Category Archives: Worship

Happy anniversary, Thomas!

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This January, Cathedral Organist and Director of Music Thomas Gonder is celebrating the one year anniversary of his arrival in Fredericton. As we reflect on the blessing of his music ministry during this most unusual year, we thought it appropriate to look back on this interview originally published in the NB Anglican shortly after Thomas' arrival in our city.

[Photos and text by Gisele McKnight, 2/18/2020]

Cathedral welcomes new music director

Some call it happenstance. Others call it God’s hand.

Thomas Gonder believes it was definitely God’s hand that brought him to Fredericton — specifically to Christ Church Cathedral as its new director of music. He began his role here in early January.

Thomas, 48 and originally from London, Ont., lived in Toronto for more than 12 years, working as an organist in Anglican Churches. His path to New Brunswick began last summer, when he was invited by Leo Marchildon to perform at St. Dunstan’s Roman Catholic Basilica in Charlottetown.

A lifelong Anglican, Thomas decided to make the trip really count. He’d always wanted to visit Christ Church Cathedral in Fredericton.

“I’d seen pictures, so I thought, ‘why not see if I can play there,’” he said. “Might as well make the trip more worthwhile.”

So he wrote to then-director of music, David Drinkell, who extended a hearty invitation. Thomas spent four or five days in the city, and loved every minute.

“I played an organ concert here on a Saturday night,” he said. “There were about 100 people there. I thought I might get 20.”

But while preparing to return to Toronto, he realized he didn’t really want to leave.

“I was overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers, the enthusiasm people have for music,” he said. “I was surrounded by trees instead of condos.

“When I went back to Toronto, I sank into a bit of a depression. I felt as if I really connected to this place in a specific way — not just with the Cathedral, but with the whole city. I crave nature and I couldn’t find that in Toronto.”

The sad and untimely death of David Drinkell later that fall opened up an opportunity that Thomas did not see coming. He’d struck up a Facebook friendship with Elspeth, David’s wife, and had lively correspondence with David. Now he realizes his August visit to the city was all God’s plan, not his. When the vacancy appeared, he felt he had to apply.

With an offer in hand, Thomas left St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in Islington, in the Diocese of Toronto, to direct music in his first cathedral, and he couldn’t be happier.

“The draw to come here was irresistible,” he said. “I didn’t need this job. I had one I really liked, but I had to take this chance.

“I was growing so weary of Toronto — the cost of living, the hustle and bustle, the noise — it became too much for me. It was wearing down my senses.”

Now he walks to work via Odell Park, and revels in the bird song and the smell of trees, things he has sorely missed for many years. Moving to a new city in the middle of winter isn’t ideal, he said, but he’s enjoying the nature, the people and the work.

“I feel like it’s healing me,” he said. “Now that I’m here, all those feelings I had are confirmed.”

THE PEOPLE
What Thomas has found so far is a group of people — the choir and the 11:45 worship band — who are enthusiastic and skilled.

“I get to work with such a terrific choir,” he said. “And the 11:45 worship band is so talented. Everyone has made it very easy for me. I feel no stress.”

He’s also thrilled to return to his roots, “being able to play all aspects of Anglican liturgical music. I feel like a kid again!”

His great love of church music began when he was 10 years old, joining the choir at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

“It was a revelation, if 10-year-olds can have revelations,” he said. “I’ll never forget that moment.”

THE PLANS
He describes himself as a concert organist and liturgical musician, and he aims to put those talents to good use. As for the work, he’s got big plans.

At St. Matthews, he and the parish replaced the organ through a vigorous fundraising campaign and he hopes to use that experience here. The Christ Church Cathedral organ was last rebuilt in 1981, and Thomas believes it’s overdue.

“The goal is to renovate this instrument,” he said. “It’s showing wear and tear. Oddly enough, it’s a bit big for its environment. I think it needs to be reimagined for the space.”

Thomas sees that as a long-term project of up to 10 years, but in the end, “this could be the finest instrument in the Maritimes.”

He also sees a great deal of potential in the Cathedral itself: a beacon of inspiration for the diocese, a centre for arts and culture, a dynamic music program to share with the community.

“My goal is to make the Cathedral what most cathedrals have been for centuries — a centre for the arts,” he said.

Recently, as he listened to Dean Geoffrey Hall preach, he was struck by the sermon’s theme: ‘hearing the call, answering the call.’

