December 24 - 25, 2011 Dear Cathedral Community, A Blessed and Joyful Christmas to you all! May the presence of our Savior bring warmth and peace to your hearts. The liturgies of Advent have been quite beautiful. The preparations for the Solemnity of the birth of Christ Jesus have been many and varied. Our gratitude to all who have brought about a joyful celebration of this great Feast. In particular, let us thank... Morna Patrick and the crew who erected the Nativity Creche, Judy Cunningham and all the Heavenly Dusters who brought freshness and renewal to the Cathedral and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel as well as Kathy Tierney, Dr. Pat Crawford and the members of our Singles Group who joined in the cleaning and food preparation, Ed Green, the Laudis Cantores and all the musicians who joined in the magnificent “joyful noise” unto the Lord, Dr. Margie PIke and the many volunteers and visitors of our Cathedral Kitchen, And finally, to all of you......our wonderful parishioners, and the many who joined us at the Cathedral giving God the glory for being present among us, and promising to return in glory. If you are reading this column, and joining us for the first time, or are an occasional visitor, we welcome you as we welcome Christ Himself. If you are seeking a faith home, please return and join our Cathedral Community where we have celebrated a “Living Tradition, and a Promising Hope” since 1898. Check out our web site at info@ssppc.org Sincerely yours in Christ-among-us, Father Noah
December 17 - 18, 2011 Dear Cathedral Community, This beautiful time of Advent has gone by in a flash. We have one more wonderful week to ponder the readings from the Sacred Scriptures preparing us for Christmas. In reality, this four week period of Advent is a preparation not only for the event of Christmas, but more importantly, it is an introduction to a life long attitude of vigilance as we await the return of the Lord in glory at the end of human time. This attitude of vigilance helps us to put all of life into a Christian perspective reminding us, among other things, that we are destined to share the kingdom of God as our ultimate home. What we do in this world and how we live all points to that fact that this world is a passing experience not intended to be an end in itself but a passageway into a greater reality of God’s eternal love. To live faithfully in the present, with gratitude for our past leads us into hope for the world to come. When these points are in balance, so are our lives. As I mentioned to the participants at the Common Leadership Meeting last week, we will be hosting a good number of visitors for the various Christmas liturgies especially at the 5:00 PM Christmas Eve and Midnight liturgies. Many of these folks come only once a year to the Cathedral. Some come from other parishes as part of a family tradition. Others are not Catholic, but who appreciate the liturgical experience. Some fall into the category known as “un-churched”. There, of course, are always the “Christers”, that is, Christmas and Easter only participants, or as my cousin of happy memory, Father Jim Sweeney, used to say the “non-season ticket holders”. (Imagine their surprise, we they hear the new texts!) In any case, WE WELCOME THEM ALL! As the Cathedral community, let’s put our hearts and souls into welcoming and giving the gift of hospitality. This just might be a time when those lingering at the edge of church participation could be drawn in by our kindness and joyful welcome. We all share this responsibility. Thanks to all who joined in the December 10 creche project and church cleaning. The Heavenly Dusters live on! Thanks to Morna Patrick and Judy Cunningham and their respective crews. Great job, folks! Come, Lord Jesus, come! Father Noah December 17 - 18, 2011 Dear Cathedral Community, This beautiful time of Advent has gone by in a flash. We have one more wonderful week to ponder the readings from the Sacred Scriptures preparing us for Christmas. In reality, this four week period of Advent is a preparation not only for the event of Christmas, but more importantly, it is an introduction to a life long attitude of vigilance as we await the return of the Lord in glory at the end of human time. This attitude of vigilance helps us to put all of life into a Christian perspective reminding us, among other things, that we are destined to share the kingdom of God as our ultimate home. What we do in this world and how we live all points to that fact that this world is a passing experience not intended to be an end in itself but a passageway into a greater reality of God’s eternal love. To live faithfully in the present, with gratitude for our past leads us into hope for the world to come. When these points are in balance, so are our lives. As I mentioned to the participants at the Common Leadership Meeting last week, we will be hosting a good number of visitors for the various Christmas liturgies especially at the 5:00 PM Christmas Eve and Midnight liturgies. Many of these folks come only once a year to the Cathedral. Some come from other parishes as part of a family tradition. Others are not Catholic, but who appreciate the liturgical experience. Some fall into the category known as “un-churched”. There, of course, are always the “Christers”, that is, Christmas and Easter only participants, or as my cousin of happy memory, Father Jim Sweeney, used to say the “non-season ticket holders”. (Imagine their surprise, we they hear the new texts!) In any case, WE WELCOME THEM ALL! As the Cathedral community, let’s put our hearts and souls into welcoming and giving the gift of hospitality. This just might be a time when those lingering at the edge of church participation could be drawn in by our kindness and joyful welcome. We all share this responsibility. Thanks to all who joined in the December 10 creche project and church cleaning. The Heavenly Dusters live on! Thanks to Morna Patrick and Judy Cunningham and their respective crews. Great job, folks! Come, Lord Jesus, come! Father Noah
