If you have a young adult in your family at university, consider having them vaccinated against Meningitis B.

Is is a potentially life-threatening infection causing inflammation around the brain and spinal cord. The highest rates of infection of Meningitis B are seen in infants and children up to 4 years of age, followed by adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 years of age. The reason to vaccinate university students is because there is an increased risk of infection for those living in crowded environments such as university dormitories and military barracks. At any given time, about 10% of healthy young people carry the bacteria responsible for Meningitis B infection in their throat without ever developing symptoms, However, through close contact from coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing personal items that have come in contact with saliva, these carriers can spread the bacteria to others resulting in infection. Symptoms worsen rapidly within 24 to 48 hours. It can be fatal in 10% of cases and 1 in 5 survivors may have long term effects.

In New Brunswick, the publicly funded vaccine program includes protection against Meningococcal A, C, Y and W-135 strains at 12 months old and in grade 9. The Meningococcal B vaccine is NOT part of routine childhood immunizations. However, many private plans will cover the cost. Speak with your family physician, nurse practitioner or pharmacist to protect the young person in your family.

- from the Cathedral Health Ministry team

You are warmly invited to the various drop-in faith formation opportunities through Christ Church Cathedral in September! Newcomers are welcome at all events.

Wednesday Spirituality Series

02, 16, and 30 September, 3:00-4:30 p.m. in the Hall Lounge.

These sessions are simple and straightforward, comprising a "Celticky contemplative cocktail" of prayer, reflection, meditative listening to music, and sacred listening to one another. It is a very gentle, quiet, inviting, and welcoming format; and each session is standalone, so please come along if you are interested. RSVP to Kurt Schmidt, if possible, so that sufficient printed materials can be made available.

02 September: Season of Creation
16 September: Saint Hildegard of Bingen and the Season of Creation
30 September: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day)

Art & Faith

10 September, online via Zoom from 5:30-6:15 p.m. (link on the cathedral calendar).

Each Art & Faith session comprises a simple sequence of prayer, Gospel proclamation, conversation, and (guided, Ignatian-style) meditation, and consideration of a work of sacred art chosen for its relation to a scripture passage from the upcoming Sunday. September's edition will incorporate themes from the Season of Creation.

Taizé Tuesday

15 September, 5:30 p.m. in the Cathedral and livestreamed on YouTube.

Director of Formation, Kurt Schmidt, facilitates this half-hour of simple, meditative prayer and music in the tradition of Taizé (a monastic community located in Taizé, France). The service's unique attributes include periods of silent prayer and music with easy, repeatable refrains. Quiet and contemplative, participants find this to be a lovely addition to their weekly praise. Read about a Taizé service at the Cathedral.

Stations of Creation

18 September, 12:00 p.m. in the Cathedral (apx. 45 minutes)

During this special September offering, we'll be praying with the Stations of Creation. The Stations of Creation (also known as Via Creationis) comprise a meditative, prayerful walk inspired by (and "mirroring") the traditional Lenten Stations of the Cross, but with a focus instead on wonder, gratitude, and ecological responsibility for the natural world. The Via Creationis moves chronologically/thematically from the origins of the universe and the Book of Genesis through the challenges facing the earth today, concluding with hope for renewal of all creation.

This special offering will be held while we are in the Season of Creation, which runs from 01 September to 04 October 2026, with the theme 'Living Water'. It's a time for Christians to come together in prayer and action for Creation. The Biblical text for this year is drawn from Ezekiel 47: 1- 12, which portrays God’s life-giving water flowing from the temple of God. The river grows deeper and deeper restoring barren land, reviving waters, and sustaining flourishing ecosystems. The vision invites human responsibility: recognizing ecological damage, embracing interconnectedness, we are called to immerse ourselves in the water, and actively safeguarding and working for the renewal of creation so that environmental healing and human well-being may flourish together.

 

We look forward to seeing you at any, some, or all of these faith-formative offerings in September -- so please do feel most warmly welcomed and invited!

 

Fundraising for the new pool and maintenance facility at Camp Medley has taken on some urgency, but for a good reason.

The J.T. Clark Family Foundation, once associated with the Clark auto dealerships that were prominent in New Brunswick for a century, has made the camp an offer.

“They’re doing matching,” said the Rev. John Galbraith, camp director. “I met with the family rep and we walked the camp.”

The goal is $375,000, to be raised by the end of December. If the goal is not reached by that deadline, there is no matching, and no support from the foundation.

The matching scheme is there to ensure the group receiving the funds is invested and serious...

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Read the article, written by Gisele McKnight and published on the NB Anglican website on August 10, 2026.

 

 

2026 is a landmark year for Mothers’ Union, marking 150 years of faith in action.

