Two cathedrals help to build Christian understanding

The partnership is a product of ecumenical outreach efforts between Roman Catholics and Episcopalians in the late 1980s.

"The covenant came about because of a great desire on the part of the two dioceses to work together," said Rev. William Pape, rector of the Cathedral. "There were dialogues between the two dioceses, working out things that we had in common, things that we could share together."

Vatican II

In May 1987, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of the Roman Catholic Diocese and then-Bishop David S. Ball of the Episcopal Diocese issued a joint statement declaring a formal covenant between the two parishes.

"With the great tradition of interfaith and ecumenical cooperation that has been so much a part of this Diocese back to its founding," Father Pape said, "the covenant is just a natural and logical step at this time of our life as a Diocese and as a parish."

Together

* At each Sunday Mass, the Prayer of the Faithful contains a petition for members of All Saints;

* During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, observed in January, laity in both parishes have a joint day of retreat;

* Both cathedrals host weekly and monthly events, such as study sessions and potluck dinners;

* On the Feast of All Saints, Nov. 1, members of Immaculate Conception travel to All Saints to take part in evensong in honor of the Episcopal cathedral's patronal feast day, while members of All Saints attend evening prayer at the Roman Catholic cathedral for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8;

* During Lent, members of the two cathedrals gather on Wednesdays and Fridays to take part in the Stations of the Cross; and

* Members come together to hold a Blessing of the Animals on the Feast of St. Francis in October.

'Spirit of cooperation'

"We believe in the same God. We believe in the same savior and redeemer, Jesus Christ. We believe in the gift of the Holy Spirit, who comes from the Father and the Son. We believe in the Eucharist as the real, abiding presence of Christ. We believe in Mary as the mother of God."

But differences still divide Episcopalian and Roman Catholics, so understanding and dialogue are crucial, he said.

"Episcopalians see a need for a central church authority, but how that is expressed is a great concern of theirs," Father Pape said. Similarly, "the Catholic stance on the ordination of women and an understanding of some of the life issues, like abortion, may be areas of concern for those in the Episcopal Church."

Despite those differences, Father Pape praised the partnership as "a wonderful relationship. One of the things Pope John Paul says is that ecumenism has to be a part of our being Church. The covenant is a wonderful opportunity to fulfill that."

(11-14-02) [[In-content Ad]]