CALENDAR The Evangelist March 25: Lent V • Passion Sunday for parishioners and friends of Low Mass 8:30 a.m., Matins 9:45 High Mass 10:30 a.m. The Church of Saint John the Evangelist Lent 2012 : Vol. XI, No. 1 Montreal, Quebec HOLY WEEK EASTER April 1: Palm Sunday Holy Saturday, April 7: From the Rector money, as is the parish. Yet these are only some Low Mass 8:30 a.m., Matins 9:45 Easter Vigil at 8:00 p.m. of opportunities available to us. Perhaps taking High Mass 10:30 a.m. Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all up a daily round of bible readings, reaching out Evensong & Benediction 5:00 PM Sunday, April 8: Easter Day of Resurrection them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and to someone you may have fallen out with or just April 2: Monday in Holy Week 10:30 a.m. Procession and High Mass contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins, lost track of, seeking the counsel and comfort of Low Mass 5:45 p.m. and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Confession. April 3: Tuesday in Holy Week Sunday, May 6: Easter IV thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and for- St John at the Latin Gate giveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. As the Prayer Book exhorts us: “The way and Low Mass 5:45 p.m. means thereto is: First, to examine your lives April 4: Wednesday in Holy Week Low Mass 8:30 a.m. Matins 9:45 ere at St John’s we begin our Lenten jour- High Mass 10:30 a.m. and conversations by the rule of God’s com- Low Mass 7:30 & 9:30 a.m. Hney early. The three pre-Ash Wednesday mandments; and whereinsoever ye shall perceive April 5: Maundy Thursday Sundays known as Septuagesima, Sexagesima, yourselves to have offended, either by will, word, Thursday, May 17: Ascension Day and Quinquagesima –roughly the 70th, 60th and 5:45 p.m. High Mass and Watch 5:45 p.m. High Mass & supper or deed, there to confess yourselves to Almighty at Altar of Repose 50th day before Easter give us a pre-warning that God, with full purpose of amendment of life. our observation of the days of our Lord’s Passion And if ye shall perceive your offences Friday, April 6: Good Friday Sunday, May 27: Whitsunday • Pentecost and Resurrection is about to commence. to have been against your neighbours, 12 noon Matins Low Mass 8:30 a.m. Matins 9:45 Even so on Ash Wednesday when the then ye shall reconcile yourselves to 1:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross High Mass 10:30 a.m. ashes are put on our foreheads, with the them, being ready to make restitution. 1:45 p.m. Mass of the PreSanctified words “Remember, O man that dust thou Ye must also be ready to forgive others 7:00 p.m. Tenebrae art and unto dust shalt thou return”, we that have offended you, as you would can still be shaken out of our compla- have forgiveness of your offences at cency. The six weeks of Lent are a time God’s hand… therefore if there be any for us to step back and review our life of you, who by this means cannot quiet and situation by self examination and his own conscience herein, but requireth repentance. This period should be seen further comfort or counsel, let him come not as a burden but as an opportunity our to me, or to some other discreet Minis- church calendar gives us to renew our ter of God’s Word, and open his grief; bodies and souls by prayer, fasting, self denial and that by the ministry of God’s holy Word, he may by reading and meditation on God’s words. Church of St John the Evangelist : 137 President Kennedy, Montreal, Quebec. H2X 3P6 receive the benefit of absolution, together with Rector : The Rev’d Keith Schmidt There are many ways for us to do this. During spiritual counsel and advice, to the quieting of his Interim Director of the Music : Federico Andreoni Lent there is the Way of the Cross on Wednesday conscience, and the avoiding of all scruple and Church Office : 514 288-4428 e-mail : [email protected] website : www.redroof.ca Evenings at 6:00, PM, followed by soup and our doubtfulness.” The Editorial Board listed below welcomes your comments and suggestions as well as your contributions to Lenten Program. This year’s theme is Looking I therefore invite you in the name of the Out, Looking in - Outreach and Evangelization William Converse, editor < [email protected] > Church, to the observance of a holy Lent. Committee : Peter Harper : Roland Hui : Sara Bohl Pistolesi : Carolyn Roper in Today’s World. There are the daily masses of- Afra Saskia-Tucker : Keith Schmidt, ex-officio : Tony Whitehead fered during the week and St Michael’s Mission is Yours in Christ, always in need of both contributions of time and Fr Keith DIAMOND JUBILEE SERVICE ignated Prayers for the Queen and the Common- FROM THE EDITOR Monday February 6, 2012, was Accession Day wealth. Rev. Arlen Bonnar, Minister, St. James The 2012 Lenten issue of The Evangelist marks marking the 60th anniversary of the death of King United Church, delivered the sermon. the third anniversary of the introduction of the new George VI and the accession of Her Majesty Queen Thanks are expressed to clergy and servers format in March 2010. for the smooth dignity of the service. Federico Elizabeth II. To mark the occasion, St. John’s held a This issue, in addition to its regular features, has Andreoni and the choir are also thanked for their special Diamond Jubilee Evensong. Invitations were an interesting and thoughtful response by Jonathan issued to several dozen loyal and patriotic organiza- excellent music, complete with Blake’s “Jerusa- Widell to Canon John Simons’ sermon for Theolog- tions and groups, including the Monarchist League, lem” and two verses of “God Save the Queen.” ical Education Sunday (February 12, 2012), the full the United Empire Loyalists, and the St. Andrew’s Thanks as well to the Wardens for providing and text of which appears here. Anglicans normally Society. Approximately 200 people filled all but setting up the food and refreshments in the Hall do not critique sermons, unless for literary critical a few of the church’s chairs. A martial air to the following the service. purposes. However, the issues raised by Canon Simons are very topical. As Christians we are told, evening was lent by the Knights of St. Lazarus, in Tuesday June 5 will be Jubilee Day when fes- “Always be prepared to make a defense to any one their colourful green and black mantles, who were led tivities will be held