CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL
An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
The Dean’s Corner
I firmly believe that a healthy spiritual life is lived seasonally. This is something you will hear me say and discuss frequently during my tenure. Living seasonally is something that has become de rigueur in the restaurant world. The farm to table movement of the last few decades has lifted up the virtues of eating what the local landscape produces in its due season. This is meant to promote a healthy relationship between human beings and our surrounding environment. It also is meant to promote a healthy relationship with our own bodies and what they need. Lastly, eating this way stimulates creativity in figuring out how to prepare food that is delicious within the limitations of what ingredients are abundant in a particular season.
Sacred Encounters
Scripture is filled with stories of women and men encountering God in dramatic ways: through angelic messengers, in mountaintop experiences, and in flashes of blinding light. These encounters changed the story of many Biblical figures, and they set in motion some of the greatest events in salvation history. But more often than not — in Scripture and in our lives — God meets us in smaller, more ordinary ways like in the still small voice spoken
to a prophet, in three unexpected visitors to a nomad and his wife, or in the cry of a little baby born to a young woman.
The Cathedral will spend this Lent looking at this more demure version of divine revelation, reflecting on how God encounters us in the ordinary places, people, and experiences of our lives and the practices that help us recognize God when he does.
LENTEN SERIES, page 4
All of this runs parallel to how we approach our spiritual lives. Our liturgical year is broken down into seasons that honor different “landscapes” or ways of being in the world. We have penitential seasons in Advent and Lent that are more barren in nature. In these seasons, we are given images of the desert and darkness that shape our inner life. These are followed by festive seasons in Christmas and Easter that focus on radiant light and verdant pastures.
Tending to our spiritual lives this way helps us to prepare our hearts for sacred encounters. Living seasonally helps us to grow in our ability to recognize God’s presence in our midst. Throughout scripture, we find stories of human beings interacting with God through strange visitors (Abraham and Sarah) in nature (Moses and the burning bush) and fellow travelers (Jesus on the Road to Emmaus). These stories teach us that God reaches
Tea and Lent with author Glenys Nellist
KARIANN LESSNER, MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Sitting in my kitchen, sipping a cup of Yorkshire Gold tea (we both love a good cup-a, though she prefers Tetley), I caught up with my good friend, Glenys Nellist. Her newest book, God's Perfect Peace, was released February 11. As we talked about great places to visit in England (as she was born and raised near the Scottish border) and favorite new kids' books, I realized it was exactly four years ago that I interviewed her on my podcast (You Brew You) for her then-upcoming book Twas the Morning of Easter. I am as enchanted today as ever by her beautiful, bonny voice and sweet phrases. Glenys is the author of over thirty children's books.
We plan to explore two of her books with children and their families here at Christ Church Cathedral this Lent — Twas the Season of Lent and Twas the Morning of Easter.
KA: What led you to write about the season of Lent?
GN: "I wanted to write about Lent and give families a tool to help kids understand Lent and have it more at the forefront of their minds because there's not much for families. For adults, you always see Lenten devotionals, downloadable books, and options... as if kids can't celebrate Lent, and I don't agree. If we are raising liturgical children who are being raised in the church and know about liturgical seasons, they are perfectly capable of participating in the same ways adults do. I wanted
THE VERY REV. NATHANIEL KATZ
Our Cathedral Family
We Celebrate with
E New Members: Peter Randazzo’s family (wife, Kristi; children, Michael and Ameliz).
E Returning Members: Sealy Lewis Moore and Peter Randazzo.
E Claire Hellmann and Jack Weir married in Golding Chapel on December 14.
E Peyton Sundin and Brent O’Connell married in the Cathedral on January 4.
E Isabel Wilson and David Perrin married in the Cathedral on February 15.
We extend heartfelt sympathy to
E the family of member Charles Roger Hoffman who passed away on January 30, 2025. Roger is spouse to member Edie Hoffman.
E the family of Pedro Izaguirre del Rio who passed away on January 30, 2025. Pedro is brother to member Maria del Pilar Aguinaga.
E the family of Jacquelyn Schriever Cooper who passed away on February 5, 2025. Jacquelyn is mother to member Joseph Cooper.
