Update: This resource has been updated with two additional prayers.
The Anglican Foundation of Canada has published 'Brought to our Knees: Prayers during COVID-19' featuring prayers for individuals who are ill, front-line workers, faith communities, musicians and choirs, students, and summer rest.
With the pandemic mandatory order restrictions lifted as of 30 July 2021, please be patient as we again adjust to new ways of being in community. Our goal will be to maintain that which helps assure community health and safety. Above all we need to accommodate one another as we transition.
See the Diocesan COVID-19 page for links and resources.
All of what follows pertains to both the Cathedral memorial Hall and the Cathedral during worship. Items 6-7 are specifically concerned the Cathedral itself during worship or concerts.
Details about what we will continue, in practice, include:
Self-monitor. If you have any reason whatsoever to believe that you have an illness, please stay at home.
Entering and exiting. Please be understanding of those who may wish to maintain some personal space as we adjust to new normals of interacting with one another. Keeping personal traffic flowing at entrances will be helpful.
Hand sanitation. Please continue to be attentive to frequent hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer, especially before and after contact with high-touch surfaces.
Face masks. Those who wish to wear a face mask are certainly welcome to do so. Please accommodate both those with and those without.
Seating. Greeters may be able to help you find suitable seating in the Cathedral, especially if some personal space will help to make you more comfortable. When setting up chairs for a group event, please keep in mind that personal space may help to make participants more comfortable.
Communion. We’ll continue with Communion in one kind for the foreseeable future. At Communion, please continue to approach in one line up the center. The host only will be safely delivered to your hands. Return by way of a side aisle.
Offering. The offering will still be received with a plate near the back of the Cathedral and collected by greeters following worship.
Operational Plan. The current operational plan will be suspended but available for modification and implementation if circumstances require it.
Contact Tracing. Attendance logs are no longer required by New Brunswick Public Health. If, however, someone who tested positive for COVID-19 was in our building, please inform the Cathedral Office so we can ensure a thorough cleaning. Thank you.
June 2021 Operational income: $44,597 Operational expenses: $29,598 To 30 June we are AHEAD: $5,944
The Financial Update that appears in the Cathedral bulletin each week is an attempt to share information about our current financial status month to month.
It might not be difficult to imagine that accurately reporting our financial reality is a challenging task. "Designations" or "restrictions" on offerings adds a layer of complication as not all of the offerings we receive are available for use towards the general operating budget. At the same time, offerings fluctuate month to month having the potential to make it difficult to meet regular expenses.
In June 2021, an attempt to incorporate some new realities into regular reporting resulted in a January - June adjustment in those numbers to date. Notes to the June Financial Summary include:
the Summary is adjusted January to June better reflecting our current financial status
June expenses are significantly less than previous months for various reasons, including an end to the annual heating season
the staff parish nurse position has been vacant February -June 2021
annual interest from the clergy housing fund (O'Dell sale) has now been anticipated/estimated monthly to offset some of the clergy housing allowance expense
we received a generous and unexpected donation of $4000 in May following the death of a Cathedral member
The following is a letter from the Interim Steering Committee regarding the devastating fires in the Lytton area. Donations for emergency relief for those now homeless may be sent to: Marked "Lytton Fire" Territory of the People 360 Nicola Street Kamloops, BC. V2C 2P5 This letter in PDF format To the Members of the Lytton ... Read more
Bishop and Chapter met 21 June 2021 by video conference with 10 of 14 members present. Meeting guests for part of the time were representatives from Heritage Standing and members of the Cathedral Restoration Committee. A proposal was presented and later discussed with Restoration Committee members present. An article “The [North] American Church is a Mess - But I’m Still Hopeful” Christianity Today, 15 June 2021 (Tish Harrison Warren) was circulated in advance with some questions provided by the Dean to guide discussion. Minutes of 17 May 2021 were adopted.
From the Dean
the list of usual monthly commitments was provided for review
There will be no formal programme of tour guides employed in 2021 in the absence of a City of Fredericton grant
Staff reviews (3 complete) are in process
currently planning vacation 02-30 August
congregational consultation will need to be planned once we have more definite information about development options before us
Items Arising
Parish Nurse - interviews have been completed and the committee will make a decision on a successful candidate as soon as possible
Shared space initiative with the Diocesan Synod - meetings and conversations continue with our Bishop and designated Synod staff
Housing First Project - a “Housing First Committee” has now had a first meeting. For various reasons (including skyrocketed building costs) there are no updates on the timeline on project progress
Decision
Heritage Standing proposal - Heritage Standing has presented a proposal for services at a cost of approximately $50,000 to create a detailed building assessment and future strategic plan for existing restoration requirements and the on-going maintenance of the Cathedral. The Chapter unanimously approved the expenditure from the Cathedral Restoration Fund.
