February 2023 Bulletin

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL

An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas FEBRUARY

Lenten series invites a return to love

When Christ Chuch Cathedral staff were brainstorming this year’s Lenten series, Dean Gary Jones said they considered St. Paul.

“Writing from prison, Paul encouraged the Christians in Philippi to focus on ‘whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, and commendable,’” Dean Jones said. “He also advised them that ‘if there is any excellence and anything worthy of praise, [to] think about these things.’”

It is an anecdote for the current stressful and sometimes chaotic environment, with its growing anxiety, and a frequent lack of civility.

“There is so much ‘noise’ that our souls cannot help but be affected,” said Dean Jones. “We sensed it was a matter of where we give our attention, where we decide to focus and center our lives.”

Musings from theologian Howard Thurman

Contemplative Chapel this Lent

Beginning Wednesday, March 1 (the Wednesday after Ash Wednesday), anyone interested in participating is welcome to join in an online experience of contemplative prayer with Dean Gary Jones, via Zoom.

Each session begins with a very brief welcome and reflection, followed by a time of “Holy Reading” or

CONTEMPLATIVE, page 3

and Quaker mystic Thomas Kelly as well as Ernest Hemingway’s admonition to himself to “Write the truest sentence you know,” led the group to sum up The Robert C. Stuart Lenten Series in this way:

Return to what is genuine and true.

Return to what you know.

Return to Love

“‘Love,’ of course, is often the name given to God,” said Dean Jones. “And when Brother Lawrence humbly taught the eminent clergy and theologians of his day, he encouraged them regularly to keep “returning to Love,” always consult Love throughout your day, let Love become your intimate Friend. And Brother Lawrence’s life showed that what one so intimately befriends is what one gradually becomes in

LENTEN SERIES, page 6

There’s an old Peanuts comic strip in which Linus approaches Charlie Brown and asks, “Charlie Brown, do you want to know what the trouble is with you?”

Charlie Brown looks at Linus and answers simply. “No.”

The two stare at each other … Then Linus says, “The trouble with you, Charlie Brown, is that you don’t want to know what the trouble is with you.”

I guess there’s some truth in that about each of us. Sometimes we’re too full of pride or denial to want to know what the trouble is with us. That’s true some of the time. But my experience is that most of the people who come to talk with me are all too aware of what troubles them, what is wrong in them.

Psalm 51 puts it well: “I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.” The bigger problem for many of us is not that we are in denial, but that we are too acutely aware of what is wrong with us. And the result is that we seek out nonjudgmental clergy and therapists to help us, because our lives have become centered on, and defined by, what we believe is wrong. We want to see more.

And unfortunately, in our present cultural moment, many of us are often like Linus — we are all too ready to point out what is wrong with someone else. But when our attention is centered on what is wrong, either in ourselves or in others, this just means that the pearl of great price will go unnoticed, the buried treasure will remain buried, in our own lives and in the lives of others.

Psalm 51 concludes, “The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit, a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” My sense is that most of us are troubled

PEARL, page 8

The pearl of great price

THE VERY REV. GARY JONES

Our Cathedral Family

We celebrate with

E María Leaquina Bautista Vargas and Erick Rosario Macareno who were married in Golding Chapel on January 3.

E the following children who baptized on January 8, 2023: Patrick Calvarin Broderick, Charlotte (“Lottie”) Grace Borreca, Mary Grace Clawater Cross, Scarlett James Peeler, Eleanor Elizabeth Simmons, Kaley Sophia Franco.

We extend heartfelt sympathy

E to the family of member Janice Hood Barrow who passed away on December 16, 2022. Janice is mother to Elizabeth Bruggeman, Barbara McKelvey, Ken Barrow and Theodore Barrow.

E to the family of member Morris Taggart who passed away on December 29, 2022. Morris is father to Peter Taggart and Deirdre Taggart

The flowers on the Cathedral Altar

E on January 15 were given to the glory of God in honor of Andrew Sanchez, Gil and Margaret Greenwood, and Elise and Lucy Sargent for their birthdays by Kristy Greenwood

E on January 22 were given to the glory of God in loving memory of Sidney Buchanan Jr. by his family.

