I. Opposites Compromising/Sacrificing for the Common Good: it is common knowledge that St. Peter and St. Paul, martyred around the year 64 A.D. during Nero’s persecution following the Great Fire of Rome, locked horns over the direction the Church should take. Both loved the Church, both loved their Master, both discussed and consulted and compromised for the good of this fledgling Church. Peter was crucified upside down because he felt unworthy to meet his death the same way as Christ. Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and was sent to Rome, where he was placed under house arrest. He was beheaded, because, as a Roman citizen, he could not be subjected to the indignity of crucifixion. Why not celebrate Mass on Monday, June 29th, at 12:05 p.m. as our Universal Church celebrates the feast of these two great sinners who became great saints, Peter and Paul.
II. Habitat for Humanity is one of our many outreach ministries. IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO GIVE A GIFT TO THIS WORTHY CAUSE. As you may have noticed, we had an envelope in our tithing packet for May and June for this ministry. To date our community has contributed $2109.00; our verbal commitment through our Social Concerns Committee to H4H is $3,000; however this year, we had hoped to help Habitat for Humanity to purchase available land for several more habitat houses by contributing another $3,000 for a total of $6,000! Be aware that you can contribute any time online through WeShare.
III. Happy Birthday Fr. Sinoj on Tuesday! Happy Feast Day, Saint Thomas on Friday! The people of Kerala in southern India, where Fr. Sinoj Esthappanu Pynadath HGN, was born June 30, 1983, fervently believe that it was Thomas who evangelized them. St. Thomas is represented in art with a spear, the instrument of his martyrdom. Thomas (first century), also called “Didymus” or “the Twin” (John 11:16) was as one of the 12 apostles. He is remembered for DOUBTING the resurrection of Christ. “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe” (John 20:25-29). After seeing the risen Christ alive, Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). We celebrate the Feast of Saint Thomas on July 3. Whether we doubt or believe, St. Thomas, pray for us! I am so blessed to have Fr. Sinoj ministering at the Cathedral.
IV. Budget for the Fiscal Year: your Parish Pastoral Council has approved the budget for this coming fiscal year, July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021, recommended by your Finance Council: Tom Neal (Chair), Ed Cecil, Joe Connor, Jim Tony Fulkerson, Joyce Gruenewald, Bill Goetz, Christine Henning, John Kurtz, Chris Warren (Vice Chair), and Mark Heinz (Council liaison). Within the next five weeks, you will receive an “Accountability Report” of this past fiscal year’s financials. Thanks to the generosity of so many, we have ended the year in the black.
Beginning July 1st, we will need to average $21,346.00 per week to balance the budget for the coming fiscal year. If everyone adds a few dollars to your weekly contribution, or if those who are not contributing could start contributing even $5.00 a week, we could achieve this easily. Be directed or inspired by the parable of the Widow’s Mite, (Mark 12:41-44, or Luke 21:1-4)!
A hearty “thank you” to Eddy McFarland, our Business Manager, who worked many hours to make this budget a reality! We are blessed to have Eddy in this essential role at the Cathedral.
V. E Pluribus Unum (Latin for “from many, one”):God has “molded into one our nation, drawn from the people of many lands.” Just as the grains of wheat become one bread, and the many grapes one cup, we pray that we, as one, be instruments of peace. Our focus is on Christ’s love for all peoples, his witness of justice and truth. We are “reborn in the Spirit,” and like the Spirit we are to be “filled with love for all people.” How we need to pray for our country. Pray for our president, congress, and our judicial system—each one is a check and balance for our democracy. This year, Independence Day falls on a Saturday, July 4, so Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. Please join us!