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.” one’s everyday life: Love.”

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.

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 in Spanish.

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

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.