We offered our interns the option of joining us in person or joining virtually for our sessions trying to be as inclusive to as many of the interns as possible. Our primary goal always is to build community and create a feeling of belonging. 

Our interns have been enjoying learning and working in a variety of different placements that have included: Ottawa Art Therapy Group, Enriched Support Program at Carleton University, YIP’s faith formation and leadership team, Centre 454, Starwood, L’Arche, Glebe Wellness Centre, the Synod Office and the Nations Planning team of CLAY.  

We welcomed facilitators to discuss unconscious bias, anti- racism, mental health, developing critical thinking skills, 2SLGBTQ+ & gender diversity, and basic financial literacy for our leadership skills development and still have navigating difficult conversation, understanding empathy and networking left to learn about. We will be offering SafeTALK (SafeTALK is learning how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, engaging someone, and connecting those to an intervention resource for further support. Funding for this comes to us courtesy of the Johanniter Humanitarian Group.

We have met monthly to discuss our faith and our own faith expressions and journeys with our faith formation team. Together our participants learn to be a part of a community, journeying together in faith; learning  how they each respond to God in a way and context that is truly their own. They explore concepts and engaged in transformative conversations that are amazingly wonderfully to be a part of.

We are planning a weekend retreat in June for the interns and mentors at Gracefield Camp for more opportunities for connecting, relationship building and engaging about faith. It is our hope that Bishop Shane may be able to join us for a few hours to engage with the interns and respond to their ‘burning questions.’ 

Look for more about our 2021-2022 interns and some reflections from them on their experiences in the September issue of Crosstalk.

Applications are open for the new YIP year; September 2022-June 2023.  The form is available at the diocesan website:

https://www.ottawa.anglican.ca/images/yip/YIP-application.pdf

To watch the new YIP video, please go to: 

We are always looking for people to participate in YIP, young people to be interns, people to be a part of our prayer team and people to mentor our young people. If you think you might be interested in being a part of YIP or you think that your parish could offer an opportunity for an intern to do a work placement, I would love to talk to you; we could Zoom, chat on the phone or email.

http://www.ottawa.anglican.ca/index.php/yip

Donna Rourke may be reached at 

donna-rourke@ottawa.anglican.ca

613-612-3674 or 232-7124 Ext. 220

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That said, how do you prepare someone for entering the Church of the Good Shepherd, Wakefield for the first time. If, like a dog, they could only see in black and white, their initial impression is of a proper Anglican house of worship. The chancel is in front, with choir on either side, and the sanctuary defined up a step from the chancel.  The altar is front and centre, with the dark walnut reredos providing a contrast to the brass altar cross.  The font has been moved from its original position inside the main entrance when this church was built at the turn of the twentieth century to where the congregation can better see a baptism being performed.  There is nothing surprising about the arrangement of the furnishings. 

But for people entering Good Shepherd for the first time, they find themselves in a sensory environment most unusual in an Anglican church.  It can only be likened to as if one were viewing the world while swimming in a bowl of liquid Jell-O.  As originally designed, the ceiling was dark panelled wood, the wainscoting was dark paneled wood, with the pews, reredos and other furnishings all made of dark wood.  By painting white the ceiling and walls, the entire church interior has taken its colours from the chancel window featuring an image of Christ the Good Shepherd and the colour accents of the side windows.  The brass chandeliers are most unusual in an Anglican Gothic Revival church and add an almost exotic Québecois vibe in reminding us of Roman Catholic churches dating to the early eighteenth century.

In 1863, John Seaman, a catechist, travelled in Aylwin, Masham and Wakefield townships gathering people together for worship.  By 1864, the Mission of Wakefield & Aylwin was started, in 1866 the Mission of North Wakefield emerged, and by 1872 North Wakefield consisted of Church of the Good Shepherd, Wakefield, an outstation named Pâche and another at Masham. By 1878, the mission had two churches and two outstations where services were held.

We do not know when Church of the Good Shepherd was built.  By 1893, the mission had two churches and one outstation, and by 1913 the Mission of North Wakefield consisted of Holy Trinity Church, Masham; Good Shepherd, Wakefield and a schoolhouse at South Branch by which time this house of worship had long since been built. At the end of the First World War the name of the mission was changed from North Wakefield to Wakefield.

