Come and Journey: Cathedral Week 2024 at Sorrento Centre

Come And Journey: 
Cathedral Week 2024 
At Sorrento Centre

“For the beauty of the Earth, for the glory of the skies, for the love which from birth over us lies. For the joy of human love, friends on Earth and friends Above” (Folliott Sanford Pierpoint, 1864)

‘Cathedral Week’ (July 21-27 2024) at Sorrento Centre was a huge success! All whom attended from our parish had a great time! In addition to our parishioners whom are regular attendees there, nine Cathedral first-timers to Sorrento Centre came for this week which was wonderful. Cathedral parishioner Kerry Baisley ODNW and former Christ Church Cathedral interim rector the Rev. Canon Dr. Richard LeSueur co-led a course called “Can the past be reconciled: Two histories, two lands” and the Rev. Shawn Sanford Beck from Saskatchewan led a course called “Celtic wisdom in changing times”. Cathedral parishioners enjoyed reconnecting with Canon LeSueur and his wife Rhonde. Children enjoyed varied morning programming and outdoor activities led by the Centre’s summer youth staff.

The weather was typically very warm and sunny, and in true BC Interior weather form, one brief yet significant windstorm did occur, sending those guests who were camping scrambling to secur their setups. But as a bard famously told us, “All's Well That End's Well”! 

The programming week kicked off with a Sunday dinnertime welcome BBQ for all on site at Sorrento Centre, followed by an orientation session led by the Centre's Executive Director, deacon, the Rev. Michael Shapcott. These two gatherings provided a wonderful opportunity for fellowship upon arrival, as well as an informed welcome to Sorrento Centre. Mornings at Sorrento Centre begin with a continental breakfast for all in the dining hall in Richardson Lodge, followed by morning worship in the outdoor chapel, St. Francis. Music and worship leadership was done by longtime and lauded summer leaders at the Centre and priests of our diocese, the Rev. David Taylor (Rector of St. Mark Ocean Park) and the Venerable Andrew Halladay (Vicar of St. Andrew's Langley and Archdeacon of Lougheed). Starting the day eating together and then worshipping in the tree-surrounded chapel with a view of Shuswap Lake is truly inspiring, and sets the joyful and peaceful tone for everyone's day ahead! Sorrento Centre is situated on twenty four acres of private land, and is waterfront on Shuswap Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Canada. Everyone enjoyed some time by the lake reading, resting, swimming, paddle-boarding, kayaking or just sitting on the beach enjoying time hanging out with companions old and new!

Jane Dittrich and Dean Christopher Pappas organized various gatherings and outings throughout the week, for those there from the Cathedral and for all in attendance at the Centre. This has become both a very fun and a very anticipated tradition in recent years! On Tuesday afternoon, about twenty people gathered under the shade of some huge trees behind the Centre’s brick office building, Spes Bona, to have a singalong. Rev. David Taylor kindly led the gathered group in this, and Cathedral parishioner John Wade joined in on his guitar for many of the songs. Songs and hymns were sung from various Sorrento Centre songbooks, and it was a joyful and bonding time for all! On Wednesday afternoon, about twenty five people drove into Salmon Arm to gather on the outdoor patio at the Shuswap Cider Company, a wonderful and locally-owned organic cider company. Ciders, juice, pizza and snacks were enjoyed by all, and it was an engaging and fun time of conversation and people getting to know each other on a glorious summer afternoon. Midway through the gathering, Dean Chris gave an informal talk on St. Lydia of Thyatira, which inspired many conversations that followed. On Thursday afternoon, a sizeable group went to Margaret Falls. Margaret Falls is a twenty five minute drive from Sorrento Centre, and is located within the popular destination of Herald Provincial Park. It was an easy 2KM walk from the parking lot to the cascading waterfall, along the path lined with old-growth trees and dramatic rock formations. Following this nature walk, many of the group stopped at Tappen Co-Op on the Trans-Canada Highway to enjoy their famously tasty and immensely oversized ice cream cones! The Thursday evening Talent Night and the Friday evening outdoor dance remain two very popular activities of tradition at Sorrento Centre, and the Cathedral represented very admirably at both! 

Thursday July 25th also brought deep levels of grief to many at the Centre, as news of the passing that afternoon of the beloved Rev. Canon Herbert O'Driscoll was received. To those close to him, from the Cathedral, on staff at Sorrento Centre and to many in attendance that week this was very saddening news. Canon O'Driscoll, who was 95 years of age, was the Dean of Christ Church Cathedral Vancouver from 1968 to 1982, was an internationally renowned preacher, lyricist and author, and was a longtime associate of and course leader at Sorrento Centre. The closing eucharist on Friday was aptly dedicated to Herb, and his hymn ‘This Place’ with Sorrento-themed lyrics put to the tune of Morning Has Broken was sung during the service. Rest in peace, Herb. You were dearly loved, and are dearly missed. 

Sorrento Centre has something to offer for everyone! You can take a course, do the rest and relaxation option, have times of solitude and have plenty of opportunities for social and educational time. Diarize July 20-26 2025 for next year's ‘Cathedral Week’ at Sorrento Centre! And stay tuned for more information from both Jane Dittrich and Dean Chris on course leaders for the week, information on the expanding children and youth programming and much more! Please have a look at their web site, www.sorrentocentre.ca, for more information, enjoy the attached scrolling photo album with 24 of Jane’s photos from this year, and feel free to speak to Jane or to Dean Chris about any Sorrento Centre related questions. Thank you so much to all from the Cathedral who came this year, and for the wonderful memories made together!

Jane Dittrich