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Newsletter - April, 2003 _ |
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Dear Friends, The Latin and Greek word for Easter is "Pascha", the Christian Passover and principal festival of the Christian church year, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his Crucifixion. The origins of Easter date to the beginnings of Christianity, and it is probably the oldest Christian observance after the Sabbath (originally observed on Saturday, later on Sunday); the Sabbath subsequently came to be regarded as the weekly celebration of the Resurrection. The English name Easter is of uncertain origin; some say that its derived from the Anglo-Saxon spring goddess Eostre. Western Christians celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after the full moon (the paschal moon) that occurs upon or next after the vernal equinox (taken as March 21). Easter, therefore, can fall between March 22 and April 25. This rule was fixed after much controversy and uncertainty, which lasted in various parts of the church until the 8th century. In the
20th century, the possibility of a fixed date for Easter has been
discussed and supported among some Christians; adoption would depend
on agreement being reached among the various churches. The second
Sunday in April has been proposed.
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Report from the Administrator
Then there are several opportunities for sharing food and fellowship including the Lenten Study potluck supper, Supper Club, and the Friendship Circle Tea. We are also hoping to have one other event before everyone goes on their summer holidays - watch out for future announcements |
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Wendy
Ingram New Books in the Library Visionary
Woman - Three Medieval Mystics
We have also just received Lost Icons by Rowan Williams. Come in a take a look. If you have ideas on books to order for the library please speak to Joy Nicolls. Thank you. Report on the Annual Vestry Meeting At the Vestry meeting on February 23rd, 2003 a motion was proposed that St. Catherine's Church should hold a special vestry meeting in May, 2003 to discuss and decide on the issue of the blessing of same-gender relationships. After discussion this motion on whether or not to have a meeting was narrowly defeated: the vote was 42 against holding such a meeting, and 41 in favour of a meeting. In accordance with the wishes of the Parish expressed by those attending and voting at the Annual Vestry meeting, no meeting will be held. Parish Council discussed the outcome of the vote at its orientation retreat and agreed that no further action on this matter will be planned by Parish Council at the present time. At its retreat, Parish Council members discussed a range of initiatives including vision statements, strategic plans and themes for the parish for the upcoming year, community development and involvement, new member ministry activities and support, web site development and many more issues. The tone of the retreat was forward looking and strategic, with the care and nurturing of our parish family being a high priority. It was a very positive session. There's
lots to do at St. Catherine's to ensure that we will remain a connected
and supportive community and I am sure the Council will accomplish
a great deal during the next twelve months. Musical
Notes During
Lent the choirs have been busy rehearsing for our traditional Easter
services. On Maundy Thursday the Joyful Voice will be providing
music for the 7 pm service At the Choral Festival Eucharist on Easter Sunday we shall be accompanied by musicians for this great occasion of celebration. We hope that you will be able to attend the services, where we continue the tradition of presenting special sacred choral works for Easter here at St. Catherine's. Siiri Rebane Put
Camp Artaban in your Summer plans! This summer will mark the 80th year of operation for Camp Artaban as a Diocesan camping ministry There is an opportunity for everyone to be involved, with children's camps, family camps and special day trips. What better way is there for your child or grandchild (Ages 8 to 15) to spend a week of their summer than in the pristine outdoor setting of Howe Sound. They will participate in a unique adventure and be supported in a Christian oriented community. 80 years of experience speaks for itself. In August,
Camp Artaban will host one of its famous Family Camps. A special Visitors Day is planned for Saturday, June 28th this year to honour the 80th Anniversary of the Camp. This day trip takes you through Howe Sound to Artaban. You have ample time to look around and participate in a program of fun and games or spend a leisurely afternoon. This trip sells out, so make your booking early. Information on the above can be found in the foyer of St. Catherine's Church or call the Camp Artaban office at 604-980-0391. John Luccock Let's
Move The Box Off The Stage And Get Rid Of The Little Fence Some time ago I overheard the chancel of the church referred to as the stage and another occasion the altar rail called the little fence, and the altar called a box. This prompted me to write this article on the names and origins of some of the church's furnishings. It also seemed to tie in with the study This Anglican Church of Ours. So what are these furnishings, what are their functions and where did they come from? The Altar is the focal point of the church and is located in the sanctuary. There are two biblical passages that refer to a Christian Altar in the New Testament. (I Cor. 10:21) in which Paul talks about the "Table of the Lord" and in Hebrews 13:10 in which the word altar is used. Our word altar comes from the Latin Altare Dei. The earliest Christian Altars made of wood and took the form of ordinary house tables as the Eucharist was initially held in house churches. Wooden Altars were used well into the Middle Ages but with time stone altars replaced wooden Altars, probably because stone is more durable. In early times a canopy covered the altar to keep it safe from damage. The body of the church where the pews are located is called the Nave. The Chancel is the space raised by steps and contains the sanctuary which is where the altar stands. Altar
