Annual Canterbury College St John’s Cathedral City Service
The Canterbury College Annual School Service was led by the Archdeacon of the Gold Coast, the Venerable Geoff Hoyte, standing in for the Bishop of the Southern Region. He is currently in England for the Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops worldwide.
The students and staff were welcomed by the sound of the pipe organ, one of the largest and finest in Australia, with over four thousand pipes!
The Spirituality Captain, School Captains, Prefects and House Captains led the procession, carrying the College cross and banners.
They were followed by the Heads of House and the Principal’s party in their academic gowns.
Dr Katie Peddell and the College Choir led the singing, starting with the school hymn ‘Be thou my vision’ performed by the Cathedral Organist.
The Cathedral is an awe-inspiring worship space. It is the ‘mother church’ of all Anglican Christians and institutions in Queensland and the seat of the Archbishop of Brisbane.
It is Canterbury College’s spiritual home.
Archdeacon Geoff underscored this in his address. He pointed out that Anglicans believe in the Bible and that the Cathedral welcomes everyone, visitors and worshippers alike.
Geoff paid tribute to the College staff, recognising the importance of education in the nurturing of the next generation as well as some of the pressures faced by people in the teaching profession.
He counselled the students to focus on their studies, practice good conduct and behaviour and seek the common good now and in the future.
The service culminated in the breaking of bread, symbolising the life and work of Jesus Christ in the world, followed by Communion.
Students were invited to forward and receive the bread or blessing as appropriate.
Prayer was at centre of the service from beginning to end.
After the service, students and staff returned to College, having been fed in mind, body and spirit for the lifelong call to learn, teach and live well with others.
Melusi Sibanda
Chaplain