1

April , 2008 Eastertide

The Dean, Deacon, Town Meeting & Church School 1, 2, 3, 4,5

Foyer Fellowship, Announcements, Sr. Warden, Festival 6, 7, 8

Adult Classes, Episcopal Church Women and UTO, Cook Book 9, 10

Notes from the Jr. Wardens, Building Repair Report, Calendar 11, 12, 13

What’s Happening at the Cathedral of Saint John

Our Worship Life Sundays

Holy Eucharist 8:30 Am, Rite 1

10:30 AM, Rite 2

(Church School Classes

meet)

Wednesday

12:10 PM,

Holy Eucharist

The

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John

A word from our Dean....

RENEWING OUR SPIRIT Dear Cathedral Family, I hope that you have just read our new slogan, RENEWING OUR SPIRIT, which is one of the fruits of the very good Town Meeting we had at the beginning of March. I am very pleased with the spirit, honesty and dynamism which burst forth at that meeting. Several of the family stood up and spoke their minds and hearts. In addition, they and others offered thoughtful and worthwhile ideas for renewing our spirit. More to the point, several took responsibility for following through on the plans. This is crucial of course if we want to grow and flourish. You can read of some of the ideas and activities which were discussed in this issue of the Record. In particular, I want to thank all of you for the lovely commemoration of my 30th anniversary of ordination as a Priest which also was part of the town

meeting. As I said then, I am enormously grateful for the patience and support of those whom I have tried to serve at All Saints’ Wynnewood, Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue and here at our beloved Cathedral of Saint John. I pray that God will continue to show me the way in which to go. While I look forward to the spring and to the challenges and attainable goals we can meet, I also hope that each of will pray for those touched by the precarious financial position of the national economy, for the end of war in the Middle East and the oppression of people in far too many places.. I trust that each of you will have a blessed Eastertide. Faithfully, Harry KraussHarry KraussHarry KraussHarry Krauss

At the Cathedral of St. John

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From The Deacon’s Bench I find myself wanting to shout, “Happy New year!” in addition to “Happy Easter!” right now. It’s because I am so very proud of all the hard work, good intentions and promise that we have experienced in the past few weeks here at the Cathedral. The Town meeting brought forth new, fresh ideas, and regenerated some old and good ones as well. We have a group looking forward to working on quilts for Blue Denim Ministry. We have another group eager to have regular meetings to share ideas and dare to dream for our future. We have much to be grateful for, and much to go forward to getting done. I am excited by the prospect of projects like a new cookbook and regenerating parish lists, adding in email and electronic capability for receiving important information from the church. And hopefully, soon a brand new web site! You will see a much more detailed list of the things talked about in the Town Meeting in this edition of The Record, and I hope that you find out where YOU fit in these wonderful ideas and plans. I look forward to teaching quilting to anyone who wants to learn so that we can offer baby quilts to Archdeacon Higbie for her hospital outreach to at-risk mothers and their babies. I am grateful to all who have made the Food Pantry a true priority in their lives, by working there on Saturdays, shopping to buy needed provisions, giving generously of their financial resources, bringing food to the church each Sunday, and for praying continually for the Food Pantry and its many guests. May the blessings of the Risen Lord shower us with a new Spirit of action and love for our community and the wider world! Alleluia, Christ is Risen!! The Lord is Risen, indeed!

Your sister in Christ,

Deacon BarbaraDeacon BarbaraDeacon BarbaraDeacon Barbara 1ST Annual Crafting & Art Festival

The Cathedral of St. John 271 North Main Street

Providence, RI The Cathedral of St. John is hosting a Crafting and Art Festival on

Saturday, May 3, from 10AM to 6 PM. This will be a juried show and will showcase many fine local and regional vendors.

It will benefit the Cathedral’s Restoration Fund. The Cathedral of St. John is currently one of The Ten Most Endangered Historical Sites of Providence Preservation Society, and is in dire need of repairs and renovation. One of the ways that we intend to raise funds for the Cathedral is by offering this event to the community. Please plan to come and support, not only your Cathedral, but also many fine local artisans! See YOU There!!

