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 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
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
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
When many people think of churches, they think of buildings filled with people on Sundays and holidays, but empty and closed for most of the week.
At the Cathedral (and indeed, in many churches), that isn’t the case.
Christ Church Cathedral was given recognition as a National Historic Site in 1981. Along with being a stunning example of Gothic revival architecture, the Cathedral also played a part in the designation of Fredericton as a City by Queen Victoria. Due to its historic and architectural significance, our Cathedral is a popular tourist destination in Fredericton. It is located in the heart of downtown Fredericton, near the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge.
Each year, thousands of tourists visit the Cathedral. In July and August alone, we typically welcome between two and three thousand visitors. Free guided tours are provided seven days a week during the July and August, thanks to a funding community funding grant from the City of Fredericton. Throughout the rest of the year, between September and June, visitors are invited to visit the Cathedral on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., learning about the architecture and history using self-guided tour booklets which are available in four languages (English, French, Spanish and German). Private tours are sometimes arranged upon request for groups - it’s not uncommon for us to receive special requests from conference organizers or Fredericton Tourism staff.
Another benefit of the Cathedral being open to the public on weekdays is to give people a quiet place to pray. Some churches in our area are not able to remain open throughout the week. We welcome attendance at morning and evening prayer, held at 8:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Monday to Friday, and lasting approximately fifteen minutes each. Throughout the day between those times, anyone is welcome to visit for prayer or reflection.
Worship including Holy Eucharist is held in the Cathedral on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m., Sundays at 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 4:00 p.m. We rotate between traditional and contemporary services. Choral Evensong is held once a month, plus regular Taizé worship. Special services are held on weekdays throughout the year, such as during Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, and days such as the Ascension, New Year’s, and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (visit our calendar for schedules), along with weddings and funerals upon request. Baptisms, First Communions and Confirmations are typically held on festival Sundays. Many services are livestreamed.
Because of the magnificent architecture of the Cathedral, many photographers drop by to take photos inside and outside, and individuals and photography teachers can schedule sessions within the Cathedral. We encourage photographers to share or tag us in their Cathedral photos.
Speaking of photography… did you know that several movies and television programs have used the Cathedral to film scenes? Theatre performances have also been held inside and outside the Cathedral (Godspell and Camelot, to name just two!). In Summer 2025 we are pleased to welcome Bard in the Barracks performing Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor. During the summer months, the Calithumpians Theatre Troupe performs family-friendly performances on the Cathedral lawn, as well as hosting summer camps. Children are welcome inside the Cathedral.
Accessible gender-neutral washrooms (one with a changing table) are open to the public.
Many musical events and concerts are held at Christ Church Cathedral each year. In addition to regular rehearsals of our Cathedral Choir, Youth Choir and Worship band, the community choral group Bel Canto Singers hold weekly rehearsals in the Cathedral. Because of the fabulous acoustics, we are a favoured venue for classical and choral music. We have hosted concerts for local groups such as the Fredericton Symphony Orchestra, Atlantic Sinfonia, the Elm City String Quartet, Bel Canto Singers, Delacroix Classix, and many more. We have also welcomed touring musicians such as the Gerdan Theatre Ukrainian Choir, Choeur Louisbourg, and Dan Bremnes. The Cathedral was the site of Fredericton's 175th anniversary concert, A Celebration of Us, and is often selected as one of the locations for the NB Summer Music Festival. Each year, the Cathedral Director of Music organizes our long-running Summer Music Series, which presents free concerts on Fridays over the lunch hour, featuring a variety of musicians, soloists and groups from Fredericton and beyond.
Even a weekly exercise class is held in the Cathedral! Chair Yoga is held on Friday mornings throughout most of the year. It’s a gentle way to stretch and get in shape, suitable for a variety of ages and abilities. Holding the class in the Cathedral makes it convenient to enter for people with mobility challenges. Our Health Ministry team organizes this initiative, and also holds blood pressure clinics several times a year in the Cathedral.
