The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Bishop of Charlotte DECEMBER 8, 2019 Very Rev. Christopher A. Roux 2ND SUNDAY OF

Rector & Pastor SUNDAY CYCLE: A — WEEKDAY CYCLE: II — PSALTER: WEEK II

WEEKEND MASSES Saturday Vigil: 5:30 pm Sunday: 7:30 am, 9 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm

WEEKDAY MASSES Monday - Friday: 12:10 pm Friday (school year): 8:30 am Saturday: 8 am

HOLY DAY SCHEDULE 7:30 am, 12:10 pm, 7 pm

CONFESSION Thirty minutes before daily Masses Saturday: 4 - 5 pm Sunday: 10 - 11 am

ADORATION Wednesday: 8 am - 6 pm Sunday: 10 - 11 am

PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday: 9 am - 5 pm Closed Fridays during the summer

Mission Statement We the members of The Cathedral of St. Patrick, through the mercy of God the Father, the grace of Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit, seek to grow continually in knowledge of and love for God. We strive to enable ongoing conversion to Christ of our adults, to inspire faith in our children, and to be witnesses of His love in the greater community.

Address: 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte, NC 28203 Phone: (704) 334-2283 Fax: (704) 377-6403 Email: [email protected] Website: www.stpatricks.org DATE MASSES EVENTS 7:30 AM—Confession 8:00 AM † Chuck Finney 9:00—11:00 AM—Ablaze High School Program Saturday 9:00 AM—Noon—Equestrian Order Event Requested by Hope Hopkins December 7th 10:30 AM—4:00 PM—Parish Directory Photography 5:30 PM Pro Populo 4:00 PM—Confession 4:00 PM—Children’s Choir Practice 7:30 AM † Nick & Irene Fadero Sunday Requested by the Fadero Family 9:00 AM—RCIA Rite of Acceptance @ 9 am Mass December 8th 9:00 AM † Barbara Phillips 10:00—11:00 AM—Confession and Adoration Requested by the Loeber Family 10:15—11:30 AM—Faith Formation Classes 2nd Sunday of 11:00 AM Jake & Heidi Whaley 10:15—11:30 AM—Adult Group Study Requested by the Edel Family 10:30 AM—4:00 PM—Parish Directory Photography Advent 4:30—5:30 PM—High School Choir Practice 12:30 PM † Michael Stroman

Requested by the Russo Family Monday 12:10 PM † Wanda Chimiak Requested by Nancy Frei 11:30 AM—Confession December 9th 2:00—8:30 PM—Parish Directory Photography Note: The Immaculate Conception is not a Holy Day 5:30 PM—Pietra Fitness Class Immaculate of Obligation this year because the solemnity is trans- 7:00 PM—Young Adult Ministry Core Team Meeting Conception ferred to Monday from Sunday, December 8th.

Tuesday 12:10 PM Ly Nguyen Family 11:30 AM—Confession 2:00—8:30 PM—Parish Directory Photography December 10th Requested by Ly Nguyen 3:00—5:00 PM—Children’s Choir Practices 8:00 AM—6:00 PM—Adoration 11:30 AM—Confession Wednesday 2:00—8:30 PM—Parish Directory Photography 12:10 PM Katie Storms December 11th 3:00 PM—Children’s Rosary & Adoration 3:00 PM—Children’s Choir Practice 7:00—8:30 PM—RCIA Class 10 AM—Pietra Fitness Advent Series 11:30 AM—Confession Thursday 12:10 PM † Luci Licari 1:00—2:30 PM—Catholic Scripture Study December 12th Requested by the Rodriguez Family 2:00—8:30 PM—Parish Directory Photography 6:00 PM—Vigilia de oración por Nicaragua 7:15—9:15 PM—Cathedral Choir Practice 8:30 AM † Dot Battle Friday Requested by St. Patrick School PTO 11:30 AM—Confession 2:00—8:30 PM—Parish Directory Photography December 13th 12:10 PM † Michael Anderson 6:30 PM—Practice for Concert Requested by the Rodriguez Family 7:30 AM—Confession 8:45—Pro-Life Prayer Vigil @ Planned Parenthood 8:00 AM † Souls in Purgatory 9:00—11:30 AM—Ablaze Program for All Members Saturday 9:00 AM—12:00 PM—First Penance Workshop 5:30 PM † Sarah Cadenhead December 14th 4:00 PM—Confession Requested by Hope Hopkins 4:00 PM—Children’s Choir Practice 5:30 PM—Young Adult Event @ Charlotte Motor Speedway 7:30—9:30 PM—Christmas Sacred Music Concert