“I had no urgency to leave my job, but I had to answer the call,” he said.

 

Reprinted from nb.anglican.ca

Video Project – December 2020

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Since March 2020 the Cathedral has provided a combination of video recording and live streaming Sunday worship. Live streaming Sunday and special worship events are well ‘attended’ with the number of views this fall ranging between 50 and 75 per service. The November worship during Covid orange had 117 views and the fall ordination had 146. Comments and feedback indicate that the streaming is very much appreciated by those who do not attend every week (allowing others a chance to attend with the 50 or 80 maximum) and those who do not feel comfortable worshiping in person. The live streams keep Cathedral people engaged, nourished, and feeling a part of the church community.

This is an investment in the wider Cathedral community and an outreach tool

We believe that video streaming should be part of the Sunday routine in the future, recommend that and request the funding for purchase and installation. This is an investment in the wider Cathedral community and an outreach tool that will appeal to those not currently part of a church family.  To date, we have used a web camera and computer belonging to Peter Jacobs. Video editing, when it has occurred, again has used personal computers. There has been a steep learning curve regarding pricing and determining the specifics, but it has been successful, and we have used what we have learned to create this proposal. We want to proceed quickly in order to provide a higher quality solution which will be simpler to provide as soon as possible. To date Peter Jacobs and Kirsten McKnight have been operating the live stream, but we would add to those numbers and create a sign-up category to ensure each event is covered.

Contributions toward this project are welcome. Label "Audio/Visual" as an envelope offering or use the convenient GIVE NOW option on the Cathedral Facebook page or Online Giving page on our website.

Read the entire project proposal here.

Unit Price Total
1 Video switcher, recorder and Streaming encoder $1,319 $1,319
(4 HDMI Channel, Stream to Ethernet, Record 4 channels)
2 PTZOptics PTZ Camera 30X optical HDMI, SDI 1080P $2,499 $4,998
(Pan - Tilt - Zoom camera remotely controlled-no Operator)
2 PTZOptics camera stand $125 $250
1 PTZOptics ElectronicPTZ Camera 4K Optics two SDI outputs $689 $689
1 Basic 1080P camera $300 $300
2 Video Signal Converter $85 $170
1 HDMI audio interface (HDMI in - out, Audio out) $70 $70
1 Dell HDMI monitor for Switcher display $300 $300
1 SSD USB external drive $200 $200
1 Dell Desktop computer with Video Editing capability $1,200 $1,200
1 Dell HDMI monitor for Computer $300 $300
1 Cabling and mounting hardware $500 $500
Sub-Total $10,296
Tax $1,544
Total $11,840

 

Blue Christmas 2020

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Join us at Christ Church Cathedral on Monday, 21 December, at 7:00 p.m. for a Blue Christmas.

Visit the Cathedral Signup or contact the Cathedral office Monday to Friday, 9:00 - 12 Noon, to reserve your spot.

The idea of a “Blue Christmas” may be new to you. Behind it is the intention to provide a quiet, contemplative time of worship as an alternative to the more traditional gatherings at this time of year as a way to care for those who are sad or struggling while all around us are getting caught up in Christmas celebration.

In the northern hemisphere, these worship opportunities are also known as prayers on “the Longest Night.” Both tend to be held around 21–22 December -- the winter solstice when the earth tips farthest away from the sun and evening creeps in as early as it ever does.

We acknowledge many during this season who are struggling with different kinds of pain and loss at the moment. Whether this year you’re feeling the loss of a loved one, separation from family due to pandemic restrictions or other reasons, the holidays in any number of ways are going to be especially challenging this year, or if you would like to be part of an effort to prayerfully support those who are feeling this way, the Blue Christmas is for you. Many in our local community are saying they are just ‘not feeling very Christmassy’ this year.

Behind it is the intention to provide a quiet, contemplative time of worship

On the evening of December 21st, we’ll quietly recognize the coming of the baby in the manger, a fact of history. The incarnate One can easily be dismissed as irrelevant especially when our hearts are heavy. But most especially we’ll consider the way the God of love comes too in the midst of the mess and pain we know in our everyday lives and the lives of those around us.

Tips about reading scripture in worship

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“The way in which you read something can really change the way people hear it.”

That's a comment from The Rev. Chris Roth of the Anglican Diocese of Calgary who recently put together a half-hour You Tube video to discuss reading scripture in worship. He explains what is read and why during worship (Old Testament, psalms, epistles, gospel), and he offers several useful tips for readers.