across Canada and the Com- who calls you to account for the hope that is in to the choir stalls by a young piper from the Black monwealth in honour of the Queen’s sixty years you.” (1 Peter 3:15). Shown with Bishop Clarke are (l to r): Samuel Elias Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada. as Monarch and Head of the Commonwealth. Widell (prepared by Fr Pickup), Myrtis Fossey (pre- Peter F. McNally This issue has a photo essay of the Art Project at pared by Fr Simons), and Xiaorong (Eva) Huo and A small exhibition of printed material and com- St. Michael’s Mission, with text by Mary Lennon Junyi Pu (prepared by Fr Schmidt). The Confirmation memorative objects was mounted in the wall display and photos by our official church photographer, took place on January 29th - the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. case along the corridor from the back entrance to the Janet Best. There is my review of three outstand- Narthex. ing Quebec films from 1211, including Monsieur The Rector Fr Schmidt, and Fr Marc-Philippe Lazhar, nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Film, and captured 6 out of 9 nominated Genies. Vincent conducted the service, which included des- As a parish, we are truly blessed with many gifted and talented people who are prepared to give gener- O King all glorious ously of their time and effort. None of this would amid thy saintly company, Receive your “Evangelist” and information updates electronically be possible without the continuing support of our who ever shalt be praised: Information on events at Saint John’s is currently made available on our website: www.redroof.ca. If you Rector, Fr. Keith Schmidt, the Wardens, RoseMary Thou, O Lord, art in the midst of us, would prefer to receive your “Evangelist” by electronic post please send your name and e-mail address to: Brinkema and Drew Graham Smith, and the mem- and we are called by thy holy Name. < [email protected] > and we will be happy to send you your copy by e-mail. Not only will you receive bers of the Editorial Committee. Special thanks are Leave us not, O our God; your information faster, you will be saving the church the cost of printing and mailing your documents, and due to Carolyn Roper for the design and layout. As but grant us that with a pure conscience saving a tree as well. Your information will only be used to send out information from St. John the Evange- I noted in the March 2010 issue of The Evangelist, we may duly keep the Paschal Feast, list. It will not be passed on or shared. - Drew Graham-Smith St John’s is a parish that values tradition and con- And at the day of judgement tinuity. It is a parish that cherishes its history and be placed in the number of thy Saints likes to share its stories. The Evangelist in its new Regular Services at St John’s format has been designed to reflect both continu- and chosen ones, King most blessed. SUNDAYS ity and change. It demonstrates our confidence in Low Mass: 8:30 a.m. Matins: 9:45 a.m. High Mass: 10:30 a.m. the future as well as pride in our past. Having now Anthem from the Penitential Service WEEKDAYS celebrated the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 5:45 p.m. / Wednesdays: 7:30 & 9:30 a.m. / Saturdays: noon of the parish, it is time to look to the future and in the BCP, p. 615 embrace it. William Converse, Editor 2 3 WHY STUDY THEOLOGY TODAY ? But, still, perhaps it is only the few of us I have Theology - cont’d from p. 4 end, you will have hunches. You may even have a just mentioned who have any real commitment strong conviction about who the culprit is, but your A Sermon Preached by Canon John Simons in to theological education. What do the rest of you that if we wanted fully to appreciate a wine, we conviction has little plausibility unless you can the Church of St. John the Evangelist for Theologi- think ? What do you think we do up the hill over had to do more than consume it. We had to get show how it is consistent with everything else that cal Education Sunday, February 12, 2012. on University Street ? acquainted with it. We had to register the pecu- is known. Until the end, you find yourself trying liar nuances of the wine’s colour and bouquet and to put the evidence into a coherent story, and, in This Sunday, traditionally called Sexagesima, For many people in our society today, nothing could be more remote from the cultural cutting viscosity. And taste, we learned, is something more the end, all the bits of the mystery come together also happens to be the Sunday designated this year than half-consciously noticing a flavour in your and form a coherent narrative. There is, in other by our bishop as Theological Education Sunday. edge than theology. Why would anyone want to study it ? And, for many people in the church, mouth before you swallow. Tasting is allowing words, a close connection between coherence and It’s the Sunday when parishes throughout the dio- your sense of taste to be affected as thoroughly as truth. Particular interpretations that can’t be made cese are encouraged to pray for those involved in the theological college is a symbol of everything wrong with the church, and perhaps a major cause possible by the wine, and that takes time and con- to fit the whole have to be rejected. Only those theological education and preparation for minis- centration. Moreover, tasting a wine, by which I experiences that cohere with all the others can be try, whether as students or faculty, and to pray, in of the malaise. The problem, people think, is that the theological college is irrelevant. Future mean appreciating its distinctive character, involves said to be true in the end. particular, for our own diocesan college. I don’t comparing its flavour with other flavours and scents know whether Fr. Keith had Theological Educa- priests, full of promise and piety go to seminary Those of us who have responded to the Gospel to strengthen their faith, only to be exposed to that are not wine : berries, spices, flowers. It also may well have a strong conviction of its truth. tion Sunday in mind when he asked me to preach involves applying more general aesthetic categories on this day, but if he didn’t, I am grateful for the biblical criticism and postmodern philosophy, and We may even have had experiences that allow us other bad things, with the result that they abandon like balance and richness to the experience. So you