As you all know by now, this Sunday is Rhonda’s last Sunday with us. She and Thomas and Gilbert will be moving to Ottawa next week, taking up new jobs and living in a house they have bought which has both an attic and a basement. A four-storey home sounds like a lot of fun for Gilbert and his new friends. We are all happy that Rhonda and her family have such an exciting year ahead, but sad of course that they have to leave Montreal. There will be a farewell gathering (with cake, naturally) in the Baptistery after the 10 am service. Evensong that afternoon will be another chance to say good bye. Clergy and friends from other churches have been invited and the Hungry Minds group is preparing a reception in Fulford Hall after the service. I expect many people will attend both farewells. We will remember Rhonda for her wisdom, humour, imagination and spirituality. She welcomed families and inspired young people to fill their hungry minds but also ministered to the whole community. We loved Rhonda and she loved us back. She leaves with our good wishes and prayers.

The mass setting for the 10 am service this Sunday will be the Missa Silvestris composed by Elizabeth Ekholm, an alto in our talented choir. Patrick and the choir are excited to be performing this piece. Another Cathedral Singer, Jason Noble is composing a new mass for Easter incorporating organ, brass quartet, hand bells and choir.

By the way, when you look at the Sunday bulletin, do admire the images in the top corner of the cover which Tania so carefully chooses each week. They always relate to the theme of the service.

Patrick’s other choir, Musica Orbium is performing on April 17 – quite a long way ahead, but tickets are going fast, partly because Spem in Alium by Thomas Tallis is on the programme. Written around 1570 this motet has 40 parts creating layer upon layer of exquisite sound – hearing it in concert is an unforgettable experience. If you google the title you’ll be able to listen to a recording.

L’Oasis Musicale concerts go from strength to strength. This Saturday you can listen to pianist Luke Welch, a young Canadian-born pianist who will offer a varied and entertaining recital of music from across the ages, including a selection of Domenico Scarlatti’s sonatas, Schumann’s carnival-inspired work and a piece from the Czech-Canadian composer, Oscar Morawetz.

Next Saturday, just before Nuit blanche starts, Emily D’Angelo, soprano, and Rashaan Allwood, piano and organ will present Olivier Messiaen by Candlelight. All Oasis concerts start at 4:30 on Saturday and last about an hour. For details visit http://loasismusicale2.blogspot.ca/

Which brings me once again to Nuit blanche! Please come to some of the events and help us create a buzz on Facebook. It will be a joyful evening and a great community outreach.

On Saturday, February 27, Nuit blanche, the cathedral will be open until 2 am, offering a warm welcome to thousands of visitors to this beautiful candlelit building. There will be free fair trade hot chocolate to sip and lots of music to enjoy, as well as a bell ringing workshop for the adventurous and the monastic service of compline sung by candlelight to Gregorian chant at 11 pm. You can visit a display of paintings and photographs on the theme of “red” and admire the cathedral’s red vestments also on display.

A brief outline of the programme:

6 pm Organ concert, Adrian Foster & Robert Garland

7 pm Hand-bell ringing with the Dean, Paul Kennington, and a chance to try out the mini tower bells in the chapter house.

8 pm, 10 pm and 12 pm Three concerts of popular gospel music sung by Sympholies Vocales (please see the attached poster)

9 pm Light selection of flute ensemble music – Les Flautistes de Montréal

11 pm Compline by candlelight sung to Gregorian Chant

1 am Jazz ensemble of McGill Jazz students, Soul Station Orchestra

We are also offering music the evening before: On Friday, February 26, during the festival Montreal en lumière, the Cathedral will host “Un Concert pour la Veille de Nuit Blanche”, between 6 pm and 8:30 pm. There will be three short concerts featuring Jonathan Stuchbery, classical guitar, L’Ensemble Mélodie de l”Association Culturelle Tekeyan playing Armenian music and the CORtet horn ensemble. The Armenian group is led by Sam who is Armenian by birth, and includes Joseph and Ben as honorary Armenians.

Don’t forget the annual vestry meeting which will be held on Sunday, March 6, 2016 in Fulford Hall after the10am Eucharist. Paul is hoping to be able to show the video about Christ Church Cathedral which has been made for the Capital Campaign soon to be in full swing.

Nineteen brave souls turned up at Forum on Tuesday in spite of snow and ice and lots of information was shared.

Future plans include a new education programme to be held at 12 on Sundays. Appropriately named “Take your coffee and go”, Paul hopes that many of the sessions will be led by congregation members. The first Sunday in the month sessions will be presented by SJAG, their traditional meeting time.

Forum approved SJAG’s focus for the year on the Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #62, chosen by the congregation as the TRC call with which they would like to engage. The call, which deals with education,

We also heard about the changes in responsibilities occasioned by Rhonda’s departure. Amy Hamilton will be the full-time Assistant Curate, Jen Bourque will be with us quarter time for a few months with special responsibility for the Hungry Minds group. Cassidy Vanderschee will keep up the bulletin announcements and calendar on the CCC web page. Paul will be the contact person if other information should be added. Vivian will update the CCC Facebook page. Paul will continue the monthly informal Eucharist started by Rhonda. Natasha Henderson will be our “social coordinator” – that means that she will find volunteers for parish events like the Celebration Supper.

Speaking of parish events, the Pancake Supper last week was extremely successful, being attended by 130 people. Thanks were expressed to the organisers.

The end of the month lunch is next Sunday February 28. Volunteers are always welcome to serve a hot lunch to people in need.  

Seniors’ Lunch’n Chat: Join us at noon Tuesday March 1^st  for a potluck lunch and fellowship in the Hollis Lounge (on the second floor at 1444 Union Avenue). Please confirm attendance with the Cathedral office by Monday morning, Feb 29^th.