December 10 - 11, 2011 Dear Cathedral Community, This weekend has traditionally been called “Gaudete Sunday” from the Latin for “Rejoice” as we are at the halfway point in Advent, and journeying toward Christmas. The church wears rose colored vestments today as we blush at the nearness of our God. Mary Oss reminds us that we have plenty of Cathedral Christmas Card inventory along with a number of Cathedral Music CD’s. They are on sale in the Narthex. Please check out these items for great Christmas Gifts. Thanks to everyone who participated in the Common Leadership Meeting last Sunday. The sessions seem to be productive with practical resolutions. This past Monday the Cathedral hosted the annual High School Seniors Mass with Bishop Coyne presiding and preaching. About 1100 Seniors were in attendance. There are two remaining Sunday evening Vesper liturgies tonight, Sunday December 11 and December 18 at 5 PM. Come and join us for this wonderful, peaceful Advent prayer. On a very practical matter, because Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on Sundays, we “loose” two collections. In fact, there are two envelopes in your packet this year, one for the Feast Days and another one for the sundays. This makes a huge impact on our budget. Thanks for your generosity and consideration. Please note the recently revised weekday liturgical schedule. In particular I call your attention to the two opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation: Tuesday evening following the 5:15 PM Mass, and over the noon hour on every Friday beginning at 12:00 Noon. Plan accordingly as you prepare spiritually for the celebration of Christmas. How is your Advent observance going? Are you finding time to relish the wonderful Scripture readings and the Advent music? Come, Lord Jesus, come! Father Noah
December 3 - 4, 2011
Dear Cathedral Community, In last week’s homily, I referred to the use of our spiritual gifts to assist us in keeping watch for the return of the Savior. One of those gifts is the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I want to call your attention to the Intra-parish Penance Service (Cathedral, St. Mary and Holy Cross), on Tuesday, December 20 at 7:00 PM in St. Mary Church at the corner of Vermont and New Jersey. There will be a number of confessors available to you. Don’t forget about our new times for Reconciliation here at the Cathedral: after the 5:15 PM Tuesday evening Mass and on every Friday from Noon to 1:00 PM. Recall that there will no longer be Confessions on Saturday afternoon due to very poor participation. Hopefully, the new times will be more “user friendly”. I also encourage you to consult THE CRITERION for a complete listing of Penance Services throughout the season of Advent. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO CELEBRATE THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION. While we are considering the Sacrament of Reconciliation, let’s reflect for a moment on the practice of Confession. Preparation: It is important to spend some preparing for Confession. In the back of the Chapel, you will find a helpful guide in a holder in the back of the Chapel. The Ritual: Begin with the words, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been ______ since my last confession.” Recognize the major stumbling blocks in your relationship with God and others. If you need help, let the Confessor assist you. At the conclusion of this, the Confessor will assign you a penance usually in the form of prayers. Occasionally, I like to give printed cards with Psalms as a Penance. Then, the Confessor will invite you to pray aloud an Act of Contrition by memory or in your own words. We keep the form in the Reconciliation if you care to use it. The Confessor will then pray the words of Absolution at the end of which you will bless yourself. It is important to pray your Penance before you leave the Chapel. Regularity: While it is not a law of the Church, I typically suggest that one comes to Reconciliation once each Liturgical Season. Clue: When we change the color of our vestments, it’s time for Confession! Habitual sin is best overcome by building habits of grace, and regular Confession provides a great assistance in our efforts of conversion. This coming week we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8. Please note the following schedule of Masses for this Holy Day of Obligation: Wednesday evening, December 7 at 5:15 PM; Thursday, December 8 at 8:00 AM (Chapel), Noon (Cathedral), and 5:15 PM (Chapel). Please remember this is the Patronal Feast of the United States. This Feast commemorates the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin without stain of original sin in preparation for her special and singular role in the history of salvation as the Mother of God. There are only two Dogmas declared infallibly, and both have to do with the Blessed Mother in her Immaculate Conception and her Assumption into Heaven. Finally, don’t forget to join us for the cleaning of the church and creche set up next Saturday, December 10 at 9:00 am. We need all the cleaners we can assemble. We’ll have fun and something to share to eat for lunch. Thanks to Judy Cunningham for serving as coordinator of the Heavenly Dusters. Come, Lord Jesus, come!
Father Noah November 26 - 27, 2011 Dear Cathedral Community, A Blessed and Hope filled Advent to you! This is a wonderful opportunity for deepening our relationship with God. Regarding the Sacred Scriptures during this holy season, the first two weeks will focus on the coming of the Lord in the mystery of the Incarnation. The third and fourth weeks of Advent focus on the return of the Lord at the end of time. Our Christian task is to live our lives of discipleship between these two points in time in the life of Christ. We live in celebration of the Christ Jesus’ presence among us, and keep vigil for His return in glory. We dwell in this interim period of grace with the Lord Jesus as our companion on the journey.
I’ve become famous or possibly infamous as the case may be for encouraging folks to take Advent seriously. This calls for some degree of “counter culturalism” as the rest of the commercial world has already begun observing “Christmas without Christ”. One way of observing Advent is to decorate for the season.
1.``Arrange an Advent Wreath someplace in your home preferably where you
will encounter it frequently like your kitchen table. Light the candles of the wreath as part of your meal time grace using a prayer like the following: As I (we) light this Advent Candle, bless us with the
grace of this holy season. Bless, too, the food and drink
before us. May it make us strong in keeping watch for
your Son’s return in glory. We make our prayer in the name
of Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. 2. Display an Advent Wreath on your front door with three violet ribbons and
and one rose colored ribbon. It will, at least, keep your neighbors guessing!
Then, you can change the color of the ribbons for Christmas. It will be a good
reminder to you as well as you come and go from your home. 3. Save a quarter each day of Advent to give to St. Vincent de Paul or the
Cathedral Kitchen at Christmas time. 4. In the past, I have put up my Christmas Tree at the beginning of Advent, and wove a bright purple ribbon through its branches for the Advent Season, and
then decorated it for Christmas later. These are just a few suggestions for your Advent observance. It will build your
expectation throughout the four weeks of the season supported by the beautiful Scriptural readings and hymns we will be using.
