Parish Life
YOUNG FAMILIES + FAITH = FAITH FULL FAMILIES
Beginning this spring, the cathedral will launch a program called "Faith Full Families". Fath Full Families is designed to give families with young children an oppurtunity to socialize with one another. The program begins with a potluck meal, a story, and a craft. The children will then retire to the nursery as the parents meet to discuss contemporary issues of maintaining a faith focus amidst all the challenges of our secular world. This program is a work in progress and we will depend on the participants to shape it into a group unique to St. Paul's. For more information, please contact the Cathedral Office at office@spcbuffalo.org or
716-855-0900.
20s/30s YOUNG ADULT GROUP
The 20s/30s Group is the Cathedral's ministry to young adults. This group gathers for a variety of activities including worship, study, and social events. It is best known for its hosting of the champagne reception following the Great Vigil of Easter, and their Oatmeal Breakfasts on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Other activites have included the Haunted Allentown Tour, field trips to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Sabres Socials at local pubs, summer barbeques, Bandits games, and a Lenten Book Study. All persons in their 20s and 30s, whether single, married, or partnered are invited to participate in the group's activities. Families with children are also welcome, and provisions may be made for nursery or babysitting.
Check out the 20s/30s on Facebook
For more information, please contact The Rev. Jason Rayburg-Elliott, Cathedral Deacon,
on 716-855-0910 ext 231 or jason@stpaulscathedral.org.
ALL PARISH FEASTS
At various times of the year, we gather for fellowship over food. Past events have included a Thanksgiving Feast, Pancake Breakfasts, Ash Wednesday Soup Suppers, Newcomer Brunches, Holy Name Day Champagne, Christmas Decorating Soup Lunches, Evensong Wine & Cheese, Candlemas Coffee, Mid-Lent Hot Cross Buns, Lenten Leaders Thank You Coffee, the Easter Vigil Champagne Reception, the Dean's Confirmation Social, Breakfast Brunches, and the Eastertide Feast.
FOYERS
Foyers are groups of about eight people that gather at homes once a month for supper and fellowship. They are a great way to get to know each other, and many of the Cathedral parishioners choose to be involved with foyers every year. Clergy and staff are rotated throughout the groups over the year, and special efforts are made to invite newcomers of St. Paul's. Call us at (716) 855-0900, or e-mail us for information about joining.
GLBT FELLOWSHIP
Known as a welcoming church and proud to embrace all people who are drawn to Christ, St. Paul's has a growing and active gay and lesbian fellowship. Vestibule is a social group that meets regularly throughout the year for fun, fellowship, and food at members' homes and at the Cathedral. If you would like to know more about upcoming Vestibule events, call us at (716) 855-0900 or e-mail us.
ST. FRANCIS DAY ANIMAL BLESSING
On the Saturday closest to St. Francis Day, the Cathedral has its annual Blessing of the Animals. This very popular event takes place in the church, and the Cathedral clergy and Bishop Michael are present for the blessing. After this twenty minute service in the church, all gather in Cathedral Park for treats for the animals and their caretakers. For more information, e-mail Mother DeLiza Spangler.
NEWCOMER BRUNCHES
At least three times a year the Newcomer Committee hosts a Newcomer Brunch for those who are interested in becoming a part of the life of St. Paul's. These brunches allow parishioners and newcomers to mingle in an informal setting, and gifts are given to the newcomers. A slide show of the Cathedral's parish life is also shown, and a recent newcomer who has become a member often gives an informal talk about how their life has been changed by membership at St. Paul's. The Cathedral Dean also gives a welcome. The brunches are on Sunday mornings between the 9:00 am and 11:15 am Eucharists. For more information on newcomer ministry at St. Paul's, e-mail Mother DeLiza Spangler.
MINISTRY MINGLE & BREAKFAST BRUNCH
Every September between the 9:00 am and 11:15 am Eucharists the Cathedral gathers for the Annual Ministry Mingle & Breakfast Brunch. Parishioners wear buttons which describe their ministries, and all gather for breakfast. It is a wonderful way to get to know what happens at St. Paul's. All are welcome!
HOLIDAY DECORATING
During Advent and on Holy Saturday, members of the parish gather to decorate the Cathedral for the feasts of Christmas and Easter. These are great times of fellowship for our members. The Parish Life Committee often provides a light lunch for the volunteers.
LENTEN SMALL GROUP STUDIES
During Lent parishioners gather in people's homes for study, reflection, and prayer. These provide yet another way for people to meet people, grow in faith, and expand the Cathedral community. Small groups may choose their own topics for study, as well as where and when they meet.
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