He called the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “if any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” Mark 8
 
One of my colleagues shared a wonderful story of a family that brought their six month old son to be baptized.  At the time of the baptism, the infant was brought to the font, baptized with water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and then, as is our custom, had the sign of the cross traced on his forehead using Chrism, holy oil. The worship continued to its conclusion, and, following the service, the family returned home and celebrated with a big backyard party. Family and friends ate burgers and chips and played volleyball under a summer sun. The newly baptized infant, being only six months old, was left to nap in his backyard stroller. When the child’s mother went to get him out of the stroller, there, tattooed on his forehead, was the image of the cross. Mom had forgotten to wash the child’s face following the baptism, and the oil that the priest had traced onto his forehead acted as an anti-sun screen. The Cross of Christ was imprinted on baby’s forehead, and for several weeks, it was a wonderful reminder of the meaning of Baptism and a reminder that the Cross of Jesus had “marked” the child.  And what a powerful witness it was, my friend told us. The parents of the child had to explain the cross to the pediatrician, to the neighbours, to the stranger in the grocery store. For a few weeks, the infant was nothing less than a living homily.
 
We who gathered for Ash Wednesday had a similar mark placed on our forehead, but unlike the infant in the story, most of us washed ours off after leaving the service.  I cannot help but wonder, what if.  What if we wore the mark of our baptism as a visible sign for all to see.  What if we had to explain to our work colleagues, our bridge partners, or our medical professionals how the mark got there, and why it couldn’t be removed, a constant reminder to ourselves and to others, of the responsibility we bear as Christians.  Our Ash Wednesday readings remind us that it is less important how we adorn ourselves in faith, and of utmost importance how we put that faith into practice.  The prophet Joel calls us to “rend our hearts and not our clothing” and Jesus himself commends us not to “practice our piety before others in order to be seen by them”.  As one of our baptismal promises requires, we are to proclaim by what we say and by what we do, the saving love of God through Jesus Christ, which, when we think about it, becomes the physical sign to the world that we are followers, disciples of Jesus Christ.
 
If this is your first visit, it is a joy to welcome you to our Cathedral web site. Perhaps you are looking to find the presence of God in your own life journey, a search that in the midst of the noise and confusion of our age, can at times seem overwhelming. Maybe we can be of some assistance. Contained within this site are examples of the ministry that we share as the cathedral church of St. Paul’s. We enjoy a wonderful mix of young and old, those who are new to the faith, as well as those who are mature Christians. In the midst of a wonderful blend of personalities comes the blessing of a variety of gifts and ministries. May the information you find here encourage you in your own faith journey. We invite you to come and make your spiritual home with us at St. Paul’s, but pray that wherever you are, you will find a Christian community where you can deepen your faith, and explore what it is that God is calling you to.  Wherever you are, your prayers for the ministry of the people of St. Paul’s Cathedral are appreciated, and know that you will be in ours.

  We are thankful for the people of St. Paul’s, who offer their gifts for the ministry of the church as we seek to live out the commission that our Lord gave to us all, and we are thankful that you have visited us here… we wish you every blessing as you continue your journey in faith. 

The rich history of the Anglican Church of Canada is celebrated through liturgy and music in the beautiful setting of St. Paul’s Cathedral.  The Cathedral is the oldest church in the city of London, Canada, and the faithful have worshipped as part of this community for almost 200 years, establishing a congregation that has endured and flourished.  Generations have wrestled with human issues, celebrated life’s events, reached out to others and praised God in this same sacred space, providing profound continuity in the expression of faith. 
“GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”

Members of the congregation of St. Paul’s Cathedral are inclusive and accepting, with open minds and open hearts. The doors of St. Paul’s are open to those in need, either for spiritual support or for physical sustenance, through the works of the St Paul’s Social Services Food Bank, The Fellowship Centre, and our Pastoral care team. We strive to move ever forward in faith, and to develop a more well-rounded spirituality as we continually recognize and appreciate our fellow citizens’ and parishioners’ unique perspectives, talents and needs.
“GLORY to God, whose power working in us can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church, and in Christ Jesus, now and forever. Amen.”

The Clergy and congregation of St. Paul’s are committed to meeting people where they are on their faith journey, walking and working with one another towards the promise of God’s eternal kingdom.  St. Paul’s offers many opportunities to connect with others, building friendships and contributing to the sense of community.  We encourage each other to see God’s grace in our present situations, and acknowledge each person’s gifts and talents which are a blessing to others.
“THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.”