CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
MARCH 2022 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY CARE LINE | 713-826-5332
Holy Habits
In our culture, “discipline” is a word that most often connotes punishment or correction of error. That’s unfortunate, because in its original meaning discipline refers to commitment to a pursuit or practice, most fully realized in what the ancient monastics called a “rule of life.” For those monastics, their daily rule—their discipline— included prayer, study, work, and rest. A regular discipline provided the monks’ lives with THE VERY REV. BARKLEY structure and balance. THOMPSON Contemporary society long ago lost much of its structure and balance, and these past two years of pandemic have upended what little we had left. The pandemic has laid upon many of us an existential soupy malaise. I hear story after story from people who say, “I’m so tired, and I don’t know why” or “These days it takes me forever to accomplish even the simplest task” and, of course, “I never used to watch television, but I now vegetate in front of the T.V. nightly, binging on Netflix.” We’ve traded a frenetic pre-pandemic existence for a drowsy, lethargic COVID one. Neither is ideal, and neither is healthy. What can we do? Our monastic forebearers would encourage us to adopt some discipline to restore our structure and balance. As a personal anecdote, for me this discipline has taken the form of playing guitar. For decades, I was a plodding guitar strummer, barely able to fret five chords and plunk out a simple tune. But early in the pandemic, I picked up my guitar and stumbled into the daily discipline of practicing. Almost despite myself, two years later I’m a fairly-decent guitarist. My discipline is such that I feel the loss if I miss a day of playing. The guitar brings
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For the
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Splendor of theWhole Creation
Explore the beauty and joy of the world God made.
Robert C. Stuart
Lenten Series This year’s Lenten Series delves deep into “The Splendor of the Whole Creation” In the Book of Common Prayer, there is a general Thanksgiving prayer by the Reverend Dr. Charles Price which reads in part: “We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love.” This sentiment is the inspiration for this
Lenten Evensong Christ Church Cathedral invites you to a Choral evensong featuring the Cathedral Choir and marking the beginning of the 40 days of Lent on March EVENSONG 6. Children are welcome and Sunday, March 6 encouraged to attend either the service or our professionally staffed childcare. Out of respect for those fasting for Lent, there will not be a reception following the service.
EVENSONG, page 8
year’s Robert C. Stuart Lenten Series, which takes place in Reynolds Hall on Sundays, March 6, 13, 20, 27, and April 3 from 10-11 a.m. with other events happening throughout the month. Local and nationally renowned speakers will highlight God’s creation and our responsibility to it. The headliner for the series is Dr. Drew Lanham, who won the
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Our Cathedral Family We celebrate with E New Members: Elizabeth Anne Harris and daughter Evelyn Anne Harris; Jerry and Helen “Chick” Smith; Jaena Manson Smith.
We extend heartfelt sympathy to E the family of Molly Frazier who passed away on January 9. Molly is daughter to members David and Lorraine Frazier. E the family of member John Stacy Muire who passed away on January 17. John is husband to Kit Muire and father to Adam and Annie Muire. E the family of member Thomas James Crow who passed away on January 17. Tom is husband to Judy Crow. E the family of member Dan William Rogas Jr. who passed away on February 1. Dan is husband to Tammy Rogas and father to Madison and Jordan Rogas.
Easter Lily Sales Easter Lilies are a long-standing tradition at Christ Church Cathedral. They are considered symbols of purity, innocence, new life, and resurrection and are used to adorn Christ Church Cathedral on Easter Sunday. These flowers can be given in memory, honor, or thanksgiving this Easter. The cost of the lilies is $15 per plant. Orders may be placed online through the evening of March 14. Please visit the cloister table on Sunday, February 27 and March 6 for more details. If paying by check, make your check for $15 per plant, payable to Christ Church Cathedral, and on the memo line add “Altar Guild Lilies.” Mail payments to: Attn: Altar Guild Christ Church Cathedral 1117 Texas Avenuev Houston, TX 77002
E the family of member Fontaine Carrington Weems II who passed away on February 2. Carrington is father to Canny, Alexandra, and Thilde Weems. E the family of Fidencio Gonzalez who passed away on January 25. Fidencio is the son of Pedro Gonzalez.
