Dear People of St. James’,
Last week, we received the news of Arleen Polite’s sudden passing.
Arleen was and is a beloved and long-time member of the St. James’ family. The Stations of the Cross, which hang on the walls of our sanctuary thanks to her artistic vision, call us into meditation on the reality of human suffering and death and the mystery of resurrection. Arleen cared for vulnerable people and growing things. And the members of her dojo would tell you that she was tough and resilient. She was an important voice within Austin’s art community as well.
Last weekend, we began to grieve this loss together. As we participated in the St. James’ car parade, Arleen’s woodcut print of the three churches of St. James’ was on the back of our driving directions. We gathered to pray at 5:30 pm with members of her family and had the opportunity to learn more about our quiet sister, who often spoke through her artwork about the world she saw and experienced.
Many of you have said to me, I wish I had known her better. How little we know the mystery of each other even when we have walked a long ways together! Back in 2010, Arleen recorded an hour-long interview at UT. In this interview, she reflects on what it’s like to try to survive as an artist in Austin, and she speaks openly and honestly about her craft, her struggles, and her aspirations. But, I think we also know Arleen through the energy and humanity of her art. Someone lamented to me, “I wish we could get into the church to pray the Stations of the Cross.” This past Holy Week, early on in this COVID-crisis, we recorded an audio-visual meditation on the Stations of the Cross with various voices from the congregation set alongside her stations. I invite you to meditate on Arleen’s own meditation on the struggle and journey of life, death, and resurrection.
We continue to be in touch with Arleen’s family. An obituary is still in the works as I write this, but King-Tears Mortuary will be handling arrangements. As soon as more details are available, we’ll let you know. You can send letters and messages of condolence to Arleen’s brother, Hallbrook Polite at 120 Skyhawk Drive, Harvest, AL 35749.
He will share these much appreciated notes with the rest of the family.
On August 8-9, we will be assisting the family with clearing out Arleen’s apartment. It is a very small space. We will need a small number of volunteers to assist with sorting, moving things to storage, and cleaning. All volunteers must be without symptoms, masked, committed to maintaining appropriate social distancing measures, and not in a higher risk category for COVID. For the safety of the family, we also ask that volunteers be willing to reduce possibilities of exposure to the maximum extent possible the week prior. Shifts will be small because of the size of the space. If you are available on August 8-9, between 7:30 am and 3 pm, and are willing to meet the above requirements, contact Rev. Eileen at rector@stjamesaustin.org.
I am so grateful for the way that the community is holding up Arleen’s memory and providing hospitality and room for grief for her family, and all who loved her. May she continue to abide in God’s love.
Rev. Eileen
