All Souls Requiem
Sunday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m.
The Choir of St James Cathedral
Andrew Megill, Conductor-in-Residence
Each year at All Souls’ Day, we gather to remember before God those whom we love but see no longer. We give thanks for their lives, cherish their memory, and commend them to God's eternal care. Because music can express the deepest hopes and sorrows of the human heart, this service features choral works that speak of grief, remembrance, and the promise of resurrection.
This year, the Cathedral Choir offers Herbert Howells’s Requiem, one of the most moving sacred works of the twentieth century. Composed in the years following the death of the composer’s young son, the work combines passages from the traditional Requiem liturgy with texts from the Psalms. Rather than emphasizing judgment or fear, Howells’s music dwells in a spirit of consolation, longing, and quiet trust in God’s mercy. Its luminous harmonies and expressive choral writing invite worshipers into prayerful reflection and remembrance.
The service also includes Howells’s Take him, earth, for cherishing, composed in memory of President John F. Kennedy and inspired by words from the fourth-century poet Prudentius. Both lament and affirmation, the work reflects on the mystery of death while proclaiming the Christian hope that those entrusted to the earth remain forever in God’s keeping.
As these profound works fill the cathedral, worshipers are invited to remember loved ones who have died, to seek comfort in God’s presence, and to find hope in the promise of eternal life. Holy Communion is offered as part of this service.
Choral Repertoire:
Howells - Requiem
Howells - Take him, earth, for cherishing
Submit a name to be prayed for
At this service, the clergy read aloud the names of those whom we love but see no longer from each corner of the Cathedral. If you have lost someone dear to you, whether recently or a long time ago, we invite you to submit their name. Please include a phonetic pronunciation guide for our clergy.
Plan your visit
When you visit St. James Cathedral on All Souls Day, expect to receive a warm welcome! Whether you are a committed follower of Christ, a first-time visitor who is joining a friend, or fall somewhere in between, you're not just welcome, you belong.
It is not uncommon for people to either dress casually or formally when visiting the Cathedral. Our priority is that you to feel comfortable. Children are always welcome at St. James. There is an open space to the front right of the pews for children to play under your supervision and a changing station for parents of our youngest members under the church in the restrooms.
The cathedral is accessible to people with limited mobility. An access ramp is located at the west end of the building, 65 E. Huron St.
Map & Parking
We are conveniently located 2 blocks from the red line. Exit at Chicago Avenue, then south two blocks to the corner of Wabash and Huron.
We are one block west from the 3, 10, 26, 146, 147, and 151 bus lines on Michigan Avenue. Exit at Superior or Erie if southbound, exit at Huron if northbound.
Reduced-rate parking is available on Sundays at ROW Parking Garage, 50 E Ohio Street, for $2 up to 6 hours. Parking is also available at Ohio Ontario Self Park, 33 W Ontario, for $10 up to 18 hours daily. Get a reduced-rate parking voucher from the St. James Commons reception desk.