A newsletter project of the Bishop and Chapter Communications Committee begun during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis to share information and stories about members of Christ Church Cathedral and others.
Visit the Cathedral at Noon on Fridays during Lent to participate in Stations of the Cross, and find two different meditations here on our website.
Here is a video of the Stations of the Cross at the Cathedral, filmed in 2020.
The depiction of the Stations of the Cross below features photos of the stations in the Cathedral, with text adapted from The Stations of the Cross for Kids, which we have used in the past. The video above contains alternate meditations. There are many different versions of the Stations of the Cross. Try a different one each Friday!
The First Station: Jesus Is Condemned to Death
Jesus stood before Pontius Pilate.
Jesus was alone.
Jesus had done only good things in life.
Jesus had to be put to death.
The procession was ready.
The gates were opened.
The soldiers lead the way.
Jesus followed.
Dear Jesus, you stood all alone before Pilate. Nobody speaks up for you. Nobody defends you. Sometimes I feel alone. Sometimes I feel afraid. Sometimes I feel like I am treated unfairly. Help me to accept unfairness and not complain. Help me pray for those who have hurt me.
Almighty Father, many times people don't seem to understand me. Sometimes they are unfair. You accept me when I make mistakes. Help me to accept others when they make mistakes. Help me to forgive as Jesus did. This I ask through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The Second Station: Jesus Accepts His Cross
The people wanted to crucify Jesus.
Pontius Pilate did not want to crucify Him.
He tried everything he could think of to change the crowd's mind but nothing worked.
He washed his hands in front of the crowd saying, "This is a righteous man."
He gave Jesus to the soldiers to be crucified.
Dear Jesus, you carried your cross. You knew it wouldn't be easy, but you carried it just the same. Sometimes I get upset with the troubles that I have. Sometimes I get upset when people ask me to do things for them. I don't want to carry my cross. Give me the courage to carry my cross as You did.
Almighty Father, Jesus carried his cross without complaint. When I am tempted to complain, help me to remember Jesus and the cross he carried for me. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Third Station: Jesus Falls the First Time
The procession moves out of the city gate.
Jesus was unsteady on his feet.
The soldiers were pushing Him.
Jesus is tired. He can hardly carry the cross. He fell.
The soldiers yanked him up.
The procession is moving again.
Dear Jesus, sometimes I don't pay attention to what I should be doing. When things get hard for me, sometimes I give up. Your cross was so heavy. It was hard for you. You never gave up. You fell, but you got up and moved on. Help me to get up when I fall and keep moving.
Almighty Father, I know there are many times when I give up before I should. When I fall, help me get up again and keep going. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Sorrowful Mother
Mary sees the procession moving through the streets. She sees her son. She hurries to him.
There he was in front of her. The cross was so heavy, he was trembling. His body was bleeding. His mother tries to get closer to him. He tries to get closer to his mother but the soldiers pushed him away.
The procession moves on.
Dear Jesus, help me to see those around me who love me. Help me to understand that I need them as much as they need me.
Almighty Father, when I feel alone, help me to remember to turn to my parents for help and most of all, to you. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Fifth Station: Simon Helps Carry the Cross
The soldiers saw that Jesus was weak. They were afraid that he might not make it to the place where he was to be crucified. The soldiers see Simon of Cyrene.
A soldier pushes Simon toward Jesus telling him to carry the cross. Simon saw Jesus was bruised and bleeding and quickly picked up the cross. He carried it for Jesus. They moved on with Jesus following Simon.
Dear Jesus, sometimes I pretend not to hear when my parents call me. I leave when I know others could use my help. You gave help to everyone. When you needed help, you accepted it. Help me to give and accept help.
Almighty Father, help me to be a friend to friendless. Help me to help the needy. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Sixth Station: Veronica Offers her Veil to Jesus
Veronica steps towards Jesus with a wet cloth.
She wanted to comfort Jesus in any way she could.
She gently wiped his face.
The soldiers roughly pushed her back.
