eConnections - April 19, 2026

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eConnections
The Weekend of the Third Sunday of Easter
(Year A, 3 Easter)

April 19, 2026

The Dean's List

Once More
I am really, really grateful for Adam Bosler, who was received into the Episcopal Church by Bishop Sparks at our 10:30 am service last Sunday. Adam's story is his to tell, but the sacramental moment for me - sacramental meaning "an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace" - was one of someone finding a home, finding a community, finding the love of God not only in the Episcopal Church, but at the Cathedral of Saint James. God's grace being made manifest through us is a truly humbling prospect, both deeply gratifying and profoundly convicting. I am at once beyond glad for evidence of the Holy Spirit moving in our midst and simultaneously aware of the call - the challenge - that places upon and within us as a community of faith "to live a life worthy of the calling we have received." (Ephesians 4:1)

It occurs to me - you know, after nearly 29 years of priesthood - that I am not always very good at championing the sacramental rites of initiation and belonging (baptism, confirmation, reception into the this Communion, reaffirmation of faith). It isn't that I don't see the value of these rites, but rather that I have made the error of always assuming that people would come to me (meaning, the Church) when they felt ready to take the next step. In hindsight, that is pretty dumb. Not only is it contrary to my own ecclesiology and preaching which requires individual faith to be always held in creative tension with corporate faith, it also undersells the importance of these rites in creating the very community we seek. The question "Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ?" is not to be answered unadvisedly or lightly. It is a call to show up for our people.

And so I wonder...

I have one more program year serving as Dean of the Cathedral before moving on to the next phase of my life. What if we accept Adam's reception into our Communion last Sunday not only as a nice thing that Adam did, but a push from the Holy Spirit to live into and up to our calling? What if we work together throughout this year coming year to prepare en masse for rites of initiation and belonging in the fervent hope that we become the very kind of community we seek? What if the next time the Bishop (or a bishop) visits the Cathedral of Saint James, we have to work out logistics for all the people who wish to stand up formally to say "yes" to Jesus and all Jesus stands for?

---

My Dad
And then life intervened. Just as I was searching for a final thought for the above message, my brother called to let me know that my father, Gene Grantz, suffered a heart attack this morning. He was in the ER when it happened, which is good, but he is 91 years old and has a history of heart issues, which does not bode well. My brother and I have authorized a catheterization, but should his condition deteriorate we will honor his wishes that no life-saving measures be taken.

I ask you prayers. And I also ask your understanding that eConnections will be missing some key features this week.

---

Wietstock
Like Woodstock, only inside, with a sixteen rank organ.
We do have plenty of mud in the garden, though, if you want the full experience.

Steve Wietstock begin his ministry at the Cathedral of Saint James during Holy Week in 2006. We celebrate two decades of Steve's life, love, and labors on behalf of the Cathedral community during the month of April (and maybe a little bit in May, too). If you would like to contribute to a purse to help him celebrate the occasion, that would be wonderful! You can donate using the Givelify app or by sending a check to Steven Mast at the Cathedral.

Donate here.

Short Course and Pizza Fellowship Postponed

We'll pick up the Short Course on Christian Spirituality & Spiritual Practices again on April 29 and conclude on Wednesday, May 6. At least that's the plan at this moment.
We will reschedule the Pizza Fellowship because I really like pizza and fellowship and will not be denied...

Blessings,
Brian

Invitation

Formation & Spirituality

Postponed This Week.
We'll pick it up again on April 29 and conclude on Wednesday, May 6.

Outreach & Evangelism

Cathedral Prayer List

Collect for the Third Sunday of Easter

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Anniversaries & Birthdays

04/23 Joe Anand-Obleton
04/23 Keith LaPierre

For Your Prayers

☩ In Thanksgiving...
For Bishop Doug Sparks, in gratitude for his years of leadership and heart for this Diocese; may his upcoming retirement be a season of rest and blessing. We also pray for the Diocese of Northern Indiana, that as we begin the transition to new leadership, we may follow where God’s Spirit leads.

