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MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS:
Learning Christ-Centered Service and Leadership
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t is God’s desire for us to respect and enjoy the natural world, and to get outside and experience it. And here in our faith community, the American Heritage Girls program, or AHG, helps train girls to be Christ-centered leaders and to learn those all-important outdoor skills. Carlye Thacker was a Girl Scout troop leader for 14 years but has really enjoyed her time with the AHG program because of the emphasis on faith and building confidence through acquiring skills. “It teaches girls that it is great to be a girl, and you can do it all,” Carlye says. “I love the program in that way and how it is set up.”
Inside MAY 2021
2 This Month, We Reflect on Mothers and Stewardship
3 Renewing Our Promises as Disciples of Jesus
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Girls gather for the American Heritage Girls Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser in 2020.
4 The New Parishioner Receptions: Helping People to Find a “Second Home” at Cathedral of Christ the King 6 The Rosary: Our Lady’s Lasso 7 Meet the Hands of Mary Vocation Committee Bringing Love to the Church
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This Month, We Reflect on
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Mothers and Stewardship
e celebrate the month of Mary during May, and during this month, we also celebrate Mother’s Day. It seems fitting that we honor our mothers during May, since Mary is given to us by God as the example of true Christian motherhood. Those who are called to be mothers have been blessed by God and called to fulfill a very important responsibility. Mothers are the vehicle through which God brings new life into this world. When we talk about Christian stewardship, we talk about sacrificially returning to God what we have been given. What can more clearly be a demonstration of complete sacrifice than the relationship between mother and child during the nine months of growth in the womb? During these nine months, the child’s life depends on the actions of the mother as her energy and nourishment goes directly to the growing baby. Although this relationship may change to some extent after the child is born, a mother’s sacrifice for her child is far from over after the birth. The role of the mother is critical in the child’s development —
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both spiritually and physically — throughout life. Mothers provide the comfort, nurture and support necessary for their children to become productive citizens and responsible Christians. The job of a mother is not an easy one. This is a fact that Mary, the mother of Jesus, knew very well. She worried when her young Son appeared to be lost, only to find Him later in His Father’s house. She was probably concerned as Jesus began His public ministry — not knowing what difficulties and rejections He would encounter along the way. And, Mary must have experienced great anguish as she watched her Son’s body being crucified to a cross. May all mothers look to Mary as their model for motherhood and ask her intercession as they strive to fulfill their God-given role in their children’s lives. During the month of May, let us all take some time to express our appreciation to our mothers for allowing us to come into this world, for loving us, and for serving as an example of what it means to be a steward for life.
A Letter From Our Cathedral Rector
RENEWING OUR PROMISES AS DISCIPLES OF JESUS Dear Brothers and Sisters:
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n the Tuesday of Holy Week, the annual Chrism Mass took place here. It was able to be attended by priests, deacon couples, and three representatives from every parish in the diocese. At the Mass, the Bishop calls for the priests to renew their priestly promises. The text follows… Beloved sons, on the anniversary of the time when Christ our Lord conferred His priesthood on the apostles and on us, are you resolved to renew in the presence of your Bishop and God’s holy people, the promises you once made? I AM. Are you resolved to be more united with our Lord Jesus and more closely conformed to Him, denying yourselves and confirming those promises about sacred duties towards Christ’s Church which, prompted by love of Him, you willingly and joyfully pledged on the day of your priestly ordination? I AM. Are you resolved to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God in the Holy Eucharist and other liturgical rites, and to discharge faithfully the sacred office of teaching, following Christ the Head and Shepherd, not seeking any gain, but moved only by zeal for souls? I AM. (Yes, I am resolved to be a good priest… even on bad days… even when I feel unworthy… yup, even in the uncertainties of retirement… I cannot think of a better way for me to live my life.) Then the Bishop addresses the congregation… As for you, dearest sons and daughters, pray for your Priests, that the Lord may pour out His gifts abundantly upon them and keep them faithful as ministers of Christ, the High Priest, so that they may lead you to Him, who is the source of salvation. CHRIST, HEAR US, CHRIST, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US. And pray also for me, that I may be faithful to the apostolic office entrusted to me in my lowliness and that in your midst I may be made, day by day, a living and more perfect image of Christ, the Priest, the Good Shepherd, the Teacher and Servant of all. CHRIST, HEAR US, CHRIST, GRACIOUSLY HEAR US.
