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Sieger Köder (d. 2015): Jesus Eats with Tax Collectors and Sinners

WHAT’S ON!

Welcome to the ‘What’s On at St John’s Cathedral’ page. Here you will find what is on this week, coming up, concert information and much more.

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN’S

English Conversation Group

Mondays

2-3pm

Darnell Room

(Zoom link below)

Click for more

Take a break, have a coffee (or other preferred cuppa) and chat online with various members of the extended Cathedral community. Relax, bring your beverage and be welcomed into the conversation on Tuesdays – any time between 10.30am and 11.30am.

Use this zoom link: (video/audio)
 
or your phone – (07) 3185 3730, enter Meeting ID: 874 5509 4327#, Passcode: 569892# and then Participant ID: #.

Click for more

Our Cathedral offers a weekly Christian meditation group on Tuesday evenings from 6.45 to 7.30pm. The meditation group is always open to new members. A simple meal of soup and bread is available in St Martin’s House from 5.30pm.

The meditation group meets in the Cathedral as well as by Zoom. To join via Zoom, use either this Zoom link or your phone – (07) 3185 3730, enter Meeting ID: 278 417 931#, Passcode: 042853# and then Participant ID: #.

Further information: Please contact The Rev’d Canon Julia Van Den Bos by email (jvandenbos@stjohnscathedral.com.au) or via the Cathedral office.

 

Why Christian Meditation?

Meditation is a universal spiritual wisdom and a practice found at the core of all the great religious traditions, leading from the mind to the heart. It is a way of simplicity, silence and stillness. It can be practised by anyone, wherever you are on your life’s journey. It is only necessary to be clear about the practice and then to begin – and to keep on beginning.

In Christianity this tradition of contemplation, the prayer of the heart or ‘apophatic prayer’, became marginalised and often even sometimes suspect. But in recent times a major recovery of the contemplative dimension of Christian faith – and prayer – has been happening. This is transforming the different faces of the Church and revealing the way the Gospel integrates the mystical and the social.

Central to this process now is the rediscovery of how to pray in this dimension and at this depth: finding a practice of meditation in the Christian tradition. The World Community teaches a practice derived from the Gospel teaching of Jesus and the advice of early Christian monks. The Desert Fathers and Mothers teach a Christian spirituality of powerful relevance for those today who want to live their discipleship to Jesus in a radical and simple way.

Information about Christian meditation is available at wccm.org/content/what-meditation.

Coffee on Wednesdays (COWs)

Image - Coffee on Wednesdays (COWS)

10am-2pm (in the Cathedral)
Good coffee, good food, great conversations!

Chair Yoga

Wednesdays
11am-12noon (Darnell Room)

 

Saints on a Mission

Fridays

10.30-12noon

Zoom only

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SAINTS ON A MISSION (on Zoom only)

Join Cathedral community member and “self-discovered” medieval and liturgical historian Blair Martin, leading interested folk in reflections and discussion on how we connect the ancient stories and rituals of Feast Days to the world as we experience it today, developing a sense of purpose and meaning for our evolving lives. Focusing on matters of social justice, bringing the gospel message of good news to those around us, and living out the call to be “Saints on a Mission”.
 
ZOOM DETAILS

There is a new Zoom room link for 2026.

Blair Martin (Meanjin/Brisbane) is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Saints On A Mission 2026CE – S. John’s Cathedral, Meanjin/Brisbane

Time: Fridays 10:30 AEST

Join Zoom Meeting: Click here

Meeting ID: 817 7960 2281
Passcode: 480183

Or by phone – +61 7 3185 3730

 

Kids @ St Johns

Sundays

9.30am

in person during the Choral Eucharist

and online via our Facebook & YouTube Channel (recorded and available from Saturday 9.30am)

Click for more

Children’s Ministry

Children are very much part of our family and the children’s area in the Cathedral is available whenever the Cathedral is open.

Children’s ministry is offered in the Cathedral on Sundays during the 9.30am service and online (recorded and available from Saturday mornings at 9.30am).