“The most important thing is to be heard clearly and to take your time to speak the words in a way that shows you understand what you're reading and in a way that your tongue doesn't trip over the words,” Rev. Roth says.

He urges readers to know their text extremely well. “Practise the text many times and always do it aloud,” he advises. “Know the meaning as best you can. You should be able to tell somebody else what the story is about.”

To learn the context of a scriptural passage, he suggests consulting montreal.anglican.org/comments which provides the meaning and importance of each entry in the Anglican three-year cycle of readings.

He says a reader can also use a good study Bible to learn what a passage is about. “If you're confused, it will come across to the congregation,” he cautions.

“Avoid reading too quickly or too quietly or in a flat monotone,” he advises.

It's very important to read with feeling, he says, because it will help the congregation to understand the words. For example, is a passage you're practising sad or joyous? “Match your tone to the mood of the story,” he says.

Readers can stumble over unfamiliar words or place names. Rev. Roth recommends checking proper pronunciation on www.biblegateway.com and speaking the name confidently during worship. Mark up your page to be sure you remember the correct pronunciation.

It's also important to know how to use the microphone properly, make sure your printed reading is actually at the lectern before the service, and to pause briefly before you begin and when you finish a passage.

In his video, Rev. Roth says that scripture is a highlight of worship, along with the sacrament of the eucharist.

“So, be heard clearly, take your time, know your text really well, and say the words with feeling to show that you understand them,” he sums up.

-- by Ann Deveau

Season of Creation 2020 – Jubilee for the Earth

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Season of Creation Celebration GuideEach year, the ecumenical steering committee that provides this Season of Creation Celebration Guide suggests a theme. The 2020 theme is Jubilee for the Earth. Climate change is a result of the intersection of greed, inequality and destruction of God’s earth. The theme of Jubilee for the Earth” reflects those three interlocking themes. Jubilee is a time to renounce overconsumption and economic systems based on constant economic growth at the cost of the Earth and those who are poor. Jubilee is a time when those who have consumed the most must make restitution to those who have suffered the most. Jubilee is a time of rest for the land from constant exploitation, to restore ecosystems and people.

The concept of Jubilee is rooted in the holy wisdom that there must exist a just and sustainable balance between social, economic and ecological realities. When one variable is exploited to maximize growth of another, the whole system will eventually suffer. When one part of the Earth community is stressed, every part is affected. In 2020, the novel coronavirus pandemic demonstrated this reality on a global scale. While the experience of living with the COVID-19 outbreak points back to this need to maintain justice, the lessons that we learn may point us towards the need for a Jubilee and motivate us to restore balance to the very systems that sustain life.

And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year and you shall proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you: you shall return, every one of you, to your property and every one of you to your family. (Leviticus 25:10, NRSV)

Julilee means “a ram’s horn.” It was blown at a time of universal redemption. The year of Jubilee involved release from indebtedness, when injustices of the past fifty years were to be restored. It was also a time for rest for the land. The theme of Jubilee has clear links to the root paradigms fueling unjust exploitation, such as neoliberal and capitalist approaches to the world economy. It brings together the need for a prophetic voice on climate injustice and actions for the restoration of the Earth. The theme of Jubilee affirms the need for equality, justice and sustainability, and a transition to sustainable economies. It honours the Jubilee 2000 Campaign, which successfully called for an amnesty on debt for global South countries and redistribution of wealth. And 2020 marks 50 years since the first Earth Day when the environmental movement was born.

A Climate Emergency

We are in the midst of a climate emergency. Several studies have indicated that the world is nowhere near meeting pledged emission reduction rate targets. The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report highlights that “only with rapid and far-reaching” transitions in the world economy, on a scale and at a rate without historical precedent, can the 1.5°C limit be achieved. It is therefore a time to reconcile ourselves with creation through concrete repentance and urgent action.
The Season of Creation is a time to acknowledge that tipping points are being reached, threatening the lives of the most vulnerable and putting the lives of future generations in jeopardy. As people of faith, we are being called to stand up against
climate injustice in prophetic ways.

The theme of Jubilee affirms the need for equality, justice and sustainability

The Season of Creation 2020 will also be an important moment for the Christian family to raise a united voice for rapid and radical ambitious action ahead of the 26th annual United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP) to address the climate crisis.
COP 26 is particularly significant, as parties are due to announce how they will implement the Paris Climate Agreement (and whether they will fall short). It is a time when faith communities are called to support and challenge their countries’ leadership to implement visionary and significant goals. It is also a time when we must listen to the prophetic voices of young people.

