Community is the first word that comes to mind when I think of the Cathedral. When my family joined the church in 2002 we quickly became involved in various programs and activities that gave us a deep connection to the church. But sometimes, our lives can take an unexpected turn and our journey takes a different course. When this happened to me a year and a half ago, I experienced church community in a very real and different way.
My husband Bill passed away unexpectedly in January 2025, and suddenly I was a widow. Texts, emails, cards, food and flowers poured in from my friends in Altar Guild, the Dean’s Bible Study, Old Fashioned Sunday School and Lenten Retreats. My sister was staying with me during this time. After several days of witnessing this outpouring of love, my sister commented to me “I can see that you have a real community at church. I don’t go to church now, but this makes me want to join a church.” And she was right; our church is my community and that is what has sustained me over the past year and a half.
Even now, parishioners, priests and church staff continue to reach out to me (sometimes as simple as a hug or question about my well-being). The Choral Requiem for the Departed in November and Blue Christmas Service gave me great comfort. Guidance from counselors at the Cathedral Counseling Center have also helped me on this journey. Bill and his mother are interred in the Memorial Garden. When the time comes, I will be interred there as well.
This level of support and sense of community bears witness to what a unique place our church is. It is what makes St. Philip’s so special to me. I cannot imagine a life apart from the church or not pledging to a church that has sustained me in so many ways through the years. This is why I give to the Cathedral.
To join Cathie in pledging to the Cathedral, use the button below or contact David Rocchio, david.rocchio@cathedralATL.org with questions.