Mark your Advent calendars now for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, a Holy Day of Obligation. Note that with our new daily evening Mass schedule, there will be a Holy Day Anticipation Mass on December 7 at 5:15 PM in addition to the three regular Holy Dad Masses on December 8 at 8:00 AM, 12 Noon, and 5:15 PM.
There are several other important feast days to note in December:
December 3, St. Francis Xavier, Patron of the Archdiocese, and Patron
of our first Cathedral in Vincennes;
December 6, St. Nicholas (Leave candy and not coal in shoes)
December 7, St. Ambrose
December 8, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the
United States;
December 9, St. Juan Diego, recipient of the apparition of Our Lady of
Guadalupe;
December 12, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas; Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Father Noah
November 19 - 20, 2011 Dear Cathedral Community, This weekend we observe the Solemnity of Christ the King. This feast comes at the end of the liturgical year having heard over these last few weeks Lectionary selections highlighting Bible readings having to do with the “end of time.” These readings lead us into the the new liturgical year that begins with the First Sunday of Advent next weekend. Advent offers us Scriptural readings that highlight both the coming of the Lord Jesus in time as Jesus of Nazareth and as the Lord of All returning at the end of time.
The very idea of a “liturgical year” helps us in our personal and communal spiritual formation. The following instruction from the CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH is helpful: “In the Liturgical Year, the Church celebrates the whole mystery of Christ from the
Incarnation until the day of Pentecost and the expectation of Christ’s second
coming. The summit of the Liturgical Year is the Easter Triduum---from the
evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday......The presence of
Risen Lord and his saving work permeates the entire Liturgical Year: Advent, the
Christmas Season, Lent, the Easter Season, and Ordinary Time.” CCC, p. 175 We find hope in the presence of Christ with Whom we walk throughout our journey of life. His journey is our journey, and He is a faithful companion.
Thanks to all who have submitted their Christ Our Hope stewardship commitment cards. We are happily still receiving cards. I want to emphasize how important these completed cards are to us. Whatever the pledge made, your card indicates you interest and participation in the parish community.
Relative to our stewardship, and following a discussion at the Finance Committee meeting, we will begin giving the Year-To-Date collection information on a monthly rather than weekly basis. It was thought that a weekly report does not take into account necessary absences from a particular Sunday, and the manner in which some of the parishioners offer their contributions. A monthly report was thought to give a more accurate view of our fiscal picture.
This week I received an updated listing of our Archdiocesan Seminarians studying for Priesthood. Currently, we have twenty-nine seminarians in College and a School of Theology. This coming June we look forward to the Priesthood Ordination of Rev. Mr. Jerry Byrd. In 2012, we hope to have four Ordinations to the Priesthood, two of whom are native Spanish speakers. 2013 hopes to see six Ordinations. Pray for their perseverance! This is great news. Pray, also, for families from whom vocations come, and for the encouragement future candidates need to receive from their families.
I am happy to report that through the efforts of Kathy Tierney of St. John the Evangelist parish and our own Dr. Priscilla Crawford, there is now a Singles Group meeting monthly. Usually, when the idea of a Singles Group emerges, most folks probably think of persons in their twenties who have yet to discern a vocational path in life. However, the concept of “Single” in our church is much broader and more inclusive. Singles in our church may be, indeed, younger folks setting our on their vocational and professional journeys. But that group also includes widows and widowers, those who have experienced divorce, and those who are intentionally single as a vocational path being intentional about serving God in this manner. The reality is that for our first gathering over a month ago, we had fifteen men and women come to our first session representing all ages and backgrounds, and who, for one reason or another, are living their Catholic faith as single persons. It was an eye opening meeting, and very encouraging. All who attended found it to be quite stimulating and positive. Our next gathering already has thirty-five persons signed up. Obviously, we are meeting a need of a group of our brothers and sisters in the church. They represent a number of parishes besides our own, and I am happy that our Cathedral community can host this group. You’ll receive updates about this from time to time.
Finally, please note in this issue of the Bulletin the new weekday liturgical schedule for the Cathedral. It will also be posted on the parish web site, and printed in THE CRITERION. We are in the final preparations for what I’m calling a “Concierge Card” that will be distributed to all the downtown hotels. This card will have schedule and contact information. The card may also be used as part of our efforts of Evangelization in our Cathedral neighborhood and beyond. Sincerely yours in the Lord,
Father Noah
November 12 - 13, 2011 Dear Cathedral Community, I want to thank all those who participated in any way in last Saturday evenings Trivia Night. In particular I want to thank Mary Oss, Patricia Hittle, Mary Ann Ridder and all those involved in the organization of our evening together.
The month of November has several important observances for us to keep in mind. First of all, November is the traditional month of our remembrance of the dead, all those who have gone before us awaiting the final resurrection. We pray for the departed, and ask their prayers for us as we continue our earthly journey to the Kingdom. This is a good month during which a cemetery visit would be in order. As you may recall, there is a special grace given to those who visit a cemetery to pray for the faithful departed. My father has instilled in me the significance of the cemetery visit. I have developed my own cemetery prayer visit following a symbolic journey from grave site to grave site praying a decade of the rosary at each place.....grandparents, my mother, my step-mother, great grandparents and always ending at the Priests Circle. In the Ordo, the book in the sacristy that directs our daily liturgy, the left side of the page always indicates the anniversary of death of every priest in the Province of Indiana from the beginning of the Diocese of Vincennes. I always make sure I pray for these priests upon whose shoulders I stand and in gratitude for their ministry. Please remember the departed clergy of our Archdiocese and especially those who have served our Cathedral community.
