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:
Lenten Quiet Day
with The Rev. Dr. Robert Willis,
Dean Emeritus of Canterbury Cathedral
February 24, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lanier House
The Essential Quality of Silence in the Lives of Jesus and the Saints
The use of quiet time in our modern world has become more and more vital. In so many ways the noise, busyness and concerns of the world force their way into every part of life by so many different means. It means that "quiet time" has to be programmed into our thinking and praying time. In the past, local, and to a degree, national issues have always been there but now the affairs of the whole world are set out before us in our pockets the moment they occur. This makes a day like this, which we set aside, even more vital. We shall be exploring this aspect of our lives with illustrations and quotations from saints throughout the ages but most importantly in the life of Jesus himself. Join us on this day and explore the gifts of space and silence.
The Quiet Day will take place in the Lanier House on the Cathedral campus from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, February 24. The cost is $20 and includes lunch. Space is limited so register soon! For more information contact Jeannie Mahood, jmahood@cathedralATL.org, or 404-365-1031.
The Rev. Dr. Robert Willis served as Dean of Canterbury Cathedral from 2001-2022 and was recently named Dean Emeritus. He and his partner, Fletcher Banner, became known on social media for their Garden Congregation broadcasts of Morning Prayer during the pandemic. Their cats, Leo and Tiger often joined them while filming from the Deanery Garden at Canterbury Cathedral.
Women's Lenten Retreat: Living In The Liminal
March 15-17, 2024
St. Mary's Sewanee
Liminal spaces describe times of transition—the threshold between what was and what will be. Our Lenten journey with Jesus begins in the liminal space of the wilderness and ends with the liminal space of the tomb. The path to new life is through these liminal spaces.
Our Women’s Lenten Retreat will explore the liminal spaces we inhabit (adding or losing a family member, starting or ending a career, moving to a new home or new town) and how Jesus meets us there. Whatever in-between space you find yourself in, come share it with the community, creativity, and quiet of the Women’s Lenten Retreat!
All Cathedral women are invited to our annual Women’s Lenten Retreat at the beautiful St. Mary’s Sewanee retreat center in Tennessee. The retreat will be led by Canon Lauren Holder. The cost is $320 for a single occupancy and $260 for a double occupancy (price includes meals from dinner on Friday through breakfast on Sunday).
Contact Canon Holder, 404-365-1036 or lholder@cathedralATL.org, or Jeannie Mahood, jmahood@cathedralATL.org or 404-365-103, with questions. The registration deadline is February 20. Space is limited so register soon!
REGISTER
Ongoing Spirituality Practices:
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 7 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.