This February!
​Monk-in-Residence at the Cathedral

The Cathedral is excited to welcome Brother James Dowd among us from February 11- February 22, preaching, teaching, praying, and coming alongside us as Lent begins and in this long season of transition and change. Brother James has been a Benedictine monk for many years and is the founding Prior of The Benedictine Way and the founding Spiritual Guide for the Contemplative Underground. He also serves as the Monk-in-Residence for the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska and is a frequent presenter and retreat leader across the Episcopal Church.
(He just finished leading the Diocese of Spokane’s clergy retreat this week!)

~~Dean Heather connected with Brother James at the North America Cathedral Deans’ Conference last May --
She is delighted he has agreed to come and be with us here in Honolulu~~
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Do not miss your opportunity to explore, deepen, and engage your questions and your faith!

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Saturday, Feb. 14, 9am-12pm
​Contemplative Prayer Workshop led by Brother James

Gather in the quiet of the Cathedral for a morning of prayer and intention – no worries if contemplative prayer is new to you, or you have been practicing for years.
All are most welcome!

What is contemplative prayer? “Contemplative prayer is a form of prayer focused on deep reflection and stillness before God. 
​It emphasizes a quiet, attentive posture of the heart, aiming to foster a profound communion with God rather than relying on many spoken words. This practice often involves techniques such as centering prayer, where a single word or phrase is repeated to help clear the mind of distractions and facilitate a deeper connection with God.”

Email the Office to let us know you’re coming!

Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18,
​Brother James preaching Vespers, 7pm

Thursday, Feb. 19, 6:30-8pm
Lenten Exercise: Voicing Lament, led by Brother James

Gather in the Von Holt Room right at the beginning of the stretch of Lent for this special evening of learning and prayer – All are Welcome!

Email the Office to let us know you’re coming!

Sunday, Feb. 15
Brother James preaching at 10am Eucharist
​& Choral Evensong at 5:30pm

Tuesday, Feb. 17, Thursday, Feb. 19,
and Friday, Feb. 20
​Spiritual Direction Appointments

Brother James has an open schedule for spiritual direction appointments on Tuesday, Thursday morning, and Friday afternoon.
New to Spiritual Direction – no worries at all!
What is Spiritual Direction? “Spiritual direction refers to the practice of seeking guidance in one’s relationship with God through prayerful counsel, reflection, and biblical insight. It involves coming alongside a fellow believer-or an experienced mentor in the faith-to discern the movement of the Holy Spirit in daily life.

Contact Dean Heather to schedule your time

Saturday, Feb. 21, Lenten Quiet Day
On the Labyrinth, 9am-12pm

With the labyrinth stretched out in the Cathedral itself, come and share in the gift of guidance and quiet as we engage the practice of the “walk” – Brother James, facilitating.

Email the Office to let us know you’re coming!

Sunday, Feb. 22, 8am and 10am
​Holy Eucharist,
​Brother James preaching

*Parking is free for all events. All are Most Welcome to All Gatherings and Opportunities!
Spread the word – Invite your friends and neighbors!!

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About Brother James Dowd

​Brother James Dowd has been a Benedictine monk for many years and is the founding Prior of The Benedictine Way and the founding Spiritual Guide for the Contemplative Underground. Before serving as the Monk in Residence for the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska, he served at Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, NY, and at Mariya uMama weThemba Monastery in Grahamstown, South Africa. Brother James is passionate about exploring the intersection of the quest for Christian social justice and the contemplative life. The Benedictine Way was founded so that an intergenerational community of followers of Jesus might find a way to reinvigorate our little corner of the church in that quest.

In Br. James’ travels, he discovered a kind of “underground” of people who either were contemplative or wanted to be contemplative throughout the United States, South Africa, Germany, Great Britain, and Canada. In all these places, people longed for a more peaceful life and for a more peaceful world. Having led many workshops on Centering Prayer and other forms of contemplative prayer, it became clear to Br. James, that people wanted to live contemplatively within a community, but that community was difficult to find. Thus, the Contemplative Underground was born. Contemplative Underground brings together the desire for a contemplative life and the longing for community, and it is guided by Benedictine spirituality.

We look forward to seeing you there!