Easter, Bow Making Newcomer Welcome Party, and more IN PICTURES

USHERS, from page 3 and handing out leaflets, but said the role is really to help people. And he said for him that’s an important way to assist the church beyond just giving your tithe.

“Every church needs people. Every church needs volunteers, and the usher ministry is a great group of people and a great group to get involved with,” he continued, noting: “We had a very vibrant ministry pre-COVID. We had two complete rotations of ushers.” But that changed during the pandemic and now there’s a need for more help. “Everyone saw the Sunday service on Easter — it was huge and frankly we could have used more ushers.”

Matusek said they would love to welcome any parishioners interested and will offer training and answer any questions.

On May 28, there will be a table in the cloister between services where you can meet with ushers and ask questions about how to get involved. But you may also find an usher at any service on Sunday and ask for more information and they will get you in touch with Matusek.

“You can come to church and you can experience the benefit of the Word of God,” Matusek said, “plus, you get to meet people, and that’s been the greatest gift to me. “

In Sunday school, two-year-olds start to build their faith foundation through the lectionarybased SPARK House Bible. Children three-years through first grade participate in Montessoribased Godly Play. And in grades two through five, children begin a more involved Bible story-based curriculum, with Illustrated Ministries’ Mini-Revolution curriculum.

So when kids transition to middle school, Minister for Youth Marcia Quintanilla knows right where they’ve been, spiritually speaking.

“Marcia knows what the kids who have been in Children’s Ministry know, and she knows where they are headed,” Lessner said.

She notes, however, that the program is not meant to be a rigid, one-size-fits-all proposition.

“We want to meet families where they are and encourage and support their decisions. We want to make sure we are prepping children along the way, and helping parents explain what is happening in the service and why. This helps folks understand what good bench marks are in children’s faith formation,” Lessner continued.”

In Godly Play, children start to learn that the theme of God’s great love for them is woven throughout the Bible. By second or third grade, they understand the church’s calendar year and know the Lord’s Prayer. They also view the Eucharist as more than a half-time snack.

“They come to see it as part of corporate worship, and part of the standing invitation that comes with Baptism, to come to the table — and to bring others as well,” Lessner added.

Once children are in the later elementary years, she wants them to start thinking about putting faith into practice.

“We want them to begin to ask: ‘How do I take what I know and use it in the world around me… how do I use that to interact with people I go to school with and I play with?’” Lessner said. “That’s what we talk about in the ceremony before they go to the Treehouse. That’s our handoff.”

Quintanilla is ready to meet the graduating fifth graders on the proverbial climb up to the Treehouse.

“They are blessed and prayed for. It is important for KariAnn and me that their faith community circles around them as they make this huge leap from the ground and begin the climb.” she said. “Confirmation classes begin in the fall of their eighth-grade year, or later if they wish.”

“We meet every Sunday during the academic year at 10 o’clock,” Quintanilla said. “The curriculum that we use is Confirm Not Conform and the Catechism that is found in The Book of Common Prayer. During Lent, we do a fourweek lesson on racial reconciliation.”

This lesson uses the Beloved Community

Cathedral Book Club

A different book is discussed the first Wednesday of the month. Everyone is welcome to attend and join the discussion from 6:30–8 p.m. Please order books from the Cathedral Bookstore. Sessions will be in-person, with Zoom options available. Contact Louise Langford at llangford@christchurchcathedral.org to learn how to participate.

Wednesday, May 3

Wind, Sand and Stars, by Antoine St. Exupéry

Recipient of the Grand Prix of the Académie Française, Wind, Sand and Stars captures the grandeur, danger, and isolation of flight. Its exciting account of air adventure, combined with lyrical prose and the spirit of a philosopher, makes it one of the most popular works ever written about flying.

Wednesday, June 7

March, by Geraldine Brooks

A historical novel and love story set during a time of catastrophe, on the front lines of the American Civil War. Author Brooks gives us the story of the absent father from Alcott’s Little Women — and conjures a world of brutality, courage and transcendent love. An idealistic abolitionist, March has gone as chaplain to serve the Union cause. But the war tests his faith not only in the Union — which is also capable of barbarism and racism—but in himself.

