St. Benedict Cathedral Newsletter — August 2021

St. Benedict

Cathedral

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Inside

Behind the Scenes with the Sacristans Ministry

AUGUST 2021

A True Labor of Love for God and Our Church

F

or Parish Administrative Assistant Kelley Coppens, being a sacristan isn’t just about participating in an important liturgical ministry.

It is about something far more profound.

It is about growing in her relationship with Our Eucharistic Lord and allowing Him to become her best, eternal friend and Savior.

“This ministry is a great way to grow in your devotion to the Eucharist,” she says.

“When you set up to do your sacristan work, the church is normally very quiet, and you can be alone with Jesus in the tabernacle.

I enjoy genuflecting in front of Him there as I go about my duties; it makes me feel closer to Him. Since I became a sacristan, I have developed a better understanding of the Sacrament of the Sacristan Debbie Brockman Eucharist. It has enriched my prayer life and prepares the vessels for Mass given me a deeper perspective on the Mass.”

Our parish sacristans normally arrive about 30 minutes before Mass to check the tabernacle and set up everything that the celebrant will need, including the proper number of hosts; put the key in the tabernacle; set out the bowls with the number of hosts that will likely be needed for Mass; put out the chalices and purificators; and set the credence table with items such as the Communion Plate, water, cruets, and a hand towel.

“This is a behind-the-scenes ministry, but it is a very important one,” Kelley says. “The celebrants rely on us to make the Mass go smoothly.”

As coordinator, Kelley schedules various sacristans to serve for the 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Masses and makes sure they receive the training they need as well. continued on back cover

2 The Importance of Loving God More Deeply at Mass 3 What Are You Going to Do With Your Life?

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St. Benedict School Year Preview Welcoming Back Our “Saints in the Making” on Aug. 5

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A Look at Our School Volunteer Ministry Supporting Faculty, Staff and Students to Ensure Excellence in the Classroom

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Making Time to Pray Becoming More Generous with Our Stewardship of Time

The Importance of

LOVING GOD MORE DEEPLY AT MASS W

hen young people see a person that intrigues them, that attraction becomes the topic of conversation at every opportunity. The attraction alters the behavior — so easily we become enthralled with the other and desire to share our enthusiasm.

Imagine if each of us was more completely enthralled with the presence of Christ in our lives.

Imagine if we recognized so completely that Christ is truly present to us in His precious Body and Blood, and present as well in the proclamation of His Word and in the gathering of our community, praying and singing (see Sacrosanctum Concilium [Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy], para. 14). Recognizing the living Christ in all these ways would certainly awaken in us the desire to be with the One who is the object of our most fundamental, pure and holy attraction to our merciful, loving and gracious Savior.

If we were to recognize the presence of Christ in these beautiful ways, wouldn’t our desire to be more completely in His presence increase? Surely, our desire to be better stewards of our time with the Lord would grow. Obviously, our attention to the readings and other prayers of the Mass would bring about within us deeper communion with the One who suffered and died for us. If I recognized that God is the answer to all my hungers, that Christ is my way to the Father, and that the Holy Spirit works to convert my heart and soul every day, would I not seek to fill that hunger at the banquet of the Lamb?

While active participation in Sunday Mass is an obligation for Catholics, we also will do well to see the lovely, motherly care the Church shows us in establishing that requirement. The Code of Canon Law states clearly in paragraph 1247, “On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass.” Sometimes, we might hear that as an overbearing rule. But it might more correctly be understood as our Mother, the Church, helping us learn what is best for us. At Mass, we hear the living Word of God clearly proclaimed. He speaks to us. We receive as hungry, needy sinners, the precious Body and Blood of Christ. We encounter Christ’s living presence in our brothers and sisters 2

worshiping God with us. If we truly understood that amazing truth, then how might it affect our lives? How might it affect our relationships? How might it impact our decision to bring our children along to Mass?

How might it awaken within us a deeper attraction, fascination, desire for the Lord?

Generally, when we find ourselves fascinated with someone, we do not decide to spend as little time as possible with them. We do not ration our time with them. We want to spend time with them, to see them, to listen to them, to get to know them, to develop a healthy, loving relationship with them.