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The Town Meeting and

Dean Krauss’ 30th Anniversary of Ordination Celebration

After the 10:30 Eucharist, luncheon was held and a great discussion was lead by Dean Krauss.

Bishop David Joslin speaks at the Town Meeting, emphasizing the importance of such opportunities to speak to one another about our church’s present and future.

On Sunday, March 9, after the 10:30 Holy Eucharist, a luncheon and Town Meeting was scheduled in Synod Hall, to which many members of the parish attended. Many ideas were shared, among them, the following: 1. There will be a Quarterly Sunday

(4 times a year) during which there will be only one service (9:30 AM), followed by a Pot Luck Luncheon and event for the parish. This gives us an opportunity to get to know one another better and be together. The first Sunday of this new initiative will be June 1st, so mark your calendar and plan to come.

2. There will be a newly established Study Group (grown out of the Lenten Study Group, but welcoming any new members). The first (Please continue on page 4)

Dean Krauss and Sr. Warden, Leah Nastasi share a moment as he cuts his 30th anniversary cake.

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Episcopal Church Women News and Notes

⇒ ECW will hold a Bake Sale on Sunday, April 13 after both services. Goodies will include brownies, cookies, sweet potato pie, etc. If you would like to bake for the ECW, please contact Arlene Walker at the church. All baked goods gladly accepted to help raise funds for Episcopal Church Women of the Cathedral! And do plan to come a buy something delicious!

⇒ The May Breakfast will be held in Synod Hall on May 17th, from 9-11 AM. Come and eat our delicious breakfast and welcome Spring!

⇒ The annual collection of the United Thank Offering (UTO) will take place on April 27 and May 6, 2008. Our donation will be presented on May 12 at the Annual UTO Ingathering, which will take place at the Cathedral of St. John, beginning with coffee at 8:30 AM. Dean Krauss will preside at the Eucharist.

(Contunued from previous page) meetings will be May 8 & 15 in Synod Hall, beginning at 6:30 PM with a Simple Supper and followed by viewing the film, “Amazing Grace” on May 8, with the Study group discussing it on May 15. This group will be known as The Cathedral Film Forum 3. There will be the establishment of a Sunshine Club for the parish, so that hospitalized parishioners or

those who suffer bereavement losses will be attended to with cards and/or flowers. 4. Birthday Sunday: On the last Sunday of each month, a cake will be shared in the Coffee Hour after the

10:30 Holy Eucharist so that all who have birthdays in the upcoming month will be recognized. 5. The Junior Warden has established a group called the Weekend Warriors, which will be parishioners

who will come to the Cathedral on the first Saturday of each month to help with a task to improve our physical plant. You don’t need any special talent; just a desire to help and maybe learn, too.

6. Charlie and Toni Harrison have agreed to organize a group dinner event series, wherein varying sets of parishioners will have the chance to have dinner together and get to know each other. This will be a wonderful social event series, and Charlie and Toni will get information out once they get the project organized for people to sign up. It will be called “Foyers.”

7. We have established a new logo, which will appear on all our written communication, i.e. newsletter, banners and other announcements, to underscore our new spirit of co-operation and community building. The phrase decided upon is, “Renewing Our Spirit at the Cathedral of Saint John.”

The discussion was spirited and many had the opportunity to voice their ideas and concerns. The general feeling of the meeting was one of optimism for our future as an active and vital parish. Many people identified themselves as willing to participate in the many ideas that were discussed. At the outset of the luncheon, the parish members surprised the Dean with a recognition of his 30th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. The day ended with Assisting Bishop David Joslin bringing the greetings of Bishop Wolf and then acknowledging the importance of these meetings as an opportunity to listen to one another and bring fresh, new ideas to the table for consideration.

