The Latest Cathedral News

Our 2020 Christmas Offering for La Creche

December 18, 2020

God chose to share fully in the life of the world, born as a humble and impoverished baby. From lowly beginnings, Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ and Messiah, missed no opportunity to show the world God’s love for all people... most notably the poor, the vulnerable, the outcast, and those in need. It is fitting, therefore, that as we celebrate Christmas at St James Cathedral, we will make a gift to support disadvantaged children in the Bethlehem of today.

La Creche provides a loving and secure home for about forty children. The sisters, staff, and volunteers (including doctors and social workers) offer educational, domestic, and psychological support. The stories around many of these young children are often heart-breaking, and the love provided by the staff is inspiring.

As we honor the birth of a baby to unwed parents who desperately sought a roof over their heads, in response to this carol service, please support the work of La Creche both prayerfully and financially. Contributions are accepted online or by text. Send "SJC Creche" to 73256 to give using your mobile device starting at the Lessons & Carols Service on Sunday, December 20 until the end of our Christmas Eve services on December 24. 

Author: The Very Rev. Dominic Barrington

The Thirteenth Bishop of Chicago

December 12, 2020

Just a few minutes ago, the Reverend Canon Paula Clark was elected as the XIII bishop of our diocese, to succeed Bishop Lee who retires at the end of this month.

Paula will be coming to us from the Diocese of Washington (D.C.), in which she has exercised all her priestly ministry thus far.  It became clear in walk about conversations that our bishop-elect is a proven and creative leader, and person of prayer rooted in a powerful sense of God's presence at work among us in and through the church.  She has served in parishes, and currently holds a senior position on the bishop’s staff as Canon to the Ordinary and Chief of Staff. Even these very few facts should serve to demonstrate how ideally placed she is to assume the leadership of this diocese, and you can learn much more about her here. 
 
Personally, I am delighted by the result of this election, and feel very excited for all that lies ahead for the diocese in the coming months and years. With her years of ministry in the Diocese of Washington, Bishop-elect Clark is no stranger to the National Cathedral, and it will be a joy and privilege to welcome her to what will now be her own cathedral church of St James. 
 
We do not yet know when our bishop-elect will arrive in Chicago to begin her ministry, but her ordination as a bishop is scheduled for April 24, 2021. For now, please join me in holding Paula in your prayers as she prepares for this major transition.

The Very Rev. Dominic Barrington
Dean of the Cathedral

Author: The Very Rev. Dominic Barrington

St. James Suspends Public Worship

November 17, 2020

Dear Sisters and Brothers,
 
In response to the “Protect Chicago” strategy announced by the Mayor last week, Bishop Lee has suspended in-person worship until December 16. While there is no evidence to suggest that live worship undertaken with appropriate protocols has contributed to the spread of COVID-19, and some churches of other denominations are currently still holding services, there is no doubt that, as the mayor has said, this is a ‘critical point’ in the pandemic, both within the city and the country as a whole.
 
At St. James Cathedral we will continue to live-stream a celebration of the Eucharist at 11am on Sunday mornings, but only those with an active role in the liturgy will be able to be present. The celebrations on Tuesday and Thursday lunchtime will be suspended until further notice.
 
While this is a difficult and painful time, made worse by its proximity to major public holidays, we also see light in the darkness with the announcements concerning the development of vaccines which appear to be highly effective. I know you will join me in praying for as swift an end to this terrible time as possible.
 
Your priest and friend,
The Very Rev. Dominic Barrington
Dean of the Cathedral
Author: The Very Rev. Dominic Barrington
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