Grace Cathedral
Spoken at the Holy Eucharist with Hymns and Choral Eucharist October 10, 2024
I have been a congregant of Grace Cathedral for more than three years, and I have been a pledging member for two.
The question I often asked myself when I started to attend Grace regularly, before I’ve made prayer and worship a regular part of my spiritual practice, was “How do I know when I am healed?”
Through serving in the Eucharist, I learned the importance of deep, thoughtful prayer, and how rituals are powerful tools for communicating the divine mystery. There was a period of time when I wasn’t praying for anyone, not even myself, and things have changed since I first started coming to Grace.
At Education for Ministry, I am challenged to think critically about stories and narratives, and how to approach difficult, often confusing text with a discerning and compassionate heart.
In training to become a cathedral docent, I learned that art and architecture can convey our histories in rich and beautiful ways, and that it’s important to take care of our spiritual home if we want it to last for a long time.
When I sponsored a youth on his confirmation and a friend on his baptism during the Easter Vigil, I learned that showing up for others is a way to help them navigate the intimidating process of spiritual maturity.
As a member of the Congregation Council, I’m learning how to become a better leader, how to build relationships, and how to be an advocate for the leadership of others so that they can fulfill the work that God has for them.
At The Vine, I learned the value of a chosen family, and how vital it is to have a space where we can learn from each other’s wisdom.
And, by pledging to stewardship, I learned that the chance to speak in front of God’s beloved, is a powerful opportunity to take a look at my life, and ask, “Is this abundance?”
I was born and raised in the Philippines; I am a gay man and an Air Force veteran, I served during the time of (and repeal of) “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell;” I haven’t yet finished my college degree which makes living paycheck to paycheck a difficult reality; my relationship of 11 years ended last year, and I felt alone and guilty; I am ridiculously homesick for my family in the Philippines, and I have struggled with feelings of loneliness and isolation; and there were very real moments when I thought, “I can’t do this, Lord, life is too hard.”
But in every single challenge, I found Grace in unexpected places—in the warmth of a smile, the comfort of a familiar face, and in the quiet strength of this cathedral community that held me up when I felt I couldn’t stand.
I’ve come to learn that healing is not a single moment but a journey, and Grace Cathedral has been a vital part of mine. Our stewardship pledges do more than keep the lights on—they enable Grace to remain a beacon of hope, inclusion, and love for anyone who walks through these doors.
By supporting this sacred space, we empower one another to find peace, purpose, and connection in ways that speak uniquely to our own hearts. Our generosity ensures that Grace Cathedral continues to be a place where everyone, no matter where they come from or what they carry, can experience the fullness of God’s love. I hope you will join me in making a pledge—a pledge for the nurturing of a community that has been, and will continue to be, a part of my healing—and can be a part of yours too.
Peace and love.
Consider Pledging to Grace Cathedral
Spoken at the 9/17/23 Choral Eucharist
During the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, I spent lots of time jogging around the city. My usual route was from my apartment in the Tenderloin, up the hill on Taylor, then I’d sit by the water near Ghirardelli Square. Grace Cathedral was always on the path, and what drew me in was the strong, clear message that “ALL ARE WELCOME HERE,” and I began to visit regularly.
Some time has passed since then, and I couldn’t be more grateful for Grace Cathedral. I’ve become involved in many ways: joining the stewardship committee, starting my second year in the Education for Ministry program, and taking on various roles at the 11 o’clock service (my favorite is carrying the heavy but very special crosses). Recently I found the Grace Cathedral poetry group, where we’ve read and discussed lots of beautiful works by talented poets. One of my favorite Grace experiences is the Wednesday evening Vine service, here at the labyrinth.
And because the theme of this year’s stewardship is courage, I’d like to share my story with you.
I love to dance. I’ve danced ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and even cheerleading, but life kept me from pursuing this passion. I haven’t danced in years, so when I heard about an audition, I thought, “I might fail at this, I’m not going,” but a gentle voice nudged me: “Give this opportunity a chance, you might take away something special.”
I was so nervous. But as soon as the audition started, as soon as we started dancing, there it was: my irresistible and undeniable love for self-expression. I was surrounded by people with tremendous gifts, and I was on fire with joy.
I did not get the part, but later that evening, I shared it with my Vine family, and I was able to overcome my fear. I even showed them a couple of counts of choreography after the service. Later that week, I received an email from the planning committee of Grace Cathedral’s Pride Mass asking if I’d like to have a role in the service. The offertory could use some dancing and movement. Oh, yes.
Grace Cathedral was adorned with color, filled with uplifting music, and everybody radiated with joy for the Pride Mass. I was wearing a long, golden skirt, and with every movement felt like it had a life of its own. As the moment approached and I was getting ready to dance, my heart raced with self-doubt: “What if I fail? What if I disappoint the people that believed in me and never believe in me again?” My eyes were beginning to swell, but then, there it was, as soon as the song started, with the same intense energy that nudged me to audition in the first place: courage.
In an instant, all the criticism and self-doubt were washed away by the profound message in front of me. Be. Here. Now. It was one of the most magical moments of my life.
My dear friends, this place, and our time together fills my heart with so much joy. I am nowhere from perfect, but in this place, I am made a fuller person. As we start the new stewardship season, I am committing myself to more courageous action, and I’m looking forward to new adventures together. Pledging, and giving generously, is our concrete action to commit to the longevity of our spiritual home.
Grace Cathedral taught me that every being deserves dignity, and the chance to flourish in their own time and in their own way.
I’ll close with this: To the fifteen-year-old version of myself—the secretly gay, Catholic altar boy in the Philippines who practiced dance every night, “You’re going to be okay.” You will meet lots of people who will touch your life, and they will lift you up in tremendous ways. You will fail and stumble so many times, and it will be very scary; yes, there will be a lot of work, but have faith . . . have courage.
Fall is stewardship season in the Episcopal Church. It is a time for us to show our appreciation for the love we experience in our caring, inclusive community. Our participation in the stewardship campaign means that we make the ministry and message of Grace possible. When we pledge, we become a part of something bigger than each of us individually. Join us in pledging today.