Each year somber days of lengthening (the season of Lent) turn to the glory of the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the clutches of the last enemy, death. The Ash Wednesday address describes the season of Lent as the time to “prepare for this celebration and to renew our life in the paschal mystery.” Each year we are invited to join once again by rejoicing in the victory signed by our baptism. Our baptism symbolizes a death to an old way of life and a resurrection to a new risen life in Christ. When we proclaim—“Christ is risen indeed!” we celebrate because we have a personal stake in the claim. We share the risen eternal life with our Lord.
Without faith in the Resurrection there would be no Church. Without the new reality of eternal life there would be no need to be Christian. It’s the promise of life that makes the Christian faith unique and powerful. Our faith is a faith to live by but, with the promises of resurrection it is also even a faith by which to die.
It is certain that the celebration will have the most meaning for those who best prepare. That preparation began on Ash Wednesday and continues through the Lenten season to Good Friday. I would encourage you to take a full part in the pre-Easter worship as opportunities to make ready your own heart for the wonderful joy of new life. Every confirmed Christian is directed by the Prayer Book (p. 66) to “partake of the holy Communion frequently, and particularly on the greater Holy-days, of which Easter is the chief.” Included here is a schedule of Holy Week and Easter worship at Christ Church Cathedral. If for some reason you are unable to make your Communion because of illness or other cause, I urge you to contact me or the Cathedral Office to arrange a home visit. Communion at home is always only a request away.
St. Paul writes in the fifth chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians,
... our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the festival ...
In the spirit of the Apostle's instruction, I pray we meet in Christian fellowship and Easter celebration. Have a blessed and holy Easter.
Sincerely,
Geoffrey Hall (The Very Rev’d)
Dean of Fredericton
GMH
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.
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
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.
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.
• 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
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.
AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) for emergency use are accessible in both of our buildings.
In the Cathedral, the AED is hung on the back wall, near the refreshment area. In Memorial Hall, an AED has been placed in the kitchen, on top of the First Aid box on the wall near the dishwasher.
Always call 911 in an emergency.
Using an AED offers someone with a sudden cardiac arrest the best chance for survival. The machines are designed to be easy for the public to use, and give audible directions. An AED will not shock a person unless it detects a shockable rhythm.
All models of AEDs work similarly. Below, you'll find two short videos demonstrating how to use the type of AEDs we have in the Cathedral and Memroial Hall. Please spend a few minutes watching them - it could help you save a life!
If an AED is used, please contact the Cathedral Office, so that we can replace materials used in the resuscitation effort. Thank you to our Health Ministry team for procuring these tools and keeping our First Aid kits stocked.
Learn more about what to do in case of a sudden cardiac arrest: Visit the Call Push Shock website.
Demo of AED model available in Memorial Hall kitchen:
Demo of AED model available at the back of the Cathedral:
What should you do in case of sudden cardiac arrest? Call - Push - Shock
Bishop and Chapter met on 18 February 2025 with 10 of 12 members present. An article from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership by Ken Sloane - “10 Ways to Turn Off Your Donors” was discussed. Examples of each of the ways were considered and a follow-up next to identify some positive steps that could be taken towards change. Minutes of 22 January 2025 were adopted as circulated.
FROM THE DEAN
Cathedral
a usual summary was provided. Highlighted were attendance at a pastor’s luncheon hosted by JoyFM; Conference of North American Deans in May; staff breakfast on 03 February; stewardship learning group continues on selected Wednesdays with completion by early April; submission of Cathedral statistical return to Synod completed. An invitation to Kathleen’s Snow’s installation as Worldwide President of Mothers’ Union has been received
Up-coming
Annual Meeting 16 March 2025
ARISING
Chapter By-Law revision re Secretary - one last signature and Bishop’s approval before coming into force
Safe Church - 31 March deadline for risk assessments and position profiles
Annual reports - waiting on budget and financials
DECISION
2025 Draft Budget - adoption of the current draft to be presented to the Annual Meeting: Revenue $690,008 / Expenses $689,734
Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - City Council virtual Cathedral tour held 10 February. Next steps will include decisions by the City and Diocese, appointment of the Board, visioning and negotiated agreements
Nominating - one nomination of a needed 6 for Synod delegates; one Chapter position open for nomination; two offers for nomination for a second Chapter term
Finance and Administration - recent meetings unsuccessful with conflicting schedules. Monitoring safe church deadlines
Welcome and Hospitality - current projects: welcome package, name tag Sunday, safe church training completed by all but two
Health / Pastoral Care - Automatic Electronic Defibrilator purchased and being installed in the Hall. First Aid training being considered
Worship - sacristy guild has replaced communion cruets due to a crack in the handle of one
Property - progress on to do’s continues. Considerable adjustments needed on Cathedral new furnace setup, so far cost covered by installation. New heating circulation pump failed/replaced
Christian Formation - committee continues to meet without a chair
Treasurer - Process of replacing current VISA cards for online access continues with difficulty. January financials: Revenue: $47,767 Expenses: $46,098. Awaiting review by LeBlanc Scott CPA
UPCOMING
• Next meeting - 11 March 2025
• Pancake Supper - 04 March 2025
• Annual Meeting - 16 March 2025 GMH
Bishop and Chapter met on 22 January 2025 with 9 of 12 members present. A brief study on reflections on 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 by Charisse R Tucker (Christian Century) entitled “Group Work: How to serve faithfully and for the long term?” The Dean provided some questions to help focus a discussion on the issue that “groups tend to function such that a few people do the bulk of the work.” Minutes of 17 December 2024 were adopted.