A second observance for the month of November is Black Catholic History Month. The following is an excerpt from the National Black Catholic Congress web site.
Some people lambast Christianity as "a white man's religion." Worse yet, there have been Christians, Black and White, Protestant and even Catholic, who regard Catholicism as a "white church." Amazingly enough, these myths and misconceptions remain entrenched in some people's minds.
On July 24, 1990, the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus of the United States designated November as Black Catholic History Month to celebrate the long history and proud heritage of Black Catholics. Two commemorative dates fall within this month, Saint Augustine's Birthday (November 13) and Saint Martin de Porres' Feast Day (November 3). More importantly, November not only marks a time when we pray for all saints and souls in loving remembrance, but also a time to recall the saints and souls of Africa and the African Diaspora.
Some people forget that Christianity did not originate in Europe and even express surprise when they learn that Black Catholic History began in the Acts of the Apostles (8: 26-40) with the conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch by Philip the Deacon. This text is important for several reasons. First, it chronicles the conversion of the first Black African in recorded Christian history. Second, the text suggests that the man was a wealthy, literate, and powerful emissary of the Nubian Queen and also a faithful, practicing Jew prior to his baptism. Clearly, he was not an ignorant heathen.
Black Catholics trace their faith history back to Christian antiquity long before other nations heard the "Good News." Christian Africa was indeed a "leading light" in early Christendom. Black Catholics point to three popes who were born in Africa: Saints Victor I, Melchiades, and Gelasius I. All three shepherded the early church through tough and tumultuous times in history. Black Catholics claim many Black Saints like Saints Cyprian, Zeno, Anthony of Egypt, Moses the Black, Pachomius, Maurice, Athanasius, Pisentius, Mary of Egypt, Cyril of Alexandria, Monica of Hippo, Augustine of Hippo, Perpetua, Felicitas, and Thecla. Some of these mystics, monastics, ands, martyrs literally made the church what it is today. (Source: Web Site for the National Black Catholic Congress.)
For further information on Black Catholic History Month, consult the web site noted above. As mentioned above one of the Saints of this month, is St. Martin de Porres observed on November 3 in the liturgy. His banner will be located in the niche on the the north side of the Cathedral during the month of November.
Let us pray for our brothers and sisters in the Black Catholic Community especially for those in our own Cathedral community. Sincerely yours in the Lord,
Father Noah
November 5 - 6, 2011 The days of Autumn are on the wane. It is hard to believe that Advent is just a few weeks away, and the beginning of a new liturgical year.
This weekend, of course, is Commitment Weekend for our stewardship. If for some reason you have not received your materials through the regular post, please call Diana Hay at the parish office as soon as possible. If you were not able to complete the commitment cards by this weekend, please do so as soon as possible, and bring them next weekend. Your pledge is crucial to the parish life.
There are times when you might think of withholding a commitment because of adjustments in your personal budget. However, it is crucial for us to have your return commitment card no matter what you pledge may be. Your returned card is an indication of your commitment to your participation in the parish. At the top of that list is the weekly participation in the Sunday Eucharist as the core event of our community of faith. Not what you monetary pledge may be, please return your card as part of your active membership in the life of the Cathedral parish.
I am very grateful to Dr. Margie Pike and Paul Dijak-Robinson for sharing their stewardship witness with us over the past two weeks. Thanks to all for your participation and commitment to our parish community. It takes our collective time, talent and treasure to build our community of faith, and continue the ministries we have.
If you have any questions concerning your stewardship commitment, please contact us at the parish office.
Please note on your calendars that next weekend following both Masses, there will be another "15 Minutes With Fr. Noah". This session will focus on the actual texts of the people's parts for the revised liturgy. There has been a very positive response to the two earlier sessions offered. We look forward to next weekend in our continuing preparation for the First Sunday of Advent implementation of the New Roman Missal. Sincerely yours in the Lord,
Father Noah
October 29 - 30, 2011 Dear Cathedral Community, We are bring the month of October to a conclusion, and preparing to celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints followed quickly by the observance of prayer for All Souls Day. These celebrations afford us an opportunity to reflect on several important teachings of the church.
Each Sunday and major feast day, we pray the words of the Nicene Creed professing our faith. One of those beliefs is in the Communion of Saints. The church is a community of believers brought together through, with and in Christ Jesus. As such, the church is not bound by the human limitations of time and space, but is connected to those “on the other side” or through death to eternal life. Each time we gather in prayer and in particular for the Eucharist we gather in the presence of all those “holy ones” who have gone on before us marked with the sign of faith. Each Eucharistic liturgy as like a great spiritual family reunion with the Lord Jesus as our common link.
Celebrating the Feast of All Saints is a reminder to us that all of us are called to holiness. LUMEN GENTIUM, The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church from the Second Vatican Council makes a clarion call for the universal call to holiness. Each member of the Body of Christ regardless of his or her station in life receives the initial grace of becoming holy in the Sacrament of Baptism. One might say that through the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) we are set forth on the path of holiness that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Kingdom of God. Meanwhile, we have the example of the saints to encourage us, and their prayers with and for us to strengthen us.
I highly recommend as spiritual reading the wonderful book by James Martin entitled, MY LIFE WITH THE SAINTS. It is an excellent reflection on one person’s rediscovery of the saints and their impact on his life.
