Category Archives: News

Christmas at the Cathedral

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Celebrate Christmas at Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Fredericton!

Whether you are a Christian who has worshipped in the Anglican tradition, are of another Christian denomination, another faith entirely or, simply interested in understanding more about what our faith community is all about, you are warmly welcomed to join us in worship. There is no dress code, you are free to sit where you wish and to participate as you feel comfortable.

Christmas Eve ~ 24 December
* 4:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist (contemporary/family) [organ & hymns]
* 8:00 p.m. Come Worship Eucharist (contemporary) [worship band]
* 11:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist (traditional) [organ, choir & hymns]

Christmas Day ~ 25 December
* 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (traditional) [organ & hymns]

Christ Church Cathedral is located at 150 Church Street, Fredericton, New Brunswick. On-street parking is available on nearby streets. Several accessible parking spaces are marked and available in the Cathedral driveway. The Cathedral is wheelchair accessible and has accessible washrooms.

Children are welcome at any time. The 4:00 p.m. service is a particular favourite of families with young children, and it lasts approximately one hour. An infant changing station is available in one of the washrooms.

If you would like additional information, please phone the Cathedral Office at (506) 450-8500. Our office hours are 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Our office will close at 12:00 noon on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Angel gifts delivered, with thanks!

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Children at the November 24th service help Claire McKnight record the gift donations.

The Outreach Committee sincerely thanks the Cathedral congregation for fulfilling all 65 Christmas Angel requests in. The gifts were delivered to the Greener Village Food Bank by the Robinson family, and the organizers happily accepted the donations to help needy families in Fredericton. The estimated value of the gifts was $2,025.

Thank you to Amélia and Cecilia for creating lovely toppers for our angel trees, and thank you to all of the children who helped Claire gather and record the gifts after worship on November 24th. It was a joy to have so many enthusiastic helpers!

Have a look at the slideshow below for some photos.

Each paper angel hung on small trees in the Cathedral requestied a specific Christmas gift or gift card for a needy boy or girl in our city. For over 30 years, the Angel Tree program in Fredericton has provided gifts for children in need, and the Cathedral congregation has been involved for over 25 years. The Fredericton Food Bank, Greener Village, coordinates the collection of names and wishes, and solicits local businesses and individuals to show kindness through gift giving.

The need is great, and this year, Greener Village anticipates filling wishes for over 2000 children in our city.

Although group donations have been collected, individual angels are still available on an Angel Tree located in the Regent Mall. In addition to angel tags requesting a specific gift, the program also accepts monetary donations to purchase gifts and help families in need through other food bank programs.

Another way to give:

Would you prefer to support Christmas outreach initiatives in a different way? Write a cheque payable to Christ Church Cathedral and indicate Christmas Outreach on the memo line or mark your offering envelope.  As in past years, these funds will be divided equally among the Fredericton Homeless Shelters, Women in Transition House Inc. and the Fredericton Community Kitchen. Please deliver donations to the Cathedral Office by 15 December, to allow time for distribution to the charities.

Students receive treats and encouragement from Mothers’ Union

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Alex Pope and Linda Hall, two of the many volunteers who assisted with the Pause Table.

On 09 December, members of the Cathedral branch of Mothers’ Union spent the day giving baked goods, bagels, treats and encouragement to students studying for exams at UNB.

The 'Pause Table' initiative has become one that is welcomed by university students during exam week. Campus ministries at the University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University once again collaborated with faith communities to host Pause Tables during exams. Volunteers provided free food, beverages, a listening ear, and conversation, and handwritten personalized notes to give students a break from studying.

Thank you to everyone who provided time and treats for the Pause Tables!

 

139th Diocesan Synod preaches one theme: community

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The Rev. Canon Jon Lownds checks cameras and monitors during the 139th Session of the Diocesan Synod of Fredericton, held at Christ Church Cathedral. He was one of several people handing the technology needs of the day.

From the Bishop’s Charge to archdeaconry presentations, one word rang out: community.

Last spring, as Archbishop David Edwards began discerning his charge for diocesan synod, the word community came to mind — the concept of we, as Anglicans, being community for and in our communities.

