Spirituality
And yet I raise my hands aloft to God, that I might be held by God, just like a feather which has not weight from its own strength and lets itself be carried by the wind. – Hildegard of Bingen
The Cathedral strives to be “a house of prayer for all people.” We pray through worship, Bible studies, classes, and our life and ministry together. In addition, we offer several opportunities to explore and enrich your faith through contemplative practices, retreats, conferences, and creative experiences. We also invite you to visit the Lanier House, a former home nestled in the Cathedral campus, which is an oasis of quiet beauty in this busy city. Come rest on the porch, pray in the chapel, gather for study or fellowship in one of the house’s rooms, or walk through the gardens outside.
For more information about spirituality at the Cathedral, contact Canon George Maxwell, 404-365-1088, or Jeannie Mahood, 404-365-1031.
Upcoming Events
Women's Lenten Retreat: Alters and Altered
March 17-19, 2023
Cathedral women, along with women friends or relatives, are invited to attend our annual Lenten Retreat, March 17-19, at St. Mary’s Sewanee in Tennessee. As we weather transformations in our lives, it is important to remember and revisit our sacred core with intention. This weekend we will explore altars. What are they for? How do they ground us? What can they look like? And we will build altars—sacred spaces to visit within ourselves and outside ourselves. In the beautiful setting of St. Mary’s Sewanee, there will be plenty of time to rest, play, enjoy the outdoors, and be in fellowship with God and one another.
The retreat will be led by Canon Lauren Holder. Contact Lauren, 404-365-1036 or lholder@cathedralATL.org, or Jeannie Mahood, jmahood@cathedralATL.org or 404-365-1031, with questions. Registration deadline is February 23.
Pricing:
Single Occupancy $320
Double Occupancy $260
Lenten Quiet Day with Lerita Coleman Brown
Walking in the World with Inner Authority
Saturday, March 18, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
During these times of misinformation, disinformation, and personal attacks, how can we walk confidently in the world? Both Howard Thurman and Richard Rohr suggest we become aware of and engage our inner authority. Thurman believed our inward centers cannot be breached without our consents. Rohr speaks of an Inner Authority bigger than our own. Join us for this Lenten Quiet Day, our “wilderness time,” to ponder our relationship with inner authority and its link to the restoration of the self God created. The day will include time in silence and meditation, journal reflections, walking the labyrinth, and other expressive activities.
Lerita Coleman Brown, PhD, Professor Emerita of Psychology, Agnes Scott College, is a spiritual director/companion, retreat leader, author, and speaker. She promotes contemplative spirituality, the living wisdom of Howard Thurman, and uncovering the peace and joy in one’s heart on her website, leritacolemanbrown.com and other social media platforms. Her book, When the Heart Speaks, Listen—Discovering Inner Wisdom was published in 2019. Lerita’s new book, What Makes You Come Alive: A Spiritual Walk with Howard Thurman was recently published by Broadleaf Press. Lerita is a most grateful heart (28 years) and kidney (17 years) transplant recipient and survivor of several medical ordeals.
The Quiet Day will take place in the Lanier House on the Cathedral campus, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 18. The cost is $20 and includes lunch. Please register before March 13.
Ongoing Spirituality Practices:
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry is a group of creative and prayer-filled knitters who minister directly to fellow parish members, friends, and neighbors. Prayer shawls and blankets are distributed personally by knitters and are available by request. For further information regarding participation or to request a shawl or blanket, please contact Canon Cathy Zappa.
EfM: Education for Ministry
Tuesdays, 7–9:30 p.m., September - May
Education for Ministry (EfM) is a four-year program of the School of Theology of the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee. Participants commit only one academic year at a time, to participate in weekly, facilitated seminars that combine lesson discussion, theological reflection, worship, and community formation. Over the course of the four years, students study the Bible, church history, and theology, while reflecting on ministry and developing a wonderful spiritual community. For more information, contact Canon Cathy Zappa, czappa@cathedralATL.org.
Taizé Prayers for Peace
Third Monday of each month, beginning at 8 p.m.
Originating in Taizé, France, this simple service of scripture, music, and candlelight will bring a beautiful and prayerful close to your Monday. During this service in Mikell Chapel, simple chants are sung repetitiously; these chants become prayers of the heart. Scripture is heard, and there is an extended period of silent prayer. For more information on Atlanta area Taizé services, visit this webpage or Facebook.
Labyrinth
The labyrinth is an ancient path of prayer dating back to the medieval period of history. The third Monday of every month, we offer a facilitated labyrinth walk at 7 p.m., with an orientation at 6:30 p.m. for those new walkers. We also offer special, seasonal walks throughout the year. Brochures about the labyrinths are also available in the Atrium.
The outdoor labyrinth in front of the Lanier House is open daily.