St. Benedict
Cathedral
Hallmark Ministry
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Inside
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Extending Love and Care to the Sick and Homebound of Our Community
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here are many ways of fostering connections and relationships in a community. For a large parish like St. Benedict Cathedral, it’s especially important to connect people to the Body of Christ in a variety of ways. Visiting the homebound, praying for parishioners’ needs, and welcoming people to Mass — all of these reach hearts in different ways. For Jennifer Browning, a member of the Hallmark Ministry, she found that sending cards to sick or homebound parishioners met a need that often goes unspoken. “We’re hearing that someone was ill or in the nursing home and we knew nothing about it,” Jennifer says. “We’re thinking, how can we help with that or at least give our thoughts and prayers?” Jennifer finds that cards provide a unique and lasting reminder that someone is not alone. Cards can be displayed and read over and over. They are a visual reminder that the parish is close and is there for someone who might otherwise be experiencing isolation or loneliness. “Cards mean a lot because people don’t often send cards anymore,” Jennifer says. “Someone can look at it again and enjoy it.” The Hallmark Ministry took on new importance during the time continued on page 5
NOV 2021
2 Teaching Our Children the True Meaning of Stewardship
3 Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Time 4
A Look at Our League of St. Benedict and Legacy Society: Offering Unique Ways to Support Parish and School
6 St. Rose Philippine Duchesne: "The Woman Who Always Prays" 7 Athletic Volunteers Share Stewardship of Talent as Winter Sports Get Underway
Teaching Our Children the True Meaning of Stewardship Of the many lessons parents instill in their children, teaching them to be good stewards should be a top priority. Our goal as parents is to get our children to heaven to be with our creator, God. Teaching them to be good stewards is a great way to assist them.
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hat is your response when someone compliments your child’s achievements in art, music, or sports? Do you say “thank you” as a kind response, or do you thank God for granting your child the gifts necessary for success? As parents, we serve as the primary educators of our children. Teaching them from a young age that their talents — whether in soccer, chorus or painting — come not from us, but from God, is essential to teaching stewardship. God graciously grants each of us unique skills and abilities, and it is our job to use those gifts to glorify Him. As parents, aunts, uncles, or older siblings, we can guide children in our lives to recognize their Godgiven gifts. We can further encourage children to use God's gifts to their full potential, and then thank Him for bestowing them. This teaches young Catholics how to be good stewards. Indeed, not utilizing our talents brings to mind the parable of the servant who buries the talent his master gives him, instead of using it to create more talent. God wants us to use our talents wisely and thankfully. Teaching children to utilize their talents to build God’s kingdom is only one step of the threefold stewardship message. How your children spend their time is also important. As we 2
move through the hustle and bustle of our day — balancing school, chores, and extracurricular activities — do we find time to spend with God? It often seems as if 24 hours is not long enough to fulfill our many daily tasks. So, how can we find the time to teach and demonstrate the importance of sharing our time with God? Simple time offerings include praying on the way to school, stopping by the church to pray for a friend in need, or thanking God for a good outcome on a test. Even learning about a saint over dinner and praying as a family before bedtime can be a valuable time offering to the Lord. As parents, finding daily prayer time ourselves is also necessary, both for our roles as good stewards and as an example to our children. How wonderful for a child to witness their parent in quiet prayer! The third tier of stewardship — treasure — is most frequently overlooked when educating our children. Birthday money from Grandma and allowance money doesn’t count — or does it? All gifts we receive are really from God, and the “first fruits” of those gifts should be generously returned to God — even if they come from Grandma. Starting as early as grade school, children can understand the concept of giving back to the all-giving God if we simply take the opportunity to teach it to them. Witnessing our weekly tithe is a great start, but encouraging them to give in their own children’s offertory envelope is also important. Knowing they are returning to God in thanksgiving will fill them with joy! Of the many lessons parents instill in their children, teaching them to be good stewards should be a top priority. Our goal as parents is to get our children to heaven to be with our creator, God. Teaching them to be good stewards is a great way to assist them.
