Christ Church Cathedral will hold its annual parish meeting on Sunday, Feb. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Nave. All members are encouraged to attend and to cast their votes for new Vestry members and delegates to the Diocesan Convention. Read more about the 2025 parish election.
We have several excellent members who have offered their time and talent to serve on our Vestry and to represent CCC at the Diocesan Convention this fall. Get to know them better during our Meet the Candidates Forum on Sunday, Jan. 26, after both the 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. services and take a moment to learn more about them below.
Vestry Candidates
Israel Doroteo
I am truly honored to be considered as a candidate for the Vestry!
My journey with Christ Church Cathedral began over a decade ago. Honestly, I’m not even sure what led me to visit the Cathedral for the first time, but I’m so glad I did! The beauty of the Cathedral and the amazing hospitality of its people left a lasting impression on me.
When I first visited, I didn’t have many close family members. Since then, my family has grown, and my wife and I have become members of the church. Recently, we had the joy of baptizing our two oldest daughters here, which was a fantastic experience!
I am thrilled about the opportunity to volunteer and serve as a member of the Vestry. My diverse personal and professional experiences in engineering, project management, the hospitality industry, leadership and construction make me a strong candidate. Becoming a more active church member, giving back to the community, and growing in my faith are important goals for me, and I am confident that joining the Vestry will help me achieve them.
Muchas gracias!
Rosa Gomez Godinez
My name is Rosa Gomez Godinez. I have been a member of Christ Church Cathedral since 2001. I have grown up within the church and it has been a part of my every life stage — from childhood to motherhood (of soon to be two little ones). I was an active member of our youth group during my time, going on different trips, from Waycross during the summer to even special life learning trips. I had the honor to be a part of the Girls’ Choir with the amazing opportunity to go to Europe. As an adult, I have volunteered at the annual Strawberry Festival and worked with my mother at several other church events. I’m grateful for the many opportunities the church has given me over the years, as they have shaped me into who I am today.
Through the years I have felt different compared to most of my peers, experiencing a different world than most. The diversity and accepting culture of the church has always made me feel welcome and safe. In these times when things are so divisive, I’ve realized how many people like me are out in not just the world, but in our community and church. People who wish to bring their communities together and love thy neighbor, as Jesus has taught us. Sometimes we feel like we have no voice, no power, no say. This is why I’ve decided to run for the Vestry and be the voice of my generation: To ensure our values not only as Christians, but as human beings are being shared, and to make sure we continue to strive to make a difference with all our goals in the church and in the community.
Ruth Goulet
I was received into the church in April 2024. I was also married at CCC last year.
I grew up in Frankfort, Indiana, and I have always been committed to a life of faith and service. Prior to joining Christ Church Cathedral, I volunteered with Kairos Prison Ministries at Rockville Women’s Correctional Facility. I worked with and visited my church’s sister parish in Honduras. I have been involved with the Big Sisters of Indianapolis since 1993.
I believe in the mission of CCC: Glorifying God, Serving Our Neighbors, and Transforming Our City. My ministries include Altar Guild, Breakfast Club, Outreach Ministry, including work to deepen our relationship with the Cathedral of Brasilia. I have also volunteered for various parish community events including ones at Dayspring Center and the Strawberry Festival. This past advent I attended Las Posadas vigils, and I look forward to learning more about our Latino members and ministries.
The Christ Church family has welcomed me, and I know I have found my spiritual home. I am honored to be a part of this vibrant community and look forward to a deeper participation. I believe that as a part of the Vestry and a delegate to the Diocesan Convention, I will work to be a voice for all our community.
Matthew Stevenson
I have been attending Christ Church Cathedral for nearly 18 years. My wife, Alison, and I were married here and our four children — Zoey, Henry, Cecily and Theodore — were baptized here. This church community holds a special place in my heart as both a place where I encountered Jesus again after a time of disillusionment and uncertainty, and as a place where my family and I continue to encounter Jesus in Word and Sacrament, and in friends and neighbors.
I have previously served on the Vestry and continue to participate in other ministries including acolytes, lectors, and Children’s Formation. One thing I love most about our tradition here at CCC is the strong understanding and purpose that comes from being part of the work that God has done, is doing, and continues to do through Jesus Christ. Our liturgies enact that story, and our various ministries take that story to the world. I think one of the most important things for the Vestry to focus on over the next few years is the ongoing work of reconciliation and community-building within our diverse congregation.
Diocesan Convention Delegates Slate
The slate of candidates for Diocesan Convention delegates is voted on as a whole rather than as individuals. If any of the delegates are unable to attend the convention, an alternate may go in their place. The Senior Warden is a delegate ex-officio.
The 2025 Diocesan Convention is scheduled for Nov. 8 in Plainfield, Ind. Read about the most recent Diocesan Convention.