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar E on Sunday, March 6 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of their mother, Dorothy Knox Howe Houghton, their father, Thomas Woodward Houghton, their grandmother, Dorothy Trone Howe Dupree, and their grandfather, Knox Briscoe Howe, by Rowena Houghton Dasch and Adele Houghton. E on Sunday, March 20, are given to the glory of God in loving memory of James Leonard Dougherty, Jewel Kendall and William Brooke Hamilton, Henry Kendall Hamilton, Newton Gilbert Dougherty, and Maribel Kendall Daffan by Anne and Jim Dougherty Jr.
The flowers in the floor vases E on Sunday, March 6, are given to the Glory of God in loving memory of John Baird from his family. THE BULLETIN
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Instruction in Eucharist Instruction in Eucharist is designed to help us learn/remember why and how we receive the Eucharist. It is especially geared for those who want their kiddos to get the basics this year. We want to share the way God meets us in the Eucharist, how it is out of his great love for us that we are moved to remember him in this way, and have art responses to help connect what we learn. This is an abbreviated version of Instruction in Eucharist. Whether your children
are already taking communion or have yet to do so, we hope that you will come and learn with us. Bring the whole INSTRUCTION IN family and come to- EUCHARIST gether for a morning Sunday, March 27 of learning and growing as we frame our understanding of the Eucharist. The entire parish is welcome to this event. The event will be March 27 from 10-11 a.m. in the Cathedral.
HOLY HABITS, from cover
me joy in a world where joy is sometimes elusive. In modern-day spiritual parlance, we might call a rule of life the adoption of “holy habits,” regular activities and practices that nurture and further our relationship with God. As we enter the season of Lent, I encourage each of us to take on a holy habit. It might be guitar; it might be some artistic expression; it might be a daily walk in God’s creation; it might be the regular study of Holy Scripture. Whatever holy habit you adopt, it will restore balance and structure to your life, which is the first step toward spiritual health—as well as health of other kinds. As a final, but most important note, I’ll offer this: If you are fully vaccinated and otherwise healthy, I hope one holy habit will be a return to in-person worship. As COVID numbers continue to fall in Houston, this Lent is the ideal time to rejoin the worship and community life of your Cathedral. Participating in church has been for many a casualty of the pandemic, but it’s one that can easily be restored with the discipline of a holy habit. Our Lenten worship and our Robert C. Stuart Lenten Series will most definitely restore balance and nourish the soul.
Spring Neighborhood Gatherings Every fall and spring, it has become customary to socialize with parishioners, clergy, and staff of the Cathedral either at the homes of fellow parishioners or in other venues around Houston. We hope you’ll join us at one of the dates that works best for you. • Wednesday, March 9, The Heights • Tuesday, March 29, The Heights RSVP to Lisa Cantu, indicating the date of the party, at least two days before the event (lcantu@christchurchcathedral.org / 713-222-2593). Capacity is limited at each venue, and a reservation is required. We look forward to seeing you.
