St. Benedict Cathedral Newsletter — November 2020

St. Benedict

Cathedral

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Habitat for Humanity:

Ending the Cycle of Poverty in Our Community, One Home at a Time

“E

veryone deserves a decent place to live.”

This Habitat for Humanity slogan may be a simple one, but it’s the basis on which volunteers construct homes for those in need. However, the organization doesn’t just work to build houses.

As parishioner and longtime volunteer Steve Titzer notes, Habitat for Humanity aims to break the cycle of poverty for future generations.

Donna F. and her family gather with Bishop Joseph Siegel and “We allow families to Thelma Welte following the dedication of her home, sponsored have a way to be self- by Catholics for Habitat in 2019. Donna’s home was dedicated sufficient,” he says. “This to the memory of Del Welte, a longtime parishioner and helps families model the volunteer at St. Benedict Cathedral, and member of Habitat’s Core Crew and Catholics for Habitat for over 20 years. importance of family, commitment and desire for improvement in life.”

The first guiding principle of Habitat for Humanity is to “demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ.” The organization is an ecumenical Christian organization, but anyone of any faith is welcome to get involved.

“Churches, and particularly Catholic churches, in Evansville, have been very supportive throughout our 36-year history, locally,” says Sister Jane continued on page 2

Inside

NOVEMBER 2020

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“What’s in It For Us” May Surprise You

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A Look Back at Our Cathedral Renovations Reflecting Spiritual Renewal, Preserving Our Place of Worship for Generations to Come

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Praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

7 The Welcome

Committee

Ensuring that All

Feel “at Home” in

Our St. Benedict Community

Habitat for Humanity Michele McClure, OSB, who serves as Major Gifts Officer for Habitat for Humanity.

One local group, Catholics for Habitat, consists of representatives from every Catholic parish in the Evansville area. Together, they raise funds and provide volunteer support to build a Habitat house every year. They also have a yearly barbecue fundraiser.

One of the common misconceptions about Habitat for Humanity is that families are simply “given” a house for free, no questions asked.

However, families chosen by the organization must qualify, based on an income above and below a certain level. They then purchase the home over a 25-year period with no interest, and commit 300 hours of “sweat equity” toward the build.

Families also take a variety of classes, from home maintenance to financial planning.

Families’ payments are around $400 per month, so it’s usually cheaper than what they were paying for rent. Since the initial home cost is largely paid for by donations, the mortgage payment stream from Habitat houses pays for administration costs.

“Every dollar donated to Habitat goes to building a house,” Steve says. “This is a great economic model that is very effective.

“Most importantly, a home builds family strength,” he adds. “What we have found through the years is that children perform better in school after moving into a Habitat home. There is a dramatic improvement in school performance.”

Having been involved with Habitat since the 1990s, Steve first got involved as treasurer of the board, since it was a nice fit with his skill-set as an accountant. He believes strongly in the mission of Habitat, having seen how a home can truly change lives, and he wants to invite more parishioners to get involved.

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“I think anyone who volunteers for Habitat will walk away knowing they made a difference. The home recipients are so thankful to be getting a house and that you are there. You leave feeling really good about what you are doing and what Habitat is doing.” — STEVE TITZER “Most people think all that is needed for Habitat is to work at a job site, but there are many other volunteer needs,” Steve says. “There’s a need for office help, and a number of committees that need volunteers.”

Other volunteer opportunities include working in the warehouse, taking care of yard work, landscaping, and building gardens. There are also various groups that work on a home, including Women Build and Millennial Build.

The Evansville Habitat chapter is one of the smallest affiliates in the country to have built 500 homes since it was established — the current goal is to build 20 homes per year. The chapter is currently embarking on a large project at the former site of St. Theresa Catholic Church, which encompassed two city blocks. The parish buildings were taken down in 2019, and will be the site for 14 Habitat homes, to be called St. Theresa’s Place.

“I think anyone who volunteers for Habitat will walk away knowing they made a difference,” Steve says. “The home recipients are so thankful to be getting a house and that you are there. You leave feeling really good about what you are doing and what Habitat is doing.”

If you would like to learn more, or are interested in becoming involved with our Habitat for Humanity group, please contact Steve Titzer at 812-459-1062 or stitzer1969@gmail.com.