E the family of member Neville Hays Moore. Neville is mother to member Andrea Neville Moore.
The flowers on the Cathedral Altar
E on February 16 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Ann Tanabe by Tim and Carold Nielsen.
E on February 23 were given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for Shelly Katz, Danielle Kronenberg, Amarilis Bautista Vargas, and Bain Pearson Pitts.
E on March 2 are given to the glory of God by Rowena Houghton Dasch and Adele Houghton, in loving memory of their mother, Dorothy Knox Howe Houghton, their father, Thomas Woodward Houghton, their grandmother, Dorothy Trone Howe Dupree, and their grandfather, Knox Briscoe Howe.
E on March 30 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of James Leonard Dougherty, Jewel Kendall and William Brooke Hamilton, Henry Kendall Hamilton, Newton Gilbert Dougherty, and Maribel Kendall Daffan by Anne and Jim Dougherty Jr.
E on April 6 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Cindi Blakely by her family.
E on April 27 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of their nephew Tyler Dean Bludau by Shirley Bludau and Mike Grimes.
The flowers in the floor vases
E on March 2 are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for Thanh Montes.
E on March 9 are given to the glory of God in loving memory of John Baird by his family.
The flowers in the choir stalls
E on March 2 are given to the glory of God by James and Kay Hardie and David and Kathy Childress in honor of their grandson James David Hardie on his baptism.
If you find yourself unable to come to church because of illness, injury, or mobility issues, please know that visits are available for you.
Lay Eucharistic Visitors: A calling
Lay Eucharistic Visitors: “We who are many are one body, because we all share one bread, one cup.”
The Eucharist is a central part of our worship, where we draw close to God in the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. We are invited to bring all that we are, and all that we are not to God and join with other Christians who are receiving the Gifts of God for the people of God.
There are Dear Members who are no longer able to come to church and are very much a part of our beloved Cathedral community. Lay Eucharistic Visits allow trained Visitors (LEV’s) to bring communion to those members. If you find yourself unable to come to church because
of illness, injury, or mobility issues, please know that visits are available for you. Our abilities change over time, but our place as beloved members of the body of Christ never change. It is an honor for our LEV’s to bear these Holy Gifts from the Cathedral’s Altar to share on Sunday afternoons.
You can contact Claire Soard, at: csoard@christchurchcathedral.org, or 713-590-3319, or visit the Cathedral website at christchurchcathedral. org/lev/ to submit an online request to receive a visit. And if you feel drawn to explore the faithful ministry of being a LEV, sent out to share the grace of Christ in the Eucharist, please reach out to Claire as well!
Adult Formation offering to explore God’s decision to stand with the suffering
THE CROSS AND THE LYNCHING TREE DISCUSSION GROUP
Sundays, March 9–April 6
Christ’s death on the cross has been the central object of Christian reflection. This Lent, you are invited to join in that centuries-long reflection through a small-group based discussion of James Cone’s The Cross and the Lynching Tree. Cone’s work testifies to the enduring power and relevance of the cross by reflecting on its power to inspire hope and faith among African Americans enduring the violence of the lynching era. Cone shows us that the cross, standing in opposition to the lynching tree is no religious decoration, but the very proof of God’s decision to stand with the suffering and downtrodden in every generation.
There are two different ways to participate in this small group either in-person or on zoom. In-person meetings will take place on Sundays, March 9-April 6 at 12:30 p.m. in the McGehee Conference Room. Zoom-based meetings will take place Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m.. This small group is led by Sarah Jackson, Ann Miller, and Madeleine Hussey. Register at: christchurchcathedral. org/discussion.
out to us in a variety of ways. Our job is to keep our eyes, ears and hearts open to meet God in those moments.
As you receive this edition of the Bulletin, our community will be marking a shift in seasons from Epiphany into Lent. We have planned our worship and formation offerings to honor this shift in such a way that builds strength upon strength. The end of Epiphany coincided with our focus on the teachings of Howard Thurman throughout Black History Month. Howard Thurman applied a mystical lens to the human thirst for justice. He emphasized that the God of the cosmos, who created all things and is present in all things, is the very same God who took on our human flesh in Jesus. By engaging with our inner lives through contemplation and observation, we find ourselves in relationship with a life-giving and liberating God, as Bishop Curry often puts it.
