Rev. Dr. Curran Reichert, Pastor

The slightly irreverent Reverend Dr. Curran Reichert has been stirring up “good trouble,” and serving up questions that challenge us to grow spiritually for the past ten years at FCC. She believes in the power of Spiritual community to be a force for good in the world. Curran is highly educated and dedicated to making Sonoma Valley a more just and equitable place.

Throughout the Valley, Rev. Reichert lends her perspective as a faith leader to addressing the need for fair housing and worker justice. She has been a leading voice concerning fair treatment of those without permanent shelter. She is committed to doing her part to end racial bias and deconstruct colonialism in the church and in our community.

Rev. Reichert understands that Christianity can be scary for people who have suffered abuse, or oppression due to bigotry and religious intolerance. She creates what she hopes will be a safe entry point for those seeking the support of a radically inclusive community of faith. Her motto is “Purpose, Presence, and Practice,” she embodies all three.

We love our pastor, and we think you will love her to. If you would like to make an appointment to meet with Rev. Reichert, receive prayers, or a visit from our support team, send her a message or call the church office at 707.996.1328.

Rev. Reichert often says, “FCC is the place you would want to go to church if you went to church.” We are a gathering of spirited people who care about earth justice, speaking out about injustice, tending to the vulnerable, and learning to find common ground, these are the relevant earmarks of our congregation. We invite you to join us on Sunday mornings either contemplative at 9:00am or regular in person at 10:30am. Here is the Zoom link for our 8:30 a.m. service.

Thoughts from the Pastor

2/9/2026

Greetings Beloved Community,

As you know we are blessed to have a dedicated team of Capacitar leaders in our congregation. Their wisdom and grounding soothe our frazzled souls each Sunday. You have heard mention of the founder of Capacitar Pat Cane who recently passed away. I was touched by the description of her life in the program of remembrance and want to share that with you so that you might know a bit more not only about the amazing woman Pat was but also the foundations from which the Capacitar practices arise.

With Love,
Curran

A Celebration of Life

Patricia Mathes Cane, Ph.D.

January 8, 1941 - November 12, 2025

Dr. Patricia “Pat” Mathes Cane devoted her life to healing – individuals, communities, and the world. Through her pioneering work with Capacitar International, she brought wellness practices to people experiencing trauma across more than 45 countries. Founded in 1988, Capacitar (Spanish for “to empower, to encourage, to bring to life”) grew from Pat’s deep study of ancient healing traditions and her commitment to self-empowerment. As founder, Pat served as Capacitar’s executive director and international trainer until her death, leaving behind a legacy that awakened the power of grassroots people to transform their families and communities through Capacitar’s practices.

Born in Houston, Texas on January 8, 1941 and raised in Montebello, California, Pat became a world traveler who ultimately made her home in Santa Cruz, where she passed away peacefully from natural causes on November 12, 2025.

As a member of the Presentation Sisters of San Francisco, Pat earned her baccalaureate in biology from the University of San Francisco and a master’s degree in psychology from Santa Clara University. She worked as a high school teacher and a counseling psychologist for many years before following her passion to help alleviate the suffering of people around the world. Even as a five-year-old child, Pat told her parents she wanted to help people heal.

After leaving the Presentation Order, Pat became involved in the Sanctuary Movement with Central American refugees during the 1980’s. An invitation to work at a health center in Nicaragua led Pat to see the healing power of self-care on communities suffering from the devastation of war, violence and trauma. Her experiences with grassroots communities led her to adopt a popular education model as a means to share her knowledge of healing.

In the 1990s, Pat earned a doctorate in Multicultural Wellness Education and her pioneering work with Capacitar was recognized from grassroots groups to university levels. As she taught wellness and healing practices to refugees in war-torn communities around the world, Pat also served as adjunct faculty at Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara and taught the same Capacitar methods to doctoral students.

In addition to designing curriculum for trainings and workshops around the world, Pat wrote and published numerous books that address the experience of trauma in many situations – natural disasters, war, physical and emotional abuse, education and family systems, healthcare, climate activism, and care giving. Her books, including Trauma Healing and Transformation; Integrative Tools for Healthcare Professionals; Living in Wellness; and Empowering Strength and Resilience are available in several languages on the Capacitar International website.

Pat was preceded in death by her twin sister, Michelene Mathes. She will be missed by her long-time friends: Joan Condon of Monterey, Sr. Mary Litell, OSF and the hundreds of close friends she made around the world who will be carrying on Capacitar’s mission of “Healing Ourselves, Healing Our World.