Jesus Gives the “Sermon on the Plain”

T H E M O T H E R C H U R C H O F T H E R O M A N C A T H O L I C D I O C E S E O F C O L U M B U S

Since 1878 nourishing by Word and Sacrament all who enter this holy and sacred place. 212 East Broad Street + Columbus, Ohio 43215 + Phone: (614) 224-1295 + Fax: (614) 241-2534 www.saintjosephcathedral.org + www.cathedralmusic.org

SIXTH SUNDAY IN THE SEASON OF ORDINARY TIME ~ FEBRUARY 17, 2019

Jesus gives the “Sermon on the Plain”

Jesus came down with the twelve and stood on a stretch of level ground with a great crowd of his disciples and a large number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon. And raising his eyes toward his disciples he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.” [LUKE 16:17, 20-26]

There’s a new Catholic Preschool nearby INSIDE THIS BULLETIN... which also offers Extended Care!  The Danger of Pride and the Power of Humility See the center of this bulletin for details  Five Ways to Practice Forgiveness or visit: www.stjohnpaul2preschool.com  Put Your Faith in Christ, Not in Feelings  Saint John Paul II Preschool MONTHLY PRAYER INTENTION OF POPE FRANCIS: FEBRUARY SAINT JOSEPH CATHEDRAL 212 East Broad Street + Columbus, Ohio 43215 Universal – Victims Phone (614) 224-1295 + Fax (614) 241-2534 For a generous welcome to the victims of human trafficking, www.saintjosephcathedral.org enforced prostitution, and violence.

www.cathedralmusic.org SCHEDULING MASS INTENTIONS Check us out on www.facebook.com One of the greatest acts of charity is to pray for the living and the + Most Reverend Frederick F. Campbell dead, and the greatest and most powerful prayer we have is the Apostolic Administrator, Diocese of Columbus Mass since the fruits of the Mass are the very fruits of Jesus' + Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan redemption. Mass stipends (offerings) are $10.00 each; only one Bishop-designate, Diocese of Columbus offering per Mass. All Masses are scheduled by calling the Parish

+ Most Reverend James A. Griffin Office; intentions will be listed as below. Bishop Emeritus of Columbus MASS, LITURGY, SACRAMENT AND DEVOTION SCHEDULE; PRIESTS AND DEACONS MASS INTENTIONS Very Reverend Michael J. Lumpe Cathedral Rector; Vicar for Priests, Diocese of Columbus Vigil Mass ~ Saturday, February 16

Reverend Cyrus M. Haddad 5:15 p.m. Sharon Salvato Parochial Vicar Sunday, February 17 ~ SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Jeremiah 17: 5-8; 1 Cor 15: 12, 16-20; Luke 6: 17, 20-26 Reverend Adam A. Streitenberger, OFS Parochial Vicar 8:00 a.m. Maria Lambea 10:30 a.m. Walter Dembinski, Jr. Reverend Hilary C. Ike 12:30 p.m. Arthur and Helen McShane In Residence; Defender of the Bond, Diocesan Tribunal; 5:15 p.m. Living and Deceased Members of the Cathedral Chaplain, Nigerian Catholic Community

Reverend Michael J. Kelly Monday, February 18 Pontifical College Josephinum Genesis 4: 1-15, 25; Mark 8: 11-13

Very Reverend Robert J. Kitsmiller 7:30 a.m. Steve and Josephine Simon 12:05 p.m. Infant Daughter, Hayden Noelle Thompson In Residence; Judicial Vicar and Judge, Diocesan Tribunal; Administrator, Tuesday, February 19 Saint John the Baptist and Sacred Heart Parishes Genesis 6: 5-8; 7: 1-5, 10; Mark 8: 14-21

Reverend Mr. James Gorski 7:30 a.m. Carol Stollenwerk and Family Permanent Deacon; [email protected] Confessions: 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

12:05 p.m. Evelyn Benton Reverend Mr. Christopher Yakkel Transitional Deacon; Saint Joseph Cathedral Wednesday, February 20

Reverend Mr. Thomas Johnston Genesis 8: 6-13, 20-22; Mark 8: 22-26 Permanent Deacon (Retired); [email protected] 7:30 a.m. Paul and Isabelle Aquara 12:05 p.m. John and Lisa Lumpe and Family STAFF 5:15 p.m. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Staley Mr. Michael Agriesti Holy Hour and Confessions follow Mass; Benediction at 6:40 p.m. Business Manager; [email protected]

Ms. Carol Stollenwerk Thursday, February 21 ~ Saint Peter Damian Administrative Assistant; [email protected] Genesis 9: 1-13; Mark 8: 27-33

Ms. Bobbie Meyers 7:30 a.m. Shirley and Richard Lumpe PT Administrative Assistant; [email protected] Holy Hour, Confessions at 10:45 a.m.; Benediction 11:45 a.m. 12:05 p.m. Alban Ihedoro Mr. Jake Neal Director of RCIA and Religious Education; Friday, February 22 ~ The Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle [email protected] 1 Peter 5: 1-4; Matthew 16: 13-19

Dr. Richard K. Fitzgerald 7:30 a.m. Robert and Sandy Lumpe 12:05 p.m. George Lumpe Director of Music; [email protected] Saturday, February 23

Ms. Nicole Simental Vigil Mass Principal Organist and Assistant Director of Music 5:15 p.m. Living and Deceased Members of the Cathedral

Mrs. Carrie Boor Wedding Coordinator; [email protected]

Mr. Phil Renico Maintenance

Mr. Devan Kline Maintenance

REGULAR SCHEDULE OF MASSES, LITURGIES, SACRAMENTS Sunday Vigil Mass (Saturday) 5:15 p.m.; Sunday Masses: 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 5:15 p.m. Weekday Masses: Monday through Friday: 7:30 a.m. and 12:05 p.m.; also Wednesday evening at 5:15 p.m. Masses on Holy Days of Obligation and on Holidays will be listed, as they occur, on the previous page.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturday 4:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. | Tuesday 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Wednesday 5:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. | Thursday 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT ~ TWO WEEKLY HOLY HOURS Wednesday, 5:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. | Thursday, 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Closed Saturday, Sunday, and on major holidays

NEW PARISHIONER REGISTRATION Welcome to Saint Joseph Cathedral, the Mother Church of the Diocese of Columbus! We are glad that you are here and invite you to become part of our parish family to be nourished by both Word and Sacrament, and also to become involved in one or more of our parish ministries. To become a registered member you can pick up a form by the main entrance of our historic church, stop by the Sacristy after Mass, visit our web site, or contact us through the parish office. Welcome! THE SACRAMENTS Baptism, Reconciliation/Confession, First Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders. Please read the information provided in this bulletin about all seven Sacraments available at Saint Joseph Cathedral, including contact information, necessary preparations, and scheduling.