A Letter From Our Cathedral Rector
Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of
TIME
My Fellow Parishioners:
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he next several weeks are certainly a busy time for us as Catholics, good stewards, good citizens, and faithful members of the Church and our parish. There are celebrations and commemorations both inside and outside the Church that are momentous in terms of faith, citizenship, and living as people of thanksgiving and gratitude. We celebrate Veterans Day to honor and thank all those men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces in one capacity or another. Indicative of the importance of this day, every year at 11 a.m. Eastern, the President of the United States lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. We all understand that Americans celebrate a day of Thanksgiving on Nov. 25. What more can we say about this? It is a day that was faith-based from its very beginnings, and it is an indication of how much we have to thank God for in terms of the gifts we have received — our lives, our families, our Church, our
Lord and Savior — everything we are and everything we have. No sooner are Thanksgiving Day celebrations concluded, than we begin that glorious season called Advent on Sunday, Nov. 28. This prepares us for and leads to Christmas. Indeed, this is both a busy and extraordinary time of year! There is, of course, much more on which we could focus and about which we could think, meditate and pray, but that is more than enough for us
to consider and absorb. From a stewardship perspective, I would like you not only to participate and focus on all the particular things that are about to happen but also on one of our special gifts – the gift of time. The gift of time, which we all receive from God in equal amount, is precious because it is a nonrenewable resource. Although some of our time is committed because of family responsibilities, work responsibilities, or personal needs, we have an element of freewill with how we spend a certain amount of it. We need to spend some of that time in prayer, in thanksgiving, in worship, and in works of mercy and ministry. Our time is perhaps more precious than any material gifts we receive from the Lord. How are we doing with that gift? Peace,
Very Rev. Godfrey Mullen, OSB Cathedral Rector
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A LOOK AT OUR LEAGUE OF ST. BENEDICT and LEGACY S
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here are several ways to give to St. Benedict Cathedral and School. You can give in the collection, online, by mail, and by bringing a gift to the office. We must each share our gifts, large and small, to help the Cathedral continue the good work. As we read in 2 Corinthians 8:7, “God loves a cheerful giver.” The Cathedral also has two unique giving options — the League of St. Benedict and the Legacy Society. The League of St. Benedict is a new option, through which people commit to giving at least $1,000 to the school per year. It can be done in a one-time payment, monthly, or via some other arrangement. This is meant to be an option for individuals, businesses, and corporations, in addition to their Sunday collection giving. There will be an annual celebration dinner for all League members. “We're very grateful, as always, when people support our sacred purpose at St. Benedict Cathedral to help people become holy disciples,” says Fr. Godfrey Mullen. Just as the Cathedral is working to form holy
disciples, the Cathedral school is doing important work to teach children from many ethnic, economic, and geographic backgrounds. School staff does the important work of forming children to be holy disciples. The League helps support the expansion of programs and curriculum at the school. “By engaging various religious programs at the school, our goal is to provide not only a good education but formation of the whole child, allowing each student to become a leader equipped with faith, to help change the world, to build the Kingdom of Christ,” Fr. Godfrey says. Another unique way to give is through a planned gift or estate gift. These are set up in a will to leave a legacy after a person passes away. Those who inform the Cathedral of the planned gift become members of the Legacy Society. There are currently 57 members both living and deceased. A Mass is said each month for the intentions of the Legacy Society. “Offering something from what we have allows the Church to carry out its work,” Fr. Godfrey says. “Estate gifts and planned giving help the continued on page 5
“As God has given good gifts to each of us, He expects them to be returned to Him with increase. Not unlike grains of wheat, the fruit of the earth, that become bread through the work of human hands, so our gifts are engaged in ways that make the world better by God's goodness and our hospitality, prayer, formation and service.” — Fr. Godfrey Mullen
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SOCIETY: Offering Unique Ways to Support Parish and School parish carry out its sacred purpose of helping people become holy disciples of Jesus.” Fr. Godfrey says planned gifts are often used for capital expenses, relieving the debt, and providing for property and buildings. This means this gift makes a lasting impact as a way to honor the lives of those who have given. “As God has given good gifts to each of us, He expects them to be returned to Him with increase,” Fr. Godfrey says. “Not unlike grains of wheat, the fruit of the earth, that become bread through the work of human hands, so our gifts are engaged in ways that make the world better by God's goodness and our hospitality, prayer, formation, and service.”
If you would like to learn more about giving to the Cathedral, the Legacy Society and the League of St. Benedict, please visit the giving page at SaintBenedictCathedral.org. You may also contact Pastoral Associate Sister Pat McGuire, OSB at 812-425-3369.
The Hallmark Ministry continued from front cover of COVID-19. It became even harder for some people to get to Mass or receive visitors. In these times, any reminder of the parish’s prayers and presence holds extra significance. “It might be the only card that they get,” Jennifer says, “It’s our way of saying, ‘We’re here and the parish is thinking of you.’” The members of the Hallmark Ministry make a list of parishioners to whom cards can be sent, and then members ensure that these parishioners receive a card at least several times a year. In addition, members are always paying attention in case someone hasn’t made it onto their list yet.
For those who may not have the time to pay visits themselves but still want to reach out to their fellow parishioners, the Hallmark Ministry offers an avenue to serve. As a parishioner at St. Benedict, Jennifer knows that sharing Christ’s love with those who are in nursing homes or homebound is her responsibility. Her heart for those experiencing illness or loneliness brought her to this unique ministry. “It’s our job to stay as connected as we can,” Jennifer says. “We want them to know they’re not alone.”
