Grace Cathedral
Dear Friends,
Immodica īra creat īnsāniam. According to Wheelock’s Grammar of Latin, Seneca said these words more than 2,000 years ago. Excessive anger creates insanity. A memory from my college days of taking a long time to translate that phrase came to mind recently when car horns and shouting outside my window seemed at an all-time high. Immodica īra creat īnsāniam. It certainly seemed a risk that day.
Are people angrier and less kind, or am I imagining it? This is the basic question many people have raised lately. Fortunately, research finds that this feeling is not only not new, but also not true. The results of a study of decades of research into the question, published in Nature Magazine, also suggest the perception can be resolved. The research finds that our sense that people are meaner today than in the past may be more about our focus on negative news and partial memories than about reality itself.
It’s easy to be swept up in stories that paint a gloomy picture of our world. But not only does solid research show that the perception that people are meaner is a function of negative input and confirmation bias, the narrative is incompatible with the Christian story. As Christians, we are invited weekly to the very antidote to meanness, anger, and insanity. In our faith stories and in our commitment as a Christian community, we share a different perspective— a story of enduring hope, love, and the power of genuine connection.
Whether you join us for our Sunday services, morning prayer, evensong, arts events, one of our ministries, or quiet moments of reflection, the cathedral offers ways to reconnect with a sense of warmth, belonging, and inspiration. Together, we can overcome the illusion of moral decline with real acts of compassion, understanding, and support.
This Sunday at 1 pm in the Chapter Rooms, we have a tremendous opportunity to learn specific interpersonal skills to offset the easy tendency to fall into negativity and react with anger ourselves. Psychotherapist and former Roman Catholic priest David Richo and former Protestant minister Barry Brown will lead a workshop called From Payback to Love: Relating without Retaliating. Space is limited in the Chapter Room, so we recommend finding a seat quickly after the 11 am coffee hour for this rare chance to work with two such faithful and gifted experts in relationship-building. I hope we’ll see you there.
Finally, this week our new Congregation Council met to kick off the new year. Get to know our wonderful community building group and its leadership team: Brian Day, Joe Garrity, and Mikin Macwan.

Standing: Kenn Sparks, Anita Ho, Claire Griffin, Vincent Spohn, Joe Garrity, and Moira Dowell. On-screen: Mikin Macwan, Erin McCune, Megan Bourne, Dee Jomo, Jennifer Droke. Kneeling: Evan Deocariza, John Evans, Brian Day, Roger Doughty, MC Greene.
With hope we can make 2025 a blessing for all,
Mary Carter
The Rev. Cn. Mary Carter Greene
Canon Pastor
Dear Friends,
Among many of the stories emerging from the devastating fires in Los Angeles, example upon example have demonstrated the power of people coming together, showing that even though a place may be gone, its community is not. So many tragic stories of family and friends’ loss of life and property have been shared with evidence of love in the worst of times. How good it is to be a part of a loving community.
Last week, staff clergy called the approximately 75 Grace Cathedral members who live in the Los Angeles area to hear how they were doing, to let them know we are praying for them, and to see if we might support them pastorally. The stories shared on the phone included heartening descriptions of neighbors and communities coming together to offer food, water, shelter, prayer, and hope. Tragic stories reflected the heroism of strangers becoming friends, evidence that in unsettling times the grace of being together can carry us through.
It may take time to know how to best respond, but early conversations among our ministries are prioritizing this need. As an immediate response, and in concert with the Diocese of California, we are suggesting that those who wish to donate money give to Episcopal Relief and Development.
Congregational leaders are looking ahead to see how we might engage over time. The Congregation Council will consider possible service and action projects to come. Our formation programs for all ages this spring will focus again on issues around the climate crisis, using The Episcopal Church’s Creation Care curriculum, Events are planned to encourage personal practices that reduce climate impacts such as a springtime treasure swap and a beach cleanup. The Social Justice Working Group is looking at climate-related social justice advocacy work such as that supported by the Episcopal Church.
To discern how we might faithfully live our lives as people with hearts for justice, join friends from the diocese and the national church for a Sacred Ground Regional Gathering THIS Saturday, January 25, from 10 am to 5 pm at Epiphany, San Carlos. Together, we can imagine what’s next for the church’s work for racial justice. Register now!
Community helps us weather any storm. This Sunday, Grace Cathedral’s community will celebrate at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation, Sunday January 26 at 9:30 am in the Nave. Join Bishop Austin Keith Rios, Dean Malcolm Clemens Young, and members of the Board of Trustees to review the blessings of 2024, elect new leaders, grant awards, and hear our hopes for 2025.
