ADOy launches with first youth gathering at Christ Church Cathedral Ottawa

Christ Church Cathedral and Dean Beth Bretzlaff hosted the first ADOy (Anglican Diocese of Ottawa youth) event on Oct. 19, welcoming youth and parish youth leaders from across the diocese.

The Saturday morning gathering introduced youth to the Cathedral and offered some activities to help them get to know one another.

Before beginning an informal worship time, Dean Beth reflected on the ways that people pray and commune with God individually and when they come together in churches:

“Every place has its own way of living out their worship life, and every one of us has a way of living that out as well. We heard a number of people talk about what they do to pray, what is worship for them besides the church.

“Mine is kayaking. Sometimes when I go kayaking I am not happy, and it’s the Book of Lamentations, and I am paddling with some anger or some angst or some sorrow. And sometimes it is the beauty of thanksgiving and just so grateful for the opportunity to be in nature.

“But all of us need a home for that, and that’s what our churches are and our Cathedral. It’s a home where we can gather as a community and bring all of those experiences that we have elsewhere together, be refueled, re-energized and bring some of that peace to ourselves, and then go out and share that with everyone else. So we all have that as a part of our Anglican heritage, which is a beautiful thing.”

Cathedral music director and organist James Calkin led the group singing some hymns, and the Rev. Matthew Brown of Parish of the Valley shared some reflections on the history of the Cathedral and the Anglican Church.

The youth had an opportunity to explore the Cathedral, learning about its magnificent stained glass windows, symbols, seats for the bishop and Cathedral canons, as well as whimsical touches like the carvings of four church mice tucked into hiding spots around the sanctuary. And they tried their hands at ringing the bells.

The youth received a special invitation to come back to the Cathedral to start 2025 “on a high note” at the New Year’s Day Eucharist service and following reception.

Youth and youth leaders listened to reflections about the Anglican church and the Cathedral. Photo: Leigh Anne Williams

Dean Beth showed everyone the ropes of ringing the bells at the Cathedral. Photo: The Rev. Maria Nightengale

Dean Beth showed everyone the ropes of bell ringing so they could give it a try. Photo: The Rev. Maria Nightengale

Cathedral music director James Calkin talks to the youth.. Photo: The Rev. Maria Nightengale

The Rev. Matthew Brown reflected on the history of the Anglican Church and Christ Church Cathedral Ottawa. Photo: The Rev. Maria Nightengale

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