to feel very confident, and we see that the story coincidence. And if he did, I am grateful for the can’t truly appreciate a wine without concentration opportunity. the faith once delivered to the saints and take up of God’s gracious dealing with us in Jesus Christ politically correct causes. Or, they simply react and without relating the taste experience to other makes sense of our life. Indeed, it appears to make I remember hearing from an alumnus of Mon- against what they were exposed to in the college sensory experiences. Indeed, you need to develop a treal Diocesan Theological College, affectionately and exhaust everyone’s patience with their funda- vocabulary to do this. You need to have a language . . . we don’t know that this story is true. known as Dio, that, in the 50s, when he was a mentalist zeal. that, by poetic extension, enables you to describe We accept it on faith. seminarian, theology students were forbidden to the experience. I am perhaps exaggerating, but in effect what I darken the doors of St. John the Evangelist. I The point I am making is that it is possible to sense more generally of the world and of the hu- haven’t been able to verify the story, so it may be am saying is that it is possible to be suspicious of us at Dio, and your suspicions might be spelled take a common experience like the appreciation of man condition. It is, after all, a big story. It begins apocryphal only, but for much of its 140-year his- wine, and by using your sensitive and intellectual with creation and ends with the resurrection of the tory, Dio has been more hospitable to the evangeli- out in the form of two accusations: (1) theology is culturally irrelevant, and (2) theological educa- faculties, to enter into it fully. We can transform dead and the unending life of the world to come. cal and low-church sensibilities in the Anglican dumb taste into something articulate, vivid, and Notice : we don’t know that this story is true. We tradition than to the anglo-catholic cause; although, tion is remote from the needs and concerns of the church. Let me try to answer these accusations by ultimately more pleasurable. So likewise it is accept it on faith. We confess it in the sense of I should add, this generalization obscures some possible to take the church’s experience of God, solemnly owning it as the story on which we stake notable exceptions. proposing a metaphor for what we do at Dio. The parable of the sower, in today’s gospel, might be and again by using our faculties we can make that our lives, and we proclaim it as the hope of the Times have changed. Three of your four honor- thought an apt metaphor for theological education, experience articulate, vivid, and ultimately truer to world. ary assistants in this parish are directly involved but I think it has a different application, which I itself. Theology is like the wine-tasting seminar. It Theology is this faith, this confession, this hope in the life of Dio, Dean Ellen Aitken and myself, will mention shortly. So let me propose another is the discipline by which the church’s experience seeking to be coherent: faith seeking understand- as faculty, and Fr Richard Cawley as a member of metaphor. We run wine-tasting seminars. of God is made articulate, vivid and true. ing, according to a classical definition. When we the Board of Governors. Your rector is an alumnus. Let me explain what I mean when I say theol- I have a friend who is very knowledgeable about ask what the articles of our faith mean, we are You have also hosted some of our students as a ogy makes the church’s experience of God true. asking how they fit together, how they cohere, not field placement site, and our current administra- wine. You can give him a glass of wine, which he You know that when you watch a mystery on TV will examine and taste, and then tell you all about only with one another, but with other things we tive assistant, Ms Afra Tucker, is a parishioner or in the cinema, or read a mystery, you are given know. And the more we can show that the faith here. Two other parishioners have supported us it. When he was a student, he put on wine-tasting clues as to who committed the crime. How all seminars for other members of his college. As we hold is coherent, the greater its plausibility, the as Anglican representatives on the board of the these bits of evidence fit together doesn’t become more we can give weight to it, the more substance ecumenical consortium of which we are part - Prof you can imagine, these seminars were enormously apparent until the climax of the story when the popular. What we learned in these seminars was we can attribute to the church’s language about Tony Whitehead as chair of the Joint Board, and detective finally figures it out and confronts the God. Theology, in other words, is not just about Mr Charles Taylor as treasurer. So the links be- culprit. In other words, the truth of the matter isn’t tween Dio and St. John the Evangelist are strong. Theology - cont’d p. 5 demonstrated until the end. Along the way to the (Theology - cont'd page 6) 4 5 (Theology - cont’d from p. 5) participating in the life of the church. It’s insepa- Theology - cont’d from p. 6 THREE OUTSTANDING QUEBEC FILMS rable from prayer and from acts of ministry. In our OF 2011 thought as the conclusion of an argument, at least being clear about what we believe. It is equally college collect, we say that we have been called to in the minds of those equipped to follow the argu- by William Converse concerned with the truth of the church’s experience a life of study, prayer and ministry, and we try to ment. But our understanding of the gospel is that of God. And theological education is the process keep those activities together. There is a curricu- In this article I want to review three outstanding God’s deity is demonstrated, not in thought, but in of ordered learning by which the church enters into lum of academic courses that includes supervised Quebec films of 2011. I have chosen these films the world, in God’s mighty deeds, and in particular its experience of God, articulates that experience, field work, while the daily office and the Eucharist because they reflect the social, moral and spiritual in God’s raising Jesus from the dead. That is the gives it weight, and transmits it to future genera- are what holds us together as a college community. malaise that affects contemporary society