OUTREACH TO HELPING THE POOR AND NEEDY IN DOWNTOWN COLUMBUS Twice-Daily Food Distribution at Saint Joseph Cathedral ~ (614) 224-1295 Saint Lawrence Haven, on the grounds of Holy Cross Church ~ Heather Swiger at [email protected] Joint Office for Inner-city Needs (J.O.I.N.) ~ (614) 241-2530

SAINT JOSEPH CATHEDRAL MUSIC Cathedral Concert Series: JONATHAN DIMMOCK, ORGANIST~ Sunday, March 31, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.

OFFICES, PROGRAMS AND SERVICES OF THE DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS For Diocesan offices, please call (614) 228-2457 during regular business hours, or visit www.columbuscatholic.org.

OF NOTE THIS WEEK

Sunday, February 17

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME  9:00 a.m. PSR Fake E-Mail Alert  9:00 a.m. Vocations, Crypt area  11:30 a.m. RCIA A number of fake e-mails Monday, February 18 No events or meetings scheduled have been sent to unsuspecting Tuesday, February 19 persons allegedly from No events or meetings scheduled Wednesday, February 20 Bishop Campbell, Fr. Lumpe and other  6:30 p.m. RCIA, Undercroft & Cathedral priests of the Diocese soliciting help to Thursday, February 21 No events or meetings scheduled purchase gift cards and other items. Friday, February 22 These are typically No events or meetings scheduled Saturday, February 23 fake GMAIL accounts. No events or meetings scheduled Do not respond to these e-mails; ignore these e-mails. If you ever receive

suspicious e-mails like these please contact the Parish Office. Thank you!

Daily Server / Lector 7:30 a.m. 12:05 p.m. Wednesday 5:15 p.m. for the week of February 18 Angelita Canlas Beth Florence Bernie Schluter

THIS SUNDAY’S MINISTRY SCHEDULE SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME ~ FEBRUARY 16 & 17 Vigil ~ 5:15 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 5:15 p.m. MC Jim Desmond Altar Servers Lisa Dalton Steve Peishel Sherri Dembinski Brendan Elchynski Brett Adema Bonnie Maupin Dan Jurgens Jessica Buck Christian Haryanto Dave Simmons Nico Franano April Griffith Taylor Lector – One J.P. Pacis Mary Beth Gallant Al Sorichetti Mark DelAguaro Christine Fergus Lector – Two Bill Pickens Devan Kline Tom Boor Devan Kline Josie Gonot Eucharist Al Rogers Andrew Riederer Carrie Boor Bobbie Meyers Peggy Frank Cristina Alvarez Helen Leppla Sandy Stover Florence Bannerman Clementine Mpyanga Bill Pickens Mary Beth Gallant Evelina Horner Lynne Broussard Christine Fergus Steve Horner Josie Gonot Al Sorichetti Brett Adema Susan Franano Christian Haryanto Tom Boor Lead Hospitality Al Rogers Andrew Riederer Pam Jurgens Ken Broussard Joe Mann Hospitality/Ushers Cristina Alvarez Helen Leppla Frank Ruddy Lynne Broussard Peggy Frank Judy Bateman Clementine Mpyanga Steve Horner Aureus Griffith

NEXT SUNDAY’S MINISTRY SCHEDULE SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME ~ FEBRUARY 23 & 24 Vigil Mass ~ 5:15 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 5:15 p.m. MC Tom Boor Altar Servers Dave Simmons Steve Peishel Sherri Dembinski Elvis Niangoran Brett Adema Lisa Dalton Melissa Riederer Jim Desmond Jessica Buck Cameron Krisiewiscz Penelope Riederer Christian Haryanto Roger Djagli April Griffith Taylor Lector – One Al Sorichetti Mary Beth Gallant Sharon Reichard Lynne Broussard Nick Chockran Lector – Two Josie Gonot Andrew Riederer Nico Franano Julet Williams Christine Fergus Eucharist Cristina Alvarez Helen Leppla Sandy Stover Caroline Rankin Peggy Frank Kathleen Tourgeman Andrew Riederer Susan Franano Bobbie Meyers Jennifer Krisiewiscz Clementine Mpyanga Angel Still Evelina Horner Mark DelAguaro Mark Weilbacher Steve Horner April Griffith Taylor Carrie Boor Al Rogers Sharon Reichard Nick Chockran Laura Wagner Christine Fergus Christian Haryanto Lead Hospitality Kathleen Tourgeman Helen Leppla Dan Jurgens Ken Broussard Gordian Igwilo Hospitality / Cristina Alvarez Angel Still Pam Jurgens Betsy Decillis Aureus Griffith Ushers Trish Kehl Frank Ruddy Caroline Rankin Al Rogers Clementine Mpyanga Steve Horner Mark Weilbacher