They continued along their way.
Dear Jesus, there are times when I see someone that is being picked on. There are times when I see someone that is sad. Just as Veronica wiped your face to comfort you, help me to always help others in whatever way I can.
Almighty Father, help me to see the needs of others. Remind me to be helpful, even if I am not asked. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Seventh Station: Jesus Falls the Second Time
Jesus is getting more tired.
Jesus is getting weaker.
Jesus falls.
Jesus struggles to get up.
He tries until He makes it to his feet.
He moves on.
Dear Jesus, you didn't give up. Sometimes when things get hard for me, it's hard to keep trying. I want to quit. When things get hard for me, help me to get up and keep going as you did.
Almighty Father, help me to keep trying when things get hard and when I fall. Help me not to give up. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Eighth Station: Jesus Speaks to the Women of Jerusalem
Jesus could hear the crying of the women in the crowd.
He knew they were sad.
He stopped and talked to them.
Even at this terrible time, Jesus was not thinking of himself, he was thinking of all of us.
Dear Jesus, you stopped to help those in need. I get selfish at times and think only of myself. Help me to reach out to others as you did. Help me to see the needs of others and put their needs above mine.
Almighty Father, help me not to be hurtful or selfish. Help me to see the needs others have even when I have problems of my own. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Ninth Station: Jesus Falls the Third Time
Jesus continues walking, tired, in pain, and pushed by the soldiers.
Jesus falls once more.
They laugh at him.
He gets up, steadies himself and walks the last few yards to the Place of the Skull.
Dear Jesus, help me to see that nothing is greater than you. Nothing is greater than your love for me. Help me to see that with your help, I can do your Father's will.
Almighty Father, Thank you for sending Jesus to us. Help me to always follow Him. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Tenth Station: Jesus Is Stripped of His Garments
Jesus arrives at the Place of Skull.
The soldiers remove his clothes, tossing them in a heap.
The soldiers didn't know what to do with his clothes.
They decided to throw dice for them.
Dear Jesus, You set an example of truth, humility and love. Help me to set a good example for others to follow.
Almighty Father, help me to always be respectful and follow the examples of Jesus. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Eleventh Station: Jesus Is Nailed to the Cross
The soldiers grab Jesus and lie him face up on the cross stretching his arms. They hold his wrist and hand to the wood. They drive the nail with a hammer. They do the same with the other arm. Raising his knees so that his feet would lie flat, they hammer.
It was done. Jesus was nailed to the cross.
Dear Jesus, sometimes I say or do hurtful things to others. You stretched your arms of love on the cross. Help me to bring Your love to others and cause them no hurt.
Almighty Father, help me to follow your son and make his hands bleed no more through my fault. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Twelfth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross
As Pilate had ordered, a soldier placed, above Jesus' head, a notice reading 'Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews."
The cross was hoisted into place.
Mary and John stayed at the foot of the cross and prayed.
Jesus looked down and said to his mother "Dear woman, here is your son" and to John "Here is your mother."
Even at this terrible time, he was taking care of his mother.
The sky was dark.
Jesus said "I am thirsty". A soldier offered him wine mixed with vinegar.
The two thieves that were crucified beside Jesus talked to him. Looking at one of them Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
Jesus said, "EIi, Eli, lama sabachthani? - My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Then he said "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit."
A few moments later He said, "It is finished."
He died.
At that instant, the earth shook, rocks split, the curtain in the temple ripped from top to bottom. The centurion guarding Jesus saw the earth quake and said "Surely he was the Son of God".
Jesus died at 3 p.m. on the Cross at Calvary.
Dear Jesus, death is hard for us to understand. Remind us always that faith will carry us through our losses.
Almighty Father, help me to understand Jesus' death. Help me to understand the love Jesus has for me. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Thirteenth Station: Jesus Is Taken from the Cross
Sabbath was rapidly approaching and the crucified ones had to be taken down before the beginning of the Sabbath celebrations.
A soldier pierced the side of Jesus with his spear to be sure that he was dead.
