September 15, 2019

I.  What Does the Word “Catechetical” Mean?  The root word, “catechesis,” is from a Greek word meaning “to echo, or resound.” Catechesis is the act of resounding or bringing the Church’s teachings to the world. A catechist is one who teaches and shares faith in the name of the Church. The theme this year is “Stay With Us” (Luke 24:29). We have many catechists at Saint Stephen, and on your behalf, I wish to thank them for their commitment to sharing faith. This third Sunday of September is Catechetical Sunday.

II.  Racism is Deeply Rooted:  In late August 1619, “20 and odd” captive Africans first touched the soil at Point Comfort (now Fort Monroe National Monument), part of England’s new colony in Virginia. These men and women had been stolen from their homes in Africa, forced to board a ship, and sailed for two months into the unknown. As the first Africans in a British colony, their arrival is considered by many historians to be the beginning of a 400-year story filled with tragedy, endurance, survival, and a legacy of resilience, inequality, and oppression. 

       In the “New World,” slavery was transformed; it was permanent and hereditary. The enslaved had few or no civil rights. They could be bought and sold at their owners’ discretion. The social construct of race became tightly tethered to legal status, causing problems that ripple down to the present day.

      The Diocese of Owensboro welcomes Bishop Shelton Fabre of Houma-Thibodau, Louisiana, who will speak at Saint Stephen Cathedral  on Thursday, September 19 at 7:00 PM, followed by a “Meet and Greet” in the Community Center. Everyone is welcome—this talk Against Racism is open to all. (Read and reflect on 1 Corinthians 12).

III. Catholic Fundamentals in a Non-Defensive Way: Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621), Bishop and Doctor of the Church, was an astute scholar with a knack for diplomatically responding to the controversies of his day in a welcomed non-defensive, systematic way.  As a Jesuit priest embroiled in the Protestant Reformation, he sensitively communicated through word and writing the Catholic perspective, especially regarding the relationship between Church and state. A devotee of Francis of Assisi, he demonstrated heroic virtue by praying for his opponents, living simply, and embracing spiritual discipline. You are invited to celebrate this great man and his commitment to the Church during a very difficult time this Tuesday, September 17; Masses at 7:00am and 12:05pm. 

IV.  VOCARE, To Call: Will take place at the Owensboro Convention Center on Friday, September 20. Have you invited a young person (or not so young) to think about becoming a priest, brother, or a consecrated vowed religious? Our parish has purchased two tables for this event which raises money for tuition—individual tickets are still available for $75. Call 270/683-1545 for tickets.

You are cordially invited to

Saint Stephen Cathedral

Dedication Anniversary

—Giving thanks —

—and celebrating 93 years at

      our Locust Street location—

Saturday, September 21, 2019

We begin with 5:00pm Sunday/Vigil Mass,

followed by dinner in the Community

Center featuring BBQ chicken, burgoo, sides and dessert.

Dinner is FREE for our parishioners!

Winning tickets will be drawn during dinner

—winners need not be present