in La tions. The point is that theology is not something claim we proclaim in the Mass. And, the truth of Belle Province. Each film deals with the shadowy arcane and abstract. It is disciplined and informed I should mention that one doesn’t have to be a this claim will not be apparent until the end, when side of the life of its characters with only occasion- thoughtfulness about our common experience of candidate for ordination to join our wine-tasting faith is fulfilled in sight. In the meantime, part of al glimmers of hope. the mysteries of the kingdom of God. The expres- seminars. The Centre for Lay Education, under the task of theology is to show that this gospel is The first film,Monsieur Lazhar, is a charac- sion I have just used - the mysteries of the king- the direction of Canon Tim Smart, holds evening not contradicted by authentic advances in hu- ter study of an Algerian immigrant and political dom of God - is the one used by Jesus in today’s courses in the fall and in the Easter season. There man knowledge. This means theology has to be refugee who arrives in Montréal after his wife and gospel, as he offers his allegorical interpretation of is an Education for Ministry programme for laity, concerned with the sciences and philosophy and family have been killed during the Algerian civil the parable of the sower. and other events sponsored by the Centre. These human cultural achievement more generally, for war. His status is at best tenuous because he faces are usually advertised here on the notice board in part of theology’s task is to show that the world in If you were to ask me where I think theology the prospect of immediate deportation should his the hallway. Also, together with our partners in the which we live cannot be understood in its depth might fit into an interpretation of this parable, I refugee claim be rejected. Montreal School of Theology, we are offering a apart from the creative and saving purposes of would suggest it is one of the ways of bringing certificate programme in theology for laity. God. The contemplation of those purposes is the Bashir Lazhar (Mohamed Fellag), a former gov- forth fruit with patience. The church fathers gave privilege, not of an intellectual elite, but of ordi- ernment employee in Algeria, lands a temporary various interpretations of the fruit that is produced In any case, I hope I have helped to address the nary wine-tasters like you and me. ❖ teaching post in an elementary school in Montréal from the seed that falls on the good ground. For suspicion that theological education is remote from Nord after reading about a teacher‘s suicide there. some, martyrdom was said to be that fruit. Others the concerns and needs of the church. If the church O taste and see that the Lord is good. The teacher, Martyne, hanged herself in the class- suggested perseverance, victory over temptations, were to be no longer interested in tasting its own Happy are they who trust in him. room after her students had left for the day. or good works. These are the fruit of the faith that wine, then yes, theological education would be comes from allowing the Word to take root in our remote and irrelevant. Because Bashir has endured his own personal In Memoriam hearts. Engaging in theological study is not mar- But what about the cultural irrelevance of theol- traumas, he is well equipped to help the students cope with their recent trauma. The school ad- tyrdom, evidently, but it does take perseverance, ogy? It isn’t news, of course, to observe that we We recently lost a friendly welcomer at the door, ministration and his new colleagues are in a state and it can be a way of witnessing to the truth of the live in a secular world. Perhaps a majority of Roger Boucher. After living in a monastery he of denial. Any mention of Martyne’s death is gospel, as I have suggested. citizens in Canada still say they believe in God and became an Anglican and for many years enjoyed taboo. The students feel abandoned; they also feel To be a theologian is to be disciplined and hold to other traditional Christian beliefs like the handing out prayer books, hymnbooks and leaflets. somehow responsible for what happened. Some thoughtful about the church’s faith. Yet that divinity of Christ and life after death. But there In the photo he is standing with the late Bishop of the children come from dysfunctional families, doesn’t say enough. To return to my metaphor of is, nonetheless, a widespread feeling, especially Russell Hatton behind the model of the church he while others suffer from neglect. Bashir is a firm wine-tasting : someone could have a lot of infor- among the educated, that Christian claims are built which is believer in order and structure (he rearranges the mation about wine. They might even memorize rationally untenable. There is no evidence, we are on display in desks in the traditional rows). He also sets very an authoritative wine guide. But such information told, in the physical world or in human history that the south aisle. high standards. In one scene he gives a dictée from would be useless if they never tasted a glass of compels the mind to acknowledge the existence the 19th century French novelist Honoré de Balzac. wine, or if they couldn’t connect the information of a transcendent creator or providential design, Inevitably Bashir comes into conflict with the in their head to the taste of wine on their tongue. a supreme wisdom ruling over all. The kind of school administration and the parents. The school Information without experience is empty ; experi- theology I have outlined, however, is not bothered principal, Madame Vaillancourt (Danielle Proulx), ence without information is dumb. The two have by the absence of rationally compelling proof. If appears at times overwhelmed by the conflicting to come together; otherwise you don’t have a real there were such proof, faith would be unnecessary; demands made on her. However, she is portrayed wine-tasting experience. In other words, theology indeed, the reality of God would then be grasped in In Memoriam: sympathetically. This is a beautifully crafted film is not just about information. If it’s like wine- please also see tasting at all, then theology is inseparable from (Theology - cont’d p. 7) pp 11 and 12. (Film Reviews - cont’d p. 10) 6 7 THE ART PROJECT a fellow human being in the throes of a personal AT SAINT MICHAEL’S MISSION crisis or a