If you know someone who would like to receive a card or if you would like to get involved with the Hallmark Ministry, please contact Jennifer Browning at 812-454-3541 or jenniferbrowning85@yahoo.com. 5
St. Rose Philippine Duchesne B
"The Woman Who Always Prays"
orn on Aug. 29, 1769, in Grenoble, France, to a prominent lawyer, the On Nov. 18, we celebrate the feast day young Philippine was educated by tutors of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne. During and her own mother, as well as by the her long life of service, she confronted Visitation nuns in Grenoble. By 1788, many hardships, and played an the 19-year-old Philippine had become important role in bringing the Catholic completely devoted to the Catholic faith to the new American frontier. Her faith, and she joined the Convent of the Visitation — by some accounts, against endless devotion to prayer and lifelong her family's wishes. desire to help those in need provides us However, by 1792, the convent was with a beautiful example of stewardship closed due to the Reign of Terror during and faith in the face of great adversity. the French Revolution — an era that witnessed the outlawing of all religious her companions in the Society at a reservation of organizations in France. While no longer a member of a convent, Philippine remained fully the Potawatomi nation, in Sugar Creek, Kan. A active in providing service and ministering to those major influence on this decision was Philippine's in need — even selflessly putting herself at great risk disgust with the treatment of the native people by helping to hide priests from the Revolutionaries. by the American government. She felt that by By the time the Reign of Terror ended and the serving the reservation, she could concentrate on Concordat between Napoleon and Pope Pius VII was ministry and prayer in a setting far removed from signed in 1801, Philippine attempted to restart the European influence. Unfortunately, Philippine's health had already convent, but without success. However, in 1804, she learned of the Society of the Sacred Heart of begun to fail, and at Sugar Creek, she could do Jesus, and with several of her companions, became little more than continually pray in the reservation a novice in the Society. By 1815, Philippine was chapel. Nevertheless, her strong faith and spirit elected secretary-general of the Society but had profoundly moved the Potawatomi people, and they already expressed a strong desire to minister outside affectionately referred to her as Kwahkahkanumad, or "the woman who always prays." of France and Europe. As her health continued to deteriorate, Such an opportunity was presented just three years later, as Bishop William Dubourg requested Philippine was soon recalled from Sugar Creek. She missionaries at his large diocese in Louisiana. would spend the final 10 years of her life quietly Philippine, along with a group of four companions, working to spread the Catholic faith throughout sailed to New Orleans in May 1818. By that September, North America. Philippine died on Nov. 18, 1852. Philippine and her companions had opened the first Her companion, Anna du Rousier, was by her side at her death. Anna would carry the mission free school for girls located west of the Mississippi. While Philippine found great difficulty adjusting of the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus into to an unfamiliar culture in what was still largely South America, assuring that Philippine's faithful uncharted North American territory, she nevertheless devotion to ministry and prayer would continue to continued to oversee several struggling convents. inspire and influence long after her passing. In recognition of Philippine's contributions to the And despite her uneasiness with the language and culture, Philippine worked to maintain a unified Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as well as to spirit within the Society as it spread throughout the the spread of the Catholic faith in North America, she was beatified on May 12, 1940. And on July 3, new American territory. By the early 1840s, Philippine decided to join 1988, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne was canonized. 6
Athletic Volunteers Share Stewardship of Talent as Winter Sports Get Underway
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andemic restrictions may have put a crimp in our fall Cathedral School athletic season, but now the Ravens are ready to go after Jan. 1 with basketball and wrestling — and this means a go-ahead for our Athletic Volunteers. Jason Wright, our new Athletic Director, was able to manage in-house during the truncated fall volleyball season that had just one game. However, with the winter season now approaching, he knows that the faithful volunteers will step up again to serve where they are needed. The Athletic Volunteers help the games run smoothly by handling the gate, operating the concessions, keeping the team uniforms organized, and other tasks that may arise. “We have a lot of volunteers in the church,” Jason says. “The ‘Tuesday Crew’ volunteers to help with the parish, school, and athletic department. In the spirit of stewardship here at St. Benedict Cathedral, there typically is no “ask” required to acquire Athletic Volunteers. “They just love to come,” Jason says. “They are very interested and involved. I don’t have to ask. They volunteer without any effort on my part.” This practice of stewardship became immediately apparent to Jason even as he began his new position. continued on back cover
Jason Wright, Athletic Director, is looking forward to the winter sports season and working with the Athletic Volunteers to keep games running smoothly.
“For the kids, these volunteers are perfect role models. You’re giving your time and treasure whether you participate in the parish or the school.” — Jason Wright, Athletic Director
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1328 Lincoln Avenue | Evansville, IN 47714 (812) 425-3369 | www.saintbenedictcathedral.org
Athletic Volunteers Share Stewardship of Time and Talent as Winter Sports Get Underway continued from page 7 “I know there are men who volunteer — the ones who give a lot of their talent and treasure and extend this to the school and athletic department,” Jason says. But perhaps most important of all, the stewardship displayed by the Athletic Volunteers is certainly not lost on the students. “For the kids, these volunteers are perfect role models,” Jason says. “You’re giving your time and treasure whether you participate in the parish or the school.”
With COVID-19 still causing some concern, Athletic Director Jason Wright understands that some who have served as Athletic Volunteers may want to step down for a while. However, if anyone wants to take part as a volunteer, they are invited to contact him or Principal Kari Ford at the school office at 812-425-4596. Those volunteering will need to undergo a background check and will receive Safe Environment Training through the diocese.
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. & 3:30 - 4:00 p.m.