The videos appear on the Cathedral’s Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

 

 

Saturday, 18 July 2026

7pm

Click for booking link and more

Proms From St John’s

Saturday 18 July, 7.00 pm
APPROX DURATION: 2hr 30min (incl interval)

St John’s Cathedral
373 Ann Street
BRISBANE CITY

The Sinfonia of St Andrew’s
The Combined Choirs of St John’s Cathedral
. . . with
Beth Allen alto
Dan Smerdon baritone

CONDUCTED BY
Neil Flottmann

THE PROGRAM TO INCLUDE . . .

Nicolai The Merry Wives of Windsor, Overture
Mozart Laudate Dominum
Mozart Ave verum corpus
Morton O Clap Your Hands
Bizet Carmen, Excerpts
Massenet Le Cid
Strauss The Gypsy Baron, Overture
Grieg Peer Gynt, Excerpts
Mozart Hai gia vinta la causa from The Marriage of Figaro
Mozart Non so piu from The Marriage of Figaro
Mozart La ci darem la mano from Don Giovanni
Mendelssohn Be not afraid from Elijah
Haydn The Heavens are telling from The Creation
Elgar Pomp & Circumstance March No 1 in D

PRICES

$32  Adult (Full price)
$0    Child (with adult)
$0    Companion Card for carer of patron with disabilities

TICKET PRICES MAY BE HIGHER AT THE DOOR

$1.25 FEE PER TICKET APPLIES TO ALL PRE-EVENT BOOKINGS
$1.85 FEE PER BOOKING APPLIES WHEN TICKETS ARE TO BE MAILED TO A POSTAL ADDRESS

ALL GENERAL (NOT ALLOCATED OR NUMBERED) SEATING
PROGRAM AND/OR PERFORMERS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE IF REQUIRED

BUY TICKETS HERE: https://4mbs.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/165849

Sunday, 19 July 2026

11.15am-12.15pm

Darnell Room

Click for more

Raised in public housing in Sydney, in a turbulent household marked by hardship, Colin’s early life was shaped by complicated family dynamics, yet with proximity to Aboriginal neighbours and culture. Defining elements of the family story were never spoken: left unclear, in silence, never fully explained.

After his mother’s death, Colin’s discovery of a box of previously unseen family photographs triggered an experience of realisation, and a deeper journey into ancestry. Through stories, research and reflection, Colin began uncovering Aboriginal and Chinese connections and a possible link to the Awabakal people.

Looking ‘Through a Different Lens’ – His work helped others see what is normally hidden from view. Later in life, that same habit of close examination turned inward. After decades working with microscopes, Colin discovered he had to turn the same discipline of close attention toward his own family history: uncovering Aboriginal and Chinese ancestry, cultural memory, and a deeper search for the truth of identity and belonging.

After his mother’s death, Colin’s discovery of a box of previously unseen family photographs triggered an experience of realisation, and a deeper journey into ancestry. Through stories, research and reflection, Colin began uncovering Aboriginal and Chinese connections and a possible link to the Awabakal people.

His journey connects with the way family stories can be hidden, denied, or only partly passed down across generations. This is not simply a story of ‘discovering Aboriginal ancestry’, but of looking more closely at intergenerational trauma, denial, silence, and the ongoing question of who we are.

 

HIS STORY INVITES US TO ASK

What do we inherit? What gets hidden or lost in families?

And what does it mean to reconnect with a story that was always there, but not fully understood?

This Yarning Circle will be a chance to hear a personal journey through science, memory, ancestry and identity,

and to reflect together on the stories that shape us.

 

 

FREE  –  ALL WELCOME. –  MORNING TEAM SHARED
 
It would be helpful for people to RSVP:
https://unclebill.online/yarning-circles/colin-thomas-2026-07-19.html#rsvp
 
 
HOSTED BY GET IN TOUCH
UNCLE BILL LEMSON
Co-Chair, First Nations Allies Magandjin
connect@unclebill.online
unclebill.online
 
All are most welcome.

The Journey 2026: God’s story, your story, my story.

Exploring the art of storytelling as a way to discern God’s call on our lives.

Sundays (on zoom)

4-5pm

Click for more

Who is The Journey for?