Sunday 7:30 AM Pro Populo 9:00 AM † Francesco & Maria D’Addario December 15th Requested by Omega D. Hartman 10:00—11:00 AM—Confession and Adoration 10:15—11:30 AM—Faith Formation Classes 11:00 AM † Guadalupe Garmilla 3nd Sunday of 1:30 PM—Baptism Preparation Class Requested by the Garmilla Family 4:30—6:00 PM—Boy Scout Troop Meeting Advent 12:30 PM Rita Ann Phillips Myers-Saunders Requested by Sarah Myers

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS PRO-LIFE PRAYER VIGIL Our choirs will be performing in two Christmas con- The Cathedral’s Respect Life Ministry will host a certs this week. Both are free and open to everyone. pro-life prayer vigil at Planned Parenthood (700 S. Torrence St.) following the 8 am Mass on Saturday, Concert 1: The Cathedral Choir will participate in a December 14th. Pro-life signs will be provided. All three-church Christmas Concert at Holy Trinity are invited to participate. Greek Orthodox Cathedral (600 East Blvd) this Sun- day, December 8th at 5:00 pm. Our choir will sing FIRST PENANCE WORKSHOP Gregorian chants for Advent and choral works by Palestrina and Guerrero. Children preparing to make their first Confession will attend a First Penance Workshop on Saturday, Concert 2: This coming Saturday, December 14th at December 14th from 9 am—noon. The workshop 7:30 pm, the Cathedral will host our annual Concert begins in the Family Life Center Meeting Room. At of Sacred Music for Advent and Christmas. The Ca- least one parent must attend. thedral Choir and the Children’s Choir will be per- forming. Our choirs will sing the “Magnificat in D YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY major” by Jan Dismas Zelenka, plus works by Jos- Saturday, December 14th—Speedway Christmas quin des Prez, Rheinberger, Monteverdi and Eybler. We’ll be driving through the tunnel at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Meet up at the Cathe- PARISH DIRECTORY dral to carpool around 5:30 - 5:45 pm, then we’ll head over to the race track. All parishioners are encouraged to sign up for a time slot to have your picture taken for our 2020 directory. Tuesday, December 17th—Operation Christmas Child Photography sessions are free. All participating fami- Join us for an evening of Christmas spirit as we sort lies and individuals will receive a free 8 x 10 print and organize shoebox donations at the Operation and a free parish directory! You’ll have the option to Christmas Child Processing Center! Please register make additional photo purchases, but you won’t be by Dec. 10 so that all volunteers will have time to pressured to do so. To reserve your photography time fill out the volunteer waiver prior to the night of the slot, please visit: www.stpatricks.org/photo and enter event: www.stpatricks.org/christmaschild our parish code: nc238 and password: photos . Online registrations are open Mondays—Fridays Young Adult March for Life & Ski Trip (paper registration forms are available in the narthex or outside by the rectory—weather permitting). Our Young Adult Ministry will participate in the Families of six or more are asked to schedule two national March for Life in Washington D.C. and go time slots back-to-back to allow enough time. on a ski trip from January 23rd - 26th. The trip will be led by Fr. Richard Sutter, Pastor of St. Church. The registration fee for early bird registrants is $100 (if you register by December 13th). All reg- It’s almost time for our annual Christmas Dinner for istrations after December 13th will cost $115. The the less fortunate. There are many ways for parish- deadline to register is December 20th. Optional ioners to support this important ministry. All parish- costs: $96 for skiing or $43 for tubing. Please sign ioners should have received a Christmas Dinner en- up online at: www.stpatricks.org/yam-march velope included with your donation envelope set. We rely upon your financial support to purchase the food FB: “The Cathedral of St. Patrick - Young Adult Ministry” that will be prepared for this dinner. Please be gener- Instagram: @stpatricksyam ous! We’re also in need of a large number of volun- E-mail: [email protected] teers to help prepare, serve, and deliver meals. Vol- Web: www.stpatricks.org/yam unteer spots fill quickly, so register ASAP if you’d like to participate. Please sign up to volunteer here: GET FORMED

