Pastor’s Corner

I. Advent Communal Reconciliation Service: in preparation for the feast of the incarnation, and a wonderful liturgical season to experience God’s forgiveness in the sacrament of reconciliation. John the baptizer boldly challenges us, “Reform your lives!” We are called to ongoing conversion. On Sunday, December 18, at 2:00pm, you are invited to communal Sacrament of Reconciliation as we hear Scripture, examine our conscience, and confess our sins (12 confessors will be available). This is a great spiritual preparation for Christmas!

II. Blessing Pregnant Families: God is present in the lives of every expectant mother, regardless of the situation. This week’s Gospel, Matthew 1:18–24, tells how the birth of Jesus Christ came about, with special emphasis on Joseph, a man of trust and openness to God’s plan. At all the Masses this weekend, there will be an opportunity for a “blessing of the child in the womb” for safe delivery, health, and well being of the child within, as well as that child’s parents. Congratulations!

III. Cathedral Chrismon Tree: before December 31, drop by the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art (Frederica Street & 9th Street) to experience the Cathedral Chrismon Tree on display. This beautiful tree is adorned with explicitly Christian symbols, developed from the early Christian symbols, the Bible and Church history, in white and gold, representing majesty and purity.  “Chrismon” is a combination of the words “Christ” and “monogram,” and means “symbols of Christ.” Thanks to Denise Payne and helpers, Mary Ann O’Bryan, and Joan Perry, for restoring the symbols and decorating this tree in the name of the Cathedral parish. This tree inspires me and makes me “stand tall”!

IV. Send a Christmas Card to our Homebound and Nursing Home Parishioners: last weekend there was an insert in our bulletin with the names of parishioners who are homebound or living in nursing homes. Why not “lift up their spirits” with a card from you and/or your family, mentioning you are also members of St. Stephen Cathedral. We want them to know that we have not forgotten at the Cathedral!

V. Prayer Partners: again this year on the Feast of the Holy Family, December 30, you were receive in the mail the name of a parishioner, for whom we ask you to pray; this parishioner will also be praying for you. As a family/community of faith, we are called to pray for one another. Prayer makes a difference!

VI. Stewardship Response Forms: to date, we have received response from 291 families/households. If you have not filled out and returned your Stewardship Response Form, please do so immediately. Thanks!