Disciple
Thank you for your encouragement and inspiration and eagerness to be a disciple of Jesus. It is a blessing and an honor to walk with, to lead you and — more times than you know — to be edified by your faith, hope, and charity. Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Paul Prabell, Rector
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THE NEW PARISHIONER RECEPTIONS:
Helping People to Find a “Second Home” at Cathedral of Christ the King
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here is something special about gathering around a table for a meal. Whether it’s something as festive as a holiday dinner with extended family, or as low-key as Friday night pizza, food has the power to bring people together and help them to connect and build relationships. Even in Jesus’ life and ministry, there is a theme of people gathering together to “break bread.” Here at the Cathedral of Christ the King, we hope to meet and welcome those who have recently joined our community at our New Parishioner Receptions. And while our typical evenings of in-person food and fellowship have temporarily moved to the Zoom videoconferencing platform during the pandemic, we hope that these will still be
Our New Parishioner Receptions have temporarily moved to Zoom, but we hope to welcome newcomers, in person, again soon.
an opportunity for people to experience the warmth of our Cathedral community. “We try to provide some kind of a reception or welcome event where they can meet other new parishioners, as well as staff members, ministry leaders, and Parish Council to give them an overview of this parish they’ve joined,” says Katie Sheppard, our Director of Advancement at the Cathedral. Our community typically welcomes 100-160 new parish families a year, and despite the limitations of the pandemic, newcomers have continued to join. The hope is to host these welcome events once a quarter or so. Although the Zoom receptions look a bit different, they provided an opportunity for those who have recently
registered to connect with other parishioners, our priests, and staff who want to welcome them. Newcomers were divided into small breakout groups based on their stage in life, and ministry leaders and staff were available to answer questions. Katie hopes that these events will help people feel connected within the parish community, and allow them to explore where they might use their gifts to serve and become involved. “I want it to make the difference between someone who just sits in the pew and doesn’t interact with anyone, versus someone who feels invited to be actively involved in the life of the parish beyond Sunday Mass,” Katie says. “I want them to feel excited about the prospect of a ministry they feel called to, or an encounter they want to repeat.
If you would like more information on how to get involved with preparing food or via another role in our New Parishioner Receptions, please visit https://cathedralctk.org/hospitality. The next Zoom gathering for newcomers is scheduled for June 21. 4
American Heritage Girls continued from front cover
“The more connections you have, the more ownership you feel, and the more you want to then create that for somebody else,” she adds. “It’s the difference between 'this is the church I go to' vs. 'the church I belong to.'” Parishioner Jenn Stosberg was struck by the sense of welcome and hospitality she experienced when she joined the parish several years ago and became involved in helping with the New Parishioner Receptions during COVID. “I’m from Louisville — I didn’t know anybody at the parish, but they’ve always been so nice,” Jenn says. “That’s what I’ve always liked the best about this parish, just how welcoming everyone is.” Katie and Jenn hope that other parishioners will consider what role they might play in welcoming our new parishioners, whether by offering a smile to someone they don’t recognize or by preparing part of a meal. “I would love for people who can’t give their time, to commit to bringing a casserole or to come and set up and leave a little note for a family saying, ‘We’re glad you’re here!’ so they just feel wrapped in love,” Katie says. “We’re all called to be ushers in one way or another — we’re all called to usher people in.” “If you like talking to people and meeting people, the New Parishioner Receptions are a great way to get involved,” Jenn adds. “I want people to feel like, even if they don’t know anyone, we’re approachable and friendly. That’s what first attracted me to the parish and I want to be part of that.”
