I was hurrying along the side aisle, trying to find someone before the service began. She was standing there just beyond one of the chapels, in a turquoise coverall that fit her chubby form. She was the smallest thing in the largest cathedral in the world, St. John the Divine in New York City. She didn’t speak and it would have been easy for me to pass by her. My old friend was the new dean, and it would be his first sermon there so I wanted to say hello to him.

The little girl looked and me and held her arms straight out from her sides. I hesitated before picking up that cruciform shape. Something was stirring in me beyond my love of children, my eager response to one who was willing to be picked up and held. Something about her arms at the side posture made me pause. Something in me said, “Pay attention. Don’t miss it. I am here.” I was looking for an old relationship. What I found was a new one. Reflection continues here.

~ The Rev. Dr. Linda Privitera, copyright 2021

The First Coast Wind Symphony Ensemble will perform a Christmas Concert at SJC on Sunday, December 12 at 5 p.m. in the Cathedral. A reception in Taliaferro Hall follows.

Program scheduled to include: Festive Fanfare for Christmas (Joy to the World and O Come, All Ye Faithful); The Holly and the Ivy; The Eighth Candle; Sussex Mummer's Christmas Carol; Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas; Grown-Up Christmas List; The Toy Trumpet; A Fireside Christmas; Sleigh Ride; and a Holiday Sing-Along (Deck the Hall, Jingle Bells, O Christmas Tree, We Wish You a Merry Christmas).

The concert is free and open to all!

A wonderful tradition at the Cathedral is to dedicate a poinsettia placed at the altar in thanksgiving for your friends and family or in memory of a loved one. Please fill out the Online Form by Monday, December 13 in order to have your dedication listed in the Christmas Eve service leaflet.

Envelopes will be in the pews on Sunday mornings for those who don't wish to donate online. You can also call the church office and make your dedication and donation over the phone.

Thank You, Thank You, St. John's Cathedral!

Our Afghan family has arrived in Jacksonville! They will be settled in a three-bedroom apartment that we are ready to set up as soon as there is availability. Understandably, many of the families who barely escaped the Taliban wish to maintain their anonymity. We hope to have a family photo, and possibly meet the family but have no word yet. Our family consists of two parents, one daughter (age 20), and four sons (ages 18, 16, 11 and 8). They are currently in an Airbnb where they have already begun the challenging orientation process to American life with the assistance of the Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Agency (CC).

SJC parishioners and friends not only donated essential items of good quality, but also monetary donations that allowed us to shop garage sales and thrift stores for needed items. A little paint or refinishing can make scratched-up furnishings look new again! Since needs vary by family, there are always duplications and gaps in donation items. Our four boys will sleep in a double set of bunk beds purchased by CC, while other families will enjoy a sofa, dining room set, and numerous other items for which we had duplications donated by SJC parishioners. Please keep the donations coming as CC will be resettling 50 families over the next year.

You're invited to join us for a fellowship potluck dinner on Wednesday, December 15. Wear your favorite Christmas sweater, Santa hat, ornament earrings . . . anything that's festive and fun! St. John's Cathedral is providing roast turkey and baked ham. Bring your favorite appetizer, side or dessert to share.

Festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Ingram Lounge with some wine and appetizers. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. in Taliaferro Hall.

Please Register Here.

The Cathedral Quarterly – Winter 2021 edition – was mailed out this week, so if you have yet to receive it please check your mailboxes for this informative publication.

For those who wish to peruse the online version, simply Click Here

For the remaining weekends before Christmas – through December 26, Friday through Sunday, an incredible Light Art & Sound Installation will take place at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. This visual marvel laser light installation will be projected onto the façade of the church. Enjoy the spectacular beauty of the show accompanied by recorded performances of the Cathedral District Church musicians, the Jacksonville Symphony, and the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus.

Visit the Lighting of the Basilica at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 121 East Duval Street, Jacksonville through December 26, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Light show repeats every 15 minutes.

Christmas Eve

Friday, December 24

4, 6* & 11* p.m.

*with Cathedral Choir and Brass

Christmas Day

Saturday, December 25

10 a.m. in Cummings Chapel

Sunday, December 26

Following the Liturgy for Christmas Day

8 & 10* a.m.

*Cathedral Choir

We're almost there!! Thank you to all who have pledged during this year’s 2022 Stewardship Campaign.  Your generous pledge helps us with next year’s budget and also enables us to offer meaningful, in-person and virtual programs and services for our Cathedral community and beyond. If you haven't done so already, won’t you please send in your pledge? Here’s how:

St. John's Cathedral offers many ways to get involved. Take a class. Join a Bible study or book discussion. See the complete list of offerings here.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see content as we add it!

HabiJax has set aside Saturday, January 15 as a volunteer day for St John’s Cathedral. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with an hour lunch break. We need 6 to 8 volunteers. To volunteer, please email Deb Fewell, HabiJax Community Engagement Manager at dfewell@habijax.com and cc Steven Gahan navymsn2@hotmail.com

Volunteers are welcome to come pack backpacks on the following Thursdays: January 6, and January 26 at 9:30 a.m. at St. John's Cathedral. Contact: Joan Burchell burchelli@aol.com

Our Guild is made up of the Flower Guild and the Altar Guild. Together, we ready our beautiful spaces for all types of services.  No matter what time you are able to give, there is an opportunity for you! Preparing our Cathedral for worship is a gift you can give to everyone attending or watching.

Faye Wisner fwisner@comcast.net

Please include the date that you would like the flowers on the altar and any words for the dedication when you send in your donation. Thank you! For more information, contact Teresa Mason.