The CATHEDRAL TIMES

The weekly newsletter of the Cathedral of St. Philip · Serving Atlanta and the World · March 19, 2023

The Lorica Of Saint Patrick

By the Very Rev. Sam Candler, Dean of the Cathedral

This has become a week to remember Saint Patrick! There sure are some fun ways to celebrate the folk stories about him. However, if you are beyond simply drinking green beer to remember Patrick, I offer you these words, a prayer attributed to him. In the Irish tradition, a “lorica” is a “protection prayer.” This familiar version was translated by Cecil Frances Alexander (who also wrote “All Things Bright and Beautiful!”)

I bind unto myself today the strong Name of the Trinity, by invocation of the same, the Three in One, and One in Three.

I bind this day to me forever, by power of faith, Christ’s Incarnation; his baptism in the Jordan river; his death on cross for my salvation; His bursting from the spiced tomb; his riding up the heavenly way; his coming at the day of doom: I bind unto myself today.

I bind unto myself the power of the great love of cherubim; the sweet “Well done” in judgement hour; the service of the seraphim; confessors’ faith, apostles’ word, the patriarchs’ prayers, the prophets’ scrolls; all good deeds done unto the Lord, and purity of virgin souls.

I bind unto myself today the virtues of the starlit heaven, the glorious sun’s life-giving ray, the whiteness of the moon at even, the flashing of the lightning free, the whirling wind’s tempestuous shocks, the stable earth, the deep salt sea, around the old eternal rocks.

I bind unto myself today the power of God to hold and lead, his eye to watch, his might to stay, his ear to hearken to my need; the wisdom of my God to teach, his hand to guide, his shield to ward; the word of God to give me speech, his heavenly host to be my guard.

Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself the Name, the strong Name of the Trinity, by invocation of the same, the Three in One, and One in Three. Of whom all nature hath creation, eternal Father, Spirit, Word: praise to the Lord of my salvation, salvation is of Christ the Lord.

(attributed to Saint Patrick, died circa 461 A.D.)

This SUNDAY

MARCH 19, 2023 · The Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year A

1 Samuel 16:1-13 • Psalm 23 • Ephesians 5:8-14 • John 9:1-41

8:45 A.M., 11:15 A.M. AND 4 P.M.: IN-PERSON AND ONLINE

CATHEDRALATL.ORG / THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. PHILIP APP / FACEBOOK / YOUTUBE

7:45 A.M. HOLY EUCHARIST, MIKELL CHAPEL

Celebrant and Preacher: The Rev. Canon George Maxwell

8:45 AND 11:15 A.M. HOLY EUCHARIST, CATHEDRAL

Celebrant: The Very Rev. Sam Candler

Preacher: The Rev. Canon Julia Mitchener

8:45 a.m. Cathedral Singers / 11:15 a.m. Cathedral Choir : Thomas Matthews (1915-1999), The Lord is my Shepherd John Tavener (1944-2013), The Lamb

11:15 A.M. LA SANTA EUCARISTÍA, MIKELL CHAPEL

Officiant and Preacher: The Rev. Deacon Juan Sandoval

4 P.M. DIOCESAN CONFIRMATION , CATHEDRAL

Celebrant and Preacher: The Rt. Rev. Robert Wright

The Choir of Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church, Sandy Springs

Stewardship

CHILDREN’S STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN CONTINUES IN LENT

Thanks to all of the children of the parish who are sharing with the church as part of the 2023 Stewardship Campaign! This year we are encouraging families throughout the Cathedral to make stewardship a family habit! Stewardship chairs Ron and Kate Henry will lead the efforts in educating Cathedral children on the basic roles that money serves – spending on the here and now, saving for the future, and sharing with others in need. As part of the Lenten season, we are encouraging children to make their own pledges and sharing with the Cathedral community.

Children can return the pledge card below to the Children’s Chapel Offertory or during the main service at “Big Church.” Children who submit a pledge form will receive their very own pledge envelopes to share their contributions with the Cathedral. Learn more at cathedralATL.org/kidspledge. Thank you!

I pledge to the Cathedral of St. Philip because:

My name:

Guardian(s):

I pledge $__________ every week / month (circle one) to the Cathedral!

Wednesday Evenings In Lent

Join us on Wednesday evenings during Lent for a light supper and program offerings for all. We’ll start in Child Hall with dinner at 5:30 p.m., and break into smaller groups for programming from 6–7 p.m. Godly Play, for children through 5th grade, and childcare for children 3 and under will be available. Meals must be ordered in advance. Register for dinner at cathedralATL.org/LentenDinner. Please note that all of the study books are available at cathedralbookstore.org.

CHOOSE FROM ONE OF THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS: Book Study with Canon Julia Mitchener

Cathedral Book Store

Join us for a five-week study of Stephanie Land’s acclaimed book Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive. Ms. Land’s story is compelling and highly narrative, chronicling her struggle to provide a stable life for herself and her young daughter after fleeing domestic abuse. While we will discuss ways in which we might better help people who are unhoused in our own community, the main focus of the class will be to gain better understanding of the housing crisis and the societal dynamics that contribute to it. Please contact Canon Julia Mitchener, julia.mitchener@ cathedralATL.org, for more information.

“The Chosen” with the Rev. Dr. Thee Smith

Gould Room

*Please note this class begins at 5 p.m. with a 6 p.m. option to arrive and join the discussion followed by video clip highlights. “The Chosen!” It’s arguably the greatest breakthrough in Christian film media so far this century. Join a core group of Cathedral-goers as we gather together on Wednesday evenings in Lent for a free film screening and follow-up discussion co-moderated by the Rev. Dr. Thee Smith.

Book Study with Canon Lauren Holder

Conference Room 239

Parishioner Sara Blackwood and Canon Lauren Holder are facilitating a weekly conversation using the book Good Inside: A Guide To Becoming the Parent You Want To Be by Dr. Becky Kennedy. While the book is geared towards parenting, it is truly a book about relationships, and this conversation is open to all. Alongside the book, we will explore the baptismal covenant, what it means to be created in the image of God, the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, and how we can support one another in our walk with Christ. Your presence will bless our conversation—no reading necessary!

Book Study with Adam Mathes

Chapter Room (319)

Regarded by some as the second most influential book in the western world (behind only the Bible), St. Augustine’s Confessions profoundly shaped the Christian faith and the ways in which Western minds regard themselves, their primary relationships, and their pursuit of the good. This reading group will move quickly through Confessions and gather to discuss key elements to aid in understanding and to enrich the faith of participants.