Gifts from the Giving Tree Throughout the years the Cathedral community has always been very generous when asked to give to various causes. Providing resources to those who are making an impact around us and abroad is part of our Cathedral DNA. It’s why the Giving Tree has been so successful in sending youth out into the communities of Houston, Louisiana, and Costa Rica. The Cathedral donations allow us to keep costs low for missioners to do the good work we are called to do by Jesus. It provides scholarships for students who can’t fiscally afford to go on a life-changing mission. It empowers each of our youth to “let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth,” as found in 1 John 3:18. Finally, the Giving Tree empowers our youth to answer the call with the support of their church community. We believe it’s essential for our students to This year, we are once again able to serve know mission work starts here in our com- abroad, in our sixth intergenerational mismunity of Houston. Our annual Houston sion to Costa Rica. Our high school students mission through the will join adults from the CUSE (Cathedral Urban Cathedral on a short-term You can pick one of the envelopes Service Experience) pro- from The Giving Tree and keep a international mission to gram provides an oppor- picture from one of our previous Limón, Costa Rica. Our tunity to begin doing that companion relationship trips as a reminder to keep us in work. It’s open to the curwith the Diocese of Costa prayer throughout the summer. rent 5th grade through Rica throughout the years 12th-grade youth. This is has been a great blessing an excellent opportunity for our youth to get and benefit to the lives of Cathedral youth. to know the city they live in, grow closer to- This summer we will continue to work to gether as a community, and experience God create a Diocesan space in Limón, similar in a new way by serving local non-profits like to the existing one in San José, to draw misThe Beacon and Interfaith Ministries. sioners towards Limón to help strengthen the
churches on the Caribbean coast. Two years have gone by since Cathedral youth have had the opportunity to participate in a mission trip. We wait, with great anticipation, to see the many ways God will be in our midst. Each of these missions is important to the life and ministry of our youth. Unfortunately, not all are able to afford these trips. Donations to the Giving Tree from parishioners of the Cathedral are the primary source of funds to send youth on these life-changing trips and other activities throughout the year. Our goal this year is to raise $20,000. I am hoping you will join me in donating. We offer several ways for you to donate.
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THE BULLETIN
Vestry Retreat, Annual Parish Retreat, The Dean’s Cross, and more
IN PICTURES
Above during
Above: Vestry members during the Vestry retreat at Camp Allen in January. Mimi Prioleau, Patrick Hayes, Mark Hull, Will Dugat, Guy Hagstette, Gary A. Smith, Matt Wareing, George Hawkins, Katie Barnes, Ben Powell VI, Sonia Mascorro-Velasquez, Bilinda Matusek, Laura Galvin, Flo Ray, Erin McMillin, Kristin Johnson, Barkley Thompson, John Bramblett
Above: Parishioners attend the newcomer’s gathering hosted by The Rev. Kathy Pfister, Canon Vicar. Photo Courtesy Bilinda Matusek Right: Council members attend a training workshop in February. Photo Courtesy Bilinda Matusek THE BULLETIN
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e, below: Danielle Fanfair leads a workshop g the Vestry retreat at Camp Allen.
Above: Roy Nolen is presented with the Dean’s Cross by Senior Warden Matt Wareing. Photo by Rev. Becky Zartman Below: Dean’s Cross Recipients Flo Ray, Roy Nolen, Margot Cater, John Cater, and Will Hamilton. Photo by Rev. Becky Zartman
Left: Former intern Alex Colby takes communion during the Annual Parish retreat at Camp Allen. Photo by Marcia Quintanilla PAGE 5
THE BULLETIN
LENTEN SERIES, from cover
restaurant Pondicheri. As part of ‘Enjoying the Southern Book Prize for his book, The Home (Vegetables) of the Earth,” participants will exPlace: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair periment with new flavors and techniques to with Nature. make meatless dishes. Canon Becky Zartman said that the focus On Sunday, March 13, Dr. Drew Lanham for the series grew out of the Cathedral’s Vi- will talk about his love of nature and passion sion Action Plan developed back in 2019. One for conservation. Lanham is the Alumni Disof the seven components of the plan is Caring tinguished Professor of Wildlife Ecology at for God’s Good Earth. Clemson University and has recently come out “We’ve had a task force working, and there’s with a poetry collection, Sparrow Envy: Field been a Theology Roundtable as well, looking Guide to Birds and Lesser Beasts (2021). at ways that theology and ecology come to“He’s a brilliant speaker, and I’m really lookgether,” said Canon Zartman. “[Canon Kathy ing forward to this,” said Canon Zartman. “The Pfister] and I thought about ways to help the perspective he brings addresses both racial community to make more of a connection.” reconciliation and environmental awareness.” A Lenten Quiet Day at the Houston Botanic Then on the evening of Thursday, March 17th, Garden on Saturday, March 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 Bee2Bee Honey will visit the Bishop’s Courtyard p.m. leads into the series. to talk ‘Beekeeping and Beecaring in Houston.’ “It will be a chance to think about your own “We’re going to build pollinator watering inner garden,” Canon Zartstations and talk about ways man said, “We’ll have a box we can support our pollina“We are really putting a focus on lunch and do short reflectors,” said Canon Zartman. tions and people will have not just listening to a lecture but Jerusalem Greer will time to write or sketch.” speak on Sunday, March experiencing the splendor of God’s Sunday Evenings during 20th. Author of A Year in creation,” said Canon Zartman. Lent in Sanders Hall from this Life: Finding Peace at 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., the Rev. the Crossroads of Unraveled Kathy Pfister, The Rev. Betty Adam, and Pa- Dreams and Beautiful Surprises, Greer is also rishioner Alan Jackson will offer more oppor- a teacher and a member of the Presiding Bishtunities to discuss the morning’s Dean’s Hour. op of The Episcopal Church’s staff. She’ll talk The group will read Developing Ecological Con- about her spiritual explorations and life on her sciousness by Christopher Uhl as a guiding text. hobby farm, Good News Gardens. During the Dean’s Hour, a variety of outOn Saturday, March 26, the youth of the looks from theologians, scholars, advocates, Cathedral will visit Randall Farm to tour the ecologists, farmers, and poets will provide a organic gardens and pitch in to harvest vegfoundation for other engaging experiences etables for THe Beacon. Cathedral adults are welcome too. throughout Lent. The Sunday following on March 27th, envi“We are really putting a focus on not just listening to a lecture but also experiencing ronmental lawyer, sustainability planner and the splendor of God’s creation,” said Canon ecological researcher, poet, and Houstonian Dr. Jim Blackburn will talk about his connecZartman. First up for the Dean’s Hour on March 6 is tion to the Earth. Dr. Blackburn is also the Scott Bader-Saye who is the Helen and Everett founder of Texas Coastal Exchange, a nonH. Jones Chair in Christian Ethics and Moral profit dedicated to supporting the long-term Theology at Seminary of the Southwest where resilience of the Texas Coast. “I love to kayak in the coastal marshes, seehe has served as academic dean since 2013. He will discuss virtue ethics, which is person ing the shrimp jump to the side, the crab scurrying with claws raised like daggers, the white rather than action-based. “We increasingly find ourselves faced with ibis thrusting her scythe-like beak into the soft, what some ethicists are calling ‘wicked prob- dark mud of the marsh,” he said. “Connections lems,’ that is, those ethical challenges that are with other living things – with life being lived much more complicated and global than we by other beings – defines spirituality to me, have faced in the past,” said Bader-Saye. “Our and I hope to explore these concepts in my relation to ‘the splendor of the whole creation’ presentation that will include a poem or two as is both a ‘wicked problem’ and an opportunity. well as some beautiful artistic images.” Participants can have their own spiritual exI look forward to exploring how we can develop the necessary vision and virtue to receive perience on April 2 during an Eco-Art Kayaking Adventure with Artist Boat where they will the gift of God’s presence in all things.” The following Thursday, on March 10th, also have an opportunity to watercolor. To wrap up the Sunday Dean’s Hours, HousCathedral parishioners will participate in a private Zoom cooking class with Indian ton Audubon Owl and Raptor Rescue will visit THE BULLETIN
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Robert C. Stuart Lenten Series
For the Splendor of the Whole Creation 10-11 a.m., Reynolds Hall
March 6, Scott Bader-Saye Virtue ethicist and moral theologian
March 13, Drew Lanham
Renowed birder, naturalist, hunterconservationist, poet, and essayist
March 20, Jerusalem Greer
Author, preacher, teacher, and a member of the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church’s staff
March 27, Jim Blackburn
Environmental lawyer, sustainability planner and ecological researcher, poet, and Houstonian
April 6, Birds, Birds, Birds:
Owls and falcons with the Audubon Houston Audubon Society brings feathered friends
Related events Quiet Day at Houston Botanic Garden March 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Loving the World God Made
Sundays, March 6–April 3, 6:15-7:30 p.m., Sanders Hall
Enjoying the (Vegetables) of the Earth March 10, 6:30 p.m., Zoom
Beekeeping and Beecaring in Houston
March 17, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Bishop’s Courtyard
The Homeplace Field Trip
March 26, 8:30 a.m. at the Cathedral to carpool
Eco-Art Kayaking Adventure with Artist Boat
April 2, 10 a.m - 2 p.m., Galveston Island
Worms, Worms, Worms April 3, 3 p.m. Zoom
Reynolds Hall on April 3 with both raptors and owls. That afternoon, Canon Zartman will give the worms their due with a composting tutorial over Zoom. “I’ve been composting with worms for five years now,” she said. Canon Zartman said that it’s important that the activities be experiential and also fun. She said that anyone who wants to participate in the fee-based activities and needs help covering the cost, to email her. “My hope is that participants fall in love with Creation anew and that we all begin to make more choices that will protect it,” she said.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Visit christchurchcathedral.org/events or call 713-222-2593 to learn more about these and other events at the Cathedral. Registration recommended
Registration required
Registration closed
Childcare available (3 mo. to 12 yrs.)
