Connection The
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Upcoming
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
School Year
Exciting Changes Planned with a Return to Normal After the Pandemic
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Students play outside at Christ the King School.
he words “character,” “knowledge” and “spirit” are each a part of the mission of Christ the King School. The school strives to help everyone experience the Catholic faith through “sharing the sacraments, promoting academic excellence and engaging in service.” One important word for the 2020-2021 school year that we may also consider is “courage.” Through all the ups and downs of the COVID-19 pandemic, our students, faculty, staff, and families found the courage to gather and learn together. “We stepped out and were courageous, and we succeeded and made it through,” says Mrs. Paula Smith, Principal. Last year, every aspect of school life — from dismissal to how students, faculty, and staff moved through the building — reexamined and altered in some way. So, this year, all are looking continued on page 5
Inside AUG 2021
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Living According to God’s Will Forming a Conscience and Moral Code
3 Meet Our New Cathedral Rector, Fr. John Moriarty 4 Ushers Ministry: Continuing to Welcome All into God’s Home 6 The Faith Journey of St. Genesius 7 The Breakfast Book Club: Finding Faith and Fellowship in a Shared Love of Reading
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Living According to
God’s Will
Forming a Conscience and Moral Code
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s Christians, it is important that we recognize the difference between right and wrong — both morally and ethically. Sometimes, though, this line can become blurred. Many situations we encounter in our lives include variables that can leave us internally conflicted and unsure of how to move forward in accordance with God’s Will. So, how do we work through these moral conundrums? One way is to develop a solid Christian conscience. A moral conscience exists in the heart of every individual. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “When he listens to his conscience, the prudent man can hear God speaking. Conscience is a judgment of reason whereby the human person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act that he is going to perform, is in the process of performing, or has already completed” (1777, 1778). Think of your conscience as the “angelic” version of yourself sitting on your shoulder, giving you sound advice. While everyone is blessed with a conscience, each individual has a responsibility to develop this conscience from the time they are young. Parents obviously play an important role in developing their children’s consciences. As the primary educators of their children on ethical issues and the Catholic faith, parents have a responsibility to teach virtue to their children and help them to avoid fear, selfishness and pride. As 2
we grow older, we take on the lifelong challenge of continually forming our own consciences, and establishing a moral code that enables us to make the proper judgments. One valuable tool in forming a conscience is the practice of introspection. “It is important for every person to be sufficiently present to himself in order to hear and follow the voice of his conscience” (CCC 1779). In contemporary society, where there are so many distractions and routines, it is extremely important that we take the time to look inward and truly listen to what our inner voice is telling us. Another way to ensure we are developing a good moral code is by conforming to the mind of Christ. God the Father gave us Christ, physically present on this earth and recorded in Sacred Scripture, as the ultimate example of what to do and how to behave according to God’s Will. In turn, when we act in loving imitation of Christ, we are certain to make practical judgments of conscience. The next time you are faced with a moral dilemma, take some quiet time to look inward, weigh the positive and negative outcomes, and listen to the voice of your conscience. Read the Gospels for examples of Christ’s teachings. By making this a regular practice, you will find that the voice of your conscience will come in louder and more clearly than you may have initially expected.
A Letter From Our Cathedral Rector
Meet Our New Cathedral Rector, Fr. John Moriarty Dear Brothers and Sisters: grew up in a family of eight children — five boys and three girls — and I’m number four in the birth order. My Dad passed away in 2000, and my Mom still lives in the home we grew up in. My brothers live in Kentucky — two in Frankfort and two in Lexington. My three sisters live in Tennessee, Ohio, and Florida. I have several nieces and nephews, and three great. I have a Golden Retriever named Josey Wales — he is 11.5 years old. He has been with me since he was six weeks old. I enjoy playing golf when opportunities present themselves, and I enjoy a good cigar, which I purchase at Schwab’s on Southland Dr. My favorite Scriptures are Matthew and Luke, the Two Foundations — Those who listen and act on what I say are like the wise man who built his house on the rock... The fool listens but does not act, he is like the one who built on the sand (Matthew 7:23, 26). My hope is to listen to God’s Will with you and act on His Will along with you. I believe coming into any parish community, one is only building on the success of those who have preceded. This Cathedral Parish has been blessed with great priests, deacons, religious women, and lay leaders through her 75 years. And your current staff work so hard to serve you. I pray that with God’s grace, we can continue building on the Rock, who is Jesus, led by the Holy Spirit in all our deliberations to accomplish God’s Will in all our endeavors for His purpose and for His Glory. I am very grateful to Fr. Paul for his faithful shepherding at two different intervals — blessings to him in his retirement. Well done, good and faithful servant! Hopefully, we will see him often as a regular for Mass substitutions and Confessions in Advent/ Lent. Please keep me in your prayers as you will be in mine.