ON THIS SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME we are presented with the Beatitudes from the Gospel of Luke. Luke’s version of the Beatitudes are different than those presented in the Gospel of Matthew as there are only four Beatitudes in Luke (versus eight in Matthew) followed by four “woes.” Matthew speaks about the proper attitudes of the Christian, like “Blessed are the poor in spirit” – Luke speaks about the present reality of the Christian, “Blessed are you who are poor now.” Why the difference? The Gospel of Matthew is written for Jewish Christians. It speaks about the new attitudes, the new mind set necessary for the Kingdom of the Lord. The heart must be pure, the Spirit must be poor, those who mourn the plight of Israel fallen from God will be comforted, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will receive the Kingdom of Heaven. There must be a transformation from the Old Testament mentality to a new life, a “new testament,” a new Kingdom. The Beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew present some of the fundamental changes that the ancient Jews must make to become Christians. In Matthew Jesus gives the Beatitudes from a mountain, just as Moses gave the Law of God – the Ten Commandments – from Mount Sinai. The Gospel of Luke is quite different from Matthew. It was written by a gentile convert, Luke, and addressed primarily to gentile converts to Christianity. Luke’s audience was poor; many were slaves or of what some might consider during that time to be of a lower class. Their choice of Christianity only exacerbated their situation. They were persecuted, they were suffering. In presenting the Lord’s words to them, Luke places Jesus on a “plain” – He was on a “level plain” with them, on their ground; He was poor, suffering and persecuted. In examining the four Beatitudes in Luke’s Gospel we can see similarities with those of Matthew, but the presentation makes a difference – Blessed are you who are poor now, hungry now, mourn now and are excluded or persecuted now. These have a lot to say to all of us.  Those who are poor now recognize their dependence on God, not on material possessions. I have met many people who are very wealthy and yet very poor because their stuff really means nothing to them, all that matters is to possess Jesus Christ. When the only treasure that matters in life is the Lord, we can be poor regarding our stuff, but we are rich in what truly matters.  Those who are hungry now refers to being hungry for the Lord and His Kingdom. Many of us have been hungry this way and are still hungry for the Lord. We pray, we spend time praying before the Blessed Sacrament, we make retreats, and yet feel hungry for more. We never get “full” of Jesus – we hunger for more of Him!  “Blessed are you who are weeping,” has to do with the sorrow we feel for those people who are living in darkness, those who reject the Lord and His teachings, His ways, those who are caught up in themselves and in the ways of the world. Here is where we share in the saving mission of Christ by reaching out to those who live in darkness, those who have been seduced by the god of materialism and immoral living, those who have no direction or meaning in life, and remind them that Jesus really does care about You and your well-being, Jesus really does love you and cares about your eternal soul, Jesus invites you to follow Him so that your life really does have direction, meaning and purpose – you can be better because you are better. Why? You are a child of God and a brother or sister in Christ Jesus.  “Blessed are you when people hate you, and exclude you and insult you and call you names on account of me.” Putting Christ in our lives can lead others to the Lord. But there are people who transfer their own guilt over their lives to those who are doing their best to be Christian. They don’t talk to you. They don’t invite you to join them in anything in school, at work, in the neighborhood, maybe in the family. But when we pause and think for a moment we understand the importance of our faith, the primacy of our relationship with Jesus, and come to realize that we would rather have people laugh at us for our commitment to Christ than for us to abandon Jesus simply to follow the crowd. Folks, We really have only one choice in life: to be for God or against God. We can’t have both. Either we live for the Kingdom and die to our superficial wants or we live for ourselves and lose the Kingdom of God. Everything in life has a cost, and sometimes we pay a cost for following Christ. Sometimes it seems like a high cost. It means pushing our selfish desires to the side, filling our hunger for the Lord, grieving over those who are rejecting Him while at the same time enduring their scorn. Everything has a cost, but the reward we are seeking is worth all costs. Jesus Christ, His Life now and for all eternity, is worth whatever sacrifices we are called to make, whatever societal mockery we are called to endure. Considering what Jesus gives us, happiness and meaning to our lives here, union with Him in complete joy for all eternity, the cost is very little. Right? You bet!

PLEASE WELCOME the Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception who have information to share with us this weekend about their new Preschool Program and Extended Care offerings for children ages 3-5 just east of the Cathedral on East Broad Street. Very convenient hours for parents! Information is available in this bulletin, and from the Sisters who are at the Cathedral this weekend.

+ A LIFE IN CHRIST THROUGH THE SACRAMENTS AT SAINT JOSEPH CATHEDRAL +

“Every encounter with Christ, who in the Sacraments gives us salvation, invites us to ‘go’ and communicate to others the salvation that we have been able to see, to touch, to encounter and to receive, and which is truly credible because it is love. In this way, the Sacraments spur us to be missionaries, and to carry the Gospel into every setting…” ~POPE FRANCIS, NOVEMBER 6, 2013

Sacrament of Baptism Congratulations on the planned baptism of your child! Saint Joseph Cathedral welcomes her families to celebrate with great faith and joy the baptism of their children and are pleased to be the Church where this first Sacrament will be celebrated. The Sacrament of Baptism is administered immediately following the 12:30 p.m. Mass.

If this is your first child, both parents must participate in our Baptism Workshop prior to the Baptism of your child. The Workshop is also recommended for any godparent who has not previously taken a baptism workshop. Please register in advance (no walk-ins) for the workshop and also to schedule the baptism of your child by calling Carol at (614) 224-1295, or via e-mail at [email protected].

Selecting a godparent or sponsor: The duties of godparents are more than ceremonial. The principal responsibility of a godparent is to give witness to the Catholic faith by his or her words and actions, thus parents need to find practicing Catholics to faithfully serve in the role as godparents.

Sacrament of Reconciliation Why should we confess our sins? The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a sacrament of healing and a sacrament of conversion, returning us to the Father after our sin. We are to confess serious sins at least once a year; those aware of committing a mortal sin must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Holy Communion.

The Church also encourages us to go to confession more frequently, in order that we might deepen our relationship with God, grow in humility and virtue, and help us to avoid future sin. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1458) Please refer to the bulletin for the availability and locations of this grace-filled Sacrament.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation schedule is located on the inside front of this bulletin.

Sacrament of Matrimony Congratulations on your engagement! Your decision to enter into the relationship of married life is a sign of love, hope and strength for the entire community. We support you in your commitment for a faithful and lifelong Christian marriage. Couples wishing to marry at Saint Joseph Cathedral may request setting a date to be married ensuring that the following are completed:  Couple contacts the Parish Office and schedules a meeting with one of the clergy of the Cathedral;  Couple meets with the clergy, completes an initial interview, and explore the couple’s freedom to marry;  Clergy discusses any obstacles that may exist before the couple is free to marry and confirms a date;  Couple agrees to comply fully with the established Marriage guidelines at Saint Joseph Cathedral. For initial marriage inquiries, the couple needs to contact Mrs. Carrie Boor ([email protected]).

The Eucharist ~ First Holy Communion The Eucharist is the most special sacrament, in which the Body and Blood of Christ Himself is contained, offered and received, and by which the Church constantly lives and grows. Adults receiving the Eucharist for the first time generally takes place at the Easter Vigil Mass. Preparation for children is made through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, for adults preparation is through the RCIA program. For information about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (PSR Program) or for Adult Catechesis (RCIA) please contact Jake Neal at [email protected]

Sacrament of Confirmation Confirmation is one of the sacraments of initiation, along with Baptism and Eucharist. Preparation for children is made through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, for adults preparation is through the RCIA program. For information about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (PSR Program) or about Catechesis for Adults (RCIA) please contact Jake Neal at [email protected]

Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick; Pastoral Care of the Sick The priests will administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to any Catholic who is facing serious illness, is preparing for surgery, is elderly, is chronically ill, or who is nearing death, by calling the parish offices. In addition to Anointing, those desiring to receive the Eucharist at home, at a hospital or nursing facility can contact Deacon Thom Johnston at (614) 267-1903 or [email protected]. For emergency sacramental anointing, please contact the Cathedral by calling (614) 224-1295; never send an e-mail requesting emergency sacraments.