To celebrate, Cathedral member and Worldwide President Kathleen Snow has taken on a Global 150th Anniversary Challenge: completing fifteen 10km runs in dioceses around the world to raise funds and highlight Mothers' Union’s worldwide fellowship. MU empowers women through Parenting programs, Literacy programs and Savings programs, offered to people of all faiths or none, with the goal of building healthy families and healthy communities around the world.

Kathleen began running in Fredericton in January, and has completed 10 runs so far, in various locations in Canada, the UK, USA, and Bahrain. Upcoming runs will also include Africa.

On 21 June, representatives from the Cathedral Missions Committee presented Kathleen with a cheque, contributing to her efforts.

Kathleen spoke after the presentation, saying, "The funds that I'm raising go towards mother's union programs around the world. We run literacy programs and parenting programs, and we help women start small businesses selling bananas and selling their wares and things that they make all over the world. I thank many of you, who individually have donated to my 150th challenge and I express my gratitude to all of you."

Click here to donate and support Kathleen's fundraising efforts.

Kathleen is thankful for the generous support of the work that Mothers' Union does around the world to build healthy families and communities. Her running challenge is about honouring 150 years of faith in action. Running in different dioceses while travelling for ministry reflects the global fellowship that sustains MU's work, and reminds us that wherever we are in the world, we are connected.

Mothers’ Union is an international Christian organisation with over four million members worldwide, committed to promoting stable family life, nurturing faith, and working towards a society where everyone can thrive. Through practical projects, advocacy, and prayer, Mothers’ Union continues to support families and communities across the globe to end poverty, end injustice and end violence.

Christ Church Cathedral in Fredericton has an active Mothers' Union Branch, and three members of our congregation currently hold roles as Provincial, Canadian and Worldwide Presidents.

You do not have to be a mother to join Mothers' Union! Learn more about MU in the Canadian Mothers' Union brochure.

 

Another wonderful article by Hank Williams — this time, about our windows — which certainly are Cathedral Treasures! (read the full series of articles here)

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Before starting this, I must thank Kaye Small again for the use of her booklet on the cathedral. However, even more than that, words of great appreciation must be given to John Leroux, former curator of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and the author of a beautiful book on Fredericton stained glass entitled Glorious Light. This article barely touches on the copious information found in his book, but it helped immensely to fathom some of the names and designers of our windows as well as some terminology.

So far as I know, all the windows in the cathedral were there in 1853 at the completion and consecration on August 31st with the exception of the two windows in the west wall on either side of the west door. Those two date from 1879. One story I heard from a retired priest is that one came from the church in Stanley and the other from the old St. Mary’s (York) on the north side. I am taking that with a grain of salt since I cannot imagine a small parish church giving up such glorious glass. It is said that the colours of those two windows are deeper than the others because of the presence of gold dust in the glass which, one supposes, causes a different refraction of the light passing through.

Canon David Staples, retired priest of the diocese, told me that the side windows were all ordered in a set from a company in England. Can you imagine Bishop Medley ordering them with Amazon Prime to save delivery fees and then clicking on “Cart” and finally completing the order?! They have three scenes each with stories from the Gospels and I have included some of these with citations as to the particular story.

The two most glorious windows are in the east wall as well as the west wall.

The east window was designed by William Wailes and the west window was designed by William Warington. Part or all of the money for the east window was a gift from Trinity Church, on Wall Street in New York city. They gave us $500 US in 1850 toward the window. It is said that Queen Anne gave Trinity Church a great deal of land south of Wall Street in 1704 as “The Queen’s Farm” and they still own it and still collect the rents. We’re talking big bucks here! The 7 shields on the bottom are for the 7 dioceses in Canada at the time.

The west window by Warington is divided into 2 sections of 3 parts each, with stories from the Old Testament to the left and the New Testament to the right. To the left is Abel's Sacrifice, Elijah Being Fed By The Birds, Hanna Presenting Samuel In The Temple, and Moses Receiving The Law. To the right is Christ The Good Shepherd, St. John The Baptist, The Virgin Mary And Christ, and The Stoning Of St. Stephen.

This article would not be complete without the inclusion of my two favourite windows. They are a small window in the south porch which, when tourists ask if they might take pictures of the windows, I always suggest they do that particular one.

The second photo is one never seen by the public due to its being in what was the original chapel but is now the sacristy and therefore not open to the public. Even members of the congregation who have tasks to perform in the sacristy probably never look at it. It has the diocesan crest and a bishop’s mitre with the words "The Gift of Otis Small, Builder" I looked him up and saw that he was responsible for several of the buildings in early Fredericton, one possibly being Government House and another the Garrison on Queen Street. A number of years ago on a Saturday morning, a woman from New Hampshire came for a tour and mentioned having a family connection to the cathedral. It turns out that Otis Small was a great or great-great uncle. We normally don’t take folks to the sacristy but this once I showed it to her to be able to take a photo of it to show to her family. We are nothing if not obliging at the cathedral!

There are far too many more windows to see so do drop by and take your time looking at them. It will be time well spent!