Read the Annual Report here and cast your vote here. Voting will be open at 5 pm Friday, January 24 and close at 5 pm on Sunday, January 26.
I look forward to coming together this Sunday to celebrate all that is good in our community at the Annual Meeting and to worship together at the bishop’s annual visit at the 11 am Choral Eucharist, following.
Dear Friends,
“Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” –Psalm 118
This phrase came to mind on Sunday when Patricia, a stranger from Western North Carolina whose life had been upended and dangerously imperiled by the recent storm surge from Hurricane Helene, eased my worries about my 80-year-old cousin Bobby, who lives in the mountains of western North Carolina.
In the aftermath of the storm and flooding, my cousins in other parts of North Carolina had been unable to reach Bobby, and one had set out to drive through the flooding to find him.
Meanwhile, too far away to go looking myself, I reached out to all the local Episcopal Churches near his hometown of Hendersonville, NC. With power out everywhere and with understandable struggles due to the conditions, none were answering their phones. I left voice mails and wrote emails to several parishes, uncertain which was Bobby’s but hoping for a lead or for help from someone on the ground.
The next morning, I heard from Patricia, a neighbor of Bobby’s and an active member in her Episcopal Church. The church administrator of a neighboring parish I had called, worked out where Bobby was a member and found someone who could find out how he was.
“Dear Sister in Christ,” Patricia wrote, “Bobby is just fine. His nephew Chris drove up from Charlotte to take him to stay with family while we have no power and very limited water. He came over this morning to give me a hug before he left.”
Patricia told me all about her relationship with Bobby, how he had comforted her through Covid, how she had walked with him as he grieved the illness and death of his husband, and about their shared love of the church.
With more than 200 people, from Florida to Virginia killed in the storm, hundreds more missing, and countless homeless and without electricity or clean water, I am immeasurably grateful to know that Bobby is safe. I am, also, deeply touched by Patricia’s and the unnamed church administrator who outdid themselves to assuage my worries, a stranger 2700 miles away.
Blessed it is the one who comes in the name of the Lord, is a phrase we say regularly at church, and this week, it occurs to me that its truest expression is sometimes in sharing that blessing with others.
Patricia and the church administrator shared their blessings with me and Bobby’s family. I am sure the many Episcopal churches in the region are continuing to do untold and immeasurable good for people in the region. In their time of need, we have an opportunity to share our blessings, too.
We are invited to join Bishop Austin Rios, whose letter this week invites prayer for the people of North Carolina and all affected areas, in the wake of storm and flood, and in supporting the relief efforts through Episcopal Relief and Development.
Join me in praying these verses written by the Rev. Canon. Anna Rossi:
Almighty God, by your hand you led your children
through raging waters to rest on dry land.
Be with all whose lives are devastated by storm and flood,
especially the people of North Carolina;
Strengthen first responders and all who bear signs of your promise,
renew communities whose homes and hopes have been washed away,
give rest to the dead, and dry the tears of all who mourn,
raise up sanctuaries and spaces to gather again.
From age to age, O God, we have seen wonders:
receive our prayers,
and lavish your love on your children in this hour of need;
for you hold our souls in life,
and guide our steps on a good path.
Thank you for coming on this journey with me. You are a blessing.
In the name of Christ,
Mary Carter
Dear Friends,
Fall is stewardship season in the Episcopal Church and Grace Cathedral is celebrating stewardship of our abundance of blessings in community, purpose, and creation.
The cathedral community has been buzzing with activity these past few weeks. Our Congregation Council and more than 25 active ministries (from the long-standing Garden Guild and Men with Grace to our newest Grace Groups and the Welcoming and Connecting Ministry) invited hundreds on Congregation Sunday to learn about ways to become part of Grace Cathedral’s abundance. Our many ministries offer community and service that connects people together and builds up the world around us. To learn more about cathedral communities and to get involved, visit our Ministry Page.
Richard and Joanne Compean continue facilitating our purposeful work to understand and bridge the loneliness gap through a wrap-up discussion about David Brooks’ book, How to Know a Person. Join this active and engaging workshop this Sunday, September 22, in the Chapter Room from 12:45 to 2 pm. A light lunch will be provided.
The cathedral community’s ongoing care for creation is highlighted this Stewardship season as we participate in the 50-day Creation-Care program, facilitated by Dr. Steph McNally, the cathedral’s Manager for Formation.
Congregants of all ages are engaged in this program. Our Sunday children’s program is active this Season of creation with a seed-planting project and a creation mural. Youth and families are helping in the California Coastal Cleanup Day with other Episcopal youth. Contact Stephm@gracecathedral.org to attend Saturday, September 21, from 9 to noon.