scribbled dabble that screams authentic- possible through the generosity of donors and by Mary Lennon ity, I never cease to be amazed that some of the volunteers. Art Expression is but one of several programs that St. Michael’s Mission offers. The The volunteer spirit is alive and well at St. Mi- most disadvantaged and wounded are still able to express their feelings. accompanying photographs hopefully will illus- chael’s Mission, located on the corner of Kimber- trate the variety of talent and the diverse forms of ley and President Kennedy Avenue, and sheltered I am reminded of some words of Jim Croce: artistic expression of the people who participate in beneath the Red Roof of the Church of St John the "If I could just put time in a bottle!" I remember the art program. ❖ Evangelist. a drawing by an alcoholic that showed a human When I first decided to become a volunteer, figure trapped inside a bottle. Some of these draw- RoseMary Brinkema, the Rector`s Warden, took me ings are poignant. A simple INUKSHUK on a on a tour of the Mission on a quiet Saturday. She wind-swept snowy tundra, crafted by a homesick Special Accession Day birth, accidents or illness. Yet, the people who introduced me to Ana and Mike, both then serving villager, far from their northern home, a glimpse Service come to the Mission do not seem so much physical- at the Mission. At that time John Lee and Gwenda into the life of an urban wanderer, trying to cope ly damaged as psychologically scarred. They have Wells offered their artistic with an alien culture. developed various coping strategies, self-defense talents and support. I began I find that many of the Peoples of the North against recurring bad memories of child abuse and by serving tea and then choose to depict the Land, with its animals, canoes other family and personal tragedies. Sometimes morphed into the Art Project or a hunting motif. Some people from the Mari- substance abuse is their way of coping. when John and Gwenda times like to draw the seashore or farm settings; eventually left. Now, four people from Newfoundland or the Gaspé often An unexpected bonus of being a volunteer at the years later, my two days paint lighthouses, wildflowers or seals. People Mission is to have someone participate in the art of volunteering have been who live in Montreal tend to choose urban themes: program who has never been there before and in compressed into one day per sports logos, events and holidays. People from the course of an hour accomplishes something that week for Art at the Mission, Asia, even those who were born here, like to depict that he or she could not have imagined previously. Thursdays. I feel privileged serene deltas and placid villages, often idealized. It is rewarding to see how appreciative such a to have met and served with the volunteers at St Islanders from the Caribbean may choose to rep- person can be, someone who completes a piece of Michael’s Mission. One of the most artistically in- resent the Pitons of St. Lucia or lagoons as well as art, while enjoying a brief respite from the chaotic life on the street. clined volunteers is Anne Marie who helps with the exotic birds of multi-hued plumage. On Monday February 6th, 2012, the members of Art Project whenever she can. She is gifted with Throughout my life I have been inspired by the There probably will always be Street People. the Montreal Commandery of the Order of Saint fluency in three languages. Fr. Keith and Rose- group known as the M.F.P.A., the Mouth and Foot Government agencies often fail to meet the particu- Lazarus attended a special TE DEUM at the Church Mary Brinkema have always been supportive. Painting Artists, a borderless community of highly lar challenges that Street People present because of St John The Evangelist. The Service was one of Many people have sat at the art table and shared creative people carving out new lives for them- their programs do not address the underlying causes Thanksgiving for Her Majesty The Queen’s 60th their talents and gifts. They have contributed to the selves: honing their abilities in order to cope with of homelessness. While the lack of affordable hous- Anniversary of Accession to the Throne of the art supplies, mainly acrylics or paper. Along with the tragedies that have afflicted them as a result of ing and suitable employment are certainly impor- UnitedKingdom and the Commonwealth. pencils and crayons, I use only non-toxic water tant factors, there are other causes to be considered The Church was full as the members of the soluble acrylics. Since there is no space for easels as well. These include sexual and psychological Order processed into their choir stalls, led by a or stands, we use a table instead. abuse, accidents, addictions, transition, migration, crucifer and the banner bearer. The Service was family breakdown and domestic violence. Many of Most people are able to draw or paint; they only conducted by the Rector of the Church, Fr Keith the homeless on our streets are former mental pa- need an invitation and some encouragement. From Schmidt, assisted by Fr Marc-Philippe Vincent, tients. Others, especially among the young, choose ancient cave drawings to contemporary urban graf- AChLJ., our Chaplain, Pastor Eric Dyck, JChLJ., this way of life, at least, for a time but then find it fiti human beings seem to want to leave their mark CMLJ. difficult to resume normal living. on their surroundings. Someone once said, "Art is The Old Testament Lesson was read in French exorcism!" This is why a few hours a week of art St. Michael’s Mission still welcomes all who by Chev. Garrfield Du Couturier-Nichol, KLJ., work can be beneficial. Whether it is a cartoon, a come as it has done for over seventy-five years. CMLJ, our Ecumenical Affairs Representative. The caricature, floral pastel muted through the eyes of The continuing work of the Mission is made (Accession Day Service - cont’d p. 10) 8 9 (Accession Day Service - continued from p. 9) who lives a double life; for her life is what hap- (Three Films - cont’d from p. 10) cinema and music. However, viewers should be pens between Thursday night and Sunday morning. warned that the film develops very slowly and the has Down’s syndrome, this at a time when there sermon was delivered by The Rev. Arlen Bonnar, Her colleagues do not suspect her double life; they flashbacks are at times confusing. was little support for the