My dearest siblings in Christ,
“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11
We are at a critical juncture in the life of the Cathedral, and this pledge campaign serves as the linchpin between what has been and what will be as we begin searching in earnest for our next dean. This year’s annual stewardship campaign at St. Paul’s Cathedral centers on investing in the future mission and leadership God is calling us to build together. Our 2027 campaign, A Future with Hope, invites our Cathedral family to share their gifts and resources as we look to the horizon during this time of transition.
As I shared at a recent service, I often consider my own generosity through the eyes of my twin sons. How will they remember my love and generosity, and what will that look like for my family now?
It is fitting that I write this during the week of All Saints’, as we give thanks to God for the generations of disciples who have shaped this community: past, present, and future. Not unlike my responsibility to model and nurture generosity in my sons, it is now our turn to embrace the responsibility of stewarding the Cathedral’s future.
Whoever our next dean may be, they will surely be watching us closely, observing how St. Paul’s responds to this season of being “in between.” As always, our various ministries will continue to sustain worship, formation, outreach, pastoral care, music, and hospitality. It takes all of us, through our service and our financial support, to continue the work begun in Christ and carried through the apostles to us today.
Because we trust God’s promises, I believe we will all give generously of our financial resources as each of us is able. It is paramount that we do what we can to give potential applicants confidence in our future and hope for their ministry among us.
Jeremiah reminds us that God leads us with hope even when nothing feels certain. Through faithful giving and service, we help ensure that St. Paul’s remains a place where we Love Christ, Serve Others, and Welcome All. Our future dean and Cathedral leadership will look to how we live out that commitment now as a sign of what may be possible when they arrive.
I am deeply confident in us because I have seen how this community responds when called upon: with Jesus’ all-embracing love and Spirit-led generosity. It is time to answer that call again, knowing the future is bright because of our trust in God’s love.
Every gift strengthens our community, mission, and future. In 2026, commitments totaling $1,054,972 exceeded our goal of $1,050,000. Building on that foundation, our 2027 pledge goal is $1,092,000. This reflects our expanding mission during a time of transition, as well as a 4% cost-of-living adjustment for staff, as recommended by the Diocese of San Diego.
Together, we can build a future rooted in hope, generosity, and service as we prepare to welcome a new dean.
Yours in Christ,
The Rev. Richard Hogue
Canon for Congregational Life