Rails were introduced to the church by Bishop Laud, (who became
Archbishop of Canterbury in 1633) to protect At St. Catherine's, like most Anglican churches, we use a processional cross to begin and end the service The use of a processional cross is very old. but it was not until the medieval period that crosses began to be placed on the Altar. Often the processional cross was made so that it could be taken of the staff and placed on a base upon the Altar. This was the way in which Altar crosses came to be used. After the reformation, Protestant churches including many Anglican Churches did not use an altar cross. However processional and altar crosses came back into use during the Anglo Catholic revival. At St. Catherine's there is no altar cross, instead we have a large cross hanging from the ceiling. There is a special cross by the pulpit called the Christus Rex. It depicts Christ wearing a priest's robe and a king's crown signifying Christ crucified, risen and reigning as King. Candles were originally used for simple illumination. The placing of candles on the Altar developed out of lights that were carried in procession and then placed near or on the Altar. The custom of placing two candles upon the Altar started in the early Medieval period. At St. Catherine's we have two candles on the altar and the large tapers on each side of the Altar which are processed in with the processional cross. The paschal candle is a very large white candle placed on the gospel side of the church symbolizing the risen Christ which is lit at Easter and remains lighted until Ascension Day. It is also used at baptisms. The everlasting candle of remembrance is located in the right hand corner of the church as you face the altar. It is never allowed to go out as it signifies the continual watchfulness of the church. Having a continual light in the sanctuary is a very ancient custom. The Credence Shelf which is situated right behind the Altar at St. Catherine's, comes from the Latin meaning to believe. (In ancient times in the royal court special food that was safe for the king to eat was placed on a special table!) It is used to hold the bread, wine, water and other accessories to be used at the Eucharist. Credence shelves were probably not in general use before the 1500's. Sometimes there was a shelf above the piscina (a sink into which sacred liquids are poured; located in the sanctuary or sacristy. The Aumbry, which at St. Catherine's, is located on the credence shelf comes from the the Latin word armarium meaning closet. It is the cupboard in which the consecrated bread and wine (reserved sacrament) is kept. Another name is tabernacle. Back in the Middle Ages priests often kept their vestments in chests and aumbries near the altar along with the chalices and silver cruets for the Eucharist Why not after church take a short walk through the Chancel and acquaint yourselfwith these furnishings. Heather Luccock Communication Corner It's
that time again and a few things are happening in the Parish as
far as education goes. Firstly, the book study on This Anglican
Church of Ours is in full swing. We are once again boasting a good
attendance of about fifty people each week. Also, it is being held
twice a week to accommodate individuals. This continues to be a
real plus in everyone's eyes. Hopefully we can maintain that principle
for all future extended education programs. Betty Kavanagh WELCOME I think that welcome is one of the most Christ-like words we can speak to each other. And yet, how rarely this happens. This word is shriveling because of disuse. How rarely do people stop in their busyness to greet one another, to chat on the block, to have a cup of coffee and talk about their day. How infrequently we inquire as to strangers' names, ask questions that indicate interest in their lives and families. How wonderfully rare it is when someone whispers, "haven't seen you for so long, missed you." How marvelous to hear, "You always make our times together special." We must learn to give to one another the words of welcome.
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As we enter the last three months of the program
year we still have lots of events to look forward to, not the least
of which will be clean up day next Saturday. We are hoping to have
a good turnout so that we can have the building and grounds looking
spic and span for our Easter services. If you can spare an hour
or two, please give serious consideration to coming down and helping
out. If Saturday morning doesn't work for you, speak to me and I'll
try to find something you can do at your convenience. Now that the
regional confirmation service will be taking place here on April
27th, it is especially important that we put on a good appearance
for all the visitors who will be present.
___I
would like to express my thanks and appreciation for the Friends
of St. Catherine's pin that I received from you. I felt extremely
honoured to know that I had been chosen for this gift.
We
have four new titles in the library for your enjoyment: 
