Anglican Church’s response to the tragedy in Toronto – graduations – Bach and Patrick – Study session about the Indian Act led by Joe Deom – a quick list of events –flower sponsorship – a book set in summer to read in May
Dear Friend of the Cathedral
No doubt we were all shocked, saddened and even overwhelmed by the tragic attack in North York, earlier this week. The Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, Fred Hiltz, wrote an inspiring letter which you can read in full HERE.
“As people of faith,” Hiltz wrote, “our first response is to uphold all those affected by this tragedy in prayer.” He added, “As Toronto weeps, we know so many others weep with us. As we turn to God for consolation, we know so many others turn with us and we are grateful.” He finished his letter with a prayer which I recommend to you, hoping some of us will find it a helpful spiritual practice when we think about the tragedy.
Graduation Season is upon us! We will be rejoicing for the next two months with family and friends, including our fellow Cathedral members. Jonathan Stuchbery is giving two graduation recitals: The first tonight (Thursday April 26), the culmination of his studies at McGill. He will be joined on stage by his brother Ben and sister-in-law Erica Jacobs-Perkins (aka Erica Stuchbery) These three make up the Cygnus Trio, an impressively creative ensemble of guitar, flute and violin. Well done Jonathan. We hope both you and Cygnus continue to give concerts in the Cathedral. The second recital will be at 7 on Monday, April 30, at Redpath Hall.
Two members of the Cathedral will receive the M.Div. degree from Montreal Diocesan Theological College at Convocation, 7:00 pm on Monday May 6 at St. George’s, Place-du-Canada. The Primate, Fred Hiltz will give the convocation address and also receive an honorary doctorate.
Our Director of Music, Patrick Wedd, is not of course graduating, but retiring. The prospect of retirement seems to be driving him to new heights. He directed a beautiful and moving performance of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion last Sunday and will present the fifth of his recitals of Bach’s music for the organ on Saturday, May 5 at 4:30. Expect a bravura performance.
Earlier that day, the Environmental and Social Justice Action Group (ESJAG), partnering with The United Church of Canada’s Living Into Right Relations Group, will co-host a gathering in Fulford Hall between 10 am and 1:30 pm. The topic is The Indian Act: The promotion and protection of Native rights. Discussion will be led by Joe Deom, a Mohawk member of the Bear Clan from Kahnawà:ke and well-known activist for native rights and promoter of Indigenous culture. Potluck lunch, beverages provided.
A quick list of other events:
- The Oasis Musicale concert this Saturday at 4:30 presents James Box, trombone and Jean-Willy Kunz, organ. Details of this and other Oasis concerts https://www.oasismusicale.ca/calendrier
- The Social Service Society’s end of the month lunch this Sunday is being sponsored by Lower Canada College. Volunteers welcome.
- If you are a young adult, Hungry Minds meets in Fulford Hall on Wednesday evenings – food, fellowship and Bible study.
- If you are free in the middle of the day on Tuesday May 1, you are welcome to join Lunch n’ Chat at its monthly potluck lunch, noon to 2 pm
- The Social Service Society is holding a meeting on Sunday May 6th after the 10 am service. light refreshments will be served. All are welcome.
- The next meeting of Cathedral Forum is on Tuesday May 15 at 6:30 pm. All parishioners are invited to come and participate. Elected members are, of course, expected to be there.
- Flowers help us to worship God in the “beauty of holiness”. Please speak to Rob Wells or contact the Cathedral office if you would like to donate money for flowers on a particular Sunday which is meaningful to you. You will get a tax receipt.
Finally a long heads-up, but also a chance to read the book chosen by the book group for their discussion on June 10 about The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson. Set in Rye in England just before World War I, the Washington Post describes this book as a novel to cure your Downton Abbey withdrawal.
The readings, prayers and music this Sunday are about love, hope and rejoicing. Let us give thanks for the many good things we experience together as a community.
Ann Elbourne
MORE WAYS TO KEEP IN TOUCH
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