All that culminated in a day that focused mainly on others, as 215 people— clerics, laity, volunteers, observers, diocesan staff and guests — gathered at Christ Church Cathedral Nov. 2 for the 139th Session of the Diocesan Synod of Fredericton.

The day began with...

* * *

Read the full article, written by Gisele McKnight and published in the December edition of the NB Anglican newspaper.

Also, enjoy the slideshow below - photos of members of the Cathedral congregation at the Diocesan Synod. Thank you to Gary Barfitt for his photography skills!

Christmas Memories: Christmas Eve music and magic

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The Christmas Season is upon us and with it comes memories of Christmases past. We have once again asked members of the congregation to share some of their favourite Christmas memories with us so that we can share them with you. We hope you will enjoy a little glimpse into the memories shared here and perhaps be encouraged to share yours as well.

“My favourite childhood memories revolve around Christmas Eve. There was a feeling of great anticipation in the house as we all got ready for the evening church service, which kicked off the festivities. It was exciting to get “dressed up” for a special outing. And although we’d had all day to get ready there was always a last-minute rush to get us four kids out the door and into the car. Inevitably, Dad had to stay back for a few minutes because he couldn’t find his keys, or his gloves, or his hat. It was only much later that I realized that he was busy putting gifts under the tree. You see, it was during the Christmas Eve service that Santa visited our house, as he brought gifts to help us celebrate Jesus’s birth. The service was filled with carols, and I remember looking forward to the next 'song' – some things don’t change! Upon returning home, we would dash to the living room to see whether Santa had arrived and we would be amazed at what was waiting for us. Mom would prepare a feast, and we would enjoy special treats. When we headed to bed, our hearts – and bellies – were full.”

- Submitted by Monique Gignac

“When I was about 7 years old, we moved from Saint John to Lower Lincoln. Our home church became St. John’s Anglican in Oromocto. We always attended the 'late service' Christmas Eve, and that alone, lent a special air to the evening. Being allowed to stay up 'till midnight was absolutely unheard of in any other circumstances! I can almost feel the giddy anticipation of getting dressed up in our finest and heading out with a quick visit to the living room to check out the Christmas tree and making sure it was unplugged. I remember the manger scene at the front of the church but most of all I remember singing my little heart out. There’s nothing like a Christmas carol to make me want to sing! And when the service was all over, I remember stepping outside into the frosty night air and being surrounded by folks exchanging hugs and sharing best wishes with each other. Such a strong all-encompassing feeling of warmth, of kinship, and excitement all rolled into one. And maybe, just maybe, there might have been a quick glance at the sky to check for possible sleighs, before getting in the car and heading home for the most exciting sleep of the year."

- Submitted by Gail MacGillivray

Give the gift of Christmas flowers

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The Sanctuary Guild of Christ Church Cathedral encourages gifts for flowers in memory or as a thank offering at the High Altar and throughout the Cathedral, at any time and especially at festival times of the church year.

Forms must be received in the Cathedral office by Wednesday, December 18, 2024 to have memorials published in the Christmas bulletin. Thank you.

Complete this form and return it to the Cathedral Office. Paper copies are available at the back of the Cathedral and at the Office.

Payments may be made by cash, cheque, or online donation (be sure to indicate memorial flowers, and the names to be listed in the bulletin).

 

Life-Enhancing Opportunity

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Christ Church Cathedral Bishop and Chapter is currently seeking for its membership an individual to chair the Christian Formation Committee.  This committee’s primary responsibility is “to guide and sustain opportunities that will enable and encourage the development and growth of cradle to grave Christian formation”—and the Committee chair will take leadership in meeting that responsibility.

Position Description – The Committee chairperson will work with a team of dedicated volunteers who are interested in Christian Education and Formation opportunities at the Cathedral including responsibility for the support of the Director of Christian Formation, the Godly Play leadership team, the Mothers’ Union, and other formation program leaders.  (These programs currently include but are not limited to Godly Play, Cathedral Youth Group (CYG), sacramental preparation, Art & Faith, Taizé, and special liturgical-seasonal offerings such as the Cathedral ADVENT-ures and Ad-LENT-ures).

Importantly, the committee chair is a member of Bishop and Chapter and the liaison between The Chapter and all Christian formation programs.