Adults and Youth are invited to the Creation Care Bible Challenge. The Rev. Canon Sally Bingham, Canon for the Environment, kicked off the program earlier this month. Join the next scheduled study online on September 30, led by the Dean of Grace Cathedral, the Very Rev. Dr. Malcolm Clemens Young, All are welcome!
Stewardship of our mission to care for community and creation, with purpose, is possible because of financial support from community members. Our participation in the stewardship campaign means we make the ministry and message of Grace possible. Join me in giving this year to our Stewardship Campaign, 100% Grace: Abundance.
Your animals can get involved in stewardship too! Make a gift in honor or memory of beloved pets. Gift tributes received by October 2 will be included in the Blessing of the Animals on October 6. Your pet’s name will be featured on the pet tribute page.
Grace Cathedral knows an abundance of blessings. That abundance is visible because of our ongoing work to be a community of welcome, love, and purpose. Our shared abundance is possible because of your engagement and generosity.
Every blessing this stewardship season,
Mary Carter
The Rev. Cn. Mary Carter Greene
Canon Pastor
Dear Cathedral Family,
What do you imagine infinity to be? If you’ve ever been out in nature, so far out that city lights can’t touch your view, you may know what I am about to describe.
Many years ago, on a trip in Morocco, my family and I rode camels into the desert with a Ma’qil guide, set up camp, sang songs, and shared stories until bedtime. Once lying down, with the campfire extinguished, I saw infinity as my eyes adjusted and the number of stars in the sky unfolded more and more. They were beyond countless.
At choir camp, beginning Sunday, where I’ll join the music staff and boys’ choir as Choir Chaplain, the boys will have an opportunity to engage the infinity of the night sky too. Each night at choir camp, we will all share in the nighttime service of Compline, outside, lying on blankets under the stars.
Looking up, the boys will hear God’s promises to us to be a comforter, a companion, and our guide. We’ll all be reminded that the scope of God’s promise to us is as infinite as the stars in the sky.
During their eight days at choir camp, under the leadership of Dr. Jared Johnson, Chris Keady, Peter Meredith, and Sue Crawford, the boys will exercise their musical talents and grow in connection with each other and with our tradition. They will practice and prepare the music for Thursday Evensongs and Sunday Eucharists that they will share with us in the coming year—this is the very music that aids us all in hearing what God is calling us to notice and how we are called to live.
Our invitation to live together fully will also be celebrated at this Sunday’s installation of Bishop Rios at 3 pm at the cathedral, where the boys will sing before boarding their bus to camp. I hope you will be able to join us in person or online to participate in this beautiful, historic, and holy installation of the Ninth Bishop of California in his seat at the cathedral.
Bishop Rios’s installation marks the beginning of a new era in the diocese. This transition too, is an opening to an infinity of possibilities. What a privilege our cathedral community, diocese, city, and wider church have been given to be a part of this.
In this new time, let’s imagine together what infinity looks like and what it means for our faithful life together.
Bishop Rios has written an inspiring and hopeful pastoral letter to us all to help us begin. You can read it or listen to it here.
With great gratitude and enthusiasm,
Mary Carter
The Rev. Canon. Mary Carter Greene
Canon Pastor
Dear Grace Cathedral Family,
Our fulsome celebration of the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women continues with women presiding, preaching, reading, inspiring music, and praying, online and in the cathedral all week.
This Sunday, July 28, we look forward to the theme continuing in the prophetic voices of our preachers: The Rev. Canon Sally Bingham at 8:30 am, The Rev. Canon Anna Rossi at 11 am, and The Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers at 6 pm.
The Gospel of John this Sunday places Mary Magdalene as a centerpiece to Jesus’s resurrection. In the Gospel passage from John 20, Jesus tells her to not hold onto him, and this command empowers her in a way. It means she will be the one to carry this life-changing message to the disciples; it makes her the first witness. And once a witness, she is moved to act.
We have witnessed new life, and we, too, are called to respond. So, as we continue this witness by celebrating the 50th anniversary of ordination of women to the Priesthood and the ongoing gains in equity among clergy, this is a good time to look around and consider other areas where we still have work to do – in the church, in society, and in our own hearts. Then, as Mary Magdalene did, we are called to witness and respond to these needs.
Our annual survey of the congregation invites your responses to many questions, including where you feel we are called to witness and act for Social Justice. We hope you will take some time to consider the issues of our day and share your thoughts on Grace Cathedral Survey when you answer it. This survey will take about 20 minutes to complete. Please plan to complete this survey before August 12.