Mario Avila
My name is Mario Avila and I have been an active member of Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis since 2015. In 2017, I joined the Coro Latinoamericano, which has been a great blessing in my life. As an immigrant, I value sharing and demonstrating the best of Hispanic culture in the United States. In my work, I dedicate myself to serving others, seeing my work as a source of service to those who need it most.
I was nominated as a delegate to the 2025 Diocesan Convention, representing Christ Church Cathedral, and my commitment to the community and my desire to strengthen the Hispanic congregation reflect my dedication to service and cultural integration in the church.
Rick Bailey
Tammy and I have been attending Christ Church since the spring of 2022. I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Outreach Committee, particularly working with VOICES. I regularly serve as an usher, a greeting ambassador, and a lector. Christ Church has become a home for us, and we are grateful for the various ministries of the Church, including worship, education through formation classes, pastoral care and teaching, music, community outreach, and fellowship with the church community.
I welcome the privilege of serving as a convention delegate representing our congregation. I do not take the responsibility lightly, and I intend to use my gifts and skillsets to honor God and my church colleagues through this role.
Recently retired after a career in higher education, the past 33 years as a business owner and consultant, I’m eager to give my energy to other passions. My undergraduate studies focused on philosophy, religion, and theology, believing I would pursue a career in church ministry. While my educational and professional paths led me in a different direction, I have always carried a love for the Church. This opportunity allows me to put my hands and feet to that purpose.
Ruth Goulet
Brent Luebcke
My name is Brent Luebcke, and my wife Caitlin and I are members of Christ Church Cathedral. I began attending services in 2017. I quickly fell in love with the community of CCC. Within the next year, I joined the Catechumenate in order to learn and better understand CCC and the Cathedral’s role in its mission of faith and community. For the past few years, I have sought ways in which to be of service to the Cathedral in its mission. I recently served as vestry clerk, which helped me better understand the importance of congregants’ roles in helping decisions vital to the spiritual mission of the Cathedral.
At present, I believe that participating in the Diocesan Convention would allow me to further understand CCC’s initiatives and to gain insight about the services of the other congregations of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis. In my personal and professional life, I try to provide a compassionate presence to others, with a focus on improving mental health and well-being. Spirituality plays a significant role in many people’s lives and provides positive influence on well-being, and I would like to better understand how to assist the Diocese with the provision of mental health services to central Indiana. I believe that participating in the Convention will allow me to learn how congregations meet this need through faith and service.
William Robison
Hello, I’m William, and I’m on the slate to serve as a Diocesan Convention Delegate for 2025. I first came to CCC to perform at the feast of Absalom Jones in 2023, and I became a regular attending member in May of that same year. Since joining the church, I have served in various ways, including with the Community Breakfast, chalice bearing, lectoring, and volunteering at Dayspring and with Joyful Noise.
I would like to serve as a delegate in 2025 because it would allow me to use the gifts that I have cultivated serving at CCC while also growing a deeper appreciation for the church and its wider mission in the city and in the diocese. Growing up, I served in various churches, but never had a chance to see how local churches could “show up” for people even outside of my own city. CCC is unique among all of the churches I’ve attended or learned about, and I want to participate in the mission to serve and transform by giving my time and through using some of the wisdom that I’ve gained in community with others since I began attending!
Katherine McKinney (alternate)
Hello, my name is Katherine McKinney. I am honored to serve as an alternate delegate for the upcoming Diocesan Convention. My faith, dear relationships with fellow parishioners, and continued spiritual growth at CCC are very important to me.
I am in my third year of EfM where we unpack the history of Christianity and the stories in the Bible more deeply. I went to the discernment meeting in New Harmony, Ind., this summer to possibly hear the call as I walked the labyrinth. I have taken the sermon course offered through Backstory Preaching which was very rewarding and fulfilling. My sacred written tone of compassion and forgiveness flourished as I wrote about my vulnerabilities to help others.
I simply love the robust, challenging opportunities CCC offers its lay people. CCC has helped to shape my new professional path as well. I am currently the Coordinator for Children & Family Ministry at Second Presbyterian Church. I recently traveled to New Orleans to be trained as a storyteller for the Godly Play curriculum to share the ancient stories of our faith with children. My involvement at CCC has blessed me beyond measure. I am ever so humble and grateful for the love, care, and support I receive from CCC.
Tara Schatzle (alternate)
My name is Tara Schatzle. My family and I have lived here in Indiana for the last 22 years. We have four grown children and six grandchildren.
I have been a member of Christ Church Cathedral for the last two years. I have been welcomed into the fold and have made some wonderful friends! It has been my pleasure to serve on the Altar Guild and as a Chalice Bearer for the 10 a.m. service. I enjoy volunteering at Dayspring Center. I am also part of the Breakfast Club bible study and have recently begun the journey to become a Stephen Minister. I am always open to serve in any capacity I can. It would be an honor to represent this congregation as an (alternate) delegate at the convention and take part in all that is required to the best of my ability.