Visit www.formed.org and search for St. Patrick’s www.stpatricks.org/christmas Cathedral for access to a wealth of Catholic material. FAITH FORMATION OUTREACH INITIATIVE FOR CHILDREN This Advent, the Parish Council will launch a parish The Cathedral Faith Formation program is open to all -wide outreach initiative encouraging all members, children of registered parishioners of the Cathedral no matter their current involvement, to seek the from Kindergarten through eighth grade. Faith For- peace of Christ in the Mass and receive the abundant mation meets Sunday mornings 10:15—11:30 am. blessings that come with being a part of our faith For more information, visit the parish website at community. Parishioners may donate (suggested www.stpatricks.org/faith-formation-children or con- minimum of $25) an anonymous sponsorship pack- tact Emily Clary at (704) 334-2283 ext. 413 or via e- age, which includes a rosary, Mass offering, reli- mail: [email protected] gious book, and magnet with parish information, to a fellow parishioner who requested an in-home visit Register at: www.stpatricks.org/register-formation during a parish wide phone survey to take place in

Upcoming Faith Formation classes: the New Year. In return, the sponsoring parishioner Dec. 8th, 15th will receive a new St. Patrick's car magnet. For more information on the initiative and volunteer op- FIRST COMMUNION portunities, please contact the parish office. Children ordinarily receive First Holy Communion in UPCOMING ABLAZE EVENTS second grade. The Diocese requires a child partici- All Members Program pate in one full year of faith formation in a parish or Saturday, December 14th - 9:00—11:30 am school setting before their First Holy Communion year. For more information, visit the parish website Service at Samaritan's Purse Processing Center at www.stpatricks.org/first-communion or contact (High School Group) Emily Clary in the parish office at (704) 334-2283 Friday, December 20th - 7:00—10:00 pm ext. 413 or via e-mail: [email protected] Christmas Caroling CONFIRMATION Saturday, December 21st - 2:00 pm Confirmation for children is available to rising 9th GIVING TREE grade students who have completed at least two years Our annual Giving Tree for those in need begins this of religious education. Classes meet twice a month weekend. Please take home an ornament from the on Sunday, 10:15—11:30 am. For more information, tree in the Cathedral, purchase the items of need, and please visit www.stpatricks.org/confirmation or con- return your donations to the Cathedral or parish of- tact Jessica Martin in the parish office at (704) 334- fice. This year we're collecting for PATH Street Out- 2283 ext. 413 or via e-mail: [email protected]. reach and McCreesh Place. Thank you! Upcoming Confirmation Preparation classes: Dec. 8th VIGILIA DE ORACIÓN RITE OF CHRISTIAN Los jueves a las 6 pm, nos reuni- mos en la Catedral para una Vigilia INITIATION FOR ADULTS de Adoración por la Paz y la Justi- The Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) is a formation cia en Nicaragua, que en estos últi- program for adults interested in becoming Catholic. mos meses está pasando por mo- Classes meet on Wednesday evenings from 7—8:30 mentos turbulentos y ataques físicos contra la Iglesia pm. For more information, visit the parish website at Católica, sus templos, y sus Obispos. Todos son www.stpatricks.org/rcia or contact Jessica Martin in bienvenidos a unirse a la Adoración, rezar el Santo the parish office at (704) 334-2283 ext. 413 or via e- Rosario, la hora santa de reparación, y terminando mail: [email protected] con la oración de exorcismo de San Miguel Arcán- gel. La vigilia es en español. Upcoming RCIA classes: Dec. 8th (Rite of Acceptance) 11th, 18th Vigilias de diciembre: 12th, 19th WOMEN’S FITNESS CATHOLIC SCRIPTURE STUDY The Cathedral offers an exercise program for women This year we’re studying The Sacraments: Discover- called Pietra Fitness. Pietra Fitness is a unique ing the Treasures of Divine Life and Epic: A Journey ‘whole-person’ fitness program that integrates physi- Through Church History. Sessions held in the FLC cal exercise with Christian prayer while drawing Meeting Room on Thursdays from 1:00—2:30 pm. upon the rich and timeless traditions of the Church. In only one hour, you feel calmer, stronger, refreshed Upcoming sessions: and renewed. Classes are offered at the Cathedral on Dec. 12th, 19th Mondays 5:30 - 6:30 pm. Donation in justice of $12/ class or $50 for a 6 punch card. For more informa- SERVER & LECTOR SCHEDULE tion, please e-mail Betsy Hoyt at: [email protected]. Reserve your spot DECEMBER 7-8 for the fitness classes here: 5:30 PM Vigil Mass www.stpatricks.org/pietra  Altar Servers: Somervilles  Lectors: Alicia Barone (both readings) PIETRA FITNESS ADVENT 7:30 AM Mass A special Advent Series of Pietra Fitness will be of-  Altar Servers: Hughes, Wintering fered on Thursdays from 10 - 11 am in the Great Hall  Lectors: Bill Rusciolelli (both readings) beginning Nov 14th. See the flyer in the Narthex for 9:00 AM Mass dates, fees and more information. Register online at:  Altar Servers: Flemings, Ryan, Bach www.tinyurl.com/CathedralAdvent2019  Lectors: Pamela D’Costa, Victoria Hall 11:00 AM Mass INTERCESSORY PRAYERS  Altar Servers: Murphy  Lectors: Ben Torres (both readings) PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: 12:30 PM Mass