Wednesday, September 6

Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus format from the Episcopal Church and reminds participants of their baptismal covenant. For Quintanilla, it is one of her favorite lessons of the year.

Lessons in Chemistry (2022) is a bestselling novel by Bonnie Garmus about women’s lives, careers, and struggle for empowerment in the late 50s and early 60s. It follows the story of Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist who is forced to become a television chef when she finds herself a young, single mother.

“The covenant calls us to strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being — and racial reconciliation plays a big part in that,” she said. “It’s important for me as their youth minister to teach this, especially given the climate of our times. Most of the youth are already familiar with what we are talking about, but the interesting part is how we mix God into it. How can we relate it back to that early promise we made to God?”

By the time the year-end retreat rolls around, students are ready to take the next step in their faith.

After confirmation, youth are invited to participate in the mission trip to Costa Rica. Since 2019, Cathedral youth have been working on building a Diocesan center in Limón, Costa Rica.

The high school experience for Cathedral youth closes out with Senior Sunday, which is emotional for everyone involved.

“It is a bittersweet transition in the Treehouse. In one hand we are welcoming in fifth graders, then we are making a public affirmation of faith with eighth graders, and in another hand we’re letting go of our seniors,” Quintanilla says. “It’s a mix of emotions. I’m writing letters to parents welcoming kids to the Treehouse and sharing with them how excited I am to welcome them. Then I’m also writing to senior parents about how we anticipate with some sadness the changing shape of our family, even as we are excited about the future.”

Lessner concurs that the transitions are a beautiful thing to watch.

“It is rewarding to see those same kids come back from the Treehouse and visit Children’s Ministry to talk about what they remember,” she said. “Those connections help us to see that we are building that connective tissue that is so important in the body of Christ. When they come back and recount their memory of having been in this classroom and learning that lesson, it really does buoy our Sunday School teachers. We are planting seeds that we may never see grow into their fullness, but we are trusting that those roots are strong.”

This year is even more bittersweet for Lessner as the mom of one high school senior and one freshman.

“I hope we get to see all of these kids live into the fullness of who they are called to be in Christ,” 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

MAY

MAY 3

Cathedral Book Club

Registration required Registration closed Childcare available (3 mo. to 12 yrs.)

MAY 11 THU

Alzheimer & Dementia Suppor t Group

WED

On May 3, the Cathedral Book Club discusses Wind, Sand and Stars by Antoine St. Exupéry.

MAY 5 FRI

Bridge Night

6 :30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room.

MAY 7 SUN

May Fete

10 a.m. bilingual service. Celebrate one of the oldest, and most beloved, Cathedral traditions. Gather at Christ Church for a Sunday filled with special worship, favorite foods, fun games, and the crowing of the May Fete king and queen.

MAY 8 MON

COHI, Circle of Care

6 p.m., Contact Claire Soard: csoard@ christchurchcathedral.org. In-person for May. Second Monday of the month.

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Zoom. Second Thursday of the month.

St. Theresa’s Short Story Book Group

1–3 p.m., Mellinger Room. Open house, lunch will be provided Contact Valerie Meisel at vhmtexas@gmail.com. Second Thursday of the month.

MAY 12 FRI

Noche Familiar, “Family Night”

6–9 p.m., Reynolds Hall. A program intended to build community and strengthen relationships among participant families. Contact Sylvia Garcia at sgarcia@ christchurchcathedral.org.

MAY 13 SAT

Threads of Comfort and Joy

10 a.m., (2nd Saturday of the month), Mellinger Room.

MAY 14 SUN

Confirmation

9 and 1 p.m., Cathedral.

John Philip Newell

6 p.m., Reynolds Hall.

MAY 15 MON

Barbara Brown Taylor and John Philip Newell

7–9 p.m., (Doors open at 6:30) Reynolds Hall, Cathedral.