MARCH
WEEKLY
MARCH 1
SUNDAYS
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 6-8 p.m. Reynolds Hall
Children’s Sunday School 10–11 a.m., Jones 201–208.
MARCH 2
Youth Sunday School 10–11 a.m., The Treehouse.
Ash Wednesday Services at 7 a.m., 12:05, 6 p.m. 7:30 p.m. in Spanish.
and
The Dean’s Book Club 7 p.m., McGehee Conference Room.To discuss The Lincoln Highway, by Amor Towles. MARCH 4 Bridge Night 6:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. 20s & 30s First Friday Fellowship: Young Adults Rodeo Night 7:30 - 9 p.m.
Touch-a-Truck 10 a.m. to noon, Trinity Episcopal Church. Latino Ministry Conferencia Te 6-8 p.m. McGehee Conference Room.
Women’s Morning Bible Study 9:30–11 a.m., Zoom. Gather for sincere and truthful conversation on the scripture reading for the following Sunday.
MARCH 14
MARCH. 17 Amazing Women of Faith 6:30 p.m., The Pearl, 1117 Prairie. A monthly, in-person gathering of women, where the stories and lives of Amazing Women are shared and discussed.
SUNDAYS
Robert C. Stuart Lenten Series Sundays 10-11 a.m., Reynolds Hall • March 6, Scott Bader-Saye • March 13, Drew Lanham • March 20, Jerusalem Greer • March 27, Jim Blackburn
MARCH 6
• April 3, Birds, Birds, Birds: Owls and Falcons with the Audubon
AIDS Walk Arrive by noon., Sam Houston Park.
Cathedral Tours Following the 11 a.m. service every Sunday and after the 9 a.m. service on the third Sunday of the Month (March 20) .
Cathedral 101 12:15 p.m. Jeffers.
Latino Youth Sunday School 1:30–2:30 p.m., The Treehouse. MARCH. 17 Beekeeping and Beecaring in Houston 6:30-7:30 p.m., Bishop’s Courtyard
Latino Ministry Sunday School 1:30-2:30pm., Jones-201, Jones-208. Tea and Toast 5:45–6:30 p.m. in the Bookstore and Latham Lobby.
MARCH 26 MARCH 6 Lenten Evensong 5 p.m., Cathrdral. MARCH 9 Spring Neighborhood Gathering The Heights. MARCH 10 Alzheimer & Dementia Support Group 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Second Thursday of the month.
The Homeplace Field Trip 8:30 a.m. to carpool/caravan together at the Cathedral.
Spring Neighborhood Gathering The Heights.
Buscando La Luz 7 p.m., Mellinger. A program offered by the Latino Ministry to our Spanish speaking language congregation. March 9,16, and 30. THURSDAYS Thursday Lunchtime Men & Women’s Bible Study Noon to 1 p.m., Zoom. Led by Canon Bradley Varnell.
