Dean's Message for March 12, 2026

Author:
March 11, 2026

Beloveds,
It may be hard to believe, but this Sunday marks the halfway point of Lent. The Fourth Sunday in Lent—Laetare Sunday—offers the Church a brief and joyful pause in the midst of this penitential season. The word Laetare means “rejoice,”reminding us that even as we walk the Lenten path of reflection and repentance, we do so in the light of Christ’s promise and hope.

One of the ways this joyful note appears in our tradition is through the color rose, a lightening of the Lenten purple. You are warmly encouraged to join in the spirit of the day by wearing rose or pink as we gather for worship this Sunday.

I also hope you will return to the Cathedral in the afternoon for a special musical offering. At 3:30 p.m., we will begin with a Prelude Organ Recital, followed by Laetare Evensong sung by our Cathedral musicians. After the service, please join us for a reception where you will have the opportunity to meet and greet our new Canon and Senior Associate Priest, the Rev. Tony Kroll. It will be a wonderful time to gather in fellowship and welcome him more fully into the life of the Cathedral.

I hope to see you Sunday morning—and again in the afternoon—as we rejoice together in this bright moment along the Lenten journey.

The Collect for the Fourth Sunday in Lent
Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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

 

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