It felt like a Christmas moment when the Dean discovered the Churchmice—the Cathedral hushed but expectant, evergreen lingering in the air, light caught in wood and shadow. They were sitting very still.

This was not, the mice would later insist, their natural state...

Story, carols, wonder! At the 7 pm Christmas Eve service, instead of a sermon, the Christmas story is told in short snippets, interspersed with carols and motets sung by our Girls and Boys Choirs. Children (and adults!) are entranced as the birth of Jesus is celebrated in word, music, and eucharist.

At the 10 pm Festal Eucharist, there is a procession of choir and clergy all around the Cathedral. The music is awe inspiring and it is a very special service. The Very Reverend Beth Bretzlaff will preach. This service will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel. Please be aware that technological issues sometimes occur.

This holy day begins at 8.30 am with a quiet, said service, and a short homily by The Reverend Canon Doug Richards. It is a lovely, intimate celebration of Jesus' birth.

And at 10.30 am, join in a joyous, relaxed service for people of all ages where the children gather at the nativity scene to hear a Christmas story instead of a sermon.

Archbishop Shane Parker, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, will preach and Dean Beth Bretzlaff will celebrate the Eucharist. Following the service there will be a festive reception for all and an opportunity to meet others from around the Diocese of Ottawa and beyond.

The service will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel. Please be aware that technological issues sometimes occur.

It is easy to be moved by the sacred beauty and warm welcome of Christ Church Cathedral — a place some encounter briefly, and others come to call their spiritual home. It is a place that nourishes the soul through worship and music, care and community, and it exists because of generosity: the generosity of those who have gone before us, and the generosity of those who give today.

To share hope faithfully and sustainably, our Cathedral must be well resourced. As an expression of joy and gratitude, you are invited to consider how you might respond.

Click below to explore an invitation to give, to see what your giving makes possible, and to learn how it is easy to give. You may also wish to hear Dean Beth’s sermon from December 14th, which reflects on Giving with Joy. The livestream is available here.

Thank you for responding to this place that sustains you by offering your own gifts in return.