Beloved,

I love that Holy Week, this year, will arrive along with all the first signs of spring here in the northern part of Vermont. The clouds are a bit thinner, some brave early flowers are reaching to the sun, birds are very busy building nests and laying eggs, leaf buds are easily visible on the trees, and our late snows melt quickly!

Palm Sunday begins the long liturgical movement that ends with the final blessing at the Easter Vigil. I pray that you will join us for each step along the way as we move from life to death and back to life again and for ever.

Come away from the world and its bad news and walk with us to the news that will always be Good: that Jesus lived, and died, and rose from the dead so that we would be bound to God for ever with a love so deep, so broad, so high, that we have no choice but to share it with others and with everyone.

Beloved, you are beautiful. I love you and God adores you.

Greta+

P.S. We still need folks to sign up to help set up, clean up, and bring food for Maundy Thursday! Please check the sign-up board on Sunday.

Thank You

Thank you to the crew of volunteers who showed up last Saturday to clean up the Cathedral grounds.

Thank you to everyone who donated to Episcopal Relief and Development during Lent. Thanks to your generosity we were able to send them $1,420.

Thanks to everyone who delivered food to Penny Pillsbury's house as she recovers from her surgery!

Easter Flowers Donations Deadline Today

Honor your loved ones by giving towards the flowers that will be used to beautify our church for this year's Easter celebration. You may give flowers in thanksgiving for or in memory of the loved ones you designate. Forms will be available on the Narthex table for you to fill out. 

Please return the form with your payment today to make sure the loved ones you are honoring are listed in the bulletin. Payment can be made by check, made out to St. Paul's Cathedral, or via the Easter Flowers line on the donations page of our website here. You can email your loved ones names to the Cathedral office for inclusion in the Easter bulletin.

Adult Forum Takes Holy Week Off

There is no Adult Forum this week. In this "off" week during this holiest of seasons, please consider the way we are formed by Christ's care for us, the cloud of witnesses that supports us, and how Christ Jesus stood before the powers and principalities of this world to speak the truth in love, and by those glorious actions changed the world. 

Contribute Photos to the Children's Easter Banner

This year the children’s Easter banner will have a representation of heaven.  To personalize the banner to our congregation, we would love to include pictures of friends and family members who have passed.  If you would like to include a special someone, please email pictures to kgonyaw@stpaulscathedralvt.org or place pictures in the marked basket on the narthex table.  

Pictures can be submitted through Thursday, April 17th.   

Thank you.  

Cathedral Arts Presents The Way of the Cross: A Meditation in Hymns

The Way of the Cross, Stations of the Cross, Via Crucis, and Via Dolorosa are names used to signify either a series of pictures or tableaux representing certain scenes in the Passion of Christ, commemorating Christ’s last day on Earth as a man. The Stations are found physically in certain Episcopal, Anglican Catholic, and Roman Catholic churches that regularly use this devotion, though their appeal is universal and musical works inspired by this program are in wide interdenominational use as are, for instance, Johann Sebastian Bach’s famed Lutheran settings of the Passion gospels, and musical meditations on the Seven Last Words of Christ from the Cross. 

The fourteen stations focus on specific events of Good Friday, beginning with Christ’s condemnation. They are commonly used as a mini-pilgrimage as an individual moves from station to station. At each, the individual recalls and meditates on a specific event, reciting a prayer before moving to the next. It is common, when the devotion is performed publicly, to sing a stanza of the hymn Stabat Mater while passing from one station to the next.

This meditation is envisioned to address an increasingly universal audience in either a liturgical or concert context. 

Sunday, April 13 at 3 p.m. This is a free event. Donations to Cathedral Arts are always gratefully accepted.

Agape Meal April 17: Volunteers Needed!

We hope you will consider joining us on Thursday during Holy Week for the Maundy Thursday service, which includes the Agape Meal, a Holy Week tradition that emphasizes community, sharing, fellowship and recalls the meals Jesus shared with his disciples.

There are spots for volunteers in the following areas:

• Set up at 9 a.m. in Nave on Thursday, April 17.

• Donate food, drop it off in the Parish Hall kitchen (in the St. Paul's refrigerator).

• Plate food - 3:30 on Thursday in the downstairs kitchen

• Agape Meal at 6 p.m. - help to clear tables of food and dinnerware

• Dishes done directly after the service (downstairs)

• Friday, April 18 at 9 a.m. need 5-6 sturdy volunteers to move the tables out and set up chairs for worship.

Many Hands Make Light Work! Check the sign up sheet in the Narthex to sign up for available spots.

Support the Good Friday Offering

For 103 years, the Good Friday Offering has supported the ministry of The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East.

We do not know what the political future of the Holy Land will be; but whatever that future, our siblings in Christ in The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East will continue to serve God’s people through their congregations, hospitals, schools, orphanages, and humanitarian aid programs. These vital ministries serve people of all faiths without distinction, bearing witness to the power of hope and healing across divides.