Considering our reliance on the Lord of life and love, our fascination with His mercy, His goodness, His willingness to call us to Himself, maybe we should ask ourselves about what happens in us at Mass.

As I prepare to come to Church, do I find my mind turning to a receptive welcome of the Lord, just as I’ll be welcomed at the door of Church? Have I dressed for the important weekly (or daily) moment of meeting my King? Do I expect some profound wisdom from God in the readings? Am I open to correction, to challenge, to affirmation in the readings of God’s Word? Do I intently pray along with the priest presider throughout the Mass? Do I make an offering of my life, along with the bread and wine? Do I genuinely hunger for the Body and Blood of Christ? And do I long for that blessing that sends me on my way with the mission to build the Kingdom?

Instead of worrying about what “counts” when it comes to Sunday Mass, maybe we should work hard at fostering our love for the Eucharist, our desire for eternal life, our attraction to the Master who calls us into a life of active discipleship. Instead of a merely heavy-handed requirement, maybe we can see more clearly that being at Mass together helps nourish us for a whole week of building God’s Kingdom. Coming with those expectations, desires and hopes, leaving early when unnecessary would disappear as a temptation instantly. Coming late because other things have taken priority would not typically happen, other obligations notwithstanding. Christ desires our company at Mass, from beginning to end. Let’s draw near to Him.

A Letter From Our Cathedral Rector

What Are You Going to Do With Your Life?

My Fellow Parishioners:

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e are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ. Discipleship is our calling — stewardship is the way we are to live the life we have been given. Beginning with our Baptism and our new life as members of the Church.

There are no questions about it, even though we may not always remember that we have been called to discipleship — it is a lifelong process, and we are all works in progress. But please remember, we are God’s “works” that evolve moment by moment, day by day, and year after year.

To get more specific, we need to understand that stewardship is the expression of discipleship, but also the way in which we are to live our life. It is not a program — it is a way of life. I suppose at least once in our lifetime, we have been asked, “What are you going to do with your life?” Usually, that will happen at graduation, and how many of us have followed the path we thought we would at that time in our life? Perhaps we replied with a certain profession that may have interested us at the time. But there is always more to our answer than the title of a profession, just as there is more to our lives than just breathing. How do we use the gifts God has given to us? How we do so will define the life we live for God and the Church. That is our call to discipleship. It is how we should understand stewardship.

Many people ask me why I am so convinced that stewardship is a way of life. The simple answer I give is always the easy one and the most practical. My life as a faithful steward makes sense. The story of Christianity is filled with people like you and me who wonder and desire how to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ. It is what we are to do with our lives. Our attitude must be

formed to spend the time and the talents we have, to do our part for God’s Church. When does that become our priority? When does it become our way of life? These are the questions any believer must ask themselves when we think about our relationship with God, His Church, and the people around us. But, throughout my life as a priest, stewardship as my way of life makes sense and is more than possible with what God has given me to work with.

It is the same with each of us.

I am grateful for what God has given me and thankful I can live my life as His disciple. I say that not just as a priest, but as a baptized member of His family. I am thankful my parents brought me to be baptized a Christian and begin a life that would lead me, like all of us, to be the disciples we are called to be.

When we were baptized, no one asked us, “What are you going to do with your life?” If my parents and Godparents understood why we were all there, it should have been clear that we are all to be faithful stewards of all that God provides, beginning with the gift of life. That is why stewardship as a way of life is in my mind, heart and soul. That, too, was a gift from God for which I am most grateful. This is my calling, and “this” is what I am going to do with the rest of my life. What will you do with yours?

Peace,

Very Rev. Godfrey Mullen, OSB Cathedral Rector 3

S T. B EN E DI C T

Welcoming

S

ummer break has offered us an opportunity for rest and perhaps even travel with our friends and family.

Now, with the beginning of August, we look forward to a new school year for our St. Benedict Ravens!

“I am excited for this coming school year,” says Mrs. Kari Ford, St. Benedict Cathedral School Principal. “We have some new staff coming to our Raven family and some new things we’re looking at implementing for the year.”

We welcome our volunteers back to the school community this year, and we also are pleased to have several new staff members join our team.

