Update 2022: St. Paul’s/San Pablo’s, Houston

The Rev. Edward Gomez, rector of St. Paul’s/San Pablo’s, Houston, recalls his south Florida childhood when he and his brother went to the beach. They would know when it was time to go home as dark clouds arose over the ocean. Sometimes, the setting sun would pierce the darkness of the clouds, sending rays of light that gave them hope that they might stay longer.

He likens that experience to 2022 as rays of light and hope pierced the darkness that COVID-19 delivered, as hope returned for church ministries.

The first ray of light came with the news that congregants were to receive a new curate. Rev. Alyssa Stebbing arrived in July 2022.

“Sure enough, her joy and light inspired those wanting to re-engage into the life of the church,” Gomez recalled.

Due to the loss of members who passed away during the pandemic, Stebbing started a grief group that soon turned into an “explorers in the faith” group that faced the hard questions of life. Several of those included: why suffering – why so much loss – why did not anyone prepare us for this?

This movement began a deeper individual healing process that turned communal, giving everyone the message that we are not alone in this journey and grief, Gomez related.

The second ray of light was the new Bishop’s Warden Mauricio Umana and Bishop’s Committee that was ready to shed the old and roll up their sleeves and get to work.

Many campus projects were addressed, most notably the $100,000 kitchen renovation made possible by Crossroads, the homeless ministry on campus. A grant was received from the Medallion Foundation. A new committee was formed to plan the centennial celebration of St. Paul’s in 2023.

“It seemed like tongues of fire had descended upon our campus to begin a healing and renewing process,” Gomez said. “This was also realized by creating the third Sunday of the month into an ‘Holy Unction Sunday’. This service focused on healing, prayer, praise, and worship in a more freeform style. What was moving for me, was how people came up for Holy Unction and when asked where in their lives they needed healing and change, they responded with extremely personal and honest requests.

“There were many tears with the hope of receiving a healing that only God can provide.”

Congregants pray with faith that 2023 will continue to bring renewed missions into the community and into the lives of all who come into the doors, Gomez said.