The people that walked in darkness have seen a brilliant light; on those who dwelt in a land of gloom light has dawned.   Isaiah 9.1  

There is nothing more frustrating than expecting a celebratory season, only to have it dashed at the last moment.  As one caller to the Cathedral noted, I am angry that COVID has more importance than Christmas, once again!  

Yet, Public Health, Omicron variant, booster shots, and closures are the words of the day.  Kingston has the highest number of COVID 19 numbers in Canada, and we are left with no Christmas services two years in a row!  

The reality is that we have had to cancel Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services this year for in-person worship.  The Diocese, drawing on the wisdom of public health and the Province of Ontario, has said that on 26 December we will again be in lockdown until at least 21 January, citing the growing numbers of COVID 19 and peoples’ collective health and well-being.  (We will offer Sunday morning worship on YouTube during this time.)  

We will offer a pre-recorded Christmas Eve – Christmas Day service beginning on YouTube at 4:00 pm on Christmas Eve.  There will be a feature for children with Bishop George Bruce, a homily by the Interim Dean, and a celebration of the Eucharist by Bishop Michael Oulton, along with Christmas readings and carols.  Please join us as we share the light, even in the darkness of the ongoing COVID pandemic.  See the Cathedral in its Christmas beauty and worship our God who came to us that first Christmas Day.  

Please also be generous in your support of the Cathedral, either by direct contribution, through Canada Helps or Tithe.ly or by mailing your offering to the Cathedral (the deadline is 15 January 2022).  

Join with the shepherds who returned to their life and work, glorifying and praising God for all that we have heard and seen. (Luke 2.20)  

The Venerable David Selzer, Interim Dean.