The crowd hurried to their homes before the beginning of Sabbath or they would be excluded from the celebration.
Mary stayed under the cross with her son.
Two men came to the soldiers with orders from Pilate, Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus. Joseph had offered his burial tomb for Jesus.
Jesus was gently removed from the cross.
Dear Jesus, how bad was your death but how gently you were removed from the cross. Help me to treat others kindly always.
Almighty Father, help me to be a kinder, gentler person. Help me to always see the good in others. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Fourteenth Station: Jesus Is Laid in the Tomb
People had returned to their homes for the Sabbath.
John, Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, and Mary, went from Calvary to Jesus' burial tomb.
Joseph and John carried Jesus into the tomb.
They laid him on the rock bench in the burial chamber.
The men moved a big boulder in front of the entrance to block it.
Dear Jesus, help me to carry on your work.
Almighty Father, thank you for sending Jesus. Help me to be like Jesus. Help me to share my life and love more fully. This I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Cathedral’s Belize mission team has been in touch with Ms. Jane Martinez, principal of St. Hilda’s Anglican School. Please keep the teachers and students of St. Hilda’s, and the people of Belize in your prayers!
Ms. Martinez writes:
Good evening Kelley:
You all have been on my mind as well. Things have been hectic here because they will close the schools on Friday. We have been preparing supplementary information for children to take home to ensure that the educational process is not badly disrupted. From reports that we have been getting, there has not been any confirmed case here as yet but we are taking precautions. Since Monday, we have only had half of our population. Each day the attendances is lower. We have been educating our students and parents this entire week about safety precautions.
It is a sad time for us here also because our crime rate has escalated especially in Belize City. This week alone two young children were shot to death. Altogether in 48 hours we have had about 14 deadly shootings. Most of the victims were innocent bystanders. The children were shot at home in their sleep. Someone just decided to take revenge and shot at the house. Unfortunately, children were also casualties.
We need to pray for each other and keep our focus on God in these troubled times.
Thank you so much for your concern. I will pass on the information to the staff. Please stay safe.
Blessings,
Jane
Christ Church Cathedral continues to remain as current as possible with responses to the global situation with the COVID-19 virus. The responses of all of society are easily identifiable. Above all, we as Church need to continue to be, most especially, leaders and partners with government, corporate and private sectors, doing what is agreed upon to be necessary under the circumstances. Protocols for non-essential meetings as announced on 14 March continue and mean postponement, cancellation or relocation.
At about 2:00 p.m. on Monday, 16 March, David our Bishop issued further direction suspending public gatherings for worship throughout the Diocese until at least Palm Sunday, with on-going assessment as we progress. Our Bishop has also recommended that churches remain open where possible for personal prayer with added care and social distance.
God continues as close to us now as always
The Cathedral will remain open Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.. The daily offices will continue with the necessity of paying close attention to current protocols including social distancing, already in place for those who choose to participate. Once again, if you are ill, stay home. Those who have travelled, please self-isolate. Taking advantage of the many audio and written forms of daily devotional material, including the sometimes overlooked daily offices, can enable participation wherever you are. Praying the office from any one of these sources or one of our service books at 8:45 or 4:45 Monday to Friday joins you in prayer with the whole church. On the Cathedral website: Groups and Community tab –> Pray with us –> Daily Offices Online
The response is disruptive and for some distressing. While there is significant uncertainty all about, please be reminded that we are joining with others in a response that puts us ahead of the threats. While COVID-19 is serious, it is not a certain killer. Not taking it for granted, especially when we or those we love could be vulnerable and at risk is the best possible way to care for one another.
Please be reminded that God continues as close to us now as always, if not more so. We need to continue to pray for all in leadership, health care, researchers, government and those who are directly impacted, including by uncertainty of their livelihood, over work in essential services, those who are sick and those who in these times of separation are in mourning. May Christ grant wisdom and peace in all of the challenges.