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The Sunday School Update

Dear Friends and Families of The Cathedral of St. John Church School, Near the end of Lent we had a very powerful dialogue about the story of Lazarus. As you are aware, Lazarus had died and Jesus brought him back to life. We do not know for sure why Jesus did this, but it may have been a way to help prepare his followers for the fact that Jesus, himself, would very soon die and would then show us the Resurrection. We encouraged much dialogue leading up to Palm Sunday, as this liturgy reenacts Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, his death and prepares us for the story of his Resurrection. These are very powerful story/lessons for the children, and many thoughtful questions and discussions ensued! I encouraged the older children to stretch their thinking with developmentally appropriate questions: As you hear this story, what strikes you, moves you, raises questions for you? We were so proud to join our church family by attending the entire service during Palm Sunday and Easter Day. I was so amazed to see how attentive they were during these very special events. And I must add we were absolutely delighted to see the Easter Bunny join us for a tremendous Easter Egg Hunt! Peace be with you, Santana Sluss

Fun In The Church School On Super Bowl Sunday, the members of the Church School, along with Santanna Sluss, Church School Director, show support for the New England Patriots. Way to go!!

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Date: Saturday, May 3, 2008Date: Saturday, May 3, 2008Date: Saturday, May 3, 2008Date: Saturday, May 3, 2008

Time: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PMTime: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PMTime: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PMTime: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Place: The Cathedral of Saint John, 271 North Main Street, Place: The Cathedral of Saint John, 271 North Main Street, Place: The Cathedral of Saint John, 271 North Main Street, Place: The Cathedral of Saint John, 271 North Main Street,

ProvidenceProvidenceProvidenceProvidence

Contact for more information:Contact for more information:Contact for more information:Contact for more information:

Tinker Williams LaBoy or Deacon Barbara MaysTinker Williams LaBoy or Deacon Barbara MaysTinker Williams LaBoy or Deacon Barbara MaysTinker Williams LaBoy or Deacon Barbara Mays----StockStockStockStock

Festival Committee Co Festival Committee Co Festival Committee Co Festival Committee Co----Chairs at 331Chairs at 331Chairs at 331Chairs at 331----4622.4622.4622.4622.

The Cathedral of Saint John

271 North Main Street

Providence

Is proud to announce its first semi-annual

Crafting & Art Festival

Featuring the work of some of Rhode Island’s finest artisans, including:

♦ Margarita Sterling Silver Designs ♦ Lodestar Wovens ♦ Hiroko Art: Watercolors, collage, photos, cards, prints ♦ Earthworks: Handcrafted soaps, Balms, Butters, Scrubs ♦ Angel Pond Cottage: Quilts, Embroidered Tea Towels, Altar Linen Embroidery ♦ Beeple People: Hand-crafted wooden figurines

And many others!

At the Cathedral of St. John

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Foyers Group to Begin a New Initiative for the Cathedral

The Foyer Fellowship is one way to refer to groups of parishioners getting together to promote fellowship, forge stronger bonds of friendship and a spirit of togetherness her at the Cathedral. It is a way for newer members to meet members who have been here for some time and share ideas, hopes and dreams together. It’s also a great place to discover our many cross cultural cooking! The French word “foyer” means hearth or fireside. This suggests small groups who meet in a relaxing atmosphere, good fellowship and hospitality. The Foyer Fellowship is open to all people of the parish; singles, couples, old, young and “Young of Heart.” Groups will consist of 6 to eight people. The host will provide the main course of dinner and other dishes are contributed by the guests. There is no particular agenda to these dinners, but rather a strong desire to get to know one another and provide a vehicle to be together, solidifying our bonds as brothers and sisters in our faith community. The Foyer Fellowship groups will be organized by Toni and Charlie Harrison, and soon you will be hearing a lot more about it. Please plan to participate in this new initiative, as we work toward revitalizing our parish. If you would like to let Toni and Charlie know that you are interested in being part of this creative and fun enterprise, please fill out the coupon below and either put it in the alms basin on Sunday morning, or send it in to the parish office, to the attention of Toni and Charlie Harrison. The third option is that you can email Deacon Barbara that you are interested at deaconbarbara@cathedralofstjohn.org Do it today so you won’t forget! You will want to be a part of these fun and exciting groups!