E on February 5 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Scott Cawley by his family.

E on February 12 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of her parents, Nancy Peel and Burney Boyd McClurkan, by Elaine d’Lys McClurkan

E on February 19 are given in glory to God and in celebration of the marriage of Kendall Nibert and Trevor Childers by Earl and Ainslie Nibert

The flowers in the floor vases

E on January 8 were given to the glory of God in loving memory of Donald McDonald by his children.

Easter Lily Sales

Easter lilies are considered the symbols of purity, innocence, new life, and resurrection and have adorned Christ Church Cathedral for many years. A dedication can be made in loving memory, honor, or in joyful thanksgiving. You may order online at our website from Wednesday, February 22 to Sunday, March 12 at www.christchurchcathedral.org/easterlilies. The cost of an Easter Lily is $15 per plant. If paying by check, make your check payable to Christ Church Cathedral and on the memo line add Easter lilies.

Mail payments to:

Attn: Altar Guild, Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002

You may also visit with Lisa Viktorin (lviktorin@ christchurchcathedral.org) in the Cloister to place an order on February 26, March 5, and March 12. All dedications received by March 12 will be printed in the Easter leaflets. Dedications received after that date will be included in May publications.

Search Committee update

KRISTIN JOHNSON

In the last few updates from the search committee, we shared news about the necessary processes we have gone through to begin our work. These have included diocesan training, reviews of our parish profile and the development of an extensive list of thoughtful interview questions and procedures that will help us gather a deep understanding of our prospects.

We are happy to report that, at this time, we have a list of more than fifty prospects from a variety of referrals, and have moved into the next phase of our search which involves research about each one of them. Thankfully, we can learn a lot about our prospects on-line, through their publications, personal and/or church websites, etc. Search committee members are busy at work reading about these individuals and the roles they play within their respective congregations. During the pandemic, most churches began live streaming and recording church services which has created a wonderful opportunity for the committee to view the sermons and preaching styles of any prospects.

We are still in the early phases of the selection process but we are highly encouraged by the number of referrals we have received and the notable experience of these priests. Personally, I have been incredibly moved by the work of this committee and the individuals who serve on it. The thoughtfulness, love and appreciation for the Cathedral and its congregants is profound and it gives me tremendous confidence that we will identify a Dean who exhibits those same qualities.

We are grateful for your patience and continue to ask for your prayers, specifically that the Holy Spirit guides us in this work.

Pastoral Care Corner

Dying in Christ: the end of life in the Anglican tradition

We are Resurrection people, yet talking about death can be hard. You are invited to this three-week series exploring the theology and liturgy of dying, as well as practical information on planning for a funeral. Join us in the Jeffers Conference Room for a light lunch and rich conversation. Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. Beginning March 1.

Pastoral Care Lunch and Serve

It takes moments of intention and care to bring encouragement to those around us! Come practice with Pastoral Care’s Lunch & Serve on February 5 at 12:30 in the McGehee Conference Room. No previous experience is necessary. We will have a light lunch & brief talk about building a culture of care, and then work on a card sending project to remember in prayer the people on our prayer list and others! RSVP to Claire Soard at csoard@christchurchcathedral.org to ensure we have the correct amount of food and supplies.

Lectio Divina. Using a short passage of Scripture, participants are guided through a meditative engagement with the passage. Lectio Divina is often thought of as a way of listening to the words of Scripture, as if we are in a conversation with Christ, and Christ is initiating the conversation. This is followed by a time of centering prayer, or resting in God. Everyone is invited; you do not have to have any experience with these ancient contemplative traditions in order to join in fully. You’ll receive helpful information about these ancient Christian traditions, and you’ll be led through it all over again each Wednesday evening. And the truth is that human beings are made for this. There’s nothing simpler or more natural than our God-given capacity for contemplation. Many are finding that practicing with others is unusually powerful and provides the support we need to maintain a practice. Participants will arrive with microphones muted throughout the session. All are invited to arrive with their video on, but that is entirely up to the participant. If you are feeling too strung out or exhausted on any given evening,

All are welcome to Latino Ministry Noche Familiar “Family Fun Night”

Noche Familiar “Family Night” is a wonderful program intended to build community and strengthen relationships among participant families.

or you’d rather not be seen in your pajamas, then by all means, simply show up without your video on and rest, knowing that the intentions of the group for each other during each session are effective, whether we can see everyone or not. We all have our days.

