Dear Friend of the Cathedral
You will have received earlier this week the sad news that owing to family concerns Paul and Jonathan are moving back to England at the end of November. If by any chance you didn’t receive Paul’s letter which he sent out to the parish on Monday, you can read it on the cathedral web site. Donna Riley, our Rector’s Warden, has the following message to us all:
Corporation has received and accepted, with heavy hearts, the Dean’s resignation, effective November 20th. We have met with Bishop Mary to discuss the search process for a new Dean and coverage for the interim period. We are pleased that the Rev. Dr. Donald Boisvert has accepted to serve as interim rector of the Cathedral, and we are confident that he (and the congregation) will be well supported by the strong team of clergy and lay volunteers currently in place. While it is the responsibility of General Vestry to elect the Selection Committee, it is the Bishop who convenes the Special General Vestry meeting at which the Search Committee is elected. The date for that meeting has been set for Tuesday, October 18th, at the time of the normally scheduled Forum meeting. All members of the Cathedral congregation who have been attending the Cathedral for at least six months are eligible to attend that meeting and to vote. Further details of that special meeting and of the committee selection process will be brought to next Tuesday’s Forum meeting (September 20th). Just a reminder — Forum meetings are open to all, so please come next Tuesday and be part of this conversation.
This week’s spiritual practice (suggested by Vivian) is to pray as we have been requested for Corporation during this transition time and for the choice and work of the future Search Committee, for each other, and for Paul and Jonathan as they set forth. A useful reflection is this sermon, “Finding God in Goodbye,” preached by the Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas in Amherst, Ma, on the occasion of their pastor’s departure.
I do hope you will all read this article. It suggests that departures are opportunities for reflection and asks some highly pertinent questions to help us deal with sadness and then move on. We are a strong community that has flourished under the leadership of Paul and Jonathan. We need to keep moving forward confidently, united in the love of God and our love for each other, just as Paul and Jonathan need to move with thankful hearts into their new adventure.
As Donna reminded us, Forum is open to all cathedral members. Please make a huge effort to come and hear about plans for goodbyes, the interregnum, and the search committee, and get updates about the Journées de la culture, Sept 30 – Oct 2, the capital campaign and other important events happening soon. Wine and cheese are served from 6 pm and the meeting starts at 6:30.
At Forum and in the cathedral on Sunday you will hear about 3 major projects which need your help. Joceline Andersen, chair of the organising committee is looking for people to be in the cathedral acting as greeters, stewards and security during the events. I believe she might also need people to bake scones to serve at the hugely popular cream tea on the forecourt after evensong on Sunday. Please see the attached programme for the 3 days and pick the time when you would like to be in the cathedral. Please sign up to volunteer by filling out the online form at https://goo.gl/forms/Atn38RRwGprVSQwU2, email us at jdc.cathedral@gmail.com, or sign up on the red clipboard in the baptistry.
The second project which needs your help is the special concert and reception being held on Friday, November 11. A letter from Ben Stuchbery, the chair of the music committee is attached. In it you can see some ways in which you can help. Their urgent need at the moment is to find music-loving donors and businesses who would like to purchase an advertisement. Try your doctor, your dentist, your hairdresser, any realtors you know personally – and so on. The committee is trying to raise$ 12 000 to support the cathedral’s music ministry.
The third project, Nuit blanche, happens next March, but the organisers want our plans by the end of October. Your suggestions will be welcomed at Forum. We particularly need someone to take charge of organising the evening. Ann and Jonathan enjoyed doing this the past two years, but it is time to hand on the torch.
Congratulations to Jeffrey Mackie, the chair of Forum and one of our team of vergers. He has a poem published in a recent book “The Poet’s Quest for God” – and has a fellow contributor in the archbishop of Canterbury. Waves of support to Jill Milne who is in hospital having a hip operation. We wish her a quick recovery now that her long and painful wait is over.
Some dates for your diary
This Sunday you can visit the fair trade kiosque after the 10 o’clock service and in the evening attend a get-together of the reading group to discuss “The Dust that falls from Dreams” by Louis de Bernières. Speak to Ann for the location.
On Saturday, October 15, at 6 pm, the LGBTQ group is holding a BBQ. Please BYOB and a salad or dessert. Speak to Jean-Jacques Goulet for further information
Oasis concerts continue on Wednesday at 6:30 and Saturday at 4:30. This Saturday you can hear Noémy Braun, cello, and Michel- Alexandre Broekaert, piano, present works by Schumann, de Falla and Beethoven in a Récital pour violoncelle et piano. Next Wednesday in a concert titled New France and New Canada: A new world order. Caroline Holden, Sherri Jarosiewicz, soprano, and Linda Brady, piano, present works by Aperans, Rea, Poulenc and Ravel. For details of all Oasis Musicale concerts visit http ://www.oasismusicale.blogspot.ca/
An important public lecture, sponsored by Diocesan College with the topic The Scriptures in the Church, is being held on October 28 at 7 pm in Fulford Hall (Poster attached). Despite Jesus’ admonition to his disciples to love one another, the Bible today often serves as a source of disunity. The Reverend Bill Countryman will explore the historical origins of this situation and suggest a future more life-giving course
By now you might have seen the latest Anglican Montreal. Nicki Hronjak is the new editor and among other responsibilities, she also manages the weekly e-news which is sent out every Wednesday. The deadline for the next Montreal paper is November 1st for publication early in December. Please send any event advertising through the weekly e-news to avoid clogging one another’s inboxes. To sign up for the e-news, or contact Nicki, write to editor@montreal.anglican.ca
Wishing us all courage and blessing in the coming months
Ann Elbourne
Tania M. Lesack, Cathedral Administrator
Christ Church Cathedral – Montreal
1444 avenue Union, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3A 2B8
Tél.: 514-843-6577 ext. 236