parents of such children. Minister of St James United Church. Rousing Brit- disapprove of her unconventional dress and her Jacqueline adamantly refuses to have Laurent insti- Café de Flore is directed by Jean-Marc Val- ish hymns and choral music provided the wonder- forthrightness. Clara believes it is important tutionalized. Antoine leaves Jacqueline to bring up lée who also wrote the screen play. The film is in ful background to this very moving Service which always to tell the children “the truth,” and yet she Laurent alone. She becomes an overly possessive French, with English subtitles. It is 120 minutes in included a piper from the Black Watch Regiment. does not explain what she means by this. She de- mother; at times, obsessive, she is always deter- length. It won 3 Genies (Canadian film awards). The trumpet added to the glorious music coming nies having any ideals or beliefs, fearing that if she mined and courageous. from the choir loft and gave everyone present a did, she might later have to abandon them. Yet she While only Café de Flore makes an explicit reli- feeling of attending a very royal service indeed. wants to get to “the bottom of things,” even if turns The second love story is set in present- day Mon- gious statement, there are religious motifs in each A reception followed the service at which the out to be a void. She is convinced that she exists tréal where Antoine is now a successful DJ who of these Quebecois films: the search for honest and Members of the Order mingled with members of only as a body. For her sex is simply a matter of has broken up with his second wife Carole (Hélène open relationships; the need to find meaning in the Royal Commonwealth Society and the Monar- “geometrical symmetry.” Florent), the mother of his two daughters. Antoine life; the search for “the truth” (however defined). chist League of Canada, and their local President, is about to enter into a new relationship with Rose These films portray a society in flux, without any Nikolai is totally alienated from society. Of Dr Douglass Dalton. The Montreal Commandery (Évelyne Brochu) despite his lingering attachment fixed points of reference, with no sense of purpose Ukrainian origin, he does not know the language continues to be strongly involved in the Ecumeni- to his ex-wife Carole. The parallel narratives are or direction. Yet Café de Flore brings to mind but speaks Russian instead. He has completed the cal Services in the downtown area. ❖ brought together only at the end of the film. Music Dostoevsky’s dictum, Beauty will save the world! requirements for a degree in Fine Arts but has not is used effectively to link the two narratives: Sigur If you decide to see only one film, I recommend Garrfield Du Couturier-Nicol taken his degree because of an outstanding library Rós, Pink Floyd and, of course, Café de Flore from Monsieur Lazhar. It was an Oscar nominee, and fine for a book that he deliberately discarded. He which the film takes its title. Jean-Marc Vallée has since won 6 Genie and 7 Jutra awards. ❖ has no desire for a career; he considers all ca- (Film reviews - continued from page 7) possesses the wonderful ability to maximize both reers vacuous. He depends on the generosity of that elicits the complex emotions of the children, friends to get by. What little money he manages to in memoriam especially the two child actors, Alice (Sophie scrounge is spent on alcohol, drugs, restaurants and Nélisse) and Simon (Émilien Néron) who give the clubs. Painfully insecure, like Clara, he avoids remarkable performances. intimate relationships, opting for anonymous sex Ted Hall : 1928 - 2012 Forster Kemp : 1932 - 2012 Philippe Falardeau wrote the screenplay, based with strangers whom he hopes never to encounter Ted was a good friend to me and countless other Forster died peacefully on January 22 after on a one-character play Bashir Lazhar by the Mon- again. The monologues between Clara and Nikolai people. He was a particularly good friend to St. several months in the hospital. Anyone who has treal dramatist Évelyne de la la Chenelière, present- point to a desperate search for meaning and hon- John the Evangelist, where he served for 13 years attended St John’s over the years knew Forster ed at Théatre d’Aujourd’hui in 2002. The film was esty. The film was produced by Nancy Grant and as Rector’s Warden. More importantly, for several as someone who was always cheerful, always produced by Luc Déry and Kim McCraw of the directed by Anne Émond who wrote the screenplay. decades he chaired the Building Committee and engaged, and always completely dedicated to the award winning film "Incindies" (2010). Monsieur The script is sparse, poetic and rhythmic. The film oversaw more than $1M worth of capital ex- church. I think that it was inspiring to all of us to Lazhar is in French, with English subtitles. It is is in French with English subtitles. It is 91 minutes penditures – including rewiring the building, new see him in his last years making tremendous efforts 94 minutes in length. The second filmNuit #1 is in length. roofs, and re-pointing walls and foundations. On to continue to come to Mass, Sunday by Sunday, a psycho-drama about two complete strangers who The third film isCafé deFlore (which won 3 numerous occasions it was Ted’s care and concern with his walker. meet at a rave in the Plateau district of Montréal Genie awards), starring Vanessa Paradis, Kevin for the building, and the parish’s finances and ad- But I also remember him from my first days and later spend the night together in a dingy apart- Parent, Hélène Florent and Évelyne Brochu. This ministration, that permitted St. John’s to surmount at St John’s, back in the early 70’s, when Forster ment where they engage in very passionate sex be- is Jean-Marc Vallée’s tenth film, his other recent serious difficulties. was still an Altar server and was active in every fore entering into a series of monologues, reciting titles being "C.R.A.Z.Y" (2005) and "The Young Serving with Ted enlivened everyone’s term church group. He never missed a Sunday. He passages from a number of well-known Québécois Victoria" (2009). It is really two love stories, one on Corporation, committees, and projects. His radiated faith. One of Forster’s special ministries, writers. set in Paris in the late 1960s, the other in Mon- combination of shrewd decisiveness and quiet in my opinion, was his commitment