eConnections - September 6, 2026

Click here to view the complete August 13, 2026, edition of eConnections with graphics.

eConnections

The Weekend of the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
(Year A: Proper 18, Track 1)

September 6, 2026

The Dean's List

After a nice summer lull, we are heading into fall with plenty to do! There is a lot happening at the Cathedral of Saint James in the coming weeks. Peruse the many opportunities below :)

Grandparents x 9
Lola Jean Ehlhardt, daughter of Leah & Karl Ehlhardt and ninth grandchild of Kirk & Lisa Philippsen, was born on at 7:30 am on Tuesday, August 25. She was 6 pounds, 11 ounces and 19 inches tall at birth. Mother and baby are well. Grandparents are overjoyed!

Prayers for Minneapolis
Christopher & Andrew HIllak, along with Bishop Sparks and Fr. Nolan McBride, were in Minneapolis this week attending the Episcopal Church's celebration of 50 years of LGBTQ+ inclusion. On Wednesday evening, the hotel where the HIllak's were staying went into lockdown as a mass shooting unfolded in the apartment building across the street. Three people, including the gunman, were killed, and multiple others were injured in the incident. Christopher and Andrew are safe, and the Episcopal Church gathering took time the following morning to pray for those involved and all those who are affected. Please continue to pray for wisdom, peace, and an end to the epidemic of gun violence in our nation that touches all of us either directly or indirectly.

October Book Study:
Have Mercy: Following Jesus in Politically Perilous Times
How do we stay rooted in Christian integrity, compassion, and courage when political discourse feels so hostile? Join us on Sunday, October 4 and 11 for a compelling two-part Adult Forum led by Christopher Hilliak as we dive into Have Mercy: Following Jesus in Politically Perilous Times.

Inspired by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde’s memorable call for mercy at the January, 2025 National Prayer Service, this collection of practical reflections offers a faithful roadmap for navigating modern political division without losing our grace—or each other. Adding to the connection, co-editor Kyle Lambelet, now Associate Professor of Ethics at Virginia Theological Seminary, was a member of our own Cathedral community just a decade ago!

Dates: October 4 & October 11
Leader: Christopher Hilliak
Participation: All are welcome! Prior reading is encouraged but not required to join the conversation.
Get the Book: Available online via Church Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Walmart.

Need assistance obtaining a copy? Contact Fr. Mark at formation@stjamessouthbend.org. Come share your voice, deepen your faith, and discover how to lead with mercy in challenging times.

St. Francis Day: Sunday October 4
We're working out logistics for a St. Francis Day pet blessing at the Cathedral of Saint James. Stay tuned!

Holy Smoky Mountain Nuptials
Amanda Wilson & Chris Henderson were married at a quiet getaway in the Smoky Mountains on Friday, August 28. Congratulations Amanda & Chris!

Worship

Formation & Spirituality

Registration for Education for Ministry (EfM) 2026 – 2027 is open. Mother Tina Velthuizen is the mentor and Shandelle Henson is the co-mentor.

Two tracks are available:

EfM Classic is a 4-year course, for which participants register 1 year at a time. It covers Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, and Theology, Liturgy, and Ethics. If necessary, a participant can take a year off and restart in a later year.
EfM Wide Angle is a 1-year course and is an overview of the Spiritual Journey that introduces participants to EfM Classic.

“The discipline of individual and group Theological Reflection connects the sacred with life experience and study...Sharing worship, Spiritual Autobiographies, and personal stories fosters relationships foundational to ministry and spiritual growth.”

Registration is open for Wide Angle and for Classic Years 1 & 3. Anyone who has already taken Classic Years 1 & 2 is invited to register for Classic 3.

We meet at the Cathedral of St. James in South Bend. Currently we meet on Monday evenings, beginning at 6:00 p.m. However, the time can be adjusted based on participants’ schedules. We all meet together in one group. A group consists of 6–12 participants + mentors. If more than 12 participants register, we will split into two groups. Each level engages its specific course materials for 27 weeks, and there are 9 weeks of common lessons.

The cost for the year is $425. Scholarships are available through EfM and can/may also be available from the Diocese and or Parish.

In his book Being Disciples (read by the Wide Angle students last year), former Archbishop Rowan Williams concludes with 4 qualities/characteristics of the journey of discipleship. They are: increasing self-knowledge, silence, continued growth, and joy. All of these are experienced in EfM.