Your gift to the Good Friday Offering will support life-giving ministries in the Anglican Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East, including St. George’s, Baghdad; the eye clinic in Ras Morbat, Yemen; the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza; and numerous other institutions identified by their dioceses. 

To make a donation, you can drop a check in the offering plate with "Good Friday Offering" on the memo line, or via the Cathedral's online donation page here.

Join the Flower Guild for Easter Preparations

Did you know? It is our tradition to keep the Cathedral stark, bare of floral arrangements throughout Lent. During this quiet time of reflection, we are preparing for a gloriously colorful celebration of His Resurrection on Easter morning.

As I write, plants and fresh flowers are being chosen and ordered. Plans are in place, and YOU are invited to join in the decorating party on Holy Saturday morning, April 19, 9-12 to make it happen.

Whether you are an experienced arranger, interested in learning, or just want to offer time as a schlepper (we need many) your valued time will be much appreciated. Please join us for a busy and fun morning on April 19.

You're also invited to join us at 8:30 for the Liturgy of the Day in the chapel.

We hope to see you there!

St. Paul’s Cathedral to Restart Campus Ministry for Burlington Area Institutions of Higher Learning 

The Cathedral has received a 2025 Young Adult and Campus Ministry development grant from the Episcopal Church for the reimagining of an Episcopal Campus Ministry in the Greater Burlington Area. 

Beginning in the fall of 2025, students at Champlain College, St. Michael’s College, and the University of Vermont will gather, dine, and create fun videos for social media.

Students interested in joining this new ministry are encouraged to contact the Rev. Dr. Bobby Leopold, cathedral canon for adult formation, to learn more.

Many thanks to the Rev. Dr. Bobby Leopold for his hard work to pull this grant together. Click here to read a letter from him about the future of young adult ministry in our area.

Seeking Housing

Do you have an extra bedroom? Want to learn Spanish? Or would you just enjoy some company around the house?

Our friends, Kim and Luis, need a place to live starting May 1. They've been really good housemates but their arrangement was always to be temporary.

You may have seen Kim and Luis at the Cathedral. Last fall, they were living in their car in the Cathedral parking lot. Since then, they have joined us for worship, sat in at Adult Forum, and helped with Shrove Tuesday and Sunday hospitality. 

While working part-time, they have lived with two Cathedral parishioners since early December. They are very good roommates. Kim's English is better every day. Luis is a pro at Google-Translate while he works on his second language and he loves to cook! 

If you have some extra space OR are just 'home-share-curious', please contact Cilla and Dave Menzies or Deacon Susan ASAP to discuss the possibilities. Remember Hebrews 13:2!

Coming up at St. Paul's

Mark your calendars! As we approach Holy Week Cathedral life is full of opportunities to pray, reflect, enjoy music, and gather. Check out some important upcoming dates below.

Friday, April 11: Easter Flowers deadline for inclusion in the Easter bulletin.

Sunday, April 13: Palm Sunday. Holy Eucharist, 10 a.m. There will be Church School, but no Adult Forum. Cathedral Arts presents The Way of the Cross, A Meditation in Hymns, 3 p.m. This is a free event.

Monday, April 14: Monday in Holy Week. Taizé Evening Prayer, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, April 16: Wednesday in Holy Week. Tenebrae, 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 17: Maundy Thursday. Set up for Agape Meal, 9 a.m., Agape Meal, Washing of Feet, Holy Eucharist, Stripping of Altar, 6 p.m. Clean up party from Agape Meal follows worship.

Friday, April 18: Good Friday. Reset the Nave for Good Friday worship, 9 a.m. Liturgy of the Day with Communion from the Presanctified, 7 p.m. in person and live streamed.

Saturday, April 19: Holy Saturday. Liturgy of the day, 8:30 a.m. in the chapel. Decorating of the Nave, 9 a.m. to noon. Great Vigil of Easter service of light and lessons, first Mass of Easter, 8 p.m.

Sunday, April 20: Easter Day. Festive Holy Eucharist with Cathedral choirs and brass, 10 a.m. No Church School, Coffee Hour, or Adult Forum.

Monday, April 21 - Friday, April 25: Cathedral office closed.

Wednesday, April 23: COTS Daystation Lunch event.

Thursday, May 1: Dean Greta Getlein sabbatical begins.

Sunday, May 4: Holy Eucharist, 10 a.m. St. Paul's Team participates in COTS Walk, 2 p.m.

Coming Soon: Lunch at COTS Daystation

On Wednesday, April 23 the COTS liaison team members are organizing a lunch for people at the COTS Daystation. The Daystation is a safe and warm refuge that connects unhoused individuals to resources, services and housing. At our first lunch, we will be preparing and serving sandwiches, cookies, fruit and other snacks for about 60 + people. 

