024 Financials - finalized version accepted (Annual Report revised)

REPORTS

Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - process exploring the possibility of a public foundation to support the Cathedral into the future continues. Nothing specific to report with next steps by the City of Fredericton awaited

Nominating - Tom Fetter has agreed to have his name stand for appointment to Bishop and Chapter filling one vacancy

Welcome and Hospitality - two projects in process: name tag Sunday and newcomer’s package. The customary Simple Soup Supper on Maundy Thursday, 17 April, 5:30 p.m.

Health / Pastoral Care - Some interest has been expressed in First Aid training (Fall 2025?) with minimum of 10 required. Medley Tea - 06 May, 2:00 p.m.. Signage placed for Automatic External Defibrillators (AED’s). Hospital visitors met 20 March.

Property - digital thermostats have been installed in Cathedral. Plan to work toward safe church requirements. Consideration of memorial artifacts pending. Meeting with the Sexton with recommendation of extending initial employment probation period for an additional three months as we work on expectations

Mission / Outreach - Monthly Monday outreach guest numbers continue to increase. Good news that several have expressed interest in a Belize mission trip for next year. Safe Church position descriptions and risk assessments submitted for three areas of oversight

Treasurer - March financials: Revenue $55,290 - Expenses $49,606. To 31 March expense exceeds income (-$6,120). Final financials for 2024 now included in the revised 2025 Annual Report. Receipt of several income sources, including green energy rebate from 2024 furnace installation, HST rebate, anticipated grant income and unanticipated gifts. Investigating a possible change in financial institution in order to provide improved services. Continue to pursue change in current VISA cards

UPCOMING

• Holy Week and Easter - 13-21 April 2025

GMH

 

Bishop and Chapter News – March 2025

Bishop and Chapter met in the evening of 11 March 2025 with 10 of 12 members present. Notes were circulated from the article “10 Ways to Turn Off Your Donors” discussed in February. Members made suggestions as to positive action to address some of the ideas presented. The article “Can Your Approach to Church Finances be both Spiritual and Practical?” (Ann A. Michel) was used to prompt further discussion. Minutes of 18 February 2025 were adopted with one correction.

FROM THE DEAN

Cathedral

• a summary of ministry over the past three weeks was provided. The Dean mentioned in particular regular communions at Windsor Court and Farraline Place; Diocesan meetings attended; the beginning with a group studying the Sunday lectionary in Lent; continuation of the Stewardship Certificate learning group this week on Module 4 of 7; Annual Report completed, published and available.

Up-coming

• Annual Meeting 16 March 2025

ARISING

Chapter By-Law - dated 25 February 2025

Diocesan Consolidated Investment Fund - the Lay Chair reported having reviewed history and details of Cathedral invested funds

Safe Church - 31 March deadline for risk assessments and position profiles with many committees reporting completion

Committee report status - the 2025 Annual Report (for 2024) has been completed with thanks to all who providing reporting

DISCUSSION

Chapter Orientation - dates were discussed for a half day orientation of Chapter to further understanding of routines and processes. 02 April or 08 May possible

Appointments - discussed the need to attend to appointments: Bishop’s Advisory Committee and Chapter Secretary at the brief meeting following the Annual

REPORTS

Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - nothing additional to report beyond what was shared at the February meeting of Chapter

Nominating - one Chapter position remains vacant (Bishop’s appointment). Minimum of 5 nominees (2 youth) needed for election by the annual meeting

Finance and Administration - proposal under consideration re office photocopier contract. Planning required for upcoming orientation

Communications - continue to work through safe church documents

Welcome and Hospitality - aware of Mothers’ Union desire to host a luncheon following worship on Mothering Sunday. Nametag Sunday and newcomer package on-going projects. Safe Church complete

Health / Pastoral Care - Automatic External Defibrillator installed in the Hall, training complete (video). Medley Tea May 6th. Bulletin notices being prepared. First Aid training targeted for Fall 25.

Property - committee continues to track a lengthy list of items needing attention on the timeline

Mission / Outreach - Monday outreach programme served 81 in February. Several have expressed interest in a 26 or 27 mission trip to Belize. Working through Safe Church risk assessment and profiles

Christian Formation - committee continues to be convened by the Director of Formation. Lenten lineup of opportunities underway

Treasurer - February financials: Revenue - $35,180 Expenses - $48,895 To 28 February expense exceeds income (-$13,316) Draft financials for 2024 included in the Annual Report. Some adjustments are needed prior to acceptance. Continue to pursue change in VISAS

UPCOMING

• Annual Meeting - 16 March 2025

GMH