In February 2000 the Holy Trinity, Lascelles and Good Shepherd congregations amalgamated to become one congregation with one vestry and one corporation. This new relationship (not so new, in a sense, as they had been sister congregations since 1863) formalized a reality that had long existed between the two. Good Shepherd, Wakefield operated as the mother church with regular Sunday morning worship, while Holy Trinity Chapel at Lascelles was reserved for special services.  By 2001, extensive restoration and renovations had been made, and the parish name changed that year to Wakefield-Chelsea-Lascelles.   

The Archives collects parish registers, vestry reports, service registers, minutes of groups & committees, financial documents, property records (including cemeteries), insurance policies, letters, pew bulletins, photographs and paintings, scrapbooks, parish newsletters, unusual documents. 

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One activity that would further our knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions is the Pow Wow.  Anglican parishioners and churches might wish to consider attending one in the Ottawa-Gatineau area this summer. Pow Wows welcome non-Indigenous (settlers), Métis and Inuit peoples alike. 

A Pow Wow is a time of celebration, healing and spiritual growth.  It is a gathering where people come together to dance, sing, seek healing, meet old friends and make new ones. The Pow Wow is a time to reaffirm the joy of life and reconnect with Mother Earth.  

There are two kinds of Pow Wows: Competition and Traditional. A competition Pow Wow is set up to attract the best drummers and dancers from all over by offering money through singing and dancing contests.

There is much to experience and enjoy at a Pow Wow – dances, songs, drumming and visiting the many vendors selling jewelry, crafts, art, clothing, beadwork, dreamcatchers, etc.  Another major attraction is the variety of First Nations foods offered at these events.

Pow Wow Etiquette

Visitors are welcome at Pow Wows, but there are some things to consider when you attend one.

Respect the Opening Prayer

The Grand Entry and the Opening Prayer signal the beginning of the Pow Wow.  The Opening Prayer is always performed by an Elder, and the drum takes centre stage as the most important part.

Ask before taking photos

There are some times during the Pow Wow that shouldn’t be photographed, such as ceremonies and prayers.  Ask permission before snapping.

Pay attention to announcers

The Master of Ceremonies will be talking throughout the event, so make sure to listen for when to sit, when to stand, and when to join in the dance!

Do not bring drugs or alcohol

A Pow Wow is a cultural event, not a party.  Alcohol, drugs and firearms are never allowed on the premises.  Drugs and alcohol are not part of the culture.

Know the differences between Pow Wows

Some Pow Wows are traditional ceremonies, while others are performed as a competition.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

A Pow Wow is a spiritual experience for those performing, but you may not fully understand what’s going on if you’re new to these events.  If you have any questions, just ask!

Don’t forget your tobacco

Offering traditional tobacco in a tobacco tie, if possible, to an Elder or dancer before a question is a sign of tremendous respect.

Do browse the local vendors

When you’re buying from the artisans, you’re supporting Indigenous families and their communities.

It’s regalia, not a costume

A dancer’s regalia is how they dress their spirit.  It’s a special piece of handmade clothing that holds spiritual significance to the dancer, and is adorned with beading that has taken many hours (or even years) to assemble.  Be respectful and always ask before taking photos.

Recognize different traditions

Traditions change from nation to nation.  Sometimes a local nation holds a cultural expo of their specific traditions – such as a sacred fire- or different dances that are specific to that region, like a smoke dance, switch dance or clown dance.  Enjoy the diversity!

Source:  https://canadianpowwows.ca/dos-and-donts/

NEARBY OPPORTUNITIES

Here in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec the All My Relations Circle was able to confirm the following Pow Wows on Algonquin First Nations territory taking place in 2022.  Given the uncertainties with Covid, do check before you go:

KITIGAN ZIBI

 June 4-5, 2022   

Grand Entry at 12 noon on Saturday and Sunday

Located just south of Maniwaki off Hwy 105.  

Sylvia Morin – Cultural Centre

819-441-1655

sylvia.morin@kza.qc.ca

OTTAWA SUMMER SOLSTICE INDIGENOUS FESTIVAL 

 June 21-26. 2022 

At Vincent Massey Park, Ottawa

1-833-864-7839

PIKWAKANAGAN 

First Nation  – Golden Lake  

At the time of Crosstalk publication it was not known if the annual Pow Wow would be held this year.  If it is held, the dates for this event are August 20-21, 2022.  

Contact: Kevin Lamarr, 

Cultural Coordinator 

 613-625-2800.  

