I. Promise, Protect, Pledge and Pray: Every April, the Nation engages in Child Abuse Prevention Awareness. In a country so prosperous and so affluent and so scientifically and electronically advanced, we suffer from a huge disease—the children of our country need our help. So many are neglected, mistreated, starved and unloved. Join the faithful in prayer and action to bring about real change. Read up on how to spot neglect and be active, report abuse. The Church is the Body of Christ. All members of the Church are linked to one another. We all have a responsibility to ensure the safety of children in our parishes, schools, families, and our local community. Five ways to help keep children safe are 1). Develop appropriate and loving relationships with your children; 2). Teach your children safety and healthy boundaries; 3). Know who has access to your children; 4). Learn the warning signs of abuse; 5). Report abuse to appropriate authorities. We must be active and diligent. Locally, you may call law enforcement. (270-687-8888 / or 270-685-8444) or the Kentucky Child Abuse Hotline (toll-free: 1-877-KYSAFE1; 1-877-597-2331). https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/ Bishop Medley will be leading an Evening of Prayer on Monday, April 23, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at Saint Peter and Paul parish in Hopkinsville. Pray for protection and healing for all impacted by child-abuse.
II. Spring Work Day is Saturday, April 21, 8:00 a.m.—12:00 noon. It’s time to spruce up our cathedral campus. Bring rakes, gloves, tools for planting, mulching, etc. Even if you can come for an hour, that would be great! This is a wonderful opportunity for a one-time commitment of your time and talent!! Meet for coffee and donuts in the Community Center (church basement), where Jeff Payne, our Director of Buildings & Grounds will “dish out” the assignments! Recall that old Chinese proverb: “Many hands make light work!”
III. Cathedral Mission Trip to Mandeville Jamaica October 6/13, during Fall break. This Mission trip to our sister diocese only allows for 10 people at a time because of accommodations. We will develop a waiting list, if necessary. Call the office, leave your name and phone number if you are interested! We will have an Information Session soon!
IV. Calling All High School Seniors: we would like to honor you at the 11:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, April 22. There’s so much going on in May, we decided to honor you a tad earlier this year. A Reception will follow for you and your family. Please call the office to leave your name and the approximate number of family members attending, 270/683-6525. Congratulations and Thank You!
V. Retreat Opportunity for those who are ill: A Gennesaret Retreat will be held next weekend, April 20-22, 2018. Those who have a chronic or serious health issue could be a candidate for the Gennesaret retreat. This vital program is designed for persons whose medical conditions would otherwise hinder them from attending a weekend overnight retreat. The Genne-saret Retreat will be held at Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center (12 miles west of Owensboro on Hwy. 56). Contact Tom or Amy Payne of Owensboro at 270-686-7739.