A variety of groups, speakers and classes also use the Cathedral and lawn on an as-needed basis. These include guest speakers whose lectures are sometimes livestreamed, sacramental preparation courses, training for groups such as servers, and congregational and community groups such as our Sanctuary Guild, Mothers’ Union, Guild of St. Joseph, Anglican Church Women, Diocese of Fredericton, Scouts and Cubs, L’Arche Fredericton, and a guided autobiography group. Fellowship events such as teas and picnics are also held in and around the Cathedral.
You are welcome to visit the Cathedral (for the first time, or more often). You’ll find us at 150 Church Street, and our doors are open weekdays between 8:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (excepting holidays, and with an extended 7-day schedule in the summer). Sometimes you’ll have an opportunity for quiet reflection or touring, and other times you’ll encounter some of our dedicated staff, clergy, or volunteers. Say hello! We encourage you to become aware of and involved in activities happening in the Cathedral throughout the year.
As for how Cathedral Memorial Hall is used… the story of that well-used building will have to be a whole separate article!
The slideshow below shows photos of a wide range of activities in and around the Cathedral:
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
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
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.
Bishop and Chapter met on 19 November 2024 with 9 of 12 members present. Minutes of 15 October 2024 were adopted. An article was pre-circulated and discussed – “The Team Building Leader” by Ray Schulte, identifying helpful aspects of the necessary separation of task and maintenance, following up followed on “The Facilitator”
FROM THE DEAN
Cathedral
• a usual summary of ministry initiatives over the previous month.
• Replacement of Cathedral Furnace - revisited with motion carried to spend up to $75,353 from investment restricted for maintenance
• Financial Review - that we engage the accounting firm of LeBlanc Scott for a 2024 review engagement at a quoted cost of $8,500
• Communion Administrator - Dean request permission for R. Hall
• Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - a motion to accept the Cathedral operational requirements document was tabled pending further review and a vote early next week
DISCUSSION
Items recommended by Chapter Executive - 1) Financial forecasting 2) Safe Church initiatives including evacuation plans; 3) Member orientation especially administration processes and tools 4) Considerations regarding Giving Tuesday
REPORTS
Nominating - an additional member of Chapter required as member. Current chapter vacancy in Christian Formation.
Finance and Administration - Finalizing Staff Handbook of employment standards; tracking Safe Church deadlines for Chapter set in June 2024; considerations re financial review and 2025 budget process; Certificate in Stewardship opportunity in 2025.
Welcome / Hospitality - hosted Safe Church training in October. Items under consideration include: “name tag Sundays,” welcome package, on boarding and incorporating new members, hospitality at Reign of Christ/First Communions, exploration of possible new committee members from greeters and kitchen committee
Worship - Sanctuary Guild items; server training/recruitment; 2025 Greeter schedule; music; Lucy's Sewing Group repairs; Verger(s)
Property - Cathedral furnace repair/replacement is complete with final inspection pending with revised estimate $65,525. Tile scratches from summer sprinkler flushing have been satisfactorily repaired
Mission / Outreach - discussion on inquiries about a future mission trip to Belize and required logistics; Monday morning programme on-going once per month; annual November funding to mission initiatives in Honduras (Mejias) and Uganda (Jeffries) is in process
Christian Formation - committee continues to meet without chair
Treasurer - several statements and reports made available. October offerings fell short of budget by $-18,806. Year-to-date offering is below budget by $-61,212 (ie we needed $433,792 to date to meet the adopted 2024 budget. We have received only $372,580). See The Cathedral Times current Offering Budget chart
UPCOMING
• Next meeting - 17 December 2024
• Advent Lessons and Music - 4:00 p.m. 01 December 2024
• Christmas Lessons and Carols - 4:00 p.m. 22 December 2024
Having sought the gracious permission of His Majesty The King, I have decided to resign as Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Makin Review has exposed the long-maintained conspiracy of silence about the heinous abuses of John Smyth.
When I was informed in 2013 and told that police had been notified, I believed wrongly that an appropriate resolution would follow.
It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024.
It is my duty to honour my Constitutional and church responsibilities, so exact timings will be decided once a review of necessary obligations has been completed, including those in England and in the Anglican Communion.
I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England ... read more
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.
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.”
