A Message from the Dean & Wardens (April 7)
The world and all that is in it belong to the Lord;
the earth and all who live in it are the Lord’s.
Psalm 24:1
Dear Parishioners,
For generations, the parishioners of St. James have been entrusted by God to be faithful stewards of the Cathedral. In this time of turmoil, we are called even more deeply to continue this stewardship.
FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP
Our combined gifts of Time, Talent and Treasure have helped to carry forth God’s mission at King and Church. However, during this time when physical distancing is a necessity and the Cathedral and Cathedral Centre are closed, it is through our financial generosity that we are called to assist.
St. James is now operating on less than 10% of its usual revenue. Despite spending reductions, temporary and permanent layoffs, and the Diocesan plans for financial relief for parishes, our fixed costs of over $80,000 per month continue to exceed our revenues. In addition, in-person Holy Week Easter services, which normally provide a substantial influx of revenue, have been cancelled and will be available virtually.
We need your help to allow St. James to continue to meet the challenges ahead. Please consider sending donations by cheque to 65 Church Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2E9 or by using the “Donate” button on our web page. In 2019 we implemented a cyber-security program to maintain the security of your personal and financial data.
We also encourage you to sign up for pre-authorized monthly giving, thus ensuring a vital stream of income for the Cathedral. Please note, that at any time you can stop or change the PAG amount by emailing the office.
BLESSINGS BEHIND THE SCENES
We are blessed with a dedicated staff who are working behind-the-scenes to keep St. James functioning. Thank you to Joyce Badley, Jennifer Wang, and Lisa Scapillato in administration, Jim Kostifas and Emile Rhinelander in Property, and Outreach Manager, Kathy Biasi, who is organizing take-out food for our Drop-In guests.
STAYING CONNECTED
As we journey towards Easter Sunday, we pray that you and your loved ones will remain well and safe and find hope and life in the promises of the Risen One. We invite you to continue to link to the Cathedral’s website and Facebook for updates, Morning Prayer, Holy Week service listings and inspirational messages.
See a printable list of Holy Week & Easter services.
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
One of the challenges during this pandemic crisis has been struggling to meet expenditures with our reduced income. We have already laid off several staff members and we have reached the difficult decision of permanently laying off our Director of Music, Robert Busiakiewicz. We are grateful to Robert for his incredible gifts and service to the Cathedral during his time with us. We know this decision will be very sad news for our community. Please be assured it was not taken lightly and that a mutually acceptable agreement was made regarding his occupancy of one of our apartments in the months ahead. Please pray for Robert as he begins the search for a new job. Robert’s last day will be April 12. Our Organist, David Simon, will act as the Director of Music for the time being. Once there is an end in sight to the pandemic crisis, we will be in a better position to consider our options and move forward with the music life of St. James Cathedral, which is essential.
We are grateful to those of you who are doing what you can to help close the financial gap at this stressful time for all of us. Please be assured of our prayers and best wishes for you and your families.
In Christ,
Dean Stephen and Wardens Don & Jayne
svail@stjamescathedral.ca
wardens@stjamescathedral.ca
