A Message from the Dean & Wardens (June 10)
Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.”
Matthew 28: 19-20
Dear Friends,
WHO ARE WE AND WHAT IS GOD CALLING US TO?
A few editions of E-Connections ago, we invited members of the Cathedral to be part of the first round of exploratory questions regarding our core values, vision and goals. Thank you to those who have signed up. We will be able to let you know very shortly when those Zoom consultations will be held.
We have heard many people questioning why we are having these sessions: didn’t we do that exercise fairly recently? The answer lies in our response to questions like these: Is the world the same as it was when we last engaged in such conversations? Is the Cathedral the same and does it have the same or similar resources with which to engage in ministry?
I think you will agree the answer to these questions is quite a resounding “no”. We have a new Dean, will need a new Vicar, our resources are more limited, the community around us has changed and we are, hopefully, coming out of the social and economical upheaval of a global pandemic, in which our neighbourhood is one of the national hotspots.
It seems to us that this is a crucial time for us to be identifying what is important to us and how we will move forward in our vocation as a Christian community as our human, property and financial resources allow. In many ways, we are tasked with something close to a rebuilding, so much has changed.
So, will you be part of that? Will you take some time to help us shape the priorities, goals and ministry of this place? We hope so. It is not too late to register! To sign up, please email Carol and Ed at mckysel@gmail.com.
WHEN WILL THE CATHEDRAL AND CATHEDRAL CENTRE RE-OPEN?
Just a few days ago we received information from the College of Bishops indicating their support of the decision of the Provincial House of Bishops not to re-open Anglican churches in Ontario until at least September, regardless of any decisions made by the Ontario Government. (See Archbishop Anne Germond’s letter here). Strangely enough, later that very day the Ontario Government indicated that places of worship in all of Ontario may open to 30% capacity as soon as June 12. However, the Provincial House of Bishops and our College of Bishops have confirmed that re-opening will happen in September. Read Bishop Andrew’s follow-up letter to the Diocese here.
As we mentioned in a previous edition of E-Connections, the Cathedral and Cathedral Centre cannot be opened until the Bishop of Toronto gives permission. Many of the emails we have been receiving from members seem to assume that the Dean and Executive Committee have the authority to resume in-person worship, meetings and some of the ministries of the Drop-In. Please note that is not the case!
The Diocese will be sending out protocols at the end of the month for parishes to follow as we prepare for a September opening. What our fall services will look like will be determined by these protocols that we receive. We are pleased to finally have an opening target to work towards for resuming Sunday services in-person!
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FROM THE DIOCESAN’S ARCHIVIST
In February 2020, when Nancy Mallett retired, the Cathedral Archives amalgamated with the Diocesan Archives, under the leadership of Archivist Claire Wilton. Claire is presently documenting the Diocesan response on the COVID-19 Pandemic and is requesting that parishes in the Diocese gather and send her their information on how they are coping during this time in the church’s journey. This may include documents, stories, photographs and videos and virtual responses such as services, meetings, social media and website sharing. If you have any questions, please contact Claire Wilton at cwilton@toronto.anglican.ca.
Claire has asked Nancy Mallett, who has been volunteering with the Diocesan Archives since her retirement, to coordinate the collection of materials for St. James Cathedral. Please send your information to Nancy at nancyemallett@gmail.com.
UPROOT ELDER ABUSE, PLANT A SEED FOR CHANGE
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2020 will be held on June 15th. It is an annual international United Nations observance day held on the same date each year. Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario is encouraging everyone to participate in helping to raise awareness about this day.
Elder abuse is the neglect or spiritual, physical, psychological, emotional, sexual or financial abuse of elderly people. The abuse may originate with their caretakers, children, grandchildren or other individuals who are sharing their homes or who are responsible for their care in a facility.
Organizations and individuals are planning a variety of events to acknowledge World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2020. They include:
- Wearing something purple.
- Planting a tree or a flower and posting a picture of it with the hashtag #UprootElderAbuse.
- Learning the facts on elder abuse.
On June 15th, let us recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with renewed energy and conviction.
FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP
Thank you to all who have signed up for Pre-Authorized Giving and monthly donations online. The substantial increase is helping us plan for the new norm to come. We are also grateful to those who have made special contributions to help us see our way through these challenging times, and to our faithful parishioners who continue to send in their donations on a regular basis.
If you have yet to do so, please consider sending donations by cheque to 65 Church Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2E9 or by using the “Donate” button on our web page. We also encourage you to sign up for Pre-Authorized Monthly Giving. At any time you can stop or change the PAG amount by emailing the office.
STAYING CONNECTED
Thank you for your love and support during this period in the life of St. James. We invite you to continue to link to the Cathedral’s website and Facebook page for updates, Morning Prayer, service listings and inspirational messages. Please remember, you are not alone.
Blessings and peace to you all,
Dean Stephen and Wardens Don & Jayne
svail@stjamescathedral.ca
wardens@stjamescathedral.ca
