BEFORE STARTING TO READ THIS NEWSLETTER, PLEASE SCROLL DOWN UNTIL YOU SEE “VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE” (OR SIMILAR MESSAGE) AND CLICK ON IT. THIS WILL OPEN THE CHRONICLE ON YOUR DEFAULT BROWSER AND WILL ENSURE THAT YOU DO NOT MISS ANYTHING.

If you wish to see something published in this newsletter, please either fill out the Communication Request Form (click to be redirected to the Cathedral website) or email your edited and proofed text to newsletters@thecathedral.ca by Tuesday at Noon. If you have any questions, please email us at newsletters@thecathedral.ca.

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!

Bring your bike helmets and join us on June 1st at 10:30 for an Ascension Sunday worship with cycling gear blessing. 

Sundays@4, June 1, 2025: Ascension Sunday
Presider: The Rev. Clare Morgan
Music: Neil Cockburn, Director of Music

Join us for Sung Evening Prayer to the setting by Marty Haugen "Holden Evening Prayer."

This beautiful setting of the evening service is a favourite in the Lutheran Church, and is becoming increasingly popular in Anglican congregations. There is much musical participation for the congregation, and the singing is led by the Presider and two cantors.

The service includes:
Psalms 24 and 96
Joyous Light
Magnificat
Common Praise Hymns: 245, 491
Readings: Daniel 7: 9-14; Matthew 28: 16-20

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. 

---

*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. 

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

The Cathedral Strategic Planning Steering Committee is excited to announce that you are now able to sign up for a Listening Circle. These Circles are a special opportunity for us to sit together in community to explore the findings from both the Census and the Future Outlook Survey and to reflect on what is most needed and what is possible for the future life of the Cathedral. 

Please sign up for ONE of the Circles here: Christ Church Cathedral Listening Circles.

You have the option of a first and second choice of dates.

The Listening Circles are scheduled for:

·      after the 10.30 services on Sunday June 8 and Sunday June 15th 

·      Saturday afternoon June 14th and 

·      by Zoom in the evenings of June 17th and 18th. 

There will be a Summary Presentation of the Census and Future Outlook Survey results, and then facilitated small group discussions about the strengths, concerns, opportunities and aspirations for the next 3 to 5 years at the Cathedral. Sessions will be about 2 hours, with a light lunch provided at the Sunday sessions. 

As always if you have any questions or thoughts about this or any other aspect of the Strategic Planning Process please reach out to us through reception@thecathedral.ca.

Thank you for helping us grow together!

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

Riding a bicycle can help us connect to people in our community. It can also lift our spirits. Here are some of the ways this happens for me.
• We get to see each other face to face instead of through a windshield
• Sharing smiles and waves with vehicle drivers who have stopped for me
• Brief conversations while waiting for the lights to change – “nice helmet!”
• Smelling the fragrance of flowers and trees and the rain
• The aroma of dinners cooking, especially barbeques
• Observing how my neighbourhood and the seasons are changing

Helmets, lights, and hi-vis clothing aside, riding a bicycle can make you feel vulnerable. When we drive our cars or ride or roll, we often forget that everyone is trying to get some place and we should take care of each other as best as we can and not make it a race.

Before leaving home, I offer a prayer for all who will be travelling that day, that we be reminded to be kind to each other. That goes double for me so I can remember to be patient with drivers, walkers on their phones and other cyclists when we get in each other’s way. 

The best part is arriving safely, feeling good about my mode of travel, being grateful that I am able to ride, and offering care for our planet. Riding brings me happiness. Bless the bicycle.

The 123rd Synod of the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster is an important gathering of clergy and elected lay delegates from parishes across the diocese, convened to pray, discern, and make decisions about the life and mission of the Church. A “synod” is derived from a Greek word meaning “journeying together,” and it functions as both a legislative body and a spiritual assembly. Held every two years, Synod is a time to review and respond to the needs of the Church and wider community, receive reports on diocesan initiatives, approve budgets, and consider motions that shape the diocese’s direction and witness. Alongside the formal business, Synod is also a space for fellowship, worship, and mutual encouragement. The Cathedral's delegates to this year's Synod consist of all of the licensed clergy and the 6 Lay Trustees.

This year, the Diocese is honoured to welcome the Archbishop of Wales, the Most Rev. Andrew John, as keynote speaker. His presence highlights the Anglican Communion’s deep interconnectedness and offers a global perspective on ministry in times of challenge and change. Delegates will engage with his reflections, share in vibrant liturgy, and participate in workshops and discussions that equip the Church to respond to God’s call with creativity, compassion, and courage. The 123rd Synod promises to be a Spirit-filled gathering, renewing the diocesan community in its commitment to God’s mission in this place and time.

Dean Chris will be posting Live Blog updates throughout the Synod. 

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.

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

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

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.

The Cathedral has a special retreat opportunity at Rivendell Retreat Centre on Bowen Island this June. Rev. Areeta Bridgemohan and Gene Fraser, parishioner at Christ Church Cathedral, will be co-leading a retreat which will be a mix of contemplative practice and sharing in community. Contemplative practice will include times of quiet and centering prayer. 

A rough outline of the retreat is as follows: 

Friday June 27

Arrive at the Retreat Centre at 3pm

Dinner at 6pm

Saturday June 28

7am Breakfast

8am Centering prayer

12.30pm Lunch

6pm Dinner

Sunday June 29

7am Breakfast

10.30am Closing Eucharist

12pm Departure

---