MAR 2021
In This Issue: 2 Hannah, the Good Steward 3 A Letter from Our Rector: A Month and Year to Honor St. Joseph 4 School Family Profile: The Moehrmans An Inside Look at Why They Send Their Children to Holy Family Classical School 6 What is Almsgiving? 7 Meet Parishioner Jeri Potter: Trusting God Wholeheartedly
HOLY FAMILY CATHEDRAL MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
JOIN US FOR OUR PARISH RETREAT ON APRIL 17 An Opportunity for Reflection on the Spirituality of Stewardship
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here are few ways to nurture our faith life in a more meaningful way than by participating in a parish retreat. Here at Holy Family Cathedral, we will be blessed to have the opportunity to increase our spiritual awareness next month with a one-day parish retreat on the spirituality of stewardship, led by Fr. Jim Golka of Grand Island, Neb. By opening our hearts and minds in this special way, we can answer the call to deepen our faith and commit to living intentional discipleship. Fr. Jim grew up in Grand Island, where he and his nine siblings attended the local Catholic schools. He was ordained a diocesan priest in 1994 and has served multiple parishes. As the Pastor of St. Patrick’s in North Platte, Fr. Jim Golka, Rector of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Neb., beginning in 2006, Fr. Jim became committed to helping parishioners Grand Island, Neb., will lead our one-day parish develop a stewardship spirituality. Almost five years ago, Fr. Jim returned to retreat on the spirituality of stewardship. his hometown as Rector of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Grand Island, where he continues to encourage a stewardship way of life. Over the last 15 years, Fr. Jim has witnessed what a tremendous difference a commitment to stewardship can make in a parish. “Stewardship is a practical spirituality, so it helps people put their faith into practice,” he says. “I’ve seen people come alive in their faith, come to know Jesus better, and receive the joy that comes from generosity. And I’m not talking about money, specifically — it’s just realizing how generous God is with us and getting to participate in that personally. People come to appreciate their parish life even more, and the great gift of our Catholic faith.” continued on back cover 8TH STREET & BOULDER AVE • TULSA, OK 74119 • (918) 582-6247 • TULSACATHEDRAL.COM
HOLY FAMILY CATHEDRAL Stewardship
Hannah, the Good Steward
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hat should we do when our prayers are answered? Is there anything left to do after we have sincerely thanked God for His favors? If God were a human peer, we would probably try to reciprocate by granting Him a favor in return. But the truth is that God cannot be made greater by anything that we do for Him. Instead, God receives our thanks and tells us to “go and do likewise.” That is, He tells us to share with others the good that He has bestowed on us. And in doing so, we are really sharing God Himself. That is the definition of stewardship! The Old Testament Book of Samuel contains one of the most poignant examples of stewardship in the entire Bible. The first chapter teaches us of an unhappy, barren woman named Hannah. Desperate in her barrenness, Hannah prays that God will give her a son, vowing that she will raise him to be a man of God. Imagine Hannah’s elation when she was granted her prayer! When Samuel was born, her heart’s desire had come true! Imagine further the pang of motherly sorrow, as Hannah kept her promise to God by taking Samuel at a young age to be the servant of Eli, the high priest. The Book of Samuel tells us that once Samuel became Eli’s servant, Hannah saw her young son just once a year. Indeed, Hannah knew that Samuel was truly a gift from God – an answered prayer. Hannah’s response is that of the Good Steward – with an attitude of both gratitude and sacrifice, she gave up her son to honor God. One imagines that Hannah probably struggled with this sacrifice during those first years. She probably did not know what God had in store for her son. Yet, through her faithfulness, God used him as a gift to an entire nation. Samuel would, in time, become one of the greatest prophets of Jewish history. Sometimes it is difficult to understand the sacrifices we make in the name of stewardship, while the results may just be impossible to miss! However, He asks that we continue to be faithful in either case. God has undoubtedly bestowed gifts on all of us – at whatever the cost, we are to “go and do likewise.”