Dinis Anjos; †Tom Ashcraft; Bill Butler, son of Joan  Altar Servers: Guilfoyle, Dignans Barkley; Tom Carlisle; Elizabeth Chekal; Kristin  Lectors: Tom Sperrazzo (both readings) Darden, daughter of Broderick family; Gloriana Fel- ten; Mark Ferreira; Jimmy Lee Hager; Don Halstead; DECEMBER 14-15 Phillip Hatcher; Baby Nolan Henderson; Conrad John; Rosellen Kline; Harry Laughlin; Pat Loncar; 5:30 PM Vigil Mass Esther Martin; Michael McRae; †Kevin Moran;  Altar Servers: Somervilles, Schurter David Overman; Michael Pappas; †Jimmie Patrum;  Lectors: Elise Blackburn, Kathy Cornett Jean Perrone; Jon Henry Phares; Doug Ponischil; 7:30 AM Mass Mia Quintero; Josette Roisin; Linda Roth; †Ethan  Altar Servers: Hughes, Palmere Scott; Charlotte Sparks; †Donna Wingert; Bill  Lectors: Chris Poore (both readings) Youngblood, all military servicemen & women. 9:00 AM Mass  Altar Servers: Spisso, McAllisters, Cannon HAVE A PRAYER REQUEST?  Lectors: Catherine Horgan, Karen Cates Send an e-mail to: [email protected] with 11:00 AM Mass your request. The request will be added to our prayer  Altar Servers: Cona, Ferreira chain and the intention will remembered by our  Lectors: Rock Carlson, John Arnett prayer team. Simply email your contact information 12:30 PM Mass and you’ll be added to the prayer list.  Altar Servers: Guilfoyle, Phares  Lectors: Chip Duncan (both readings) MASS INTENTIONS Interested in serving as an altar server or lector? Contact: To schedule a Mass intention, please contact the par- ish office at (704) 334-2283, or stop by in person. ALTAR SERVERS LECTORS An individual can have a Mass requested for some- Deacon Bruck Deacon Medina one living or deceased. [email protected] [email protected] STEWARDSHIP OF OUR TREASURES HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR PARISH COLLECTION FOR NOV 24, 2019 DIOCESAN SUPPORT APPEAL REGULAR OFFERTORY Cathedral Parish Assessment $95,082.00 Amount Paid to date $61,893.05 Loose Cash & Checks $1,084.00 Pledge Balance $9,305.05 Envelope Cash & Checks $6,160.00 Over / Under Assessment -$23,883.90 Online Giving $4,918.69 PARISH FINANCIAL UPDATE TOTAL $14,858.00 For The Month Ending November Weekly Budget $15,833.00 June YTD ACTUAL TO BUDGET -$3,670.31 BUDGET $ 71,667 $ 358,333 SECOND COLLECTION ACTUALS $ 79,928 $ 340,101 Over (Under) $ 8,262 $ (18,233) Debt Reduction $335.00 STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION Christmas Dinner $346.00 2nd Sunday of Advent

