Category Archives: News

Canterbury Cross – Cathedral Treasures

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Gifts for Cathedrals within the Empire
and in the United States of America

This eighth century “Canterbury Cross,” as it is now called, was
discovered some seventy years ago beneath one of the city
streets. It is in the form of a brooch, measuring two inches across.
In the centre of each arm of the cross
is sunk a silver panel containing an ornament of triangular shape,
known as a triquetra, and formed of three interlaced lobes.

DEDICATED BY THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY
at the
EMPIRE SERVICE IN CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL
ON 15th JUNE 1935

Latin inscription on bronze plate:
CRVCIS HANC IMAGINEM ANTIQVAE VIII
FORSAN SAECVLO IN CANTIA FABRICATAE
PETRAM VERO E MVRIS ECCLIAE XPI
CANTVAR DEPROMPTAM SIGNVM SALVTIS
AMICITIAE FIRMAMENTVM D. D. EIVSDEM ECCLIAE AMICI.
A.S. MCMXXXV

Translation:
This cross is a copy of one made perhaps in Kent in the eighth century. It is set in stone taken from the walls of Christ Church, Canterbury. As the emblem of Salvation and the earnest of friendship it was given to this Cathedral
by the Friends of Canterbury Cathedral A.D. 1935

 

 

 

Bishop and Chapter News – June 2025

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Bishop and Chapter met on the evening of 17 June 2025 with 7 of 13 present. The Chapter discussed an article “Five Pitfalls of Strategic Thinking” (Susan Erdey - Episcopal Church Foundation) provided material and an opportunity for conversation pertaining to the task of strategic planning. Minutes of 20 May 2025 had been circulated and were received and approved.

FROM THE DEAN

• a summary of usual items on the Dean’s past month’s calendar
• 2 Cathedral Staff reviews completed, 2 remaining
• deacons’ annual assessment process
• video conference with Canadian Deans on 05 June
• 2 funerals, 3 committals
• expect to take vacation during August

Up-coming

• Summer Music Series
• Poetry on the Lawn

ARISING

• War memorials - from Memorial Hall have been collected by Oromocto NB Military Museum

• Advisory Committee on Appointments - B. Greenwood lead a reading of the Diocesan Guide

DECISION

• Harry Palmer bequest - remaining $12,298 be internally restricted for Christian formation/education and be moved to investment

• Banking - move operating accounts and VISAs to Omnista Credit Union, conditional on application process

REPORTS

Treasurer - May financials: Revenue $60,743 (all sources). Expense $67,095. Offering is behind its budget -$38,912 to date. Celtic Spirituality event income $5,205, $2,702 required and applied from Palmer bequest

Nominating - leadership vacancies: stewardship, safe church officer, addition member of Chapter to Nominating

Administration and Finance - summer tour guide interviews complete with hiring pending reference checks

Christian Formation - brief reports on Art and Faith, Poetry on the Lawn, Godly Play, Thy Kingdom Come, and Celtic Spirituality event. Consideration re resiliency of programming

Health / Pastoral Care - First Aid training on 03 October and if interested contact J. Hand or the Office. Blood pressure clinic held 25 May

Mission / Outreach - Monday outreach guests in May - 73, continuing to express appreciation to A. Deveau and D. Milander and others for their dedication to that programme. Belize Mission information session following 10:30 a.m. worship 22 June. 1 benevolence request processed

Property - meeting with PhD student researching heritage buildings using new 3D measurement technology with our agreement to be involved at no cost. Active items on agenda: Cathedral driveway, south choir room steps, sprinkler maintenance completed, residual invoices paid re Cathedral boiler replacement, south aisle light switch installed at west door. Pointing and roofing deficiencies discovered in April and determining the scope of repair possible continue to be a concern

Welcome and Hospitality - work continues on new member materials; invitations to worship refreshment teams; meeting of worship greeters 12 June with procedure review and discussion;

Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - progress is slow awaiting extent of participation by the City of Fredericton

UPCOMING

Bishop and Chapter: 16 September 2025                             GMH

 

 

Pentecost Sunday can occur year-round

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On a recent Sunday at the cathedral, several multilingual members of the congregation beautifully illustrated that the first gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost was, according to Acts 2:4, the gift of language.

Suddenly, many cultures and identities flowed in harmony. Everyone not only heard but also understood one another and God's marvellous power. It was an emotional moment when communication and social cohesion were conveyed in such a positive way. People shared smiles and knowing looks as scriptural excerpts were read aloud in Hebrew, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Swahili, Ukranian, Welsh and English.

Later, it occurred to me that we have a small Tower of Babel on the steps of Cathedral Memorial Hall for the Outreach Program on the last Monday morning of every month.

Years ago I would greet the people-in-need who arrived for supermarket gift cards and lunch bags with a cheery hello and bonjour. Canada's two official languages easily captured all the guests. Sometimes an Indigenous person or two would attend, and I learned to say qwey to welcome Mi'kmaq or Wolastoqey speakers.

Nowadays the demographics of our Monday visitors have changed quite a bit. Each time I arrive for our gathering, it is important to wave and smile to those waiting. I call out marhaba (hello in Lebanese), hola (Spanish), ni hao (Mandarin), dobryi den (Ukranian), asalaam alaikum (Arabic), namaste (Hindi). In past years I occasionally needed other languages for the group such as anyoung haseyo (Korean) and shalom (Hebrew).

People grin, delighted to be welcomed in their own language even if I am probably mangling some of the pronounciations. They usually set me straight. I do my best to remember their first names. If I miss anybody, they remind me and also they make sure that I add any newcomer's language to my welcome spiel.