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MAR 2021 A Letter from Our Rector
A Month and Year to Honor St. Joseph Dear Parishioners,
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ur Lord and Savior Jesus Christ chose to enter the world through the human family. He came as an infant born into the marriage and home of the two holiest human creatures who ever lived — Joseph and Mary. At a time when our world and our Church needs family and faithful disciples now more than ever, could there be a more fitting time to venerate the man who gave his life and his love to the Blessed Mother and the Son of God? Pope Francis has declared 2021 the Year of St. Joseph in honor of the 150th anniversary of the saint’s proclamation as patron of the Universal Church. Our pope said he established the year so that “every member of the faithful, following his example, may strengthen their life of faith daily in the complete fulfillment of God’s will.” As Christians, we are blessed to have Mary as our spiritual mother and Joseph as our spiritual father. Just as Mary guides us from heaven with loving devotion, St. Joseph also diligently provides for the needs of the family of God, the Holy Catholic Church. Because of his special role as foster-father of the Child Jesus, St. Joseph has merited singular privileges in heaven unmatched by any saint aside from the Blessed Virgin Mary. To give some modern-day perspective to the significance of this special year, Pope Francis has said the coronavirus pandemic heightened his desire to reflect on St. Joseph, as so many people during the pandemic have made hidden sacrifices to protect others, just as St. Joseph quietly protected and cared for Mary and Jesus. “Each of us can discover in Joseph — the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence — an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble,” the pope wrote. At the end of the First Vatican Council in 1870, Pope Pius IX declared St. Joseph the patron of the Universal Church. He is also the patron of carpenters, workers, fathers, and a happy death because he died in the presence of Mary and Jesus. The title of Joseph’s March 19 feast day is “Husband of Mary.” Pope Pius XII later declared May 1 to be the feast of St. Joseph the Worker to counteract the Communist May Day holiday. As Catholics pray and reflect on the life of St. Joseph this year, they also have opportunities to gain a plenary indulgence or remission of all temporal punishment due to sin. An indulgence can be applied to oneself or to a soul in purgatory.
An indulgence requires a specific act, defined by the Church, as well as sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion, prayer for the pope’s intentions, and full detachment from sin. Special indulgences during the Year of St. Joseph can be received through various prayers and actions, including praying for the unemployed, entrusting one’s daily work to St. Joseph, performing a corporal or spiritual work of mercy, or meditating for at least 30 minutes on the Lord’s Prayer. As we devote 2021 to St. Joseph’s honor, we will undoubtedly unlock many special graces — not only for our parish, but for each of the faithful who increase their devotion to him during this special year. There is no greater model than St. Joseph from whom we can learn how to live virtuously in imitation of Jesus and Mary. Sincerely yours in Christ,
Very Rev. Gary D. Kastl Rector
Please join us for a special Mass in which Bishop Konderla will be consecrating the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma to St. Joseph. March 19 at 6 p.m. Holy Family Cathedral will also be offering a consecration program leading up to the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker. You can find all of the details on our website, tulsacathedral.com. To read more about Pope Francis’ declaration on the Church granting plenary indulgences for the Year of St. Joseph, visit www.bit.ly/StJoseph2021.
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HOLY FAMILY CATHEDRAL
School Family Profi
An Inside Look at Why They Send Their
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Michele and David Moehrman and their daughters are glad to be part of the community at Holy Family Classical School.