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A Letter From Our Cathedral Rector

“What’s in It For Us” May Surprise You My Fellow Parishioners:

Y

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 — has become 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 have truly embraced stewardship here at St. Benedict Cathedral, and for that, I am blessed and grateful. From the beginning, 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 includes an attitude of gratitude. I am truly thankful for all that is done here at St. Benedict 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.

Peace,

Very Rev. Godfrey Mullen, OSB Cathedral Rector 3

A LOOK BACK AT OUR CA

Reflecting Spiritual Renewal, Preserving Ou

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t’s hard to believe that a year has passed since our faith community gathered for the dedication Mass celebrating the completion of our cathedral renovations! Today, our mission to rebuild God’s kingdom here on earth is more important than ever. Thanks to the beautiful work done on St. Benedict Cathedral last year, we are blessed to have an outward sign of this renewal of faith.

Some of the renovations carried out include the installation of new floor tiling, a large choir loft, and an improved wiring and sound system. More important than these changes to the physical structure, however, are the positive effect they have on our sense of community.

“The renovation was really a comprehensive updating, redecoration, and improvement of the church,” Fr. Godfrey says. “I think it’s important to realize that the practical pieces have led to a pride in the church building, as is right and good. The structure of the church was always beautiful, but the decoration was tired and worn. So just as Christ

continues to renew His people, day after day, with His grace, so the renovation of the church reminds us of the strength we have when we work together in Him.” With last year’s renovations, the church building became more accessible to visitors and parishioners with restricted mobility. There is now a designated area for quieting infants and children during the Mass. Updated paint and lighting have brightened the sanctuary, and as Fr. Godfrey points out, even the repainting of our statues has provided us with more lovely examples of holiness. At the same time, steps were taken to ensure that the cathedral building will be preserved for generations to come.

In addition to the structural improvements, our cathedral was also blessed to receive some cherished relics during the renovation. Diocesan relics of Pope Saint Pius X, gifted to the cathedral, have a special connection to our parish — Pope Saint Pius X was serving as pope in 1912, the year our parish was established. The relics of other saints, including St. Valentine, that were

“We’re called to help build the Kingdom of God here. Because of our commitment to discipleship through the response of stewardship, through our increased prayer and generosity of talent, through our financial sacrifices for the sake of the parish’s mission, we have rightly made our parish a better place, and therefore our world as well.” — FR. GODFREY MULLEN 4

ATHEDRAL RENOVATIONS

ur Place of Worship for Generations to Come original to our church have found a new home in our sanctuary as well. Like our newly restored statues of the saints, these relics remind us of our call to holiness.

Each November, we are called in a special way to reflect with gratitude on our many blessings. It is an appropriate month for recalling the theme of our renovation project — Giving God Thanks.

“God has given to our parish,” Fr. Godfrey says. “Grateful hearts so rightly become generous hearts, especially when we begin to realize over and over that God is the giver of every good gift.

Throughout the campaign, I reminded all of us that we had plenty of reason to be grateful for the courage of our founding families, who never balked at starting a parish and a school and then, only 15 years into its existence, to build a church that was far larger than necessary. Thank God for their vision, their generosity, and their hard work. Now, future generations can rightly say, ‘Thank God for the courage of our families who had the faith, courage, and generosity to move us forward again.’”

Reflecting on the physical renovations that took place at the cathedral last year, Fr. Godfrey recognizes that, for all its messiness, renewal — whether of a structure or a soul — is always well worth the struggle.

“Sometimes, that’s how conversion works as well,” he says. “Sometimes, we want conversion to be easy. But conversion is work — hard work!

And getting from one spiritual place to another requires trust in God, hope in a brighter future, and faith that it will all be worth it.

“We’re called to help build the Kingdom of God here,” Fr. Godfrey continues. “Because of our commitment to discipleship through the response of stewardship, through our increased prayer and generosity of talent, through our financial sacrifices for the sake of the parish’s mission, we have rightly made our parish a better place, and therefore our world as well.”

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Praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory M

any Catholics are aware that the Church dedicates the first two days of November — All Saints Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2 — to commemorating and praying for the souls of the faithful departed. But did you know that during the entire month of November, the Church places a special emphasis on praying for the souls in purgatory?

