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
