Center for Spiritual Imagination

For over a thousand years, cathedrals have been sites of pilgrimage. They are places of holy hospitality that nourish the soul and spark spiritual insights.

The Center for Spiritual Imagination is dedicated to reimagining this heritage for spiritual seekers in our contemporary American context. Through a rich variety of innovative gatherings, programs and services, the Center for Spiritual Imagination will be a catalyst for the integration of contemplative prayer and just practice in daily life.

CSI offers connection and exploration opportunities for people in every stage of their spiritual journey. Focused on intergenerational spiritual development, CSI welcomes seekers, committed Christians, agnostics, and those who do not identify with an organized religion. The purpose of CSI is to foster communities of spiritual growth centered on gatherings, programs and practices reflecting CSI’s Core Values:

Connection

Spiritual growth happens in community with one another and with God.

Freedom

Spiritual growth happens when we are encouraged to be “recognizably human.” This includes practices and experiences that put us in touch with our bodies, our emotions, other people, and the natural world.

Imagination

Spiritual growth flourishes in an environment of wonder and playfulness. This includes exploring creative spiritual practices, language, imagery, movement, and music.

Action

Spiritual growth requires pursuing justice in our lives and the world around us.

Aspects of our program:

Education

CSI offers classes that engage the imagination and provide intergenerational connection. Some examples of our offerings include:

Illuminating Scripture (Study with The Saint John's Bible)

For the past two years, the cathedral has been home to a rare Heritage Edition of The Saint John's Bible, an illuminated handwritten Bible created by an international team of calligraphers and artists. Through classes, workshops, visio divina, and guest speakers, CSI offers an exploration of the connection between spirituality and creativity inspired by this great work of spiritual art. Learn more

Yoga in the Cathedral Fridays at 7pm, with Centering Prayer starting at 6:30pm

A yoga practice by candlelight led by a certified yoga instructor in the cathedral sanctuary. This class encourages participants to engage their body in a spiritual practice. See calendar for dates.

Fellowship in Faith Sundays 10am to 11am, September through May

Fellowship in Faith is an intergenerational fellowship and enrichment opportunity for people of all ages. For families with children ages 2-12, Fellowship in Faith offers a rotation-based Sunday School curriculum that involves the exploration of children’s spiritual lives through art, storytelling, music and movement.

Adults can come together during Fellowship in Faith for spiritual conversation around diverse topics at our Dean's Forums and Parents Forums. Past forum topics have included The Spirituality of Dementia, Discovery for the Inquiring Mind, The Spirituality of Teenagers, and Growing Pains. Learn more

Innovative Liturgies

CSI offers creative liturgies that reimagine traditional worship and make dynamic use of our sacred spaces. Examples of our inventive worship services include:

Cathedral for Kids Sundays at 9:15am

This abbreviated service is suitable for all ages and includes interactive music, Scripture-reading, and Communion. Children are invited to gather on the "story rug" around the preacher for a sermon that employs storytelling techniques that speak to everyone. Learn more

All Hallows' Eve: Journey to the Cathedral Crypt Annually on October 31 at 7pm

The All Hallows' Eve liturgy and walking tour explores the connection between the living and the dead by telling the story of cathedral founders Alexander and Cornelia Stewart. Using film, immersive performance, and special effects, guests are invited to experience history by visiting staged scenes around the grounds such as the funeral service of Alexander Stewart (featuring excerpts from the 1867 Book of Common Prayer.) Prayers, pslams and petitions are offered throughout the tour which ends in the candlelit cathedral crypt where the Stewarts are buried. View images of All Hallows Eve by clicking here.

CSI Photo Gallery

Yoga
Yoga in the Cathedral

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The wake of A. T. Stewart was reenacted with the 1789 burial office, complete with casket provided by Fairchild's Funeral Home All Hallows' Eve: Journey to the Cathedral Crypt