The Church has always taught us to pray for the souls of those who have passed on from this life. Even in Old Testament times, prayers and alms were offered for the souls of the dead by those who thought “well and religiously concerning the resurrection” (Liturgical Meditations, The Sisters of St. Dominic). And in the early days of the Church, St. Paul further emphasized the importance and responsibility of not only remembering our brothers and sisters who have passed away, but actively praying for them: “For the Lord himself... will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will first rise” (1 Thess 4:16).

Because of the very state of the holy souls in purgatory, we as earthly brothers and sisters in Christ are closely connected to those who passed on from this life. We share in the peace of knowing that salvation will one day be obtained, but are simultaneously suffering in separation from God. The Church also teaches that we have the opportunity to play a big part in helping these souls through their period of purgation, so that they may enjoy eternal glory with the Lord.

This month, please make a special effort to offer prayers for your deceased friends and loved ones, and all those who have passed away in the grace and friendship of God. Offering a Mass for someone who has passed away is an especially fruitful way to honor the memory and bring comfort to a holy soul in purgatory.

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Prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory O Lord, who art ever merciful and bounteous with Thy gifts, look down upon the suffering souls in purgatory. Remember not their offenses and negligences, but be mindful of Thy loving mercy, which is from all eternity. Cleanse them of their sins and fulfill their ardent desires that they may be made worthy to behold Thee face to face in Thy glory.

May they soon be united with Thee and hear those blessed words which will call them to their heavenly home: “Come, blessed of My Father, take possession of the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”

Amen.

The Welcome Committee

Ensuring That All Feel “at Home” in Our St. Benedict Community

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t can feel awkward to go someplace new, especially when you don’t know anyone, where meeting new people and feeling connected seems like a challenge.

But here at St. Benedict Cathedral Parish, we hope that from the first moment someone steps through our doors, they feel welcome and at home in our faith community.

Parishioner Gini Combs remembers feeling that way when she first moved to the area and joined St. Ben’s at age 11. Today, she serves as a member of the Welcome Committee, in hopes of creating that same experience for others.

“My family moved to Evansville and I started school at St. Ben’s,” Gini says. “Everybody in my class was so welcoming and so friendly and made me feel part of the group. And I have remembered that my whole life, and tried to put that forward anywhere I go.”

The Welcome Committee serves the parish in a number of different ways, some of which have shifted since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the past, they have hosted a Welcome Dinner for new parishioners, sent birthday and anniversary

cards, served as greeters at Mass, and made a point of welcoming new parishioners to our Lenten Soup Suppers and Knights of Columbus Fish Frys.

More recently, the parish had begun to send out welcome packets to new parishioners, developed a sponsor program to help new parishioners become acclimated to our community, partnered with the University of Evansville to welcome students, and more. The Welcome Committee also developed a church history brochure and began to offer church tours after Mass, to help people appreciate the beauty and history of our Cathedral.

Gini hopes that by connecting with new parishioners early on, they will become engaged in the life of the parish and find ways to use their gifts to serve, as well as connect with others in our community who share similar interests.

“I think that people can make their church their family, if they feel welcome here,” Gini says.

Gini encourages other parishioners to consider becoming involved in the Welcome Committee, using their gifts to help new parishioners feel connected and supported by our community. She points out continued on back cover

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

The Welcome Committee

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that it takes people of all different backgrounds and personalities to ensure that all of our new parishioners — regardless of their needs — are able to find someone they can relate to.

We have a variety of Welcome Committee members and it’s nice because of the diversity,” she says. “They can share their experiences, and how they felt initially, and we can talk about how we can improve that experience for our new parishioners.”

It is Gini’s hope that whether or not parishioners feel a particular call to serve on the Welcome Committee, they will always seek to make visitors feel at home — even if only by a (maybe masked) smile.

“A smile goes a long way,” Gini says. “In a way, that’s Jesus’ face, smiling at people, giving them hope, making them feel good. That is one of the things I try to do — keep a smile on my face. That is a reflection of Jesus, being His face on earth.”

If you would like more information, or to become involved in our parish Welcome Committee, please contact the parish office at 812-425-3369.

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.