January 13, 2019 – The Baptism of the Lord (Pastor’s Corner)

I.  Good News!  Because of a generous donor, soon we will be receiving 25 new chairs, most of which will be used in the present choir area; several others will be used in the sanctuary, especially when we have additional priests concelebrating. These chairs will match our pews; thus, we will gladly take the metal folding chairs out of the church! We had hoped that these chairs would arrive before Christmas, but are, nonetheless, so grateful for a generous donor who has made our church restoration more complete!

II.  Presbyteral Convocation: Our annual Priests’ Convocation, with Bishop Medley, will take place at Saint Meinrad, January 14-17, 2019.  Our facilitator will be Dr. Gina Hens-Piazza, a well vetted Scripture scholar, who was elected this past year as vice-president of the Catholic Biblical Association of America and in 2020 will become its president.  The topic this year is preaching: “Like a Fire Burning in My Heart… (Jeremiah 20:9); Preaching in the Spirit of the Prophets.” Fr. Sinoj Pynadath will be participating with the priests of the Owensboro Diocese. Unfortunately, the conference for the Directors of Cathedral Rectors is the exact same time. See item IV, below.

      Therefore, there will be only a 7:00am Mass on Monday, January 14, but no Mass at the Cathedral through Thursday. Our regular Mass schedule will resume on Friday, January 18. There will be Mass at the Carmel Home at 6:55am each day.

III. Cathedral Ministry Conference: every other year, rectors from across the United States and beyond, gather to discuss, listen, and learn about the unique role and ministry of Cathedrals. In 2017 people from 78 Cathedrals, 38 states, Canada, Australia and New Zealand came together to strengthen, improve and appreciate Cathedral ministries nationwide. Pray for me as I participate in this biennial conference at St. James Cathedral in Seattle, Washington, January 14-17, 2019.

IV.  Opportunities for Life Special Collection this weekend: Please support the “OPPORTUNITIES FOR LIFE” program. This weekend, we will have a special collection to support this hotline. This ministry is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to offer confidential, non-judgmental emotional support, and information to those affected by an untimely pregnancy. To learn more about this ministry, or to volunteer to be that “caring and helping hand,” call (888) 496-3638.

V. Baby bottles for Birthright:  This weekend, we will support our local Birthright by picking up a baby bottle when you leave after Mass. Please place your donation in the baby bottle and return it to the parish office during the week, or in designated areas in church the following weekend—January 19/20th. Many thanks to Joe Abel and our Social Concerns Committee, for coordinating this vital event in and through the social concerns committee of the Parish.  Birthright “A Friend is Waiting” (birthright.org) offers an alternative to women considering an abortion. January 22, 1973, a day “which will live in infamy,” must be a day in which we re-double our efforts and be relentless in educating and communicating reconciliation for women as well as men. The Holy Father and the Bishops call us to pray for healing for all those who have been part of an abortion. Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat is a wonderful place to begin the healing process. There are retreats several times a year. For more information visit HopeAfterAbortionKY.com or call Debbie 270/570-4717 or Jennifer at 931/242-5506.

VI.  Gratitude: as we officially end our liturgical season of Christmas, I want to thank you for your many acts of kindness and thoughtfulness in the form of Christmas cards, gifts, goodies, gift cards, words and prayers. Whether the beneficiary was the pastoral team as a whole or one of us priests, I want to express our sincere gratitude. You are most thoughtful and generous! Thank you!