October 21, 2018

I.  Listening Session by Bishop Medley:   you are invited to join Bishop Medley and a few members of the Diocesan Review Board for an opportunity to share your concerns and thoughts regarding the recent clergy abuse scandals on Wednesday, October 24, at our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall, 6:30-8:00pm. This is the second of four listening sessions throughout the Diocese. We are fortunate to have a bishop who is open to active listening. All are invited. 

II.  Financial Accountability & Gratitude:  on the tables at the church doors you will find a report outlining where God’s money was spent the fiscal year, July 1, 2017–June 30, 2018, and the budget proposed by our Finance Committee, approved by our Parish Pastoral Council, for the fiscal year which began July 1, 2018 and ends June 30, 2019. “Generosity” is the word that keeps lingering in my heart! As well as your time and talent, I want to thank you for sharing your treasure for the mission of Saint Stephen Cathedral Parish. “God loves a cheerful giver” (II Corinthians 9:6-7). Looking at this year’s budget, we will need to average $20,385 per week. Giving back to God through the Church which Jesus founded is a spiritual discipline and a precept of the Church, as well as an act of faith. On your behalf, I wish to thank the members of our Finance Committee: Tom Neal (chair), Ed Cecil, Joe Connor, Jim Tony Fulkerson, Joyce Gruenewald, Bill Goetz, Mark Heinz (council liaison), Kristine Henning, John Kurtz, and Chris Warren (vice-chair). I would especially like to express my gratitude to Eddy McFarland (Business Manager) for his outstanding commitment to this important ministry. This financial accountability and budget statement is also available on our parish website at www.ststephencathedral.org.

III.  Remembering our Loved Ones:  you are invited to a special All Souls Day remembrance with Solemn Vespers for the Dead (vespers—the official evening prayer of the Church) at 6:00pm on Friday, November 2. This will be followed by a reception in our Community Center. Everyone is invited, especially those who have lost loved ones this past year. A special candle light service will be part of our evening prayer for our deceased loved ones as we remember all who have died but especially those buried from the Cathedral. If you plan to attend the reception, please call the office.

IV.  Fall Work Day:  on behalf of the Cathedral Parish I express a debt of gratitude to those who came out to help spruce up our campus for our many visitors and for ourselves:  Shanna & Bob Ballard, Dana Breeden, Jacob Breeden, Linda & Danny Coomes, Pam & Dennis Weafer, Tommy Grant, Doreen Harney, David Hemingway, Fr. Sinoj Paul Pynadath, Fr. Jerry Riney, Luke Riney, Bob Stone, Rhonda Troutman, Russell Vaughn (council liaison) and Jeff Payne, our Director of Buildings & Grounds.

V.  Father Sinoj Paul Pynadath was at Saint Meinrad for the “World Priests” Workshop this past week. Did you know that we have 21 international priest in our diocese, who minister in 25% of our parishes? Many dioceses have chosen to close or merge parishes because of our priests’ shortage. The Owensboro Diocese brings in international priests. What a blessing! Thank you, Fr. Sinoj for your willingness to serve the faith community of Saint Stephen Cathedral!

VI.  A Timeless Pouring Out of Hearts to God:  the 150 Psalms are really a “Prayer Book of the Bible” expressing all the emotions and struggles of someone in a community making their way through life. The psalms are not “sugar coated;” they come out of the human experience of ordinary people pouring out their heart to God, and are, therefore, timeless.  The diocese asked you to send in your favorite psalm verse with a short note on why it’s your favorite. My favorite verse is Psalm 46:11; “Be still and know that I am God.” I also like a lot Psalm 8 about the mystery of God and the dignity of the human person. Psalm 51 is my favorite when I am in need of experiencing unconditional mercy and forgiveness of God.