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Sincerely yours in Christ, Fr. John Moriarty
— About Fr. John — • Baptized at St. Leo in Versailles • Grew up in Frankfort, Ky. (east side) • Attended public schools and CCD at Good Shepherd • Graduated Thomas Moore College in 1987, attended St. Pius X Seminary • Graduated with a B.A. in Social Work, minor in Philosophy • In 1987, attended St. Mary of the Lake Seminary outside of Chicago • Graduated with a Master’s in Theology in 1991 • Ordained June 1, 1991, at Christ the King Cathedral. First Assignment — Associate Pastor Holy Family, Ashland, 1991-1994 Second Assignment — Associate Pastor Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary, Lexington, 1994-1996 Third Assignment — Pastor St. Martha’s, Prestonsburg and her mission church, St. Luke, Salyersville, 1996-2002 Fourth Assignment — Sacramental Minister Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary, Lexington, 2002-2005 Fifth Assignment — Pastor St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 2005-2017 Sixth Assignment — Pastor St. Julian, Middlesboro and her mission church, St. Anthony, Pineville, 2017-2019 Seventh Assignment — Pastor St. Luke, Nicholasville, 2019-2021
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Ushers Ministry:
he COVID-19 pandemic caused immediate and drastic changes in how our Ushers Ministry could go about their work. Yet, despite all these changes, one thing never changed over the past months — the outpouring of welcome and hospitality the ushers offered to those entering Christ the King Cathedral. And now that restrictions are lifting, the ushers are witness to the joy our parishioners experience as they return in person to our faith community Irene and Mike Nuzzo coordinate the Ushers Ministry. Before the pandemic, they scheduled teams of ushers for each Mass, with one usher serving as team leader. The ushers greeted those arriving for Mass, helped them find seats, took up and secured the collection, handed out bulletins, and bid everyone farewell as they left. When COVID-19 restrictions went into place, however, their responsibilities changed. Even though our cathedral can seat more than 1,000, the seating was limited to 180 and was handled through a reserved ticketing system. Only one entrance door was used, and the ushers would check off the ticketed names from a list. Those without a ticket were put on “standby” and were admitted 10 minutes before Mass if there was room. The pews were closed in alternating fashion, and seating was kept six feet apart. The ushers directed those going to Communion to maintain safe distancing. After Mass, the ushers sanitized the pews. “We had to change on the fly,” Irene says. During Christmas and Easter, the ushers
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were faced with more people coming to Mass. Hehman Hall was used for seating, where Mass was livestreamed. “The ushers worked hard,” Mike says. “Usually, we get enough ushers we can rotate through them, but during the first eight months of the pandemic, they were working every Sunday with no break.” Currently, 30 to 35 ushers are covering six Masses. Most are younger parishioners because the older ushers faced COVID-19 concerns. Through all the COVID-19 restrictions, and now that we are returning to more normal activities, our ushers always have been a vital part of Mass. “Seeing a friendly face is important,” Irene says. “During the pandemic, my husband and I ushered at the 5 p.m. Sunday Mass. People are so excited to see the same people.” Those coming to Mass make connections with the ushers each Sunday and receive their hospitality not only in their greeting but also as they leave the cathedral. The ushers have been able to express that hospitality even when they were still required to wear masks for safety’s sake. “The idea is to provide a safe environment,” Mike says. “Without the ushers, we wouldn’t have an opened church. They’ve done an excellent job.” The ushers’ duties of maintaining safety while welcoming others have made an impact on the ushers themselves. “Mike and I have worked hard,” Irene says. “Spiritually, it enriches you. We’re all one people and it has taken a lot to be able to worship each continued on page 5
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Spiritually, it enriches you. We’re all one people and it has taken a lot to be able to worship each Sunday. It makes you value the fact that you can go into the church and be safe. As things were pulled away, you miss all that. And realize how you want that — for example, having the holy water fonts.