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here are many factors to consider when trying to find the best school for your child. Where is it located? How do the teachers engage with their students? How does the environment support the ideals you have at home? What do the interactions between students look like? What are the school’s goals for students graduating from their institution? However, for some families, upon visiting Holy Family Classical School, the decision becomes easier. Just over a year ago, parishioners David and Michele Moehrman moved to Tulsa from Texas, with their two young daughters who are now in kindergarten and third grade. “We came right as they were starting to transition to a classical model, last January,” Michele says. “That was one of the reasons we chose Holy Family.” Both graduates of Catholic schools themselves, David and Michele were familiar with the philosophy of classical education, but it had never been a viable option for their family. Upon enrolling at Holy Family, they began to witness firsthand how the school was benefiting their children. “I feel like classical education fills a void of what was missing from my own Catholic education,” Michele says. “There was a lack of discovering things on your own, a lack of studentled investigation in my education, and I’ve always been intrigued by the classical model.” Before moving to Tulsa, the Moehrmans oldest daughter attended both a public school, as well as a traditional-model Catholic school with an emphasis on STEM. However, with all the benefits of those settings, there was still something unique about the environment at Holy Family. “I really love how they embrace the student’s pace of work, rather than making the student
MAR 2021
file: The Moehrmans
Children to Holy Family Classical School work at the pace of the class,” Michele says. “Dr. Brown has done an excellent job in his hiring of the teachers, especially in terms of living in the true, Catholic faith,” she adds. “I see all the teachers as being excellent role models for the students — that’s something I’m thankful for.” Michele loves that the faith — which she and her husband seek to pass onto their kids — is reinforced and integrated into their daily education at Holy Family. She has also found herself becoming more active and involved in her faith. “I’m finding myself attending their school Masses a lot more and I’m also attending Adoration once a week when my daughter goes,” she says. “And we’re reading a little bit more about religion and education.” Michele encourages families to consider Holy Family Classical School for their children and hopes that those who are curious about classical education will come and meet our headmaster, and tour the school to see the philosophy in action. “I would encourage new parents to take a tour, meet with Dr. Brown, look in the classrooms, and see what the kids are doing,” Michele says. “I hope new students feel welcomed by other students, by parents, and by teachers, and when they come in, and I hope they feel a connection to the school.”
A first-grader extends the ancient-year earth science curriculum with a visit to Capulin Volcano National Monument, where he walked the rim of a sleeping volcano from whose topmost height you can see, on a clear day, the highest point in Oklahoma.
In addition to our classical elementary school, Holy Family Classical School also offers a Montessori-inspired Pre-K and Kindergarten experience.
If you would like more information on the mission of Holy Family Classical School, please visit the school website at www.holyfamilyclassicalschool.org.
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HOLY FAMILY CATHEDRAL From the Catechism
WHAT IS ALMSGIVING? “Giving alms to the poor is a witness to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2462).
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uring the seasons of Advent and Lent, it is not uncommon to hear about fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Most of us are familiar with at least two of the three penitential practices — prayer and fasting. We engage in prayer each day, while fasting becomes a regular part of our Lenten routines. But what is almsgiving? It is simply giving to those less fortunate than ourselves. This can be through donations of canned goods to the local food pantry, spare change to the Salvation Army during the Christmas season, or even through person-toperson contact with the poor. This Lent, if your family has not regularly engaged in almsgiving, consider making a change. Search for opportunities to serve the poor and vulnerable, making their lives easier — even if in a small way. Things to do with your family: • • • •
Place a coffee can in a prominent place in your home, and commit to filling it with loose change throughout the week. Then, donate the money to a local charity. The next time you shop for groceries, buy a few extra canned goods and donate them to a food pantry or food bank. Research a charity that works with the poor, and make a commitment to regularly give to that organization. Resolve to never judge those who are less fortunate, and teach your children the same.
TRIDUUM SCHEDULE Holy Thursday Confessions from 5-6:30 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 6:30 p.m. Adoration following until midnight Good Friday Cathedral open for private prayer from 9 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross at 3 p.m. 6
Confessions from 3-6:30 p.m. Commemoration of Our Lord’s Passion at 6:30 p.m. Holy Saturday Easter Vigil at 8:30 p.m. Easter Sunday Masses at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 5 p.m.