Although participants will regularly receive a brief reflection or quotation ahead of time, there is nothing to prepare, and participants will not be invited to speak or share their experiences. As many people say about contemplative practice, “It’s all about simply showing up.” The

CONTEMPLATIVE CHAPEL

practice of silent prayer in community feels unusually powerful and generously supportive, as we all “hold this space” for each other. At the same time, the dynamic of showing up simply to release yourself to God, without any expectation of speaking about your experience, can also be uniquely liberating.

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Zoom

To learn how to participate in these weekly Zoom sessions, visit www.christchurchcathedral.org/ contemplativechapel, or contact Louise Langford at llangford@christchurchcatheral.org.

The Giving Tree helps Cathedral Youth grow into a life of service

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.

NOCHE FAMILIAR

6-9 p.m. Friday, March 17, April 14, May 12

This program focuses on culture and traditions which offers wonderful opportunities for people to learn from each other. It also offers opportunities for the children to learn about traditions in the Latino culture. We share food and play traditional Latino games.

Each night is led by different members of the Latino Congregation of the Cathedral making presentations in Spanish or having people working in group in different activities. There is lots of fun that we have during Family Night!

Join us March 17, April 14, and May 12 from 6-9 p.m. in Reynolds Hall. Everybody is welcome to participate. For more information, please contact Sylvia García, Assistant to the Latino Ministry, at 713-590-3329 or email sgarcia@christchurchcathedral.org.

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. The Giving Tree empowers our youth to answer the call with the support of their church community.

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.

During Lent, beginning February 26, we will be in the cloister on Sundays. 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 at: 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.

Cathedral Youth from the 2022 Costa Rica Mission trip.

Annual Parish Meeting, Choir Cabaret, Annual Parish Retreat, and more

IN PICTURES

Below right: Parishioners the annual

Above: Interim Dean Gary Jones announces Elizabeth Cuevas’ promotion to Minister for Community Life and Welcome during the Annual Parish Meeting

Below: Cathedral members show support for our Latino ministries at the Annual Parish Meeting.

Right: The Choir performs at their upcoming trip to

Ēriks Ešenvalds Mass honors

Robert Simpson

To mark Robert Simpson’s 25th anniversary as Canon for Music at Christ Church Cathedral, the Cathedral Choir commissioned one of today’s leading composers to write a new Mass setting.

MASS OF THE ETERNAL FLAME, BY ĒRIKS EŠENVALDS

Sunday, February 26, 5 p.m.

Scored for choir, brass and organ, Mass of the Eternal Flame by Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds will be premiered by the Cathedral Choir at 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 26. The composer will be in attendance.

“I was thrilled, and deeply moved,” Simpson says, “when Dean Thompson and the Cathedral Choir surprised me with the announcement that Ēriks Ešenvalds had been commissioned by them to write a Mass in my honor. Ešenvalds is the composer I would have picked myself. His works are performed around the world. This Mass is stunning, and we are all very excited that he will be with us for the premiere.”

Mass of the Eternal Flame was written during the peak of the COVID pandemic. Its title recalls God’s ever-present Spirit among us, and the inextinguishable human spark that sustained us during that period. It also honors the memory of those we lost by invoking the significance of eternal flames that burn at memorials and grave sites around the world.

The Cathedral Choir, Paragon Brass, and Cathedral Organist Daryl Robinson will record this work in the days following the premiere for a CD that will also feature performances by the Treble Choir of Houston at Christ Church Cathedral, directed by Marianna Parnas-Simpson, and a major new organ work played by Daryl Robinson commissioned by Cathedral Parishioner Charlotte Jones.

Celebrating Robert Simpson’s 25th anniversary as Canon for Music

Parishioners spend time in worship during Parish Retreat at Camp Allen.

the Choir Cabaret to help fund to sing in Scotland and Ireland.

