What a joy to see Spring finally bursting into bloom, and what an abundance of joy we experienced during the Parish Retreat last weekend. Sally Harrington-Philippo, our retreat leader, led us in a series of meditations about living a life of prayer and Paul and Vivian created wonderfully enriching liturgies. During our free time we were able to stroll round the beautiful grounds of the hermitage or sit in the sun gazing at the lake. Sally brought us a large bunch of daffodils from her ranch in the Eastern Townships; mostly buds when she picked them, they were fully open by the end of the weekend – perhaps a symbol of the way our spirits were opening to receive God’s grace.
The unusually warm weather is making people happy, but it’s also a little frightening if we remember that twenty years ago the gardening season began at the end of May. Climate change is changing our seasons. This is a good moment to remember the Anglican Communion’s fifth Mark of Mission – “…to sustain and renew life on earth.” Earlier this year the Montreal Stewardship of the Environment Committee launched a blog ,a Facebook page and a twitter account with which they are trying to raise awareness about environmental issues and provide a platform for action across the diocese. You might like to take a look at the sites and perhaps use these resources as a focus for prayer about the preservation of the environment:
http://stewardshipoftheenvironment.blogspot.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/anglicanstewards
https://twitter.com/ecoanglicans
Thoughts of Spring might inspire you to write a poem! Join Jan Jorgensen for a pasta supper and poetry workshop in the Undercroft on May 11 from 6:30-9:00. (Gluten free option). No experience necessary! RSVP to Jan. Sponsored by Vallum Poetry.
At the Fair Trade Kiosque on May 17, The Social Justice Action Group is inviting us all to continue the celebration of spring with their special offer ceramic and terracotta planters from Bangladesh, the usual range of delicious fair trade food, and a wide new range of teas including Andean mint with its subtle yet distinctive flavour unique to Ecuador, and Citrus and Chamomile teas which capture the brightness of lemongrass and orange leaf. Bring cash or a cheque book as they can’t accept cards.
Recently two members of our congregation, Jeffrey Mackie and Ben Stuchbery attended the Green Church Conference in Quebec City. They will share their reflections after the 10 am service on May 31st
The CCC Refugee task group will meet Tuesday, May 12 in the Undercroft from 6:15 – 7:15 pm. Please use the mall doors. If you are interested in helping to establish the groundwork for sponsoring a family you are very welcome to join the meeting. Call Janet King or email Jan Jorgensen (revjjorgensen@yahoo.com) for more information or to express interest in the project.
Here’s another Spring date to put in your calendar. On June 7th at 6pm an outdoor Eucharist and Parish BBQ will be held on the Cathedral grounds. Volunteers are needed to help plan, set up, and clean up! Speak to Rhonda, who is a fount of imaginative and innovative ideas!
After the Ascension Day midday Eucharist on Thursday 14th May (music provided by Patrick and the Cathedral Singers), there will be a short concert (1 – 1:30pm) by The Cantabile Youth Singers of Kingston, Ontario, led by Dr. Mark Sirett. Please see the attached information.
Oasis Musicale is sponsoring two attractive concerts this Saturday and next Wednesday.
On Saturday 9th May at 4:30pm pianist Karl Hirzer presents a recital entitled “Phantasien für das Pianoforte”, a presentation of three works spanning over two centuries: featuring one of Johann Sebastien Bach’s Prelude & Fugues from the Well-tempered Clavier; an early work for solo piano by French composer Pierre Boulez; and Kreisleriana – Robert Schumann’s deep and extensive musical portrayal of kapellmeister Kreisler, a character from the writings of E.T.A. Hoffman.
On Wednesday, May 13 at 6:15 pm Cathedral parishioner Erica Jacobs Perkins, violin, accompanied by Ben Kepes, piano, will perform a concert entitled Evolving Soundscapes: Four Centuries of Violin and Piano. The programme includes music by Kreisler, Kepes, Dvořák and Mozart. Erica, is leaving Montreal this summer, headed for Prague and the next exciting stage of her musical career, so do come and hear her while you can. https://www.facebook.com/events/
Finally, another date for your calendar: The PWRDF Annual Dinner will take place on Thursday, June 11th at 5:30pm at St James the Apostle. Carolyn Vanderlip, Director of PWRDF’s Canadian Anglican Partnership Program, will speak. Tickets are just $15 – all proceeds go to PWRDF.
Wishing you happiness as you plant your garden or your balcony – or just buy a bunch of tulips.