CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
FEBRUARY 2022 CHRISTCHURCHCATHEDRAL.ORG
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The Feast of St. Valentine February 14 is the Feast of St. Valentine, commonly known as Valentine’s Day. Though Valentine’s Day is thoroughly secularized, since it is named for a Christian martyr and dedicated to love, it is worth our consideration. The hazy historical record actually mentions three separate Christian martyrs known as Valentine, each of whom lived during the reign of the Roman Emperor THE VERY REV. Claudius. Analogous to BARKLEY the legends of the hisTHOMPSON torical St. Nicholas that evolved into our modern Santa Claus, the little we know of Valentine (or the several Valentines) informs four modern Valentine’s Day practices. At least one of the historical Valentines was a priest. When Emperor Claudius determined that single men made for more dedicated legionnaires and consequently outlawed marriage, Valentine continued to marry young lovers in secret, for which he was executed when found out. Another of the Valentines was imprisoned after being caught helping others escape Roman capture. Valentine fell in love with his jailor’s daughter, and he wrote her letters from his cell signed, “From your Valentine,” thus coining a phrase that has survived to our own day. In a world so often marked by disdain, apathy, and hate, it is good that there is a holiday—even a crassly commercialized holiday—dedicated to love. The question to ask is “To what kind of love is Valentine’s Day dedicated?” The answer, of course, is romantic love. But for Christian people that begs a second question: “Is romantic love—the love of mushy
ST. VALENTINE, page 2
‘Saving Susannah’ explores family and identity If writer Willa Cather was right when she said that art and religion are the same thing in the end — and are the only things that offer true happiness — then the formation of Christ Church Cathedral’s Religion and the Arts Council was a truly inspired decision. Since 1984, the Council has been active in producing, sharing, and promoting artistic works. On February 12 and 13, Cathedral member Josephine John will present a solo performance of her play ‘Saving Susannah’ in
Sanders Hall. John is a former member of the Religion and the Arts Council. “We were excited to learn about what Josephine was doing,” said Kate Pogue, a longtime Council member. “The play was something that we wanted to share with people.” John had a career as a professional dancer and award-winning choreographer for twentyfive years before she turned her focus to acting and scriptwriting. She received an MA
SAVING SUSANNAH, page 6
Claire Soard accepts the call as new Minister for Pastoral Care Dean Barkley Thompson is pleased to announce that Claire Soard has accepted the call to become the Cathedral’s Minister for Pastoral Care. Claire succeeds Jody Gillit, who served from 2019 until last month. Claire grew up in Arlington, Texas with her family. Being connected to a Christian community has always been a central part of her life. Claire attended Baylor University where she studied Social Work. (Sic ‘Em, Bears!) Licensed as a Social Worker since 2004, she brings years of experience working with faith and community-based organizations, including a residential group home, community center, and churches. During the last eight years, Claire has spent time particularly focused on issues around trauma and
PASTORAL CARE, page 8
CLAIRE SOARD