December 15, 2019 – 3rd Sunday of Advent

I.  Advent Communal Penance Service: St. Paul was one of those people whose life was transformed. “In him who is my strength, I have the strength for everything” (Philippians 4:13). The Good News (Gospel) is that none of us needs to stay where we are. The blackest sin can be forgiven. The most twisted life can be made straight. We do need to take that first step toward accepting the extravagant healing mercy of our God. I invite you to celebrate God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, next Sunday, December 22, at 2:00 p.m.  There will be 12 priests available as confessors here at the Cathedral. Please do not wait until the last minute! 

II.  Welcome Back:  many people find that they are at a different place on their spiritual journey this year. It is true that God works in people’s lives at different times—when we are ready!  Those who would like to re-connect with the Catholic Church or deepen their relationship with the Church, there will be a meeting on January 2, 2020 and/or January 9, 2020, at 6:30-7:30 p.m., in our Community Center (church basement). Come with your questions, concerns, doubts. We are eager to listen. Come with someone. Bring a friend.

III. We Want to Stay in Touch with You:  if you are moving, please let us know at the parish office, 270/683-6525. If we do not have your correct wedding anniversary date, or birthdate, or contact information, please let us know. If you have adult children that have recently moved out on their own, we would like to update the data base. Be aware of our updated www.ststephencathedral.org website. It’s also easy & safe to contribute through WeShare giving on line. It puts the Lord first! And is consistent!

IV.  Open House at Cathedral Rectory:  you are invited by Fr. Sinoj “Paul” Pynadath HGN, and myself to the rectory for a Christmas reception of cheer, food, and  conversation on Saturday, December 28th, 6:30—8:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

V.  Many thanks to everyone who has returned a Time, Talent, and Treasure pledge. If you have not yet done so, it’s not too late! Please return your pledge as soon as possible. Your participation is greatly needed and deeply appreciated! Short on time? Sign up online!

VI.  Hispanic Ministry Collection in Owensboro:  since 2004, our Hispanic brothers and sisters have been welcomed at Sts. Joseph and Paul Parish where they are being ministered to sacramentally, spiritually, and physically. So, as not to burden one parish, ALL the Owensboro/Daviess County and Hancock County Catholic churches are asked to take up a collection near the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec.12), to be used for our Hispanic sisters and brothers in the area. That collection is this Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, December 15. Be as generous as you can be!

VII. End-of-the-year Giving:  You may be eligible for tax advantages in making Charitable contributions before the end of the calendar year. Some parishioners may choose to take their annual minimum distribution from an IRA. I encourage you to keep your parish family in mind! If you are interested in donating stock or an IRA distribution, please contact our Business Manager, Eddy McFarland, in the Parish Office.

 

Do You Need Patience? “God is not impatient like us, who often want everything at once, even in a relationship with others. Because God loves us and so is able to understand, hope, and inspire confidence, God is patient with us. Do not give up, do not burn bridges, be able to forgive”

(Pope Francis). Read and reflect upon James 5:7-10.