It is a real pleasure to watch people from across the world come together and share in God's love as we open our hearts and our hands to people-in-need in this city. Their gratitude is quickly and easily understood, no matter the languages spoken. It is a small glimpse of Pentecost Sunday all year round!

-- by Ann Deveau, Cathedral Outreach volunteer

 

Belize Mission 2026 Information Session

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Join us on Sunday, 22 June after the 10:30 a.m. service at the Cathedral for an information session about the upcoming Belize Mission. Whether you are looking to be involved in the Away Team, Home Team or are simply curious, join us to learn what this mission is, and how and why we are doing it. Information on timelines and commitment dates will be shared at the meeting. We can’t wait to see you there!

If you have any questions or would like to express your interest in supporting or joining the Belize mission, please email <belizemissions at cccath.ca>.

The Cathedral has a special relationship with the staff and students of St. Hilda’s Anglican School, an elementary in the rural village of Georgeville. Over two hundred children attend the school, ranging between kindergarten and grade 8, in addition to a recently established preschool.

Cathedral teams have travelled to Belize five times: in 2005, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2018. Over 60 Cathedral members ranging in age from 15 to 79 have participated in a mission trip to Belize, and hundreds of people in Fredericton have supported the work at St. Hilda's through organizational support, donations and prayers.

In 2010, Cathedral mission team members established a high school scholarship program which has allowed students from St. Hilda’s to apply for a scholarship to continue their education past grade 8 (high school is not publicly funded in Belize, and finances are a barrier for many families). Some of the graduates supported by the Cathedral have continued on to post-secondary education, and all have gained knowledge and experience that will help them in their future. We are grateful to everyone from our congregation and beyond that has helped to provide scholarships for these teenagers, and support for programs at the elementary school.

Scroll through our website archives to read more about the students and teachers in Belize, and past mission trips.

Tour the Cathedral

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Guided tours will begin on 01 July - Canada Day!

Have you taken a tour of the Cathedral? Even if you regularly worship here, you're likely to learn something new!

Construction of Christ Church Cathedral was completed in 1853, and it is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture located in the heart of downtown Fredericton, near the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge. It is a National Historic Site, as well as an active church with thriving ministries, and a unique location for concerts and theatre events.

Guided tours of Christ Church Cathedral are available every day in July and August, including Canada Day and New Brunswick Day. Visit Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Tours are free, donations are welcome and appreciated (fill out a donation envelope onsite to receive a charitable tax receipt or donate online to receive a tax receipt by email).

A bilingual tour guide will be onsite during your visit to offer information in English and French. Feel free to ask for a guided tour, or explore on your own and ask a few questions. Self-guided tour booklets are available in English, French, German, and Spanish. Souvenirs are available for purchase.

Tours are made possible due to receipt of a Community Funding Grant from the City of Fredericton.

Christ Church Cathedral has an active congregation that worships several times a week. All are welcome to attend. Regular service times are 10:00 a.m. Wednesdays, and 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Attend free concerts in the Cathedral Summer Music Series at 12:10 p.m. Fridays in July and August to hear a variety of local performers and musical styles.

Explore to learn more about the Cathedral's past, and current activities in the congregation and community. Learn more about activities in the Cathedral throughout each year.

 

Poetry on the Lawn

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Please join us for the inaugural and special Summer 2025 edition of our Cathedral-sponsored Wednesday Spirituality Series: Poetry on the Lawn!

Twice a month this summer – in June, July & August – we’ll be gathering on the Cathedral lawn on alternating Wednesdays from 3-4:30pm to discuss words of wisdom of wonderful poets.

* Here’s the tentative lineup:

JUNE belongs to two Celtic soul-friends:
• 11 June: David Whyte
• 25 June: John O’Donohue

JULY belongs to two writers-in-residence from opposite sides of this continent:
• 9 July: Luci Shaw
• 23 July: Marie Howe

And AUGUST belongs, very simply, to two greats:
• 6 August (Transfiguration of the Lord): Gerard Manley Hopkins
• 20 August: Mary Oliver

Please feel free to drop in for any or all of these sessions.
• No advance RSVP required – but appreciated!
• No advance reading required – but encouraged!
• Just show up – ready to enjoy some excellent poetry together!

We’ll plan to gather at the picnic tables on the Cathedral Lawn, and to meet inside the Cathedral itself in the event of inclement weather.

Any questions or expression of interest can be communicated to:
Kurt Schmidt, DCF – Director of Christian Formation (half-time)

+ Sharing the Spirit with you in 3D -- as Devoted Disciples Dancing
+ email: <k.schmidt at cccath.ca>

 

 

2025 Summer Music Series

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The annual Summer Music Series at Christ Church Cathedral is back! All are welcome to attend these concerts, designed to fit perfectly within the lunch hour.

Fridays from 12:10-12:50 p.m., 04 July - 29 August, 2025, 150 Church Street, Fredericton.

Join us inside historic Christ Church Cathedral as we present a series of concerts featuring soloists and instruments such as piano, guitar, cello, viola, and organ.

View the poster.

Free admission, donations encouraged. Performers will receive an honorarium and proceeds will support the Organ Renovation Fund. Online donations will receive a receipt for tax purposes emailed immediately.

July 4
Natalia Delacroix, viola

July 14
Luke MacLean, voice

July 18
Steven Peacock, guitar
Emily Kennedy, cello

July 25
Caileigh Sullivan, voice
Heather Fyffe, piano

August 1
Kathrin Welte, voice

August 8
Muriel Falkenstein, soprano

August 15
Christian Vanicek, organ

August 22
Isaac Gould, voice

August 29
Thomas Gonder, organ

* * *

MAKE A DONATION
(tax receipt emailed immediately)

Bishop and Chapter News – May 2025

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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

 

Saving Grace

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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

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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