The Latest Cathedral News
Education for Ministry (EfM)
August 27, 2025
St. James will host an Education for Ministry (EfM), a unique four-year, small-group formation program based on study and practice in theological reflection, group this year on Monday evenings, September 8 – May 18. If you have been on the fence but feel that the time is right for you to commit, please contact Laura Jenkins. If you are curious about EfM, look for an invitation to one of the “community gathering” open house sessions in January or March.
The Rev. Rick Incorvati to Serve as Deacon at St. James Cathedral
August 27, 2025
From the Dean:
I am delighted to share the good news that, in consultation with Bishop Clark and Archdeacon Mike Choquette, I have extended the invitation to the Rev. Rick Incorvati to serve as Deacon at St James Cathedral. He will join us for his first services on Sunday, September 7. Learn more about Deacon Rick in his greeting below. His vocational focus at St James will center on supporting the liturgical life of the cathedral and embodying for us the servant ministry - both practical and prophetic that finds its pattern in Christ.
From the Deacon:
Dear St. James Cathedral,
I’m very much looking forward to being a part of your downtown community and to serving as deacon for the Cathedral. I’m coming to you after two years with St. Luke’s in Evanston, where I served with Deacon Garth Howe. Prior to that, my diaconal ministry was in the Diocese of Southern Ohio, mainly at Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield, Ohio.
Springfield was also where I first discerned a path to the diaconate after being involved in interfaith collaborations and race-based social justice efforts. Most of my civic commitments, however, were in LGBTQIA+ advocacy as a founding member of Equality Springfield, a non-profit that brought annual Pride festivals and municipal non-discrimination policies to that part of the state.
My day job while in Ohio was teaching British Romantic literature at Wittenberg University, and since making the move to Chicagoland, I’ve been an academic advisor and professor of instruction in Communication Studies at Northwestern. My husband, Kent Brooks, is also an educator at Northwestern where he teaches courses on Black gospel music. Together, we are the proud parents of Bailey, an 11-year-old pit bull rescue.
Again, very much looking forward to being with you starting September 7th, and our household sends you our prayers for peace and wellness in the meantime.
-Deacon Rick
Choir School Open Sing September 10
August 27, 2025
Looking for a fun, enriching activity for your child?
The Choir School at St. James Cathedral offers children in grades 3-8 a free, world-class music education within a warm, compassionate, and inclusive community. Choristers come from all faith backgrounds, and no previous musical experience is required. Join us for Open Sing! on Wednesday, September 10 from 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m. (dinner included) to give the choir a try!