Above: Minister for Children and Families KariAnn Lessner captures the childrens’ attention as she reads during a special Dean’s Hour

Below: Lucy Chambers and Canon Zartman prepare king cakes for the Dean’s Hour.

one’s everyday life: Love.”

In this spirit, the Robert C. Stuart Lenten Series offers a range of dynamic and thoughtful speakers, including two of the most esteemed and sought-after speakers on Christian spirituality in the world today: Martin Laird and Carmen Acevedo Butcher. In addition, the series also has added meaning because it is in honor of former Cathedral Dean Barkley Thompson.

Laird, one of the world’s greatest teachers of Christian contemplation, will lead a day-long retreat at the Cathedral on Saturday, March 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. And Acevedo Butcher, a renowned translator of ancient spiritual texts, will speak Saturday evening, March 25 on the life-changing joy of simplicity.

“Some speakers of such profound faith and learning can seem remote or overly academic,” Dean Jones said. “Martin Laird and Carmen Butcher have the gift of relating divine mysteries to our everyday lives, and they do this with wonderful humor, gentleness, and humility.”

In addition to these special events, the Sunday morning Dean’s Hour will feature briefer presentations by Laird and Acevedo Butcher, along with other fascinating speakers.

After a commencement reception on February 25, the lecture series kicks off on Sunday, February 26, with ‘A Place for the Genuine.’ Poets Allison Seay and Jason Myers will explore the ways that we can use poetry, nature, and meditation to still ourselves and be more aware of God’s presence and provision.

Seay, who is the recipient of fellowships from the Ruth Lilly Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, is the author of To See the Queen. She also serves on the board of EcoTheo Collective which promotes the connection between ecology and spirituality.

Myers is also a poet, as well as a priest. A National Poetry Series finalist and author of two collections, he is the editor in chief of the EcoTheo Review and Co-Director of EcoTheo Collective.

The following Sunday, March 5, Laird will discuss Christian contemplative practice. The author of three books on the subject, he is known for making the practice of contemplation accessible and uplifting. As one admirer wrote: “You don’t need a horsehair shirt or cilice to embrace silent prayer: on the contrary, this is a healthy, life-affirming spirituality that can help us lead happier and more meaningful lives today.”

A Latino Ministry Lenten Retreat will be held on Saturday, March 11, when members of the Latino congregation gather in prayer and reflection upon the spirituality of Lent.

On March 12, writer and apologist Tricia

Lyons delves into the mythology of some of our most beloved films and movies. If you didn’t know how Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter inspire faithfulness, you will after this presentation. Lyons teaches evangelism at Virginia Theological Seminary and serves as Senior Advisor to the Dean for Evangelism Initiatives.

Next, on March 19, Rice University Professor and Author Marcia Brennan explores the topic “Write the Truest Sentence You Know: Images of Love at the End of Life.” Brennan is a professor of both religion and art history, and since 2009, she has served as an Artist In Residence in the Department of Palliative Medicine at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

To conclude the series, on March 26, Medieval Studies Ph.D Acevedo Butcher will delve into spiritual texts of the middle ages. A Carnegie Foundation Professor of the Year and Fulbright Senior Lecturer, Acevedo Butcher teaches at the University of California, Berkeley, in the College Writing Programs.

In preparation for the Lenten series, Dean Jones suggests any of Laird’s three books: Into the Silent Land, A Sunlit Absence and An Ocean of Light.

Return to Love

The Robert C. Stuart Lenten Series in honor of the Very Rev. Barkley S. Thompson

Special Events February 25, March 4, 11, 25

Lectures February 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26

Commencement Reception with Poets

Allison Seay and Jason Myers

Saturday, Feb. 25, 4 p.m., Reynolds Hall

A Place for the Genuine:

