Halifax, N.S. — Pennies and Sparrows is a special place.

With operations based out of Stone Church in Saint John, N.B., this community care organization seeks to serve the downtown core of Saint John with a drop-in program, adult English language classes for newcomers, summer day camps for newcomer children, a cooking class, a seniors' social group, and more such relationship-focused programs.

It is this dedication to “faith in action” for those in unstable circumstances and on the margins of society that has earned founders Terence and Jasmine Chandra the 2026 Honourable Mayann Francis Faith in Action Award, presented by Atlantic School of Theology (AST).

NEW DATES & TIMES  Saturday, March 21 and onward  — Grief, Loss & Life Transitions 7 Week Program with Rick Benson grief recovery specialist. This program will be held at Holy Trinity, Quispamsis, starting on Saturday, March 21 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) with lunch, then will continue every Tuesday starting March 24 to April 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. Must pre-register by calling 506-647-8170. There is a $50 registration fee.

Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.  Alongside Hope spring event, "Accessories For Necessities" in support of women and families in Canada and worldwide. Holy Trinity Hammond River, featuring a presentation by diocesan rep Debbie Edwards. Crafts, café, snacks, swap or buy. 

Sunday, 19 April, 6 p.m.  Belize Fundraiser: Board Game Night at Cathedral Memorial Hall, 168 Church Street, Fredericton. Participate in a fun-filled evening of games, laughter, and community — all in support of Belize! Admission by freewill offering, with all proceeds supporting St. Hilda's Anglican School and the Belize scholarship fund. Bring your favourite game to play with others, or try out the games we’ll provide! All welcome, and bring a friend!

April 24 & 25  Used Book Sale, Holy Trinity, 1224 Route 101, Nasonworth. Friday, 4-7 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-2 p.m. If you have books to donate, email us:  holytrinity@htacnm.ca

Saturday, April 25, 9:15 a.m. – 3 p.m.  Mothers’ Union annual rally at St. Mary & St. Bartholomew, Westmorland Street, Saint John. Cost is $20. Celebrating 150 years of Mothers’ Union worldwide.

Wednesday, May 6, 6 p.m. 2026 Palmer Memorial Lecture will feature celebrated author and church historian Diana Butler Bass.
The Palmer Memorial Lecture Series is an annual talk on matters of current religious significance and spiritually formative impact, hosted in honour and at the bequest of the late Harry and Sandra Palmer, long-time devoted members of the Christ Church Cathedral community. The Palmer Memorial Lecture is delivered each year by a prominent and engaging figure in the world of spirituality — someone who is contributing to and often leading important conversations about how we can deepen and live out our Christian faith in today's world. The lecture takes place at Christ Church Cathedral, 150 Church Street, Fredericton.
Join us in-person for the talk and an informal reception with light refreshments to follow ($30 per ticket). People wishing to join from a distance can purchase a ticket to watch the livestream ($10 per ticket). You are invited to make a donation which will help to sponsor seats for people who could not otherwise attend.
Click here to purchase tickets.

Saturday, May 9, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.  Join us for the Mother’s Day Tea at the Kingston Parish Hall, hosted by the Parish of Kingston. $15 per person. Spring new-to-you table and bake table. Wear your favourite spring outfit and drop by the photo corner for a picture. 

Sunday, May 10, 1-3 p.m.  Farewell to the Rev. Canon Chris Hayes, at St. Andrew’s church hall, Petitcodiac. Light lunch will be served. Come and visit with Chris, his family and the parish. 

Saturday, May 16, 11 a.m – 2:30 p.m.  Mother’s Day lunch and new-to-you bazaar with sandwiches and sweets, $12. Take-home available. St. Andrew’s Church, Petitcodiac

June 19-20  Regional Gathering of Alongside Hope volunteers at Christ Church Cathedral Hall, Fredericton. More information to come soon. 

Inner City Youth Ministry is looking for new facility space in Saint John or the surrounding areas where we can safely store equipment and food, prepare for programs, and coordinate volunteers.

Essential needs:
● Approximately 700–1000 square feet
● Ground-floor access strongly preferred
● Reasonably secure space (not open public access)
● A space where large equipment can remain in place
● Access to parking
● Sufficient electrical capacity, or permission to complete electrical upgrades

Church basements, classrooms, shared nonprofit spaces, or unused commercial areas could all potentially work. If you know of a space and would like more details, please reach out to Bonnie Hunt at: info@icym.ca or 506-647-9813

Saint John Inner City Youth Ministry was established in 1989 as a project of the Diocese of Fredericton and the Parish of Trinity Church to provide more effective ministry to the residents of the south end of Saint John. ICYM has since established an ever growing network of community partners and focuses heavily on family wellness, including the Lunch Connection which provides hundreds of school lunches each week. 

A special session of Diocesan Synod to discuss the future of Christ Church Cathedral, given the mounting costs of necessary repairs. 

Please be in prayer for this event!

For more information, please refer to the synod session page.

Retirement isn’t just a financial transition; it’s a life transition. Taking time to prepare can make all the difference.

The Diocesan Human Resources Committee invites you to a pre-retirement conference designed to help you think ahead with clarity and confidence. This event is open to all lay employees and active or retired clergy, at any stage of the journey. Spouses are welcome to attend.

Together, we’ll explore key areas of preparation, including:

• Financial planning
• RRSPs and savings
• Housing considerations
• Life after retirement

Whether retirement is near or still on the horizon, this day offers practical tools and space to reflect on what’s next.

Doors open at 8:00AM, the program starts at 8:30AM, and finishes by 4PM. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Questions can be directed to Ben Bourque or Susan Dickie - (506) 459-1801.

Layreaders Day: Exploring Personal Prayer Practices

Join us on May 2 for a day of reflection, learning, and prayer designed especially for our Layreaders.

This gathering will offer an opportunity to explore a variety of personal prayer practices that can nurture and sustain your spiritual life and ministry. Whether you are discovering these practices for the first time or hoping to deepen rhythms you already use, the day will create space to learn, reflect, and pray together.

Kurt Schmidt, Diocesan Missioner for Christian Formation, will guide participants through several approaches to prayer, offering both teaching and time to experience these practices firsthand.

Come ready to pause, pray, and reconnect with the practices that help form and sustain us in ministry.

Schedule:
Coffee & refreshments at 9:30 AM
Program begins at 10:00 AM
Lunch will be provided
We will conclude by 3:30 PM

RSVP is required. Please register in advance to help us plan for the day.

For more information or questions, contact Shawn C. Branch.