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MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Inside
DECEMBER 2021
Hospitality Ministries:
A Great Way to Serve and Provide a Warm Welcome to All
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s Catholics, we can recognize the idea of providing a warm and friendly welcome as a scriptural one — as St. Paul wrote, “Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels” (Hebrews 13:2). Here at the Cathedral of Christ the King, hospitality ministers, or ushers, have a very special role within the church on Sundays. “We are called by Christ to be welcoming,” says Matt Whelan, who recently began coordinating our parish ushers. “I want to be that face that makes others feel welcome. If someone is new to the parish or the faith, being greeted and welcomed in is their first impression. We want to help people feel like they belong. It is being a good steward of Christ and helping our congregation enter into a space of prayer.” These Hospitality Ministers who
2 Keeping Things in Perspective During the Christmas Season 3
Stewardship Possibilities are Endless at Christmas
4 Eucharistic Adoration: welcome people as they arrive set the tone for these parishioners as they enter the church for worship. “As Catholics, the Eucharist is the source and summit,” Matt says. “If we are that welcoming face for people at Mass, it draws people in and it permeates through the rest of the parish.” Our ushers’ role is not difficult — greeting all who enter with a smile and a welcome, answering any questions, and passing out continued on page 5
6 What is the Immaculate Conception? 7 Annual Giving Tree Shares Blessings with Those in Need in Our Community
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KEEPING THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE
During the Christmas Season
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he Christmas season has arrived. Garlands, poinsettias, lights, and Christmas trees are starting to pop up in homes and businesses. Cookies are being baked, holiday guests are arriving, and Christmas cards are flooding our mailboxes. This joyous season is now upon us. But before we know it, in just a few short weeks, the Christmas cards will be replaced with holiday bills and statements reminding us of the money we spent on holiday gifts for our loved ones. So how are you financially handling the holiday season thus far? Perhaps you are staying within your means by planning a detailed budget and remaining within its limits. You may be taking advantage of seasonal sales in order to purchase that otherwise expensive, sought-after item. Maybe you are simply overspending on unnecessary items, having been drawn in by the seasonal marketing campaigns. The financial pressures of creating the perfect holiday scenario can be quite daunting, especially in America, where the “buy now, pay later” philosophy prevails. Of course, we all want to provide a wonderful Christmas experience for our family and friends. But at what cost? As good stewards of our financial resources, we are called to be responsible with our money throughout the entire year, even at Christmas. Take a moment to remember last Christmas. Do you remember all the presents you received? Probably not. Instead, you probably remember the way a certain food tasted, or the smell of the Christmas tree, or how the beautiful lights glistened in the dark. You most likely remember the feelings of joy caused by sharing a special occasion with loved ones. These are the memories that truly matter most, rather than what was packaged under the tree. Though most of us believe this in our hearts, each year we find ourselves focusing on the material aspects of Christmas, sometimes forgetting the 2
true reason for the season – the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior. After all, it wouldn’t feel like Christmas if we didn’t buy nice presents for every person on our long gift list – or would it? Perhaps, instead of just buying and spending, we could use our talents to share with others. Or, as busy as we are these days, maybe we could actually spend more time with those we love. We could make a gingerbread house with our grandchildren, or brew up a cup of hot cocoa and watch It’s A Wonderful Life with our family at our side. We are often so busy shopping, we don’t have time for sharing of ourselves. As good stewards, we are called to share our time and talent with others to glorify God, just as much as we are called to share our treasure. And even if we are fortunate enough to have the financial means to shower our friends and family with gifts, should we so recklessly spend our money? Aren’t there better places to utilize our God-given treasure? Keeping our finances in perspective can be difficult, but asking God’s guidance as we make our financial decisions this holiday season is a perfect way to stay on track. Ask God to help you be a good steward. Ask God to give you the strength not to overspend as a result of guilt or a desire to “show off.” Indeed, true friends and family members will love you for your gesture, rather than the size of their gifts.
