NOV 2020
In This Issue: 2 Stewardship of Treasure
Giving to God First 3
“What’s in it For Us” May Surprise You
4 Encountering Jesus Through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
6 Drawing From the Traditions of Spirituality in Our Catholic Church
HOLY FAMILY CATHEDRAL
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MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Meet Our Knights of Columbus
ADORATION MINISTRY A Beautiful Opportunity to Sit With Our Lord A
lthough we may be socially distancing from others, we’re always welcome to spend prayerful time with our Lord, and our Adoration hours on Friday afternoons are the perfect time to sit in the peace of His presence. Maureen Petty is the coordinator for the Adoration Ministry that has been started here at Holy Family Cathedral. She and Adele Healey were called upon by Fr. Carvajal to begin organizing Adoration. “I had done it for a long time at St. John’s, and Father wanted to develop it here,” she says. “It wouldn’t be Perpetual Adoration, but he wanted to at least start it. We met to talk about ideas and we were just getting off the ground when COVID-19 hit. Now, we have a skeleton crew — but in time we can develop it, and it will grow and can expand.” The Adoration time is from 12:45-5 p.m. on Fridays, after the 12:05 p.m. Mass. During those hours, worshipers may come and go. There are no set hours, but it is suggested that those taking part stay for an hour. The ministry is working toward setting up committed Adoration times. “It’s what we need to instill at Holy Family,” Maureen says. “Our Lord is not to be left alone. We need to instill the idea that if you can’t be there, you can have a substitute list so we can cover the time and call someone to cover for them.” As worshipers come and go during the Adoration hours, each approaches the time differently. Some read during that time or spend it in prayer about matters important to them, while others will say the Rosary. There are occasions when some even drift into sleep. “It’s just your personal time to be with Jesus,” Maureen says. “Each person’s approach is unique to them. There is a certain amount of peace when our Lord is present in the Blessed Sacrament. I can speak for the program I was continued on page 5 8TH STREET & BOULDER AVE • TULSA, OK 74119 • (918) 582-6247 • TULSACATHEDRAL.COM
HOLY FAMILY CATHEDRAL STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE
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Giving toGod First
ave you ever wondered why it’s easy to discuss the first two “Ts” of stewardship – giving of your time or talents – but when the third “T” comes up, many of us become uncomfortable? That third “T” is treasure, and some people simply become so annoyed by the subject, they tune out the words from the pulpit. Why is there seemingly such an adverse reaction? Our finances are such a personal subject. Discussing money issues with others is not easy, and having someone tell us what to do with our finances is even worse. We earn the money, after all. So shouldn’t we decide what to do with it? Of course, the answer is “yes” – we decide every day how to spend our hard-earned dollars. Indeed, the monetary choices we make will either keep our finances in check, or put us into the red. The average American family has about $7,000 in credit card debt – so finances certainly represent a challenge to our current society. Tight budgets, trying to “keep up with the Joneses” or poor financial management may be to blame for
our tight resources. Does this mean we do not have anything left over for God? Stewardship, at its roots, teaches that we are not supposed to give God our “leftovers.” We should instead strive to return to God a portion of our “first fruits” – giving to God first and then using the rest for our other needs. God gave us our talents that help us earn a living, after all. He should come first. This idea can be worrisome for many. If our finances are already strained, how will we ever find enough to give back to God? Or, if we do try to give God our “first fruits,” will there be enough left over to cover our required expenses? Taking the correct financial steps toward good stewardship simply boils down to trust – believing that God, who takes care of all of His creation, will take care of us. Trust that in giving to God first, we are both acknowledging that our multitude of blessings come from Him, and that we are thankful He chose to give them to us. And finally, trust that if we give to Him first, that all else will fall into place – because He is in ultimate control.
Stewardship, at its roots, teaches that we are not supposed to give God our “leftovers.” We should instead strive to return to God a portion of our “first fruits” – giving to God first and then using the rest for our other needs.