Campaign for Human Dev. $2,683.00 On this Second Sunday of Advent, our second reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans encourages us to focus our Advent preparations in this way: “Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God.” And how does Christ COLLECTION FOR DEC. 1, 2019 welcome us? With unconditional love. This is the essence of Christian hospitality, a vital aspect of stewardship living. Fully REGULAR OFFERTORY embraced, it has the power to transform our lives and the lives of those who experience it through us. Loose Cash & Checks $1,356.00 The practice of Christian hospitality is also a way for us stew- Envelope Cash & Checks $6,130.00 ards to answer the call of John the Baptist, in our Gospel pas- sage from Matthew. His words apply just as much to us today Online Giving $5,490.00 as they did to the people awaiting the Savior’s arrival. John says, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” And he TOTAL $12,976.00 recalls the words of the prophet Isaiah, “Prepare the way of the Weekly Budget $15,833.00 Lord, make straight his paths.” There is a definite connection between repentance and effective hospitality. ACTUAL TO BUDGET -$2,857.00 How can we make repentance a regular part of our everyday SECOND COLLECTION lives? We can make an “examination of conscience” a daily part of our prayers, thanking God for the times we said “yes” to Debt Reduction $2,593.00 Him, and asking forgiveness for the times we chose our own will. We can, and should, go to Confession this Advent. We can Christmas Dinner $750.00 reach out to a family member or friend where there is distance or discord and make peace. Priest Retirement $1,439.00 As we “straighten the paths” of our own hearts and minds, we Christmas Flowers $1,165.00 become more hospitable people, better stewards of God’s grace and mercy, far more open and ready to invite others into our lives, homes, and parish. This is preparation fitting for our mer- PRIEST RETIREMENT ciful Savior. (Source: www.thecatholicsteward.com) Cathedral Parish Assessment $29,202.00 Scan the QR code to the right or visit Amount Received to date $10,810.00 www.stpatricks.org/online-giving for more information on how you can Over / Under Assessment -$18,392.00 sign-up for online giving today! ADULT FAITH FORMATION Continuing religious education for adults striving to grow in their faith Advent Week 2: The Candle of Peace

Theme: Peace

Color: Purple

During the second week of Advent we often reflect on St. John the Baptist's call to repentance in which he declared “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” This notion of preparation and repentance is a theme throughout the season of Advent, however this week we are called to examine how this repentance can bring us peace in our lives.

Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, wants such peace for all of His people. However, to receive this peace we must be willing to rid ourselves of all that hinders it; primarily sin. When we sin we cut ourselves off from God and, in turn, deny the life of peace He offers each of us. Our sin builds guilt which then feeds the unrest in our soul, and the only way to return to the peace of Christ is to humbly approach Him with a truly contrite heart in the sacrament of Con- fession. When we chose to believe Christ's words “be not afraid” we can come to Him with our wounded souls and receive those beautiful words of absolution that restores the peace within us.

Prayer: “Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the ways of Thine only-begotten Son, that through His com- ing we may be worthy to serve Thee with purified minds. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.”

Next week: The Candle of Joy

SAINTS IN TRAINING Formation for young children learning the Faith to become saints The Second Joyful Mystery THE VISITATION The second Joyful Mystery is the Visitation. Luke 1:39-56 tells the account of The Visitation when Mary travels with haste and excitement to visit her cousin, Elizabeth. Elizabeth is in her old age, and is expecting her first child—Jesus’ cousin, John.

“And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the child leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!’”

From this mystery, we learn the importance of family and community. Upon bearing God’s Son, Mary runs to her cousin to share the news, and to help Elizabeth give birth to her own son. And we also meet the first Christian believer, John the Baptist. May we all pray that we see Mary and Jesus with the same excitement and faith!