Then you shall have the trumpet sounded loud; on the tenth day of the seventh month—on the Day of Atonement—you shall have the trumpet sounded throughout all your land. (Leviticus 25:9, NRSV)

Prophetic call of hope

As people of faith we are called to sound a voice of hope, like the Jubilee. We lament, for everywhere we hear the groaning of creation. So we act as carriers of creation, and we sound the horn of hope, for the Earth and all they that live in it belong to the Lord. We know that God has promised the renewal of this Earth.

During this critical and trying time, we acknowledge our role as people of faith in sounding hope amidst this current crisis and affirm ourselves as prophetic witnesses. Jesus has given us a choice between God and Mammon. For the sake of the Earth
and all creatures, we have no choice but to pursue Justice (Micah 6:8).

Season of Creation 2020 is an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of Jubilee today, especially in the lead-up to COP26. How will we, as persons and as the Church:

  • Recognize God’s ownership of the whole earth, and all our ‘possessions’?
  • Release what we have back to God, both spiritually and practically?
  • Recognize our total dependency on God and his creation?
  • Receive God’s provision, in patience and trust?

What does it mean for the church to declare ‘the year of the Lord’s favour’? How can we glorify God for the hope we have in Christ, who restores and redeems the Earth? What changes will we see for those who are poor, and the land we enslave? We are far from a picture of Jubilee provision. As God’s Earth suffers, God’s people suffer also. Season of Creation 2020 encourages churches and Christians to participate through:

  • Prayer: including praise for God’s provision, repentance for our greed and complicity in the suffering of Earth and our neighbours, intercession for those vulnerable to climate chaos, and releasing all we have back to God
  • Practice: auditing our own mistreatment of the Earth, and committing to new practices individually and as worshipping communities
  • Advocacy: encourage states to ensure that climate justice and steps to a green economy are part of the COVID-19 economic recovery plans
  • Action: participate in civil action to put pressure on Governments to produce ambitious national targets (NDCs) for COP26

Season of Creation 2020 Prayer

Creator of Life,
At your word, the Earth brought forth plants yielding seed
and trees of every kind bearing fruit.
The rivers, mountains, minerals, seas and forests sustained life.
The eyes of all looked to you to satisfy the needs of every living thing.
And throughout time the Earth has sustained life.
Through the planetary cycles of days and seasons,
renewal and growth, you open your hand to give creatures our food in the proper time.

In your Wisdom, you granted a Sabbath;
a blessed time to rest in gratitude for all that you have given;
a time to liberate ourselves from vicious consumption;
a time to allow the land and all creatures to rest from the burden of production.
But these days our living pushes the planet beyond its limits.
Our demands for growth, and our never-ending cycle of production and consumption are exhausting our world.
The forests are leached, the topsoil erodes,
the fields fail, the deserts advance, the seas acidify, the storms intensify.
We have not allowed the land to observe her Sabbath,
and the Earth is struggling to be renewed.

During this Season of Creation,
we ask you to grant us courage to observe a Sabbath for our planet.
Strengthen us with the faith to trust in your providence.
Inspire us with the creativity to share what we have been given.
Teach us to be satisfied with enough.
And as we proclaim a Jubilee for the Earth,
send Your Holy Spirit to renew the face of creation.

In the name of the One
who came to proclaim good news to all creation, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Visit seasonofcreation.org

Pandemic – How did we do?

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Following an extraordinary time for everyone caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the church too was struggling, and continues to struggle, with new ways of doing what we do. Even in the midst of a society lockdown, there is even more need for ministry, need for worship, need for communication.

At Christ Church Cathedral, with the help of many, we continue to live into this “new normal.” Over the months March to June, we gained some experience with some very different ways of doing things. Most of what we attempted came with a considerable learning curve as most everything we did required new, unfamiliar ways. The good news is that we have that experience behind us and will without doubt be better prepared for our future because of it.

Some very good and interesting questions have been asked over the past several weeks. The answers too are interesting and its worth sharing them for the inquiring minds that want to know.

How much does streamed Cathedral worship cost?