to welcoming Clara and Nikolai are both in their thirties, tréal today. The first love story is about Antoine reflection on how best to deal with problems made strangers. He was the first person in the parish hall therefore, born after the Quiet Revolution. Con- (Kevin Parent), Jacqueline (Vanessa Paradis) and him an excellent mentor. His constant stream of after Mass to approach an unfamiliar person and ventional lifestyles and careers have no attraction their young son Laurent (Marin Gerrier). Laurent quips, jokes, and political incorrectness made him to engage him or her in conversation. He actually for them. Clara is an elementary school teacher (Film Reviews - cont’d p. 11) (In Memoriam - cont’d p. 12) 10 11 PARISH MUSIC SURVEY In Memoriam - cont’d from p. 11 December, 2011 listened to what they had to say and made every effort to include them. December 11 and 18, parishioners received a questionnaire on Music, to determine opinion about liturgi- In 1976 he married Frances, and became a duti- cal music at St John’s, prior to establishing a Search Committee for a permanent Director of Music. ful and loving husband. The two of them were a Music has always played an important role in St. John’s liturgy. Over the years, we have had the services parish “tag-team” – involved in all the parish activ- of many fine Directors of Music and Organists of whom Federico Andreoni is the most recent. As he is ities they could possibly attend. Nicky came into serving only on an interim basis the parish must begin preparing the search for a permanent Music Director. their lives, by adoption, and they both dedicated their lives to caring for this severely handicapped Creation of the questionnaire and compilation of results was delegated by Parish Council on November child. Their love for each other and for Nicky was 13, 2011 to Garrfield DuCouturier-Nichol, Peter McNally, Sara Pistolesi, Orin Rosengren (Chair), and M. an inspiration for all of us. Forster’s departure A. Whitehead. Assisting was Peter Harper, Chair, Liturgy and Music Committee. leaves Frances to mourn, and we with her. On January 22, Parish Council considered the numerical and comments sections of the survey. For the fun to be with. Although Ted was always respectful The death of purposes of this article only the numerical results have been included as the comments were considered too of fellow parishioners, and others with whom we a saint gives us divergent to be helpful. Below are the minutes from Council’s discussion: had dealings, his sardonic eye rarely failed to see mixed feelings. Reviewing Numeric Results: Question 1 reflected a high level of general satisfaction; Question 2 in- the humour and irony of situations. His ability to On the one hand dicated little need for change in Organ Preludes and Postludes and in Motets; some change seemed to be remain calm and good-natured under stress served we will miss suggested in Minor Propers, Mass Settings, and Hymns; Question 3 reflected less satisfaction with level of both him and parish well. Pushed too far, however, him, and on the congregational singing, with the majority of respondents – 13 –voting for number 3, the middle point. his Irish temper might occasionally be observed! other hand we are Reviewing the Written Comments, it was noted that comments were generally favourable of St. John’s Ted’s sure grasp of Anglo-Catholic liturgy and inspired by the ex- traditional music; no one called for a radical change, such as introducing guitars. There was, however, a theology had its origins in St. Luke’s Church, ample of someone call for fine-tuning and improvement. Some respondents called for less “rich” and more restrained music. Waterloo, Quebec, where he was born and raised who was faithful Some parishioners prefer one organist or another. Some responses, particularly those relating to Question - before attending McGill. Attempts to divert St unto death. There 2, involved technical issues not philosophical issues. Some parishioners prefer a large choir, while others John’s from its historical roots and mission would is a hymn called, prefer the present smaller choir. The great length of certain mass settings and programs was noted by some inevitably raise his ire. Ted’s loyal support of In Our Day of Thanksgiving, which we often sing as a problem. The desire for more and better congregational singing of hymns and mass settings was noted rectors who supported the Catholic tradition of at Dedication. The last two verses say it best: as something to be addressed by Liturgy and Music Committee, and the search committee for a permanent Anglicanism was well understood and appreciated. These stones that have echoed their praises are holy, organist and music director. Three comments drew particular attention: With St Patrick’s Day and its parade fast ap- And dear is the ground where their feet have once trod; “I could have put ‘very high’ because truly my satisfaction is at that point. But I want to discourage com- proaching I am reminded of how much he loved Yet here they confessed they were strangers and pilgrims, plaisance and encourage continued enthusiasm – even novelty, moderately though.” celebrating it with green food dye – stirred liberally And still they were seeking the city of God. into his wine and beer. Vying for popularity with “Music is one of our important outreaches. Support of music program is therefore necessary.” him was the Jazz Festival, for many years held Sing praise, then, for all who here sought and here found “I have appreciated the recent addition of more English church music. We are blessed with a fine liturgi- literally on the Church’s front steps. Sitting for Whose journey is ended, whose perils are past; /Him cal tradition. But we have to stay within our means.” hours during early July on the terrace, sipping beer, They believed in the light, and its glory is round them, listening to music, and chatting with passersby was Where the clouds of earth’s sorrow are lifted at last. A General Meeting of the Parish was scheduled for Sunday, March 11, to discuss his joy. the future of the Music Program. May he rest in peace, and rise in glory! The fine turn-out for the funeral at St John’s, Peter F. McNally February 17, reflects the high regard in which Ted Doug Dalton (N.B. Numeric Results from Music Questionnaire can be found on p. 15) was held. At this time our prayers, sympathy, and