Those who want to take stock of their lives using a spiritual focus; Those considering baptism for themselves or for their children; Those considering confirmation;
Those who want to become an Anglican;

Those wanting to discern some future direction for their life; Those interested in unpacking the faith.

What is the process?

The Christian faith is a way of life. Entering into a way of life requires reflection. Christians are people who seek to live out the way of love. We seek to follow Jesus who, in his own life, demonstrated that we were made by God, who is love, for love. God’s love gives us the energy to love in turn. Since we are made for love, we each have a purpose. The Journey exists to enable people to discover what this truth means for them. The process aims to give people the space to test and then find their own way into this way of life. It takes what has happened in life to this point seriously. We believe that by reflecting on our life-story we discover how God has been at work in our lives since before we were born, and also identify ways in which we, as unique people, are to respond to this. We discover the way in which God’s love for us can shape our relationships, inform our motives, and help us find deep happiness.

How does it work?

By allowing those involved to ask questions, to talk over issues, share insights and to learn about specific areas that interest them. This takes place within small groups.

Why this way?

We learn most effectively when we are seeking answers to questions that matter to us.

Attending via Zoom: Use either this Zoom link (video/audio) or your phone – 07 3185 3730, enter Meeting ID: 894 0003 0380#, Passcode: 885493# and then Participant ID: #.

For more information please contact:
The Dean, Peter Catt, pcatt@stjohnscathedral.com.au or phone 3835 2239.

COMING UP

2nd and 4th Saturdays

10-11am (Darnell Room)
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2nd and 4th Saturdays – 10am to 11am

Mainly Music is designed for children aged 0 to 5 years, but older children may join in. Friends, parents, grandparents, aunties, and uncles are welcome. Mainly Music is a community connection initiative.

Each Mainly Music session includes play time, singing and dancing time, and refreshments time.

Mainly Music is held in the Darnell Room, St Martin’s House. Parking is available.

For more information, see Hannah Dillingham or Ken Willett or contact them through the Cathedral office: phone – (07) 3835 2222; email – cathedral@stjohnscathedral.com.au.

Labyrinth Walk

Sunday, 2 August

from 11.15am

A Walk In…

In person and online

Click for more
 
 
Take time to reflect, to offer up what confuses, distresses, and befuddles you! The Labyrinth is an excellent place to lay down your burdens and to receive insight and affirmation from the Spirit of God.

Please meet at the Labyrinth under the Wheel Window in the Northern Transept or join online (both live and later available via the Cathedral’s YouTube channel).

Walking the Labyrinth usually occurs on the first Sunday of each month following the 9.30am Eucharist. If you have not walked the Labyrinth before, you would be most welcome to join the group who regularly do so.
 
The walk will also be available on the Cathedral YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnsCathedralBris/streams  from 11.15am, and will be available to watch at a later time.
 
 
Click on the links below for the Walking Notes and Finger Labyrinth:
 
 
 
 
 
 
New walks are published each month on the first Sunday with the link being shared on the this page  Each offering is also archived below.

 

The path is always new, because,
as a spiritual discipline, the labyrinth
is 
a path of contemplation,
reflection, prayer …
Beneath the surface, 
walking the labyrinth
is a profound discipline in listening,
in active silence, 
in finding movement
and rhythm in the stillneses underneath
and in 
between everyday’s noise.
Walking the labyrinth is an exercise
in finding 
the voice speaking in whispers
underneath the whirlwind of sound.
~ Travis Scholl, “Walking the Labyrinth –
A Place to Pray and Seek God” p.17, IVP Books, 2014

Mystics, Theologians & God-Botherers

1st Sunday in the Month

The Ven. Dr C. Lucy Morris

A Brief Immersion into Justice, Peace and Faith!

Sunday, 2 August

6-8pm

Click for more
Lucy writes: ‘Arundhati Roy and Hannah Arendt have been pivotal in my journey of faith. Both are authors, philosophers and justice warriors whom I encountered when starting my Ph.D. Arundhati Roy (b. 1961) (at left) is a Booker Prize best seller who has spent decades writing on injustice, corruption and political deceit. She is an Indian author of enormous integrity and piercing intellect on the issues of justice.
 
