I. Music To My Ears. The cry of a baby is the sound of new life and growth in our community. We are blessed with many young families at St. Stephen Cathedral, and we wish to support these young families as vigorously as possible. I applaud parents’ “sixth sense” in knowing when their child needs to step away from the Eucharist. We have installed a TV monitor and a speaker in the vestibule that may assist parents when their child needs a “breather.” Some parents have requested childcare during Mass. We have Safe Environment certified and trained adults who provide childcare during the 9:00am Mass every Sunday. Our Child Care is located in the Cathedral Preschool (the building next-door at the back of the McRaith Center). Ask a hospitality minister. Read “Parenting in the Pew” on pg. 4 in this bulletin.
II. Our Music Ministry is Inviting You! Last weekend, Matthew Constant, longtime choir member and cantor, extended an invitation to the entire parish to consider joining our Music Ministry here at Saint Stephen! Music is an integral part of any Catholic Liturgy. Paying attention to the words of the song, and engaging the whole body through music, can assist us in praying. There is a lot of flexibility in our music ministries. If you play an instrument or enjoy singing, Lent is coming up, perhaps you can challenge yourself to ‘try it on’ for a season. If you have felt this call or know someone who that specific gift, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our Director of Music, James Wells (270-852-8422, or [email protected]).
III. Baby bottles for Birthright: THIS weekend, January 18/19, we invite you to support our local Birthright (across the street from the rectory on Seventh Street, next to SSC Youth House) by TAKING a baby bottle. Please place your donation in the baby bottle and return it to designated areas in church NEXT WEEKEND (January 25/26) or bring it to the parish office. (Please don’t leave bottles in church during the week). Many thanks to Stephanie Carrico and Joe Abel, chair of our Social Concerns Committee, for coordinating this conscious raising event. Birthright “A Friend is Waiting” (birth-right.org) offers assistance to women considering abortion AND to families facing crisis pregnancies. Pope Francis and our 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 Wendy, 270/474-4707 or [email protected]
IV. MASS FOR LIFE—Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children: Since 1973, more than 51 million abortions have been performed in the United States. In all the dioceses of the United States, January 22 is observed as a day of fasting & penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion, and for the full restoration of the legal guarantee to the right to life. We pray not only for the innocent children who are not able to be born, but for all mothers and fathers who are considering abortion and for those who have already had abortions. During this time, many cities hold pro-life marches. On Friday, January 24th, the largest of these takes place in Washington, D.C., where some 400,000+ people gather on the Mall and march peacefully up Capitol Hill to witness to the Gospel of Life. I challenge you to observe a strict fast; what you eat would amount to no more than one meal. I also challenge you to attend Mass on Wednesday. Bishop William F. Medley will be the celebrant for our 12:05pm Mass on January 22nd. Please join the faithful in prayer to end abortion.
V. Christian Unity:January 18-25, 2020 is the annual observ-ance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The theme chosen for 2020 is “They Showed Us Unusual Kindness.” (Acts 28:2). Throughout 2020, join Christians everywhere in praying “that they may all be one” joining our prayer with that of the Lord Jesus Christ. For more information go to: www.geii.org. There will be a prayer service at 7:00pm on Sunday, January 26, 2020, here at the Cathedral, to pray for unity. A meal will be served at 5:30pm in the Community Center. Everyone is invited and bring a friend! Please RSVP for the meal to [email protected].