The group at Cathedral of Christ the King is for girls ages 5 to 18. The oldest girls in our program are in ninth grade. All of the age groups gather for monthly activities — for Carlye, it is encouraging for the younger girls to look up to the older girls as role models. The older girls meet twice a month to work on badges including Theater, My Style, Family Helper, World Heritage, and Citizenship and Government. Carlye has enjoyed seeing three of her girls experience AHG and all there is to offer. Carlye also has a son who has participated in the Trail Life USA program. “So much of education is not in a classroom,” she says. “It’s learning how to interact with people, trust people, and develop friendships. These are fundamental skills that are as important as learning how to read, write and count.” The AHG program isn’t just for Catholics, but there are some Catholic badges, like learning about a specific saint. Carlye also makes sure the girls celebrate important days and seasons like All Saints Day and Advent. To fundraise, the group has its Chili Cook-Off at the cathedral each year, but this has been put on hold until after the COVID-19 pandemic. The groups have been meeting, as able, during the pandemic via some outside meetings and virtual get-togethers. For Carlye, it’s important to keep that connection with each other, as the girls have grown close through this program. The group also works on service projects. For example, they did a canned food drive for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. Beginning next year, the program emphasis will be shifting to highlight camping and outdoor skills. For most in this program, Carlye included, the outdoor activities and camping are the highlights. In addition to this outdoor emphasis, the program will continue to offer the girls all sorts of skills, including being a good citizen, family life, the arts, and science, all within the context of our faith. “This program gives girls a chance to try new things and get comfortable doing them,” Carlye says. “It’s important to be able to make a fire and be comfortable outdoors. The more comfortable you become with new skills, the more confident you feel.” Carlye has witnessed firsthand the difference AHG has made in her daughters’ lives. The faith aspect of this program has been so important to her and her family, and she looks forward to many more years of fun and learning through AHG. “My girls have learned to think about other people and care about them," she says. "They are learning how to work to help other people. That is very valuable. It’s the most important thing for their future.”
If you would like to learn more about American Heritage Girls, please contact Carlye Thacker at 859-619-1690 or carlye_annie@yahoo.com or visit cathedralctk.org/american-heritage-girls. 5
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THE ROSARY: Our Lady’s Lasso
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here was a priest who once said, “It is no coincidence that rosaries look like lassos, as Our Lady wraps them around lost souls and pulls them out of the depths of hell.” This thought is comforting but provokes inquiry — what exactly is the Rosary, how does one pray it, and why should one pray it? Since May is the month of Mary, this is a great time to consider the theology behind this intense spiritual weapon. There are two putative origins of the Rosary. For many centuries, it was believed that the Blessed Virgin appeared to St. Dominic and exhorted him to encourage the use of the Angelic Salutation — or Hail Mary — for the conversion of souls and comfort of the afflicted. Modern scholarship traces the Rosary back to Irish monasticism of the ninth century. Monks would pray all 150 psalms or “psalters” every day, a form of prayer too complicated for uneducated laypeople without access to copies of Scripture. So, many began reciting the Lord’s Prayer or the Angelic Salutation in response to each psalm, keeping count with pebbles or a knotted rope. Through many centuries, the Rosary evolved into three sets of five mysteries, each mystery consisting of 10 Angelic Salutations and one Lord’s Prayer recited while meditating upon the life, death or glory of Jesus Christ. In The Secret of the Rosary, St. Louis de Montfort expounds the dynamics of the Rosary. The prayer consists of both vocal or exterior prayer, and meditative or interior prayer. The first vocal component of the Rosary, the Creed, is important because faith is “the foundation of all Christian virtues, of all eternal virtues, and also of all prayers 6
that are pleasing to Almighty God.” The Lord’s Prayer is the “perfect prayer” to the God of heaven because it was authored by Christ, is free of all human limitations, and “contains all the duties we owe to God, the acts of all the virtues and the petitions for all our spiritual and corporal needs.” The Hail Mary blesses the name of Mary and her Divine Son and implores her powerful intercession as mediatrix of graces. But the Rosary is not simply a physical incantation. Vocal prayer is accompanied by contemplation of the mysteries of Christ’s life and the virtues of the Virgin Mary. It is by lifting the incorporeal soul in prayer that one quiets the passions, tastes the peace of Christ, marvels at His loving plans and promises, and grows in the desire to emulate Him and His sinless mother. Because the soul animates the body, a strengthened soul means nobility of action and a will that is commensurate with the will of God. As St. Louis de Montfort says, “The Rosary is a blessed blending of mental and vocal prayer by which we honor and learn to imitate the mysteries and the virtues of the life, death, passion and glory of Jesus and Mary.” The Rosary’s emphasis on both vocal and meditative prayer caters to man’s nature as an embodied soul — one’s entire being, both physical and spiritual, cries out to God in praise, repentance, thanksgiving and supplication. Thus, it is no surprise that the magisterium and countless saints have encouraged devotion to the Rosary. Pope St. John Paul II said of the prayer, “The Rosary is my favorite prayer, marvelous in its simplicity and its depth.” The late pontiff also added five more “luminous” mysteries to the Rosary to help the faithful meditate upon significant moments in Christ’s earthly ministry.
