The Latest Cathedral News Author: Beau Surratt
Season of Faith Pledge Drive- How to Pledge
October 29, 2025
We are three weeks into our Season of Faith at St. James Cathedral, and what a wonderful journey it has been so far! Thank you to everyone who has already made a pledge—your generosity is a sign of the deep faith and commitment that sustain our community.
Our goal this year is $850,000 and 220 pledges, and together we are making great progress. Each gift, no matter the size, moves us closer to that goal and strengthens the mission and ministry of the Cathedral.
Now is the time to make your pledge. This Season of Faith is our opportunity to reflect on God’s blessings in our lives and to respond with gratitude and generosity. Just as those who came before us built this Cathedral in faith, we are called to carry that legacy forward for generations to come.
Ways to Pledge:
- Fill out a pledge card in the pews and place it in the offering plate.
- Pledge online through the Cathedral website.
- Call the Cathedral office at 312-751-3570 and make your pledge by phone.
- Mail your pledge card directly to the Cathedral at 65 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611.
Let us continue this journey together, with hearts open to God’s abundance and trust in what we can accomplish as a community of faith.
- Marcy Backhus, St. James Parishioner and 2026 Annual Pledge Drive Chair
Season of Faith Annual Pledge Drive Week 2
October 22, 2025
We are off to a great start in our Season of Faith! Thank you to everyone who has already begun prayerfully considering your pledge. Your generosity and commitment help us continue the mission and ministry of St. James Cathedral.
I know many of you have questions about stewardship—what it means, why it matters, and how pledges are used. To help, we’ve put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions. You can find the link here: FAQ. We hope it will give you clarity and confidence as you make your pledge.
As a reminder, our goal this year is $850,000 and 220 pledges. This goal is not just about numbers; it represents the resources we need to sustain worship, care for our community, and support the ministries that allow St. James to live out its calling in the heart of Chicago.
Together, we are building on the faith of those who came before us. May we continue to walk this Season of Faith with gratitude, trust, and a spirit of generosity.
- Marcy Backhus, St. James Parishioner and 2026 Annual Pledge Drive Chair
Season of Faith at St. James Cathedral
October 15, 2025
As we stand on the threshold of another Stewardship Season at St. James Cathedral, we are reminded of the great gift we have inherited. The founders of our Cathedral stepped forward in faith, trusting God and believing in what this community could become. With courage, sacrifice, and vision, they built this sacred space—not just of stone and glass, but of living faith and community.
This year, our theme is Season of Faith. It is a time to remember that same spirit of trust and generosity, and to recognize that we are the
stewards of their legacy. Just as those who came before us invested in the future, we are called to continue that work with faith and hope for generations yet to come.
Our Season of Faith—our Stewardship Season—begins this Sunday, October 19. Over the weeks ahead, we will hear stories from
our community, reflect on God’s abundance in our lives, and prayerfully consider how we might respond with generosity. Together, we have set a goal of $850,000 and 220 pledges. These commitments will enable St. James to continue its mission and ministry, sustaining the vibrant worship, outreach, and community life that define us.
As we begin this journey together, may we do so with hearts full of gratitude and faith, knowing that our gifts today sustain the mission and ministry of St. James tomorrow.
- Marcy Backhus, St. James Parishioner and 2026 Annual Pledge Drive Chair