The Gospel of John ends with purpose, saying, Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:30-31).
It is a delight to have life together with this community, and I look forward to sharing more with you on Sunday.
With every blessing,
Mary Carter
The Rev. Cn. Mary Carter Greene
Canon Pastor
Dear Grace Family,
Exciting News: The Episcopal Church has a new presiding bishop! The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, bishop of Northwest Pennsylvania and bishop provisional of Western New York, has been elected by the House of Bishops and confirmed by the House of Deputies to be the 28th presiding bishop.
He will begin a nine-year term leading the Episcopal Church on November 1, 2024. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry concludes his nine-year term on October 31, 2024. Rowe will begin his term on November 1 and be seated at Washington National Cathedral on November 2, 2024.
The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe’s biographical statement points to his interest in organizational learning and adaptive performance in the church. His candidacy video applies this expertise thoughtfully to aspects, needs, and hopes of the church.
Learn more about our new presiding bishop’s hopes for the future and our work ahead as a church, at this Episcopal New Service article.
Learn more about the process of electing and confirming the Presiding Bishop in the Canons of the General Convention.
What might this mean for us? With our bishop co-adjutor, the Rt. Rev. Austin Rios installed in the Diocese of California elected in May of 2024, and a new presiding bishop, we enter a new season in the church. As with every transition, there is a loss at letting go of those who have held the roles before, paired with hope for what is to come.
All are welcome on this journey. How blessed we are to be walking the path together.
With gratitude,
Mary Carter
The Rev. Cn. Mary Carter Greene
Canon Pastor
Dear Grace Cathedral Family,
In John’s Gospel, “Love one another as I have loved you,” is Jesus’s simple yet profound call to us.
In an effort to provide care to our congregation in the way Jesus calls us to do as lay and ordained people, Grace Cathedral has formed a small group of people to serve as Stephen Ministers, caregivers who are trained to walk with others in one-on-one relationships during times of need such as long-term care for a loved one, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, relocation, or grief.
Stephen Ministries has trained lay caregivers since 1975 in more than 13,000 congregations and organizations, so we are part of a well-established and refined practice of care.
Stephen Ministers served at Grace Cathedral several years ago, and we are enthusiastic about reviving the ministry with these newly trained congregants, a group of members representing the diversity of the cathedral. Together with parishioners from St. Mary The Virgin, the group has trained for three hours on Monday nights for 20 weeks to receive Stephen Minister Certification. While serving, Stephen Ministers will participate in a supervision group and continue to reflect and grow in best practices.
The current group will finish the intensive training this summer and be commissioned at Congregation Sunday on September 8. After that time, parishioners seeking longer-term pastoral care with a Stephen Minister will be matched to meet for weekly conversations and prayer for up to a year or two. Be on the lookout for more information about meeting with a Stephen Minister this Fall.
We are very grateful to this faithful group of caregivers who are responding to Christ’s invitation to heal the hurt of the world, one relationship at a time, with love like his.
With gratitude and love,
Mary Carter
Dear Grace Cathedral Family,
It’s beginning to look a lot like summer! The weather is warming, school is letting out, and the cathedral’s pride steps brightly welcome all.
Grace Cathedral’s congregation kicked off the summer season by relaxing together over Memorial Day Weekend at our annual Congregation Retreat at Bishop’s Ranch in Healdsburg. Congregants of all ages learned and socialized together in the beautiful setting of rolling hills, oak trees, and vineyards. While the adults learned together, the children enjoyed nature explorations which inspired their creation of clay adornments for the altar at Sunday’s worship in the ranch chapel.
Brother Desmond Alban from the Society of Saint Francis led our programming with a conversation strategy called 3Practice Circles. This practice teaches effective steps to communicate with more grace in day-to-day interactions with others, including people who hold different views. As we look ahead to another election cycle, many agreed this practice could help reduce the steam in dialogs around issues that matter.
“I’d be curious to know,” is the opening gambit to questions in a 3Practice Circle conversation. Opening with this phrase invites conversation partners to remain curious rather than critical and to stay in the discussion. The method allows people airtime to express their views and to feel fully heard. Grounded in deep respect for the other, the practice draws from compassion, hospitality, and love.
The 3Practice Circles book is a quick primer on the principles that guide the practice. Be on the lookout for more information about 3Practice Circles at Grace Cathedral in the summer and fall, including a 3Practice Circles Grace Group.