Jason Myers and Allison Seay Lecture

Sunday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall

Lenten Retreat with Martin Laird

Saturday, March 4, 9 a.m., Reynolds Hall

Martin Laird Lecture

Sunday, March 5, 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall

Latino Ministry Lenten Retreat

Saturday, March 11, 8:30 a.m., McGehee Conference Room

The Rev. Tricia Lyons Lecture

Sunday, March 12, 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall

Marcia Brennan Lecture

Sunday, March 19, 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall

Unknowing into the Joy of Simplicity: Finding Our Meaning & Purpose with Carmen Acevedo Butcher

Saturday, March 25, 6:30 p.m., Sanders Hall

Carmen Acevedo Butcher Lecture

Sunday, March 26, 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall

www.christchurchcathedral.org/lent

“I try to read at least a couple of pages a day in these books,” he said. “When I finish one, I go to the next, then the next. Then, I start all over. I’ve been doing this for years. The wisdom and insights here are to be savored.”

Dean Jones especially recommends Practice of the Presence, Acevedo Butcher’s engaging book of Brother Lawrence’s spiritual insights. He said her translation of The Cloud of Unknowing and her Lenten devotional, Following Christ, are also excellent choices.

“Carmen’s translation of Brother Lawrence’s work, Practice of the Presence, is disarming in its gentleness,” he said. “As I read it, I began to feel as if Brother Lawrence was an intimate friend, and the practice he so lovingly explained felt both effortless and deeply profound.”

In addition to the readings, Dean Jones will offer a weekly “Contemplative Chapel” on Wednesday evenings in Lent, 6:30-7:30 p.m., from March 1 to April 5, on Zoom. No experience is necessary to participate. Each

session will include helpful instruction, and participants will remain muted throughout, practicing on their own without being asked to speak about their experience.

“There’s nothing simpler or more natural than our God-given capacity for contemplation,” said Dean Jones. “Many find that practicing with others provides the support we need to maintain a practice.”

Summing up his enthusiasm about this year’s Robert C. Stuart Lenten Series, Dean Jones said, “Centering one’s life on the deepest of spiritual truths is more of an exercise in subtraction than addition. What William Wordsworth said 300 years ago is acutely true today, ‘The world is too much with us,’ while the Psalmist speaks a truth that resonates through millennia, ‘For God alone my soul in silence waits.’ Our souls already know what we are in jeopardy of forgetting. This Lenten series is an invitation, with the help of spiritual masters, to remember and return.”

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

FEBRUARY

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

TUESDAYS

WEEKLY

FEB 1 WED

Cathedral Book Club

6:30 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. The Cathedral Book Club will discuss: Fox and I: An Uncommon Friendship by Catherine Raven

FEB

FEB 3 FRI

Bridge Night

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

FEB 5 SUN

Pastoral Care Lunch and Serve

12:20-2 p.m., McGehee Conference Room. Caring for our neighbors is a call for every Jesus-follower. Pastoral Care Volunteers will gather for a light lunch, a brief discussion on building a culture of care and work on cards to send to those members who need to hear we remember and love them!

FEB 9 THU

Alzheimer & Dementia Suppor t Group

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

St. Theresa’s Short Story Book Group

2 p.m., various locations. Contact Valerie Meisel at vhmtexas@gmail.com. Second Thursday of the month.

FEB 11 SAT

Threads of Comfort and Joy 10 a.m., (2nd Saturday of the month), Mellinger Room.

Council Of Councils 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

FEB 13 MON

COHI, Circle of Care

6 p.m., Zoom. Please note some meetings are held in person and some over Zoom. 2nd Monday of the Month,

FEB 21 TUE

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

6 p.m., Reynolds Hall. Before you dig out your sackcloth and get your ashes, celebrate one last feast before Easter with the Annual Shrove Tuesday pancake supper.

FEB 22 TUE

Ash Wednesday Services

7 a.m., 12:05, 6 p.m. , and 7:30 p.m.

in Spanish.

FEB 24-25

Diocesan Council

FEB 25 SAT

Commencement Reception with Poets

Allison Seay and Jason Myers

4–6 p.m., Reynolds Hall.

SUNDAYS

Children’s Sunday School

10–11 a.m., Jones 201–208. Children’s Sunday School (3 years – 5th grade) will gather in Golding Chapel for a time of music, story, and prayer. We will then walk together to the Jones building. Come check out all the new things going on in Children’s Ministry!

