Dean's Message for March 5, 2026

Author:
March 04, 2026

Beloveds,

My heart is full with gratitude following this week’s Calvary Memphis Lenten Preaching Series — now in its 103rd year. It was an honor to represent St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in such a longstanding and faithful tradition of proclamation. Thank you to all who gathered for the Watch Party, who reached out with encouragement, and who held me in prayer. To experience that moment knowing my Cathedral family was watching, supporting, and cheering from home was a profound gift.

Even as we give thanks, we are mindful that these are weighty days in our wider world. The headlines feel relentless. War, division, and uncertainty press upon many hearts. Lent does not ask us to turn away from such realities. Rather, it teaches us how to carry them — to bring before God what burdens us, to pray more deeply, and to anchor ourselves again in Christ.

We are now fully into the holy rhythm of this season — a time not merely to observe, but to engage. I hope you will lean into the formation offerings on Sunday mornings, the small-group book studies meeting throughout the week, and the outreach opportunities that call us beyond ourselves. Lent shapes us through worship, study, generosity, and shared life. In unsettled times, these practices steady us. They remind us who we are and whose we are.
Looking ahead, I hope you will mark your calendars for several beautiful moments in our common life.

On Monday, March 9, we welcome the Grinnell Singers in concert here at St. Paul’s. This gifted collegiate ensemble will offer a program of sacred choral music that promises depth, beauty, and inspiration. The concert is free and open to the public — a wonderful opportunity to invite friends and neighbors into our Cathedral space.

And next Sunday, March 15, do not miss our Laetare Sunday Choral Evensong & Prelude Organ Recital beginning at 3:30 p.m. As we reach the midpoint of Lent, we pause for a service of beauty and lift — featuring the Cathedral Schola and a festive Bach birthday prelude. A reception will follow, offering a joyful opportunity to celebrate and greet our new priest, Canon Tony. It will be a meaningful afternoon of music, fellowship, and connection.

Lent reminds us that the life of the Cathedral and the life of each disciple are deeply intertwined. Your presence, your prayers, your learning, your generosity — all of it shapes who we are together. In a world that can feel fractured, the Cathedral remains a place of rootedness, prayer, and shared hope.

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

 

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