I hope you are enjoying the early days of summer and can look forward to some rest and relaxation. This Sunday’s annual Pride Mass is a fun and faithful way to jump into the season and celebrate God’s beautifully diverse expression of humanity together. Climb the Pride Steps on Sunday, June 2, at 6 pm, and join in jubilant worship with your cathedral community.
With gratitude for our life together,
Mary Carter
Dear Grace Cathedral Friends,
These are liminal times. Yesterday, we observed the Feast of the Ascension, the story of when Jesus ascended to God and left the apostles with the directions to stay here and wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
As we mark this time between Jesus’s return to God and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, this can be a good time to consider what it is we are hoping for, what we long for in the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
This is an excellent time to consider that question regarding your life and your church life.
On Thursday, I joined a small group of friends from our Seniors with Grace program for tea, and we discussed the way this question’s answers change over a lifetime but always hinge on hope, the hope born of a faith community.
This week’s weather has signaled another liminal time, the wait for summer. Birds are singing, and spirits are lifted in celebration. I hope you can schedule some time to relax and enjoy the change of seasons. One guaranteed way to enjoy yourself in the company of good friends is to join the congregation retreat held on Memorial Day weekend, May 25-27. It is the perfect transition from spring to summer. Registration closes May 12.
Easter blessings to you all,
The Rev. Canon MC Greene
Canon Pastor
Dear Grace Cathedral Family,
Happy Easter!
Throughout Holy Week and to great heights at Easter, we were filled with “Collective effervescence,” what sociologist Emile Durkheim called the kind of group exuberance and unity of religious engagement.
One way to re-live the highlights, if you haven’t seen the footage yet, is to watch the recording of the 11 am Easter Sunday Choral Eucharist. With its soaring angles of the cathedral and procession, situated atop the hill with views all the way to the bridge, Grace Cathedral’s joyous welcome of the Easter Season for the city is on full display.
The joy we find and feel together in the new life of Easter continues this Sunday at 11 am when we will celebrate the Baptisms of several new Christians into our community and, through our readings, follow the disciples as they encounter Jesus’s return.
Excitement is also growing in anticipation of the ordination and consecration of The Rev. Austin Rios as Bishop Coadjutor of the Episcopal Diocese of California at 11 am on Saturday, May 4, at Grace Cathedral. Registration is required to attend theordination and consecration, so be certain to register.
Singers from around the diocese and of all ages are invited to join a choir being formed to help lead the music for the ordination and consecration. If you’d like to join the choir, learn more about the specifics here and be certain to register for the ordination and consecration.
And finally, the countdown is over… our Annual Congregation Retreat registration is open! Join Grace Cathedral’s community of all ages and make new friends at the diocesan retreat center, Bishop’s Ranch, in Healdsburg, CA, from May 25 -27. Registration closes May 1, and last year we filled up before the deadline. Registration includes programming, two night’s lodging, and delicious, healthy food. Contact Kate Seagrave with questions.
With every blessing,
The Rev. Canon Mary Carter Greene
Canon Pastor
Dear Grace Family,
“Oh! I was planning to be vegetarian for Lent, but there was chicken stock in that meal!” A few days into the start of Lent, several people, myself included, have already had a lapse of at least one Lenten discipline.
The new habits, the fasting or restrictions we often exercise during Lent can teach self-control, enable empathy for others, and help us confront our excesses in ways that are productive and faithful, even in our imperfections. But of course, Lent isn’t only about giving things up.
Many people also choose to take things on during Lent. This season of Lent, how about trying something new at Grace Cathedral?
Learn something new: Join the 4 pm Sunday Book Study on Zoom reading Barbara Brown Taylor’s The Luminous Web: Faith, Science and the Experience of Wonder.
Study the Bible in a small group: Join the Monday Night Bible Study from 7 pm to 8 pm with Dean Young, and Thursday Bible Study from 11 am to noon, with members of the clergy and lay leaders guiding the group on Zoom. Learn more on Class for Adults page.
Join a ministry: Grace Cathedral has 22 active ministries, from the Altar Guild to Jail Ministry; there’s a group for you to join. Learn more about our ministries page.
Meet new people and build community: Join Richard and Joanne Compean for a light lunch and discussion of Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s pioneering book Healing Loneliness through Human Connection on Sunday at 12:30 pm. Then, make a point of introducing yourself and talking to someone new each week and introducing them to someone else you know.
Often, the things we give up for Lent are habits or substances that, even on a secular level, are arguably better left behind. And while God surely applauds our discipline and self-improvement, taking practices on in the community can also connect us with others in a way that brings us closer to God’s desire for the Beloved Community.
Many blessings this Lent,
Mary Carter