The Foyer Fellowship I am interested in hearing more about the Foyer Fellowship, and I would like to hear from Toni and Charlie Harrison about becoming a member of this exciting new opportunity. Please print! Name_____________________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________ Phone ____________________________________________________________________________ Email Address_____________________________________________________________________

At the Cathedral of St. John

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Parish Announcements Altar Cross-Restored? We have received a challenge given toward the restoration of the baroque cross which resides on the High Altar. The restoration will cost $2,700. and the challenge is $500. Surely we can match this generous gift and contribute the difference in addition If you are interested in Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Matrimony, Burial or House Blessing, please contact Dean Krauss at 401-331-4622 as soon as possible. Instruction must be held and deadlines met for each of these rites with the exception of Burial and

House Blessings. Prayer Shawl Ministry meet on Tuesdays, at 9:30AM in the Crooker Room. The Cathedral Food Pantry. The Dean has asked that all parishioners contribute at least $2.00 weekly to-ward the restocking of our pantry. For those of you who would like to volunteer as shoppers or passing out food, please contact Meg LoPresti at 353-5473. This is an extremely important ministry and we appreci-ate the dedication of all volunteers. The Girl Scouts will continue to meet on Thursday evenings at 5:30-7:00PM in the Crooker Room. For those who are interested in joining, please contact Modu Johnson at 861-5075.

-Thoughts from the Senior Warden- Dear Friends, Recently I celebrated yet another birthday. (Every passing year seems to gather speed, I think.) There was nothing unique about this year, except that when Bob asked the question “What would you like for your birthday this year?” I didn’t have an answer. This was fairly unusual for me because, admittedly, I’ve never really been averse to receiving presents. But, in considering the question, I realized that I couldn’t think of a single thing. Did I really need a new bracelet (no), handbag (no), or any other new “toy” (no)? As I thought about this, our fellow parishioner Rose Smith-McGowan popped into my mind. You may remember that for her birthday party she asked her guests to bring - not presents for her – but items to be given to the Cathedral’s food pantry. She made a gracious presentation of them during one Sunday service. What a caring and mature thing for a young lady to do. She really “gets it”. So, using Rose as a role model, I borrowed a page from her book and told Bob I’d like my gift to be a contribution to the food pantry and it was done. Now, all this is not to say that I’ve given up all desire for toys and goodies, nor am I suggesting that anyone else should. I’m simply suggesting this: on the occasions when we’re asked the question “What would you like for your birthday / anniversary, etc.?”, if it takes more than a few minutes to make that decision, then maybe that money could better benefit those who don’t have so many options in their lives. At these times, please join me in prayerfully considering the idea of a donation to our cathedral’s food pantry or ministry of your choice. Jesus taught that believers have a responsibility to give to the hungry , poor and needy (Matthew 25: 31-46)

Thank you, Rose. God’s Peace To All, Leah

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DEADLINES FOR The RECORD The Record, our parish newsletter, is published monthly and is available by email, hard copy and on the Cathedral website. If you would like to receive the Record electronically, please give your email address to our Parish Administrator, Miss Tinker or call the church office at (401) 331-4622. Please send articles to Deacon Barbara at BMaysStock@cox.net. The deadlines for submission to The Record are as follows:

April 23 for the May edition May 23 for the June Edition June 23 for the July Edition

Calling All Cooks!!! We’re planning to create a parish cookbook and are inviting everyone to contribute as many of your favorite personal and family recipes as you would like to share. We have so many great cooks at St. John’s that this could be a bestseller! Proceeds will benefit the Cathedral Food Pantry. Please give your contributions either in person or by email to Arlene Walker (alwstan@aol.com ) or Leah Nastasi (leahnastasi@cox.net).

We all KNOW that if the one-and-only Julia Child

were here today, she would be after you to send in your recipes

TODAY!!! So don’t wait!

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Christian Formation for the Cathedral Family

On Sundays at 9:45 AM, there is a forum for adult Christian Formation in Synod Hall, from September through the beginning of June. Her are the courses for the 2007-2008 seasons: A Once-And-Coming Spirit at Pentecost March 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27 May 4 As we move from Easter to pentecost, it is helpful to look at the two great books; John and Acts, from which many of the liturgical readings come. They show us how to be branches of Jesus’ vine and how to apply the biblical message to the challenges which face us each day. The Bible as Prayer May 11, 18, 25 June 1 The Bible can be an excellent aid in prayer. Since the 3rd century, Christians have meditated on short phrases from the Scriptures. Anyone in any place can indulge in this form of meditation. It’s easy and might even be life-changing!

