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December 4, 2024

Dear Cathedral Friends and Parishioners,

As 2024 comes toward a close, with the usual frenzy of Christmas preparations, I invite you to take a minute or so to reflect on this past year at Christ Church Cathedral. It may have been a year where the Cathedral was part of your everyday life or a year when your connection to the Cathedral was through a significant event, or the weekly email and occasional visits with friends.  

Was there a moment (or maybe many moments) that stood out for you? A moment where you felt an enhanced sense of belonging? A moment where you felt awe? Or a moment where you experienced the support of the community? Thinking of those moments, we invite you to consider how you might help us all to give that opportunity to feel awe, gratitude, or connection to someone else who is seeking the same by being part of the Cathedral community. 

Based on current projections for 2024, we expect the deficit will be higher than budgeted, making it difficult to plan for next year. Although expenditures, and other income such as building use have been well managed, there is a significant revenue gap. Overall, donations from parishioners, visitors and friends are tracking below budget expectations by 10%, resulting in an anticipated deficit at year-end of $68,500. 

Know that prior to sending this letter, we approached Cathedral leadership asking for their help. We thank the 2023 and 2024 wardens and trustees and other ministry leaders who have already pledged and/or made additional donations to help address this situation.

In order to meet our 2024 budget, we are hoping you will prayerfully consider an additional gift, perhaps even a “13th month gift”. Doing so will make a big difference to where we end the year and our ability to maintain our programming in 2025.

As we celebrate this year the 135 years of thoughtful and generous stewardship by earlier parishioners and friends, know that it is our generosity today, tomorrow and every day that ensures that the life of the Cathedral will continue for many more years.  

Our sincere thanks to you all for all the gifts of time, talent and financial resources, that you have offered throughout the year. And we hope to see you at the upcoming Carolfest on December 8 at 4pm or at one of the many other Advent and Christmas services happening over the coming weeks.

We extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones, as we all await the celebration of the birth of Jesus, and the hope filled wonders of the Advent and Christmas seasons.

Jane Osler & the Stewardship Committee

p.s. You can make a gift to the Cathedral in any of the following ways:

  • E-transfer your gift to ar@thecathedral.ca. Make sure to put your name and address in the memo field so that we can issue a tax receipt.
  • Cheques can be dropped off at the cathedral during a service or at the office during regular office hours.
  • Credit card through Tithely on the Cathedral website. If you want to use a credit card but not through the website, please call Vanessa 604-682-3848 ext. 121 to make your donation. If you need to leave a message please leave your name, phone number and reason for your call, please do not leave your credit card information.