April 25, 2021 – Fourth Sunday of Easter

  1. Congratulations to our High School Graduates! Ignite your faith! Graduates, use your brain, develop your talents, make long time friends selectively, enjoy life and have fun, but do not neglect God. If you take the time to develop your faith, allowing God to walk with you, your life will be fuller and happier. There is no better resource for life than nurturing your relationship with God, and staying in touch with the Church Jesus founded, a Church which is messy but wonderful. Congrats! We will be honoring our graduates at each of our Masses next weekend, May 1-2.

  2. World Day of Prayer for Vocations: While appreciating all vocations, the Church concentrates its attention this day on vocations to the ordained ministries (priesthood and diaconate), to the Religious life in all its forms (male and female, contemplative and apostolic), to societies of apostolic life, to secular institutes in their diversity of services and membership, and to the missionary life, in the particular sense of mission “Ad Gentes” (To All Nations/Peoples). Considering that 73% of women and men professing final vows participated in one or more parish activities and 88% served in one or more parish ministries before entering religious life, we invite our young people to get involved in our Church community. As we celebrate the 58th World Day for Vocations today, April 25th, make it a daily practice, make it a family practice to pray for vocations.

  3. Habitat For Humanity: The Social Concerns Committee of Saint Stephen Cathedral is committed to helping people to own their homes through their “sweat equity” (the new homeowners must be hugely committed and involved in the building of their home ). There are several parishioners who are part of this wonderful outreach ministry, to which our Faith Community has committed $3000 per year (last year you contributed $6000, being your usual generous self). Please use the envelope in your tithing packet, give electronically through WeShare, or send a donation to the office. Thanks so much!

  4. New Pastoral Associate! It was on February 2 that Beni Howell tendered her resignation as Administrative Assistant; her last day was February 12. She began a new job on February 15. On behalf of the entire parish, I want to thank Donna Tarantino, Crissy Stevenson, and Hannah Bland for jumping in, taking up the slack, treading water, and doing whatever it took to cover this position while we advertised and interviewed for a replacement. A big thank you to Eddy McFarland for heading up the Search Committee, along with Donna Tarantino, James Wells, and Crissy Stevenson. To make a long story short, in the end Crissy Stevenson applied for the position and it was awarded to her. Crissy is organized, collaborative, hospitable and friendly, and computer savvy, to mention a few of her assets. Her new title will be Pastoral Assistant. God provides! 

  5. Health and the Seasons of Life: On Tuesday, April 13, I had a medical procedure on my right knee to repair the tear in my meniscus. The next morning as I was talking to a friend in Indianapolis my right arm went numb, I dropped my phone, and I could not speak; I was taken to the ER. Within the next five hours my right hand had a tingling, needling sensation several times. Thus began a battery of tests to discover what was going on. My brain MRI indicated that I had experienced two strokes (one was mild). My echocardiogram indicated that I had arrhythmia. Fortunately, my speech has returned and there is no indication of paralysis. Needless to say, this got my attention! After three days in the hospital, I gained a new appreciation for the air conditioned hospital gowns! Continue your prayers for me as I assess my total health and to what the Spirit of God might be calling me to do at this particular season in my life. Thank you for your prayers and support.