Willan 50 a Resounding Success

Friday 16 February 1968 marked the death of its long term organist and choir master Healey Willan. His musical legacy to the parish continues to this day. Yet his significance as a teacher and composer of more than 800 works is an even greater one, and the parish decided to mark the larger contribution with an appropriate programmatic tribute.  The wider community responded magnificently much to our delight.

Three outstanding organists - two excellent choirs singing the choral repertoire, another singing Gregorian chant - excellent introductions by Master of Ceremonies Giles Bryant - greetings from parishioner, the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson and Mary Willan Mason, read by the rector, who also introduced family members of the Willan family - all these made for an unforgettable evening.  A screen off to the side allowed the audience a rare privilege to observe the three organists as they played these demanding works.

And there was more.  Former ritual choir cantor Albert Mahon returned on Sunday afternoon along with other former and current choristers to sing Evensong and Benediction.  Giles Bryant was back conducting the rehearsal in his own inimitable style, bringing wit and wisdom with every instruction for a beautiful and reverential Evensong and Benediction.  Choristers and friends gathered afterwards for wine and cheese and enjoyed hearing stories of "The Doc" from Trish Moffat, Albert and Giles bringing the weekend to a warm and satisfying end.

Pancakes were a Hit

We had an excellent turnout of neighborhood families to enjoy a Shrove Tuesday pancake supper - complete with sausages, crispy bacon and even a pink sauce as an alternative to maple syrup.  We then departed to the back yard for a traditional burning of last year's palms to make this year's ashes for Ash Wednesday.  Some of the same kids returned the next morning for a special program to begin the season of Lent.  Ashes to Go were distributed to neightbours in the early morning in front of the church - and down the street at Euclid and College to a wider public.

A Feast of Light

We celebrate Candlemass 40 days after Christmas which marks the the presentation of Christ in the temple in the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke. We also bless the 22 different kinds of candles used in the church throughout the year and pass lighted ones to one another before processing.  It was lovely this year to see several young children taking part.

A new ministry

SMM now has a shawl ministry and for the second time finished shawls were blessed last Sunday.. The benefits are twofold. Knitters pray while knitting. The finished shawls are distributed to those who are sick. As well as providing warmth and comfort, the receiver gains a sense that someone has thought of their need while knitting and piecing the shawl together- though giver and recipient may never meet.  It's most worthwhile.

Fun and Games!

Our second annual games night had great attendance and lots of fun.  This year we invited not only families - but all generations and they came out and participated enthusiastically.  One of the joys was meeting the young family who have recently arrived as refugees for the first time. We are helping them adjust to life in a new country - and in spite of the lack of a common language we communicated well with gestures and smiles. There was no shortage of games and many were tried along with pizza, veggies, and cupcakes for the kids.

First official visit for Area Bishop Jenny

 

Area Bishop Jenny Andison made her first official visit to SMM since her consecration a year ago. After preaching and celebrating at morning services she remarked:

"What a beautiful place to worship God. I enjoyed my morning at St.Mary Magdalene's. The music was as lovely as I had imagined and the congregation warm and welcoming. I was glad to be able to thank Fr. David and Mtr. Jennifer for their leadership and talk about future mission and ministry opportunities."