Pastor’s Corner

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven was proclaimed as a dogma of our faith on November 1, 1950 by Pope Pius XII, but this observance, formerly known as Dormition or Natale, the “falling asleep,” has been celebrated on this day from the middle of the fifth century. We profess our belief that Mary has gone before us, body and soul, into heaven “because she belonged to Christ.”** Our final hope is the resurrection of our own bodies at the end of time to exist forever in the new order of creation. The Assumption of Mary is our great celebration of this final hope. Mary is a pioneer for us in faith and leads the way! Holy day Masses at the Cathedral: 7:00am & 12:05pm; Mass at Blessed Sacrament Chapel (7th & Sycamore): 6:00pm. The Parish Office will be closed on the 15th.

Cathedral Pre-school: there will be parent orientation on Monday (parents of 3 and 4 year olds) and Tuesday (parents of 5 year olds) evenings in the Vaughan Community Center (Undercroft). Thanks to Pam Weafer, our Cathedral Pre-school director, and her capable and caring staff for a top notch, creative, Christ-centered environment for these young impressionable blessed children.

Away From the Parish: I will take three vacation days on August 17–19, Wednesday through Friday. You are in good hands with our new parochial vicar, Fr. Jamie Dennis, and the pastoral team.

Thursday, September 1st! Mark your calendar! This is a date you want to remember! Everyone is invited to be part of our Dedication Anniversary Celebration in the evening, beginning with 6:00pm Mass, followed by dinner. The actual dedication of our present Saint Stephen Church building, even before it was elevated to the status of a Cathedral, took place on September 6, 1926. Please plan on being there! Our church building is 90 years old. Wow!

Brescia University—let us celebrate this weekend! It is truly a blessing to have a Catholic University in our “backyard.” This weekend we hope to get reacquainted with the excellence of this school and how we, as the faithful, can assist them to continue evangelizing through Catholic education. Your gifts will not only benefit the students who study at Brescia, but they will impact and enhance our community and our Church. And, if that is not enough, the Diocese will match our gifts up to $25,000!

We are Rich in the things that perish, but poor
in the things of the Spirit.
We are rich in gadgets, but poor in faith.
We are rich in goods, but poor in grace.
We are rich in know-how, but poor in character.
We are rich in words, but poor in deeds.

Billy Graham

**adapted from Book 20, Order of Prayer in the Liturgy