Sacrament of Holy Orders ~ Religious and Consecrated Life Please contact Fr. Paul Noble, Director of Vocations, at (614) 221-5565, or [email protected].

Think About It... The Danger of Pride and the Power of Humility by Father William Casey

Let’s begin this reflection on humility as the foundation of virtue with a reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians:

Though he was in the form of God, [Jesus] did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:6–11)

Jesus is the model of perfect humility, and punishment for pride is built into the very order of God’s creation. Jesus told us, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matt. 23:12). It is essential to understand why pride is so dangerous to the life of the soul — why it has been considered the most dangerous of the seven capital sins.

The Sin of Lucifer Pride was the sin of Lucifer and the fallen angels, who said, “I will not serve.” Pride was the sin of Adam and Eve, who wanted to be like God and to decide for themselves what is right and what is wrong, without reference to God. This pride resulted in disobedience and sin, thus bringing pain, suffering, sickness, and death into the world. Pride is that exaggerated self-love that inclines us to see ourselves as superior to others. It is that insidious desire for self-exaltation that leads us to seek our own honor and glory apart from the honor and glory of God. Pride sees the self as the center of the universe, the measure of all truth, and the standard of all morality. Pride sets itself in opposition to God’s wisdom and will and encourages one to see himself as the judge over God’s Word and God’s law. Pride will always seek to have its own way, to control, to dominate, and to manipulate. It is the source of endless self-deception, vanity, and folly. Through it comes the lust for power; thus, it is the catalyst of anger, violence, and war. It is an affront to God, an open door to the devil, and the gateway to Hell. And if we let pride rule our lives, it will always be a disaster in the making, because, no matter how confident we might feel, it will always backfire on us in the end.

The Antidote to Pride There’s only one antidote for pride, and that’s humility. The tendency to pride is overcome only by its corresponding virtue, humility, which is the root of all virtues. For all of us, there is a simple rule in the spiritual life: Where there is no humility, there can be no merit in your good works in the sight of Almighty God, and therefore there can be no sanctity. Pride, though it may be secret pride in the form of selfishness and ulterior motives, will cancel out the meritorious nature of your good works. In other words, you can’t store up any treasure in Heaven if your treasure is tainted by pride. So, what is humility? Here’s a simple rule to keep in mind from St. Teresa of Avila: “Humility is truth.” That is, humility is the moral virtue by which we have an accurate opinion of ourselves, seeing ourselves as God sees us. Humility is the virtue that restrains us in our unruly desire for personal glory and helps us to recognize the fact that there is an infinite distance between the creature and the Creator God, without Whom we are nothing and can do nothing. With Christ as our model, we can say that humility is the self-emptying that allows God to work in us with His grace.

Earthen Vessels The word “humility” comes from the Latin term humus, which means “earth,” “soil,” “dust,” or “dirt.” It reminds us of God’s word to us in the book of Genesis: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Gen. 3:19.) In the spiritual sense, this earthy etymology also reminds us that we are called to cultivate the garden of the soul so that it can bring forth good fruits — that is, good works and development of virtue. Anybody who has done any gardening knows well that you can’t grow anything unless you have the right kind of soil. In the spiritual life, the good soil is always humus — humility. Humility reminds us that every good thing we have and every gift we enjoy come from God and not from within ourselves. The Apostle St. Paul expresses this beautifully in his Second Letter to the Corinthians: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us” (2 Cor. 4:7).

True Humility True humility should not be confused with timidity and mediocrity. True humility does not deny the gifts, talents, and abilities that God has given us. But it does mean that we don’t claim those gifts as our own; rather, we recognize them as having come from God, knowing that He wants and expects and demands that we use those gifts to build up the Body of Christ, the Church, on earth for His greater honor and glory and for the salvation of souls. In my years in the priesthood, I have known people who have a false conception of humility, people who will fall back on false humility as an excuse to do nothing — people who have plenty of time and talent on their hands that they just don’t use. This is a very wrongheaded notion of what it means to serve God in humility. The key point is that the virtue of humility and trust in God go hand in hand. Part of humility, therefore, is being open to God’s plan for us. Jesus told St. Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,” which prompted the evangelist to write, “I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Cor. 12:9). In another letter St. Paul said, “God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God” (1 Cor. 1:28–29). St. Teresa of Avila is said to have remarked, “God plus one is an army.” We are all little in the sight of Almighty God, and without Him we can do nothing. But thanks be to God, He is the One Who makes something out of nothing.

Called to Greatness Why is pride so dangerous? Because we all want to be somebody. We all want to excel. We all want to stand out from the crowd. We all want the respect and admiration of others. In God’s plan, however, there is only one way to excel and to succeed, and that is to be what God created us to be: saints. That’s what it’s all about. We are all called to greatness in life, but we’re called to be humble while we’re called to be great. In fact, in the sight of Heaven, humility is an essential part of greatness. Think of the life of our Blessed Mother Mary, the humblest of all of God’s creatures, especially Her words in the Gospel of St. Luke:

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. (Luke 1:46–49)

Mary always acknowledged the great things God had done for Her. She didn’t try to hide it, but rather always gave God the praise and the glory; she always directed everything back to God. Greatness in God’s eyes is not what greatness is in this sight of the world. We know all the things that the world holds in high esteem — wealth, success, status, power, pleasure, fame, physical beauty, athletic prowess — but all those things have no value whatsoever in the eternal view of Almighty God. What you truly are is what you are in the sight of the Lord — nothing more, nothing less. That is reality. Greatness in the sight of Heaven is the perfect fulfillment of God’s Word and God’s Will in your life. No matter how simple or hard it might be, greatness is found in following God’s Will even the most ordinary circumstances of your daily life.

That is to say, greatness is holiness, and holiness is the alignment of the human will with the Will of Almighty God. That is how even the littlest, simplest, most hidden, humble soul can be great. And that’s what makes a saint.