support are with Barbara who knows how much Ted was loved and respected, and how much we are all missing him. Peter F. McNally Luca della Robbia's Cantoria, Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Florence 12 13 A RESPONSE scientific method in doing so. It can still be Truth (Sermon Response - cont’d from p. 14) What is taking place in discussions among some TO JOHN SIMONS’ SERMON with a capital T even if it does not conform to intellectuals today has everything to do with the by Jonathan Widell (quasi) scientific requirements. If science is political, could not something appear question whether Christianity depends on coher- Let us make a distinction among some decep- Here comes the funny part. Religion does not to be true to science and yet be false? If so, could ence for its truth. We must continually ask two tively simple words. Beliefs are different from necessarily see it that way. Some scientists seem to the inverse also be true? In other words, can some- questions: not only whether the truth of Christian- facts. Beliefs do not become facts just by forming have a better sense of what science can and cannot thing be true even if it seems false? ity depends on coherence and but also, and more a coherent whole with other beliefs. Neither can do. Some scientists know that even science cannot Badiou suggests it can. Jesus’ resurrection is a fundamentally, whether Christianity is coherent to ❖ we turn our belief system into knowledge just by live up to its reputation of being coherent. Remem- case in point. He calls the resurrection a fable. But begin with. showing that some of our beliefs correspond to ber what Thomas S. Kuhn wrote about paradigm let us not stop there. “What isn’t a fable?” he might facts. shifts in science in The Structure of Scientific ask. With so many fables around, could not the For those who are into philosophy, these two Revolutions in 1962: results never correspond to resurrection actually be true? observations conceal two theories of truth: the a theory 100 %. The trick is to know when the problem is with our theory and not just with our coherence theory of truth and the correspondence � theory of truth. It can get quite messy, no doubt measuring equipment. about it, but don’t worry. What interests us here is So perhaps it is not so surprising that some com- that little word “truth”. munist or communist-inspired thinkers are also NUMERIC RESULTS OF MUSIC QUESTIONNAIRE (cont'd from p. 13) Can we demonstrate our belief system is the truth better attuned to the limits of science and more sympathetic to religion than some religious people 1. How would you rate your general level of satisfaction over the last 5 years with St. John’s liturgical mu- just by showing that it meets the two requirements: sic? Please circle only one (1 is very low, and 5 is very high) coherence and correspondence? If we are looking are. It is pretty logical: communists are experts at peeking through the holes in capitalist society and for the Truth with a capital T, “truth” means more Satisfaction: Very Low 1 (1) 2 (0) 3 (3) 4 (14) 5 (11) Very High No Response (3) than just not being false. Coherence and corre- beyond what they see as a capitalist idyll and ideol- ogy in general. They also poke holes in science, spondence are not enough. Cannot something be 2. Do you think the music programme can be improved, or should remain as it is? Please comment on incoherent and true? Conversely, cannot coherence especially if science is exposed for being a capital- ist concoction that it is. specific parts of the programme by circling only one number under each category (1 is no change is needed, and correspondence conceal a lie, albeit a very 5 is much change is needed): elaborate one? Slavoj Žižek and Alain Badiou are two such thinkers. A. Organ Preludes and Postludes – before and after Mass: Remember what Descartes asked? How do I No Change Needed 1 (26) 2 (2) 3 (2) 4 (1) 5 (0) Much Change Needed No Response (1) know that the world is not just a bunch of sensory Badiou also aligns his insights with science. He perceptions concocted by the Devil to deceive me? has developed a mathematical theory that, in sum, B. Minor Propers (i.e. Introit, Gradual, Alleluia etc.): Descartes did not turn to coherence to get an an- celebrates indeterminism. He then turns mathemat- No Change Needed 1 (17) 2 (8) 3 (3) 4 (2) 5 (1) Much Change Needed No Response (1) swer to his question. He turned to himself and said: ics against science because, who knows, science C. Kyrie, Gloria, Creed, Sanctus, Agnus Dei: I think, therefore I am. could be a class construct. No Change Needed 1 (16) 2 (10) 3 (3) 4 (1) 5 (1) Much Change Needed No Response (1) In our search for Truth, we are in the realm Žižek operates with Jacques Lacan’s psychoanal- D. Motets of religion and so-called “big questions,” not in ysis. He speaks of man’s attraction to Nothingness, No Change Needed 1 (22) 2 (8) 3 (1) 4 (0) 5 (0) Much Change Needed No Response (1) the realm of science. Yes, there is a gap between the Real, which lies beyond the symbolic order. E. Hymns: religion and science. It is not that we did not know Science belongs to that symbolic order. Žižek is No Change Needed 1 (19) 2 (7) 3 (2) 4 (2) 5 (1) Much Change Needed No Response (1) about it all along. The sticking points are only too interested in it only in terms of what lies beyond it. obvious. Think of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension For Badiou, there is no such thing as science 3. How satisfied are you with the level of congregational singing during Mass? to heaven. What scientific theory would accommo- without politics. Everything is politics. The para- Please circle only one (1 is very low, and 5 is very high) date Jesus’ resurrection? Could his resurrection be dox is that the more apolitical a thing appears, the Satisfaction: Very Low 1 (5) 2 (2) 3 (13) 4 (4) 5 (7) Very High No Response (1) repeated, as scientific method would require? more political it is. De-politicization is there only Our conclusion at this point is simple. Religion to deceive people, not least the peddlers of apoliti- NOTES: claims to ask questions that science cannot answer. cal truths themselves. - Questionnaires distributed to congregation: December 11 & 18, 2011 Religion does not necessarily have to adhere to any (Response to sermon - cont’d p. 15) - Number of returned questionnaires: 32 14 15