April 1, 2018 EASTER Sunday

I.  Happy Resurrection and Welcome! Easter is bigger than baskets and bonnets, colored or chocolate eggs. For Christians around the world, Easter celebrates Jesus’ Risen Life, but also our share in it. Easter celebrate Jesus’ love for all humanity, but also our call to love as Jesus did. Easter is about darkness giving way to Light, death giving way to Life, sacrifice giving way to Love. We are to be the “disciple whom Jesus loved” who sees the emptiness of materialism, consumerism, electronic distractions and sin. The goodness and generosity of our lives challenges others to see and believe, to see and love, to see and come to the Light!  On behalf of Father Jamie Dennis, our Parish Pastoral Team and Council, I wish for you the New Life, and the New Hope which our Risen Lord can give!  It is good that you are here! Alleluia! Alleluia!

II.  “Across the Diocese” is a 6-9 minute video series through which our Bishop communicates with us, his people about various issues and topics. This avenue of communication features guests who serve in and around the Diocese of Owensboro, in the 32 counties of Western Kentucky. Join Bishop Medley every month as he hosts this video conversation! If you are not signed up for this a newsletter, you may do so at http://eepurl.com/bF4ZtX. You may also view or sign up from our website at www.ststephencathedral.org.

III.  The Cathedral Facebook is a convenient way to stay in touch with happenings and activities of our Parish and Diocese through pictures, Sunday Scripture readings, announcements, activities, etc.  Join the 650+ who have signed up on the Cathedral Facebook page at www.facebook.com/StStephenCathedral/ or click on the Facebook icon from our website. “Like” us on Facebook, if you have not done so.

IV.  Is Time to Re-Connect?  Over the past 42 years, I have discovered there are many reasons why people have left or wandered away from the active practice of their Catholic faith. Whatever the reason, is it time for you to reconnect with your Church family? Do not hesitate to contact Fr. Jamie Dennis, Donna Murphy, or myself, 270/683-6525. Join us Thursday, April 5 and/or 12 in the church basement at 6:30 p.m. We would consider it an honor and a privilege to sit with you with open hearts and dialogue. Think about it. Talk about it. Pray about it.

V.  Keeping Safe & Secure: with a new church roof, the walls tuck-pointed, the inside restored and renewed, there is one more feature of our church building that needs attention—our porch entrance. The weekend of March 17-18, we kicked off our “Keeping Safe and Secure” Capital Campaign to replace our deteriorating limestone front porch and steps. Our new porch will include heating elements for snowy and icy weather, new railings, and lighting; our campaign will also include improving security on our campus. We all have the opportunity to participate.  Because of the generosity of Bishop Medley and the Diocese ($150,000 pledge), pledges and funds already received, we need to raise a remaining $255,000 to bring us to the estimated project cost of $850,000. If you are not a registered member of St. Stephen Cathedral Parish and would like to donate, please contact us at the parish office, or pick up a packet at the doors of church. The mosaic above our front entrance with Christ’s outstretched arms and the words “Peace to All Who Enter Here” represents the welcome and hospitality of this community.

Welcome to you and your family! We are blessed to have you worship with us this Easter weekend. If you feel St. Stephen Cathedral Parish is a place you feel the real presence of Jesus Christ, we’d love to have you be part of our parish family. Registration forms are available on-line or in the parish office. Again, Welcome!