Discern Pride Within How can you discern the movements of pride within yourself? Here is a little diagnostic test for you:  In your heart of hearts, do you see yourself as being better than others because of who you are, what you have, or what you know?  In conversation with others, do you always seem to bring the subject back to yourself?  Do you always seem to talk about yourself, your interests, and your affairs?  Are you overly concerned about what people think of you?  Are you always trying to make yourself look good in the sight of others?  Are you always ready to stretch the truth — lie, that is — if that’s what it takes to build yourself up?  Do you always have to be right and hate to be contradicted?  Do you hold on to your own opinions even when they are proven to be wrong?  Do you find it easy to dissent from the teaching of the Church on faith and morals?  Do you think that you know better than the Holy Spirit, the Holy Scriptures, the whole Church, and the whole company of the saints? (Bonus question: Are you ready to bet your immortal soul on that?)  Are you ultra-sensitive to criticism, and do you struggle to accept even mild fraternal correction?  Do you find it easy to gossip?  Do you take satisfaction in hearing somebody else being torn down?  Do you jump on every chance to point out the faults and the mistakes of others?  Do you find it hard to forgive even the slightest offense?  Do you always feel a need to get even, and are always ready to hold a grudge?  Do you organize your life for the sake of appearances, and do you always feel the need to be noticed?  Do you perform your good works in order to win the praise of others, like the Pharisees who preferred the praise of men to the glory of God? Does a lot of this sound familiar to you? Does it strike a nerve? These are the movements of pride.

Grow in Humility The last question, then, is: How do we grow in the virtue of humility? The first thing to do always is simply to pray for it. The humble soul prays constantly out of radical dependence on God. The Bible says, “The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and he will not be consoled until it reaches the Lord” (Sir. 35:17). Second, remember that ordinarily God humbles us through humiliations, which come to us in big and small ways every day. We should accept these moments as permitted by God for our sanctification. Third, we should have a sense of humor — about ourselves most of all. Fourth, we should cultivate joyfulness in our lives. The humble soul is at peace in the hands of God. And finally, most important of all, we must imitate the One Who is the perfect model of humility, Jesus Christ, the Son of God; Jesus, Who said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3); Jesus, Who humbled Himself to share in our humanity; Jesus, Who taught His disciples to take the lowest place, who washed the feet of the Apostles, who came to serve and not to be served, and who said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Matt. 11:29). Jesus Christ, the Eternal Word made Flesh, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, allowed Himself to be spat upon, abandoned, betrayed, denied, scourged, mocked, and crucified for love of us. For our salvation, He gave Himself up to a shameful public death. That, dear friend, is the humility of God.

Fr. Casey is a member of the Congregation of the Fathers of Mercy. He studied Philosophy at Christendom College and Theology at Holy Apostles Seminary and was ordained to the priesthood in 1991. Father Casey is a nationally renowned speaker and a frequent guest on EWTN. This article is made available courtesy of the Catholic Exchange.

SAINT JOSEPH CATHEDRAL ▪ 212 EAST BROAD STREET ▪ COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215 ▪ (614) 224-1295

Five Ways to Practice Forgiveness by Father Ed Broom, OMV

The renowned English poet Alexander Pope stated: “To err is human; to forgive is divine.” How true this statement, but how difficult it can be! Holding on to resentment indeed is interior slavery. Whereas, to forgive is truly imitating God Himself, but also setting the captive free and that captive is me.

Frequently and in unequivocal terms Jesus has reaffirmed the indispensable obligation of all to forgive those who hurt us, to pray for our enemies, and to do good to those who hurt us! Once again, easier said than done! Actually without God’s grace to forgive those who have wounded us and to love and pray for our enemies far transcends and supersedes our natural powers. In sum, we need Gods’ grace to forgive our enemies.

Jesus is our example in all, in absolutely all we say, do and even think in our daily lives! Indeed He said it clearly: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Jesus first begun by doing and then by His preaching. First actions, then words.

His very demanding teaching on forgiveness, He lived to perfection at every stage and moment of His earthly existence.

What are some of the teachings of Jesus on mercy and forgiveness? Let’s meditate on a few of them. “Be merciful as your Heavenly Father is merciful.” In response to Peter’s generous willingness to forgive seven times, Jesus upped it a notch or two: “No, I say to you to forgive seventy times seven.” This is hyperbole for the imperious obligation to forgive always, without limits or reservations.

Then Jesus made a Liturgical/Mass allusion. He said that if you have come to Church to present your offering and you know that your brother has something against you, to simply leave the offering at the foot of the altar, reconcile with your brother and then return to offer the gift. In other words, to celebrate worthily the Liturgy we should strive to be at peace with our brothers and sisters, and not be angry and resentful towards anybody. Then the most famous prayer in the world, the Our Father, Jesus inserted this very important command: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” In other words, forgiveness from God on our part is a two way street. If we want to be a recipient of God’s forgiveness, then necessarily we must forgive those who have hurt us.

Finally, the most eloquent witness of Gods’ forgiveness for all of humanity and for us individually was when Jesus hung upon the cross after having been scourged, crowned with thorns, spat upon and mocked, forgotten and abandoned by His loved ones, derided and mocked incessantly. What was His response as He hung on the cross ready to breathe forth His spirit? These words: “Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing.”

Following are five short and concrete suggestions to help us on the pathway to forgiveness and mercy!

1. Beg for the Grace To forgive our enemies, to pray for them and to love them goes far beyond our fallen human nature. We desperately need God’s overflowing and abundant graces. Saint Augustine says that we are all beggars before God. Therefore, we should beg for the grace to forgive when we are put to the test. God will not deny us this petition and important grace!

2. Forgive Immediately When we are offended, often the devil works on us right away fostering in our minds thoughts of revenge. Such ugly and vindictive thoughts can easily surface: “Get even!” “Teach him a lesson.” “Give him his own medicine.” “Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.” Finally, “Do not let him get away with it this time.” In a certain sense we might feel, as a Protestant preacher once put it succinctly: “We desire to forgive but only after we see him squirm like a worm in hot ashes, at least for a while.” All of these thoughts and feelings are diametrically opposed to the teaching of Our merciful Savior and we must resist them and reject them as soon as we become aware of them. Therefore, if we respond to God’s grace of mercy and forgive immediately there is a very good chance that the victory is ours. In sum, be quick to reject vindictive thoughts and even more rapid to forgive!

3. Humility Another efficacious spiritual weapon that we have in our armory is that of humility. How? In this way! If forgiveness proves laborious and near impossible, then call to mind your worse sin or your most embarrassing sin and the fact that God forgave you of this as soon as you begged for His mercy and forgiveness. Most likely the offense that was leveled against you is minimal in comparison with your most grave or embarrassing sin. This can prove a very powerful tool to open up your heart in mercy and forgiveness!

