I. To Sacrifice Means “To Make Holy”: Certainly the days of “what shall I give up?” have grown/developed. We should strive to make a change in our lives, beginning with Lent, that will go forward into the Easter season and beyond. Sacrifice is very important but not as important as the fact that what we “do” or “give-up” is to leave a lasting impression on us. I invite you to get out of your “comfort zone” to join us for Daily Mass, Stations of the Cross, Lenten Small Group, or Vespers (times are listed in your Lenten Mailer). Make use of FORMED.org, sign up for “Best Lent Ever,” a daily Lenten reflection from Bishop Robert Barren, or make use of the daily reflection booklets at the church entrances. Whatever you do, do SOMETHING and do it well—make a real change. The season of Lent is to draw us into a greater intimacy with Jesus. Be salt. Be light.
II. Silver Jubilee: Brother Gabriel (Bill) Monarch, a brother of Saint John of God, celebrates 25 years in the consecrated life on March 8th. Brother Gabriel is the blood brother of our own Moggie (Frank) Riney. We appreciate his yearly visits to Owensboro and our Cathedral family, whom he loves. He be-longs to the Order of Hospital-lers, who care for the sick and elderly around the world; his Order is responsible for the physical care of popes since the 16th century! His address is: Brother Gabriel Monarch, OH, 2446 S. St. Andrew Place, Grande Apt. 112, Los Angeles, CA 90018. Congratulations to Brother Gabriel! Remember the Matthew 9 Mission in our Diocese to pray for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, especially in our own neighborhood. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few…” (Matthew 9:36-38).
III. HERALDS of GOOD NEWS (A MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF PRIESTS): Established in India in 1984, the founder of this Religious Congregation had a huge vision for the universal need of the Church for the Heralds. After thirty-five years, today the priests of this Congregation serves in different parts of the world. Apart from direct pastoral ministries, they also serve educating the poor, boarding the orphans, caring for the mentally and physically challenged, and sheltering and caring for the aged and destitute.
HGN have been sharing their priests with the Owensboro Diocese since 2006. Currently six (6) HGN priests serve in our Diocese. Fr. Sinoj Pynadath HGN, our Parochial Vicar, a member of this Congregation, will be making an appeal at all the Masses next weekend for our contribution to support their missions in the Church. Let us join together to support the Order of Fr. Sinoj by our generous spiritual and material support .
IV. Riches Received and Shared: Katherine Drexel was born into wealth; her father was worth over $15 million dollars in the middle of the 19th century. The family was devout in the practice of their faith, setting an excellent example of true Christian living for their three daughters. They not only prayed but practiced what the Church calls the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Katharine grew up seeing her father pray for 30 minutes each evening. And every week, her stepmother opened their doors to house and care for the poor. The Drexels distributed food, clothing and provided rent assistance to those in need. In order to care for their needs in Christian charity, they would seek out and visit women who were too afraid or too proud to approach their home. Mother Katherine (she entered the convent in Pittsburgh in 1889) was canonized in 2000 and we celebrate her feast day on March 3, the day she died at age 96. St. Katharine Drexel was remembered for her love of the Eucharist and her desire for unity of all peoples. She shared her wealth and faith with the minorities of this country. You are invited to celebrate Mass on Tuesday, March 3, at 7:00 am or 12:05 pm.