“It is an ill wind that blows no good.” You may find a post by Kara Root at Faith and Leadership (formerly the Alban Institute), pointing out that the 20 second hand wash is about the length of time it takes to say the Lord’s Prayer. Being forced to slow down creates rich opportunities to focus, seek calm and affords the time we are too often convinced we don’t have to do that which is both nurturing for us and of help to others.
While we may be prevented from being together physically, we are the Body of Christ, very much “in communion” and together spiritually. While we are routinely the “Church gathered,” we are now being forced to be the “Church scattered.” Whatever your situation, you are never alone. Over the next little while, we’ll be exploring simple and practical ways to maintain community and contact, ways to encourage non-physical communication with one another and assure that Cathedral staff and leaders are available for pastoral care and/or advice. Watch for continuing email, check the website for podcasts and word about other ways to connect. Let’s get creative. The distance we are being asked to create between us may make possible more time with those closest to us, more time for prayer and reflection, and create somewhat unique opportunities to become more centred, more focused and more aware – all of which could be very good for all of us. Choosing to view the extraordinary circumstances in a positive light will be important for our own spiritual well-being. Concentrating on what we can control will help offset fear and anxiety over what we cannot.
An excellent example of that, still perhaps somewhere in the fog of the future, is the financial one. Over that we do have some control. Many could face personal economic hardship. Christ Church Cathedral and its ministry will be affected. While we sometimes jokingly speak of the sadder reality “those who don't attend don't contribute,” it doesn't have to be that way. We’ll be vigilant to identify ways to reduce our expenses, but bills will continue and you’re urged to give that your consideration. Read “But how do we give ... when we’re not in church?” to learn how you can help us address that potential earlier rather than later.
These times hold promise for making us stronger in many ways, caring more deeply for one another, a stern reminder about what we too easily take for granted and, make the appeal of the Apostle Paul all the more helpful – “give thanks to God in all circumstances.” Please reach out to one another in care, alert us if you have a need, and we’ll see this through together.
Geoffrey Hall
Dean of Fredericton
Bishop of Fredericton - 16 March 2020 Directive
But how do we give ... when we're not in Church?
15 March 2020 Cathedral response to health concerns
The Cathedral COVID-19 Response Team was assembled with representation from Bishop and Chapter, Cathedral Staff, and the Health Ministry Team on an as needed basis. The Dean thanks them for their contributions.
Much has changed since my last article of a week ago. We now at this time (March 15th) have over 300 (confirmed and presumptive) cases of the coronavirus in Canada, five of them being in New Brunswick. Last week we had ~30 cases nationally and none in New Brunswick – a much different picture today.
We have been informed that 30-70% of our population will get the coronavirus. Of the 30-70%, many will have mild symptoms of fever, chills and cough and they will recover. It is the more vulnerable in our community whom we must take care of – those over 70 years of age and those who have other diseases such as diabetes, heart or lung disease, other immune system diseases or those receiving cancer therapy. For many of us, we need to practice the hygienic measures in order to protect those we love. It is in the spirit of generosity and love that we should practice these safety measures.
There has been much talk about ‘flattening the curve’ of the instances of the virus. As more and more people get the virus, the curve goes up. Flattening the curve means that by practicing the precautionary measures below, we will be slowing the rate that people will be getting ill. We will be able to reduce the number of those getting ill and spread it out over a longer period of time. This will put less stress on our hospitals, health care providers and the health care system in general. We will be slowing down the rate of infection so that we can better manage to take care of those who are ill.
We have been given much information in the media and by our governments, and day by day the severity of this global pandemic is indeed frightening to read and hear about. But I want to encourage us all that there is much that we can do. We must continue to practice good hygiene including:
handwashing with soap and water frequentlyThis latest guidance of social distancing was advised by our New Brunswick Chief Medical Officer this week. We can do this; we can continue to be social with one another but exercise restraint.