“We have a new technology teacher and new English teachers,” says Mrs. Ford. “We’re adding a third-grade section and welcoming a health and PE teacher and a special education teacher.”

One exciting change on tap for the middle school students will be different groupings and more frequent changing of classrooms throughout the day.

“This will lead to increased positive student interactions with other students and with our staff at the school,” says Mrs. Ford.

There will also be different house groups this coming year at school considering the hobbies and interests of students and teachers.

“We did some different groups at the end of the year with film, pickleball, service projects, and chess, and we’re looking at continuing that,” says Mrs. Ford. “We might add a particular group for student leadership jobs and roles

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S C H O OL Y E A R PREVI EW

Back Our “Saints in the Making” on Aug. 5 throughout the school.”

The upcoming school year, Mrs. Ford adds, is an opportunity to move forward as a community, particularly by creating and building relationships between students and staff.

“The diocesan-wide theme for Catholic schools is ‘Saints in the Making,’” says Mrs. Ford. “We’ll showcase different saints throughout each month of the school year. I’m also looking forward to having increased volunteer support in many areas.”

The first day of the 2021-22 school year is Aug. 5. We will communicate other key dates and events to school families through email and our school’s social media accounts.

We’re grateful to come together this fall and continue workings towards the mission of St. Benedict Cathedral School, namely “to form Christian disciples who proclaim the Catholic faith, achieve academic excellence, and serve others.”

“I look forward to working with everyone again and getting to invite visitors and volunteers back into the building,” says Mrs. Ford. “Together, we help support our students and our mission.”

For more info about the 2021-22 school year at St. Benedict Cathedral School, reach out to the school office at 812-425-4596.

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A Look at Our School Volunteer Ministry Supporting Faculty, Staff and Students to Ensure Excellence in the Classroom

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ast year was atypical for volunteers at St. Benedict Cathedral School, as only essential volunteers, like those in the cafeteria, were able to be physically present.

As we prepare for the new school year, welcoming more community volunteers into our school is one of the many things we’re excited about.

“We’re looking forward to being able to bring all our volunteers back into the building,” says St. Benedict Cathedral School principal Kari Ford.

“This year they’ll be back in our classrooms working with students and helping support teachers.”

The volunteers at St. Benedict Cathedral School serve our school community in a variety of ways.

“We have volunteers who come in and support office staff and run our fundraising committee,” says Mrs. Ford. “We have volunteers who help get things organized for school Masses as well.”

Throughout the school year and over the summer, the “Tuesday Crew” comes in every week to support the students, teachers, and administration as needed.

“Right now, they’re helping in the classrooms and getting things organized as we get ready for the next year,” says Mrs. Ford. “Throughout the year, they also help with maintenance projects.”

Susan Jones taught science at St. Ben’s from 2000 to 2018, and shortly afterward, she was visiting the school and noticed another teacher needed support as she set up her classroom.

“Then I started volunteering once a week in the school office,” says Susan. “I was coming in whenever School Secretary Ami Patti needed me. It’s easy for me to do, and we’re both very organized people.”

When she stopped teaching, Susan wanted to continue supporting the school community, but she wanted to try something different.

“I’m still in the school environment, which I love,” says Susan. “The eighth-graders who just

The Tuesday Crew volunteering at St. Benedict Cathedral School

graduated were the last class I taught.”

The school is a big mission for our parish, Susan shares, and it needs all kinds of helpers to run smoothly. She also emphasizes that giving your time at the school won’t take away from your evenings or weekends.

“There are a lot of opportunities to do different things as volunteers at the school,” says Susan.

“Some volunteers read to the kids, and some help out in the cafeteria on certain days. You could help in the office or be a substitute teacher.”

Volunteers participate in background checks and the school’s youth protection program. All men and women are welcome to serve the school, and our volunteers include not only parents but also grandparents, retirees, and other faith community members.

“We’re very appreciative of all our school volunteers and all their efforts,” says Mrs. Ford.

“They’ve given so much support to our staff, students, and school community.”

Interested in supporting St. Benedict School through service with our parish’s School Volunteer Ministry? Call the school office at 812-425-4596.