MAY 20 SAT

Treble Choir of Houston, Spring Concert

MAY 21 SUN

Dean’s Hour Houston at the Crossroads

10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Join The Nature Conservancy in Texas’s Jaime Gonzalez for a discussion and short hike to explore what role nature can play in making the city more climate ready and more healthy for all Houstonians; human and wild.

MAY 28 SUN

Baptism Workshop

10 a.m. to noon, Cathedral.

MAY 28 SUN

Pentecost Evensong

5 p.m. Cathedral

MAY 29 MONDAY

Cathedral office closed for Memorial Day.

Weekly Sundays

Summer Place

MONDAYS

Centering Prayer

11:15 a.m., Mellinger Room.

TUESDAYS

Tuesday Early Morning Men & Women’s Bible Study

7–8 a.m. Zoom. Led by Canon Vicar Kathy Pfister. Through May 9.

WEDNESDAYS

Men’s Morning Bible Study

7–8 a.m., Zoom. No prior bible study is required for participation in this group. Please email Louise Langford at llangford@christchurchcathedral.org for the Zoom link and more information.

Women’s Morning Bible Study

9:30–11 a.m., Zoom. Gather for a sincere and truthful conversation on the appointed scripture reading for the following Sunday. Led by Flo Ray.

Contemplative Chapel

4–5 p.m. on Zoom. Join Interim Dean, Gary Jones Wednesday evenings. Contact Louise Langford to participate: llangford@christchurchcathedral.org

Upcoming

JUNE 7 WED

Cathedral Book Club

On June 7, the Cathedral Book Club discusses March, by Geraldine Brooks

MAY 9, 11

TUE, THU

Spring Neighborhood Gatherings

6–7:30 p.m. RSVP to Lisa Cantu indicating the date of the party at least two days before your preferred date (lcantu@christchurchcathedral.org / 713-222-2593). Capacity is limited at each venue and a reservation is required. We look forward to seeing you!

INSTRUCTION, from cover

3 p.m., St. Thomas Episcopal Church and School, 4900 Jackwood Street.

MAY 21 SUN

Senior Sunday anyone who wanted to learn about or remember the meaning behind our weekly rituals. Varnell was standing alongside Minister for Children, KariAnn Lessner as they worked together to answer questions and offer understanding for these curious kiddos.

9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m., Cathedral. We will honor our high school seniors. Reception at 10 a.m. in the Mellinger Room.

As a father of older pre-teens, it was refreshing to reminisce and see younger children learning about participation in worship through practices some of us might take for granted. Many of their parents watched intently from the pews as they asked questions about the altar and candles; wafers and wine. Some parents grinned as their little ones offered cute

10–11 a.m., Reynolds Hall. On Sundays beginning May 28, different councils will host. Drop by and see what the councils are up to, visit with your friends, and enjoy some coffee and snacks. All are welcome!

Cathedral Tours insights or connected with obvious understanding. Formation is an important part of our faith, and I found inspiration that morning through the eyes of children. It served as a reminder — not only of considering the basics and remembering the intent and meaning behind things we do — but of the importance of sharing our traditions and values with those who will lead the church in a few years. It only takes a little time and patience to offer insight and share the things we hold dear. And before you know it, some of them will be looking back and sharing what they remember from that altar rail as they explain those things to young Episcopalians-in-training.

Tours are held every Sunday following the 11 a.m. service. They will also be held the third Sunday of each month following services at 9 a.m. and The Well.

JUNE 16 THUS

Summer Shade

6–9 p.m. Summer Shade returns on with a spectacular lineup! Every Thursday night we will gather at 6:30 pm for a movie night, activity night, or game night.

JULY 6 THU

Episcopal Night at the Ballpark

Enjoy a pre-game cookout in the Bishop’s Courtyard before cheering on the Astros at Episcopal Night at the Ballpark! Food, drinks, and parking are free (while supplies last), so mark your calendar and come on down!