As we make our way from the mountaintop of the transfiguration on the last Sunday of Epiphany down to the desert floor on the first Sunday of Lent, we will embark on a Lenten series focused on sacred encounter. Each week, we will be visited by a guest teacher and/or preacher who will offer wisdom on modes of finding God in our midst, from literature to migration. Our hope is that these visitations will encourage our community to recognize that many of our daily practices are not just basic forms of care or entertainment, but also opportunities to be present to God. And, at the same time, we hope to inspire awareness of new practices that can accomplish the very same purpose. I am so excited to mark this shift of seasons together. My prayer is that we will find joy in sharing this sacred journey together, learning from what brings delight and insight along the way.
I look forward to seeing you on the road.
Easter Lily Sales
Easter lilies are considered the symbols of purity, innocence, new life, and resurrection and have adorned Christ Church Cathedral for many years. A dedication can be made in loving memory, honor, or in joyful thanksgiving. You may order online from our website from Wednesday, March 5 to Monday, March 24. The cost of an Easter Lily is $15 per plant.
If paying by check, make your check payable to Christ Church Cathedral and on the memo line add Easter lilies. Mail payments to Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002, Attn: Altar Guild. You may also visit with Lisa Viktorin (lviktorin@christchurchcathedral. org) in the Cloister to place an order on March 9, March 16, and March 23.
All dedications received by March 24 will be printed in the Easter leaflets. Dedications received after that date will be included in May publications.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Krewe celebrates community
Shrove Tuesday, traditionally celebrated the evening before Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of the Lenten season, a time of reflection, repentance, and fasting in Christian tradition. The word “shrove” is derived from the term “shrive,” which means to confess sins and seek absolution, emphasizing spiritual preparation for Lent. During medieval times, strict Lenten fasting rules forbade the consumption of meat, fats, eggs, milk, and fish. To avoid wasting these perishable ingredients, Shrove Tuesday became a day of feasting, often featuring dishes like pancakes and other rich foods, symbolizing both celebration and practical resourcefulness before the solemnity of Lent
The Cathedral’s Community Life Council and their Kitchen Krewe are once again excited to serve a feast to the community and are doing so this year in memory of one of their own, Andre Jackson. Andre Jackson never missed the opportunity to serve on Shrove Tuesday, serving along Jack Spivey, Stuart Buchannan and other Krewe members.
SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER March 4, 6–8 p.m.
To commemorate their cooking fraternity, and to honor Andre’s memory, Jack had pancake spatulas especially engraved with each of the Krewe’s names. The spatulas of honor make their debut at the 2025 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. The Community Life Council wishes to thank Kathy Jackson and family for sharing Andre with the Cathedral family.v
A young Cathedral friend takes his float for a preMardi Gra Parade stroll
Robert C. Stuart Lenten Series
IN HONOR OF THE VERY REV. BARKLEY S. THOMPSON
10–11 a.m., Reynolds Hall
A five-part
Lenten
series, “Sacred Encounters,” with renowned scholars and experts to reflect we encounter God in the ordinary and the practices that help us to recognize him there.
March 9 - The Rev. Dr. Stephanie Paulsell Encountering God in Reading
In Christianity and other religious traditions, there is a history of encountering God through reading.
The Rev. Paulsell is the Susan Shallcross Swartz Professor of the Practice of Christian Studies Emerita at Harvard Divinity School, where she served fulltime on the faculty from 20012024. The author of Religion Around Virginia Woolf, Honoring the Body: Meditations on a Christian Practice, and co-author (with Harvey Cox) of Lamentations and the Song of Songs, she is also editor of and contributor to Toni Morrison: Goodness and the Literary Imagination and The Scope of Our Art: The Vocation of the Theological Teacher. An ordained minister in the Disciples of Christ, she lives in Albemarle County, Virginia with her husband.
