Toronto’s St. James Cathedral is offering a unique solution to the modern challenge of dwindling attention spans and busy schedules. Known as “Merry Moments,” these express services provide a traditional Christmas experience in just 30 minutes. Designed with the modern individual in mind, these services offer an opportunity to engage in holiday traditions without the typical time commitment.
A New Take on Traditional Services
Very Rev. Stephen Hance, senior priest at the Cathedral Church of St. James in Toronto, developed the concept of Merry Moments. The services include carols, short readings, and prayers, all designed to wrap up in half an hour. The idea is to cater to those who face modern time pressures and may not be able to commit to the usual 70-minute worship on Christmas Eve.
“Our attention span has contracted,” Hance observed. “I’m kind of sad that’s the case, but it is the case. That’s the world that we live in, so that’s the culture we’ve got to engage with.”
Engaging with a Modern Audience
Merry Moments are designed to keep moving, much like a late-night chat show. They offer variety and pace, making them more accessible to a modern audience. The services are also deliberately scheduled at different times throughout December to accommodate various schedules, including school pick-up hours, after work, and lunch breaks.
According to a 2025 survey from the Angus Reid Institute and Christian policy think tank Cardus, 42% of Canadians said they never attend religious services, with 28% going “only rarely.” Merry Moments is St. James Cathedral’s innovative response to these changing times.
Creating a Welcoming Environment
St. James’s inaugural Merry Moments earlier this month ran precisely to time, offering a relaxed vibe where attendees were invited to sit, stand, or kneel as they felt comfortable. A trio of parishioners wearing festive red sweaters and scarves sang along to familiar carols with a small troupe of robed chorists.
“It has a relaxed vibe. Nobody’s going to mind if your child cries or runs down the aisle,” Dean Hance said. “It’s St. James Cathedral putting out a big smiley welcome mat.”
Merry Moments: A Success Story
When Merry Moments launched last year, approximately 300 people attended, many of whom were new to the church. Sarah Mole, an alto chorist, remembered office workers marvelling about hearing music “in a beautiful church” on their lunch hour.
“This is a moment of stillness. You don’t have to know what’s going to happen. You can just go and enjoy,” Mole said.
Matt Jaeger, a human resources consultant and member of the church, appreciates the flexibility these services offer. He believes that they are apt for today’s fast-paced world. “Society is moving faster and faster. Religious institutions are slower to move,” he said. “If we’re going to meet our neighbourhood, we can’t just do Sunday mornings. We need to be a little more available.”
Merry Moments will take place on Dec. 18 and 20 at St. James Cathedral.