Tuesday Early Morning Men & Women’s Bible Study

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

Women’s Evening Bible Study

6:30–7:30 p.m. Led by Canon Becky Zartman.

Seed Group

6:30 p.m. off campus. For Middle School Youth. Starts Feb. 21.

20s & 30s Bible Study

7-8 p.m., Jeffers Conference Room.

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

FEB 26 SUN

Return to Love: The Robert C. Stuart Lenten Series in honor of the Very Rev. Barkley S. Thompson 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. A Place for the Genuine: Jason Myers and Allison Seay Lecture.

FEB 26 SUN Mass of the Eternal Flame 5 p.m. Cathedral. Evening concert.

SUNDAYS

Dean’s Hour

10 a.m., Reynolds Hall

• Feb. 5, 12, 19. Join Interim Dean Gary Jones for a four-part Dean’s Hour series about how signs and sacraments are sources of power and portals to a deeper life that is only dimly intuited or altogether ignored in our over-busy, hyperrational, and materialistic society.

Cathedral Tours

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.

Latino Ministry Sunday School

1–2:30 p.m., Jones 201–208.

Latino Youth Sunday School

1–2:30 p.m., The Treehouse.

How-to Bible

6:15 p.m., Sanders Hall. Have you ever started to read the Bible but quit somewhere in Numbers? Ever wonder what is going on in the Sunday readings? This six-week course is an introduction to Scripture. Absolutely no prior knowledge required, and there is nothing that you “should” know. An excellent follow up class to The Anglican Way. Led by Canon Zartman.

MONDAYS

Centering Prayer

11:15 a.m., Mellinger Room.

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.

THURSDAYS

Exodus: The Liberating God

12:05-1 p.m. Zoom.

UPCOMING

WEDNESDAYS MARCH 1, 8, 15

Dying in Christ: the end of life in the Anglican tradition

12:15 p.m., Jeffers Conference Room. We are Resurrection people, yet talking about death can be hard. You are invited to this 3 week series exploring the theology and liturgy of dying, as well as practical information on planning for a funeral. Join us for a light lunch and rich conversation.

MARCH 5 SUN

Return to Love: The Robert C. Stuart Lenten Series in honor of the Very Rev. Barkley S. Thompson 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. Martin Laird lecture.

1-6 WED-MON Costa Rica Exploratory Trip

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.

We say prayers; we seldom sit in the presence of God and wait. The very thought of simply listening for the whisper of the soft, still voice within is not only rare, it is uncomfortable these days. Shouldn’t we be doing something, our souls shout at us. Shouldn’t we be going somewhere, doing something, at least saying something holy?

to something more.

17

But it is the voice of God within that brings calm and direction. It drains the negative energy out of the present so that we can go on, calmly aware that there is nowhere where we are alone.

enough, already. And God isn’t inviting us to go into our room and shut the door so that God can remind us how we have fallen short. Instead, perhaps God wants us to pray in secret, so that God can approach us in a most unexpected way, and so that God can reward us with something we might never see, if we continue to center our lives on what is wrong. Being troubled and broken-hearted is enough. Maybe the Gospel is an invitation

And maybe Lent is the time to go into our room and shut the door, not so that God can remind us of our sins, which are already “ever before us,” but so that God can approach with the pearl of great price, the treasure that has been buried for too long, and God can ask us, “Do you want to know what I love about you?”

And then we can open our door, leave our room, and approach each other in this same way.

This kind of prayer prepares us to feel the presence of God everywhere because we have discovered that the presence of God is within. It enables us to respond to it in waves of trust that carry us far beyond the storms of the present to the fullness of the future.

—The Breath of the Soul: Reflections on Prayer (Twenty -Third Publications), Joan Chittister

PEARL, from cover

ELIZABETH CUEVAS, named Minister for Community Life and Welcome

KATE MUMEY, Accepted as a Postulant for Holy Orders

MARIA TERESA BAUTISTA-BERRIOS, Accepted as a Candidate for Holy Orders CELESTE GARDNER Ordained February 1 JEREMY BRADLEY Ordained January