Closely related is observance of All Souls Day. On this day we remember those who have died, and pray for their final fulfillment in God and eternal life. Related to this observance is the teaching on Purgatory. Throughout the centuries, there have been various treatments and even artistic depictions of Purgatory most of which I have found unhelpful. My favorite definition of Purgatory is found in a book by Father Herbert McCabe O.P. called simply the CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. Father McCabe states that Purgatory may be described as the “final letting go of the things of this world.” I think this is a wonderful description of Purgatory. Hence, our prayers for the departed assist them in that “letting go” of the things of this world and accompanies their souls into the fulness of God’s life and love.
On these two wonderful feast days, let us give thanks for the example of the saints, and pray for our departed brothers and sisters. The Mass schedule for the the Feast of All Saints, a holy day of obligation, is 8:00 AM, 12:00 Noon and 5:15 PM. Masses on All Souls Day will be at the usual times of 8:00 AM and 12:00 Noon.
Please note that Book of the Dead located near the Baptismal Font for the recording of names you wish the community to remember in prayer during the month of November.
I want to encourage as many as possible to join in the fun of the Parish Trivia Night, Saturday evening, November 5 at 7:00 PM across the street from the Cathedral at the Catholic Center.
Thanks to the anonymous benefactor who contributed to the Prayer Cards that I have been sending out to parishioners.
Finally, I’m grateful to Judy Cunningham for posting my homilies, columns and other reflections on the parish web site. From time to time, I will be posting brief reflections and points of information for your reflection. Sincerely yours in the Lord,
Father Noah
October 22 - 23, 2011 Dear Cathedral Community, These last weeks of October are occasions for us to reflect on the nature of Stewardship. The traditional pillars of stewardship are time, talent and treasure. The point to remember is that these three pillars of stewardship are not just some kind of annual appeal process. These pillars come together to foster an outlook, an attitude toward living. Forming a special lens through which we see reality, stewardship affords us the opportunity to see as Jesus sees, and to respond to our faith commitment as Jesus would respond.
In other words, stewardship goes far beyond the annual appeal, CHRIST OUR HOPE. There is a spirituality inherent in stewardship that recognizes that everything we have has been given to us by God, and will return to God. Secondly, stewardship represents an ever deepening awareness of our relationship with and dependence upon God. We give our time, talent and treasure because they are God’s gifts to us. They are given to us in sacred trust, and for which we are held accountable.
This weekend, we are hearing a witness from parishioner Dr. Margie Pike, Margie is sharing a witness with us that focuses primarily on our time and talent. As you know, Margie coordinates the ministry of our Cathedral Kitchen. Next weekend parishioner Paul Dijak-Robinson will give a witness concerning the sharing of our treasure. Paul is the current chairperson of our Finance Committee.
Let’s use these occasions to reflect on the nature of our stewardship, and the spirituality that supports the sharing of our time, talent and treasure.
Relatedly, I want to thank you for helping us meet the weekly budget for the last several weeks. This, of course, is extremely important to us. Even when commitments, vacations, etc. take us away from the parish for the occasional weekend, our regular contributions to the parish are crucial given the “24/7”, twelve months, needs of the continuously operating needs of the parish community. God blesses our generosity. Sincerely yours in the Lord,
Father Noah
October 15 - 16, 2011 Dear Cathedral Community, Last Sunday we had our Common Leadership meeting in the rectory. There was good participation, and lots of great things going on in the parish. I mentioned several points to the group in the plenary session that I would briefly like to share with you. - Concerning Faith Formation, I told that group that I will be presenting four Sunday morning sessions on the Mass and Eucharistic Spirituality beginning in February and extending into March. These will take place on Sundays when the choir is not singing so as to encourage their participation. The sessions will start and 9:15 AM and end at 10:15 AM in time for 10:30 AM Liturgy.
- Regarding Evangelization, I encouraged the group and all of us to be good evangelizers inviting neighbors, family members and friends to join us for Sunday liturgy and programs. If our parish is to grow, evangelization is a must. We might consider at some point some “door to door” visitation in the Cathedral neighborhood. Stay tuned! We need to let others know that we’re here, and good things are happening. As I like to say, we need to be “pleasantly aggressive!”
- I am reviving the Heavenly Dusters. I propose four cleaning sessions a year, two of which would come before Christmas and Easter respectively. The first one will be Saturday, December 10 when we will set up the Nativity creche and clean. This will be followed by a pitch in lunch. Cleaning can be fun! Join us. Mark your calendar now.
- Recently, I toured the parish campus and facilities with Mr. Eric Atkins who oversees all Archdiocesan Properties. We conducted an informal facilities audit recognizing some needs in order to prioritize them for action rather than waiting until its too late. We identified eight or nine areas of need. We also toured the former school building. I would very much like for the parish to have use of some of the space now unoccupied on the first floor. I have reviewed the facilities assessment of the building that was conducted during Father Patrick Beidelman’s tenure as Rector. It was a very thorough study.
