Contact Annual Report - Christ Church Cathedral Vancouver

2011: A YEAR OF SPIRITUAL RENEWALIn consultation with the Parish Council and Trustees, theCathedral clergy designated 2011 as a year of spiritualrenewal for individuals and for the community. We openedpaths for deepening of our faith and commitment to God inChrist.Groups meeting in homes and at the Cathedral explored awide variety of topics ranging from an in depth explorationof the theology of Karl Rahner and a Catechism class togroups engaging in spiritual practices such as lectio divinaand contemplative prayer.Anglican theologian and mystic Cynthia Bourgeault preachedon Palm Sunday and offered a daylong course on the Mondayof Holy Week. A course led by Archdeacon Ellen Clark-King and Deacon Dixie Black at the Sorrento Centre in thesummer attracted many from the Cathedral and beyond. Inautumn a course led by Bishop Barry Hollowell on QueerTheology provided an opportunity to explore the literatureand thought developed over the past 25 years in this field.At the end of October over 100 members of the Cathedralparish gathered for a Parish Visioning Conference at VST’sEpiphany Chapel. Facilitated by Patricia Thompson, theparticipants explored their responses to a Cathedral Censusquestionnaire that over 300 parishioners had answered, andconsidered possible future scenarios. The conversations atthe conference continue to be a source of reflection for theCathedral Parish Council, Trustees and Staff as we use thestimulating and inspiring spiritual renewal of 2011 to helpdirect our on-going life.In early December priest Associate Ellen Clark-King’s newbook The Path to Your Door: Approaches to ChristianSpirituality was launched at the Cathedral—all copiesordered for the launch were sold, prompting a reorder.The Staff community of Christ Church Cathedral markedtwo anniversaries in 2011: a reception honoured BuildingAdministrator Gordon Macdonald for 15 years of hardwork and commitment, while Rupert Lang’s 25 years asthe Cathedral’s musical maestro (along with the 125thanniversary of Vancouver itself) was marked by the Halleyluiaconcerts. These sold-out concerts of Paul Halley’s new workfilled the Cathedral with joyous celebration!But the sounds of the concert had barely stilled beforeVancouver was shocked by a riot that followed the last gameof the Stanley Cup hockey playoff; while, fortunately, theCathedral building was unharmed, many downtown shopsand stores sustained considerable damage. A communityforum at the Cathedral afterwards brought people togetherto reflect on their experience and the efforts that beganthen—and continue—to restore downtown Vancouver as aspace of assured civility and respect.The summer months brought many visitors to the Cathedral:the now annual Summer Sacred Music Festival in Julyincluded evensongs on Sunday afternoons followed byrecitals. Compline each Sunday evening at 9:30 ministers toa growing community, and the daily offering of the Eucharistin the Chancel continues to minister both to those who liveand work in the downtown and many visitors.Sunday morning continues to be ‘prime time’ for theCathedral congregation. At the 10:30 Eucharist, the firstSundays of each month were designated as Children’s GiftSundays, with the youngest members of the congregationincluded fully in worship.In 2011 the Cathedral’s support of the Soweto Home BasedCare Cooperative ended. Parish Council mandated a taskforce to develop new efforts in international mission. Thankswere expressed to all who had given leadership in this area,especially to Norma Buckland and Elspeth Richmond whohad carried the responsibility most recently.Through 2011, the Cathedral leadership was ably offeredby the Parish Council, chaired by Amy Francis and TomCallen; by the Wardens and Trustees; and by a remarkableand dedicated staff team. It is a privilege and pleasure tominister at the Cathedral: God’s power, working in us cando infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.4 | CONTACT SPECIAL EDITION - ANNUAL REPORT 2011