“God our Deliverer, by water and the Holy Spirit we have been buried with Christ and raised to the new life of grace: Give us inquiring and discerning hearts, 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. Amen. Alleluia! Risen Lord, come be with us, and teach our hearts to live in you.”
(From Daily Prayer for All Seasons, Easter, Wisdom)
Hi Friends,
It is with deep joy, profound gratitude, and a tender bit of sadness that I write to share some personal news with you.
As many of you know, I am in the final stages of the ordination process in the Diocese of Kansas—my ordination is scheduled for Saturday, June 21 at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Cathedral in Topeka, KS and you are warmly invited to attend this joyful occasion.
As part of this next step in my vocational journey, and after much prayer and conversation with my bishop, it has been discerned that I will begin my first call to ordained ministry before my ordination date, in light of the anticipated arrival of our little one. This means that my time on staff at the Cathedral will conclude sooner than expected. My final Sunday will be June 1.
Because this transition is happening more quickly than originally planned, I want to reassure you of a few important things:
Children’s Ministry Continuity
Cathedral Kids will continue through the summer and into early fall. I’ve scheduled volunteers and stories from May 25 through September 1 to ensure consistency and care for our children and their families during this time of transition.
Family Worship will continue on:
- June 15
- July 27
- August 24
Beth Keyse has graciously offered to assist the children serving as oblation bearers on June 15 and August 24. If a parent is willing to help on July 27, please reach out to Joan at volunteers@kccathedral.org.
Youth Ministry Update
As usual, Youth Ministry will observe a summer Sabbath:
- Formation Sabbath: May 25 – September 1
- Youth Group Sabbath: June 1 – September 7
(Youth Group will resume September 14, following our usual pattern of starting one week after Formation. Unless otherwise noted)
Upcoming Youth Events:
- Mega Camp (June 1–7): Not too late to sign up! Scholarships are available.
- I’ll be there briefly on June 2 with care packages, to say hi to Cathedral and WEMO Youth and to record an episode of All Things…Episcopal.
- Kansas Happening (June 27–29): At St. David’s in Topeka.
- MissionPalooza (July 15–20): Hosted at St. Paul’s, Kansas City.
- Virtual Back-to-School Gathering (August 20): A 30-minute Zoom for leaders, clergy, and parents at 7 p.m.
- Bishop’s Visit Picnic (September 7): At St. Paul’s, Clinton—details to come!
- Youth Gathering at Diocesan Convention (November 7–8): In Kansas City—adult happy hour included!
For any questions, contact Kim Snodgrass, Interim Youth Missioner for WEMO, at wemoyouth@diowestmo.org.
A Word of Thanks
It is incredibly difficult to put into words how deeply grateful I am for my time here at the Cathedral. This community has walked with me through the early stages of my marriage, my seminary and Anglican studies programs, my discernment to ordained ministry, and now into the beginnings of parenthood and ordained ministry. You have offered unwavering grace, patience, encouragement, and love—and for all of that, and more, I thank you.
Serving at the Cathedral has been an experience full of joy, challenge, growth, and abundant grace. I will carry the memories and the spirit of this place in my heart always.
My Prayer for You
As we collectively step into this next chapter, I will continue to hold you all in prayer. A verse from James has been on a sticker on my laptop for over a year now:
“Draw near to God, and God will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)
That is my deepest prayer for you: that you draw ever closer to God, and in doing so, are met with love, wisdom, courage, and joy. May you continue to be guided by hearts that seek to know and love God, and may God’s grace accompany you in this time of transition as you call your next Children and Youth Minister.
With overflowing gratitude and love for each of you,
God’s peace,
Clare
Clare Stern-Burbano
she/her/hers (Why Pronouns Matter)
Cathedral College, Youth, and Children Minister
Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral
415 West 13th Street
Kansas City MO 64105
Click here to view the Youth, College, and Young Adult Ministry LinkTree and Calendar