Our neighbours from St. Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church joined us in sponsoring this ecumenical event on Feb. 15, which involved teaching, reflection, prayer, small group discussions, refreshments and fellowship.

Our incumbent, the Rev. Dr. Alvardo Adderley, welcomed everyone, including visiting

clergy, both Anglican and Roman Catholic, and led us through the morning’s agenda. Father Marijan Sisko of St. Gregory’s summarized and reviewed the history of the Nicene Creed and summarized its message of unity that we continue to proclaim as Christians. We were reminded of the treasure this document has been, and continues to be, for so many centuries.

In our discussion groups, we considered the implications of the creed on various facets of our Christian lives today in our own specific situations. Attendees from various parishes, as well as our own, came away inspired and with a renewed sense of respect for the essence of our faith as embodied in the words of the Nicene Creed. Thanks to all who shared in making this event successful.

As we at St. George’s continue to encourage each other in spiritual renewal and sharing our faith, Father Alvardo began a teaching series during Sunday services for Lent. His first topic was a clear explication of the Nicene and Apostle’s Creed.

Thanks to the Rev. Canon Philip Hobson, the diocese’s ecumenical officer, for inviting us to be the first parish in the Diocese of Toronto to celebrate the Festival of Faith for Christian Unity 2025. We look forward to sharing in future events around the diocese.

For more information on the Festival of Faith, including a Quiet Day planned by the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine in November, contact the Rev. Canon Philip Hobson, the diocese’s ecumenical officer, at pchobson@icloud.com.

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Since its inception in 2017, the church’s prayer shawl ministry has grown significantly. About 200 shawls have been created, blessed, and distributed to anyone who might benefit, including recipients as far away as the Channel Islands, Sri Lanka, Baffin Island and British Columbia – as well as many parishioners and friends. In addition, the church has presented a shawl or blanket to each baptismal candidate and young person leaving home for further education. Recipients have told heart-warming stories of their appreciation. A cancer patient kept his shawl with him at home, used it often to keep warm, took it with him to treatments and appointments, and had it with him as his life ended; it helped him feel closer to God.

The shawls are created by skilled crafters at the church. Each shawl is unique in shape, size and colour. A parishioner gift-wraps each shawl to make it even more special. Parishioners distribute each gift personally, accompanied by prayer and the assurance that St. George’s prays for each recipient.

Responding to a need to comfort trauma patients at St. Michael’s Hospital, the crafters have reached out (with the help of Knitters and Knatters of Newcastle, Ont.) with blessed prayer blankets and knitted teddy bears for Ms. Lucas to distribute. In her sermon, she testified to the immense appreciation of the hospital patients.

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