MEET THE HANDS OF MARY VOCATION COMMITTEE Bringing Love to the Church
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ithout laborers to take care of the “vineyard” of Our Lord, the vineyard will grow dry, become unfruitful, and eventually die out. Without priests, there will be no Sacrifice of the Mass, and without the Mass, the world will not survive. As St. Padre Pio once said, “It would be easier for the world to survive without the sun than to do without Holy Mass.” Thanks to ministries such as the Hands of Mary Vocation Committee, our vineyards still have a chance at prospering. “The purpose of our ministry is to promote vocations, and we need good priests and nuns now more than ever, especially considering what is going on in the Church and the world,” says Kerri Baunach, who has volunteered with the committee for the past eight years. “We need more holy priests, both locally and on a worldwide scale, because we can't have the Mass without priests.” And by bringing more religious sisters, nuns, monks, and brothers into the Church, the vineyard will be more fruitful than ever. “We really need the prayers of religious nuns and monks, as well as sisters to teach St. Therese of Lisieux's catechism and other subjects,” Kerri says. Prayer for Priests The Hands of Mary Vocation Committee organizes an effort to pray for vocations by O Jesus, eternal Priest, giving people an opportunity to sign up to keep your priests within the shelter of take home a special crucifix for a week, in Your Sacred Heart, order to pray for vocations. where none may touch them. “I have had people tell me they enjoyed taking home the crucifix every time, and Keep unstained their anointed hands, they appreciate it because it is a replica of which daily touch Your Sacred Body. the crucifix at our parish,” Kerri says. Keep unsullied their lips, Those who participate in this ministry daily purpled with Your Precious Blood. find that it is a wonderful way to educate Keep pure and unearthly their hearts, their children about the importance of sealed with the sublime mark of religious and priestly vocations in the the priesthood. Church today. Let Your holy love surround them and “It is a great way to talk about vocations shield them from the world’s contagion. with their children,” Kerri says. “We had one parishioner who would sign up to take Bless their labors with abundant fruit and the crucifix home when her grandchildren's may the souls to whom they minister be birthdays were. My children always their joy and consolation here and in heaven enjoyed having the vocations crucifix in our their beautiful and everlasting crown. continued on back cover
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HANDS OF MARY VOCATION COMMITTEE continued from page 7 home, and they memorized the prayers we would say with it. Being part of this committee has made me more mindful of the importance of promoting vocations, and praying for them.” The committee also places a vocation prayer in the bulletin and occasionally holds a Rosary for vocations after daily Mass. Furthermore, they make Christmas cards for various priests and seminarians.
“The purpose of our ministry is to promote vocations, and we need good priests and nuns now more than ever, especially considering what is going on in the Church and the world. We need more holy priests, both locally and on a worldwide scale, because we can't have the Mass without priests." — Kerri Baunach
A new leader is needed for this ministry. For further information on how to fulfill this role or volunteer with this ministry in any way, please contact Deacon Tim Weinmann at 859-266-9314.
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.