March 16 - The Rev. Isaac Villegas
Encountering God
In/Through the Stranger
In Luke 24, on the road to Emmaus the two disciples misrecognize Jesus at first. They think he's just another stranger, a foreigner. This story is relevant for how we consider strangers and foreigners in our world today. In his talk the Rev. Isaac Villegas will draw from this Gospel narrative to help us attend to our own misrecognitions of God's presence in others, especially as our current politics estrange us from our migrant neighbors.
Isaac Villegas is an ordained minister in the Mennonite Church USA who is involved in the work of community organizing and activism for immigrant justice. He is a columnist for The Christian Century and the author of Migrant God: A Christian Vision for Immigrant Justice. He lives with his wife in North Carolina.
March 23 - The Rev. Jacob Breeze
Encountering God’s Work in the East End Holy Family Episcopal Church is a church for people without a church. Holy Family’s vicar, The Rev. Jacob Breeze, will share more about this community and its invitation to join God's work in the East End, because God is already there.
The Rev. Jacob Breeze is an artist, theologian, and priest serving as Vicar of Holy Family Episcopal Church in Houston’s East End and as an Examining Chaplain for the Diocese. He previously served at Chapelwood and St. Luke’s churches in Houston, and Shady Grove in North Carolina. A graduate of Duke Divinity School, Jacob teaches theology at the Iona School for Ministry and is a PhD candidate in Systematic Theology at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
March 30 - Kendall Vanderslice
Encountering God at the Table
From the Communion table to the dinner table, God delights in meeting us through the simple, necessary act of eating. Together, we will see how every meal can be an opportunity for deepening community and encountering God in a tangible way.
Kendall Vanderslice is a baker, writer, speaker, and the founder of Edible Theology, a ministry that connects the Communion table to the kitchen table. She is a graduate of Wheaton College (BA anthropology), Boston University (MLA gastronomy), and Duke Divinity School (Master of Theological Studies). She is the author of three books: Bake & Pray, By Bread Alone, and We Will Feast. She lives (with her four chickens and big-eared beagle) in Durham, NC, where she teaches workshops on bread baking as a spiritual practice.
April 6 - Dr. Anthony Baker
Encountering God in Creation
God's wise and loving hand is both revealed and hidden throughout creation, and humans are the creatures given the vocation of seeking, discerning, and celebrating the world’s Creator. Dr. Anthony Baker, Clinton S. Quin Professor of Theology at Seminary of the Southwest will join us to explore these claims by helping us reflect on what it means when we neglect this vocation and the habits necessary for leaning into this unique call in our daily lives.
He is the author of the books
Leaving Emmaus: A New Departure in Christian Theology, Shakespeare, Theology, and the Unstaged God, and Diagonal Advance: Perfection in Christian Theology. He serves as the theologian in residence at Saint Julian of Norwich Episcopal Church in north Austin where he and his family worship.
to write this book as a forty-day countdown to help families with children count down because it's a long season. Forty days is a long time, and it's an important season."
KA: What parts of Lent seem most important to share with kids?
GN: "Obviously, it's the beginning and the end, but then we don't want them to miss the middle bit either - or let them forget that they are in Lent. Kids never forget that they are in the season of Advent because they have the chocolates in their Advent Calendars, and they are waiting for Santa. But they will forget that they are in Lent unless we are doing something to reinforce that they are in Lent. We mark the beginning with Ash Wednesday and bookend it with Holy Week, with its beautiful stories: the washing of the feet on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, and a day that a lot of people overlook — Holy Saturday or Quiet Saturday: thinking about all that was happening in that tomb. It's how we keep them engaged in that middle bit that the book tries to help with — those long forty days, the middle bit."
KA: What is your favorite thing about writing?
GN: It's always a surprise where I end up. I always start with an idea, but honestly, I often end up with something I never envisioned. I believe that the work of the Holy Spirit takes the pen, and I am able to write things that, before I sat down to write, I had never thought of before. Henry Nouwen said, "To write is to embark on a journey whose final destination we do not know."
KA: How can we get children involved in preparing for Lent?
