Dear Cathedral Family,
On Saturday, April 23, 2005, The Right Reverend Philip Duncan, III Bishop of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, was seated in the newly named cathedral of the diocese, and Christ Church, Mobile began its new life as Christ Church Cathedral. The rector of Christ Church then became its first dean, The Very Reverend Johnny Cook.
Each year since, the Sunday of our bishop’s official parochial visit has been designated an annual Cathedral Celebration, a day to give thanks for the special ministry entrusted to us as the spiritual home of our diocese. This Sunday will be our 17th Annual Cathedral Celebration. Our present (IV) bishop, The Right Reverend Russell Kendrick, will lead us in a service of Holy Baptism, Confirmation and Reception, and Holy Eucharist. Afterwards, we will celebrate the many blessings of our life together at a special time of hospitality in the Chapter House and garden.
Sunday will be the culmination of a weekend of cathedral events. This Saturday we will host the ordination to the diaconate of Amanda Dosher and Kenneth White-Spunner. Clergy, family, and friends from throughout the diocese and beyond will gather for hospitality and activities beginning at 9 a.m. and extending through the ordination service at 11 a.m. and light refreshments following.
Earlier this month, on Saturday, April 2, the cathedral hosted a diocesan Service of Repentance offered by the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation. The service and surrounding events welcomed many organizations and individuals from throughout our diocese and region. Here is a recording of the service, along with a study guide to accompany Bishop Russell’s conversation with Bishop Phoebe Roaf of West Tennessee. In an introductory video, Bishop Russell explains the service, its origins and intentions.
Most Sunday mornings, we look like any other Episcopal parish gathered for worship, and it may be easy to forget that our mission and ministry is more than that. We are a place of hospitality, formation, and worship for a family much larger than our parish rolls—one that includes all Episcopalians in our diocese as well as neighbors and fellow community members in our city, state, and region.
I encourage you to come and participate in one of our diocesan events—as a greeter, an usher, a guild member, an acolyte, a hospitality provider, or a volunteer in our office. You will meet new people, learn more about our wider church, and be a serving member of our Cathedral Family.
This Sunday will be special—but we’re not just here on Sundays!
Faithfully,
Beverly+
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