YouTube is a free service provided by Google. There is no charge to upload or watch videos on YouTube. It is necessary for the YouTube account to “qualify” to be able to upload videos longer than 15 minutes. The qualification involves making an application for the account and a confirmation of ownership credentials, a relatively easy process. Other streaming services are also available at reasonable rates. But ...

While it’s free to stream, it’s not always “free” to create the content. It depends largely on the people with the skill set necessary and the availability of the equipment necessary. If either of those is lacking, it indeed costs. Production by a professional can easily be outside of a realistic budget for most churches. Unless someone is willing to loan personal computer and camera equipment, there is that upfront cost.

If you watched video streams from the cathedral during that time, you will have noticed changes to how the video was delivered. We began on that first Sunday in March with a “live” stream, meaning that what the camera was seeing was immediately broadcast on YouTube. There were some glitches in that attempt and we quickly came to a decision that pre-recording and posting for Sunday might be the less stressful approach. Pre-recorded and edited video was provided from then to the first Sunday of in-person worship on 07 July. On that Sunday, we returned to the live stream approach.

Why? Over the course of Sundays pre-recorded, the Dean began to experiment a bit with multiple video sources. Since the final product needed to be edited before posting to YouTube, there was an opportunity to put some additional polish on the project. Using several personally owned pocket HD video cameras, in addition to the one webcam feed being provided by Peter Jacobs, three additional angles were recorded. Using software and multi-clip editing technology, these were synchronized and an edited final cut produced using a relatively high-end computer and software. The recording itself is the thin edge of the wedge. Editing such a project means 8-10 hours of rather intense editing work, assuming all goes as planned. Even then, it’s an amateur product, although probably utterly impossible 10 years ago. Cost is not always measured in dollars. Needless to say, all things considered, the true “cost” is somewhat substantial.

So time is an issue. The skills required is an issue. The imposition, inconvenience, and perhaps even availability of using personally owned hardware is an issue - the moment the person isn’t available neither is the equipment.

How many people viewed streamed Cathedral worship over the last several months?

When viewing a YouTube video, at the bottom left (or in the brief description under the video thumbnail in a list of videos) you should see how many views the video has had. This number is not necessarily an assurance the viewer watched the whole vide, but it does give an indication of how many opened it at least once.

Cathedral Sunday Stream Views

Views

Date

 Views

Date

 Views Date
* 62

12 Jul 20

 487

31 May 20

 539

26 Apr 20
* 131

05 Jul 20

 426

24 May 20

 567

19 Apr 20
176

28 Jun 20

 402

17 May 20

 947

12 Apr 20
162

21 Jun 20

 453

10 May 20

 1396

05 Apr 20
250

14 Jun 20

 527

03 May 20

 1109

29 Mar 20
290

07 Jun 20

 * 1176

22 Mar 20

* Live stream

How many people listen to Cathedral podcasts (audio)?

Audio podcasts have been consistently made available for Cathedral worship and sermons since early in 2015. Since March of 2019, average subscribers are 77-80 with the maximum being 121 during that time. “Subscribers” are the number of users who have used podcast applications to “subscribe.” being notified whenever a new podcast file is posted. “Hits” to Cathedral podcasts average 125 per day, according to Feedburner, although most in the know point out that a "hit" is only an indication of a click, which could be from a person or a web search robot. Worship podcasts are a simple upload of the recorded audio with some edits to volume levels, and removing dead space and distracting imperfections in the recording where necessary. Sermons are primarily by the Dean and include an introductory and concluding voice-over.

How has the Cathedral been able to remain financially stable during the pandemic lock-down?

It is without doubt that the appeal, guided and prepared by our Stewardship Team early on, to “catch up and keep up” with offerings, was instrumental in communicating the reminder to all of us who support the ministry of Christ Church Cathedral. The efforts to begin e-offering or slide offering envelopes through the mail slot at the Memorial Hall have been responsible for our being able to stay ahead and meet on-going expenses. We continue to make cost-saving adjustments and some of those expenses were understandably lower during that time, but many also continue. We should be especially thankful that we were able to maintain staff salaries. Most members of staff continued to work without being physically present in their offices.

The other significant reality is the generous Federal Government initiative, extended to charitable organizations late in March, to keep Canadians working during the pandemic crisis,. The Cathedral was fortunate to have qualified for the federal wage subsidy (75%) for the first three periods. Future qualification for that subsidy remains to be seen. To the end of June 2020 we find ourselves $7,743 behind in expenses over revenue. It could have been much worse.