Finally, I had my first formal meeting as Rector this past Week with Bishop Coyne. We had a very fine conversation. I extended an invitation to him, if his already crowded schedule would allow, to preside for us at Sunday Eucharist on a monthly basis, and he has graciously accepted that invitation. However, given the already full calendar he has, he will not begin that practice until January. We are going to work out the dates. I am very grateful to him for joining us. Of course, he is already in the Cathedral regularly for Archdiocesan events. Please read the other reports from the Common Leadership meeting as they become available. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Father Noah October 8 - 9, 2011 Dear Cathedral Community, Last Sunday as we observed RESPECT LIFE SUNDAY, thirteen of us stood in silent prayer along Meridian Street in front of our Cathedral. We joined hundreds of others from parishes around the Archdiocese, and some from parishes in the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana. It was a beautiful afternoon to celebrate God’s beautiful gift of life. I hope that we can build this observance next year. There is definitely a unique power in a group of like minded persons intentionally praying together in silence. Thanks to all who participated in person or in prayerful remembrance at home. Relative to this, I want to reinvigorate our parish Pro Life Committee by giving it a new name, the Respect Life Committee. I have had a number of parishioners encouraging me to do this, and who have offered their assistance. In so doing, we want to recall all the issues of life from conception to natural death and in between. As I mentioned in one of my recent columns, we must give ourselves over to the challenges to life, and first pray for God’s wisdom in all matters. It is my hope that in the course of any given year, we will lift up issues of life for consideration and prayer. Of course, we have opportunities to celebrate life already in our midst. The Cathedral Kitchen is certainly one such area. Praying for this wonderful ministry, and volunteering time, talent and treasure for its continuing mission is extremely important. The work of our Saint Vincent de Paul Conference offers other opportunities. The simple yet profound kindness and hospitality we offer to all those who come to the Cathedral is an observance of life. Let’s not just observe a respect for life on one day out of the year; let’s do it all the time! This past week I attended four funerals and/or wakes. As I have said in the past, death is rarely convenient! We commended to the Lord our long time parishioner, Martin Young, Father Severin Messick, OSB, ( I attended his funeral at St. Meinrad), a former parishioner of mine from St. Luke, and a dear friend from the Irish community, Joan Shevlin. What takes a bit of sting out of death is our loving which is sometimes not convenient, but always needed and important. Loving prepares us for death whether it is convenient or inconvenient. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Father Noah
October 1 - 2, 2011 Dear Cathedral Community, With the beginning of the month of October, we recognize to themes that are actually connected. The month of October has traditionally been known as one of two months (the other is May) that observe a special attention on the Blessed Mother. October 7 is the Feast of the Holy Rosary. This would be a great time to renew your use of the Rosary as a tool for personal prayer. In observance of this month, we will sing a brief Marian song during the meditation time following the distribution of Holy Communion and before the concluding prayers of the Mass. The role of Mary in the economy of Salvation is important for us to note. As the first of all disciples, Mary exemplifies for us one who gave herself over to receiving the Lord in our lives, and sharing Him with the world. The Easter or Byzantine Church celebrates Mary as the THEOTOKOS, that is, the “God-Bearer.” We are called through baptism to bear Christ to the world. Mary’s discipleship is founded in her special role in giving birth to the Savior. Willing to listen to God’s Word, and have the Word take shape within her offers us a role model for discipleship. The other major theme for the month of October is RESPECT FOR ALL LIFE. As the late Cardinal Joseph Bernardin of Chicago has taught us that this observance must represent the “seamless garment” of Christ. This means that we must consider all the issues of life. We cannot have an abhorrence of abortion and not recognize the other life issues. While abortion has a significant place in our awareness, it is part of the “culture of death” that appears in so many other areas. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has prepared this year eight pamphlets that represent the spectrum of life issues. These include: Abortion, the Death Penalty, Persons with Disabilities, Reproductive Technologies, Embryo Research, Love and Marriage, End of Life issues, and Contraception. I want to encourage you to visit the USCCB web site for further clarification and teaching on these matters. Happily, our awareness of these issues has developed over recent years. These issues invite us to further reflection on how each of us as persons as well as a community of faith recognize the sanctity of life in all its dimensions. We begin by the appreciation of our own life given by God, and entrusted to us in sacred stewardship. Stewardship is often seen to focus on our fiscal responsibilities, and that certainly, as we will see in these weeks of the Annual Appeal for the Archdiocese, is part of our commitment. However, the beginning of Stewardship takes place within our own hearts. We are recipients of God’s love and breath, and are invited to be good stewards of these gifts in the way we live each day, our self-care, our paying attention to the quality of life in which we live each day. Monitoring abusive language, “road rage”, the manner in which we relate to spouses and family members, anticipating one another’s needs in the home are the issues of respecting life. When we begin with these smaller yet significant awarenesses in our immediate sphere of living, we are better prepared to see the issues on the societal level. We respect life in welcoming one another and the stranger to our liturgies, offer the Sign of Peace, volunteer and support the Cathedral Kitchen, assist the St. Vincent de Paul Society, keep the environment of our parish clean and pray for one another. Today, Sunday, October 2, is Respect Life Sunday. As I have mentioned to you in recent weeks, all are invited to participate in the Life Chain event that takes place along Meridian Street from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The parishioners of the Cathedral will be assigned the block immediately in front of the Cathedral. All that is requested is our participation in silent prayer standing along the sidewalk in our block. This simple, prayerful witness is one way in which we stand for all of life’s concerns. Come, and join us. For those who cannot stand, you are welcome to bring a folding chair. If you have never done this, you will find a grace of prayer in a fresh way. We pray for the intercession of Mary, the Mother of Life, to guide us in our respect for all of life. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Father Noah
