The Latest Cathedral News

Our 2021 Lenten Appeal Charity

February 16, 2021

You will, I am sure, be aware of the impact of the pandemic on mental health, and I am delighted that your Chapter have designated the Cathedral Counseling Center as this year’s Lenten charity. Many of you will know that the reason this organization is named ‘Cathedral’ is that it was created by St James in 1974, and for a number of years operated out of the cathedral as part of our own ministry. For a long time it has been an independent body based in the Loop, but continues to be faithful to its original mission to offer psychotherapy of the highest quality on a sliding fee scale basis.
 
In the five and a half years I have served St. James as Dean, my colleagues and I have referred a considerable number of people to Cathedral Counseling, and have done so in utter confidence of them receiving expert clinical support, irrespective of their financial/insurance situation. At a time of such increased anxiety across the face of the world, supporting Cathedral Counseling feels a deeply relevant and important outreach opportunity for us, and I hope you will use this Lent as a time to display the generosity that is so characteristic of the St. James community.
 
As we journey through what I hope are the final stages of the pandemic, may this Lent be a blessing and a true gift from God for you.
 
Your priest and friend,
Dominic Barrington
Dean of the Cathedral
Author: The Very Rev. Dominic Barrington

Our 2020 Christmas Offering for La Creche

December 18, 2020

God chose to share fully in the life of the world, born as a humble and impoverished baby. From lowly beginnings, Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ and Messiah, missed no opportunity to show the world God’s love for all people... most notably the poor, the vulnerable, the outcast, and those in need. It is fitting, therefore, that as we celebrate Christmas at St James Cathedral, we will make a gift to support disadvantaged children in the Bethlehem of today.

La Creche provides a loving and secure home for about forty children. The sisters, staff, and volunteers (including doctors and social workers) offer educational, domestic, and psychological support. The stories around many of these young children are often heart-breaking, and the love provided by the staff is inspiring.

As we honor the birth of a baby to unwed parents who desperately sought a roof over their heads, in response to this carol service, please support the work of La Creche both prayerfully and financially. Contributions are accepted online or by text. Send "SJC Creche" to 73256 to give using your mobile device starting at the Lessons & Carols Service on Sunday, December 20 until the end of our Christmas Eve services on December 24. 

Author: The Very Rev. Dominic Barrington

The Thirteenth Bishop of Chicago

December 12, 2020

Just a few minutes ago, the Reverend Canon Paula Clark was elected as the XIII bishop of our diocese, to succeed Bishop Lee who retires at the end of this month.

Paula will be coming to us from the Diocese of Washington (D.C.), in which she has exercised all her priestly ministry thus far.  It became clear in walk about conversations that our bishop-elect is a proven and creative leader, and person of prayer rooted in a powerful sense of God's presence at work among us in and through the church.  She has served in parishes, and currently holds a senior position on the bishop’s staff as Canon to the Ordinary and Chief of Staff. Even these very few facts should serve to demonstrate how ideally placed she is to assume the leadership of this diocese, and you can learn much more about her here. 
 
Personally, I am delighted by the result of this election, and feel very excited for all that lies ahead for the diocese in the coming months and years. With her years of ministry in the Diocese of Washington, Bishop-elect Clark is no stranger to the National Cathedral, and it will be a joy and privilege to welcome her to what will now be her own cathedral church of St James. 
 
We do not yet know when our bishop-elect will arrive in Chicago to begin her ministry, but her ordination as a bishop is scheduled for April 24, 2021. For now, please join me in holding Paula in your prayers as she prepares for this major transition.

The Very Rev. Dominic Barrington
Dean of the Cathedral

Author: The Very Rev. Dominic Barrington
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