4. Mercy is a Two-Way Street Next, remember that receiving God’s mercy is not a dead-end street, but rather a two-way street! Meaning? Jesus said: “Be merciful as your Heavenly Father is merciful… and forgive…” Therefore, if we want to experience God’s infinite mercy in our lives, we must extend our hand in forgiveness towards those who have offended us. The Our Father teaches us the same lesson: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Saint Faustina Kowalska in the “Diary of Divine Mercy in my soul” asserts unequivocally that the greatest attribute or virtue in God is His infinite Mercy. Followers of Jesus the merciful Savior must practice this sublime but very demanding virtue. Mercy is God’s love forgiving the sinner. We deciding to forgive our enemies is a clear sign of the victory of God’s grace and mercy in our lives.

5. Jesus Bleeding on the Cross for You Possibly the most convincing motivational force to compel us to forgive those who offend us is the serene but serious contemplation of Jesus hanging on the cross, shedding every drop of His most Precious Blood to save all of humanity, but in particular my own immortal soul. After being hurt and maybe not willing to forgive, lift up your eyes to contemplate Jesus as He hangs from the cross. Remember what He has already gone through: sweating Blood, scourged at the Pillar, crowned with thorns, denied by Peter, betrayed by Judas, condemned being totally innocent, nailed to the cross, and shedding every drop of His Precious Blood.

What was the first thing that issued forth from His most Sacred Heart? Look, listen, contemplate and pray! “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing!” Meditating upon these words, coupled with the contemplation of His bitter Passion, hanging from the cross and shedding of His most Precious Blood, should be the most efficacious tool/hammer to crush the hardened heart that is apparently unwilling to forgive!

Finally, beg Our Lady of Sorrows, Our Lady of mercy, for the grace to forgive. Nobody ever suffered more than Mary—aside from Jesus Himself! Still, as she heard and witnessed her only Son suffer and die on the cross, brutally mistreated, she forgave from the depths of her Immaculate Heart. May Our Lady attain for us the grace to forgive, be merciful and merit the title to be truly the son of God the Father, brother to Jesus Christ, and friend of the Holy Spirit in time and for all eternity! Amen.

Father Ed Broom is an Oblate of the Virgin Mary and the author of “Total Consecration Through the Mysteries of the Rosary” and “From Humdrum to Holy.” This article is made available courtesy of the Catholic Exchange.

Dear Friends,

The St. John Paul II Preschool and extended care center is NOW OPEN for children ages 3 through 5. Operated by the Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception we are conveniently located just East of Downtown Columbus at 957 East Broad Street.

Classes are offered Monday through Friday, with full-time and part-time schedules to meet the needs and schedules of working parents. We have room for 52 children.

Our Center follows a Catholic based curriculum developing a positive self image in relation to our loving God. A child’s sense of God comes from a warm atmosphere of love and acceptance in the Early Childhood environment where the child learns about himself/herself and God’s wonderful world. Throughout the program, we will have a strong emphasis on faith development and values. Our programs seek to provide a stimulating learning experience in a safe and wholesome environment. At the Center, children are given encouragement and guidance in physical, intellectual, emotional and social adjustment. Children will be involved in both structured and non-structured activities that encourage education, social and spiritual growth.

For more information on enrollment, please contact us:  Via e-mail: [email protected]  Via telephone: 856-874-6096  Via our website: stjohnpaul2preschool.com

Please help us spread the word about our St. John Paul II Preschool by sharing this message and telling your friends and neighbors.

God Bless You, Sister Bozena Sr. Bozena

The Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception St. John Paul II Preschool and Extended Care

If you haven’t started your search for a quality preschool for your little one, now’s the time. The Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception along with a generous benefactor just opened a new Preschool and Extended Care under the patronage of St. John Paul II.

Emphasis in St. John Paul II Preschool is placed on spiritual, educational, and social development.

Spiritual Development: Children are taught Christian Values and are able to explore their relationship with God and share their experiences in an atmosphere of joy, peace and goodness, flowing from love. Our goal is to create an appropriate climate for learning that enhances the development of the young child’s character. Character traits we strive to reinforce are self- control, a generous spirit, respect for one’s own dignity and the dignity of others.

Educational and Social Development: Structured and non-structured activities are part of the preschool curriculum. The program will provide opportunities for learning, playing, story time, snack, and rest. Our preschoolers will participate in both individual and group activities. This will maximize the opportunities of three and four year olds to develop their independence, self- reliance, confidence and permit their self-expression and creativity.

Preschool Details: St. John Paul II Preschool offers full-time and part-time schedules for children ages 3 to 4 years old. We offer extended hours as well to meet the needs of parents’ work schedules. Our Preschool address is: 957 East Broad Street, Columbus, 43205. For more information regarding enrollment, please email us [email protected] or call 856-874-6096, you may also visit our website: www.stjohnpaul2preschool.com.

The Congregation of the Little Servant Sisters was founded by Blessed Edmund Bojanowski in 1850 in Poland. Through the influence of their Founder, the Sisters devote their services to the education of children, provide homes for orphans, and care for the sick, elderly and needy. The Sisters have been lauded for their educational skills. Children in their care are exposed to Gospel values and experience security, peace and joy. They bring old-fashioned values to 2019.