A Message from the Episcopal Church Women of the Cathedral of St. John Please join us in the ministry of the United Thank Offering (UTO). This is a method by which all of us may give thanks for daily blessings from God. Please take a blue box on the shelf in the Narthex and, as you consider your blessings from God, place a coin or two in the box, as an acknowledgement of your daily blessings from God. Monies collected will be used to award grants for various projects in the Diocese of Rhode Island. The Ingathering will take place in May, 2008.

“Gracious God, source of all creation, all love, all true joy; accept, we pray, these outward signs of our profound and continuing thankfulness for all of life. Keep each of us ever thankful for all the blessings of joy and challenges that come our way. Bless those who will benefit from these gifts through the outreach of the United Thank Offering. This we ask, through Him who is the greatest gift and blessing all, Jesus Christ, AMEN.” —The United Thank Offering Prayer

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Cathedral of St. John – Providence, RI

Junior Warden’s Report: 3/20/2008 Happy Spring! Although spring is newly arrived, we have already had our share of “April-like Showers” along with the fountain they create in Synod Hall. Winston and Tinker have helped to coordinate the work of Mr. Rooter who performed Closed Circuit TV inspection and clean-out of several drain pipes. The CCTV prognosis was good no cracks or disconnects were discovered and we are praying that clearing the roof and runoff drains will redirect the flood. We have also had a plumber in to make repairs on leaking and slow flushing toilets over the past month and Winston is working on changing light bulbs that are burnt out. In the next week I will be contacting vendors for pricing and availability regarding fabrication of a frame and stand for “The Wise Virgin” stained glass window that has been restored. I also plan to contact our Security Alarm company to go over our “opening / closing” times and obtain the list of people and code numbers they have on file for the Cathedral. I continue to get calls about improper or late closings and want to be brought up to speed on the “who, what & why?” of this service. Three more items have been added to “The List”; 1. Installation of a second security Alarm keypad at the Church St. Entrance, 2. Installation of luminaries and spot lights for in front of the Cathedral 3. Repair of the tear in carpeting at the Baptismal area.

ST. JOHN’S WEEKEND WARRIORS

If you think you have the nerve and courage to join us, we’ll be gathering

from 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM on the

FIRST SATURDAY of every month starting April 5th.

Our mission: To do battle with the forces of decay, rot and ruin

that left unchecked threaten to reduce our Grand Dame, the Cathedral, to rubble.

No experience necessary, just bring your “can-do” spirit!

God Bless! Andy Costa

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Description Location Priority Estimated Actual Project Completion Costs Costs Start Date Date

Bell tower bell repairs Tower Bell tower clock repairs Tower Bell tower stabilization Tower Carpentry - repairs choir railing Choir Loft Carpentry repairs - fascia / eaves All areas Carpentry repairs - Entry floor Tower Carpentry repairs - kitchen door Synod hall Jan-08 Jan-08 Chandelier - repairs Nave Drainage improvements - ext. N Nave Drainage improvements - ext. S Nave Electrical repairs - ballasts All areas Nov-08 Nov-08 Electrical repairs - rear stairwell Chancel Electrical system upgrades All areas Exterior paint - doors All areas Exterior paint - entry & tower Tower Exterior paint - fascia boards etc. All areas Exterior paint - windows Nave Furnace repairs/replacement Boiler room Gutter replacement All areas Jan-08 Jan-08 Handicap access TBD Int. paint - chancel/transepts Chancel Interior paint - chapel Chapel Interior paint - narthex Tower Interior paint - nave Nave Mold - rear stair / Synod hall Chancel Mold - Synod hall Synod hall Plaster repairs - chancel/transepts Chancel Plaster repairs - dome Nave Plaster repairs - window casing Nave Plumbing repairs - ladies toilet Synod hall Plumbing repairs - roof drain Offices Plumbing repairs - sump pump Boiler room Roof repairs - chapel Chapel Roof repairs - main church All areas Sep-07 Oct-07 Roof repairs - offices All areas Shampoo carpets All areas Structural repairs - Choir Loft Choir Loft Structural repairs - Tower Tower Structural repairs - transept beam Chancel Apr-06 Jul-06 Window repairs - double hung Nave Window repairs - stained glass All areas Wood boring insect treatment All areas