☩ Requiescat in Pace
For those who have departed this life, and for their families mourning their loss:

For Kevin, brother of Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, Bishop of Indianapolis and for her entire family.
For Constance Coe, mother of Mthr. Jen Fulton and for the entire Fulton and Coe families, that they may all experience God's tangible presence and have all the support they need during this time.
For Tyrone Neely, cousin of Demetrius Duke.
For Xavier Brown Douglas, cousin of Demetrius Duke.

May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon them.

☩ For Those Serving in the Armed Forces at Home and Abroad
·         Loren Bates (Tina Velthuizen’s great-nephew)
·         Colin Woodruf (Nan Noecker’s grandson)
·         Cade Dorsch (Jo Dorsch’s grandson)
·         Brittany San Felipe (Erica Vitale's stepdaughter and wife of Chezka San Felipe)
·         John Jarrett (Erica's Vitale’s stepson, and husband of Ines Dutra)
·         Kristoff Richards (Extended Family of Erica Vitale)
·         Nathan Whitfield (Al and Norris Whitfield's son)
·         Will Cook (Brian and Tamisyn's Godson)
·         Nick Reardon ("Nephew" of the Grantzes)
·         Graham Sparks (Bishop Doug and Dana Sparks’ Son)
·         Riley Suter (friend of Jesse Grantz)

☩ For Those in Need of Healing & Recovery
For those facing illness, surgery, or physical distress:

Gene Grantz
Scott Bianchini (husband of Canon Carol Bianchini)
Stephen Foley
Ed Carlson (for Gretchen, his wife; and for Joni Carlson)
Candy McCarthy (Joann Dorsch’s daughter)
Rita (Donna Olis’ sister)
Helene Dauerty
Rebecca Maloy (recovering from surgery) and for Cynthia Katsarelis.
Mary Beth Wright (rehabbing after a fall)
Joshua Henderson (Chris Henderson’s brother)
Michael Anand-Obelton
Mary Brooks
Kevin Renfro (our guest trumpeter)
Tim Lane, (son-in-law of Karen Slack, recovering from shoulder surgery)
Joni Carlson (continuing treatment)
James Ellar (high school classmate of Mike Jaworski, cancer recurrence)
Gideon and his family (healing)
Olivia (leukemia) and for her family
Robin & Laurie (healing from health issues)

☩ For Strength, Guidance, & Comfort

For those seeking spiritual support and peace:

Candy Kieta (former co-worker of Randy Colburn-Hochstetler)
Nadine Collier & the Collier Family
Bill Young (Catherine Craker’s Father) and for the entire Craker and Young families.
Marci Ullery (friend of Patty Hans)
Patty Hans
Derek (guidance)
Billy Hans (health & guidance)
Joseph Hilliard (strength & guidance)
Joyce (strength & guidance)
Marshall Moore (strength & guidance)

☩ General Intercessions
For friends, family, and members of the community:

For "AC" who is in a difficult domestic situation.

☩ For Those Preparing for Holy Orders

Nan Noecker (Diaconate)

☩ World, National, and Local Community Concerns

For all of those who, amid the joy of the Resurrection, still find themselves suffering grief and loss.

For lasting Peace in Iran, Israel, Lebanon, and all the Middle East and an end to armed conflicts in Ukraine and throughout the world.
For the poor, the hungry, and the unemployed, that they may find willing helpers and gainful work to support themselves and their families.
For and end to racism in all its forms, that discrimination and violence may end. We pray especially for people of many faiths whose communities are often targeted in hateful attacks, and we pray that those with bigotry in their hearts may come to see, know, and respect the dignity of all human beings.
In our Nation, currently torn by fear, oppression, and strife, may Christ bring peace, healing, and unity.
For the Episcopal Diocese of Western NY as they begin a search for their next Bishop and who offer their prayers for our diocese in our period of transition.

How may we pray for you? To add (or remove) a petition from the Cathedral Prayer List, please send an email to Deacon Clay Berkley. If you are requesting prayer for someone else, please make sure you have their permission to add their name and any details to the prayer list.

Cathedral Leadership

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The Cathedral of Saint James

117 N Lafayette Blvd

South Bend, IN 46601-1507

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Joe Anand-ObletonApril 23, 2026