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NOV 2020
A Letter from Our Rector
“What’s in it For Us” May Surprise You Dear Parishioners,
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ou already know that our parish is committed to living as intentional disciples of Christ through the holistic practice of stewardship. What you may not know is that one of our inspirations and mentors is the late Msgr. Thomas McGread of the Diocese of Wichita. Who was Msgr. McGread? Msgr. McGread was a humble, servant priest who created a model for how stewardship should be practiced — both here and in many Catholic parishes across the country. What began simply with Msgr. McGread applying his stewardship principles at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Wichita — where he served as pastor for 31 years — is becoming a way of life for our parish family and for Catholics around the nation. With such an incredible blueprint from this visionary priest, how could we go wrong? We are working to embrace stewardship here at Holy Family Cathedral, and for that, I am blessed and grateful. For many, however, the question “What’s in it for us?” had to be on our minds as our efforts to educate parishioners and promote the stewardship way of life were introduced. At first, “What’s in it for us?” seemed to center on what people were willing to do to give back to God as part of practicing their faith and living as disciples of Jesus Christ. While this is important, there is so much more to it. The truth is, “What’s in it for us?” is really about “What’s in it for you?” “What’s in it for you?” perhaps is best explained as one simple principle — cultivating a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. When Christ calls us to discipleship, He is also calling us to be faithful stewards of our time, talent and treasure. Our gratitude for these gifts is best expressed through giving a portion of each back to God. Thus, stewardship becomes a way of life that is also the way to holiness. Our relationship with Christ is what we get in return.
Our efforts as a parish to promote the spiritual benefits of active stewardship are designed to foster a deeper relationship with God for all of us. Membership in a parish family should encourage, support, and celebrate that relationship with the living God, first and foremost. Everything else flows from that. If we are not focused on our relationship with God, then what will define our spirituality? If we have embraced the blessings of stewardship as a practical way of being the disciples we are called to be, we will in turn know a deeper relationship with Christ. We celebrate Thanksgiving this month, which truly is a stewardship holiday since stewardship begins with an attitude of gratitude. I am truly thankful for all that is done here at Holy Family Cathedral, and for the many parishioners willing to do so much. In closing, let me share one final thought to help you realize the gift that our parish is to each and every one of us. Be grateful for all you have. Be generous in giving something back to God. Be faithful stewards, and you will have done both. That is what’s in it for you, and in turn, that is what’s in it for us! And don’t forget — God has been doing this for centuries. We’re just the latest and most fortunate recipients. Happy Thanksgiving, and may God bless you and your family. Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Gary Kastl Rector 3
HOLY FAMILY CATHEDRAL
ENCOUNTERING JESUS THROUGH CATECHES
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e often find comfort and consolation in the image of the Good Shepherd, trusting God’s gentle care and provision for us, His sheep. However, for children 3 to 6 at Holy Family Cathedral School, the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd is at the center of their understanding of the faith, as they encounter Him in our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program or CGS. “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a unique catechesis experience in which the child receives the most essential elements of our faith,” says Fr. David Carvajal, Associate Pastor. “The heart of the catechesis for children under 6 revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd. Jesus announces that He is the Good Shepherd who calls each one by name. The sheep listen to the voice of the Shepherd and follow Him.” Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessoriinspired faith formation experience, quite distinct from a traditional classroom. Our Level 1 classroom, or “atrium,” is designed for our school children in
pre-K through first grade, and tailored to their specific developmental and learning needs. Rather than desks and a whiteboard, the atrium is filled with small tables, mats to encourage “floor work,” and nothing higher than a child’s eye level. Rather than textbooks, children learn from handmade dioramas of Gospel stories, an altar and “Mass set” that is just their size, maps of Biblical locations, various practical life elements, and much more. “Materials on the life of Jesus Christ and His teachings help to make the mystery of God concrete for the child,” Fr. Carvajal says. “A ‘hands-on’ approach allows children to participate and engage in the elements of the faith, allowing for wonder to remain at the center of learning.” CGS gives children the chance to begin their faith formation at a time in their life when studies show they are actually most attentive to learning about God and connecting with Him in prayer, which is at the heart of this experience.
