Holy Family Cathedral — 2021 Stewardship Renewal Handbook

The Eucharist OUR LOVE AND OUR LIFE

HOLY FAMILY CATHEDRAL 2021 STEWARDSHIP RENEWAL

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The Eucharist OUR LOVE AND OUR LIFE

T

he Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented towards it (paragraph 1324).”

While many of us were already familiar with this description of the Eucharist as the “source and summit” of our Catholic faith, we have now experienced this truth for ourselves — on a deep and personal level.

Because we have all gone through a season away from Mass due to the coronavirus, we have all felt the profound deprivation of life without the privilege of sacramental Communion. Perhaps we can now see that in this deprivation our all-loving God was offering us a precious, though painful gift, one that we are only beginning to unwrap — the profound realization that the Eucharist truly is the source and summit of our life.

Yes, absence truly does make the heart grow fonder. Don’t our hearts now burn with new love and longing for this Sacrament of Love? Don’t we realize now, as never before, what a treasure we have in all the sacraments of the Church, in the fellowship of our parish family, in the simple acts of service we can offer to each other? We know now because we have experienced it for ourselves, that the Eucharist truly is Our Love and Our Life.

At Holy Family Cathedral, we have embraced stewardship as a way of life for our parish family. Because the Eucharist is at the center of our Faith, it is also at the center of our stewardship way of life. As we enter into this time of Renewal in the wake of such a challenging time, we can never be quite the same. We have all been affected in some form or fashion by the pandemic. So, let us put the hard-fought lessons we have learned to great use. And let us focus with new intensity on the Eucharist as our love and our life, offering our gratitude to the Giver of this priceless Gift with concrete commitments of Time, Talent, and Treasure.

“When you look at the Crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then. When you look at the Sacred Host you understand how much Jesus loves you now.”

— St. Teresa of Calcutta

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Stewardship of

TIME

“F

or my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me.” (John 6: 55-57) Just as our bodies need healthy physical nourishment to survive and thrive, our spiritual lives also require nourishment. We are called to use the gift of time above all to nourish our souls. We must take an honest look at ourselves. Do we put our spiritual life first or do we focus more on the cares of the world or escape from those cares? Do we use our time to obtain the lasting “food” of good spiritual nourishment that Christ and the Church offer to us? When we commit time each day to seeking spiritual food, our loving and generous Father will transform our lives. How will you commit to using your time in the year ahead so that God can truly feed you?

Consider these ideas to help you get started: • Plan to attend one extra Mass each week or make a mid-week visit to Jesus in the Tabernacle.

• Prepare yourself for Sunday Mass by reflecting ahead of time as a family on the lectionary readings that will be proclaimed.

Even five or ten minutes will change you!

• Commit to saying grace before meals and have every family member mention one way they were “fed” by God that day.

• Every night before bed, pray slowly and lovingly the prayer that Jesus himself taught us, the “Our Father.”

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Stewardship of

TALENT

W

e have heard these words of dismissal at the end of Mass so many times —“The Mass is ended, go in peace to love and serve the Lord,” but have we truly taken them to heart? If the Eucharist is indeed our Love and our Life, then it must touch everything that we do when we leave the Church at the end of Mass.

We have been filled up by Love itself, now, in gratitude, we must pour out our lives for others. We must serve Him who has loved us so well by serving others with the talents He has given us.

Pray about the following possibilities: • We have gone without the beauty of attending Mass in person. Try serving in a ministry that makes our Church or our liturgies more beautiful.

• There are several opportunities to serve others. Choose a ministry that allows you to place others before yourself.

• Consider a formation opportunity. How is God calling you to a deeper understanding of our faith? Or, how can you help others to grow in their faith?

• Try serving in a ministry that stretches you out of your comfort zone a bit.

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Stewardship of

TREASURE

“F

rom the very beginning Christians have brought, along with the bread and wine for the Eucharist, gifts to share with those in need. The custom of the collection, ever appropriate, is inspired by the example of Christ who became poor to make us rich” (CCC paragraph 1351).

