Grace Cathedral

Grace Cathedral

Article | October 31, 2024

Congregation Update: Sacred Autumn

Blog|The Rev. Joe C. Williams

Dear Friends,

We’ve reached that special time of year when the waning autumn light spills into our magnificent cathedral, and the sound of laughter and crinkling candy wrappers can be heard on the Plaza as the Cathedral School for Boys and the Community Preschool celebrate Halloween. We also approach the sacred days of All Hallowtide – that beautiful triduum of All Hallows’ Eve (October 31), All Saints’ Day (November 1), and All Souls’ Day (November 2). This ancient observance invites us to explore the thin places where heaven and earth draw close, and to remember not just the saints remembered on the calendar each year, but those whose lives have illuminated our own paths of faith.

On Thursday, All Hallows’ Eve, we welcomed our youth and their parents to dress up and go from office to office to enjoy the time-honored tradition of trick-or-treating. It was a joy to see the costumes, laugh, and recall our own childhood. While this modern custom might seem far removed from church tradition, it embodies our commitment to being a place of warmth and welcome in our community. As little superheroes and race car drivers collected their treats, we were reminded of the joy and wonder that bridges sacred and secular celebrations.

Sunday, we will celebrate All Saints’ Day, we’ll gather for baptisms at 8:30 am and 11 am, and remember the great cloud of witnesses – those extraordinary ordinary people whose lives have shown us what it means to live in Christ’s love. We’ll renew our own baptismal promises and welcome the newest members of the church into the household of God. 

We will celebrate All Soul’s with a beautiful Requiem service on November 10. Accompanied by a full orchestra, the Grace Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys will sing Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem, Op. 9, in the full ceremonial context of the liturgy.

Duruflé’s sublime work focuses on the peace of heaven and takes away all fear of death. Duruflé’s impressionistic harmonies give flight to the eternal melodies of the church, as choirs of angels lift our souls to paradise. The Very Rev. Dr. Malcolm Clemens Young will preach.

In this season when the veil between worlds becomes thin, we’re reminded that love transcends the boundary between life and death. Whether you’re carrying fresh grief or cherished memories, know that this community holds you in love and prayer.

May this All Hallowtide triduum allow you to remember joyfully, love tenderly and without exception, and rejoice in the knowledge and love of those who have gone before us.  

Peace,

The Rev. Joe C. Williams
Succentor

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