Home Communion - that the Dean request permission for P. MacDonald, K. Hall and D. Edwards to administer reserved sacrament
Discussion
Venting of Stained Glass - a proposal has been received for work (approximately $9000) required to vent the Lexan/Plexiglass protective covering of north, east and west Cathedral windows to prevent moisture and degradation due to excessive heat. Exact details remain to be delivered and a decision may be called for as a special item of business
Reports
Treasurer - referred to financial statements for May 2021. Jamie noted some reorientation of reporting, especially regarding the separation of restricted funds from operating that will significantly improve the ability to accurately report month to month financial status. To date, revenue is adequately meeting expenses
Property - some continuing security issues with a strategy to address them is in process.
Health and Pastoral Care - parish nurse search has been the focus
Mission and Outreach - see items arising for Housing First. Monday morning programme has continued one day per month
Christian Formation - consideration of current work plan and looking ahead to summer and fall
Communications - the committee will assist with Summer Recital Series promotion and is ready to assist should we be able to plan events
Upcoming
Sunday worship to continue at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. during the summer
Dave Morell, a name well known in the Fredericton community, has written a book with his family about finding strength in the journey with cancer.
When Dave was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, family and friends banded together to support him and each other. The inspiring book, Hit the Switch - One Family’s Journey Through Cancer, shares a story of courage, survival and teamwork.
A former broadcaster, Dave has dealt with cancer with positivity. The book, a collaboration of chapters written by Dave and his family members, was written not only to share their story, but to inspire others and give them a reason to keep fighting. All proceeds from the book will go towards the oncology department at Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. Copies will also be provided, free of charge, to oncology patients at the hospital.
Host of the CBC Radio show Information Morning, Terry Seguin, interviewed Dave on 09 June 2021. Listen to the interview to hear the story behind the book, and his inspiration for writing and supporting the work of the Chalmers Foundation.
Hit the Switch - One Family’s Journey Through Cancer, can be purchased on the Chalmers Foundation website.
Residential Schools and Missing Indigenous Children
Since the discovery of the remains of 215 children in unmarked graves at the Kamloops Indian Residential School, there have been questions about what the Anglican Church of Canada has done in response to the Calls to Action by the National Truth & Reconciliation Commission. There have also been questions about whether our National Church and dioceses are assisting in the work of making records available to indigenous leaders and communities so that other sites which may contain the remains of children who died at residential schools may be identified. I share with you part of a message from our Primate, Archbishop Linda Nicholls to the House of Bishops this week:
“We, of course, have much more to do to fulfill the TRC Calls to Action and are committed to that work, but we also need to keep our Church informed about work underway already.
The apologies of 1993 and 2019 are available on the national church website. There is ongoing work to make the Apology for Spiritual Harm available in Indigenous translations, just as the first apology has been translated (see: https://www.anglican.ca/tr/apology/).
Documents in the national archives relating to Anglican residential schools have all been copied and transferred to the Truth & Reconciliation Centre in Winnipeg. It is my understanding that all diocesan archives have also been transferred as required.
The national archivist, Laurel Parson, is committed to decolonizing the archives by including the original Indigenous names for places and people wherever possible. She spoke to (the Council of General Synod) in 2020 about that work and it was covered in The Journal at that time - here.
We are committed to the work of exploring the archives and burial records available in light of the list of missing children to find any references that would help with identification. All of this work must be done in collaboration with Indigenous people to set the parameters with sensitivity. I trust that diocesan archives will consider similar searches. There may be grants available through your province or territory to assist with the human resources needed to do this. In Ontario, the student summer grants program often helps the national archives complete projects.
I trust we are listening to the voices of Indigenous communities to walk with them in other actions needed. Anglican residential schools surely have similar unmarked sites and it is critical that we share in the responsibility to uncover as much information and truth as is possible in the coming months and years.
Please keep Archbishop Mark MacDonald and the Indigenous leaders – bishops, ACIP, Dawn Maracle and the suicide prevention workers, and all Indigenous clergy – all in your prayers. They are bearing the burden of the pain felt by so many in the reopening of the wounds of residential schools. With the death of (Indigenous Ministries Coordinator) Canon Ginny Doctor, and (Reconciliation Animator) Melanie Delva on leave, the leaders are under significant stress.” – Archbishop Linda Nicholls
Bishop and Chapter met 17 May 2021 by video conference with 10 of 14 members present. The Dean lead some discussion on an article entitled “Managing Resources - Part 1 Finances” (Nancy Davidge and Susan Elliott) from “Vestry Papers” of the Episcopal Church Foundation. “hard questions and their corresponding answers are necessary and vital to your church’s health.” Subtitled sections include: Financial Management, Good Financial Management Begins with the Budget, Different Funds for Different Purposes, Taxes, and Annual Audit/Review. Minutes of 15 March 2021 were adopted. There was no meeting of the Chapter in April.