“Our students appreciate their quiet and peaceful time in the atrium. From the moment they walk into the room, until they leave, they are practicing slow, intentional movements, with a great respect for God. They understand that in the atrium, their work is their prayer.” — MS. CAMILLE ZUMWALT
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NOV 2020
SIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
A Quiet, Peaceful Time
“Our students appreciate their quiet and peaceful time in the atrium,” says catechist Ms. Camille Zumwalt. “From the moment they walk into the room until they leave, they are practicing slow, intentional movements, with great respect for God. They understand that in the atrium, their work is their prayer.” “The end goal of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is to guide children to profound theological understandings for themselves — without being told,” Fr. Carvajal adds.
Although this opportunity is currently only available to children at Holy Family Cathedral School, we hope to be able to expand the program to the rest of the parish soon. Parents who are interested in allowing their child to grow closer to God in the atrium are encouraged to consider serving as a catechist or assistant in the atrium. “We hope to continue to grow the number of students participating in this beautiful spiritual formation,” Ms. Zumwalt says.
For more information on Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, or if you would like to become trained to serve as a catechist or assistant in the atrium, please contact Fr. Carvajal at frcarvajal@tulsacathedral.com.
Adoration
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in for 50 years at St. John — when you’re there, there is tremendous peace. When some drift off to sleep, what I think is that you have Christ’s arms around you. You are there with Him.” The ministry is working on providing opportunities both in the cathedral and on the parish website to sign up for committed Adoration times. They are also considering providing a Book of Intentions so that those coming for Adoration could pray for others’ stated needs. “This is a time to be with God and develop this really close relationship with Him,” Maureen says.
If you would like more information about taking part in Adoration, please call the parish office at 918-582-6247.
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HOLY FAMILY CATHEDRAL Drawing From the Traditions of Spirituality in Our Catholic Church
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f you knew that the person who loves you most in the world was longing to spend some time with you, would you want to meet with them? What if this person was also the only one capable of saving your soul for all eternity, not to mention blessing you abundantly on earth? It would seem ridiculous to say “no” to getting to know them just a little better, right? That being said, you may wonder how you can best go about getting to know this particular person. To do just that, as Catholics, we must seek out and read things from our Catholic Christian tradition — immersing ourselves in the spiritual works of those who have found Christ in a very deep way in accordance with the Church. Indeed, many great saints have flowered out of the community of believers, and we can turn to them to get to know God better. Over the centuries, the Catholic Church has been profoundly touched, enriched and enlightened by spiritual masters whose works are powerful enough to convert souls. It is also important to recognize that the spiritual traditions in the Church express many of the same ideas but in different ways, bearing witness to
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the ineffable, mosaic-like beauty of Catholicism. St. Benedict began the first formal monastic tradition in the western Catholic Church, basing it on the Rule of St. Benedict. To this day, Benedictine spirituality is centered around the recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours, simplicity and the appreciation of the Holy Eucharist. The Franciscan spiritual tradition began with St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. These saints brought about the CounterReformation that still marks the Church with splendor today. St. Francis is widely known for his Gospel-centered living, love of poverty, devotion to Christ Crucified, and mercy for all men and creatures. The Life of St. Francis of Assisi by St. Bonaventure, as well as The Little Flowers of St. Francis both help one to learn more about this magnificent saint. Similar to St. Francis, St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila also sparked a critical reformation within the Carmelite Order, which later positively influenced the entire Church. Carmelite spirituality is a desert spirituality, which bases itself on silence, deep contemplative prayer, the Liturgy of the Hours, outstanding penance, and various traditional Catholic devotions. The Story of a Soul, which is the autobiography of renowned Carmelite St. Therese of Lisieux, the Autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila, and the works of St. John of the Cross all capture the essence of Carmelite spirituality. Furthermore, Salesian spirituality stems from the great life and work of St. Francis de Sales. The Introduction to the Devout Life is a fantastic primer for those desiring to enter more profoundly into a life of union with Christ. Ignatian spirituality is known for educating people on the discernment of spirits. The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, as well as The Discernment of Spirits by Fr. Timothy Gallagher are excellent resources for learning more about this powerful spiritual tradition. Last but not least, The Fulfillment of All Desire by Ralph Martin is modern-day spiritual work that can help those who are seeking Christ, to find Him. The rich variety of spiritual traditions we have in the Catholic Church are an indication of how diverse our Church is. There are so many different ways of following Christ and praying — and to do so, we can draw from the spiritual “greats.” But of course, we must always pray in the way that God is leading us, in a way that we can truly encounter God in conversation.