GN: By using the calendar to mark off the days. By reading those little short stories, one a day. I hope that it's not too much. Just a bit to help children pause and think more deeply about what they can do to help others in the world. The book focuses on the Mission, Message, Ministry, and Mystery of Jesus. He talked about his mission to the lost, the least, and the lonely, and then he showed us how to do it. Lent is a perfect time to help children find ways to join Jesus in that mission. It often means a sacrifice of our time and treasure. It makes us more intentional in our prayers and thoughtful about what we can do to help our community or our world.
Three-part Lenten Challenge
1. Read from the Twas the Season of Lent every day during Lent.
2. Mark your Lenten calendar off with golden crosses (and color in the squares) 3. Hide & Find Jesus: We have bags with three tiny Jesus figures inside. We invite you to hide Jesus in your homes. When you find Jesus, share with your family your answer to the question: "When I see , I see Jesus in my world." And then hide Him again!
You can get your copy of “Twas the Season of Lent” in the Cathedral Bookstore. Paper calendars, stickers, and tiny Jesus — Let KariAnn know what you need! If you’d like to hear more from KariAnn’s 2021 interview with Glenys Nellist, check out “You Brew You” Episode 79 wherever you listen to podcasts.
Healing Services
during Lent
WEDNESDAY EVENING EUCHARIST
5:05 p.m., Golding Chapel
We encourage you to consider carving out time to participate in our Wednesday Evening Eucharists which take place at 5:05 p.m. in Golding Chapel. During the season of Lent, these services will include prayers for healing and anointing with oil for those who wish to participate. Even those who do not choose to come forward for healing prayers will bear witness to the powerful ways in which naming our requests, needs, and burdens in front of one another and God can, in itself, be a healing exercise through which God's grace is received.
IN PICTURES
Below right: Parish meeting crowd.
Above: Blessing before the processional.
Below: Children’s sermon.
Above: EPN picture of Dean Katz and Rev. Kronenberg with rectors and Karen Kraycirik.
Above, right: Thank you, Wardens.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Visit christchurchcathedral.org/events or call 713-222-2593 to learn more about these and other events at the Cathedral. Registration recommended Registration required Registration closed Childcare available (3 mo. to 12 yrs.) Bring a friend!
MARCH
MARCH 1 SAT
UH Chamber Music Concert 7-9 p.m.
MARCH 2 SUN
Dean’s Hour
10 a.m., Reynolds Hall. An introduction to the 2025 Robert C. Stuart Lenten Series.
MARCH 7 FRI
Bridge/Rummikub Game Night
6:30—9:30 p.m. McGehee Conf. Room. Join the group for a game or a hand and bring a dish to share.
MARCH 4 TUE
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 6- 8 p.m. Reynolds Hall.
MARCH 5
Ash Wednesday Services 7 a.m., 12:05, and 7 p.m. bilingual.
MARCH 8 SAT
The Spirituality of Reading with the Rev. Dr. Stephanie Paulsell 4- 6 p.m.
MARCH 13 THU
Spring Neighborhood Gathering
6 p.m., River Oaks area. To RSVP contact Lisa Cantu at LCantu@christchurchcathedral.org or 713-222-2593.
MARCH 20 THU
Caregiver’s Gathering
12:30-1:30 p.m., Jeffers Conf. Room. Contact Claire Soard at csoard@christchurchcathedral.org for more information.
MARCH 22 SAT
Dying in Christ: Episcopal funeral planning workshop
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
MARCH 29 SAT
Trash Bash
8 a.m. to 12 p.m., off campus. Justice and Peace Council and Youth Ministry Council morning of service to clean up the area around the Little White Oak Bayou.
APRIL
APRIL 3 THU
Spring Neighborhood Gathering
6 p.m., south loop area. To RSVP contact Lisa Cantu at LCantu@christchurchcathedral.org or 713-222-2593.
APRIL 4 FRI
Bridge/Rummikub Game Night 6:30—9:30 p.m. McGehee Conf. Room.
APRIL 6 SUN
Seeing Jesus in the Other — Art Workshop 1-3 p.m. Childcare available upon request.
APRIL 10 THU
Spring Neighborhood Gathering
6 p.m., Montrose area. To RSVP contact Lisa Cantu at LCantu@christchurchcathedral.org or 713-222-2593.
