Center for Wellbeing: A Letter from the Dean
In 1994-95, I served as a Seminary Intern at St. John’s, having completed only one year at Yale Divinity School. During this time, I was tasked with translating portions of John's gospel and learning under Canon Bernie Dooly's mentorship.
Canon Bernie Dooly and Deacon Louise Hardman laid the foundation for the Center for Prayer and Spirituality at the Cathedral. Together, they introduced contemplative prayer practices and Celtic Christian theology to our community, emphasizing the presence of God the Creator and Christ in nature.
The Center for Prayer and Spirituality has since become an integral part of our prayerful and learning community. We have engaged in Quiet Garden Mornings and various contemplative practices under the guidance of Owene Courtney, director of formation and spirituality, the Rev. Dr. Linda Privitera, and the Rev. Eric Kahl.
As we look ahead, it is time for the Center for Prayer and Spirituality to undergo a transformation. Over the past months, members of our Vestry and other lay leaders have been in prayerful discussions about establishing a Center for Wellness or a Center for Wellbeing. We believe that both our congregation and the broader community in this city would benefit from a center dedicated to holistic well-being. This center would continue to offer prayer and contemplative practices while also providing support for psychological, physical, financial, and vocational challenges.
I invite you to join me for a series of Dean's Forums focused on the concept of wellness and how Christ may be calling us to wholeness. These forums will feature conversations with experts in various fields and include small group discussion opportunities. Following this series, we will distribute a survey to the entire congregation to gather feedback on your needs and desires regarding such a center.
I encourage you to be a part of this journey. Let us honor the legacy of Canon Bernie Dooly and Deacon Louise Hardman as we evolve and embrace a new chapter for our community.
Kate+
Louis Russo, M.D. Emeritus Professor of Neurology, University of Florida
Kell Owen, Gero MS, PhD Candidate
Jacqueline M. Stoll, MS, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Paige H. Hakimian, PsyM., PhD Candidate
Patrick J. Kimball MSSW, LCSW ( Retired)