NOV 2020
Meet Our Knights of Columbus Bringing the Faith Alive Through Service and Fraternity
A group of Knights volunteered to unload Bishop David Konderla’s belongings into his residence on the campus of the Diocese Chancery in 2016.
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harity, unity, fraternity and patriotism — these are the four guiding principles of the Knights of Columbus. Everything that the Holy Family Cathedral Knights of Columbus members do falls into one of these categories. “Knowing what the Knights stand for has made my faith in Christ come alive in the many charitable works and events our council participates in, and on a larger scale, what the worldwide order promotes,” says Paul Louderback, a Fourth Degree Knight who joins about 150 members in our parish’s Knights of Columbus council. Paul serves as the Knights of Columbus lecturer and trustee. As a lecturer, he gives a brief presentation at the end of business meetings on spiritual or practical topics. He also serves as the Red Cross Blood Drive coordinator for the Knights. Since 2014, the Knights have hosted 29 blood drives and collected over 400 units of blood. “I got involved with the Knights to help others, to make a difference, to be surrounded by other men of faith, and to be a part in something bigger than myself,” Paul says.
The Knights have assisted with or hosted many events over the years at the Cathedral. Paul places these events into four categories — community, church, prolife and youth. The Knights of Columbus is a pro-life organization, and our local Knights support the Ultrasound Project, which uses ultrasound as a way to prevent abortion. Knights have also attended the Tulsa March for Life and the 40 Days for Life Vigil at the Garden of Hope. The Knights also fundraise to support pro-life causes. One important mission for the Knights of Columbus is to financially support widows. Our Holy Family Cathedral Knights even collect money at meetings to support Knights facing financial stress. “Whatever your state in life, the Knights can be a blessing,” Paul says. “The group will make you a better Christian, a better husband and a better father.” The Cathedral Knights of Columbus members also carry out several projects to support those in need across Tulsa. One of the most unique projects is council continued on back cover 7
PO Box 3204 • Tulsa, OK 74101-3204 (918) 582-6247 • tulsacathedral.com
Knights of Columbus
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members picking up surplus bagels from several different bagel shops and delivering them to the San Miguel School, homeless centers and veterans’ facilities. Knights members also jump in to help at the Holy Family Cathedral School whenever they can. “Council members donate hundreds of hours to the school, liturgical events, religious education and Christian mentoring program — TrailLife USA,” Paul says. Fundraising, the Christmas Dinner and the Priest Appreciation Dinner are just some of the projects in which the Knights are involved at Holy Family Cathedral. Many hours and much energy are given to projects around our parish. If a task needs to be completed, you can be sure a Knight will step up to help. Paul is so thankful to the Knights of Columbus for the friendships he has formed and the many opportunities to serve. “The brotherhood of my fellow Knights has inspired and encouraged me in my walk with Christ,” he says.
“Knowing what the Knights stand for has made my faith in Christ come alive in the many charitable works and events our council participates in, and on a larger scale, what the worldwide order promotes.” — PAUL LOUDERBACK Men may join the Knights of Columbus online at www.kofc.org, or speak with an officer of the Holy Family Cathedral Knights of Columbus for a registration form.