Pastor’s Corner

A. Discipleship Reflection: Today’s Gospel gives us wonderful inspiration for living as a disciple of Christ.  But discipleship, or stewardship, is more than financial giving; it is putting our faith into action by using the skills and talents God has given us.  Am I reflecting Christ’s light through my words and deeds, or hiding it under a bushel basket? Are you aware of your gifts? Are you sharing them with our parish and community?

B. Stewardship update:  We are grateful for everyone who has pledged to share their Time, Talent, and Treasure in 2017. To date, approximately 55% of our parish families have returned a pledge form. This is a great response, but if you haven’t returned a pledge, we need you!  Our faith community needs your support and your skills. Pray about it! If you aren’t sure what ministries fit your schedule or talents, we can help you find the right fit. Contact Donna Tarantino at [email protected] or 270-683-6525.

C. Online Giving: It’s easy and quick to sign up for WeShare, our new online giving program. I have set up my account, and it took only about seven (7) minutes (if I can do it, anyone can!). You can make one-time or recurring donations for your annual (Sunday) giving as well as other diocesan or parish collection opportunities throughout the year. This program is safe, secure, and convenient–I don’t have to remember to write checks, and my contributions continue even when I’m out of town. Online giving also helps me plan my offering of treasure. Decisions about our level of giving should be planned (thinking ahead), proportionate (according to our means), sacrificial (it should pinch a little), and grateful (in gratitude for all our blessings). To sign up for online giving or read more about it, visit our parish website at www.ststephencathedral.org.  Feel free to call the Parish Office if you need help or have any questions.

I. Arts at the Cathedral:  Our Bishop, William F. Medley, has said, “As a cultural center, a cathedral can lift human spirits and feed human souls. Therefore, it should be a place within the community to showcase the musical and physical arts.” We are proud that this series continues to grow and offer wonderful cultural opportunities not only to our parishioners but to the greater Owensboro community. Our next opportunity will be on Sunday,  February 19th  at 4:00 pm.  Dr. Nick Palmer will conduct the Owensboro Symphony Chamber Orchestra in an evening of chamber music, joined by Dr. Bradley Naylor and the Kentucky Wesleyan Singers. This concert is free and open to the public. Please invite and bring a friend. Contribution envelopes for Arts at the Cathedral will be available in the pews during the month of February. All donations are deeply appreciated!

II. Catholic Men’s Conference of Western Kentucky: how to live your life/faith as a Catholic man –the keynote speaker is Timothy Michael Cardinal dolan, with Fr. Larry Richards, and Robert Rogers. The Conference is February 11th, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The cost is $30 per person and $15 for students. Visit the website www.kycatholic.com or call Randy Clemens at 270.316.5067. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available. The conference will conclude with Mass at the RiverPark at 5:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome! Thanks to the men of our Cathedral who have organized this engaging opportunity for the past six years.

III. Friendship Dinner for St. Benedict Shelter volunteers will be hosted on Tuesday, February 7th, at 6:00 p.m. at Sts. Joseph & Paul Parish hall. Thanks to Laurie Hicks, chair of this outreach board, to Cindy Bornander who coordinates our SSC volunteers, and to our parish volunteers who work in this much needed ministry.