Incumbent’s Report, November 23, 2025
Bishop Victor-David in Fulford Hall as the procession formed up for his installation, Oct. 5.
It’s been eight weeks since my last report, and a great deal has happened!
First and foremost, of course, on the first weekend in October the clergy, Lay Readers and Synod delegates basically lived at the Cathedral: on Friday evening we consecrated Bishop Victor-David, on Saturday we attended the business synod of the diocese, and on Sunday afternoon we installed the new bishop in his seat at the Cathedral (cathedra, of course, literally means “bishop’s seat”).
Messy Church was bumped to October 10 as a result, but both the October and November sessions were well-attended and energetic. I was part of a team leading a multi-parish Youth Retreat at the Cathedral the last weekend in September, and our monthly youth gatherings on the West Island restarted on October 24. A number of parishioners are participating in the fall Montreal Dio course on the history of the church in Canada.
We celebrated Harvest Thanksgiving on October 12, with our usual collection of produce for Omega Centre. In October we also had another highly successful Roast Beef Dinner, and a Stewardship Brunch in the place of the usual parish meeting.
We conducted a funeral service on October 23 for Kathleen Dandurand, and Terry officiated at Marina Bobbitt’s funeral on October 18, while I presided at her interment on the 29th.
November began with the annual Patronal Evensong on the 2nd, with Bishop Victor-David preaching; we observed Remembrance Sunday on the 9th and the annual Hymn Sing on the 16th. The Christmas Bazaar on the 15th was also a highlight as always!
At a Special Vestry meeting on October 26, we approved the final piece of Phase I of the building works, the project to renovate the hall and office. It also became clear, over the course of September and October, that a full traditional capital campaign for a goal of over $1 million was not going to be feasible at this point in time. The path has not always been smooth, but as 2025 draws to a close, we have solid plans for a fundraising campaign to “pay ourselves back” for the necessary works undertaken in 2025 and early 2026, and put ourselves in a strong position for the next phase. The campaign is called “20×20” – 20 projects to raise $20,000 each toward the $400,000 that we need to cover this first phase. Two households have already given $20,000 gifts, so we are already at 10% of the goal! More information will follow very shortly.
As November closes, we look ahead to Reign of Christ Sunday, the Christmas baskets, Hanging of the Greens, Lessons & Carols, and the Christmas pageant, as well as – of course – Christmas Eve services. This year’s ecumenical service for the Sunday after Christmas will be held at Lakeshore Trinity United Church on December 28.
What I said in September is still true: a remarkable number of new folks continue to check out All Saints’ and get involved, while our longstanding members remain the backbone of our ministries and fellowship. It’s a blessing to pray, worship, serve, and rejoice together!
In Christ’s peace,
Grace+
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