Dean’s Letter: Community at its Fullest

The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego was formed in 1973, having originally been part of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. The area that would eventually become the Diocese of San Diego was developing its own identity and the need to create a new diocese became apparent. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Bankers Hill became … READ MORE…

Letter From Dean Allisyn: Micro-Pilgrimage

Some 25 or so years ago I, along with other folks from St. Paul’s, went on a pilgrimage of British cathedrals organized by the Rev. Canon Anne Chisham and Lanita Carroll, and “narrated” by Dean James Carroll, our first dean. It was an amazing trip that took us from York Minster Cathedral at the north … READ MORE…

Last Words From Dean Penny

Hello St. Paul’s, What do I say about twelve plus years as your Dean? Really, there is nothing left to say except thank you. Thank you for calling me to serve this extraordinary, vibrant, open-hearted community. Thank you for the warm welcome you extended to me when I arrived. Thank you for the many, many … READ MORE…

Dean’s Letter: The Deans’ Conference

Hello St. Paul’s, As you are probably aware, we hosted the annual conference of the North American Cathedral Deans last weekend. We welcomed some 43 deans and a dozen spouses for the weekend, coming from all over the US and Canada, plus the Bahamas and even the Dean of the Anglican Cathedral in Brasilia, Brazil … READ MORE…

Dean’s Letter: Three Holy Days

Hello St. Paul’s, By now we are well into Holy Week, the center of our year and our faith. We have celebrated the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and we have meditated deeply on the mystery of his Passion, as recounted by St. Matthew. Now we turn to the Triduum, the three holiest days. … READ MORE…

Dean’s Letter: Palm Sunday

Hello St. Paul’s, In our Lenten journey, we have arrived at the threshold of Holy Week, which begins officially with Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday is a complicated day that attempts to commemorate not only the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem but also his arrest and death. There are several components to the liturgy: We begin … READ MORE…

Dean’s Letter: Lent

Hello St. Paul’s, What does Lent mean to you? Maybe the word awakens uncomfortable thoughts about self-denial and austerity. After all, we are urged to “fast, pray, and give” with special intention during this season of preparation for Holy Week and Easter. Maybe it’s time for some rehabilitation of the concept. How about if you … READ MORE…

Dean’s Letter: Braver Angels

Hello St. Paul’s, Last year, as we witnessed the deepening fragmentation of communities across the country, we started to consider how we could contribute in some small way to the rebuilding of relationships across political divides and the healing of our culture. I came across a non-profit, volunteer organization called Braver Angels (braverangels.org), which seeks … READ MORE…