Transition in the Life of Our Cathedral
The Rev. Canon Nathaniel Katz has accepted the call to be the Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Houston, in the Diocese of Texas.
Canon Katz
In this season of growth, challenge and change at the Cathedral, we trust in God’s providence to bless, guide, and lead us into its next era of mission and ministry. Transition and change are an important part of the process of, to quote Holy Scripture, “making all things new.”
Since his election as our next Dean and Rector, we have kept James Harlan apprised of Nat's potential move. We want to assure you that our new Dean is fully aware of this transition and has already begun work on identifying a successor for the Canon’s role.
We rejoice with Nat. Christ Church Cathedral, Houston, stands at the center of the fourth largest city in the United States. With Nat’s commitment to urban and multicultural ministry, his skills as a preacher and pastor, and his creativity with both liturgy and Christian formation, it is no surprise that he has been called to one of the largest, most dynamic and visible cathedrals of the Episcopal Church. The American Cathedral has helped to equip Nat for this ministry, just as he has equipped us these last three years for the ministry we share in Paris. We are thankful for Nat’s many gifts, and Nat, as he says in his letter below, is very thankful to the Cathedral community, near and far.
Nat will leave Paris in August and begin his new ministry in September. Because so many travel in July and August, it is important that we make our goodbyes soon. On Sunday, July 2nd, we will have a celebratory, parish picnic after the 11 a.m. service that will focus on giving thanks and saying goodbye to both Nat and Interim Dean Timothy Safford (who leaves July 31st).
Knowing that there are many questions about all of the transitions happening, the Vestry will host a special “Q & A” after the 11 a.m. service on Sunday, June 25. This will be a good time to acknowledge sadness and grief of necessary losses while affirming that wonderful, glorious things are happening at the American Cathedral in Paris as it enters this next moment of mission and ministry.
Joyce Chanay, Senior Warden The Rev. Timothy Safford, Interim Dean
A Word from the Rev. Canon Nathaniel Katz
Dear Friends in Christ,
At this time, three years ago, I was living under Covid confinement in Southern California, wondering when I could arrive in Paris to begin my ministry as Cathedral Canon. At that time, it seemed like it would take months, and I was beginning to question whether it would ever come to pass. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, I received a call for a visa appointment within 48 hours, and a week later, I had a plane ticket in hand. I soon learned that Friends of the Cathedral had advocated on my behalf on both sides of the Atlantic, making all the difference. That was my first opportunity to appreciate the commitment, resilience and ingenuity of the people who make the American Cathedral in Paris their spiritual home, whether near or far.
From that moment on, I have cherished our experiences in living out our faith through one of the most unique chapters in this Cathedral’s storied history. From Compline Under Confinement to Jazz Vespers to Las Posadas to Lenten studies on Van Gogh and Matisse to our Open House to celebrate our Centenary as the Cathedral for Europe, we have delighted in one another as we worshiped, studied and feasted together. Along the way, you have taught me so much through your service, your thoughtfulness and, most definitely, your good humor.
Today, I am sharing that I have accepted a call to serve as the next Dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Houston, Texas, which will bring my tenure as your Canon to a close. It has been a dream of mine to lead a community of faith, just as it was my dream to do the work of ministry in another country and culture at the American Cathedral. What a blessing it is to see your dreams come to fruition! The only thing that tempers my excitement about this next chapter of life in ministry is that it means I must say goodbye to you all. I could not be more grateful to all the love and generosity you have offered to me from your hearts since I arrived in September 2020. I know that you will offer that same generosity of spirit and substance to Dean Harlan when he arrives in August and to the priest he will call to serve as your next Canon.
As I complete my ministry with you, I share the words of wisdom that I share with you each time I have the privilege to bless you from behind our beautiful altar, words I inherited from a beloved mentor:
Remember always that life is short,
And we do not have much time
To gladden the hearts
Of those who travel with us.
So be swift to love,
And make haste to act
With kindness and compassion.
I ask for your prayers and blessings as I embark on this next adventure together with my beloved Shelly. We will always hold you in our hearts.
Merci mille fois,
Nat