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Please note that these are the only two communication channels used in the creation of this newsletter.

If you attend in person on Sundays, a special parking rate is available at the Park Place Parkade. The parking code for 2025 is 20254630. Rate details are available here.

You can watch past live-streamed services on our YouTube channel — click to watch the ones you missed or rewatch the ones you enjoyed!

On June 1st, we’ll be blessing the cyclists and their bikes at the end of the 10:30 worship—yes, even the ones with squeaky brakes and milk crates strapped to the back. I’ll be among them; helmet hair not being a problem.

I bike a lot. I ride to work, to the store, to appointments, and to meet friends. If there’s a reason to go somewhere and I don’t need to carry a washing machine, odds are I’m hopping onto two wheels. And yes, I ride year-round in Vancouver. It’s possible! Though, to be honest, my enthusiasm does wane slightly when the rain feels like it’s being fired from a pressure washer.

So, why do I bike? I was asked that recently, and I realized the answer isn’t just one thing—it’s a beautiful, pedal-powered pile of reasons. In no particular order:

• I enjoy it. Really. The wind in my face, the rhythm of the ride—it’s oddly meditative… until someone opens a car door into the bike lane.
  
  
• It keeps me healthy. Cycling is great exercise and, let’s face it, a lot more fun than a treadmill.
  
  
• It saves money. No gas, no parking fees, and my “tune-up” costs a lot less than any trip to the mechanic.
  
  
• It’s good for the planet. Fewer emissions, less wear on the roads, and my carbon footprint gets trimmed down with every ride.
  
  
• Parking is a breeze. Ever tried parking downtown…just about anytime? Try finding a bike rack instead—much less soul-crushing.
  
  
• I actually get places faster. Between traffic jams, construction, and Vancouver’s special brand of “creative” driving, cycling often wins the race.
  
  
• Vancouver drivers. Look, I love this city, but let’s just say I’d rather face a pothole than a distracted driver with a latte in one hand and a phone in the other.
  

So that’s why I bike. It’s practical, joyful, and—on good days—a little bit heroic. On June 1st, we’ll say a prayer for the cyclists (and for the cars not to hit us). Hope to see you there—whether you come on two wheels or just to cheer us on.

Diogo is leaving some big shoes to fill! In the meantime, here’s who you can reach out to for any questions or information:

Please note that incense is used at all Sunday 4pm Evening Prayer and 8pm Compline services.

The Future Outlook Survey is a second survey not to be confused with the Census, which is now complete. This Future Outlook Survey is a “deeper dive”, an opportunity to tell us who you are and express what matters most to you about Cathedral life. All the input we are gathering will be used for the purpose of determining the future direction of The Cathedral. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete and must be done in one sitting. 

Access the Future Outlook Survey through the link here. 

Watch for information about how to register for Listening Circles taking place in June. Registration for Listening Circles (choices for in-person and Zoom) will open soon.

More information about the Strategic Planning Process can be found on the Cathedral website here, the full results of the Census here and a brief overview here. And if you need help linking to or help completing the Future Outlook Survey, or if we don’t have your email address, please call or email reception@thecathedral.ca and you will be contacted by one of the Steering Committee members.

Thank you for helping us grow together!

Jennifer Barr & Jane Osler
On behalf of the Cathedral Strategic Planning Steering Committee

Africa Sunday is a celebration held by many churches across the continent and in the African diaspora on the Sunday closest to Africa Day (May 25), which commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963—now the African Union (AU). Africa Sunday offers Christian communities an opportunity to give thanks for the rich spiritual, cultural, and historical heritage of Africa, to reflect on the continent’s struggles and triumphs, and to recommit themselves to the vision of justice, peace, and unity. Rooted in the biblical call to liberation, it connects deeply with Christ’s mission to bring good news to the poor, release to the captives, and freedom to the oppressed (Luke 4:18). In many contexts, Africa Sunday lifts up themes central to liberation theology: God’s preferential option for the poor, the dignity of every person, and the church’s role in resisting systems of injustice. It is a moment for the church to bear prophetic witness—praying and working for transformation in the face of poverty, conflict, and exploitation—while also celebrating the Spirit’s ongoing work through African leadership, creativity, and resilience.

Here in Vancouver, celebrating Africa Sunday is an act of solidarity, recognition, and hope. In a city shaped by migration, diversity, and growing African diasporic communities, it reminds us that the Body of Christ is global—and that the joys and struggles of Africa are not distant from us, but part of our shared Christian story. Africa Sunday challenges us to listen more deeply to African voices, to honour the contributions of African Christians to theology, worship, music, and mission, and to stand with those who continue to seek justice, healing, and equity. As a cathedral committed to Christ’s liberating love, we can embody Africa Sunday by making space for African leadership in our common life, praying for African nations and diasporic communities, engaging in partnerships that advance global justice, and learning from liberation theologies rooted in African soil. It is both a celebration and a call—to walk humbly, act justly, and love mercy in communion with sisters and brothers across the continent of Africa and around the world.