For more information, contact Mother Tina or Shandelle

Enjoy the exciting EfM Welcome Video

Justice & Peace

Join Team Cathedral and/or Donate :)

Outreach & Evangelism

From Cathy Hall:

St. Margaret's House is creating an art installation entitled "Building Compassion." Together with our volunteers, guests, staff, the larger community—and hopefully: CSJ members — we are creating individual square panels that will be mounted onto cardboard cubes and stacked into a walk-through sculpture installation at the South Bend Museum of Art.

We have been inspired by artist Corita Kent, who believed that "compassion is seeing." Just as no single side of a cube tells a whole story, we hope that our project celebrates how we desire to see every person as a multifaceted human being with unique gifts, dreams, and experiences.

We are working with Emma Brooks, a MFA student at Notre Dame. This project is part of her masters thesis. While the initial installation will be held beginning Thursday, October 1st (and throughout October) at the South Bend Museum of Art, it will be reconstructed in the spring at the Snite Museum of Art during Notre Dame's MFA spring exhibition.

We are holding "workshops," sessions that last 60-90 minutes that include time for reflection on what compassion looks like in South Bend and the larger world. Each participant can create one (and up to four) panels using simple art materials: markers, paint sticks, and magazines/textured paper for collage. No art experience is necessary. All materials are provided by St. Margaret's House and there is no cost to participate.

From Fr. Brian:

The workshop will take place from Noon until 1:30 pm. We'll figure out which room based upon the number of people who indicate they are coming. Lunch will be provided for participants.

Building Compassion Workshop RSVP

Cathedral Calendar

Saturday, September 5 Katharina Zell

No Events Scheduled

Sunday, September 6
The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Year A: Proper 18, Track 1
Dcn. Anne Wietstock & Dr. Steven Wietstock away

8:00 am
Holy Eucharist: Rite One

9:15 am
Adult Forum

10:30 am
Holy Eucharist: Rite Two

11:45 am
Hospitality Hour

Monday, September 7 Kasiana
Labor Day
Cathedral Office: Closed
No Events Scheduled

Tuesday, September 8 Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Cathedral Office: 9 am - 1:30 pm

5:30 pm
Finance Committee

Wednesday, September 9 The Martyrs of Memphis
Cathedral Office: 9 am - 1:30 pm
No Events Scheduled

Thursday, September 10 Alexander Crummell
Cathedral Office: 9:00 am - 1:30 pm

7:00 pm
DioIndy & EDNIN Online Vigil for
The 25th Anniversary of 9/11

Friday, September 11
The 25th Anniversary of 9/11
Cathedral Office: 9:00 am - 1:30 pm

12:05 pm
Holy Eucharist

1:00 pm
Community Lunch at Grill 362

Saturday, September 12 John Henry Hobart

All Day
EDNIN Postulants & Candidates Retreat
St. Anne's, Warsaw

Sunday, September 13
The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Year A: Proper 19, Track 1

8:00 am
Holy Eucharist: Rite One

9:00 am
Intercessory Prayer

9:15 am
Adult Forum

10:30 am
Holy Eucharist: Rite Two

11:45 am
Hospitality Hour
Youth Group

12:30 pm
Fellowship of St. John

Ministry Schedule

Sunday, September 6
Year A: Proper 18, Track 1

8:00 am
Lector Kate Lee
Lay Minister Daniel Armounfelder

10:30 am
Lectors Sherry Berkley & Brian Joseph
Eucharistic Ministers Joe Anand-Obleton, Cherry Radin
Ushers Nicole Pinter, Erica Vitale
Acolyte Volunteer Needed
Hospitality Sue Lowe
Linen Care Mary Lehman
Sacristan Volunteer Needed

Wednesday, September 9
Counters Sue Lowe & Betsy VanderBurg

Friday, September 11
Folder Peg Swadener

Prayer List

Collect for the Fifteenth Sunday
after Pentecost (Proper 18)

Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Collect for Labor Day

Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Anniversaries & Birthdays

Sep 06 Nathan Grantz & Mackenzie Keller (1)
Sep 07 Jodi Kallenberg
Sep 09 Myra Anthony
Sep 12 James Craker

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, as we begin our search process for our ninth bishop diocesan.