Will we be able to continue with streamed worship video even after we have resumed in-person worship?

It’s the question many are asking as many continue to rely on being able to join us “virtually” without being present “personally.” A valuable offering indeed.

The short answer is, providing a live stream version of worship requires some technical skill but is relatively less labour intensive than creating an edited, pre-recorded video. It’s a worship outreach the Cathedral needs to give serious consideration. The barriers include not being equipped with the hardware or the engaged skilled individuals necessary to make this just part of what we normally do.

With some equipment and some trained operators, we’d be able to do what we have “cobbled” together over the last few months. With some additional equipment, we would be able to do a good job of providing worship broadcast as a mainstay, making live streaming readily available for any event within the Cathedral.

We’re currently investigating the dollar cost of a set up for that possibility.

If you have a further question or a thought, why not leave a comment on this post? Type in the comment box and leave your name and email.

GMH

Sunday Worship begins 05 July

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Christ Church Cathedral is thankful to God for the opportunity to hold in-person worship once again. We'll be celebrating the Holy Eucharist at 8 and 10:30 am this Sunday.

At the outset, your participation is completely at your discretion. If you are uncomfortable with attendance, please do not feel apologetic. We will be doing our best to reduce risks.

Please note that according to the Cathedral Operational Plan, reservations are required to attend worship. Our maximum capacity, within physical distancing requirements, is about 60 bubbles (+/- 80 individuals). Please use the signup, if at all possible, to reserve your "bubble." Alternatively, you can call (506) 406-2548 and leave a message.

A "bubble" is an individual or a group considered "close friends and family" as defined by the NB Provincial Department of Health Recovery Plan. Reservation is necessary due to our capacity and the current requirement that religious gatherings maintain accurate attendance logs for contact tracing should that become necessary. Thanks for your cooperation even in the face of what we might consider inconvenience. Let’s stay safe!

View "When We Gather" -- the ten things you need to know for in-person worship at Christ Church Cathedral.

Sunday, 05 July 8:00 am Holy Eucharist (BCP)
Sunday, 05 July 10:30 am Holy Eucharist (BAS)
Wednesday, 08 July 10:00 am Holy Eucharist (BCP)

Sunday, 12 July 8:00 am Holy Eucharist (BCP)
Sunday, 12 July 10:30 am Come Worship Eucharist

Sunday, 19 July 8:00 am Holy Eucharist (BCP)
Sunday, 19 July 10:30 am Holy Eucharist (BCP)
Wednesday, 22 July 10:00 am Holy Eucharist (BCP)

Sunday, 29 July 8:00 am Holy Eucharist (BCP)
Sunday, 29 July 10:30 am Come Worship Eucharist

The schedule will follow the July pattern in August, should circumstances remain the same.

Please visit the Worship Signup to reserve attendance or to schedule for worship duties. It's not necessary to do both.

At some point, we may need some volunteers to attend to cleaning requirements between gatherings. Those needs will be listed in the signup if / when they arise.

If Signup.com proves to be difficult for too many, we'll investigate other online reservation possibilities. Automating this process is significant in our ability to efficiently create the required attendance check lists / logs.

Find the Cathedral Operational Plan here: (cccath.ca ➙ Groups and Community tab ➙ Documents and Forms ➙ Cathedral Pandemic Operational Plan). Refresh your browser tab or window to assure you have the most current version.
Links to the Cathedral Calendar and Cathedral Signups - are in the top right corner of our website.

GMH

Beginning in-person worship

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Beginning in-person worship
Christ Church Cathedral, Fredericton NB
19 June 2020

A joke has gone somewhat “viral” on social media in Christian circles over the last few weeks. The Dean’s version follows.

A young Christian man, relatively new to the faith, was approached by the “father of lies,” Satan himself, just after the onset of the announcement of a pandemic caused by the nova coronavirus leading to lock down in early 2020. “Take that!” said the devil. “I’ve singlehandedly closed all of your churches with one tiny virus!” “On the contrary,” replied the young man. “You’ve singlehandedly opened churches in every home of every one who calls themselves a Christian!”

Many are asking, “When can we return?” All of us long for what was. We took our normal all too much for granted when it was ours and we suddenly find ourselves in a different world. That’s not to suggest with any certainty that “things” won’t one day return to what we remember. But we have been called to alert. The possibility and even likelihood of pandemic has always been nearer than most are willing to admit. With the particular illness of the current pandemic our health, especially the health of our most vulnerable, is at stake and that we need to continue to take it very seriously.