APRIL 13 SUN
Palm Sunday Observances at all services commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
APRIL 13 SUN
Palm Sunday Organ Recital and Evensong
4:15 p.m. organ recital, 5 p.m. Evensong with the Cathedral Choir.
APRIL 17 THU
Maundy Thursday
12:05 p.m., Cathedral. Eucharist and foot washing.
Stripping of the Altar
7 p.m., Cathedral. Bilingual Eucharist and foot washing.
APRIL 18 FRI
Good Friday
12:05 p.m., Cathedral. Traditional Service from The Book of Common Prayer. Via Crucis (Bilingual)
7 p.m., Cathedral. Join the Latino Ministry for the telling of Jesus’ trial, suffering, and crucifixion.
APRIL19 SAT
Easter Vigil
8–10 p.m., Cathedral. The first Eucharist of Easter and baptisms. With incense.
APRIL 20 SUN
Easter Day
7 a.m. Eucharist, Rite I, with hymns. 9 a.m. Festival Eucharist, Rite II.
10 a.m. Flowering of the Cross, Bishop’s Courtyard.
11 a.m. Festival Eucharist, Rite I, with incense.
1 p.m. Festival Eucharist, Rite II, en español.
5 p.m. Eucharist, Rite II.
WEEKLY
SUNDAYS
Robert C. Stuart Lenten Series in Honor of the Very Rev. Barkley S. Thompson 10 a.m., Reynolds Hall.
• March 9 - The Rev. Dr. Stephanie Paulsell on Encountering God in Reading.
• March 16 - The Rev. Isaac Villegas on Encountering God in the Stranger.
• March 23 - The Rev. Jacob Breeze on Encountering God’s Work in the East End
• March 30 - Kendall Vanderslice on Encountering God in Food and Feasting
• April 6 - Dr Anthony D. Baker on Encountering God in Creation.
Children’s Sunday School 10-11 a.m., Jones 201–208. (3 years–5th grade).
Youth Sunday School 10-11 a.m., The Treehouse. (6th–12th grade).
Latino Youth Sunday School 1-2:30 p.m. The Treehouse. Latino Ministry Children’s Sunday School 1-2:30 p.m., Jones 201-208.
Cathedral Tours
Following 11 a.m. service. They will also be held the first Sunday of each month following services at 9 a.m. and The Well. The Cross and the Lynching Tree discussion group 12:30-1:30 p.m. , McGehee Conf. Room; 6:30 p.m., Zoom. Runs March 9–April 6.
MONDAYS
Centering Prayer 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Mellinger Room.
TUESDAYS
TNT (Tuesday Nights in The Treehouse) 6:30-8 p.m., The Treehouse. TNT is time for fun, fellowship, and Jesus, dinner provided. All youth (grades 6-12) are welcome. Runs March 11 through April 15. Check the announcements page for registration.
WEDNESDAYS
Men’s Morning Bible Study 7–8 a.m., via Zoom. Contact George Hawkins at: hawkinsgeorge3@gmail.com. Women’s Morning Bible Study 9:30–11 a.m., Jeffers Conf. Room and Zoom.
20s & 30s Bible Study
7–8 a.m., Zoom. Led by Canon Bradley Varnell. To sign-up contact Bradley at: bvarnell@christchurchcathedral.org. Will not meet March 4 and April 22.
Cathedral Tours
Tour guides are available to welcome you at the bell tower from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday Eucharist 5:05–5:30 p.m., Golding Chapel.
THURSDAYS
Psalms
12–1 p.m., Zoom. Led by Canon Vicar Liz Kronenberg, To register, contact Canon Vicar Kronenberg at lkronenberg@christchurchcathedral.org . Runs through April 3.
The Sharing Tree | Sundays, March 9–April 6
A campaign to support scholarships for students to do mission work in Costa Rica, the Sharing Tree will have a Cloister table on Sundays in Lent where you can become a ‘share holder’ sponsor, or visit the announcements page for more information.
1117 Texas Avenue
Houston, Texas 77002-3183
Bible Studies
Did you know you can read The Bulletin on our website? If you’d like to go “online-only,” contact Ramona Sikes at rsikes@christchurchcathedral.org or call her at 713-217-1347