A Letter From Our Cathedral Rector
Stewardship Possibilities are Endless at Christmas Dear Brothers and Sisters:
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hen I think of December, the first thing that comes to my mind is Christmas. While that may seem obvious, there are several other possibilities. I could think of Advent, which prepares us for Christmas. I could think of the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation, and the patronal festival of the United States. I could think of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose popularity has spread far beyond the Hispanic community. December also brings the winter solstice. And it brings the end of the secular calendar year, which means getting my financials together for the upcoming income tax season. But instead, I think of Christmas — one of the greatest feasts of the Christian year, along with Easter and Pentecost. The basic truth of Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus the Messiah, God Incarnate, is plenty of reason for us all to rejoice and worship. But we’ve piled so much extra baggage on our Christmas observance, and worship is often almost lost in the shuffle. We send Christmas cards to people we contact at no other time of the year. We put up wreaths, Christmas trees, and lights. We host parties for family and friends. We visit relatives. We plan and prepare Christmas meals. And we have Christmas gifts to buy. No wonder the Christ Mass becomes an afterthought! Maybe, though, we can combine our Christmas activities with our stewardship commitments. Treasure is the simplest. Shouldn’t the most expensive Christmas present we give be the one
to Jesus whose birthday we’re celebrating? Risen and glorified, He needs nothing we have. But His Body — the Church — continues Jesus’ mission here on earth and always needs additional resources. Time and Talent may be a little more complicated, but can’t we spend a little more of our time in worship and prayer? Stop by the church for a visit to the Christmas Crib and offer a prayer of thanks for the gift of God’s Son. Attend Mass each day of the Christmas Octave. Gather your family for prayers together in the morning or at dinner in preparation for Christmas Day and through the Christmas season. And Talent? There are lots of possibilities: Sing in the choir for the Christmas Masses. Help decorate the Church. Cook or bake for someone who is homebound. Invite someone who will be alone to share Christmas dinner with your family. Offer to work in a soup kitchen if you will be alone. The possibilities are endless. Yes, December means Christmas. But with some planning, we can make this hectic time a real blessing both for ourselves and others. Pray for me that I can keep Christmas properly, and I’ll pray for you. And by the way, have a Merry Christmas! Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. John Moriarty 3
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Eucharistic Adoration: SPENDING TIME WITH
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All parishioners are encouraged to visit Jesus in adoration at any time, for any length of time that they are able. However, there is a great need for regular adorers to commit to an hour or serve as substitutes.
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ith Advent beginning and the Christmas season around the corner, many of us are left wondering how we can best welcome the Infant Jesus into the depths of our hearts. Amid the hustle and bustle that too easily smothers out the peace of Advent, we need to take serious steps to make sure we prepare our souls to receive the glorious message of Christ’s salvation and celebrate His Holy Birth. One such step is by spending time with the True Presence of Christ in Eucharistic Adoration. “Going to adoration is a great way to prepare your heart to welcome the Christ Child,” says Debbie Pfeifer, a member of the Adoration Committee who handles the scheduling. “When you spend time with Jesus in adoration, you spend time with the ‘reason’ for the seasons of Advent and Christmas. Amid the noise, hustling, and bustling of that time of year, it helps you spend time in silent recollection. It gives you such a deep connection with Him!” For the past 20 years, our parish has had the beautiful blessing of Perpetual Adoration, meaning that Jesus has been exposed in our Adoration Chapel 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is currently organized by a dedicated Adoration Committee, which is headed up by Duncan Taylor. Only God knows the countless graces and favors that have been showered down upon our parish family and the world around us because of this Eucharistic blessing in our midst. “One time, Fr. Larry Richards (a priest featured on Dr. Ray’s show on the Eternal Word Television Network) gave a Lenten retreat at our parish and said that wherever there is a Perpetual Adoration chapel, abortion will not remain in that area,” Debbie says. “And in fact, our local abortion clinic has closed! Going to adoration can also help those who are grieving. Over the years, I have received calls from people all over the diocese, requesting to come to adoration at our parish because they have lost a loved one,
THE “REASON FOR THE SEASONS” THIS ADVENT and they just need to spend time with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.” While in adoration, adorers are free to pray in any reverent way that helps them grow closer to the Heart of Christ, humbly exposed in the monstrance. “In Adoration, you can pray a Rosary, enjoy doing some good Catholic reading, or just sit and gaze at Him and let Him gaze at you,” Debbie says. “You can bring your own prayer books, or make use of some of the good Christian books which are available in the small library in the chapel. I really just enjoy being with Jesus when
I am there and praying for guidance. Sometimes I do my Bible study homework in adoration, and when I ask the Holy Spirit to open my heart and mind to the Word, it definitely happens.” All parishioners are encouraged to visit Jesus in adoration at any time, for any length of time that they are able. However, there is a great need for regular adorers to commit to an hour or serve as substitutes. “If you are able to give an hour, this enables us to keep the Adoration Chapel open 24 hours a day, for those who may want to come in time of need,” Debbie says.
Those who would like to sign up for an hour of adoration may do so at https://www.cathedralctk.org/perpetual-adoration. You may also refer to the schedule posted outside the St. Kevin Perpetual Adoration Chapel and contact any one of the hourly coordinators listed there to indicate your interest. Hispanic parishioners can contact Spanish-speaking coordinator, as well.
Hospitality Ministries
continued from front cover
bulletins as people leave. In turn, this is a great ministry in which families can serve together. “There are a lot of ministries in the church that just cannot be done with children,” Matt says. “Whether you are a lector or a Eucharistic Minister, it is great for your children to see you involved and helping at Mass, it just isn’t something they can do. The Hospitality Ministry is unique in that it involves them and demonstrates to them how important it is to help and volunteer. If you bring your children in and have them help in this ministry, that will be ingrained in them as they get older and they will
desire to continue to participate in these important ministries. “My 4, 7, and 9-year-olds come and stand with me,” he adds. “We greet others and hand out bulletins. They enjoy being involved and we encourage them to be.” For parishioners who are interested in exploring this ministry with their families, Matt encourages them to reach out and talk to him or one of the lead ushers at Mass. He adds that it is something that you do not have to commit to, but can try it out to see if it is something that works for your family.
