An article from the Cathedral Times
by the Very Rev. Sam Candler
For over twenty years, the Cathedral of St. Philip has celebrated the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi on the first Sunday in October. Even during this pandemic season of social distance, we intend to keep the feast!
Presently, the Cathedral offers Sunday Eucharist services only online, at 8:45 and 11:15 (and 10:30 Spanish), using pre-recorded portions of the service. We realize that people may be a bit tired of watching screens, but our online services really are strong and inspiring; plus, we are using as many different members of our community as possible!
This Sunday, online, we will feature photographs of many, many, many pets and animals that parishioners and friends have submitted! Our blessing of those animals will occur during the online services on the morning of October 4. Join us!
The Cathedral of St. Philip is also offering ways to gather in person, outdoors! For two weeks now, we have assembled “Outdoor Services of Koinonia,” which are subject to strict conditions. Those gatherings are limited to 50 people (and you must register every week, weekly, if you want to attend the following Sunday!), the services cannot involve receiving communion or singing, and we must all wear masks. However, they have been glorious and intimate! It has been wonderful to see familiar faces and friends! We are truly appreciating “spiritual community,” which is what the word “koinonia” means.
On this Sunday, October 4, we ask you NOT to bring animals or pets to the morning outdoor services of koinonia. However, we are providing drive-through, and walk-through, opportunities to have your pets and animals blessed by the clergy of the Cathedral, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. This Sunday, October 4, 1:00 through 2:00 p.m. Come wave to us! Come bless with us! Be safe. Stay in your car if you are driving; you may enter from Peachtree Road or Andrews Drive, and the blessings will be divided among three locations at the end of each parking section. Walk-through blessings will occur in the labyrinth, safely away from everyone else. We are blessed to have enough space for safe social distancing! Thanks be to God!