Sermon

The Feast of All Saints

November 1, 2026

The Very Reverend Patrick Gahan

THE FEAST OF ALL SAINTS
The Holy Eucharist: Rite II
November 1, 2026 | 10:30 am

Welcome to Saint John’s! We are glad you are here. If you are new, please see this time as one of connection and restoration. Our prayer is that you encounter God as you participate in today’s service. Before the service begins, please take a moment to silence your electronic devices. Hearing Impaired guests: Hearing Loop Installed. Switch your hearing aid to “T-coil”.

 

THE WORD OF GOD

VOLUNTARY
O wie selig seid ihr doch, ihr Frommen
Johannes Brahms

 

All stand for the procession.

 

HYMN 618
Ye watchers and ye holy ones
Lasst uns erfreuen

 

OPENING ACCLAMATION

Presider  Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People  And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
Presider  There is one Body and one Spirit;
People  There is one hope in God’s call to us;
Presider  One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;
People  One God and Father of all.

 

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Presider  The Lord be with you.
People  And also with you.
Presider  Let us pray.

 

Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

 

All sit.

THE FIRST LESSON
Revelation 7:9-17
Lector: Jay Swope

After this I, John, looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?” I said to him, “Sir, you are the one that knows.” Then he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. “For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

 

Lector  The Word of the Lord.
People  Thanks be to God.

PSALM 34:1-10, 22
Chant: Ritchie

 

Sung by the choir.

 

1 I will bless the Lord at all times; *
his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
2 I will glory in the Lord; *
let the humble hear and rejoice.
3 Proclaim with me the greatness of the Lord; *
let us exalt his Name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me *
and delivered me out of all my terror.
5 Look upon him and be radiant, *
and let not your faces be ashamed.
6 I called in my affliction and the Lord heard me *
and saved me from all my troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encompasses those who fear him, *
and he will deliver them.
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; *
happy are they who trust in him!
9 Fear the Lord, you that are his saints, *
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger, *
but those who seek the Lord lack nothing that is good.
22 The Lord ransoms the life of his servants, *
and none will be punished who trust in him.

THE SECOND LESSON
1 John 3:1-3
Lector: Merle Chambers

See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

 

Lector  The Word of the Lord.
People  Thanks be to God.

 

All stand for the proclamation of the Gospel.

THE GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Choir and Congregation sing the Acclamation.

Verse Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

THE GOSPEL
Matthew 5:1-12

Minister  The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
People  Glory to you, Lord Christ.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

 

Minister  The Gospel of the Lord.
People  Praise to you, Lord Christ.

THE SERMON
The Very Reverend Patrick Gahan
Interim Dean

 

THE PRESENTATION AND EXAMINATION OF THE CANDIDATES

Presider  The Candidates for Holy Baptism will now be presented.
Presenters  We present N. to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
Presider  Will you be responsible for seeing that the child you present is brought up in the Christian faith and life?
Presenters  I will, with God’s help.
Presider  Will you by your prayers and witness help this child to grow into the full stature of Christ?
Presider  I will, with God’s help.
Presider  Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?
Presenters  I renounce them.
Presider  Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
Presenters  I renounce them.
Presider  Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?
Presenters  I renounce them.
Presider  Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior?
Presenters  I do.
Presider  Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?
Presenters  I do.
Presider  Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?
Presenters  I do.

 

All stand.

 

Presider  Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ?
People  We will.
Presider  Let us join with those who are committing themselves to Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant.

THE BAPTISMAL COVENANT

Presider  Do you believe in God the Father?
People  I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Presider  Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People  I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Presider  Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People  I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Presider  Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
People  I will, with God’s help.
Presider  Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People  I will, with God’s help.
Presider  Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People  I will, with God’s help.
Presider  Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People  I will, with God’s help.
Presider  Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People  I will, with God’s help.

THE PRAYERS FOR THE CANDIDATES

Presider  Let us now pray for these persons who are to receive the Sacrament of new birth.
Intercessor  Deliver them O Lord, from the way of sin and death.
People  Lord, hear our prayer.
Intercessor  Open their hearts to your grace and truth.
People  Lord, hear our prayer.
Intercessor  Fill them with your holy and life-giving Spirit.
People  Lord, hear our prayer.
Intercessor  Keep them in the faith and communion of your holy Church.
People  Lord, hear our prayer.
Intercessor  Teach them to love others in the power of the Spirit.
People  Lord, hear our prayer.
Intercessor  Send them into the world in witness to your love.
People  Lord, hear our prayer.
Intercessor  Bring them to the fullness of your peace and glory.
People  Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider  Grant, O Lord, that all who are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ your Son may live in the power of his resurrection and look for him to come again in glory; who lives and reigns now and forever. Amen.

THANKSGIVING OVER THE WATER

Presider  The Lord be with you.
People  And also with you.
Presider  Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People  It is right to give him thanks and praise.

 

Presider

We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water. Over it the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through it you led the children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt into the land of promise. In it your Son Jesus received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life.

We thank you, Father, for the water of Baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit. Therefore in joyful obedience to your Son, we bring into his fellowship those who come to him in faith, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that those who here are cleansed from sin and born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

 

All sit.

THE BAPTISM

Clergy  N., I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
People  Amen.
Presider  N., you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own forever.
People  Amen.
Presider  Let us pray.

 

All stand.