Bishop David Edwards has directed that the administration of the common cup at Communion will no longer occur for the next while. We will not be shaking hands during the passing of the Peace. We can do all these things with ease and even with humour. We are a people of love and hope, and we will get through this with each other.
we MUST practice the hygiene measures
By now you should have read the message from the Dean informing you of the cancellation of all gatherings for our Cathedral members, except for worship. A group of us aka Virus Committee met on Saturday to prayerfully consider what we as a faith community should do with the guidance offered to us by our provincial and national experts and our government leaders; the direction and information given by Dean Hall is a result of that meeting.
For now we have decided to keep our Worship services open. It is important to us that those who feel comfortable and well should be able to pray and worship together. But if we are to do this, we MUST practice the hygiene measures – good handwashing, use of sanitizers in the Cathedral and maintaining social distance, not only side to side but front and back i.e. sitting several pews apart.
Our meetings, gatherings, Lenten studies have been cancelled. But we can still keep a Holy Lent on our own, through teleconference, phone conversations, by email and on our Cathedral website listening to the podcasts of our worship services. What is the cost of inconvenience now? We should practice good hygiene, social distancing and not attend meetings to prevent the spread of the virus for ourselves but especially for others.
Indeed, our weather is getting warmer. Spring is a week away. Get out and walk in the fresh air, enjoy listening to the birds. We don’t need to stay inside; in fact it is better that we are outside in the fresh air. This gives us an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the country in which we live.
We can do this as a faith community. A friend of mine in England has said to me in the past “God has got you!” and indeed He has us. He is right there beside us, walking along, and carrying us when needed. He gives us the “peace that passes all understanding.” He also tells us to “Be not afraid.” We are blessed to live in this country of Canada, with excellent health care. We may grumble about it on occasion, but we are blessed.
A parish nurse colleague, Cleo Cyr, sent me a card this past year with the following verses:
There is a Warrior protecting you...
a Shepherd directing you...
a Saviour keeping you...
a Priest blessing you...
a Father loving you!
Roy Lessin
Walk in His victory, trust in His care, lean on His strength, and live in His love.
Kathleen Snow
Members of the Congregation of Christ Church Cathedral,
A group of key leaders at the Cathedral, including representatives of staff, Bishop and Chapter and our Health Ministry Team met this afternoon (Saturday) to consider an appropriate response to current concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We’re thankful for leadership being exercised by government and its officials, the Bishop of Fredericton and others in our faith community and the media for keeping us all so well informed.
It is our intention, without delay, to act responsibly and appropriately and will continue to consider deeply the best information available to us in a situation that has proven to develop hour by hour over the last week.
Worship at Christ Church Cathedral will continue.
Conscious of the recent direction from our Bishop and the New Brunswick Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Department of Health, we are confident that for the time being the following will allow us to safely continue to uphold the care of one another as our top priority while implementing a reasoned set of precautions that will help contribute to provincial, national and global efforts aimed at controlling the spread of the virus.
CHANGES WE WILL MAKE
Worship at Christ Church Cathedral will continue. However, it is especially necessary that we take extra care to continue and further strengthen health and safety protocols now in place. We’ll be implementing additional precautions consistent with what our Bishop and health officials are recommending and what other government and public organizations are doing. Ultimately, being physically present for worship is your choice to make.
Here are some decision considerations:
1. If you have traveled recently, please do not attend.
2. If there is any reason you believe yourself to be vulnerable, fragile or your immunity is compromised in any way, please make the wise decision to stay at home.
3. We know it is possible to protect ourselves and others from being infected. However, the approaches are so ordinary that we underestimate how effective they can be: Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, be friendly but don’t shake hands, keep away from sick people, and stay home when you are sick. from “Should Your Church Stop Meeting?” (Christianity Today)
4. Our Bishop’s most recent direction is (13 March - COVID-19 update #2) the withdrawal of the common cup with Communion administered in one kind (bread only) and that there be no sharing of the Peace which involves physical contact. We add that recommendations for social distancing (two arm’s length away) should be followed whenever possible.
