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.
What is a vocation? Where does discipleship and faith formation fit within the Church today? Archbishop David explores these topics in this study series, intended for both individuals and groups.
Its purpose is to give an opportunity for time to reflect on the nature of discipleship and vocation. These topics are more than merely an academic study, they are to do with the whole of life.
As you or your group progress through this series, watching each video and engaging with the selected scriptures, two things will happen: you will understand the word vocation more deeply and a vision for the mission and ministry of your church will begin to form.
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
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.
March in Belize schools is 'Child Stimulation Month' and the students at St. Hilda's Anglican School will be engaged in a variety of fun activities. Principal Jane Martinez sent us these photos of teachers and preschool children at the event launch.
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
A message from Gary Barfitt, President of the Guild of St. Joseph, affectionately known as the "Holy Joes":
"The Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is now behind us, and on behalf of the Cathedral Guild of St. Joseph, I want to offer a huge thank-you to all those who helped make it a success. Thank you to all the volunteers (over 60 of you) who worked to get the pancakes, sausages, beans, and gingerbread prepared and moved from the back of the kitchen to the 208 diners at the tables in the Hall. We especially thank those diners who supported us by attending the event and enjoying the meal and the opportunity to spend time with friends. Your generosity raised over $2100 toward the work of the Guild."
Have a look at some photos below, courtesy of Carol Ann Melvin and Heather Perritt.
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
During the Season of Lent, all members of the Cathedral congregation are encouraged to consider individual or small group study or reflection. The 40 days of Lent are an excellent time to take on a discipline of deeper reflection on the Christian life, growing personally in discipleship as well as helping us grow as a community of Christian faith. (See BAS p. 282 and BCP p. 612)
MONDAYS ~ Six sessions beginning 10 March
Book Study: Practicing the Way
Cathedral-based study of the Bishop's recommended Lenten book by John Mark Comer. 2:00-3:00 p.m. Hybrid – Cathedral Hall Boardroom and online. Hosted remotely by Cheryl Jacobs. Books available through Cathedral Office, $20 each. RSVP. Note: The Diocese will hold a separate book study on Wednesdays (see below).
TUESDAYS ~ Five sessions, beginning 11 March
Taizé Tuesday
Ecumenical and contemplative services of worship that incorporate simple song, scripture and silence. 5:30-6:00pm, alternating formats -- online via Zoom or in-person/livestreamed from the Cathedral. Drop-in. Link through the Cathedral calendar or Cathedral YouTube channel. Curious about Taizé? Read about an online session and in-person Taizé at the Cathedral.
Lectionary Study A reading and group discussion of all or part of the Bible passages for the upcoming Sunday. Hosted by the Dean. 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Hybrid – Cathedral Hall Boardroom and online. RSVP.
WEDNESDAYS ~ Six sessions, beginning 12 March
Wednesday Spirituality Series
Celtic Lent: saintly and storied seasonal wisdom from the Celtic stream. 3:00-4:00 p.m. Cathedral Hall Lounge. Hosted by Kurt Schmidt. RSVP for individual sessions.
Book Study: Practicing the Way
Diocese-based study of the Bishop's recommended Lenten book by John Mark Comer. 6:30-8:00 p.m. Online via Zoom. Hosted remotely by Shawn Branch. Books available through Cathedral Office, $20 each. Register here.
THURSDAYS ~ Seven sessions, beginning 06 March
Art & Faith
An Ignatian-flavoured contemplative consideration of select works of sacred art related to the upcoming Sunday's gospel. Hosted by Kurt Schmidt. 5:30-6:00pm, Drop-in online via Zoom. Link through the Cathedral calendar.
Dante Group
Ongoing study group currently reading Gravity and Grace by Simone Weil. Hosted by Alan Hall. 7:00-8:00 p.m. Hall Lounge. RSVP.
FRIDAYS ~ Six sessions beginning 07 March
Stations of the Cross
Various versions of the ancient devotional/meditation on the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross). 12:00 noon, Cathedral. Approximately 30-45 minutes long. Drop-in. Text and video versions available here, if you can't join us in-person.
SATURDAYS ~ 15 & 22 March, 5 & 12 April
The Chosen
Screening of Season 4 of The Chosen, portraying Jesus and his times. Two episodes screened each evening. 6:00-8:30pm, Cathedral Hall Lounge. Drop-in. Watch a quick recap of Season 1, Season 2 and Season 3.
Contact Facilitators and Join
Please contact the facilitators directly to: express interest, ask a question or RSVP.
Kurt Schmidt <formation at christchurchcathedral.com> (506) 259-3711
Cheryl Jacobs <cajacobs84 at gmail.com>
Dean Geoffrey Hall <dean @
Alan Hall <alanwilliamhall at gmail.com>
Cathedral Office <office at christchurchcathedral.com > (506) 450-8500
Join us for a hot lunch after worship on Sunday, 30 March (Mothering Sunday).
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.
