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A Seminarian Reflects: The Rev. Patrick Keyser

The word ‘pilgrim’ originally comes from the Latin meaning ‘foreigner’ or ‘stranger.’ I am intrigued by this idea of a pilgrim as someone who journeys through a foreign land, especially in light of our modern context in which more and more people are choosing to take a pilgrimage, particularly the Camino de Santiago. I think many pilgrims recognize that there is more in this world than what appears on the surface of the frenetic and isolated lives many of us live. Pilgrims are those who recognize that they are strangers in this world and set out in search of something greater. They seek something transcendent. They search for home. Pilgrims seek God.

This month I was blessed with the opportunity to join a group of young adults from the Diocese of Colorado at the start and conclusion of their pilgrimage on the Camino. I joined Bishop Carlos in leading them in a pilgrim’s blessing at the cathedral in Madrid as they began their pilgrimage. We offered prayers and a blessing, and we read the story of the road to Emmaus from the gospel of Luke and prayed that they too would meet Jesus on their journey. Then Bishop Carlos and I met the pilgrims again in Santiago at the end of their camino where we again offered prayers, this time joining in a celebration of the Eucharist to receive Christ’s presence in the sacrament. We were fortunate to be able to gather in an old Roman Catholic parish church, but such an opportunity does not exist for everyone who travels the Camino. As I joined in welcoming this group of pilgrims, I pondered the great opportunity for hospitality that would come with the establishment of the Anglican Center in Santiago, a place where all would be welcome and the Holy Eucharist would be available for all pilgrims who desire it. There is something deeply Biblical about the idea of a Center whose purpose is to welcome strangers, as the word ‘pilgrim’ suggests. The Anglican Center in Santiago can not only be a place of hospitality but also a place where those who have been earnestly seeking could find God.

The Rev. Patrick Keyser
The Diocese of Virginia


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Holy Eucharist

Sunday, January 31, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Worship in the Episcopal Church rests on scripture and the traditions of the elegant language of the Book of Common Prayer. While the worship might seem more formal than spontaneous, we reliably read scripture every time we worship together, and we follow the liturgy that has stood the test of time. Our worship is in letting the liturgy carry us along into a deeper spiritual awareness and connection with God.

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Food Pantry Sunday

Sunday, February 7, 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Bring offerings of food the 1st Sunday of each month! Grace Episcopal Church works to distribute these offerings locally. Call the church at (815) 625-0442 with any questions!

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Holy Eucharist

Sunday, February 7, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Worship in the Episcopal Church rests on scripture and the traditions of the elegant language of the Book of Common Prayer. While the worship might seem more formal than spontaneous, we reliably read scripture every time we worship together, and we follow the liturgy that has stood the test of time. Our worship is in letting the liturgy carry us along into a deeper spiritual awareness and connection with God.

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Holy Eucharist

Sunday, February 14, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Worship in the Episcopal Church rests on scripture and the traditions of the elegant language of the Book of Common Prayer. While the worship might seem more formal than spontaneous, we reliably read scripture every time we worship together, and we follow the liturgy that has stood the test of time. Our worship is in letting the liturgy carry us along into a deeper spiritual awareness and connection with God.

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Vestry Meeting

Tuesday, February 16, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

The Grace Vestry typically meets the third Tuesday of each month.

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Service Times

The Anglican Center will be an ecumenical place that offers hospitality, learning, healing and hope and love and rejuvenates the Episcopal Diocese of Spain. It will be a place where weary travelers can take respite on their pilgrimage journey.