Dean Letter: Security

Dear St. Paul’s family, In light of the recent tragedy in Poway, several people have contacted the Cathedral to ask about what we do to secure the campus and congregation. Our Director of Administration, Kathleen, recently briefed Chapter on our current and planned measures, and I want to share this information with you. Things we … READ MORE…

The Sunday Sermon: The Good Shepherd and our mother Earth

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Every year on the fourth Sunday of the Easter season we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, giving thanks for our good God who loves us and cares for us as a shepherd does her flock. And each year we read a favorite psalm, the 23rd, one to … READ MORE…

Dean Letter: Integrity

Dear St. Paul’s family, Last week many of you participated in the annual philanthropic exercise ‘Dine Out for Life”, supporting the important ministry of our local LGBT Center. Did you know that the Episcopal Church has its own dedicated ministry to LGBTQ+ persons? It’s called IntegrityUSA. IntegrityUSA and its local chapters have advocated for full … READ MORE…

The Sunday Sermon: Feed my Sheep

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, … READ MORE…

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…