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

Hayden
Arthur Lynch

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 Woodruff (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:

Jennifer Brandyberry (sister of Christopher Henderson)
Michael Anand-Obelton and for Joe
Mary Beth Wright
David Carlson (close friend Mary Young-Marcks)
Mike and Lisa Jaworski
Myra Anthony
Cooper, Emily, and Seth
Tim Irwin and Family (friends of Sherry Berkley)
Kathy Nate (friend of Deacon Clay)
Pamela Lax
Stephen Foley
Candy McCarthy (Joann Dorsch’s daughter)
Helene Dauerty
Rebecca Maloy (recovering from surgery) and for Cynthia Katsarelis.
Joshua Henderson (Chris Henderson’s brother)
Mary Brooks
Tim Lane, (son-in-law of Karen Slack, recovering from shoulder surgery)
Joni Carlson (continuing treatment)
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:

Adam Bosler and his Family
Treshawn Visnaw
The Bullock Family
Juan Jacob Allen Obleton
Robin Warr
Lori
Ariel Obelton
Ebony Bailey
Ann and Bill Young (Catherine Craker’s parents) and for the entire Craker and Young families.
Nadine Collier & the Collier Family
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:

Trice Berkley
Laura
The Anderson Family
Cherryl Andries
The Ashby Family: Shaun, Shirley, and Roland
Richard Bitner
Alissa Broussara
Mary M. Burman
Al Caparell; Tony Lemna; Mike; Denise & Demetrius
Cobie (Tina Velthuizen’s sister)
The Demler and Martindale families
Paula Fowler
Connor Gibbons
Ron Gunn
Tim Haywood and Janice
Rick Hillard
The Jeter Family: Jamie, Mimi, Joely, Mia, and the entire family
Bill Jones and his family
Dan & Gail Mandell
Joyce Marchant
Fred & Kate Mast
Sharron McGowan
Michael (Diane Hoist’s son) and his family
Elaine Mick
Tony Molnar
Richard Murphy Jr. and Jill Bird
Daniel & Amy Petry (parents of Amanda Helfrich)
The Proffitt and Hillman families
Carolynn Raney
Sheila & family
Karen Slack
Kevin Smith
Alan Thompson
Mthr. Tina Velthuizen
Deb Walter (friend of Sherry Berkley)
Kitty Ward
Donnie Zigler

☩ Prayers Requested at Assistance Day

Rodney (for housing concerns)
Star (for her mother)
Cara (for her health)
Brandon (for healthcare concerns and continued education)
Quentin (for his children's care and for housing)
Jermaine (for his marriage)
Sivana-Raye (for safe, secure, permanent housing)
Tamira (for her living and job situations)
Chris (for his new job and for continued strength in recovery)
Angelo (for protection for him and his family from evil)
Cindy (for healing for herself and for family)
Ruth (for recovery and housing)
Bryan (for health and housing)
Trisha (for housing)
Stephen (for hip pain and rehabilitation)
Lakita (for peace, abundance, and physical healing)
Christine (for her family relationships)
Moutea (for housing and financial stability)
Daphne (for steady work and for her friend who's incarcerated)
Anthony (for his business venture to prosper)
Frederick (for help with his driver's license)
Michael (for his children and family)
Stefon (for stable and safe housing before winter)
Sarah (for help with a friend’s safety and legal issues)
RaTavya (for the loss of her son)
Heaven (for a recent loss in her family)

☩ For those Discerning or Preparing for Holy Orders

Demi Chowen (Presbyterate)
Nan Noecker (Diaconate)

☩ World, National, and Local Community Concerns

We offer our prayers for the survivors and victims of gun violence and hate crimes. We pray especially for those who lost their lives in shootings in Minneapolis and Tucson.
Pray for all those who have lost their lives, their loved ones, and their homes to natural disasters; for victime of wildfires in Europe and North America, and for those devastated by earthquakes in Colombia and Venezuela.
For all those affected by storm damage and flooding, especially those in the western deanery of our diocese. Pray for the victims of the floods in China and Nepal.
For Canon Terri Bays as she enters a period of discernment as one of three candidates from which the recently formed Diocese of the Great Lakes will elect their first bishop. We pray for her, for her family, and for their diocese and our own as this process moves forward. Come, Holy Spirit!
For protection of the lives and livelihoods of immigrants and for the families and communities mourning the loss of their loved ones.
For an end to wars and for a lasting Peace in all regions of the world, especialy in Iran, Gaza, and Ukraine.

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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Joe Anand-ObletonSeptember 10, 2026