For the true steward, money has a spiritual component. When used according to God’s will, our income becomes a sort of prayer — which demonstrates our love and gratitude to God, and our real trust in His plan for our lives. Our spending habits are also a reflection of who and what we truly love. God asks us to love Him above all else. Do we?

Try challenging yourself in the following ways this year:

• Take a look at your current spending habits, and assess what expenses are preventing you from offering your treasure more selflessly.

• Ask yourself if your family budget reflects what you most love in this life so that your spending is a reflection of that love.

• Commit to giving a percentage of your income to God through the parish offertory as an expression of your love for the God Who withholds nothing of Himself from us.

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Ministry

CATALOG

In the pages ahead you will learn more about parish programs and the opportunities for service they provide. HFC works with the Diocese of Tulsa to maintain compliance with the VIRTUS Safe Environment program. Many ministries at HFC will require VIRTUS training to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable.

Hospitality Ministries FOOD & FELLOWSHIP

Parishioners gather for conversation and fellowship over coffee and light breakfast offerings following the 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 12 p.m. Masses. Setup workers are always needed. This ministry is a wonderful opportunity to meet other parishioners.

Contact: Michelle Moherman

HOME IMPROVEMENT MINISTRY

Organizes parish work days in support of parishioners who are in need of assistance with minor home repair due to age, mobility, finances, or other disabilities. This group also coordinates service days on the Holy Family Cathedral campus.

Contact: Sam Stropes

HOSPITALITY MINISTRY

The Hospitality Ministry is a group of people who help with parish receptions, plan meals and cook for youth events, and assist with dinners and social events in the parish and other get-togethers.

Contact: Maureen Petty

NEWCOMERS MINISTRY

This ministry of hospitality promotes a welcoming atmosphere in the parish. They host welcoming events for new parishioners at the rectory.

Contact: Maureen Petty

Prayer Ministries ADORATION AT HOLY FAMILY

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is offered at Holy Family Cathedral on Friday afternoons from 12:45 to 5 p.m. During this time, the faithful are welcome to come and go as they please, but we need at least two people committed to each hour to spend with our Lord. Please consider committing to a regular hour with Jesus.

Contact: Maureen Petty

BETHANY INTERCESSORS

This ministry offers the opportunity to share your time and prayers as an intercessor for the parish. Become a part of our parish prayer line to pray for the needs of parishioners, family, friends, leaders and our world.

Contact: Cherie Hughes

CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN MOTHERS

Founded in France over 150 years ago, the Confraternity of Christian Mothers was founded by lay women to discuss their struggles in raising their children and to pray for each other in a culture that had become increasingly opposed to Catholic values.

They chose Mary, Mother of Sorrows, as their patroness. Members depend on each other for spiritual support, catechesis, and social interaction.

Contact: Karen Barrett 7

Formation Ministries BECOMING CATHOLIC — (RCIA)

Are you looking to join the Catholic Church? Do you have a friend, family member or colleague who is interested in learning more about our faith? Becoming Catholic is an eight-month formation process designed to form both the heart and the mind of an individual seeking to grow in their intimacy with Christ in the Roman Catholic Church. Becoming Catholic meets on Sunday mornings at 10:15 a.m. in the Halpine Room and culminates with the noon Mass.

Contact: Jeri Potter

FAMILY CATECHESIS

Parents by their word and example are the first teachers of the faith to their children, and our parish is here to assist and support parents in this process. We offer a yearly curriculum suited for use in the home by the family, as well as resources and activities to help families celebrate feast days, the saints, devotions and the various liturgical seasons throughout the year.

Contact: Kelsie Thomas

HIGH SCHOOL FAITH FORMATION

CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

The high school youth program is open to high school-age parishioners. Leaders help the youth learn more about their faith in a meaningful and fun environment that is appealing to teens. This group provides an opportunity for high school students to get together, meet new friends, and participate in social, spiritual and service activities.

