Dean's Message for October 22, 2026

Author:
October 22, 2026

Beloveds,

As we move further into October, I am reminded of the many ways our Cathedral community puts faith into action. From gathering in worship and fellowship to caring for our neighbors and supporting one another, we are continually discovering what it means to live a faithful life together.

Sunday's Living a Faithful Life card invited us to notice and tend what God has entrusted to us. As we continue our October focus on CARE, I encourage you to consider the simple, everyday opportunities to offer that care. Perhaps it is checking in on someone who is struggling, offering a listening ear, extending a helping hand, or simply being present. Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness become the most meaningful expressions of God's love.

This Sunday promises to be especially meaningful. We will commission our new Prayer Team Ministry, offering another way to care for one another through prayer. Beginning this week, prayer ministers will be available during Communion at our 9:00 and 11:15 a.m. services for anyone seeking individual prayer. I hope you will embrace this ministry as another expression of the love and compassion we share.

I also encourage you to join us for Sunday’s Evensong at 4:00 p.m., followed by a special Canon Conversation & Reception with the Rev. Canon TimSean Youmans. Together, we will explore the Book of Job, theologies of suffering, and what it means to cultivate a culture of care. It is a particularly fitting conversation as we conclude this month's focus on caring for ourselves and one another.

Families are especially encouraged to join us Sunday evening! A Children and Youth Faithful Life Gathering will take place alongside Canon Conversations, with dinner provided and age-appropriate programming for children of all ages while parents participate in the conversation.

There are so many ways to participate in the life of St. Paul's in the days ahead. Our Fall Festival on October 31 is approaching, and preparations are underway for an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and hospitality. Whether you help with preparations, volunteer, or simply come and enjoy the festivities, your presence helps make these gatherings special.

We are also preparing for our All Souls' Requiem, Monday November 2 at 7 p.m., a sacred opportunity to remember and give thanks for those who have gone before us. If you have not yet submitted the names of dearly departed loved ones you would like remembered, please do so HERE by October 29. It is a beautiful and important part of our shared life of prayer. We are also collecting framed photos of the dearly departed at the office through October 29 - please share yours.

And as we look toward Consecration Sunday on November 8, I invite you to continue prayerfully considering how you might support the Cathedral's life and ministry in the coming year. Our stewardship theme, Walk in Love, reminds us that generosity is one of the many ways we respond to God's abundant gifts.
There is much happening at St. Paul's, but beneath every gathering, ministry, and opportunity is something beautifully simple: we belong to one another, and we are called to care for one another.

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday.
With love and gratitude,

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

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