A Message from Dean John

Lent 2025 has been very productive. Thanks to  a grant from Episcopal Community Services, the Creation Care team at Trinity is working together with Isles to organize two programs: “Cooking with Chef Pearl” and “Dinner and a Movie”. These are wonderful opportunities to build community and foster healthy eating.

On three Sundays this Lent, during fellowship hour, Danny Thomas, Executive Director of the Peace Center has led us in presentations on “Building Bridges”/ “Talking Across a Divide”. This has been a very useful program about having conversations with persons with differing opinions.

Also during this Lent we are looking at the Lenten Collects and how they impact our spiritual journey (thanks Angela DiJoseph.) On Thursdays, Canon Paul Cooper has organized for us to participate in the Stations of the Cross. (These two offerings are via Zoom.)

Rooted in Faith, Growing in Service

On March 1, 2025, Trinity Cathedral’s leadership gathered under the theme “Rooted in Faith, Growing in Service.” It was a sacred time to step away from the routine, engage in visioning and spiritual renewal, and discern the future of our ministry. We celebrated our past, prayed for wisdom, and committed to the next season of God’s work in our community. Leadership demands careful planning and deep faith. As the African proverb says: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”

After some nineteen years at Trinity Cathedral, I reflect on the many lives and experiences that have shaped our journey. Through seasons of sorrow and joy, God has guided us, and I believe we have been faithful stewards of the trust placed in us.

Faithfulness through Challenges

One of the most challenging times was the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021–2022. We faced difficult questions about worship, community, and care. Yet, by God’s grace, we stood together, prayed fervently, and worked tirelessly.

I recall the opportunity provided by the Mayor of Trenton to help our congregation members receive vaccinations. Andrea and I spent a Sunday afternoon calling members to gauge interest, and the response was overwhelming. Likewise, I remember the steadfast leadership of the Diocesan office, and the many others who ensured we could keep our staff paid and our doors open. Thanks to the dedication of our Wardens, Vestry, and Lay Leaders, we not only survived; we remained faithful, even fulfilling our full financial commitment to the Diocese.

Last year, 2024, was another difficult season, as we mourned the loss of many beloved members of our parish. Yet, as Andraé Crouch so powerfully reminds us: “Through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in God.”

A Hopeful Future

As we sojourn through Lent 2025, my hope is that we continue to trust in God. One of the great challenges of post-COVID times has been rebuilding our Youth Ministry. Many of our young people experienced immense anxiety during that time. Yet, by God’s grace, we now witness renewal: on Easter Day, our Bishop will confirm eight young persons in their faith.

I give thanks for their teachers, their parents, and our parish community who have nurtured them. Most of all, I thank God for these young people who will boldly stand and affirm their faith. To God be the glory.

Faithfully,

 

 

 

The Very Reverend Rene John
Dean