If you would like to find out more about getting involved in this ministry, please contact Matt Whelan at matt.e.whelan@gmail.com or 859-684-2581. 5
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What is the Immaculate Conception?
A Closer Look at this Important Feast Day — Dec. 8
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hen it comes to Catholic trivia, there is one simple question that often evokes an incorrect response: “What is the Immaculate Conception?” More often than not, this term is believed to designate Christ’s conception within Mary, through the power of the Holy Spirit. A good guess, no doubt. But that is incorrect! The term “Immaculate Conception” describes the state of Mary’s soul within the womb of her mother, St. Anne. It has nothing to do with a special type of generative conception by her parents — Mary’s body was formed in the usual manner by her mother and father. Instead, the term “Immaculate Conception” describes how Mary was preserved from the stain of original sin from the first moment of her existence. Every person since Adam and Eve has been born with the stain of original sin, which can be washed away in the cleansing waters of Baptism. Yet, this fallen state never touched the soul of Mary, the new Eve. She was conceived with original sanctity and innocence, escaping all faults, depraved emotions and passions, and remained sinless. She was not exempt from the temporal penalties of Adam, however — including sorrow. The belief in Mary’s Immaculate Conception has been held by the Church throughout history, though only officially declared a dogma in 1854 by Pope
Pius IX. Highly devoted to the Blessed Virgin, Pius IX hoped the official definition would draw emphasis to the already existing belief, thereby inspiring deeper devotion to Mary. This dogma finds its roots in both Scripture and Tradition, and remains consistent with reason and the teachings of our early Church fathers. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated every year on Dec. 8 and is one of the few declared Holy Days of Obligation on the Church calendar. All Catholics are obligated to attend Mass on this day. Why not make this liturgical feast a special day of devotion? Bring a rose to place before an image of the Blessed Virgin in the church sanctuary, or arrange a little altar at home for your children to decorate. Recite the Magnificat and discuss the Church’s teaching on the Immaculate Conception. Once this beautiful feast is brought alive in our hearts and in our homes, we will never again mistakenly answer that “tricky” question, “What is the Immaculate Conception?”
THE MAGNIFICAT My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His Name. He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation. 6
He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has come to the help of His servant Israel for He remembered His promise of mercy, the promise He made to our fathers, to Abraham and His children for ever.
Annual Giving Tree
Shares Blessings with Those in Need in Our Community
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f you haven’t chosen a a part of the Community card from the Giving Outreach Ministry at Tree yet, there still is Christ the King, and Holy time to share the love Trinity Church of Harlan of Christ with others is our sister church.” in our community as The charities all we celebrate the joyous together receive a total season of Christmas. of about 1,300 gifts. The Christmas Giving And each sends thanks Tree began on Nov. 20 and gratitude for the and will continue through generosity of Christ the Dec. 12. Parishioners not King parishioners. only can provide gifts, “This is an opportunity gift cards, and monetary for our parishioners donations but the gift of to help those in need time is valued, as well. and is a great volunteer “The Christmas Giving opportunity for families,” Tree is an Outreach Tracie says. “There are Ministry at Christ the King several ways parishioners that distributes donations can take part. We need to local charities during help to make labels, cut the Christmas season,” and hang the cards in the says Tracie Woodard, church, gather the gifts The Christ the King Giving Tree Giving Tree team leader. delivered by parishioners “As parishioners at Christ the King, we are called to and put them in storage, and to sort, inventory, serve our community. The Christmas Giving Tree, and box the gifts for delivery.” along with our other programs in the Outreach Although the ministry is titled “the Christmas Ministry, provide an organized way for everyone to Giving Tree,” it is a perfect opportunity to enter be involved and give back year-round.” into the season of Advent. Several local charities receive the gifts from “The Advent season is a time of reflection and our Giving Tree, including Birthright, Catholic preparation,” Tracie says. “It gives us the chance Charities, Christians in Community Service, Holy to put others first. The Christmas Giving Tree Trinity Church of Harlan, St. Vincent de Paul, and provides that opportunity to our parishioners. the Hope Center. The donations given now are used throughout the “The Christmas Giving Tree partners with year by our charities, and really have a lasting these charities every year,” Tracie says. “They are impact.”
For more information on donating or volunteering to help with the Giving Tree, contact Tracie Woodard at 859-608-8005 or woodard01@aol.com. 7
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299 Colony Blvd. | Lexington, KY 40502 cathedralctk.org | (859) 268-2861
Christmas Schedule Friday Dec. 24 — Vigil for Christmas 4 p.m., Fr. Al 6:30 p.m., Fr. John 8:30 p.m., Fr. David Midnight, Bishop John
Saturday Dec. 25 — Christmas Day 9 a.m., Fr. David 11:30 a.m., Fr. John NO VIGIL MASS ON DEC. 25 FOR SUNDAY. Dec. 26 — Feast of the Holy Family 7:30 a.m., Fr. David 9 a.m., Fr. John 11:30 a.m., Fr. Al 5 p.m., Fr. John
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.