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Sunday 10.12.25 Departure: the discomfort begins at home
October 15, 2025
A Camino Journal Entry by Dean Lisa Hackney-James
Packing for trips has always been my Waterloo. Over the years I have marveled as friends relate to me that days in advance of traveling, whether for work or pleasure, they have already packed their bag. My mind cannot take it in. Their outfits chosen, their toiletries packed. How is this possible? What if they need this top or that shoe in the meantime? How many clothes do they have that they can just consign portions of their wardrobe to a zippered drawer a week or more in advance? It conjures an image of their essentials - static and packed away. By contrast, when I pack for a trip, it’s almost as if I am consigning living things to be shut up for the just briefest time possible! I spend a lot of time contemplating “what I will need” on any given trip. But the smallest amount of hyper-focused time on actually packing. The absolutely predictable result? I will leave something I need or want at home. Add to this mix, a pilgrimage that involves “things I do not normally do,” several days of gentle hiking, and carrying the bits and pieces of parish leadership – reflection guides, receipts and itineraries for the group, a laptop and and all of the chargers/adapters, and the pressure goes up.
And so on Sunday morning, when Jacob Perkins was leading a class on pilgrimage at the 10:00 Forum, and he invited us to imagine what goes through the mind of those preparing to undertake one, I was able to reflect that “I have already failed.” This simple recognition came from knowing that I would be stepping onto a plane 12 hours later, that I did not have packed bags, and that I had several important administrative tasks yet to complete before unplugging to enter into the pilgrimage experience with my St. James companions. Add a dash of a brief medical scare with my husband earlier in the week, and I was feeling pretty fried – anything but calmly centered and ready to enter into a week of spiritual contemplation and pilgrim’s aspirations.
When I reflected that this did not feel like an auspicious way to begin a pilgrimage, the group encouraged me to share those honest reflections- as this may be a point of connection for others who are living a slightly less than exquisitely curated life. And so as we step off, I hope to be able to share back with our St. James Cathedral community not only the sights and sounds of the Camino de Santiago – the Way of Saint James, but also some of the experience of surrendering oneself to a project of communal striving and God’s grace. As the Spirit moves you, please hold our pilgrimage group in your prayers: Adele, Michelle, Sola, Funmi, Maureen, Randy, Gregory, Bernice, Mike, Hak, Erin, and Gary.
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
60's and 70's Group at St. James
October 01, 2025
An Invitation from Cathedral Member Anne Driscoll
Hello St. James parishioners and friends,
Have you ever been envious of those who get to participate in the 20s and 30s group?
Well, now there is one for you! Let’s start a group for those of us who are in (or near!) our 60s or 70s!
We’ll gather at St. James for fellowship, getting to know each other, conversation, and fun! We may even find opportunities to “serve.” If you are interested, would you be kind enough to complete the questionnaire linked here.
Expect to receive an invitation soon to join fellow parishioners for a great time!