The Junior Warden’s Assessment of the Physical Plant and Repair Work

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April 2008

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

Prayer Shawl Ministry

9:30AM

City Meal Site (SH)

4:00PM

Choir Rehearsal 7PM

2

HE 12:10PM

Evening Prayer Group

7:00PM

3

HE & Healing Service

7:00PM

4

5

Food Pantry 11:0

0AM

6 HE 8:30& 10:30AM

Adult Ed. 9:45AM (CR)

Church School 10:30AM

Gospel Choir 11:4

5AM

HE La Inglesia del Mesias

6:00 PM

7

8

Prayer Shawl Ministry

9:30AM

City Meal Site (SH)

4:00PM

Choir Rehearsal 7PM

9

HE 12:10PM

Social Justice4PM(CR)

Evening Prayer Group

7:00PM

10

11

12

Deacons’Seminar

8:30AM (SH)

Food Pantry 11:0

0AM

Wedding 2:00PM

13 HE 8:30& 10:30AM

ECW Bake Sale

Adult Ed. 9:45AM (CR)

Church School 10:30AM

Gospel Choir 11:4

5AM

Taize 4:00PM

HE La Inglesia del Mesias

6:00 PM

14

15

Prayer Shawl Ministry

9:30AM

City Meal Site (SH)

4:00PM

Choir Rehearsal 7PM

16

HE 12:10PM

Evening Prayer Group

7:00PM

17

18

19

Food Pantry 11:0

0AM

20 HE 8:30& 10:30AM

Adult Ed. 9:45AM (CR)

Church School 10:30AM

Gospel Choir 11:4

5AM

HE La Inglesia del Mesias

6:00 PM

21

22

Prayer Shawl Ministry

9:30AM

City Meal Site (SH)

4:00PM

Diversity

Meeting 7PM

Choir Rehearsal 7PM

23

HE 12:10PM

Evening Prayer Group

7:00PM

24

Girl Scouts 5:30PM

Chapter Meeting 7:00PM

25

26

Food Pantry 11:0

0AM

27 UTO Sunday

HE 8:30& 10:30AM

Adult Ed. 9:45AM (CR)

Church School 10:30AM

Gospel Choir 11:4

5AM

HE La Inglesia del Mesias

6:00 PM

28

29

Prayer Shawl Ministry

9:30AM

City Meal Site (SH)

4:00PM

Choir Rehearsal 7PM

30

HE 12:10PM

Evening Prayer Group

7:00PM

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The Episcopal Cathedral of Saint John 271 North Main Street Providence, RI 02903

The Record

Mailing Address

Goes Here

The Very Rev. Canon Harry E. Krauss, Dean

The Rev. Barbara Mays-Stock, Deacon Mr. Brink Bush, Music Director/Organist

Leah Nastasi, Senior Warden Andy Costa, Junior Warden

Church Office Hours 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Monday through Friday Office closed on Saturday

Office Phone: (401) 331-4622

Email: hkrauss@cathedralofstjohn.org deaconbarbara@cathedralofstjohn.org

The Newsletter of

The Cathedral of Saint John

271 North Main Street

Providence

Is proud to announce its first semi-annual

Crafting & Art Festival

Date: Saturday, May 3, 2008Date: Saturday, May 3, 2008Date: Saturday, May 3, 2008Date: Saturday, May 3, 2008

Time: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PMTime: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PMTime: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PMTime: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Place: The Cathedral of Saint John, Place: The Cathedral of Saint John, Place: The Cathedral of Saint John, Place: The Cathedral of Saint John,

271 North Main Street, Providence271 North Main Street, Providence271 North Main Street, Providence271 North Main Street, Providence

Come see some of RI’s best artisans!Come see some of RI’s best artisans!Come see some of RI’s best artisans!Come see some of RI’s best artisans!

Our own Bishop, Geralyn Wolf will be among the many fine artisans, with her own artistic expressions, called “Beeple People.”