From the Dean
• a report outlined usual weekly and monthly commitments
• monthly communions have resumed at Farraline Place
• a proposal will be put forward for new security equipment (door locking and cameras) and upgrade work on the network at the Cathedral and Memorial Hall to support it
• Thy Kingdom Come (13-23 May) resources have been made available with encouragement to take part
• noting again an upcoming need for congregational consultation and visioning regarding future facilities development
Items Arising
Parish Nurse - the application deadline closed 30 April with two received. Interviews will be scheduled. Sally Dibblee search committee chair.
Shared space initiative with the Diocesan Synod - operational costing is under development for a plan proposal of a facility on the east side of Church Street
Housing First Project - terms of reference are being developed for the committee that will oversee the project. Members are needed, including an individual for the role of treasurer. Documentation describing the responsibilities is being sought. Projected costs currently exceed identified funding. Construction completion estimate Fall 2021.
Decision
Security/Network Project - a motion was carried to proceed with security and network upgrades as proposed at a cost of about $12,000, funds to be identified from existing sources. Nightly security site visits ($300-$400 per month) will not be required upon completion.
Discussion
Poet’s Corner - proposal for consideration by Peter Pacey regarding an area (Sherman’s Wharf) with some seating and quiet space for reading. The Chapter suggests a written “letter of understanding” detailing responsibilities and expectations to serve as a document for approval.
Reports
Treasurer - an overview of current financial statements
Property -the work towards updating a 2015 maintenance and restoration plan has resulted in the potential for a major restoration project. Heritage Standing will work on proposing a cost for the creation of a master plan. Breakin and theft from the storage shed on 12 May.
Health and Pastoral Care - Some health ministry programming continues with the help of volunteers
Mission and Outreach - Belize Missions funding is depleted with no recent fund-raising activity. Housing First priority issue
Finance and Administration - a Stewardship Team meeting will be scheduled. The Treasurer will work with the Committee to provide financial background for future monitoring and planning
Christian Formation - overseeing current programming. June meeting will consider the committee work plan
Communications - an initial meeting with the new chair was 20 April
Upcoming
• Day of Pentecost (23 May) 8:00, 10:00 and 11:45 a.m.
• Next meetings (third Mondays) - 21 June 2021
In 2 Corinthians 5 we read that God "has committed to us the message of reconciliation." God has taken the initiative to bring us back into relationship with him. And he calls us to be reconciled reconcilers. Reconciliation is in the DNA of the disciple.
Many of us feel that conviction to cross divides and to transform broken relationships. We long for our faith to have a positive impact, to be the starting place for change.
But the world we live in is complex and overwhelming. Despite all our good intentions, relationships are hard. What's more we live in a world where we see — and many experience - deeply entrenched inequality and injustice, discrimination and exploitation, violent conflict and greed.
Sometimes it can feel like the Church, rather than being part of the solution, is too often part of the problem.
We know that the world is not as it should be, and that the Kingdom of God offers an alternative possibility. We feel the prompting of our faith to speak into these issues, but the sheer scale of brokenness means we can be left feeling stuck and unsure of where to start.
Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has a passion for equipping the Church to be a reconciling presence in a complex and divided world. It is one of our greatest challenges but it has never been more vital.
... equipping the Church to be a reconciling presence in a complex and divided world ...
He's brought together leading thinkers and peacemakers to create Difference: a 5-session course that explores how we can follow Jesus in our everyday relationships.
Jesus' life points to what's possible when we follow him, making crossing divides, navigating disagreement and practicing forgiveness a part of our everyday discipleship.
This course provides a supportive and dynamic space for people to bring before God their own experiences and relationships and to learn the everyday habits and actions that help us live out our faith within them.
We can be a generation that crosses divides, bringing transformation to relationships, communities and societies through everyday acts of courage.
A people equipped by the Holy Spirit to embody hope in those difficult, broken spaces, and who have learned to persevere when it feels as if nothing will ever change.
It starts in the everyday moments of courage and risk, where we choose to join in with what God is doing. The Difference course is an opportunity to discover where God is inviting us to engage.
The Elm City String Quartet performs at the beautiful Christ Church Cathedral, featuring works by Haydn, Borodin, and Shaw.
The Elm City String Quartet returns to the beautiful Christ Church Cathedral for their first concert of 2021. Enjoy the charm of Haydn’s “Lark” quartet, the romance of Borodin’s quartet number one, and the dynamism of Caroline Shaw’s “Blueprint.” The concert will be one hour in length with no intermission. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Please bring your community mask.
Update: This resource has been updated with two additional prayers.
