Fourth Dean of the Cathedral Invested
On Sunday, October 17 at 4 PM, The Very Rev. Judith A. Sullivan was invested as the fourth Dean of Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral by Bishop Charles E. Bennison, Jr. It was a beautiful liturgy that included the participation of members and friends from around the Diocese; the choirs of the Church of the Redeemer, Bryn Mawr, under the direction of Michael Diorio and the Cathedral Singers, directed by Riyehee Hong, offered special music during the service. An anthem entitled Fellowship of Miracles was composed for this special occasion by Dr. Thomas Lloyd, a member of the Cathedral congregation and Associate Professor of Music at Haverford College. The text of the anthem, from Henri Nouwen’s, Out of Solitude, was selected by Dean Sullivan. A reception was held at the Newman Center following the service. Judy Sullivan has served as the Associate Rector of the Church of the Redeemer in Bryn Mawr since 2007. Prior to her service at Redeemer, she served as Canon Residentiary at Philadelphia Cathedral with responsibility for diocesan worship and the nurture and growth of the Cathedral congregation. She is a graduate of General Theological Seminary. Prior to her ordained ministry, Judy directed non-profit organizations providing academic support and social services to children with need in Philadelphia public schools. She was appointed by Bishop Rodney Michel as Chair of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission in 2009. She is also a member of the Diocesan Spiritual Growth and Resources Committee and serves on the boards of including Episcopal Community Services and the Philadelphia Interfaith Center. Judy envisions the Cathedral serving as a seat for the Bishop, a home for the Diocese and an open door for all. She anticipates new theological explorations, events with engaging speakers, more art exhibits, new opportunities for conversations about matters of faith, and will extend invitations to other faith groups to join in dialogue, with the goal of providing renewed reasons for people to visit the cathedral again. We welcome the Rev. Judith Sullivan and pray that her new ministry will be blessed and may her gifts and talents for ministry find fertile ground and bear fruit in abundance as she returns to Philadelphia Cathedral to serve as its next Dean.