Responsibilities

  1. Schedule and conduct meetings of the Christian Formation Committee
  2. Complete reports for Bishop and Chapter, and attend Chapter meetings
  3. Submit budgetary requirements and requests to the Chapter
  4. Coordinate the completion of a year-end Committee report for the Annual Congregational Meeting

Benefits

  1. Ongoing development and enhancement of your own faith
  2. Fellowship opportunities
  3. Knowledge of Bishop and Chapter activities and processes
  4. Opportunity to help all members of our Cathedral community to grow and deepen in their life of faith
  5. The gratification of meaningful and hard work—and the FUN!

 

This is a volunteer position open to all members of the Cathedral family eligible for Bishop and Chapter membership.  The position will begin with election in March 2025.  Please speak to any member of the Nominating Committee – Jane Hand, Jill Dunderdale, Kurt Schmidt, Dean Geoffrey Hall) if interested or if you require further information.  Contact can also be made through the Cathedral Office (506) 450- 8500.

 

 

Christmas Memories: Christmas in the Deanery

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The Christmas Season is upon us and with it comes memories of Christmases past. We have once again asked members of the congregation to share some of their favourite Christmas memories with us so that we can share them with you. We hope you will enjoy a little glimpse into the memories shared here and perhaps be encouraged to share yours as well.

Christmas in the Deanery

Submitted by Ashley Walton Bird

"2021 was our first Christmas at the Deanery and the first Christmas together for John and me. We had a large Christmas party that year with our friends and family and it was one of my best Christmas memories to date. I can still hear the Christmas music and recall the delicious scent of the holiday desserts and appetizers. The best part was having everyone we love under one roof enjoying the togetherness of the Christmas Season."

Note: Ashley and John live in the former Deanery of the Cathedral, located between Christ Church Cathedral and Memorial Hall. They have been restoring the house, and you can see some photos of the interior below and on John's Instagram page, The Lost Loyalist.

Kurt Schmidt on Advent at the Cathedral

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Kurt Schmidt was interviewed by Pastor Luke Budreau as part of the morning lineup on Joy FM (Listen LIVE) on Wednesday, December 4th. Kurt shared a bit about what Advent at Christ Church Cathedral is looking like this year.

Advent is the season during which Christians for centuries have cherished the unique atmosphere of waiting with anticipation. Advent means 'coming.' The arrival of the Christ in Bethlehem is an important part of Advent but not the only one. Jesus also comes daily in the present and he promised to come again in the clouds (the Second Coming). Kurt offered an overview of this year's "ADVENT-ures" which are helping to make the worship and devotional opportunities many and varied. Luke was also interested to hear more generally about ministry in, to and from the Cathedral which rounded out an upbeat morning conversation that day.

The two talked informally about how we at the Cathedral, in our corner of the Church, attempt to offer what we feel best able and called to share. That includes what we consider the valuable perspectives from our traditions and the resources with which God has blessed. The fabric of community is enriched by all who contribute to our common life.

Check out the ADVENT-ures lineup; view the recorded audio (Cathedral Podcasts) or video (Cathedral YouTube Channel) of Advent Readings and Music from the afternoon of December 1st; and our daily calendar of events. Watch the Cathedral website for up-coming special events and Christmas worship.

GMH

Listen to the December 4th conversation between Kurt and Luke.

 

Giving Tuesday 2024 – Help us reach out and make a difference!

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This year we're once again participating in Giving Tuesday to make an extra effort to reach out to the community. We've made a $2000 commitment in advance to the Home and School leaders at Montgomery Street School in support of their food and clothing programme helping children who need a little extra help (the Cathedral has helped the school in the past). Help us meet that goal and more. Funds raised in excess will be well used for other initiatives, including our Monday Morning Outreach. (Read Outreach support continues as weather turns cool - 31 October 2024)

You're welcome to use the form for giving online and receive a chartiable tax receipt by email. Or clearly mark "Giving Tuesday" on an offering envelope in your boxed set, one you can find in our pews or one of your own. You may also drop off a donation to the Cathedral Office during office hours, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Monday to Friday. A tax receipt will be sent to anyone who provides their contact information on the donation. We plan to continue the campaign until 15 December 2024 so there's still time to give.

Thanks for helping us make a difference!