Dean Letter: Cathedrals fires and resurrections

Dear St. Paul’s family, Alleluia! Christ is risen! We have entered into the great 50 days of Easter, the “queen of seasons” which began at sunset on Easter Eve and ends with the day of Pentecost. Today all is joy and celebration, but we walked through some deep darkness to arrive at the light. I … READ MORE…

The Easter Sermon: from darkness to light

Alleluia, Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia! The story of Holy Week is a journey from darkness to light. The fourth Gospel begins Easter Day in darkness, echoing the moment on Thursday when Judas left the community of disciples to betray Jesus and John writes, “it was night”. The night continued until … READ MORE…

The Palm Sunday Sermon: Procession to peace

Over the past months, there has been a surge at the border. Multiple processions filing in. Caravans, looking for peace, fleeing their homes from violence and challenges in Central America, seeking asylum as they file northward hoping for something better. And processions of military. Forces to hold the line, to “keep the peace.” Razor wire … READ MORE…

Dean Letter: Spiritual Direction

Dear St. Paul’s family, In this holiest of seasons I want to encourage you to spend time in prayer and to consider ways to deepen your connection to God. One way is to adopt a classic form of spiritual discipline. Are you familiar with the term “spiritual direction”? Maybe you have read Susan Howatch’s novels … READ MORE…

The Sunday Sermon: Of Love and Death

A dinner party among beloved friends, drawn closer together by a shared experience of loss and renewal. An unexpected and embarrassing interruption, an over-the-top gift, an acting out of unconditional love, an unwelcome reminder of a long shadow that looms over the gathering. I wonder if you have ever had something like this experience? Most … READ MORE…

Dean Letter: About Decision Making

Dear St. Paul’s family, In any institution decisions have to be made by someone. So, how do we make decisions in a community like St. Paul’s Cathedral? The congregation elects Chapter members to take this responsibility on their behalf. The responsibility includes the creation of a budget and the responsible stewardship of resources. Because we … READ MORE…

Dean letter: DHS Security System

Dear St. Paul’s family, One of the perennial conversations cathedral staff engage in concerns the safety and security of both staff and parishioners during Cathedral events and during the week. We are all too well aware of recent terrorist attacks on houses of worship, not to mention the chronic security challenges posed by mentally unstable … READ MORE…

Dean Letter: Chancel Cross

Dear St. Paul’s family, If you are reading this in church, look up and take a good look at the cross hanging in the chancel over the altar. It’s a wood sculpture of a traditional image of the risen Christ, known as the Christus Victor or Christus Rex, with a king’s crown and priestly garments. … READ MORE…

Dean Letter: Seasons and Colors

Dear St Paul’s family, On Sunday we held our quarterly newcomers’ brunch and one of our guests mentioned that he had noticed this week that our worship went through some changes. He wondered why. So here’s a primer on the seasons of the church year and how we mark them with color. The first season … READ MORE…

Dean Letter: Social Media Behavior

Dear St. Paul’s family, We live in a world where we often get news of friends and family through social media such as Twitter and Facebook. We also live in a culture that exerts pressure to share news and information immediately. When something terrible or wonderful happens, it is very tempting to share it right … READ MORE…