This Saturday we are honoured to welcome Father Michael Lapsley to the Cathedral. An Anglican priest, long active in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, he is currently the director of the Institute for the Healing of Memories. The thoughts he will share with us are relevant to our own need to reach out in reconciliation and healing after the revelations of the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission concerning the devastation caused by the residential school system. Saturday, August 1, at 7 pm, in the Cathedral.
If you can’t come to the talk, you might like buy a copy of his book, Redeeming the past – my journey from freedom fighter to healer. There is a book launch of the French version on Thursday, August 6, 7:30 pm at Librarie Paulines, 2653 rue Masson.
You can also listen to Jeffrey Mackie’s interview with Fr Michael on CKUT 90.3 FM or watch a video about his work, which centres on reconciliation, restorative justice, and the healing of memories.
This Sunday, there is another interesting and unusual event which I hope many of you will consider joining. SJAG is hosting an Ecological Justice Picnic after the 10am service on Sunday, August 2nd. Bring your lunch, if possible made with local ingredients, and bring a reflection about the right use of God’s creation – perhaps a poem, a quotation or a prayer – which you can share with your fellow picnickers. If it rains the picnic will move to the Undercroft.
Looking further ahead:
Don’t forget the farewell to Bishop Barry at Evensong on August 9th.The service will be followed by a reception in Fulford Hall. Help welcomed.
Bible study continues on Mondays at 5:15. Speak to Tania.
There will be silent meditation at 5:45 pm on Tuesday, August 11
Pain, partage et prière, the French Bible study and prayer group, will meet on Sunday, August 9 at 2:00pm in the Hollis Lounge.
Even further ahead:
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be celebrated on Saturday, August 15 with an Eucharist at 12:15 and an organ recital by Patrick with music fitting the occasion.
The Cathedral Book Group is reading Us Conductors by Sean Michaels over the summer. The group warmly invites anyone interested to join their discussion in September. Speak to Ann, Jane, Donna . or Diana.
Oasis Concerts
The Oasis Wednesday concerts wrapped up yesterday with a splendid rendition of music by Copeland and Gershwin played on the organ by Patrick Wedd. The enthusiastic crowd was treated to strawberries and cream and iced tea after the performance. Bravo to Patrick and the organizers who seemed remarkably undaunted by the heat.
The Saturday concerts continue. This Saturday come and hear violinists Ruben Kosemyan & Judy Hung, harpsichordist Natalya Mnatsakanyan, with Ember Reeds & Hannah Creese, violins, Colton Reeds, viola and Ashley Reeds, cello (‘Reeds on Strings’) for a special orchestral concert entitled ‘Bach Project and Beyond’ featuring two of JS Bach’s violin concertos and other works for string ensemble. Sorry, no strawberries this time, but it sounds like a great concert.
Finally, for an update on the Montreal Mission Interns who were part of our congregation on Sundays in June and July and who included our own Ben Stuchbery, go to http://thecommunity.anglican.ca/generation/ to read their reflections on their experiences.