Dear People of God,

I have received many questions regarding the election of the Bishop Coadjutor this past Saturday, particularly about how this election impacts our decision to offer same gender marriage. I want you to rest assured that this election will not alter the Cathedral’s decision or ability to offer these marriages.

As you may recall, in accordance with a process governed by resolution of the Episcopal Church’s General Convention, our Vestry unanimously made a request of Bishop Howard that we be assigned a different bishop on matters of marriage. The Rt. Rev. Peter Eaton has been assigned to us from the Diocese of Southwestern Florida. Bishop Eaton believes that same gender marriage is a sacrament and has licensed our priests to offer both gay and straight weddings with the same requirements for all people: four pre-martial sessions and the approval of the bishop for second marriages. The election of The Rev. Charlie Holt as the Bishop Coadjutor will not change this arrangement. Read the announcement here.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me, Father Mark or any member of the clergy if you have questions or concerns. We love you all and we remain faithful in how we understand God’s call to us.

With love in Christ,

Kate+

On Wednesday night, May 18, the Clergy met with members of the LGBTQAI community to share information about the bishop election process and to listen to their concerns and perspectives. So many thoughtful questions were asked that we decided to meet again Wednesday, June 1 in Ingram Lounge. The gathering will begin at 5:45 p.m. and end promptly at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.

My heart is heavy with the news that a white supremacist gunman took the lives of 10 children of God in Buffalo on Saturday. I grew up walking distance from the scene of this hateful crime, and my friends and I used to ride our bikes around the neighborhood. Buffalo’s Black community raised and formed me. I grieve with the city and people I love.

The loss of any human life is tragic, but there was deep racial hatred driving this shooting, and we have got to turn from the deadly path our nation has walked for much too long. Bigotry-based violence—any bigotry at all—against our siblings who are people of color, Jewish, Sikh, Asian, trans, or any other group, is fundamentally wrong. As baptized followers of Jesus of Nazareth, we are called to uphold and protect the dignity of every human child of God, and to actively uproot the white supremacy and racism deep in the heart of our shared life.

Please join me in prayer for the shattered families in Buffalo. Please also join me in expressing profound gratitude for the intervention by Buffalo police that likely saved many other lives. Even amid tragedy, even when manifestations of evil threaten to overwhelm, let us hold fast to the good. It is the only way that leads to life.

~Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

Eternal One, welcome these children to your kingdom. Forgive us for the violence that permeates the human race, the hatred that infects our hearts and the tragic deaths of your children. Give us courage and strength to never stop trying to make this world a better place and give us your peace. Amen.

How are you looking to explore your faith? Are you interested in being received in the Episcopal Church, or in receiving the sacrament of Confirmation?

Please contact Deacon Linda Rosengren to make a plan.

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”

       Jeremiah 29:11 NRSV

Michael Corrigan graciously came out of retirement to serve as the Cathedral’s Interim Director of Christian Formation and then our Director of Christian Formation. He has truly been a blessing to the people, clergy, and staff of St. John’s. Michael has decided that he can no longer serve on our staff.

While we are saddened by Michael’s departure, we are grateful for his ministry with us, we hold him in our prayers, and we await to see how God will next call him to use his countless gifts and his deep compassion. Michael explained, “For you, the clergy, the staff, and the people of St. John’s, I am filled with deep appreciation for the experiences I have had and the spiritual growth that occurred during my time as a member of the parish, and more recently as a member of the staff. You have my best wishes for your ongoing work, and you also have my prayers.”

Please join us in praying for Michael as he discerns God’s call in the next chapter of his life.

Her paintings have been on display in Taliaferro Hall since Easter Sunday, and now there will be a reception for artist, author and SJC member Dottie Dorion on Thursday, May 26 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Please join us in Taliaferro Hall to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, music and, of course, Dottie’s vibrant and colorful paintings.

To purchase: Dottie’s artwork is available for purchase through the Bookstore & Gift Shop. Fill out a purchase form located in the back of Taliaferro Hall or at the bookstore. Take the completed purchase form to the bookstore. Store hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 8:45 a.m. to Noon on Sunday.

If the bookstore is closed, you may put the form through the mail slot located in the front door of The Brown House & Bookstore (across the street from the Cathedral).

A bookstore volunteer will contact you to confirm your purchase on the next day that the store is open. We take all forms of payment (cash, check and credit card). Please call the bookstore with any questions. (904) 356-5507, Ext. 152. You also may contact the bookstore during store hours and a volunteer will be happy to complete a purchase form for you.

Help us make a difference for our littlest neighbors with meals that keep them well-fed and books that keep them well-read! On Sunday, June 5, we will pack 10,000 meals and donate 400 books to children in the Jacksonville area.

For a few hours, Taliaferro Hall will be an assembly and packing station for meals to feed the hungry as we take part in Hunger Fight! Children age six and up may participate, so make it a family event and invite your friends and neighbors! The event and lunch are free, but you must sign up, so we know how many lunches to provide and stations to set up.

WHAT TO EXPECT: At 11:30 a.m., the Outreach Council will provide a light lunch, served in Ingram Lounge. The Hunger Fight Packing Event will begin at noon at last until all the food is packed. Please wear comfortable shoes as you will be standing for a few hours!

Plan to join us Sunday, June 5 for a Bold City Brass concert beginning at 5 p.m. in the Cathedral Nave. The Bold City Brass is a continuation of one of the oldest historic brass bands in Florida, the 3rd Florida Regimental Band. This group makes joyful music! The concert will also feature St. John’s Cathedral Canon for Music, Timothy Tuller, organ. Come and enjoy live music in a beautiful space!

Dr. Eric A. Becher will be conducting this concert, which is presented free of charge and open to all.

On behalf of our 18-member Board of Directors and particularly our Chairman Syd Gervin, I thought you may be interested in an update of our progress to revitalize the Cathedral District in our short five-year lifespan.

We have a good story to tell, great interest in the 36-block Cathedral District, and a positive attitude about reaching our goals to bring this area of Downtown back to life!

Canon Douglas Dupree will lead a pilgrimage tour to Italy, ‘In the Footsteps of St Francis of Assisi: Rome and Assisi’ October 9-17^th, 2022, for the Bishop’s Institute and open to all members of our Diocese and their friends. Dr Charles Howard, art historian and faculty member at the Episcopal School of Jacksonville will be our expert guide to the art and architecture aspects of this tour. Cost: $4,390. Single Supplement +$500. Prices based on double occupancy. Final Payment due: July 9, 2022. For further information and registration, see here.