Dean's Message - August 20, 2026

Author:
August 27, 2026

Beloveds,

As summer begins to wind down, there is a wonderful sense of anticipation building at St. Paul’s. The weeks ahead are full of opportunities to worship, learn, gather, and simply enjoy being together as a Cathedral community.

Oakerhater Sunday is almost here! On Sunday, August 30, we are honored to welcome The Rev. Canon Debbie Royals, a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and a gifted Episcopal priest, educator, and leader in Indigenous ministry. Canon Royals will lead a special formation hour at 9 a.m. and serve as our guest preacher for our one combined service at 10:30 a.m. We’ll begin in the East Garden with Prayer to the Four Directions before processing into the Cathedral, and I hope you’ll stay afterward for our festive reception in Dean Willey Hall. This is one of the most meaningful and distinctive days in the life of St. Paul’s, and I encourage you to experience it.

There are some great opportunities for fellowship on the calendar, too. Have you registered for our annual night at the ballpark? And next Friday, August 28, join us for a Cathedral Social at 1515 Lincoln Gallery, featuring live music from Edgar Cruz. Did you know that 1515 Lincoln is owned and operated by one of our own beloved Cathedral members? Come out, support one another, and enjoy an evening together beyond our Cathedral walls.

And then—Rally Day is on the horizon! Mark your calendar for Sunday, September 13, as we officially welcome everyone home and look ahead to a new program year. This fall will also bring an exciting addition to our Sunday worship rhythm: Evensong with Eucharist at 4 p.m. each Sunday, beginning September 13. There is so much more in store, and I cannot wait to share it with you.

These coming weeks are a beautiful reminder that St. Paul’s is more than a place we come on Sunday mornings. It is a community in which we worship, learn, serve, celebrate, and share life together. I hope you’ll find your place in all that is ahead. See you Sunday!

Grace and peace,

The Very Reverend Katie Churchwell +
15th Dean, St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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