This week’s spiritual practice, suggested by Vivian: It’s no coincidence that as we celebrate Trinity Sunday May 31, we also prepare to receive the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and to move forward in a new relationship with First Nations people. That’s why the bells of the Cathedral bells of churches throughout our city and country will ring at noon. “Precisely because we know that God is three-in-one, we cannot remain indifferent to any suffering, by any member of the human race, in any part of the world,” wrote Kallistos Ware. You can read more about Trinitarian theology here… and about relating to invisible people, here.

Last week’s newsletter described some ways in which the cathedral is responding to the 22 days set aside for healing and reconciliation. A brief reminder:

• Each Wednesday in June starting at 3.30 pm our bell will toll 1122 times to sound out our solidarity with those who mourn the missing and murdered aboriginal women.
•  On Sunday June 7 our guest preacher will be Lee Greyfeather, EFM. Other guests will bring traditional First Nations music and prayers. The Social Justice Action Group (SJAG) will meet in the side chapel from 11:30-12.30 to discuss Justice for Aboriginal Peoples

• On Sunday, June 14, please come to join Mohawk elders and church leaders for a Gathering of Friends between 5:30 and 7:00 pm in Wallenberg Square (behind the cathedral) as they bless this new beginning and enjoy drumming, dance, and refreshments.

Our guests of June 7 have told us something about themselves:

•  Lee Greyfeather (Mi’kmaq/Bear clan) attended residential school in Northeastern Québec for almost six years. He is an Anglican who also completed his full 32 years of study and training amongst his people. He became a holy man (shaman) in 2008, carrying forward the tradition of a long line of healers, including his grandmother, Singing Bird.
• Leslie West (Mi’kmaq/Turtle clan) was adopted by a non-Native family and raised as an Anglican in Montreal. Since discovering her true heritage in 2009, she has been on her own journey of truth and reconciliation. Her people have given her the name Walks Far Woman because of the long distances she has had to travel to find her true identity.

• Éric Côté is Mi’kmaq (Bear clan) on his mother’s side and Abenaki/Western Métis (Sturgeon clan) on his father’s side. He lives in Montréal. Éric is on a journey of life. In addition to being the Drum Carrier for the Native Friendship Centre Montreal drum, he is a Sundancer and a Pipe Carrier.
• Isabelle Gagné is a Mohawk currently living in Montréal. She too is on a journey of life. She expresses her creativity in many ways, including dancing and drumming. Isabelle, grounded in a deep-rooted faith and a strong belief in prayer, takes an active part in the activities at the Native Friendship Centre Montreal, helping the elders in the community, locating information on resources for those in need, and listening to those who need someone to talk with.

Last week I asked people to send me interesting news items about creative and interesting activities in which they are participating. Two cathedral members have responded, both with news about musical events.

Bob and Janet King made their singing debut in Carnegie hall last Saturday as part of the Canadian Celtic Choir put together by Professor Pierre Perron with singers from the five Eastern Canadaian provinces. They sang the Canadian Celtic Mass of the Sea written by Scott McMillan and Jennyfer Brickenden. The following day they went to Bill Derby’s church in New York City and report that our former vicar is well and happy in charge of a large bi-lingual Spanish/English congregation.

Emma, our second correspondent, sings with the Adleisia women’s chamber choir whose members used to belong to Concerto Della Donna and who were determined to continue singing together after their conductor Iwan Edwards retired last year. Now led by Amelia MacMahon and Virginie Pacheco, the choir gave their much applauded inaugural concert at the cathedral during Nuit blanche and will be performing here again on Saturday, June 6 at 7:30 in a concert called Circle, featuring songs about spring, cycles and new beginnings. Tickets are $10 for students and seniors, $20 for adults. https://www.facebook.com/adleisia

The cathedral is a popular concert venue, ably promoted and organised by Jonathan. There will be the usual Saturday and Wednesday Oasis concerts during the coming week and a benefit concert for Chez Doris on Thursday, June 4 at 7:30 pm, when the Concord Women’s Chorus, of Concord, Massachusetts will perform Women of the Americas, a concert that highlights dramatic music composed by North American and Latin American women specifically for women’s voices. They will be joined by the Montreal based chorus Modulation for this benefit concert for Chez Doris, a non-profit organization that offers educational and recreational activities, social services and professional services for women in need. https://www.facebook.com/events/1584817425140204/

The Saturday Oasis concert, which starts at 4:30, features Kate Maloney, violin, and Philip Chiu, piano, in works by Kernis, Bunch, Ravel and Franck.

The Wednesday concert at 6:15 next week will be given by Sara Rezky, piano, playing pieces by Leclair, Mozart, Debussy and Liszt.

There will be more music at the special Corpus Christi Sung Eucharist celebrated by John Simons at 12:15 on Thursday, June 4. And of course, you can expect some glorious music at the services for Trinity Sunday, this Sunday.

Last Sunday was a special occasion with the ordination of deacons. You may have seen photographs on the Cathedral’s Facebook page. Here is an update on the three members of our congregation who were ordained. We send them on their way with our love and blessings.

James Duckett has been appointed Assistant Curate at St. George’s, St-Anne-de-Belleview. His appointment is effective August 1st.

Jean-Jacques Goulet has been appointed Assistant Curate at Christ Church Cathedral. His appointment is effective June 1st.

Josée Lemoine has been appointed Assistant Curate at St. Cuthbert, St. Hilda & St. Luke. Her appointment is effective June 1st.

An invitation to stay after the 10am service this Sunday to hear Jeffrey Mackie and Ben Stuchbery share their reflections following their participation in the Green Church Conference in Quebec. This Sunday is also the day for the end of the month lunch which this month is being offered by a Cathedral member. Volunteers are always welcome to help serve a hot lunch to those in need.

Some reminders for your agenda:

Outdoor Eucharist and Parish BBQ June 7th at 6pm – on the Cathedral grounds.

The Cathedral Book Group will meet on Monday, June 8 to discuss Thaliad by Marly Youmans. See Jane or Ann for details. Books are available for $10 in the Cathedral office.

Poetry Workshop with Jeffrey Mackie June 9 at 7pm in the Undercroft. Participants are invited to come with a word or phrase relating to the theme of environment and creation to share and to use as a starting off point for writing exercises.

We are recruiting new altar servers, youth (10 and over) and adults. Please speak with Tyson Rosberg if you are interested.

Flowers sponsors needed for Sundays in June and July. Please speak to Rob Wells or contact the Cathedral office if you would like to donate flowers in thanksgiving or in the memory of a loved one. (Cost: approximately $60.00)