Grace Cathedral

Dear Friends,

I still remember my first Holy Week at the cathedral; it was a week filled with old experiences becoming new again—I experienced so many sacred moments that will remain with me. I was moved by the tender foot washing on Maundy Thursday; bearing the weight of the cross and the silence of Good Friday, and that breathtaking moment when our darkened nave filled with the light of the New Fire at the Easter Vigil. Each year since, these ancient traditions have spoken to me in new ways, meeting me exactly where I am on my faith journey.

As we approach Holy Week and Easter, I find myself reflecting on what these celebrations have meant to our community over the years. Those sacred moments that you noticed in years past; celebrating resurrection next to someone who is now in the nearer presence of God; meditating to glorious music sung by our choristers who may now have children of their own singing the same sacred texts.  

The Episcopal Church’s observance of Holy Week connects us not only to each other but to Christians across millennia. When we wave palm branches on Palm Sunday, we’re joining a tradition that began in fourth-century Jerusalem, where pilgrims would process from the Mount of Olives into the city; we participate in a ritual that has crossed oceans, continents, and centuries.

On Maundy Thursday, when I kneel to wash another’s feet or have my own feet washed, I’m always struck by the vulnerability of the moment. This act of humble service—revived in our Episcopal tradition through the liturgical renewals of the 20th century—calls to mind our call to pray with our feet—to get them dirty like Christ’s own feet, traveling and meeting people exactly where they are.

On Good Friday, I always find comfort in the tradition of venerating the cross—approaching this symbol of suffering with reverence while trusting that death never has the final word. I see many of you finding similar comfort as you bring your own grief and pain to this solemn service each year.

The Great Vigil of Easter remains my favorite service of the year. Standing in our darkened cathedral, watching the new fire being kindled, hearing those ancient stories of salvation, and then experiencing the church erupting with light and music—it’s Christianity at its most raw and beautiful. It always reminds me of the Vigil during seminary, during the height of COVID. We gathered around the Easter fire outside and told the story of salvation history bathed in firelight. A humble and primal experience that brought the words to life in a new and exciting way.  

Easter Sunday brings us full circle—the culmination of our journey through shadow into light. I hope you will be able to join us for the Easter Vigil and one of our three Easter Sunday services. We’ll continue the celebration the following week as we celebrate the welcome of new members in the church through the waters of baptism at 8:30 am and 11 am. You can find a full schedule of events here.  

As we finish walking this Holy Week path together, I invite you to bring your whole self—your joys and sorrows, your certainties and your questions. These traditions have sustained countless pilgrims before us, and they remain alive because each generation experiences them anew. May you experience the joy of life on this most sacred and holy time.