-- by Hank Williams, Verger Emeritus, Christ Church Cathedral

 

One of the very special moments of our Come Worship Eucharist (every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m.) happens during the closing song when children grab an instrument from the well stocked basket, and help the Worship Band perform. Some Sundays even include a little dancing! It’s an infectiously joyful performance which brings smiles to the congregation and wraps up the service on a high note often eliciting a round of applause.

We are grateful for their enthusiasm and so happy to have them (and their accompanying adults) with us.

Following are a few prayers written especially with little ones in mind. They are taken from Prayers for My Family and Everyday Prayers.

 

Dear Lord,
I’m grateful for my family
And how much I know they care.
I’m thankful for these moments
And the love that we all share.
Amen

 

Dear Lord,

I’m so blessed to be loved
And guided each day by You.
Your love gives me all I need
To love myself and my family too!
Amen

The common thread at Diocesan Choir School is a love of singing, and that is not limited by age.

The directors were a university student and a senior citizen. The music leaders were both younger and older. The choristers’ ages ran from 15 to people in their 90s.

Each year, they gather to learn several pieces of music, practice hard over a few days, and present their program as the culmination of an intense, four-day event...

* * *

Read the article, written by Gisele McKnight and published on the NB Anglican website on July 27, 2026.

 

The process of finding a new Dean is a difficult one. To aid in this effort, please say the following prayer or a similar one in your own words during your personal prayer time. Thank you.

A prayer for our congregation

Almighty God, you know the needs of your Church in every place: look graciously upon us, the people of Christ Church Cathedral and the Diocese of Fredericton, and grant us the guidance of your Holy Spirit as we seek a new Dean. We pray that everyone involved in this process will be blessed with discernment, wisdom, and peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

 

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Thank you to everyone who completed the Advisory Committee's questionnaire for members of the congregation. Results are currently being reviewed by the committee.  Your feedback will help the committee to identify the core values and beliefs of our congregation, and help them to construct our Cathedral Profile, which is a necessary element in our search for a new Dean.

 

We're thrilled to announce that one of our Belize scholarship students, Caleb Martinez, has graduated from high school!

Caleb received his diploma in June from the Belmopan Comprehensive School.

Thank you to members of the Cathedral congregation who have supported his educational journey with prayers and contributions. We hope to select a new scholarship student in the autumn, so we will continue to assist one teenager in each of the four grades of high school.

Caleb sent this letter to our Cathedral congregation:

Dear friends of St. Hilda's,

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for awarding me this scholarship. Your generosity has given me the opportunity to focus on my education and work toward my goals throughout my four years of high school. Knowing that others believed in my potential motivated me to work hard and strive for academic success.

This scholarship greatly eased the financial burden on my family by helping with school-related expenses such as supplies, uniforms, transportation, and other educational needs. Because of your support, I was able to participate more fully in school activities and concentrate on my studies without as much financial stress. Your investment in my education has made a meaningful difference in my high school journey.

As I prepare to take the next step in my education and future career, I will always remember the kindness and support you have shown me. Thank you for believing in students like me and for helping make our dreams achievable. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and hope to make the most of it by continuing to work hard and give back to my
community in the future.

Sincerely,

Caleb Leon Martinez

 

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The Cathedral has a special relationship with the staff and students of St. Hilda’s Anglican School, an elementary in the rural village of Georgeville. Over two hundred children attend the school, ranging between kindergarten and grade 8, in addition to a recently established preschool.

Cathedral teams have travelled to Belize five times: in 2005, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2018. Over 60 Cathedral members ranging in age from 15 to 79 have participated in a mission trip to Belize, and hundreds of people in Fredericton have supported the work at St. Hilda's through organizational support, donations and prayers.

In Belize, the average age at which a child leaves school is 13 years old, because of the prohibitive costs of tuition for high school. High school is not publicly funded in Belize, and many families do not have the financial ability to pay for their children to attend. Unemployment in the country is high, there are many large single-parent families, and almost half of Belizeans live below the poverty line. In 2010, Cathedral mission team members established a high school scholarship program which has allowed students from St. Hilda’s to apply for a scholarship to continue their education past grade 8.

Currently, the congregation of Christ Church Cathedral provides scholarships for four students who would not able to attend high school without support. Each scholarship is $1000 CAD per year, and we currently support one student in each of the four grades of high school. This additional education provides the teenagers with important skills and opportunities which can improve their lives. Some of the graduates supported by the Cathedral have continued on to post-secondary education, and all have gained knowledge and experience that will help them in their future. We are grateful to everyone from our congregation and beyond that has helped to provide scholarships for these teenagers, and support for programs at the elementary school.

Scroll through our website archives to read more about the students and teachers in Belize, and past mission trips.

Have you taken a tour of the Cathedral? Even if you regularly worship here, you're likely to learn something new!