2019 was a historic year on several counts: We brought our expenses into line with our revenue. We completed the sale that had been in the plan for nearly 20 years. We celebrated our Sesquicentennial, culminating in the Gala and the transformation of our space. Looking back over the first six years of my tenure … READ MORE…
Dear St. Paul’s family, Happy Cathedral Day! Every year we celebrate Cathedral Day and our patronal festival on the Sunday nearest to January 25, the Conversion of St. Paul. Someone recently asked me, what does it mean to be a cathedral? A cathedral is a church where the bishop of the diocese has his or … READ MORE…
Dear St. Paul’s family, You may have noticed a new feature in the northern aisle of the cathedral, near the Christmas Tree: this is our new and exciting Pray-Ground, an experimental soft and welcoming space for young children and their parents. Our Children, Youth, and Family leadership team has developed this new approach in tandem … READ MORE…
Dear St. Paul’s family, I don’t think anyone will dispute the fact that we are living in a time when the social fabric of our society is being stressed and torn by disagreement. Not long ago it was possible to disagree over any number of topics and remain in relationship. But in the USA today … READ MORE…
Dear St. Paul’s family, This fall’s series of socials has been wonderful. About 100 of you attended one of the three gatherings, and it was very clear how much cathedral people enjoy being together. I was glad to share my own excitement about where we are, with the construction well under way, the staff safely … READ MORE…
Dear St. Paul’s family, In a couple of weeks we will come to the beginning of a new church year and the Advent season will be upon us. Conveniently for the makers of Advent calendars, the season actually starts on December 1 this year. (That is Thanksgiving weekend, in case you are wondering). It’s been … READ MORE…
Dear St. Paul’s family, I want to share with you some information about our cathedral finances. While money is rarely a favorite topic of conversation in the church, it is crucial that we manage your gifts in a responsible manner and that we practice transparency. Our accounting practices have come a long way in the … READ MORE…
Dear St. Paul’s family, If you’ve ever been involved in a home improvement project of any size, you know that nothing goes according to plan. Our current Cathedral Campus Redevelopment Project is no exception. As you must have noticed, there is significant work being done in the Great Hall building: our development partner Greystar is … READ MORE…
Dear St. Paul’s family, As you know, almost every Sunday of the year (except during Advent and Lent) we enjoy a beautiful flower arrangement in front of the pulpit. These arrangements are far from free, and we welcome donations from parishioners to mark special occasions such as anniversaries or other special intentions. Penelope Smith creates … READ MORE…
Dear St. Paul’s family, Our former staff member David Tremaine recently published a version of this letter on the diocesan network. It’s a helpful reflection on our lifelong work of formation. Enjoy! Your sister in Christ, Penny What is Formation? The first question to ask when defining what we are doing in “Formation” is “Who … READ MORE…