5. With the exception of worship events, we will curtail (cancel/postpone) all non-essential meetings and other gatherings for at least the next two weeks (16 - 28 March). This includes: studies (Lenten and otherwise), Godly Play, refreshment times associated with worship, Saturday breakfast and meetings of all Cathedral groups, committees and organizations. Conscious of our outreach commitments, the exception is Monday Morning Drop-in on 16 March, after which we will reassess that activity. We encourage leaders of all groups to explore ways making it possible to continue activity without physically meeting perhaps by using communication tools and technology.
Events affected will be marked in our Online Calendar with “MEETING PROTOCOL” in the title indicating cancellation/postponement. Participants should check with leaders about potential alternative arrangements.
6. Cathedral Office will remain open and staff will continue at their stations taking all precautions as recommended.
7. An additional commitment includes the intention to provide audio podcasts for ALL worship events in the immediate future. We’ll also be considering other possibilities for broadcasting worship as circumstances change. You’re encouraged to be part of our worship even if you choose to be physically absent. For some thoughts on financial implications and recommended options, see "But how do we give ... when we are not in church?"
8. We will continue pastoral care in hospitals and other facilities, following their guidelines.
Our group of key leaders will meet again next Saturday (21 March 2020) to reassess our situation, discuss changes and make further decisions as necessary. Your comments and suggestions are, of course, welcome.
Recognizing the significant disruption this will cause to our community life, thanks in advance for efforts to cooperate with the wider community for the spiritual and physical health and well-being of us all. Under the circumstances, while panic is inappropriate and unhelpful, being vigilant and aware, and continuing prayerful presence as best we can is important. Please pray for all who lead us that we will accomplish faithful service to God and those to whom we minister.
New Brunswick Department of Health (regular updates)
Bishop of Fredericton’s Message about COVID-19 (10 March 2020)
COVID-19 Update #2 Bishop of Fredericton (13 March 2020)
From our parish nurse - hands up (09 March 2020)
Should Your Church Stop Meeting to Slow COVID-19? How 3 Seattle Churches Decided (12 March 2020) D. Chin - Christianity Today
Geoffrey Hall
Dean of Fredericton
14 March 2020
Health concerns in light of the current global viral pandemic (March 2020) and, the Cathedral's response, will influence to some degree who we see in worship over the next little while. At Christ Church Cathedral, we’ll be doing all we can to cooperate with the wider community and attempt to strike the right balance between safety and assuring health for all both spiritual and physical as our top priority. That will include encouraging all to make wise decisions, for the sake of their own health and that of others. We do not wish to unnecessarily impose obligation on those who are not comfortable being in public right now.
During this time of a self imposed regulating of physical contact, Cathedral Staff will continue on duty and, unfortunately, bills will continue to be paid. So, how do we give when we’re not at worship?
take advantage of the convenience and regularity of e-offering
For about half of the 200 or so of our regular contributors, the answer is an easy one. Those who take advantage of the convenience and regularity of e-offering will need not do anyhing different. For the rest of us, there are options.
1. Begin (or modify) e-offering. What better time to start? You don’t need a computer or internet. Choose weekly or monthly giving. The amount or frequency can change with a quick message or phone call to our Envelope Secretary. Complete the form and include a cheque marked “VOID” (many banks provide a downloadable void cheque from their online banking page) Read it's as easy as 1, 2, 3
2. Give through our online giving provider CanadaHelps. From the secure Cathedral profile page (the Give Now! link on Facebook or linked from our website), making a donation is no more difficult than other online transactions, possibly more secure than many. Receipts are returned immediately by email.
3. Hand deliver or surface mail your offering to the Cathedral Office, 168 Church Street, Fredericton NB E3B 4C9. We’re open 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. If it happens that someone isn’t in the office, slip your mail under the office door or through the outside mail slot.
We want to do everything we can to make consistant giving as easy as possible. Contact the Office (506) 450-8500 if you have a question. Your Church Family will thank you for your efforts to stay current in your commitment of financial support. Quite literally, we all benefit!