UPCOMING APRIL 1 Young Adults Karaoke 7-9 p.m., Location TBA. Did you miss your calling as an international music icon? Brush up on your favorite songs and come belt ‘em out. Not a singer? No worries every pop star needs adoring fans! Youth Middle School Lock-in 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 a.m., The Treehouse. APRIL 2
MARCH 27
MARCH 29
20s &30s Wednesday Nights 6:30–7:30 p.m., Jeffers.
APRIL 1-2
Youth Service Day 7:30 a.m. to noon, Randall Farm. Instruction in Eucharist 10-11 a.m., Cathedral.
WEBS: Women’s Evening Bible Study 6:30–7:30 p.m., Zoom. Led by Canon Becky Zartman.
Men’s Morning Bible Study 7–8 a.m., Zoom. Hosted by Dean Barkley Thompson, the Men’s Bible Study gathers weekly to explore the scriptures. No prior Bible study is required for participants.
Threads of Comfort and Joy 10–11 a.m. A gathering for those who love to knit and crochet. Second Saturday of the month.
Quiet Day at Houston Botanic Garden 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesday Early Morning Men & Women’s Bible Study 7–8 a.m., Jeffers/ Zoom. Led by Canon Vicar Kathy Pfister, Hybrid.
WEDNESDAYS
MARCH 12
Community of Hope — Circle of Care 6–8 p.m., second Monday of the month.
TUESDAYS
Seed Group 6:30–8 p.m., alternating Tuesdays,
MARCH 10 Enjoying the (Vegetables) of the Earth — Cooking with Pondicheri 6:30 p.m., Zoom
MARCH 5
Bring a friend!
SUNDAYS
Loving the World God Made 6:15-7:30 p.m., Sanders Hall. March 6 - April 3
Eco-Art Kayaking Adventure with Artist Boat 10 a.m - 2 p.m., Galveston Island. APRIL 3 Worms, Worms, Worms 3 p.m. PAGE 7
THE BULLETIN
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Did you know you can read The Bulletin on our website? If you’d like to go “online-only,” contact Ramona Sikes at rsikes@christchurchcathedral.org or call her at 713-217-1347.
EVENSONG, from cover
Evensongs are the perfect opportunity to invite new friends or those curious about our Cathedral. This evensong is one of six choral evensongs throughout the year celebrating the major liturgical feast days. It begins at 5 p.m. and replaces The Well, the Cathedral’s regularly scheduled Sunday evening service. Please join us at this or a future evensong on one of the following Sundays: April 10 (Palm Sunday Evensong) and June 5 (Whitsuntide Concert with Orchestra).
GIVING TREE, from page 3 During Lent, from Sunday, March 6, through April 4, we will be in the cloister every Sunday. You can pick one of the envelopes from the Giving Tree and keep a picture from one of our previous trips as a reminder to keep us in prayer throughout the summer. In the cloister, we are able to accept cash, checks, and credit cards. Donations can also be made by visiting the Cathedral website www.christchurchcathedral. org/youthcostarica or you can mail a check to the Cathedral office. Checks should be made payable to Christ Church Cathedral with The Giving Tree on your check memo line as well as on the envelope. I hope you will prayerfully consider sending one of our students on a mission with both financial support and prayer. THE BULLETIN
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Upcoming Cathedral Youth Events Youth Service Day March 26, 7:30 a.m. to Noon.
Join us at the Randall family farm for a time to work together, help our neighbors, and live out our missional calling.
Middle School Lock-in April 1-2, 6:30 p.m. to 10 a.m., for Cathedral middle schoolers and friends. Cruise away on the Treehouse Fellowship!
A fun-filled lock-in that includes a Cathedral scavenger hunt, glow sticks dance party, and more!
The Climb Saturday, April 23, 1011:15 a.m. Our annual meeting for rising 6th graders and their families.
This is a time to introduce the Youth Ministry of the Cathedral, answer any questions, and get a tour of the Treehouse! Our fifthgrade class will move up to the Treehouse Sunday, April 24. We are excited for this new class to roll into the adventures of the Cathedral youth program. It’s a very exciting time as we welcome new and eager students to the Treehouse.