Dear Community of SS. Peter & Paul, This past week we commended to the Lord of all life, our fellow parishioner, Ed Weathers. Ed died on Sunday, September 18 in St. Vincent Hospital. We will miss his presence, his good humor and zeal among us, and we commend him to the Lord. We also offer our prayers and support to Mary and to all of Ed’s family. May he rest in peace. This afternoon as I prepare this column I am awaiting the arrival of various representatives of the sound, electrical and Archdiocesan personnel to discuss the chronic maladies of our lighting system. There does not appear to be a consistent problem, but rather a string of different problems. Hopefully, we can search out the underlying issues. I’ll keep you informed. Please remember the Respect Life Sunday “Life Chain” event on Sunday, October 2 at 2:00pm. The cathedral parishioners have been assigned the block immediately in front of the Cathedral. Please give one hour of your time for quiet prayer and witnessing to the value of life. I am meeting with Mr. Eric Atkins and in a separate meeting with Monsignor Bill Stumpf to discuss some ideas for the utilization of the space in the former Cathedral Grade School Building. I would like for the parish to have some access and use of the space there for parish gatherings and adult formation. I’ll keep you posted. Finally, next week I’ll be making some proposals to you about new times for the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I want to survey the parishioners for your suggestions about times for confessions. See more in next week’s column, but begin thinking about this now. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Father Noah
September 17 - 18, 2011 Dear Cathedral Community, There are a number of Archdiocesan liturgies in the next few weeks that will be bringing folks from around the Archdiocese to our Cathedral. I have been attempting to be present before these liturgies take place to welcome the congregation and encourage them to visit us as well as take an informal tour of the Cathedral and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Hospitality must be one of our Cathedral charisms, and we all share this important task of welcoming all guests as if we were welcoming Christ. The Cathedral welcomes today (Sunday) those from around the Archdiocese celebrating Anniversaries of Marriage. Congratulations to them all! Our prayers surround them in gratitude for the gift of their married vocation. That celebration will be here at the Cathedral at 2:00 PM. This week saw the Fall Confirmation liturgies beginning again. We welcome them as well. Given the Archbishop’s health issues, and the fact that Bishop Coyne is in Rome these days attending “New Bishops School,” Bishop William Higi, retired bishop of Lafayette-in-Indiana, will preside at several Confirmation liturgies. Let me remind all of the forthcoming Respect Life Sunday, October 2. I encourage all of the Cathedral parishioners to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters for the Life Chain beginning at 2 PM on that Sunday. I have requested that we be assigned the block immediately in front of the Cathedral. This is a wonderful, silent, prayerful witness to all of Life Issues. On Saturday evening, September 24, I will attend the opening liturgy of the 50th Jubilee Year of the founding of St. Luke parish. I have been invited as one of the former pastors, and I was a part of the planning for this event last year. I encourage you to have a look at the Bishop’s statement regarding the September 11th commemoration. You can do this by simply going to www.usccb.com and scrolling down the recent news releases. The statement is very fine. Finally, Diana Hay informs me that we regularly have Mass Intention opportunities available. In the past, I suspect some have thought that they might have trouble getting an Intention scheduled. This isn’t the case. If you have an Intention request, simply call Diana at the parish office. By way of catechesis, we accept one announced Intention for each Mass. However, each of us by virtue of our Baptism, brings to the liturgy our personal Intentions as well. You will also note that one of the two Sunday liturgies is always designated “Pro Populo,” that is, For the People of the Parish. This is set by Church Law. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Father Noah
WALKING WITH GOD Dear Community of SS. Peter & Paul, Thanks to all of you who have participated in the “15 Minute Sessions” following the weekend liturgies recently. I appreciate your enthusiasm and interest. From the feedback we have received, these sessions were received well. Logistically, these are designed to be convenient for our wide ranging demographics. As we have indicated there are two more sessions coming in November and December concerning the renewal of the Roman Missal. These sessions, the bulletin inserts, catechesis from my weekly column and your own reading from the sources/links we have mentioned to you should help us be well prepared. Once again those links are: · The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: www.usccb.org, then go to the tab marked “Roman Missal”; also, · Our parish web site: www.ssppc.org, then go to the tab marked “Worship”, and finally to “New Mass Texts.” In the near future, I am going to survey the parish membership concerning two items: Times for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and suggestions for times and days for Adult Continuing Formation programs. I mention it now just to get the ideas rolling in your minds. This will be a topic for consideration at the next Common Leadership gathering on Sunday, October 9. (Recall that we moved this date because of the observance of Respect Life Sunday on October 2.) And speaking of Respect For Life, note that the committee originally called the Pro-Life Committee has been renamed as the Respect Life Committee, and will be reorganized in the near future. I’ve already had a few offers of folks to serve on this committee. Once again, note the event known as the Life Chain beginning here at the Cathedral on Respect Life Sunday, October 2 from 2:00-3:00 pm. Mark your calendars. I’d love to see a great turnout from our parish for this event. Today, Sunday, September 11, we have a wonderful concert scheduled marking the anniversary of 9/11. Join us at 3 pm in the cathedral for this memorial event. The Cathedral Kitchen is experiencing a great increase in service for those in need. The budgetary strain is more than a little evident. Any monetary contribution would be greatly appreciated, and immediately put to use. At the same time, the Kitchen is experiencing somewhat of a decrease in the volume of food goods from our various sources which are experiencing an increase of need as well. Recall, that we have here “in our backyard” a wonderful opportunity for service in our parish. If you can offer some volunteer service to the wonderful Cathedral Kitchen, please contact Margie Pike through the parish office. Please note that the Little Sisters of the Poor will be with us making an appeal for our prayers and assistance on the weekend of September 24 - 25. It is a privilege and a blessing for us to welcome the Little Sisters. Have you prayed the Scriptures lately? Make use of the convenient lectionary citations offered each week in the bulletin. It is a great means of spiritual growth and of being connected to the entire church at prayer and praise. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Father Noah