Coordinator.culture.aa@pikwakanagan.ca

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Do you know a girl aged 8-18 who loves to SING?

Coming out of two years of pandemic disruptions to our operations we are excited to be actively recruiting for the next generation of girl choristers to take the Cathedral Girls’ Choir into its third decade!

Founded in 2001, Christ Church Cathedral Girls’ Choir is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary and remains the only all-girl cathedral choir in Canada. We are a welcoming community where friendships and camaraderie flourish. We train complete musicians and develop confident leaders. While our home base is the beautiful, inspiring and historic Christ Church Cathedral, we have a rich history of outreach and concert work alongside participation in high-profile civic and state events. We have also toured extensively including to the UK, Germany, France, Hong Kong and Japan.

Who can join?
We are looking for girls aged 8-18 who love to sing and who want to be part of a dynamic, friendly and welcoming community.

When do you meet?
Our season runs from September-June with weekly rehearsals on Thursday evenings. Our schedule of performances and other events is published twice a year (at the end of August and in late December).

Do I have to be Anglican to join?
No. We accept choristers from any and no religious background.

Do I have to read music or have sung in a choir before?
No. We provide professional-level training alongside mentorships with some of the city’s best professional musicians.

What type of music is sung?
We sing music of all kinds (not just church music). Together with loads of beautiful classical repertoire you can expect to encounter jazz, Broadway showtunes and Disney songs along the way.

How much does it cost?
Nothing. In fact, choristers receive a small stipend from us to recognize their service and commitment.

What protocols are in place to manage COVID-19?
As of Spring 2022 we are rehearsing and performing in-person and masked with a mandatory vaccination policy. Throughout the pandemic we have closely followed and will always adhere to the latest guidance from the province, Diocese and the professional performing arts industry.

Interested?

An informal conversation with James Calkin (Cathedral Director of Music) is the ideal first step! He can be reached anytime at james.calkin@ottawacathedral.ca

The post The Cathedral Girls’ Choir is growing appeared first on Perspective.

We are very excited to announce the relaunch of the Cathedral’s amateur mixed-voice SATB Choir! After a two-year pandemic hiatus, VOCES Cathedrae will gather again starting this September bringing together women and men from across the National Capital Region who love to sing and to be a part of a warm and welcoming community. Rehearsals will be held the first Saturday of every month (September – June) and will sing approximately 5-6 services a term. Expressions of interest and energy from former and future members are warmly invited! Please be assured all current COVID protocols will be observed.

Connect with James Calkin, Cathedral Director of Music, james.calkin@

ottawacathedral.ca.

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Background: Throughout her tenure as Director of Music, my predecessor Frances Macdonnell provided countless opportunities for choirs within the diocese and from coast to coast to visit our Cathedral, to collaborate, to celebrate and to encourage one another. These initiatives were ideally suited to the convening role our Cathedral (Canada’s de facto National Cathedral) plays and served to enhance the capacity for ministry of countless musicians in our Diocese and beyond. As Assistant Organist at CCC Montreal, I myself was fortunate enough to have been a part of the 1994 and 1995 Three Cathedral Festivals; indeed, these were my first encounters with this place and its musical tradition.

As the Shape of Parish Ministry consultations unfold and together we look at new ways of marshalling our common resources for ministry, the moment is ripe to reconvene musicians from across the diocese in another of those initiatives from earlier times: The Diocesan Massed Choir Evensong.

Together with members of the Cathedral Choirs, we will make a joyful noise, enjoy the company of friends and colleagues, and uphold each other in the ministry of music in this diocese. No matter the skill level, confidence, or size WE WANT YOU TO BE A PART OF THIS! You will be warmly welcomed, supported, encouraged and refreshed by the experience.

Choir Directors: Please signal your interest  as soon as possible so that we can provide you and your singers with copies of the music at the earliest moment (ideally before the summer break). I am very keen that as many parishes in the diocese are represented as possible including children as well as adults.

Please be assured all current COVID protocols will be observed.

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As the two women got to know each other on early morning walks, Zacios talked about St. Luke’s Table, where she has volunteered since 2013, served on the management board and on its fundraising committee.  She told Murray about the effects of the pandemic on the day program that offers meals, help navigating social services and health care, as well as shower and laundry facilities to vulnerable people. They were low on essential toiletries —like toilet paper, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes— that they distribute to the those who come to the centre in the basement of St. Luke’s Anglican Church on Somerset Street.