 

Presider  Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon these your servants the forgiveness of sin and have raised them to the new life of grace. Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works.
People  Amen.
Presider  Let us welcome the newly baptized saying together,
People  We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood. Amen.

THE PEACE

Presider  The peace of Christ be always with you.
People  And also with you.

 

All sit.

ANNOUNCEMENTS and STEWARDSHIP

Stay connected and check out upcoming opportunities here.

Support the work of Saint John’s by making by making a pledge for 2027 or a one time gift.

 

THE HOLY COMMUNION

 

The congregation remains seated during the Offertory Anthem.

 

OFFERTORY ANTHEM
Lo, round the throne
arr. Henry G. Ley

Lo, round the throne, a glorious band, the saints in countless myriads stand, of every tongue redeemed of God, arrayed in garments washed in blood. Hallelujah! Through tribulation great they came: they bore the cross, despised the shame: from all their labors now they rest, in God’s eternal glory blest. Hallelujah! They see their Savior face to face, and sing the triumphs of his grace: Him day and night they ceaseless praise, to him the loud thanksgiving raise: Hallelujah! Worthy the Lamb, for sinners slain, through endless years to live and reign: thou has redeemed us by thy blood, and made us kings and priests to God. Hallelujah! O may we tread the sacred road that saints and holy martyrs trod: wage to the end the glorious strife, and win like them a crown of life.

 

PRESENTATION HYMN 293
I sing a song of the saints of God
Grand Isle

 

Children and their parents are welcome to come forward and sit on the carpet to be closer to the altar during the Eucharistic Prayer.
At the invitation of the Presider, all stand.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
Eucharistic Prayer A

Presider  The Lord be with you.
People  And also with you.
Presider  Lift up your hearts.
People  We lift them to the Lord.
Presider  Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People  It is right to give him thanks and praise.

 

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. For in the multitude of your saints you have surrounded us with a great cloud of witnesses, that we might rejoice in their fellowship, and run with endurance the race that is set before us; and, together with them, receive the crown of glory that never fades away. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

SANCTUS and BENEDICTUS
William Mathias

 

All kneel.

Presider

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, send Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.

He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

On the night before he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Therefore, we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.

And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.

Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. By Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.

 

Silence.

 

And now as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

 

Presider and People
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD

The Presider breaks the consecrated bread.

PASCHA NOSTRUM
David Hurd

 

THE INVITATION TO COMMUNION

The Gifts of God for the People of God.

 

Following the invitation to Communion, all are invited forward. Extend your hands to receive a wafer from the priest. Gluten-free is available upon request. You may stand or kneel at the altar rail; please fill in from the outside toward the center. A verger is present if you need assistance. For those desiring to receive wine, it is available from the common Cup or you are invited to intinct your wafer in the chalice. When receiving the wine from the chalice, please help guide the chalice to your lips. If you choose to receive a blessing, please cross your arms over your chest.

 

ANTHEM
Sing me to heaven
Daniel E. Gawthrop

In my heart’s sequestered chambers lie truths stripped of poet’s gloss. Words alone are vain and vacant and my heart is mute. In response to aching silence memory summons half-heard voices, and my soul finds primal eloquence and wraps me in song. If you would comfort me, sing me a lullaby. If you would win my heart, sing me a love song. If you would mourn me and bring me to God, sing me a requiem, sing me to heaven. Touch in me all love and passion, pain and pleasure, touch in me grief and comfort; love and passion, pain and pleasure. Sing me a lullaby, a love song, a requiem. Love me, comfort me, bring me to God: Sing me a love song, sing me to heaven.

 

HYMN 624
Jerusalem the golden
Ewing

THE PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray.

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

If there are Eucharistic Visitors to be sent forth, the Presider says to them

 

In the name of this congregation, we send you forth bearing these Holy Mysteries, that those to whom you go may share with us in the communion of Christ’s body and blood.

We who are many are one body, because we all share in one bread, one cup.

 

THE BLESSING

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.

 

HYMN 287
For all the saints
Stanzas 1-4
Sine Nomine

 

THE DISMISSAL

Minister  Let us go forth into the world rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
People  Thanks be to God.

 

VOLUNTARY
Fugue in d BWV 565
Johann Sebastian Bach

 

RECEIVING THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Olivia Caroline Kinsman
Paulette Ascanio Maza
Alma Marisol Myers
Clover Violeta Rodriguez Stebler
Luca Romano Wright
Bria Julieta Claire Wright“Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble.”
– Book of Common Prayer, p 298CATHEDRAL CHAPTER
The Very Reverend Patrick Gahan
Interim Dean

The Right Reverend Rob O’Neill
Bishop-in-Residence

The Reverend Canon Paul Keene
Canon for Parish Life

The Reverend Deacon Jack Karn
Deacon for Community Partnerships

MUSICIANS
Dr. Michael Boney
Director of Music

Saint John’s Cathedral Choir

FLOWER TEAM
Kathy Graveley & Jane Ellis
Co-Directors

ALTAR GUILD
Robin Van Atta
Director

SACRISTAN
Mason McKay

Keep In Touch

Sign up for our weekly newsletter

We are excited to have you stay connected to our cathedral family! Our weekly newsletter, The Cathedral Voice, is sent weekly by email. In it, you will find reflections from our clergy & staff, upcoming events, and opportunities to volunteer. We always respect your privacy.

SUBSCRIBE NOW