eConnections - May 25, 2024
May 25, 2024
Notes & News from the Cathedral of Saint James, South Bend
Trinity Sunday &
Memorial Day Weekend
The Dean's List
The Lorica of St. Patrick
On the First Sunday after Pentecost each year is set aside to celebrate the Holy Trinity. Every other Sunday in the Christian calendar is based on an event or teaching from Jesus' life, making Trinity Sunday distinct in that it focuses on a Christian doctrine. And a very tricky one at that. I know probably post this every year, but I still find this video by Lutheran Satire on St. Patrick's Bad Analogies both hilarious and spot on about the problems presented to preachers all across the globe on Trinity Sunday. It is the accepted practice of rectors everywhere to pawn this occasion off on almost anyone. Canon Lee Mitchell was my go to back in the day. Fr. Mark Hummell is hereby on notice. Or, you know, whoever.
Except that, truth be told, I actually like preaching on Trinity Sunday. I figured out a long time ago that the best way to avoid wandering headlong into any of the billion-and-twelve Trinitarian heresies is to skip altogether the temptation to try to explain the Trinity, which is a capital "M" Mystery beyond definitive description. On the other hand, to say nothing about a central tenet of the Christian faith because it's too hard would be a both a cop out and cause for speculation about my grasp of other doctrinal assertions, such as the Scriptural endorsement of Honda automobiles. (Jesus' disciples were in one Accord. Look it up. It's in the Bible.) Okay, maybe not. But our assertion that Jesus is both fully human and fully divine is a thing - and an important one, at that - and thus it behooves me to maintain some modicum of street cred with respect to the doctrine of the Trinity.
I don't try to preach the how of the Holy Trinity, which is a fool's errand, but rather on the so what. If you want to hear more about that, come to the Cathedral tomorrow (or watch it on YouTube). In the meantime, I want to call attention to how Patrick of Ireland (by tradition) proclaimed the so what in the great Trinitarian poem we know as St. Patrick's Breastplate, which famously begins: I bind unto myself today the strong name of the Trinity, by invocation of the same, the Three in One and One in Three.
A breastplate prayer is otherwise known as a lorica which, in Celtic tradition, is a prayer for surrounding, shielding, and protection. Patrick begins his lorica by wrapping himself in the fullness of the Godhead - the Holy Trinity - to shield and protect him, which is possible merely by calling on God's name. Patrick expounds on this at some length, invoking specific Persons of the Trinity in succeeding stanzas: Christ, Creator, Wisdom (Spirit), with each being extolled for manifestations of God's power and presence.
Of interest to me today are two verses that have been omitted from St. Patrick's Breastplate as it appears in the Hymnal 1982 that flip the script to focus quite specifically on what Patrick is seeking protection from. On one hand I get it - this hymn is already long, so cutting a verse or two is merciful and kind. On the other hand, while our cosmology has changed a wee bit since the 5th century and we don't necessarily personify evil in quite the same way Patrick may have, I find these verses both insightful and still relevant:
Against the demon snares of sin,
The vice that gives temptation force,
The natural lusts that war within,
The hostile men that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh,
In every place and in all hours,
Against their fierce hostility
I bind to me these Holy Powers.
Against all Satan’s spells and wiles,
Against false words of heresy,
Against the knowledge that defiles,
Against the heart’s idolatry,
Against the wizard’s evil craft,
Against the death wound and the burning,
The choking wave, the poisoned shaft,
Protect me, Christ, till thy returning.
The so what of the Trinity for Patrick had to do with a God who, in every manifestation and revelation, was moved to surround and protect all who dared tread the path of faith, hope, and love in this lifetime.
We are not, by the way, singing this hymn tomorrow, having just sung it on St. Patrick's Day (you know... two-and-a-half months ago). I was going to link somebody's version of this great hymn on YouTube, but I couldn't find one that I thought did justice to it.
Memorial Day Prayer
God of power, God of mercy,
whose desire it is that all Creation
might live together in peace and unity:
You call us to set aside our earthly pride;
to study war no more;
to banish violence and destruction from our midst;
to wipe away the tears of the brokenhearted.
Until that day when love at last prevails on earth,
keep in your mercy those women and men
who have died for the cause of freedom,
and bring them safely home
into your eternal household.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gather & Grow
The Capital Campaign for our elevator addition and renovations to Cathedral worship and gathering spaces is underway! All are invited to attend one of two upcoming cottage meetings to learn more about the project, current progress, and how to get involved in the campaign. If you haven't already indicated your preference of meetings, you can sign up in-person on Sunday morning or just click on one of the links below:
Friday, May 31; 6:30 pm in Cathedral Hall
Sunday, June 2; 12:30 pm in Cathedral Hall
I can't attend a Cottage Meeting, but please contact me.
Shortcakes on the Blacktop
Our annual strawberry festival serves the mission of the Church in several important ways:
It presents the Church in a positive (and delicious) light as a congregation that is intent on serving on community.
It builds community partnerships and values and supports their work both by providing financial support and by raising awareness of their work.
Working side-by-side for a common purpose builds relationships within our congregation.
As we enter the final stretch, volunteer opportunities still abound and financial support is still welcome! Please check out the information below to see how you can get involved!