*Cut and color each of the pictures this month to create your own Joyful Mysteries booklet! SAINTS OF THE WEEK Sunday, December 8: St. Romaric—Abbot St. Romaric was born in the late 500s in the Frankish territories. Following the death of his father, he became a homeless wanderer. Eventually he rose to prominence in the court of Clotaire II and gained significant amounts of wealth and servants. Romaric met St. Amatus, who converted him and per- suaded him to renounce his wealth and become a monk. He freed his servants, many of whom joined him in becoming monks under Amatus. The men founded a monastery in the year 620 which became known as Remiremont. Following the death of Amatus, Romaric was named abbot, and served in that role for 30 years. Monday, December 9: St. Juan Diego—Hermit St. Juan Diego was born in Cuautlitlán, Mexico in 1474 and given the name “Cuauhtlatoatzin,” which means “the talk- ing eagle.” When he was 50 years old, he converted to the Catholic Faith and was baptized. On December 9, 1531, Juan had a vision of Our Lady at Tepeyac Hill while he was traveling to Mass. She asked Juan to go to the bishop and re- quest that a shrine be built on the site. Juan obeyed, but the bishop asked Juan to show him a sign that this was a true apparition. He returned to the hill on December 12th and Our Lady appeared again. She instructed him to pick roses, which miraculously appeared in winter, and bring them to the bishop. When he showed the bishop these flowers, an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was revealed on his mantle. The shrine was built, and Juan lived the remainder of his life as a hermit where he spent his time in prayer and caring for visitors to the nearby shrine. Tuesday, December 10: St. Eulalia—Virgin and Martyr St. Eulalia was born into a noble family in Spain around the year 290. Growing up, she lived a de- vout Catholic life. When she was twelve years old, Emperor Diocletian began his persecution of Christians. Eulalia was greatly upset by this and snuck away from home to the court of Judge Dacian whom she confronted. She was apprehended by guards and then tempted and threatened to sacrifice to pagan gods. Eulalia refused, and proceeded to toss the idol statue and stomp upon the food offerings. Dacian ordered that Eulalia be ripped apart with iron hooks and set on fire.

Wednesday, December 11: St. Daniel the Stylite—Priest St. Daniel was born in Maratha, Syria in the year 409. He was born to a childless mother, who promised to dedicate her son to God if she could have a child. As he grew in the Faith, Daniel be- came a monk at Samosata. Daniel met St. Simeon the Stylite from whom he was inspired to live atop a tall pillar. Emperor Leo I had the pillar built for him, and he spent the remainder of his life on that pillar. Daniel was ordained a priest, and offered Mass and preached from the high perch. He only left the pillar once for a brief time to persuade Emperor Baliscus to abandon heresy. Thursday, December 12: St. Valery—Abbot St. Valery was born sometime in the 6th century in Auvergne, France. His childhood was spent tending sheep for his father. At a young age, he decided to join the monastery of St. Anthony de- spite opposition from his father. After some time, he moved to another monastery in Auxerre. Upon hearing the preaching of St. Columban, he became a follower of the saint. Valery, together with other monks, lived as hermits in private cells in the woods of Leuconaus. In time, this group came together to form a monastery with St. Valery as its abbot. Friday, December 13: St. Jodoc—Confessor and Hermit St. Jodoc was born around the year 600 in Brittany. He was a prince and the son of King Juthael of Amorica. In 636, Jodoc felt called to abandon the royal life and to live as a religious. He spent eight days in a monastery in prayer before heading off to Rome to serve the Lord. He was ordained to the priesthood during his travel. Jodoc later became a hermit, where he resided in Ponthieu for the remain- der of his life. Following his death, his body was found to be incorrupt, and it is said that his hair con- tinued to grow even after his passing. Saturday, December 14: St. Nimatullah al-Hardini—Priest St. Nimatullah was born in Hardin, Lebanon in 1808. He grew up in a devout family where four of his brothers entered the religious life. He attended a school run by the Maronite monks and felt called to the monastic life himself. In 1822, he joined the monastery of St Anthony in Qozhaya. He made his final profession as a monk on November 14, 1830. Nimatul- lah was frequently found in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament with his arms extended wide in the shape of a cross. He was humble and frequently chastised by his superiors for being too harsh on himself in his discipline. After serving some time as teacher in the Maronite Order’s seminary, in 1845 he was appointed assistant general. He never wishes to be given the honor of being superior, remarking “better death than to be appointed Superior General." INTERESTEDINTERESTED ININ BECOMIBECOMINGNG AA MEMBERMEMBER OFOF THE CATHEDRAL OF SAINT PATRICK? Church membership is an obligation of discipleship and love that derives from being united with Christ. A person becomes a member of the Catholic Church through Baptism. At the Cathedral, active membership is a requirement for the celebration of a marriage or baptism, for one to be eligible to be a Godparent or Confor- mation sponsor, and for special benefits such as tuition subsidy at a Catholic school. There are certain mini- mum requirements for parish membership called the precepts of the Church. The following are three of those precepts and how the Cathedral of Saint Patrick looks upon them in relation to parish membership.