Put Your Faith in Christ, Not in Feelings by Constance T. Hull

Rather frequently, I hear people make arguments about aspects of the spiritual life, the Church, morality, or relationships that are predicated upon a particular individual’s feelings. Some will complain that the Mass doesn’t make them “feel” good or the Church’s teaching doesn’t cause a flood of the emotions they are looking for in their lives. I’ve had friends tell me that their relationship with Jesus requires them to “feel good” on some level. The problem is, our emotions or “feelings” — as we call them colloquially — are an unruly taskmaster and a dangerous guide in the spiritual life. It is true that our emotions are an aspect of being a human person, but they are in no way meant to overrule our intellect or our will. It is not uncommon for our emotions to lead us into temptation and take us down paths that are destructive. When an individual tells me how essential it is for them to “feel” the presence of God or to experience Him subjectively in the Mass or in prayer, I tend to ask them some questions. First, I ask them how many times a day they experience an emotion? Do those emotions always comport with what is going on in reality? Do our bodies impact our emotional state e.g. level of sleep, stress, even what we’ve eaten? Is God our emotions? Does God cease to love us if we don’t “feel” good on a given day? What about the very real dark night experiences of some of the holiest souls in our Tradition? Can our emotions be impacted by our encounters with other people? There are a lot of other questions that should and can be considered when it comes to deciphering how much our emotions can impede our ability to understand reality, love and serve God properly, love our neighbor as we ought, and progress in holiness. Part of the spiritual life is learning to temper, control, or discard our emotional states. We can’t always control our emotions, so at times we are called to endure until an emotional state passes. Much of the time an emotion we experience in a given situation is irrelevant to what is actually happening outside of ourselves. The Mass is a good example. The celebration of the Mass — through which we offer right praise to God and participate in the Eucharistic sacrifice as a priestly people through the ministerial priesthood — is an objective reality outside of ourselves. Heaven and earth meet and Our Lord is made bodily present to His people whether we “feel” it or not. The Mass is not meant to give us warm-fuzzy feelings. That’s not what it is designed for. If that is what we want out of the Mass (and if we must have that experience), then we are not seeking to worship God, we are seeking an emotional high. That doesn’t mean we won’t experience powerful feelings from time-to-time at Mass, but it does mean that we can’t be overly dependent on how we feel at Mass. We praise God regardless of our emotional state. Many of the great spiritual masters of the Church note that as we progress in holiness, God seeks to free us of those things we depend upon outside of Him. One of these dependencies is our emotions. There will be periods, especially after consolations, in which God will seem to withdraw from us and we will no longer “feel” His presence. In fact, St. Ignatius of Loyola points out that we are in desolation more often than consolation in this life. We may experience aridity, darkness, numbness, and confusion. It is not that God has abandoned us, rather, He is seeking to purify our love for Him. We are not meant to rely on the good feelings that can come from a consolation or an experience of Him at an emotional level. If we constantly seek an emotional response to God, we often become trapped in a type of idolatry in which we worship our feelings over God. The question we must ask ourselves in the spiritual life is: Who do I want? Do I want God or do I want me? If we want God, then we must learn to temper, control, and discard our emotional states and no longer remain dependent upon them. When we learn to recognize our emotional responses to situations we can see very quickly how our emotions can entangle us in temptations and lead us to sin. This is a prevalent issue in our culture and it is something we have to fight against by the grace extended to us through the Sacraments and regular prayer.

The mantra of our culture is, “If it feels good, then do it.” This is problematic and destructive in the spiritual life. It leads us to justify and commit sinful behavior. We can quickly become enslaved by alcohol, drugs, gambling, wrath, food, greed, pornography, or other forms of lust. Often adultery is predicated upon the notion that a person “feels” romantic love, attraction, or attachment to someone other than their spouse. We cannot truly love someone through sin and having an emotional response to another human being does not mean we should act upon it. What is required of us is to properly order that emotion to what is good, holy, and true. This is true of every aspect of our lives. A lot of people use their emotions and the argument that God wants them to be “happy” in order to indulge in sinful behavior. God wants us to become saints and our happiness can only come from living in accordance with His designs. We are meant to move past our emotions as the starting point of our faith journey. They serve their purpose in the beginning by moving us towards God, but they are the shallow end. We are meant to swim into the great depths of God’s mystery and love through the gift of faith and our use of reason. We can’t truly come to know God and allow Him to live within us fully if we would rather worship our good feelings over Him. Christ doesn’t promise that the spiritual life will be rainbows and sunshine. He promises that it will be blessed and lead us to the ultimate happiness we are made for at the end of the journey. In fact, there will be very dark valleys that we must walk through. We can’t persevere if we don’t understand that our spiritual life isn’t reliant upon feeling good. It is wholly dependent on Jesus Christ and our willingness to move forward in faith following Him no matter what. There will be much that we are asked to endure, some of which will be brutal, but our hope is in Him, not how we feel about what is asked of us. The greatest joy, the deepest peace, and the most intense love is found in the Holy Trinity and we enter into the communion of the Divine Persons when we let go of our counterfeits and embrace reality Itself. In order to do so, we must be willing to accept that our emotions are not God and that our faith journey is not dependent upon how we feel.

Constance T. Hull is a wife, mother, homeschooler, and a graduate with an M.A. in Theology with an emphasis in philosophy. She is passionate about beauty, working towards holiness, the Sacraments, and all things Catholic. She is also published at The Federalist and Public Discourse. This article is made available courtesy of the Catholic Exchange.

“If you can never make up your mind what God wills for you, but are always veering from one opinion to another, from one practice to another, from one method to another, it may be an indication that you are trying to get around God’s will and do your own with a quiet conscience.” ~FATHER THOMAS MERTON, OCSO

Monday, February 18 ~ Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Holy Gospel: Mark 8:11-13 The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation." Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore.

Meditation: The people of Jesus' time expected that the coming of the Messiah would be accompanied by extraordinary signs and wonders. The religious leaders tested Jesus to see if he had a genuine sign from heaven to back his Messianic claims. False messiahs in the past had made extraordinary claims to attract their followers, such as claiming that they could cleave the Jordan River in two or cause the walls of Jerusalem to fall. Jesus knew the hearts of those who came to test him. They were more interested in seeing signs and supernatural phenomena than they were in hearing the word of God. Simeon had prophesied at Jesus' birth that he was "destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that inner thoughts of many will be revealed" (ref. Luke 2:34-35). Jesus gave them no sign except himself and the ultimate proof of his divinity when he rose from the dead.

Prayer: O God, who teach us that you abide in hearts that are just and true, grant that we may be so fashioned by your grace as to become a dwelling pleasing to you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Contemplation: Never forget that the Lord reveals himself and makes his presence known to us in many ways – in his word and in the "breaking of the bread" in the Eucharist, in his church – the body of Christ, in his creation, and even in the everyday circumstances of our lives. If we seek the Lord, we will surely find him. And we can be confident that he will give us whatever we need to understand and carry out his will. Most of all, the Lord assures us of his daily presence and the promise that he will never leave us. Saint Theresa of Avila's prayer book contained a bookmark in which she wrote: “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you; All things pass: God never changes. Patience achieves all it strives for. Whoever has God lacks nothing, God alone suffices.” Think about that for a moment, then ask yourself: Is God enough for you?

Tuesday, February 19 ~ Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Holy Gospel: Mark 8:14-21 The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. Jesus enjoined them, "Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod." They concluded among themselves that it was because they had no bread. When he became aware of this he said to them, "Why do you conclude that it is because you have no bread? Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember, when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up?" They answered him, "Twelve." "When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many full baskets of fragments did you pick up?" They answered him, "Seven." He said to them, "Do you still not understand?"

