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The Acolyte Guild of Christ
Church Cathedral is a dedicated group of adults, teenagers and youngsters. We lead processions and carry the Gospel Book into and out of the church. However, the most important part of our ministry is that of service at the Lord's Table. We assist the celebrant at the Eucharist by helping to set the Table and by helping to insure that the service proceeds smoothly. If you are interested in joining, please contact Mark Giddings through the Cathedal Office at 736-2742. |
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The Altar Guild, ably led by Eleanor Parke, prepares the altars for services, cares for the Cathedral's many fine communion vessels, maintains the sacristy, and generally supports the public worship in a variety of ways. If interested, please contact Eleanor Parke through the Cathedral office at 736-2742. |
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Mondays at 8 AM This Bible study takes place in the Kendrick Room. It is a discussion of the Gospel text for the upcoming Sunday from a variety of perspectives. Wednesdays at 7:15-8:45 PM This group meets at various homes. We do an informal combination of introspective, teaching, and sharing methods, ending with a prayer. Currently we are studying Romans. Call Donna Barten for details (860-660-6006) Thursdays at 9:45-11:45 Rebecca Scruton facilitates a study of I Corinthians. “ To a proud and prosperous church, the Apostle Paul writes a stern reminder: take your eyes off impressive externals, and practice purity, humility and love. His practical instructions concerning factions, sexuality, spiritual gifts and worship remain profoundly relevant for those pursuing genuine spiritual maturity.”Join us as we struggle together pursuing the goal of saying, “ YES” to ‘a loving God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind, and to loving our neighbors as ourselves. ’ Bring a Bible and notebook. Study Book is $8.00Sundays at 9 AM The African method of Bible study is used to focus on the Gospel for the day in the Diocesan Family Room. Sundays at 11:15 AM Spanish Bible Study in All Saints Chapel First Sunday of each month This Bible study is at Betshers' home on 88 Bellevue Avenue, Springfield. Come at 6PM for Mark's soup. Study begins at 7PM. |
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The Cathedral Chapter is made up of persons elected by the Cathedral's Annual Meeting, and others appointed by the Bishop. The Chapter meets three times a year. The Executive Committee, like the Vestry of a regular parish, meets monthly or as needed to pray about and to deal with the issues that arise in the ongoing life of the Cathedral Community. |
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The Cathedral Choir is an adaptation of the English Cathedral Choir model, where the soprano section is largely composed of young, unchanged voices. Unlike the English, however, we welcome both boys and girls. There are currently 42 members, ranging in age from 7 to 76. Singers up to the age of 13 rehearse on Wednesday afternoons at 4:15, and with the adults on Thursday evening at 7:00. These young musicians are paid a small stipend for their time and effort, and in return they receive an excellent beginning music education, as well as constant exposure to the Scriptures that inspire the hymns and anthems which they learn. The Choir sings music dating from the 16th Century to the present, largely from the major classical literature, but occasionally venturing into gospel music and Spanish-language songs of prayer and praise. For further information, please have a look at the Music page on this website. If interested in joining, please contact Music Director Peter Beardsley at 732-6437, or by email. |
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Who
We Are Members undertake a Rule of Life, incorporating the Rule of Prayer and the Rule of Service. A Daughter pledges herself to a life-long program of prayer, service and evangelism, dedicated to the spread of Christ's Kingdom and the strengthening of the spiritual life of her parish. All women are invited to attend. The Motto of the Order
Calendar: PRAYER CIRCLE / BIBLE STUDY (Spanish) at various homes Monday, August 27th--7 to 9-- NATIONAL DOK BY-LAWS COMMITTEE — Cathedral Saturday, September 1st—12:00 noon ANNUAL CHAPTER PICNIC / INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS at St. Mark’s, E. Longmeadow Monday, September 10 — 7บบ to 8บบ PRAYER CIRCLE(English) — Home of Mariana Bauman Saturday September 15th—9บบ to 10บบ PRAYER CIRCLE (Bi-lingual) — Cathedral Saturday, October 6th — 1:30 to 3:30 PM CHAPTER MEETING BUSINESS — St. Peter’s (confirm) For further information
contact Chapter President Pat Parker |
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The Finance Committee meets regularly to oversee the financial status of the Cathedral, co-ordinate our ongoing ministry with the efforts of the Stewardship Committee, and, led by Treasurers Susan Forrest and George Schmeck, to implement up-to-date systems of accounting and financial accountability. |
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The Fitch Memorial Courtyard Committee, chaired by Barbara DeRose, meets regularly to plan and oversee the ongoing efforts to beautify the courtyard on the Chestnut Street side, between the Cathedal and Diocesan House. The support for this undertaking comes from a generous bequest from the estate of Wilfred and Florence Fitch, long-time members of Christ Church Cathedral. |