Dear Community of SS. Peter and Paul , Thanks to all those who remained after the liturgies this past weekend for “Fifteen Minutes with Father Noah” focusing on the revised texts of the Roman Missal. We look forward to seeing you and more remain after the liturgies this weekend as Ed I was pleased to meet last week for the first time with the Steering Committee for the Parish and Archdiocesan Annual Appeal, “Christ Our Hope.” We reviewed the logistics of the appeal and the time line. Others may be invited to assist in this important work of our local church. Thanks to Ron Hagan, Rody and Randy Krieble and Mike Kostrzewa for their leadership in the appeal. We had a wonderful Common Leadership Meeting on August 14. I perceived great enthusiasm and commitment on the part of all the participants. I want to mention a few specific items. ¨ The name of the Public Relations Commission has been changed to Stewardship Administration. This title appears to be more inclusive of public relations and the other works of this commission. ¨ Secondly, I have asked to have a committee reactivated that focuses on all the important issues of life. This committee will be called the Respect Life Committee and will come under the umbrella of the Community Life and Outreach Commission. I’ll keep you posted as the Respect Life Committee develops. My hope, and the hope of others including the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, is that this committee would address ALL life issues from the beginning of life to its natural end. Please note the forthcoming Respect Life Sunday on October 2. I hope as many of you as possible will participate in the Life Chain along Meridian Street. It is a wonderful opportunity for silent, prayerful witness for all of life. Further information will be given for this event. Mark it on your calendars now for October 2 from 2 to 3 PM. I’ve asked the organizers to give the cathedral parish the block in front of the cathedral. ¨ The name of the Ministry to the Sick and Elderly Committee has been changed to the Ministry to the Sick and the Homebound. There are some who may not be elderly but nonetheless homebound. My thanks to all who participate in our parish leadership. I’m still unpacking some boxes when I get a bit of extra time. Sometime in September, I’ll invite you to a little open house in the cathedral rectory. Many, as I understand, have never had the opportunity to tour the house. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Father Noah
WALKING WITH GOD Dear Community of SS. Peter & Paul,
Last week we had a very fine session of the Common Leadership group. There was good enthusiasm and a wonderful commitment to the parish mission. Thanks to all our brothers and sisters who serve in leadership as part of their stewardship to our parish.
As I shared in my remarks to the group, I mentioned that as a personal approach to pastoring, I hold in regard The Three P's: Prayer, Presence and Planning.
Prayer is our lifeline to God. Our intentional communication in listening and speaking to the Lord is absolutely essential as a catholic community of faith. Without prayer, we lose our focus and become confused about our participation in the mission of Christ Jesus in the Church.
Presence refers to God's abiding presence among us through the promise of His covenant love (Hesed) finding fulfillment in the abiding presence of His Son, Jesus the Christ, our Emmanuel, God with us. By His example, Jesus teaches us how to draw near to the Father as well as to one another. As we study the scripture, we see the many demonstrations of the manner in which he draws near to us. As we receive the Eucharist, we become the mystery we celebrate, that is, we become the Body of Christ. His presence is revealed in and through us.
Planning is the fruit of our drawing near to God and to one another, listening to the dreams and hopes of our brothers and sisters. Planning is the wise path into loving service. We need to continually seek the wisdom of God in prayer. Planning without prayer easily becomes, to quote the late Father David Kahle, a "ceaseless round of unreflected activity."
As an example of the three "P's", I have the pastoral practice of praying for one parishioner household each day with the occasional interruption. When I do this, I write that household/person a note to share that prayer. I have begun this practice here by simply starting at the beginning of the parish directory booklet. I encourage each of you to do the same. Keep your directory open, and pray for one household a day. What a great grace for us as a parish community. We cannot lose in doing so! Let's give each other the gift of our prayer.
Sincerely yours in the Lord,
Father Noah
August 13 - 14, 2011 Dear Cathedral Community, Today, Sunday, August 14, the Cathedral will host a special Evening Prayer and Investiture for the newly designated Monsignori of the Archdiocese. All are welcome to come at 5:00 PM today for this joyful occasion. These priests are: Msgr. Joseph Riedman (actively retired), Msgr. Paul Richart (St. Paul, Sellersburg), Msgr. Tony Volz (St. Barnabas), Msgr. Bill Stumpf (Moderator of the Curia), and the late Msgr. Joe Kern (Posthumously). We congratulate these priests, and ask the Lord’s blessing upon them. Msgr. Kern died before the official letter arrived from Rome. He has served in a very active retirement as Dean of the Terre Haute Deanery and at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Terre Haute. I am looking forward to my first meeting with the Common Leadership Meeting today, Sunday. I am grateful to our fellow parishioners who serve in the leadership of our parish. May God bestow his wisdom and grace on our gathering. This past week I attended the Archdiocesan Clergy Personnel Board of which I am currently a member. The Board addresses issues of Clergy assignments throughout the Archdiocese. From time to time, I would like the opportunity to share information and seek your counsel on matters pertaining to our parish. Given the distance some of you must travel to participate in the parish life, I am instituting brief sessions, “Fifteen Minutes With Father Noah” following the conclusion of both Saturday Evening and Sunday morning liturgies. The first of these will take place next weekend, August 20 and 21, immediately following the conclusion of the liturgy. I invite you simply to stay in church and move forward toward the peninsula at the conclusion of the Recessional Hymn. The topic will be the New Roman Missal. Ed Green will follow up on this same topic the next weekend, August 27 and 28. You have been receiving various Bulletin inserts pertaining to the changes forthcoming in the New Roman Missal. The official date is the First Sunday of Advent. However, we in the Archdiocese have received permission to gradually introduce some of the textual changes earlier this Fall. These brief sessions are to help all of us move smoothly into these changes in the sacred texts of the Mass. I hope your schedule will allow you to attend. These are issues that touch all of us. Sincerely yours in the Lord, Father Noah
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