The Triumph of Christ in the Lives of All the Saints

The Fourth Annual Investiture of New Members to the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster was the most joyful and uplifting version of the annual celebration so far. The church was filled to capacity and beyond with every seat occupied, and many without seats standing quite happily around the perimeter of the nave. Dozens of clergy robed and processed to show their gratitude and thanksgiving for the service and commitment of the lay leaders in our parishes being recognized. There were 49 new members to the ODNW, each one a model of selfless servant ministry. These are people of faith who through their actions live out their baptismal covenant: who proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Christ; who seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving their neighbours as themselves; who strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being. They do this without any thought of reward or recognition.
The investiture is intentionally scheduled to occur within the octave of the Feast of All Saints. It is a time in the liturgical year when the attention of the church is focused on God’s call to each baptized person to exercise our ministries in our daily life and work.
In this the 2012 investiture and Eucharist, the Propers for the Feast of All Saints were transferred to October 28th because guest preacher, Archbishop Colin Johnson of the Diocese of Toronto and Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario was not able to attend the service on the day it was originally scheduled, November 4th. Changing the date was well worth it as Archbishop Colin’s address was thoughtful and inspiring.
The Archbishop began his address by making reference to his wife Ellen (she had accompanied him on the trip to the West Coast) who had recently retired from her career as an Elementary School Teacher. She loved her career but one of the things that she says she won’t miss is Halloween.
The Archbishop then began to expand on the image of Halloween and the masks that are worn as part of the traditional costume choices made to celebrate the event. In his words, “each of us lives behind a mask.” We hide secrets but we do not need to put on masks when we are in the presence of God for God knows who we are. God knows us and loves us and bring us into “a huge measure of love with God and our neighbours.” He went on to remind us that today we are honoring “Saints” or in the case of the 49 being honoured, “Saints in the making.” “Saints model the faith in their service to inspire faith and hope in others.”
Towards the end of his homily Archbishop Colin read excerpts from the citations of those about to be invested in to The Order. Each one was an endorsement of the nominees’ selfless service to God’s mission without any expectation of reward or recognition. Topic is pleased to include publication of these citations that were read by Warden of the Order, The Honorable Robert Watt. (The citation will be printed along with many more photos in the December issue of Topic the dioceses monthly publication).
The music in worship led by members of Cathedral Choir under the leadership of Christ Church Cathedral’s Organist and Director of Music Rupert Lang was perfect for the occasion. The afternoon Celebration of the Eucharist featured a broad and diverse blend of congregational music that included the favourite processional, Dona Nobis Pacem, well-known All Saints Day hymns from the pre- Victorian and Victorian eras and a special treat served up by Cathedral Choir during Communion, Anton Bruckner’s Os Justi (Psalm 37:31-32).
Following the Offertory Hymn, For All the Saints, there was a very special feeling in the sanctuary of Christ Church Cathedral which gave intense meaning to the Prayer over the Gifts for All Saints said by Bishop Michael:
Holy and Mighty God,
we give you thanks for the triumph of Christ
in the lives of all the saints.
Receive all we offer you this day,
and help us, like them, to run our course with faith,
that we may come to your eternal kingdom.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Images: Top and homepage, left to right, The Warden of the Order, Judge Robert Watt, The Executive Archdeacon of the Diocese, The Venerable Ronald Harrison, the newly invested, Mrs. Dorothy Barnes, ODNW of St. Paul's, Vancouver, Bishop of the Diocese of New Westminster, The Right Reverend Michael Ingham.  Upper right, guest preacher, The Bishop of the Diocese of Toronto and Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario, The Most Reverend Colin Johnson. Upper left, a portion of the capacity congregation. Lower right, The Honorable Robb Watt. Lower left, Vicki Potter, ODNW of St. Helen's, Point Grey with Bishop Michael.

BELOW, Top, The new members and the two bishops get in place for the group photo. Bottom, The 2012 Group Photo.

PHOTOS: Wayne Chose and Randy Murray