Receptions
There are three receptions coming up on the Cathedral calendar.
On Saturday, June 8, there will be a small reception following the 3 pm funeral service for Bill Smith. If you are able to provide food for this reception, please let Betsy VanderBurg know.
Two additional receptions are scheduled for Saturday, July 6: one following a 10 am Ordination; and one following the 3 pm funeral service for Vivian Woods (mother of Dave Woods). We will ask for volunteers and food for those receptions closer to time.
St. James Class of 2024
Apparently the most graduated thing in 2024 is my ability to remember everyone who belongs on this list. This week we recognize Emma Schultz :)
Emma Schultz earned her JD from Boston College Law School.
Joe Anand-Obleton graduated this week from Harvard University with an AB (Artium Baccalaureus) in Government.
Abby McManus is graduating from Penn High School. She plans to attend IUSB in the fall.
Shela Raman-McCabe earned her PhD in English from the University of Notre Dame.
Naviya Shuster-Little earned her PhD in Chemistry from the University of Kansas
Blessings,
Brian
Check out the Summer Camp website here.
This Week at the Cathedral
Saturday, May 25
No Events Scheuled
Sunday, May 26
Trinity Sunday
8:00 am Holy Eucharist: Rite One
10:30 am Holy Eucharist: Rite Two
11:45 am Hospitality Hour
Monday, May 27
Memorial Day
Cathedral Offices: Closed
7:30 pm Education for Ministry
Tuesday, May 28
Cathedral Offices: 9:oo am - 1:30 pm
6:30 pm Shortcakes Baking
Wednesday, May 29
Cathedral Offices: 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
8:30 am Cathedral Staff Meeting
9:30 am Raising Cane Bible Study
Call (425) 436-6335; Access Code 782266
6:30 pm Shortcakes Baking
Thursday, May 30
Cathedral Offices: 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
6:30 pm Shortcakes Baking if necessary
Friday, May 31
Cathedral Offices: 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
12:05 pm Holy Eucharist
12:45 pm Community Lunch
Location TBD
6:00 pm Cottage Meeting
Saturday, June 1
No Events Scheuled
Sunday, June 2
The Second Sunday after Pentecost
Year B, Proper 4, Track 2
8:00 am Holy Eucharist: Rite One
9:15 am Adult Forum
10:30 am Holy Eucharist: Rite Two
11:45 am Hospitality Hour
Sunday Ministries
May 26, 2024
8:00 am
Lector Nan Noecker
Eucharistic Minister Nan Noecker
9:15 am
Children's Formation on Summer Hiatus
Adult Formation resumes next Sunday
10:30 am
Lectors Tom Burman & Cherry Radin
Acolyte Ainsley Gray
Eucharistic Ministers Tim Gray & Stephen Drendall
Ushers Deborah Drendall & Keith LaPierre
Hospitality Host Daughters of the King
Tuesday, May 28
Counters Betsy VanderBurg & Elaine Mick
Friday, May 31
Folder Peg Swadener
Cathedral Community Prayer List
Jack Laney, and Cynthia
Michael Jaworski, and Lisa
Celeste Hilliard, and Rick
Joseph Hilliard
For the repose of the soul of Vivian Agnes Woods, mother of Dave Woods, who died last Sunday at Healthwin in South Bend. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 6 beginning at 3 pm.
For the repose of the soul of William Smith, a one-time Cathedral member who died recently in San Diego where he had moved to be closer to his son. Funeral services for Bill will be held at the Cathedral on Saturday, June 8 beginning at 3 pm.
Mary Beth Wright.
Rosemary Zigler, and Donnie.
Dave Miller, and Alice.
Gina Bizzaro-Dudeck.
Jen Mosley.
Tim Haywood,.and Janice.
Dianne Hoist, who is settling into her new home in Seattle.
Joni Carlson.
David.
Charlie
Dale
Nancy
Fred & Kate Mast
Wade & Sue Sheets
New Happenings Ministries, especially Camp New Happenings
Cobie
Paula Durren, who continues her recuperation following ankle surgery
Chris Huffman
Donna
Cherryl Andries
Paula Fowler
Wendy
Canon Tina Velthuizen's grand-nephew, Jordan, who is struggling
Allison & Shane, who are expecting a child in a higher-risk pregnancy
Connor Gibbons
Olivia, who has leukemia, and her family
Sheila & family
Vince
Amber
Sandy
John G
Dede
John Monroe, brother of Sue Fain
Caitlin H
Steve B
The LaFiero family
Sharron McGowan
Bernard
Rhonda
Tammy, daughter of Tony Molnar
Alan Thompson
Peju, Bunmi, and the Okanlami family
Mike Jaworski, and Lisa
Tony Molnar
Dan & Gail Mandell
Ron Gunn
Alissa Broussara
Nan Noecker as she continues her diaconal formation
Becky Ballentine; Marge Johnson; Jo Dorsch; Sharron McGowan; Joyce Marchant; Dave & Alice Miller; Fr. Paul Tracy; Richard Bitner
Al Caparell; Tony Lemna; Mike; Denise & Demetrius
For those awaiting the birth or adoption of a child: Christopher & Andrew Hillak.
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