FROM THE DEAN
Cathedral
• summary of ministry over the previous month included: Christmas worship [Eve 4:00 (238) 8:00 (80) 11:00 (87) Day 10:00 (57)], 1 funeral, communions at Windsor Court and Farraline Place, conclusion of Advent study. Certificate in Stewardship begins soon. One meeting of Synod Finance Committee
• Chapter Secretary - motions to cover member status of secretary
DISCUSSION
2025 Budget - discussion of the current draft. Offering revenue in 2024 was at 85.85% of budget, an impact of about $82,000 making budgeting for 2025 a significant challenge
REPORTS
Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - progress is being made on consultation with proposed partners and appointments to the board of directors
Nominating - no progress on a nomination for Chapter (Christian Formation). In addition, nominations will be needed for delegates to Diocesan Synod
Finance and Administration - January meeting was cancelled due to unavailability of members. Two Safe Church December deadlines (training and risk assessments) for Chapter. Follow-up on completion
Welcome and Hospitality - chair plans to meet with Communications to discuss a welcome package for newcomers. Safe Church training (awaiting certificates) and risk assessment completed
Health / Pastoral Care - “Listen, Love Pray” grief and loss support continues. Blood pressure clinic served 19 on 19 January
Worship - thanks to Sarah Petite for repair of frontals. Gift of 25 BCP’s from the Parish of Grand Manan with thanks
Property - Plan for 2025 with progress made setting timing delegating responsibilities for action on solid list of about 25 active items including new additions: Cathedral outside lighting; miscellaneous items from new furnace installation. Scope to be determined on much of the list in the coming months
Mission / Outreach - Monday morning Outreach (last Monday of the month beginning 9:30 a.m.) guests and costs still on the rise. Thanks to Carriage Place Dental for generous donation of dental items
Christian Formation - committee continues to meet without a chair
Treasurer - Investigation on current VISA card situation and current needs. Expecting payout on ACW shares. December total Revenue $85,729, but expense and deficit waiting on a print VISA statement by mail
UPCOMING
• Next meeting - 18 February 2025
• Annual reports - due 03 February 2025
• Annual Meeting - 16 March 2025
We're pleased to announce a very special event happening at the Cathedral on May 7th! Join us to hear internationally renowned spiritual teacher John Philip Newell. He will speak on Celtic Wisdom for this moment in time in relation to Earth and the human soul. It promises to be an enlightening event!
Join us in-person for the talk, conversation, a book signing, and a few light refreshments ($20 per ticket). People wishing to join from a distance can reserve an online ticket (free of charge). You are invited to make a donation which will help to sponsor seats for people who could not otherwise attend).
The event will be held Wednesday, 07 May, 2025, 6:00-8:30 p.m. inside Christ Church Cathedral. 150 Church Street, Fredericton, NB.
John Philip Newell is a Celtic teacher and author of spirituality who calls the modern world to reawaken to the sacredness of Earth and every human being. A ‘wandering teacher,’ he follows the ancient path of many lone teachers before him in the Celtic world, seeking the wellbeing of the world. He has been described as having ‘the heart of a Celtic bard and the mind of a Celtic scholar’, combining in his teachings the poetic and the intellectual, the head as well as the heart, and spiritual awareness as well as political and ecological concern.
Bishop and Chapter met on 17 December 2024 with 10 of 12 members present. Minutes of 19 November 2024 were adopted. Prompted by some recent expressions of gratitude, the Chair requested we identify and share that which we are most thankful for at the moment.
FROM THE DEAN
Cathedral
• summary of ministry over the previous month included: 2 funerals, communions at Windsor Court and Farraline Place, Advent study, update on Thomas Gonder.
• Formation event - funding request (Kurt Schmidt)
• Communion administration - R. Hall permission
DECISION
• Stewardship study - $1000 group tuition from H. Palmer bequest
• John Philip Newell - up to $7200 from the H. Palmer bequest in support of a formation event 08 May 2025
• H. Palmer Bequest - remaining $6800 restricted for formation
• Annual Meeting - date set Sunday, 16 March 2025
• Parish Nursing restricted funds - released for health ministries
• Automatic Electronic Defibrillator - purchase for Memorial Hall at a cost of $2,891
• 2025 Stipend and salaries - Dean - minimum stipend $50,590 + 15,862 includes 3.1% cost of living increase. Staff 3.1% cost of living
• Staff Handbook - that we adopt the Handbook in its current form
DISCUSSION
2025 Budget - preliminary draft discussed. Issues: offering budget has fallen short to November 2024. There will be significant challenge in budgeting for what’s considered essential in 2025. Need for review of salaries in the new year
Finance and Administration - Staff Handbook (employment policies) shared with Chapter. Four motions proposed
Welcome and Hospitality - future projects: welcome packet for new comers, name tag Sundays, good response to Sunday refreshments
Health / Pastoral Care - considering need for First Aid training, planning next blood pressure clinic, $1000 offering for AED
Worship - small group met on 15 December to consider a Plan B for Christmas music if needed.
Property - Cathedral furnace operational with decision to repair old boiler and repair for backup. Considerable focus on budget for 2025 with a solid list of identified items in need of attention
Mission / Outreach - Monday morning Outreach guest number up. St. Hilda’s School 2024 funding sent for year-end. Seeking interest in a mission to Belize. Support for Giving Tuesday exceeded $2000 commitment to Montgomery St. School Home and School
Christian Formation - committee continues without chair
Treasurer - reporting included preliminary 2025 budget. November Revenue $58,452, Expense $65,008 (-$6466 deficit). Year to date Revenue $526,951, Expense $604,600 (deficit of -$77,648)
UPCOMING
• Next meeting - 21 January 2025
• Christmas Lessons and Carols - 4:00 p.m. 22 December 2024
• New Year’s Day with our Bishop - 11:00 a.m. 01 January
Sincerely,