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— Irene Nuzzo
Continuing to Welcome All into God’s Home Sunday. It makes you value the fact that you can go into the church and be safe. As things were pulled away, you miss all that. And realize how you want that — for example, having the holy water fonts.” As Usher Ministry coordinators, Mike and Irene, along with their teams, had been able to observe the flow of people attending Mass and observed what was necessary to keep everyone safe. “We had a lot of information, and we could see how the people moved,” Irene says. As pandemic restrictions have eased, there is a need for additional ushers. The necessary traits are physical mobility and a friendly demeanor.
“He or she must have the understanding we need to make all feel welcome,” Irene says. “We are the first thing people see when they come into church,” Mike says. “It’s like opening your home, you want to welcome them. We’re welcoming them to our, to God’s home.”
Anyone interested in joining the Ushers Ministry may call Irene and Mike Nuzzo at 412-848-9141.
Upcoming School Year: Exciting Changes Planned with a Return to Normal After the Pandemic continued from front cover forward to getting back to a sense of normalcy. One major change for the upcoming school year will be a new Principal. Mrs. Smith will be moving to take a Principal position at St. Aloysius in the Archdiocese of Louisville. She has been Principal at Christ the King School since 2015 and a faculty member since 2007. “I will greatly miss the school, but I am excited for new possibilities and living closer to our daughter, who lives in Louisville,” she says. Heralding a return to normalcy this year will be several fundraising projects. Some of these were altered or canceled last year. Mrs. Smith says many parents enjoy being involved in this part of school life, and this will be an opportunity to return to that. At the end of the 2020-2021 school year, the Boosterthon was held for the students, as were the Spring Fling and the Grandparent Loyalty Circle. Parents were very supportive of these events. “The parents want to see the school succeed, and they want their children to learn in a faith-
based environment,” Mrs. Smith says. Another highly anticipated change is the new office area at the front of the school. Visitors will need to check in before they can come in contact with students or staff. The current office area will be used for preschool. This year, all students will have some introduction to St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Previously, only eighth-grade students were introduced to these teachings. Mrs. Smith is thankful for all the support of parishioners. The school is the largest ministry of the parish, and our school staff does important work each day to spread the joy of the Gospel. “Leading the future of our parish, the children, to be part of the church and follow God’s teachings is necessary to keep the church growing,” Mrs. Smith says. As Christ the King students, faculty, and staff embark on a new school year, we offer our prayers and wish them much courage and grace for the year ahead. 5
Connection The
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The Faith
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eing a performer and a comedian may sound like a fun way to make a living. St. Genesius, an outstanding actor, playwright and comedian in late Imperial Rome, certainly did have some fun for a while. But his career and life came to an abrupt end when his work ultimately led him to Christ. Genesius was a comedian of some renown, but in the fourth century, Christians were often discouraged from becoming actors because ancient Roman comedy was highly sexual, crude and offensive. In the year 303, Emperor Diocletian launched what would be the last great Roman persecution against the Christian Church. So, Genesius used the persecution as an opportunity to write a comedy about Christianity. He thought it might attract the attention of the Emperor, increase his fame, and make him some money in the process. Genesius approached leaders of the Christian community in Rome and presented himself as a catechumen seeking Baptism. He was then invited into a period of instruction in the faith, in order to learn the beliefs of the Christians. He was particularly taken by the idea of Baptism. But at the time, he had no plans to convert to the faith – it was all just a part of his plan to research new material to use for his comedy. But a strange thing happened 6
of St.