Hannah Arendt (1906 – 1975) (at right) was a Jewish philosopher who wrote Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil in 1963. Her writings on justice and Christianity from the Jewish perspective are worth considering today.’

Lucy Morris is Archdeacon, Sunshine Coast and Rector, Buderim Parish. In late 1991 Lucy emigrated with her family to WA from England. She was ordained Deacon 2013, and Priest 2014 in the Diocese of Bunbury, WA when she was working as CEO, Baptistcare WA; having worked for 24 years in WA’s community sector. In 2016 Lucy was appointed Bunbury’s Diocesan Secretary, and became Dunsborough’s Parish Priest and Area Dean in the Margaret River region, just before COVID. Lucy loves reading, writing, music, poetry, and works on social justice issues, particularly Family and Domestic Violence, peace and justice, and homelessness.
 
 
Lucy will introduce us to Arundhati Roy and Hannah Arendt in the sermon as part of Evensong.

 

This event will be held ‘in person’ in the Cathedral, over YouTube and Zoom. Choral Evensong will be ‘in person’ at 6pm in the Cathedral and will also be accessible at 6pm here: www.youtube.com/@StJohnsCathedralBris/streams.

 
From about 7.10pm we will join together in person in the Cathedral (and via Zoom) to share discussion with Lucy over refreshments.
 

To join via Zoom, use either this Zoom link (video/audio) or your phone – (07) 3185 3730, enter Meeting ID: 768 010 419#, Passcode: 267366# and then Participant ID: #.

 

Wasting Time With God

1st Wednesday in the month.

Judy Fay

The Gift of Storytelling

Wednesday, 5 August 2026
9.30am (Darnell Room)
In person and via zoom
Click for more
Humans are fundamentally story tellers. We construct meaning from our narratives. In telling our stories, we understand our lives better. Also, we build connection, because those who hear our stories find empathy and understanding of the life of someone else.
 
Stories have been a life-long passion of Judy’s. She has been honoured to hear many stories, and says she has never heard a story that didn’t move her. Judy will share some of her story including finding her way to St John’s around a decade ago.

She hopes through telling her story, that others might feel welcome to share some of their story at a later time.

Judy has worked in several chaplaincy/ministry/tertiary education settings and is a part of the pastoral team at St John’s. She would love to see us find regular opportunities for our community to have the space to share some of their stories and this will be discussed that day.

Event Info: This event will be held in person and on Zoom and will begin with a short prayer service at 9.30am. Judy’s presentation and discussion will follow at 9.40am until 10.30am when the session will end with worship and then morning tea from 10.35am.

To join via Zoom, use either this Zoom link (video/audio) or your phone – 07 3185 3730, enter Meeting ID: 823 3447 0652#, Passcode: 303180# and then Participant ID: #.

Celebrating 150 Years!
Friday, 7 August 2026
10am (in Cathedral)
Click for more

On Friday 7 August from 10.00am, gather with us in the Cathedral to enjoy a
special morning tea as we hear from:
★ Mary De Vries about her 60 years as a member;
★ Eleanor Mancini sharing her experiences with revitalising the AMUA Cathedral
Branch;
★ Debra Franks as she shares her vision for the future.

There will also be a display of historical publications and photos.

Places for morning tea can be booked by going to this link –
www.trybooking.com/DNNAZ 

In lieu of a ticket cost, donations of $10 per person can be made
on the day to the Anglicare Homeless Youth Accommodation
project. (Cash or credit card can be used for donations.)

The Cathedral Branch of the AMUA usually meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month
from 9.45am (for tea/coffee) for a 10am start. We will meet as usual on Thursday 13
August.
Membership is available for all [women and men] who have been baptised. If you would
like to become a member of this wonderful fellowship, please do reach out to us.

Cathedral AMUA Branch

Anglican Mothers Union Australia (AMUA) is part of a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service.

AMUA Vision: a world where God’s love is known through loving, respectful and flourishing relationships.

AMUA Aim: to demonstrate the Christian faith in action by the transformation of communities worldwide through the nurture of family.

Membership is available for all [women and men] who have been baptised. If you would like to become a member of this wonderful fellowship, please do reach out to us.

The Cathedral Branch usually meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 9.45am (for tea/coffee) for a 10am start.

