St. Patrick's at St. Patrick's

St. Patrick’s Day was a celebration of patronal proportions at St. Patrick’s Anglican Church in Edmonton. Preaching on the appointed St. Patrick’s Gospel passage (Matthew 5:43-48), Bishop Jane inspired all congregants to live out the challenging teaching of Jesus to love our enemies. In so doing, she also addressed the heinous act of terrorism in Christchurch, New Zealand unleashed upon two Muslim mosques.  

During the 10:00am worship service, Bishop Jane – along with the Rev. Robin Walker and Sarah Bohnet – presented Rosalyn Murray with her EFM graduation certificate. To further round out the celebration, the Bishop then received Paul Payyapilly into the Anglican Communion. Another highlight of the service was a joint choir (the Filipino Community and St. Patrick’s choristers) which led the congregation in all Celtic hymns, anthem, prelude, and postlude. During the offertory, the Filipino Community also processed in the bread and wine with dancing and their traditional gongs. But perhaps one of the most memorable moments was Bishop’s Jane’s children’s lesson complete with an unveiling of Lucky Charms cereal!  

Following the 10:00am service, everyone enjoyed a plentiful potluck lunch which was followed by more dancing, fun, and games. It was truly a patronal FEAST!