St. Sheryl’s Cathedral
The cathedral gave our community back its youth,
Reminding us of an age when battle’s glory
had no charm, a time in Eden when holiness
held our hearts, not the slaughter of helpless souls.
It towered suddenly, promising perfection,
making soldiers wonder after something better.
It was built to make a bloody nation better.
One by one, killers were born again into youth,
laid down their arms and raised hands to God’s perfection.
It came to make a proud nation curse its glory,
to teach both fear of God and love of holiness.
When her great bells are rung, they toll out “Holiness”
like a one-note prayer. There never was a better
noise in all our land, a sound more fit to stir souls.
When they peal, now smiles each damsel, now runs each youth,
to meet in this sacred place and give God glory.
At these times our community finds perfection.
The stained glass portrays Christ’s Passion and Perfection;
thousands of colors bear witness to holiness.
They delight the eye, but point to greater glory.
Somehow in the shining silence, we can better
sense God’s presence, and regain the reverence of youth.
We kneel among the pews and offer Him our souls.
What really gives her beauty are the humble souls
by candlelight praying for others’ perfection,
or bowed in confession for the follies of youth;
the mouths that open at dawn to sing holiness;
the hearts that truly vow to love each other better,
or leap to hear “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
We assemble in this church to sing God’s glory;
to hear sermons that will help us serve God better.
Then we leave, and discover that His perfection
is not here only! Everywhere His holiness
surrounds us, and christens us with eternal youth.
Sad widow or rough youth: These doors welcome all souls.
When we give God glory, we too are made better.
Revere Christ’s holiness, and share His perfection.