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Making Time to Pray

Becoming More Generous with Our Stewardship of Time

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professor stood in front of a class, and in his hand was a big glass jar. He put six big rocks in the jar, with the rocks up to the edge. He then asked his students, “Is the jar full?” And they replied, “Yes.” The professor told the students, “No, it’s not.” Then, he pulled out gravel and put it in the jar. He then asked, “Now is it full?” The students once again replied, “Yes.” The professor responded, “No, it’s not.” He reached down and pulled out sand, which he poured into the jar with the same responses. Then, he reached down again for a pitcher of water, and poured water in, all the way to the brim. Then he asked, “Now is it full?” And the students replied, “Yes.” The professor then asked, “Okay, what lesson do you learn from this?” The students responded, “No matter how many things you’ve got in the jar, there’s always room to put a little more in.” The professor told them, “No, that’s not the lesson.

The lesson is, if I didn’t put the big rocks in first, they would have never fit!”

Most Catholics can appreciate this story — in particular, how it can apply to our own prayer lives. Essentially, every person has to decide what the “big rocks” are in his or her life. And, for us Catholics, prayer should be one of those big rocks in the jar.

As Catholics, we know that prayer is important, and we know that we can and should always pray more. Yet, connecting with God in this way often slips through the cracks of our busy lives.

Stewardship spirituality is about trying to become ever more generous with our Time, Talent, and Treasure. And there is a reason why “Time” is first in line. Time in a stewardship context refers to the time we spend with God in

prayer. We need to take time to talk to God and take time to be quiet and seek to listen as He expresses His love for us and wants us to know His inspiration in our life.

There are many different forms of prayer — from weekly prayer, such as the Mass, to daily personal prayer. A daily Rosary is one of the most universal spiritual practices that can enrich the lives of Catholics around the world.

Even if the decades are spread out throughout the day, or even if you pray just one decade a day, you will find yourself growing closer and closer to the Lord each time.

Morning and night prayer are also important disciplines to maintain. Set aside a comfortable place in your home where you can find silence.

Maybe focus on a spiritual image and take time to center yourself with Scripture or some other kind of spiritual reading.

For many, spending large portions of the day in silent prayer may not always be possible.

But make it a priority to find those moments of quiet throughout the day, and to find ways to incorporate prayer amid your busy schedule.

When you get into a vehicle, pray — before a meal, after a meal, if you’re faced with a tough decision. Just pray!

Ultimately, the bottom line is this — just as in any human relationship, communication is a central aspect of a vibrant relationship with God. Prayer is fostering this communion of love with God. He loved us into existence and He wants us to enter into a loving conversation with Him. We’ve got to talk to Him. And we have to listen to Him. He will take care of everything if you just trust Him. He’s knocking at the door and waiting for us to open it in prayer.

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1328 Lincoln Avenue | Evansville, IN 47714 (812) 425-3369 | www.saintbenedictcathedral.org

Behind the Scenes with the Sacristans Ministry continued from front cover

The ministry holds four brief organizational meetings per year, and substitutes are available for those who find themselves unable to serve on their scheduled Sunday.

“When people express interest in helping with this ministry, I ask them which Mass they normally attend, and then assign them to cover that Mass,” she says. “I post a schedule in the sacristy. I usually pair the new sacristans with experienced sacristans so they can help alongside them until they feel comfortable doing it themselves.”

Over time, Kelley has also found that coordinating the Sacristan Ministry helps her share her talents with our parish community in a meaningful way.

“I am glad I can be here for my church family and serve them through this ministry,” she says.

“It helps me get to know my fellow parishioners better and grow closer to them. Being a sacristan is a great way to give back!”

More sacristans are needed to serve Jesus truly present in the Eucharist through this beautiful ministry.

For more information on our Sacristans Ministry, please call Kelley Coppens at 812-425-3369 or email her at cathedral@evdio.org. You may also indicate interest on your stewardship commitment card or fill out the Ministry Information Form online, located underneath the Ministries Tab at www.saintbenedictcathedral.org.

LITURGY SCHEDULE

Saturday Vigil: 4:30 p.m. | Sunday: 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Daily Mass: Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 a.m.

Confessions: Tuesday through Friday 8:40 - 8:55 a.m., Saturday 9:30 - 10:00 a.m.