We are looking for some parishioners who are willing to contribute (and/or prepare) sandwiches, cookies or brownies. For those willing to help, there is a sign-up sheet on the table at the back of the church.

If anyone has questions or needs more information please contact Ann Giombetti at anngiombetti07@gmail.com or 802-355-9385, or contact Al Belluche at albelluche@gmail.com or 802-881-9215. 

Dean Greta Getlein on Sabbatical May 1 - August 31

Dean Getlein will be taking a sabbatical from May through August. In her absence, our Canon for Adult Formation, the Rev. Cannon Dr. Robert Leopold and Senior Warden, Marley Skiff, will be leading the parish. They will be joined in leadership by our gifted vestry, clergy, and administrative team and we won’t miss a beat during these summer months.

Greta has been in her role as Dean and Rector of St. Paul's for more than five years - since 2020 - so, this period of rest and refreshment comes at a very good time we are grateful for the support of the wardens, vestry, and congregation in extending it to her.

More soon on Greta's plans while she is away. Finding a good balance between work, play, rest, and prayer is essential for everyone and we ask for your prayers for Greta and St. Paul's during this sabbatical time and for your support of the ministry to which we are all devoted.

Support the St. Paul's COTS Walk Team

Please help St Paul’s Cathedral support the mission of COTS to end homelessness by donating to our cathedral’s COTS Walk Team.

This year the COTS Walk is on Sunday, May 4, 2025. We are raising funds to support COTS, Vermont's largest provider of services for Vermonters who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or marginally housed.

You can donate online through the St Paul’s Cathedral team page at this page right now! 

https://secure2.convio.net/tcots/site/TR/Walk/General?px=1017710&pg=personal&fr_id=1120

The process is fast, easy, and secure. If you would prefer, you can send your contribution to the address listed below or place it in the weekly offering.

Cathedral Church of St. Paul

2 Cherry St. 

Burlington, VT 05401

Make all checks payable to the cathedral, and please put “COTS Walk” in the memo area.

P.S. If you want to join as a walker, please feel free to join the St Paul’s Team the link above has a button for you to join the St. Paul’s Cathedral Team. It is a great family activity! The more people that join the further our fundraising reach will be.

If anyone has questions or wants more information please contact Al Belluche at albelluche@gmail.com or 802-881-9215, or Ann Giombetti at anngiombetti07@gmail.com or 802-355-9385. 

Thank you

JUMP Seeks Items for Silent Auction Fundraiser

Help the Joint Urban Ministry Project (JUMP) assist Vermonters in need by donating items to their annual silent auction fundraiser.

Items that have generated strong interest in the past include:

Gift cards of all sorts + Art/Pottery/Bowls + Gift Baskets + Vintage Items + Gardening Items + Golf or Spa packages + Hotel Nights + Gourmet Dinners + Sunset Lake Cruises + Museum Passes + Services & Lessons.

Be creative! We welcome and need your support! We ask that donated items be received by Friday, April 11.

The auction will take place online April 27 - May 9.

For questions and more information about being a JUMP sponsor and/or donating auction items:

Email: auction@jumptvt.org

Call our Auction Team: 802-222-6314

Auction Website: jumpvt.org/auction

The JUMP outreach center is located at 38 S. Winooski Ave. Burlington, VT 05401 JUMP is a Vermont non-profit and IRS registered non-profit organization.

King Street Laundry Hosts Free Laundry Bag Event

Our friends at the King Street Laundry are at it again!

April 12th between 12- 3. This fun, all-ages event is in partnership with At the Root Vermont LLC, Amalgamated Culture Works and the students from UVM's Community Engaged Art class and will give folks an opportunity to receive guided instruction by our team of onsite sewists helping turn old sheets, t shirts, etc into functional laundry or tote bags (participants are encouraged to bring old sheets and fabric but we will have plenty of donated/recycled items on hand for all to use).

Once the bags are ready, participants can add a touch of style with a screen printed logo all while enjoying a free load of laundry and some light refreshments.  Come one and all.

To sign up, use the link here, or email kingstreetlaundry802@gmail.com

All Saints South Burlington Seeking Parish Administrator

All Saints Episcopal Church seeks a Parish Administrator to join our staff. All Saints is a small parish with approximately 50 regularly attending members weekly. The Parish Administrator's duties will include preparing the weekly service leaflet, managing communications, and other duties as needed. The ideal candidate will be friendly, helpful, proficient in MS Office software, and open to learning other applications. The parish shares a priest with St. Paul's Vergennes, and e-newsletter and email reminders may include this small church also.

The start date is April 25, 2025. The exact work schedule is negotiable (specific days and number of hours worked each week). Hourly pay varies depending on experience. There is a minimum of two weeks' vacation.

To learn more or to apply, check out the detailed job description here. The committee will accept and interview candidates until the position is filled.