Dear Friends:
I extend greetings to all members of the parish and all who may be reading this message. I trust that all will have a restful and relaxing summer. Please remember to attend church regularly and faithfully during the summer months whether you are at home or on holiday.
During the Spring, there were a number of special services and observances in our parish. We celebrated Ascension Day on the 13th of May, and Pentecost on the 23rd of May. Trinity Sunday was observed on May 30th, and we have now come to the long Trinity Season. The liturgical colour green, used in church throughout the Trinity Season, is the predominant colour of nature at this time of the year, as we see the leaves upon the trees and bushes, and the green grass all around us. Just as green is the colour of growth and life in nature, so it symbolizes spiritual growth and life for us as members of the church. "Living things grow". Are we growing spiritually? Are we growing in grace? Are we growing in our faith and in the leading of a Christian life? These are the questions to ask ourselves during the weeks of the Trinity Season.
Our Annual Church School Closing and Parish Picnic took place this year on Sunday, June 20th. Following the service, the "picnic" took place in Rochford Square Park, in front of the cathedral. On that date, we began the summer schedule, with the main Sunday service being at 10 a.m.
Our Annual Patronal Festival of the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul was observed this year on Wednesday, June 30th, with Procession and High Mass at 7:30 p.m. We continued our celebrations of our patronal festival the following Sunday, as we observed the "feast of dedication".
Our Annual Requiem Eucharist in the Parish Cemetery will take place at 10 a.m. on Sunday, August 8th.
I commend to young people ages 13 to 19 the St. Michael's Youth Conference.
The St. Michael's Conference
will be Monday August 23 to Saturday August 28, at Camp Wildwood, Bouctouche, New Brunswick. Registration
forms and information brochures for the St. Michael's Conference are available
from the Rector or the parish office.
Clergy Vacations
I will be on vacation for three weeks from July 12th to July 31st, and will
also be away for some additional vacation days in mid to late August. Father David Harris,
the assistant priest, will be on duty during those times when I am away, and will take his vacation during the times in July and August when I am not on vacation.
It continues to be a pleasure to work with Father David Harris, assistant priest, and to have him and his family a part of our life and worship here at St. Peter's Cathedral.
Summer Church attendance
Please remember to be faithful in church attendance during the summer months.
Even when on vacation or travelling, you can usually find a church near-by
where you can worship on Sundays.
May God bless us all during the summer months.
Father Peter Harris,
Parish Priest and Rector.