A Cathedral task group has been hard at work to examine information available to us including from public health officials and our own local situation to determine our best and safest response to the current circumstance. We need to minimize risk while at the same time be conscious of the spiritual needs of the Cathedral and the wider community and continue to be who we are. We can not officially be out of step with what is recommended and required by public health, knowingly or unthinkingly puting any at risk.

We have lots of advice and good information about how we can begin to gather safely. Initially there is no suggestion that, nor can we, simply return to what most of us consider “normal.”

As of this writing, the Bishop and Chapter has concurred with recommendations of the Task Group that we begin with celebrations of the Holy Eucharist, every other Wednesday, beginning on 24 June (The Feast of St. John the Baptist). This or any future gatherings will need to adhere to direction found in the then current “Operational Plan.” The Plan is a requirement of the NB Department of Health and will guide us as we gather safely. Modifications to it will be made as appropriate and necessary.

We all need to be aware – in-person worship is not going to look or feel like what we remember, at least not initially. What will be different?

•  anyone with a symptom of any illness needs to stay home
•  total participant limits assured by a system of reservation for worship
•  face masks will be worn by members of the congregation at all times
•  strict screening before entry
•  physical distancing (2 metres) maintained at all times
•  frequent hand washing, use of hand sanitizer and not touching surfaces unnecessarily
•  strict protocols in the administration of the Sacrament
•  no food or refreshments served or shared
•  socializing only from a distance and preferably outside

Hoping to offer as much clarity as possible, the following step by step guide may be of help. If your wish and intention is to attend worship at Christ Church Cathedral, these are 10 things you need to know:

1.     Self-monitor. If you have any reason whatsoever to believe that you have an illness, stay at home, even if you have successfully reserved as a participant

2.     Reserve. Visit the Cathedral Worship Sign-up (Cathedral website – top right corner “Cathedral Signups” Signup as “Worship Participant” for the desired event. If you haven’t signed up before you’ll be asked for your email address. If you’re signing up for more than one person, please leave a comment with the details. There is a maximum number.

OR telephone (506) 406-2548 and leave a voicemail message indicating:
1) your name 2) your telephone number 3) the service you wish to attend
Reservations should be made before 8:00 p.m. on the previous day and telephone requests will be confirmed by phone.
Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Consideration will be given to those who have not been able to attend due to limitations

3.     Enter. Greeters will answer questions and instruct you about what you need to know

4.     Face mask. If at all possible, it is preferred that you bring your own non-medical face mask and begin wearing it before you enter the Cathedral. Face masks cannot be worn by some. Be accommodating of those without them

5.     Screening. Read the posted screening questions. If you answer “yes” to any of the questions, please do not enter. A greeter will ask for confirmation

6.     Seating. Follow the direction of Greeters regarding seating beginning to fill pews from the front

7.     Materials. There will be no prayer books or hymn books in the pews. If materials are considered required, they will be available for pickup upon entry. Please take them home with you

8.     Communion. At Communion, approach in one line in the centre aisle, observing physical distance markings. Return to your pew by way of the side aisles. The host will be safely delivered in your hands

9.     Exit. After worship, Greeters will direct exit beginning from pews at the back

10.   Socializing. Outdoors only and observe physical distancing (2 metres)

As we make our first attempts to organize in-person gatherings, we’ll continue to monitor public health protocols, what works and what does not and adjust our Plan and processes accordingly.

At least some of the volunteer needs we’ll have as we begin are listed here. As we progress, these are likely to increase. Training will be provided. Please contact a member of the Operational Plan Task Group, leave your offer at the worship reservation phone number or watch Cathedral Signups for opportunities to help.

Special tasks
Cleaning and sanitation
Reservation administration

Worship duties
  Reading scripture
Sacristy duties
Greeter duties

                       The Task Group
Wayne Burley                                (506) 440-8663
Thomas Gonder                            (506) 230-4968
Geoffrey Hall                                 (506) 450-7761
Catherine MacDonald                  (506) 209-1226
Kathleen Snow                              (506) 461-8201
Mike Toole                                   (506) 455-4530

View or download the current Operational Plan
(Refresh your browser tab or window to assure you have the latest version)

Cathedral Worship Sign up

Worship Reservation Telephone  (506) 406-2548