Murray, an English teacher at Immaculata High School, listened intently. Maybe the school could help, she thought. A drive to gather donations of toiletries could be a Lenten project. The students had missed out on so many community-building activities of this kind during the pandemic. She suggested it to the school chaplain, but she had just had COVID and wasn’t up to organizing it, so that fell to Murray herself.

She talked about the idea with her Gr. 7 homeroom class, and they liked the idea. It would be a competition to see which class could bring in the most items.

She integrated the project into their curriculum as a media unit. Their assignment was to market the drive to get the rest of the school involved. They had to make posters. She taught them the concept of an elevator pitch; “You have 30 seconds to convince students why they need to do this,” she told them. Two staff — Ottawa Day Programs community development manager Liz de Melo and St. Luke’s Table program manager India Bedson— came to talk to the students about the community at St. Luke’s.

“When we started, I asked the kids who do you think the clients are for St. Luke’s? Who are we helping?” Murray explained. ‘Drug addicts,’ they said. “There were a lot of judgements and stereotypes about homeless people. India and Liz were able to debunk a lot of the stereotypes. ‘Yes,’ they said, ‘there are some people who struggle with addiction. Why are they struggling? What do you think their story is?’ Their interaction with the students was amazing. Liz … asked the students how many cups of coffee do you think we serve a day? How many meals? How many loads of laundry do we do? It gave the kids a lot of insight.”

As they were preparing their pitches for the other classrooms, Murray suggested they could sum up the problem this way: “There’s a shortfall in funding for St. Luke’s Table. They need to supplement the 70% of their budget that they get from the city, so they need our help.”

“But that’s not the real problem,” one of the kids told her. “The real problem is homelessness, and are we really solving it with the drive?” This is critical thinking, Murray said. “These kids thought deeply about what we were doing and why we were doing it and how effective we would be with it.” 

How does a toothbrush help? Liz and India told the students that these things show that people care. They provide dignity and hope for a lot of people.

The Immaculata toiletry drive was a big success and far exceeded Murray’s expectations. “I thought 1,000 items maybe, because the pandemic has hit families so hard, the cost of groceries is going up, gas, even cooking food is expensive,” she said. 

But the students, especially the Grade 7 and Grade 8 classes, got caught up in the spirit of giving and competing with one another to bring in the most items.

“There’s a lot of diversity in our school population, and I think some families of our students are using food banks, St. Luke’s Table and organizations like that to stretch the dollars in their budgets, but those kids still brought in rolls of toilet paper. They were getting them from the shelter and then returning them, but they wanted to be part of the community of giving. That was really touching,” said Murray.

In the end, they collected about 4,000 items. It all fit, just barely, in Murray’s van, and she delivered the items to St. Luke’s just before Easter. While she was there, she met a man who was part of the St. Luke’s community. When he learned she taught at Immaculata, he asked if she knew two students who he named. “They are living on the street, and you had better look out for them,” he advised, saying he was also looking out for them.”

“I did know that the one student was at risk,” Murray said, adding that she had wondered about the other. “There’s a lot of caring adults in the [school] trying to help them, but that woke me up to the fact that we think we are helping other people, but we are also helping people within our own community.”

Back at the school, the winning classrooms were treated to a homemade pancake breakfast. “They came together as a community to give to St. Luke’s Table, and they came together as a community to eat and celebrate together. It was super important, very joyful. It was an extremely positive experience for me and for the students.”

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Cornerstone faced unprecedented pressures in the past year. Aside from the pandemic, the emergency shelter had to move while Cornerstone’s O’Connor Street building was renovated, and just when the women were able to move back to O’Connor, the building was surrounded by the infamous protest in downtown Ottawa for three weeks.

Now, however, Davis said, Cornerstone has had a “reprieve and there is a sense of hope across the organization. This spring Cornerstone focused on providing trauma-informed training for staff across our organization, offering sessions on anti-racism, anti-oppression, gender-based violence, and harm reduction. Throughout the pandemic, staff had to navigate various crises with little time for training or reprieve. On our path of recovery and healing from these past two years, we remain committed to equipping our staff with the knowledge and tools needed to care for vulnerable women in Ottawa.”

Cornerstone is also planning to host an in-person meet and greet with Davis, who came on at the height of the pandemic and outbreaks and has not been able to meet many people in person yet. Please Save the Date July 16 and watch for more information closer to the date.

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