 ATTENDANCE AT WEEKLY MASS. The first precept of the Church requires the faithful to participate in the Eucharistic celebration when the Christian community gathers together on the day commemorating the Res- urrection of the Lord (CCC #2042) and on holy days of obligation (CCC #2043). Since the Cathedral’s weekly Mass attendance envelopes are the primary way we determine if parishioners are regularly attending Mass, pa- rishioners must place their envelopes in the collection basket every Sunday regardless of whether one makes a financial contribution. If a parishioner gives online or prefers to place cash in the offertory basket, an empty Mass attendance envelope should still be placed in the basket with "I attended Mass" checked.  RECEIPT OF THE SACRAMENTS. The third & fourth precept of the Church states the faithful must ensure preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation at least once a year, and the re- ception of Holy Communion at least once a year during the Easter season (CCC #2042) and join in fast and abstinence during Lent.  SUPPORT OF THE CHURCH. The fifth precept of the Church states that the faithful have the duty of providing for the material needs of the Church, each according to their abilities in a regular, identifiable and meaningful way.

HOW TO REGISTER AT THE CATHEDRAL

To register as a parishioner of the Cathedral, please visit www.stpatricks.org/newcomers/register, or scan the QR code to the right, and complete the simple online form. Alternatively, paper registration forms may be found at each of the entrances to the Cathedral.

Register Today:

WELCOME NEW PARISHIONERS

The following people have recently registered as parishioners of the Cathedral:

Joseph & Ashley Fisher John & Kristen Fulvimar Jessica Quackenbush

Events taking place around the Diocese of Charlotte ATTENTION: GRADUATING H.S. SENIORS HEALING SERVICES—DEC. 19 The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) – St. Bren- St. Matthew Catholic Church will hold a St. Pere- dan the Navigator Division $1,000.00 Dick Seymour grine Healing Prayer Service at 7:30 pm on the third Education Award will be presented on Saturday, Thursday of December (Thursday, Dec. 19) in the March 21, 2020 at the St. Patrick’s Dinner & Dance church. The change is due to Thanksgiving and held in the Msgr. Kerin Family Center at St. Mark Christmas. The fourth Thursday of the month sched- Catholic Church. For the fourth successive year, the ule will resume in January. Our solemn prayer ser- Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), a Catholic Irish vice includes the blessing with the St. Peregrine American Fraternal Organization, is proud to offer an relic. St. Peregrine has been called the wonder Education Award for the winning essay in this year’s worker for his intercession on behalf of those living competition. The award is open to all students in their with serious illness. He is the patron saint of all who senior year, who are of Roman Catholic faith and are afflicted by cancer, leg ailments or any life- Irish descent, and who will be attending an accredited threatening disease. He is also the patron saint of institution of post-secondary education or an ap- youth at risk. proved professional training program. Primarily, eli- gible students must be graduating from schools lo- OPLATKY—CHRISTMAS WAFERS cated in the North Mecklenburg area, and be parish- The Eastern European Christmas ioners of either St. Mark in Huntersville, Holy Spirit Eve Tradition of sharing the in Denver, St. Therese in Mooresville, St. Patrick in Oplatek or Christmas Wafer at Charlotte or St. Thomas Aquinas in Charlotte. The your , Vil- title of this year’s essay competition is “Dare to lis, Kucios, or dinner can be re- Dream: “How Does My Catholic Faith Prepare Me, kindled. Traditionally, breaking As a Young Adult, to Deal With the Challenges in and sharing the Christmas wafer Today’s Divided World”. The qualifications and with family and friends is accompanied with best other important information may be found on the wishes and expressions of forgiveness, helping us to AOH web site listed below. Deadline for the essay bring joy and happiness to our hearts and homes. to be submitted is January 31, 2020. Award Infor- Orders for the wafers will be taken till Dec. 20th. mation/details to be found on: www.aohmeck2.org/ Cost will be $1.00 per wafer and you state your DickSeymourEducation/Award.html. Direct any quantity or buy a Sealed packets of 3 white & 1 pink questions to Frank Fay at: [email protected] wafer for $5.00. Please call Helen Collins (St. Gabriel Parishioner) at 704-365-1161 or e-mail or- MACS ENROLMENT—BEGINNING SOON der request to: [email protected]. Proceeds will go to *Applications online beginning December 16, 2019. a church charity to help a needy family this Apply online for students PK-12 at discovermacs.org season. *Admissions Deadline – February 29, 2020. Submit all required documents and complete testing OBERAMERGAU PASSION PLAY—MAY 20-30, 2020 *Admissions Notification – March 13, 2020. Admis- The Diocesan Office of Evangelization and St. sion decisions sent for Priority Round applicants. Barnabas church are coordinating a special pilgrim- *Rolling Admissions – March 1, 2020. Applications age to see the internationally renowned German Pas- received after February 29, 2020 considered on roll- sion Play and Eastern Europe including Prague and ing basis Poland May 20-30, 2020. For more information con- tact Frank Villaronga, Director of Evangelization For more information about Mecklenburg Area and Adult Education at 704-370-3274, or e-mail Catholic Schools, please visit discovermacs.org [email protected]. PPARISHARISH SSTAFFTAFF PPARISHARISH MMINISTRIESINISTRIES Very Rev. Christopher A. Roux Ablaze Lectors Pastor and Rector Jeannie Mosher & Ann Gleason Deacon Carlos Medina E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Phone: (704) 334-2283 ext. 428 Adoration Parish Life Society Rev. Ernest Nebangongnjoh Mary Johnston Jenny Ryan Parochial Vicar [email protected] [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (704) 334-2283 ext. 422 Altar Guild Prayer Ministry Jacqueline Stevens Mary Johnston [email protected] [email protected] Rev. Mr. Paul Bruck, Deacon E-mail: [email protected] Altar Servers Respect Life Ministry Deacon Paul Bruck Joe Gustafson Rev. Dr. Brian McNulty, Deacon [email protected] [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Christmas Dinner Scouts Rev. Mr. Carlos Medina, Deacon Charlie O’Connor Tim Winiger E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Mr. Christopher Bruck, Receptionist Homeless Shelter Ushers E-mail: [email protected] Bryan Cannon Kevin Frederick Phone: (704) 334-2283 ext. 410 [email protected] [email protected]

Mrs. Emily Clary, Faith Formation K-8 Knights of Columbus Young Adult Ministry Elizabeth Valle & Kristin White E-mail: [email protected] John Stevens [email protected] [email protected] Phone: (704) 334-2283 ext. 413

Dr. Gianfranco DeLuca, Director of Music SSOCIALOCIAL MMEDIAEDIA E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: (704) 334-2283 ext. 425 Facebook Twitter @stpatrickcathedral @stpatcathedral Mrs. Mim Hinson, Receptionist E-mail: [email protected] YouTube Instagram stpatricks.org/ Phone: (704) 334-2283 ext. 410 @stpatrickcathedral youtube Mrs. Debra Lemmon, Business Manager Parish Web Site: www.stpatricks.org E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (704) 334-2283 ext. 427

Mrs. Elizabeth Loeber, Bookkeeper E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (704) 334-2283 ext. 421

Mrs. Jessica Martin, Adult Formation E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (704) 334-2283 ext. 413

Mr. James Sarkis, Communications E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (704) 334-2283 ext. 432 ✂ Please Cut Out This “Thank You Ad” and Present It The Next Time You Patronize One of Our Advertisers

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