April 30, 2017

I. First Communion it’s always a key day in the life of any parish. It is a concrete reminder of the centrality of Eucharist individually and as a community. Eucharist is the “source and summit” of sacramental life and can lead to true holiness. Parents, thank you for the tremendous influence you have on your children in their formation in faith. I daresay, your example of prayer and parish involvement speaks volumes to your child. We welcome visitors as well as parishioners to our First Communion celebration!

II. Parish Pastoral Council Nominees: will meet on Sunday, April 30, at 6:00 p.m. in the Father John Vaughan Community Center. You are asked to attend this meeting as well as the one on Thursday, May 18th at 6:30 p.m. These meetings are mandatory (if you cannot be present, please contact Fr. Jerry) and will give you the information you need to make a prayerful decision about your call to servant leadership. Do not dismiss this call of the Spirit too easily. Be open! Be praying! We ask our faith community to pray about this important discernment for our parish.

III. Fifth Sunday of Each Month: is the day when we give parishioners the opportunity to make a contribution to our St. Vincent de Paul Society for the needy of the area by means of a check (money) or non-perishable goods for our food pantry. I want to thank those members of the Cathedral who meet one on one with the poor to assess their needs for us. They act on behalf of our entire parish. A huge part of their discernment is to see Christ “disguised in the needy.” Monetary donations may be made by using an envelope, or you may give online through WeShare—just go to our website!

IV. Mary Crowning will take place the first Sunday of May, the month set aside to honor Mary. Immediately after the 9:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, May 7th, we will process to our Mary Grotto (between our church and rectory) for the devotion to honor Mary, our Mother and Mother of the Church.

V. Sound System: after numerous concerns were noted regarding our sound system at St. Stephen Cathedral, I have formed a committee (Mike Bogdan, Corey Bruns, John Calhoun, Rita Gerteisen, Ed Riney, James Wells) to look seriously into this challenge. To be honest, I have had several families to tell me they would like to join the Cathedral parish, but, at times, have trouble hearing. We look forward to implementing changes which will improve our sound system which will enhance everyone’s Liturgy experience.

VI. Deanery Meeting of pastors and professional lay staff meets about five times a year to pray, to collaborate, to plan, and to support one another. This Wednesday, May 4th, Immaculate Parish will host the Owensboro Western Deanery.

VII. Our Brescia University Connection: BU is a tremendous asset to our Diocese and beyond. Saint Stephen Cathedral is honored to host Brescia’s Baccalaureate Mass this Friday, May 5th, at 7:00 p.m. The connection between Brescia University and the Cathedral is more than just geographical; so many of our lay leaders have been educated academically and formed spiritually at Brescia. We offer our prayers and congratulations to Brescia’s graduates!