September 2, 2018

I. Labor Day Weekend marks the end of the summer season: Traditionally, Labor Day consists of  barbecues, family reunions, and a time to gather with family and friends. Work is an obligation and a right. Both workers and employers have responsibilities under God. The desire to work and to build a better society is hardwired into our DNA; it is intrinsic to our soul. All healthy people seek to work, and should be given the right to do so, with a living wage. This is based on the primary tenant which our Church places on the dignity of the human person; indeed, work does build dignity. Do you see the value of work? What is a just wage? Could you live on this wage?

        I invite you to the 9:00 a.m. Mass for the Sanctification of Human Labor on Monday, September 3, to give thanks to God for the gift of your work, and to pray for those who are unemployed or under-employed. (Please note: there will be no 7:00 a.m. or 12:05 p.m. Mass on Labor Day).

II. Man Is You (TMIY) “kicks off” this Thursday, September 6, 7:30-9:00pm with a reception in the rectory. The regular program begins at 6:25 a.m. on Thursday, September 13.  All men 18 years of age and older are invited to participate, even if you have not been part of the first couple of seasons. “It challenges me to be a better husband, a better dad, a better Christian man,” said one participant. “This program has made me more aware of creating a balance in my life between work, family, prayer, and play,” said another man. Why not give it a try!

III. Sister Anthonia Asayoma celebrates her Jubilee!  A Franciscan Sister of the Immaculate Conception for 25 years, Sister Anthonia has served as a nurse in our Owensboro Diocese belonging to the Cathedral faith community for almost 10 years. Sister Anthonia’s Jubilee Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 8, with a reception following in the Community Center.  On this day, we celebrate the Nativity of Mary, mother of Jesus and Mother of the Church. We rejoice with Sr. Anthonia and thank her for her humble witness as a consecrated religious. Happy Birthday to Mary! Parishioners are invited and encouraged to participate!

IV. Child safety is essential everywhere, especially at church. Parents, we ask you to please accompany your child to the restroom during Mass, if there is a need. My first recommendation would be to take care of your child’s needs BEFORE Mass if at all possible. While the entire Mass is important, to leave during the consecration is an added distraction.        Secondly, several parents have asked about CHILDCARE during the 9:00 a.m. Mass. We are working diligently to make that happen again. If you know of someone who might be interested in this paid position, call the Parish Office. Know that children are always most welcome at Mass, and I usually have no trouble projecting above their “church music!”  Most parents are really good about knowing WHEN (timing is everything!) to take their child to the vestibule! (By the way, the speaker in the vestibule is good, and you can hear Mass clearly there). 

V. Mandeville Mission Trip: October 6-13, Fall break. There are still a couple more places open for our parish mission trip to our sister Diocese of Mandeville in Jamaica. If you are interested, please leave word at the Parish Office, or contact Deacon Richard Murphy (270-852-8343), Fr. Sinoj (270-852-8423), or Fr. Jerry (270 852-8419).

VI. Many thanks to everyone who has returned their RAFFLE TICKETS and money. Thank you for your support of our parish! Please turn in all tickets and money by September 10. If you would like more tickets, or if you haven’t picked up your packet yet, ticket packets are available at the church doors.  The prizes for our raffle are great again this year—good luck to all! Remember to mark your calendar for our Dedication Anniversary on September 15; join us for Mass at 5:00 p.m. with dinner and raffle drawing immediately following in the Community Center.

VII.  Let us pray for courage, let us pray for healing; let us pray for the Universal Church. As Bishop Medley said in his letter to the Diocese, “The promise to heal is a promise to continue to invite victims to come forward and allow the Church to provide support, counseling and comfort. . . . I invite all people to join me in prayer for anyone wounded and hurting. In our faith we do believe that Jesus Christ is a healer and looks kindly on those who have been harmed.”

Heavenly Father,

In every age, you have been our refuge.

Yet again and still, we stand before you

asking for your protection on your holy Church.

For the victims of abuse and their families,

pour out your healing and your peace.

For the Bishops of this country,

continue to inspire their decisions,

and guide them with your Spirit.

For the thousands of good and faithful priests,

who have followed your call to serve you and your

people in holiness,

sustain them by your grace.

For the faithful who are angry, confused, and searching for answers,

embrace them with your love,

restore their trust,

console them with your clear Gospel message,

and renew them with your sacraments.

We place our Church in your hands,

for without you we can do nothing.

May Jesus, our High Priest and true compass,

continue to lead her in every thought and action –

to be an instrument of justice, a source of

consolation, a sacrament of unity,

and a manifestation of your faithful covenant.

Grant this through that same Jesus Christ, our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,  for ever and ever. Amen.