This year we celebrate 150 years of wonderful work by Mothers Union across the world. It is important that we celebrate the work not only by Mary Sumner in 1876 but the meaningful work continuing today. Keep a look out for our special events this year.

This year we are continuing with our support of important charities and Cathedral AMUA projects are:

Hope in a Suitcase (HIASC): HIASC supports children from infants to 16 years old going into foster care. In the past when a child goes into foster care it was with a plastic bag and a few personal items. With your support children are now starting their life in foster care with dignity and a suitcase or sports bag filled with clothing, toiletries, books and toys and a special note with every suitcase that says YOU ARE LOVED, YOU ARE WORTHY, YOU MATTER! This suitcase belongs to a worthy, brave and resilient young person. Please ensure it goes with them wherever their journey may lead them. EVERY CHILD MATTERS!

BOOKS4PNGKIDS: this is a wonderful way to bring light to children in PNG with the gift of reading. Donations of new and used books for children aged 0-14 years old are greatly accepted and appreciated..

For further information about the Cathedral Branch of AMUA or to ask a question, please contact Debra Franks (7.30am congregation) or leave a message via reception@stjohnscathedral.com.au or through the Cathedral Office – 07 3835 2222.

Wine Before Breakfast

First Friday in the month

7 August

7-8.30am

Click for more
Commemorating …
 

Wine Before Breakfast (WBB) combines the 7am Friday morning Eucharist with alternative readings from poetry, reflections and other sources with musical offerings that match the theme of the day. Focus is on the world around us, concentrating on issues of social justice, community and living out the truth of the Gospel message.

 
Following Eucharist, we will adjourn for a nourishing breakfast at a nearby cafe to continue our time of reflection and celebration together with convivial company and conversation. No-one is turned away for lack of funds. Please come and share your light and life with us!

NORTHERN REGION LAY RETREAT

20-22 November 2026

* Click here for brochure

* Click here for registration form 

REGISTRATIONS AND PAYMENT DUE BY TUESDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2026

CONCERTS

St John’s Cathedral
FREE! MORNING CONCERT SERIES 2026

Free morning concerts

Next Concert
Queensland Conservatorium
Strings
Thursday, 6 August 2026
11am

Click here for 2026 concert schedule

Candlelight Concerts

Music in a whole new light!

Click here for link to schedule & Tickets

GENERAL

THE EAGLE

This magazine has been produced by the community of St John’s Cathedral  since Advent 2004. It explores in depth from a faith perspective the issues that shape and sway us.

THE EAGLE

New issue out now!

Click here for previous issues

Click for more
Laying on of Hands with Anointing (Healing Ministry)

Following the example of Jesus, and his explicit instructions to his disciples, the ministry of healing for any kind of disease or distress is an integral part of the proclamation and application of the Gospel of compassion. It is administered by the “Laying on of Hands with Anointing” by a priest gently touching the head or shoulders of the person in need. No questions are asked although a person may, if they wish, give their name or a brief description of their concern. It is perfectly acceptable, even encouraged, to receive this ministry on behalf of another who cannot be present.

The Ministry of Laying on of Hands with Anointing is available during the 9.30am Choral Eucharist on the first Sunday of the month. Those seeking the laying on of hands with anointing are invited to make their way to The Oratory after receiving communion.

The laying on of hands with anointing is also available by appointment; please speak with one of the clergy if you are seeking this.

Click to read about 'Spiritual Direction'

What is Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual direction is about making a space for God in your life. Contrary to the name, Spiritual Direction is not about being ‘directed’; it is being encouraged to draw closer to God in a more conscious experience of God’s presence, grace, and love in your daily life.

In the midst of life we often find it difficult to notice God’s action within it. And yet we yearn to be able to discern the presence and the voice of God at a deeper level. In the practice of Spiritual Direction you are given the time and space to reflect on the experiences of your daily living, and as this contemplation takes place, you begin to discern God’s invitations and the work God is doing in your life.

Click here to read: ‘What is Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual Direction sessions are now available at the Cathedral. To find out more, please contact the Cathedral Reception at St Martin’s House on (07) 3835 2222 during business hours.

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