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A VIEW FROM THE BACK PEW

By Rev. Canon Christopher B. J. Pratt

"IT WAS A DARK and stormy night “

Snoopy, sitting on the roof of his doghouse in front of a typewriter tapping the beginning of his story is an inspiration for me as I write my monthly submissions for the Huron Church News. I think of the series of images created by Charles Schulz of Snoopy handing over his efforts for Linus to read.

Linus offers his review by saying, ”Your new novel has a very exciting beginning.” Then, as he walks away, he adds, ”Good Luck with the second sentence!“

2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the Peanuts cartoon saga. Over the years the adventures of Charlie Brown and all the other characters have each had their moments of offering words of wisdom and sage advice. In 1965, over ten million copies of a book entitled, “The Gospel According to Peanuts” were sold. The author reflected on the statements of faith that had been woven into the cartoon narrative by the creative genius of Charles Schulz.

During the Christmas season a viewing of the TV programme, “A Charlie Brown’s Christmas” has become an annual family tradition in many households. Linus standing on stage offering the Christmas Story found in the Gospel of St Luke may not feel earth shattering in 2025, but it was a significant media event in 1965.

It was a dark and stormy night… in Fredericton, New Brunswick on December 14, 1980.

Even in the midst of Maritime winter conditions, Christ Church Cathedral was full. On that night, I knelt before my Diocesan Bishop and felt the weight of many hands as colleagues in ministry reached out to affirm their support and offer their blessing, as I responded to a vocational call to Priesthood. Any person who has experienced that moment is aware of the indelible, lifelong identity which comes with Ordination.

December 14 has been a key date in my paper calendar over the years. It was the date on which my father was ordained and the two of us shared that date with the bishop who ordained me, Archbishop Harold Nutter. Every year, until his death, either in person or by phone, the Archbishop and I made a connection. We spoke about life, family and ministry. It was a way in which we noted the special nature of the date in our lives.

No matter where in the calendar year an anniversary occurs, there is no doubt that moments of significance are the touchstone of memory. Colleagues in ordained ministry will, no doubt, recall not only a moment, but also the people who played essential parts in the journey that led to that moment.

In an age when so many of us are interested in the story of our own family, there is also a sense in which the act of the laying on of hands in the Ordination service generates its own genealogy. Those who share the identity of Anglican priesthood include:

Aidan, in whose life and ministry the Gospel was proclaimed; George Herbert, a priest and poet; Phillips Brooks, preacher and hymn writer; Barbara Brown Taylor, preacher, teacher and author; Nick Wells, priest and historian; Florence Li Tim Oi, groundbreaking faithful servant; Herbert O’Driscoll, priest, pastor and preacher; Roz Elm, an articulate voice of reconciliation; Cuthbert Pratt, offering a radio ministry that went beyond the four walls of his parish; Christopher Pratt, a story still being written.

Through the path of apostolic succession, the clerical family tree is rooted in the lives of the disciples who walked with Jesus. Over the years, at their best, those who have been called to priestly ministry have sought to discover how to serve the Lord in their own generation.

The amazing thing about ministry in the name of Jesus, is that it is not exclusive to the priesthood. Everyone who has been baptized is also called to ministry. The Body of Christ is alive in the world through the faithful people who discover each and every day ways in which they may use their God given gifts to bring God’s Love and God’s Peace into God’s World.

During the Christmas Season I am always drawn to the insight offered by Christina Rosetti. Her hymn, “In the Bleak Mid-Winter” contains these words:

What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb.
If I were a wise man, I would do my part.
Yet what I can I give Him. Give Him my heart.

May those words be true in your life and mine and may this be a truly Blessed Christmas Season for us all.

Rev. Canon Christopher B. J. Pratt has retired from full-time parish ministry but continues to offer priestly ministry in the Diocese.
chrispratt@diohuron.org