to Genesius as he began to work on his play, which was to be a comedy on Baptism. As Genesius began teaching the other actors about Baptism, he began to believe, and a desire to be baptized grew within his heart. The opening night of the play was a great success, with Emperor Diocletian in attendance. But at some point during the play, the Holy Spirit touched Genesius. He was no longer acting. “You fools, I wish to die a Christian,” Genesius said. When the other actors asked him why, he said, “All my life I have been a fugitive, and only today have I found God.” Everyone, especially Emperor Diocletian, laughed as Genesius spoke. Genesius, standing in a pulpit designed to look like the goddess Venus, began to preach to the audience. He told the crowd how he once hated Christians and enjoyed insulting them. He told the crowd how he deserted his own family as a child because they were Christians. From there, Genesius addressed Diocletian, stating that he wrote the play to mock Christians, but had been converted on the spot during the course of the play, by the power of the Holy Spirit. “I now know that the Lord Jesus Christ is the true God, the Light, the Truth and the Mercy of all who have received His gift of Baptism,” Genesius said. “O great Emperor, believe in these
Genesius
mysteries! I will teach you, and you will know the Lord Jesus Christ is the true God.” Diocletian was furious and stopped the play, having the troupe arrested and beaten, while Genesius was condemned to torture. Through all of his sufferings, he continued to confess that Jesus was God. When this failed to break his spirit, Diocletian ordered Genesius be beheaded. His final words were, “Our Lord Jesus Christ is God and we shall have life in His name.” St. Genesius is the patron of comedians and actors. His feast day is Aug. 25.
The Breakfast Book Club: Finding Faith and Fellowship in a Shared Love of Reading
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his last year, as He simply loved it and we all spent more always said it was his time in our homes than road to sanity. Now we usual, reading became a are a smaller group and rediscovered pastime for meet on Thursdays in many. Some of us may the rectory dining room. have enjoyed “armchair Someone brings food traveling” to various — donuts or rolls or countries through the something like that — pages of a memoir, while and we fix up a pot of others appreciated the coffee. Then we discuss distraction of adventure the book we’ve read for and mystery stories. that meeting.” We may have sought Over the years, the spiritual counsel in Breakfast Book Club has the works of the saints chosen writing from a or a close reading wide variety of genres for of Scripture. As the their group discussions. members of the Christ Selected titles have the King Breakfast included both fiction and Book Club know from non-fiction, religious firsthand experience, the and secular books. Each benefits of a daily reading participant brings his habit are priceless! or her own perspective The Breakfast to each work that is Book Club has been a read, though all group The first meeting for the year will be the second Thursday of fixture in our parish for September, and the book selection is Michelle Obama’s Becoming. members have at least many years, providing one thing in common — parishioners with the a shared love of reading. opportunity for enriching fellowship and book “I’m part of the book club because I love to read,” discussion. Colette says. “I usually have about three books that “It started a long time ago, maybe 15 years,” I’m reading at any given time. For example, right says longtime book club member Colette Irtz. “I now I’m reading our book club book, a murder think Fr. Herman started it — he used to come. mystery, and a Bible study book.” continued on back cover
“You get to know members of Christ the King that you otherwise might not meet. Only one of the other members of the group goes to Mass at the same time I do, and I would have never met the others if I didn’t have the book club. Christ the King is such a big parish — you get to know people better by being part of a group.” — Colette Irtz 7
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299 Colony Blvd. | Lexington, KY 40502 cathedralctk.org | (859) 268-2861
The Breakfast Book Club
continued from page 7
As Colette points out, participating in a smallgroup activity such as the Breakfast Book Club is a wonderful way to cultivate new friendships within our faith community. “You get to know members of Christ the King that you otherwise might not meet,” she says. “Only one of the other members of the group goes to Mass at the same time I do, and I would have never met the others if I didn’t have the book club. Christ the King is such a big parish — you get to know people better by being part of a group.” All are welcome to join our Breakfast Book Club. The group meets in the rectory on Thursday mornings from 8:45 to 10:30 a.m., September through April. Even those who have not had a
chance to read a particular week’s book selection are invited to come fellowship with this group and see what it is all about!
Our Breakfast Book Club is getting ready to start back up after the summer hiatus! If you are interested in learning more about this group, please call Colette Irtz at 859-245-7245.
LITURGY SCHEDULE
Saturday Vigil - 5:00 p.m.|Sunday - 7:30 a.m.; 9:00 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Daily (Monday to Saturday) - 8:00 a.m.|(Monday to Friday) - 5:30 p.m. Reconciliation: Wednesday 4:45 - 5:20 p.m., Saturday 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. | First Sunday of the month 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.