MAR 2021
Meet Parishioner Jeri Potter Trusting God Wholeheartedly
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hen Jeri Potter was thrown a “curveball” in her life, she wasn’t quite sure what God was doing, but she trusted Him the best she could, and it paid off in the end. “I was once a religious sister in the convent, but years ago I had to leave, and it was quite painful,” she says. “At the time, I didn’t understand why God was allowing it, but now I see it clearer. God has now put me where He wants me to be, and it is all for a very good reason. I am thankful I can give my whole life to Him right where I am.” As an integral part of our parish family, she savors the time she spends with her fellow parishioners, journeying along with them on the path to holiness. “I am 75, and I now have a place where I can really be at home,” she says. “Our parish is really a family. We are not just individuals. We share our joys, pains, and sorrows with each other.” Day by day, Jeri serves Christ in a rich variety of ways in our parish community, bringing us His love, peace, and joy. For example, she serves as a reader and a sacristan, as well as with the Hospitality Ministry, the Stewardship Council, and the Finance Council. She enjoys being part of our parish Bible study, as well. “When I am at church and doing things for the church, I have a sense of deep satisfaction and peace,” she says. “I can just be sweeping the floor — I don’t care what I am doing! I only want to make our parish a place where other people can come and feel at home like I do. Our parish is such a warm, loving place where God is. I love taking care of His house and His people. I just can’t say ‘no’! There are so many ways I desire to be a disciple.” Of all the ministries in which she is involved, Jeri enjoys coordinating the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), now known as Becoming Catholic, the most. “I love all of the ministries I help out with, but if I had to pick a favorite it would be RCIA because I like helping others discover the riches of the Catholic faith,” Jeri says.
Jeri Potter savors the time she spends with her fellow parishioners, journeying along with them on the path to holiness.
“It is wonderful to see how the RCIA members have such a desire to find God deep in their hearts. It is so great to see the change in them throughout the journey and to watch their eyes open up as they share about their newfound faith. This tells us we are providing something in RCIA that is useful and meaningful to them.” To Jeri, it is a beautiful work of charity that brings to life the mission of evangelization. “We don’t help out with RCIA for ourselves, but for others,” Jeri says. “We are there to answer any and all questions the RCIA members may have. We want to bring them into the Church and help them feel how we feel as Catholics. We actually started calling RCIA ‘Becoming Catholic’ because that is what we are doing.” Above all, she savors attending the Holy Mass, where she finds tremendous solace and strength to carry out her work for God. “I love going to Mass each morning — it just brightens my day!” she says.
“When I am at church and doing things for the church, I have a sense of deep satisfaction and peace. I can just be sweeping the floor — I don’t care what I am doing! I only want to make our parish a place where other people can come and feel at home like I do. Our parish is such a warm, loving place where God is. I love taking care of His house and His people. I just can’t say ‘no’! There are so many ways I desire to be a disciple” — JERI POTTER 7
PO Box 3204 • Tulsa, OK 74101-3204 (918) 582-6247 • tulsacathedral.com
Parish Retreat continued from front cover The retreat, titled “To Be a Christian Steward,” will be a Christ-centered day geared toward an understanding of how incredibly generous our Lord is and a recognition of the many gifts He bestows upon us on a daily basis. “I don’t think people realize how much of a gift-giver God is,” Fr. Jim says. “We know this in Jesus — He came and emptied Himself and gave us everything that God had given Him. When we recognize that God is a gift-giver, we are better able to receive those gifts, which means going out and sharing them in the world.” Fr. Jim thoroughly enjoys traveling to various parts of the country to speak on a subject so close to his heart. He is excited about coming to Holy Family Cathedral — and not just to enjoy our warmer weather! Fr. Jim also looks forward to meeting all the faithful here in Tulsa and reconnecting with Fr. Kastl, whom he has gotten to know
through the Catholic Leadership Institute and the annual Msgr. McGread Stewardship Conference in Wichita. Knowing firsthand the great spiritual benefits of participating in a retreat, Fr. Jim hopes that all Holy Family parishioners will consider attending this day of prayer and reflection. “Some people think you go on retreat to escape the real world, but I think you actually enter the real world and how God intended it,” he says. “At retreats, we listen to God talk to us. It seems like we rarely take the time in our lives to let that be our primary effort of the day. So, this is a great gift that Fr. Kastl and the parish are offering the people. To spend a day on retreat can seem like a sacrifice because so many things are calling for your attention, but my experience is that God honors and blesses that sacrifice.”
Our retreat will be Apr. 17 and will begin with Mass in the Cathedral at 8 a.m. The retreat is free and will provide spiritual growth, fellowship, and food. Please R.S.V.P. by April 9 with Kathleen Hobbs at khobbs@tulsacathedral.com.