Contact: Alondra Griffith

CATHEDRAL FAMILIES

Married couples who are excited to share the love and joys of marriage yet vulnerable enough to be open about trials and tribulations may be called to serve as Marriage Mentors.

Marriage Mentors meet with engaged parishioners preparing for marriage at least five times prior to their wedding. Mentors help the couples come to a deeper appreciation of God, of themselves, and of their fiancé by topic driven conversations.

Contact: Fr. Kastl

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based approach to the religious formation of children (ages 3 to 9 at our parish), rooted in Sacred Scripture, Liturgy, and respect for the child’s rich relationship with God. Contact: Kelsie Thomas

Cathedral Families is a ministry for all married couples and families to grow in fellowship, faith, and evangelization. We meet for casual, large-group gatherings that foster community within the parish family.

For deeper friendships, intentional growth as disciples, and encouragement in our daily faith walks, we meet in small groups for men and women. Additionally, the Cathedral Families ministry fosters opportunities to integrate with the enlivening activities of our 8

parish, such as Wednesdays at the Cathedral, Confraternity of Catholic Mothers, and Men’s Holy Hour.

Contact: Will and Becca LePage

MARRIAGE MENTORS

RESTORED ORDER SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

Holy Family Cathedral’s Sacramental Preparation Program allows parents to form their children in the faith at home and on their own timeline. “Restored Order” simply means that we celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation in the order in which God designed them to be given — Baptism, Confirmation, First Eucharist, and we do this at the age of reason. Any baptized child in first grade or older is able to begin this process.

Contact: Kelsie Thomas

SECULAR FRANCISCANS

The Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) is a branch of the worldwide Franciscan family as a Third Order that reports directly to the Holy See. Our members are called to follow the Gospel life after the example and manner of the Rule of St. Francis. We meet one Sunday per month.

Contact: Leila Safavi

THURSDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY

Each Thursday, at 6:30 p.m. Deacon Mattox leads a group of parishioners in an ongoing study of the Bible. This group is open to all parishioners who desire to grow in their understanding of Sacred Scripture while enjoying the company and hospitality of fellow parishioners.

Contact: Deacon Mattox

WEDNESDAYS AT THE CATHEDRAL

This adult faith formation offering will include snacks, wine and speaking with focus on topics ranging from prayer, Scripture, Church history, ethics, morality, etc. Important topics in our lives are discussed through the lens of

faith. Volunteers are needed to help provide setup, food and hospitality. We meet the first Wednesday of the month, from 6:30-8 p.m.

Contact: Dcn. Larry Schneider

YOUNG ADULT

Young adults of the parish gather together for regular activities including service, social and spiritual opportunities.

Contact: Jacob and Kathleen Hobbs

Service Ministries MASS MINISTRIES:

Ministers at Masses should be committed to weekly Mass attendance, the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and strive to be a model of Christian living at all times.

CHOIR

Parishioners share their musical gifts and talents by leading the assembly to proclaim the praise of God in song and instrument.

Contact: Ernest Neal

GREETERS

Hospitality ministers create a hospitable environment before Mass by welcoming people with a smile as they enter the church.

This is a wonderful ministry opportunity for families to join and encourage hospitality from all ages of the family.

Contact: Monica Conro

READERS

Parishioners are trained to proclaim the Word of God during Mass.

Contact: Monica Conro 9

MASS MINISTRIES (CONT.) SACRISTANS

Can you offer your time and talent to assist with office tasks, projects, or other roles around the school? Volunteers and their preferred projects can be added to a list to call as needed or put on a regular schedule.

Contact: Trish Spoerl

SERVER

Office receptionists volunteer for three-hour shifts one day a week. The morning shift is from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the afternoon shift is from 1 to 4 p.m. Volunteers answer the phone, help with office mailing, greet visitors, and assist with other administrative duties at the Parish and School Office.