During the 10.30am service, we will offer a children's Sunday school program (for children aged roughly 3-8 years old).

On the first Sunday of the month, children are invited to come downstairs for a Godly Play* lesson. Parents/responsible adults can drop their children off in the nursery before the service begins. The children will come back upstairs and rejoin their parents for communion. 

Exciting update for our June 1st Sunday School: Children will meet our new Children's Ministry Assistants: Ms. Kaka Felesia and Ms. Elena Ilnitskaya. We will be blessing them and commissioning them (joining together in prayer to bless them in their new roles) at the 10.30am service. 

Contact Rev. Areeta if you have any questions.

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*Godly Play is a Montessori-informed approach that nurtures children's spirituality as they engage with the stories and sacraments of the church. It was developed by Dr. Jerome Berryman, an American Anglican priest. 

As a daily bicycle rider my outings are a mix of errands and restorative, life–giving exercise. I follow routes along the waterfront, through beautiful residential areas, or along urban bike trails. 

The beauty of the natural world absorbs me. Even on cold rainy rides my spirits rise in the bracing fresh air, the ever–evolving beauty of trees and gardens, ocean, clouds and sky, the diversity and wonder of people — dog walkers, children at play, constellations large and small of families enjoying the out–of–doors. 

The impact of the natural world is transformative. A visceral sense of connectedness surfaces, an awareness of the interrelatedness of all life. Riding a bike is inextricably and sometimes overwhelmingly linked to the One from whom all life flows. I cannot help but worship. Transported by feelings of wonder, curiosity, and awe I feel small, fortunate to be alive and healthy and deeply grateful to be part of this living breathing cosmos, despite the reality that all is not as it should be.

Simple bike rides lead to awe–inspiring worship and gratitude. I become restored and recentred, better able to face the challenges of life.

Regardless of my mood at the start of a ride, inevitably a sense of belonging, gratitude and wonder emerges. I feel better able to press on in hope, to push for justice, mercy, and love. 

Spending time on a bike in an inspiring setting will lift spirits and equip us for what lies ahead. Bless the bicycle.

The Cathedral has a special retreat opportunity at Rivendell Retreat Centre on Bowen Island this June. 

Space is available for 25 people in 17 rooms (some rooms are double-occupancy). Food will be catered. 

Cost will be $350/person for the weekend, food and drink are included.

More information and registration will become available as planning unfolds. If you have any questions, please connect with Rev. Areeta. 

We’re looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to help welcome people to the Cathedral for the 1:30pm, 4pm and 8pm services on Sundays.

As a greeter, you’ll have the opportunity to create a warm, inviting atmosphere for everyone who walks through our doors—whether they’re first-time visitors or long-time members. Your smile, handshake, and kind words can help set the tone for a meaningful worship experience.

If you enjoy meeting new people and want to be a part of making our church a more welcoming place, we’d love to have you join the team!

Please email reception@thecathedral.ca if you are interested.

The 123rd Diocesan Synod will be held on May 30–31, and we're looking for dedicated volunteers to support this important event.

Why volunteer?

• Serve the wider diocesan community

• Gain a unique opportunity to observe the Synod in action

If you're interested in helping out, please click the button below to register. We’d love to have you on the team!

Morning Prayer on Zoom | Monday to Friday | 9:30am to 10:00am

Upper Zoom Bible Study of Sunday Readings | Thursdays | 7:15 p.m.

Fellowship for Parishioners of African Descent | Last Saturday of each month | 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

1st Sundays Godly Play | June 1 | 10:30 a.m.

The Cathedral office is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staff contact information is available here. 

REGULAR SUNDAY SERVICES

Holy Communion | 8:00 a.m.

Choral Eucharist | 10:30 a.m.

St. Brigid’s Eucharist | 1:30 p.m.

Sundays@4 Choral Service | 4:00 p.m.

Compline | 8:00 p.m.

WEEKDAY SERVICES

Holy Eucharist | Monday—Friday
12:15 p.m.

Holy Eucharist | Thursday
7:30 a.m. (with breakfast following)

Rite of Reconciliation (Confession) | 4th Wednesday
11:00 a.m.—Noon

Healing Prayers & Anointing | Wednesday
Following the 12:15 p.m. Eucharist

ONLINE

If you wish to worship with us online, click on the button below.

Those seeking prayers for themselves or others may email the Cathedral Prayer Link at prayerlink@thecathedral.ca to have their name added to the list.