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The Flower Guild, under the leadership of our own very talented Barbara DeRose, offers the beautiful and spirit-filled memorial flower arrangements which grace the main reredos and the chapel altar every Sunday. These wonderful people are also in charge of the marvelous decorations which adorn our Cathedral for Christmas, Easter, and other major festivals. |
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Youth Groups |
The Senior High Youth Group meets at various times for Bible discussion, informal chats about issues confronting adolescents in today's world, service projects, and for fun. Once a month one of the Cathedral vans travels to Camp Bement for informal Sunday evening worship services. |
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Lay Eucharistic Ministers assist the Cathedral clergy in the administration of the Holy Communion. This task requires special training and considerable sensitivity. Those interested are invited to contact Dean Munroe at 736-2742. |
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Lectors are, literally, READERS - the folks who read the Old Testament and Epistle lessons during Sunday worship services. The list is long, so most lectors read about once every 6 to 8 weeks. |
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The Outreach Committee is charged with researching financial and service needs both in our city and in the world at large. We receive input from a variety of sources and members often advocate for funding of groups and causes to which they contribute their own time and money. In 2005 we tithed our parish budget to such organizations as these: the Springfield Council of Churches, Open Pantry, Theological Education, Food Bank of Western MA, Hampden County House of Correction Literacy programming, Order of the Holy Cross, Pioneer Valley Project, Listening Hearts Ministries, Springfield Rescue Mission, Anglican Frontier Missions, Church Army USA, Five Talents International, St. Paul’s House NYC, NCCJ Conversations on Race, ACTS Tutoring, Intervarsity Christian Formation, The Lion’s Den, and Mercy Hospital Health Care for the Homeless. We have also provided summer camperships to the Diocesan Camp Bement for children and, of course, participated in supporting our diocese through the Assessment for Common Ministry. Food is purchased and prepared by parishoners twice monthly for our Loaves and Fishes guests who dine Monday through Friday in the undercroft of the Cathedral. This committee is chaired by Laurel Stewart. Members include Canon Dwyer, George Schmeck, Susie Bartley and the clergy. |
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The Property Committee, nominally chaired by Senior Warden Paul Barten, is charged with overseeing the care, repair, and maintenance of our wonderful, 130-year-old edifice. Anyone possessing knowledge and skill in the carpentry, painting, heating, plumbing, electrical, or masonry areas, or who has some knowledge of the related business, is invited to contact the Cathedral by email, or at (413) 736-2742. |
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Saint Mary's Guild, a service organization made up primarily of the women of the Cathedral community, meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 2:00 PM. |
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Saturday School — la Escuela Sabatina — is under the able direction of Rosemarie Martinez. This fast-growing educational undertaking is one of the Cathedral's most exciting outreach efforts. It is targeted at youngsters in the elementary grade levels, and is staffed by some of our most able and dedicated young people. Classes are taught bilingually in Spanish and English. If you are interested, please call the Cathedral office at 736-2742. |
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Chaired by Kent Tarrant, the Stewardship Committee is charged with securing the annual pledges, and commitments of time and talent, that enable the Cathedral's ministry to go forward. |
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Sunday School at Christ Church Cathedral is offered from 11:30 to 12:15 every Sunday. Children and young adults meet together for fun, fellowship, and interactive learning, facilitated by their Sunday School teachers. The emphasis is placed on developing a sense of Christian community and mutual respect. There are currently four classes: Kindergarten through second grade, third grade through fifth grade, Junior High, and Senior High. Each age-group engages in active learning adapted to their level. The nursery program, which meets from 10:00 a.m. until around 11:00 when the children join their families in the cathedral for communion, completes the spectrum by using a lectionary-based curriculum that includes story-telling, crafts, prayer, and a shared meal. |
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The Worship Committee meets regularly to assess the effectiveness and appropriateness of the Cathedral Parish's style and practice of the worship of Almighty God. Under the leadership of the Dean, the discussions range from the observance of the seasons of the Church Year, to advice on the choice of hymns, to the use of Rites I and II, to how to get the Choir in and out of the chancel. Anyone interested is invited to contact the Cathedral by email, or at (413) 736-2742. |