Contact: Tammy Blacke

Sacristans are trained to ensure that all liturgical ministers are present and that the altar is properly arranged prior to and following Mass.

Contact: Monica Conro

Children and young adults who have received their First Communion and are trained to assist with the celebration of the liturgy.

Contact: Monica Conro

USHER

They assist at Mass by helping people find seating, taking up the offertory collection, and passing out bulletins.

Contact: Monica Conro

COMMUNITY SERVICE MINISTRIES: FAITH IN ACTION TEAM (FIAT)

An acronym for the Faith In Action Team, the FIAT ministry gives parishioners an opportunity to do hands-on service projects.

Parishioners of all ages help with various projects — ranging from packing care packages for servicemen, serving meals to the downtown homeless community, and cleaning rooms at the Madonna house.

Contact: Monica Conro

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HOLY FAMILY CLASSICAL SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS

HFC OFFICE VOLUNTEER

HFC OUTREACH PROGRAM

Holy Family Cathedral Outreach is a program that assists Tulsa-area individuals and families in desperate need. Please consider joining our team of dedicated volunteers and help allocate the resources graciously provided by the Holy Family parish community, with a time commitment of only one (1) hour a week on average.

Contact: Doug Pepper

HFC WOMEN’S CLUB

Our Women’s Club is open to all female parishioners of Holy Family. Our mission is to promote spiritual and social fellowship, as well as Catholic education to the women attending Holy Family Cathedral, Tulsa; to lend support to the Rector, parish, diocese and the community; and to assist whenever needed at the Cathedral.

Contact: Ann Owen

HOLY STITCHERS

This group attends the baptismal garment ministry at the parish, creating garments for all little ones baptized at the parish. Additionally, a select few work on clerical alterations as needed.

Contact: Kaye Ellis

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Membership is open to all practicing Catholic men. This group supports quarterly blood drives with American Red Cross, as well as other projects throughout the year. If you or someone you know would like to join our brotherhood in service to his community, parish and church, please contact us.

Contact: Paul Louderback

ST. FRANCIS MINISTRY

This ministry serves the landscaping and grounds needs of the parish.

Contact: Carol Lambert

Parish Leadership BUILDING COMMITTEE

The Building Committee seeks parishioners with experience in buildings and ground maintenance to volunteer for general upkeep and repairs around the church, offices and rectory. The committee is also looking for parishioners with experience in assessing property needs, analyzing bids and project oversight.

Contact: Fr. Kastl

MEAL TRAIN

This group is called upon to make meals for parishioners as they deal with major life events including birth, sickness and death. Anyone in need of this ministry can contact the Parish Office and then information will be passed along to the volunteers.

Contact: Meghan Grayless

OFFERTORY COUNTERS

Teams of four to five volunteers gather each Monday morning to count the weekly collection. Each team participates in a monthly rotation.

Contact: Mary Keaney

STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL

The Stewardship Council shall assist the Rector by deliberating and acting on matters pertaining to the spiritual and educational affairs of the parish. This council invites you to share your gifts as a steward of God’s Church and to be a role model to parishioners on how to live our lives as Christ taught us, as His disciples. Together with other parishioners, we work on concrete ways to make our parish a true community of faith and a vibrant source of service to the larger local community.

Contact: Monica Conro

ST. ELIZABETH BAKERS

Share your love of baking by helping contribute cookies to parish functions. This group bakes at home or quarterly with other bakers to ensure there is always a supply of cookies for events.

Contact: Kathleen Hobbs 11

Call

TO ACTION

Every member of this parish family has been called

by God to be here, in this time and in this place, for a reason — to be loved by Him and to love Him and others in return. He has given us Love itself in the Eucharist. Let us love Him in return with our Time, our Talents, and our Treasure, so that we can truly say the Eucharist is our Love and our Life!

Please keep until Fall 2022

HOLY FAMILY CATHEDRAL 820 South Boulder Avenue • Tulsa, OK 74119 • 918-582-6247 • tulsacathedral.com