A Letter From Our Cathedral Rector: Grateful to Serve in This Stewardship Community

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

As this is the June issue of King’s Connection, this will be my last article as rector. King’s Connection was originally established to make sure that all our parishioners and those who love our parish would be able to stay connected with life here. King’s Connection has evolved as our concept of stewardship has grown. This monthly publication helps us to understand, appreciate and connect with our many ministries and facets of life here. King’s Connection is a monthly reminder that we are all called to a kind of discipleship which is generous not only with our financial support, but also with our with our prayers and volunteer efforts.

As I write today, I am offering a personal gratitude list.

1. Our pastoral staff, with their range of personalities, specific talents, and dedication to Jesus and to the people and mission of our parish. We care for one another and we work together well. They trust me — and I trust them. 2. The priests I have lived with and served with. I have had some wonderful adventures serving with priests in their first assignments, with international priests, with Fr. Gino and his creative enthusiasm, and of course sharing faith and joy with Fr. Ray. 3. Bishop John. I am grateful for his confidence in me, his kindness and compassion for people who are hurting, his wisdom and courage as a prophetic leader, and his dedication to connect with the people of Christ the King — and with people in all our parishes. 4. The members of our councils and committees.

Of course, we often encounter one another in meetings. I have attended many meetings over the years — many meetings. I believe real life and real ministry often take place at meetings because of the faith and wisdom of the good people gathered around the table. Much of our best ministry has begun within the context of a meeting. 5. I am grateful for the joy and enthusiasm of our children. Whether at a time like First Communions,

Confirmation, or graduations, in special school programs, seeing the children on the playground, or in summer Bible School, and in many other settings, our children have a way of lifting my spirits. 6. The media and in-person adjustments we have made during the time of the pandemic have touched many of you in ways our ordinary ministry might not have been able to achieve. We wanted to continue to minister during this very limited year — and with the help of volunteers and some creativity, we have been able to do so in ways that will continue once we return to normal. 7. I cannot say enough about my joy at the success of our Capital Campaign. I tried to stress that we are all called to do what we can to take care of our spiritual home and you responded generously. I have been amazed at and touched by the variety of ways we have been able to get the message out.

I am proud to have been a member of our Capital

Campaign team! 8. I believe that in these six years that I have served here, our parish has taken some significant steps to embrace our role as the cathedral of our diocese and to also draw from our potential to support and encourage the ministry which is taking place all over our diocese — and beyond. It is tempting to be a bit insular — thank you for thinking and living more expansively. 9. Part of life these days is an escalation of the gaps engendered by diversity and the challenge to honor and work together with those whose opinions are different than ours. We have many programs here; we have something for everyone; we try to respect everyone. 10. I am grateful for the many prayerful people here.

Our weekday Masses are well attended; we seem to always have long confession lines; we have a strong cadre of people dedicated to Eucharistic Adoration; our weekend Masses are always beautiful and reverent; we have many prayer groups; and prayer is at the heart of what we do and who we are.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Paul Prabell, Rector

Fr. Paul Prabell, Rector