Meditation: The apostles set off in their boat across the Sea of Galilee only to discover that they forgot to bring enough food for their journey. What were they to do miles away from land and any place where they could buy food and supplies? They were anxious of course, and this was right after Jesus had performed the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes where the disciples fed more than four thousand people (ref. Mark 8:1-9). Jesus knew the trouble in his disciples' hearts even before they could speak.

Jesus dealt with their anxiety by first warning them to not fear what can harm the body rather than what can destroy the very heart and soul of their being.

Contemplation: One might wonder why Jesus told his disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod? To the Jewish person leaven was a sign of evil. It was a piece of dough left-over from a previous baking. In due course it fermented and this fermented dough became leaven. Fermentation was associated with decomposing rot. Jesus warned his disciples to avoid the evil influence of the Pharisees and of Herod who sought their own counsels rather than the will of God. As the apostles continued to worry about their lack of bread, Jesus reminded them of his miraculous provision of bread in the feeding of the four thousand. He then upbraided them for their lack of trust in God. “Do you still not understand?” It's easy to get preoccupied with the problems and needs of the present moment and to forget the most important reality of all – God's abiding presence with us and his abundant provision for our lives as well. Thus when you pray, do you pray with joyful confidence, “Father, give us this day our daily bread?”

Wednesday, February 20 ~ Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

Holy Gospel: Marl 8:22-26 When Jesus and his disciples arrived at Bethsaida, people brought to him a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. Putting spittle on his eyes he laid his hands on the man and asked, "Do you see anything?" Looking up the man replied, "I see people looking like trees and walking." Then he laid hands on the man's eyes a second time and he saw clearly; his sight was restored and he could see everything distinctly. Then he sent him home and said, "Do not even go into the village."

Meditation: There is one thing worse than physical blindness – and that is blindness of the heart and soul. A blind man is led to Jesus by some of his friends. Without their help he could not have found the one who could restore his sight. Jesus understood the fears and hopes of this blind man who begged him to touch him. The blind in a special way perceive the power of touch. Jesus shows considerateness in bringing this man to a place away from the skeptics and gawkers. His sight is restored in stages as he responds to Jesus' healing touch. Mark records this remarkable miracle in three short phrases: He looked intently and was restored, and saw everything clearly. Jesus sent him home with a warning to avoid the company of those who live in spiritual darkness.

Contemplation: Might there be a blind spot or two in your life that clouds or blocks your vision of God and his kingdom? If so, you need to work on those blind spots on by one and allow the Lord to touch you with his grace and power that you may walk in the light of his redeeming truth and love. Saint Jerome wrote about the spiritual significance of this healing for us, which we would all do well to think about: "Christ laid his hands upon his eyes that he might see all things clearly, so through visible things he might understand things invisible, which the eye has not seen, that after the film of sin is removed, he might clearly behold the state of his soul with the eye of a clean heart."

Thursday, February 21 ~ Sixth Week in Ordinary Time Saint Peter Damian, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Holy Gospel: Mark 8:27-33 Jesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" They said in reply, "John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets." And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter said to him in reply, "You are the Christ." Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him. He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke this openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do."

Meditation: At an opportune time Jesus tests his disciples with a simple, yet crucial question: Who do men say that I am and who do you say that I am? He was widely recognized in Israel as a mighty man of God, even being compared with the greatest of the prophets, John the Baptist, Elijah, and Jeremiah. Peter, always quick to respond, professes that Jesus is truly the Christ. No mortal being could have

revealed this to Peter; but only God. Through faith Peter grasped who Jesus truly was. He was the first apostle to recognize Jesus as the Anointed One (Messiah and Christ). Christ is the Greek word for the Hebrew word Messiah, which means Anointed One. Peter's faith, however was sorely tested when Jesus explained that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and die in order that God's work of redemption may be accomplished. How startled the disciples were when they heard these words! How different are God's thoughts and ways from our thoughts and ways! Through humiliation, suffering, and death on the cross Jesus broke the powers of sin and death and won for us our salvation.

Prayer: Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we may so follow the teaching and example of the Bishop Saint Peter Damian, that, putting nothing before Christ and always ardent in the service of your Church, we may be led to the joys of eternal light. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Contemplation: The same question that Jesus posed to his disciples he asks each of us: “Who do YOU say that I am?” Who is Jesus for YOU? This is a simple, yet crucial question for each one of us, and our response has implications not only on how we live our earthly lives, but our opportunity to have a seat for all eternity at the heavenly banquet. In a time where many don’t think about the consequences of their actions, and where many don’t want to take responsibility for their actions, we need to take a step or two back and think about how each of us will answer this question – “Who do YOU say that I am?” Let’s make certain that our response is not simply lip service, as actions speak louder than words. As St. James reminds us of what we are called as disciples to do: “Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves” (James 1:27). In other words, do not let Christ’s teachings go in one ear and out the other. Let his word take root in your mind and your heart, put Christ’s teachings into action in your daily lives. In doing so, your response to who Jesus is for you become clear by your every thought, work, and most importantly your actions. Remember, talk is cheap – actions speak louder than words.

Friday, February 22 ~ Sixth Week in Ordinary Time Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle

Holy Gospel: Matthew: 13:16-19 When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Meditation: Jesus tests his disciples with a basic, yet crucial question: “Who do men say that I am” followed by “who do you say that I am?” Jesus was widely recognized in Israel as a mighty man of God, even being compared with the greatest of the prophets -- John the Baptist, Elijah, and Jeremiah. Peter, always quick to respond, exclaimed that he was the Christ, the Son of the living God. No mortal being could have revealed this to Peter; but only God. Jesus then confers on Peter authority to govern the church that Jesus would build, a church that no powers would overcome. Jesus plays on Peter's name which is the same word for “rock” in both Aramaic and Greek. To call someone a “rock” is one of the greatest of compliments. The ancient rabbis had a saying that when God saw Abraham, he exclaimed: “I have discovered a rock to found the world upon.” Through Abraham God established a nation for himself. Through faith Peter grasped who Jesus truly was. He was the first apostle to recognize Jesus as the Anointed One (Messiah and Christ) and the only begotten Son of God. The Lord Jesus tests each of us personally with the same question: “Who do you say that I am?”

Prayer: Grant, we pray, almighty God, that no tempests may disturb us, for you have set us fast on the rock of the Apostle Peter's confession of faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Contemplation: Jesus Christ also asks each one of us: “Who do you say that I am?” Obviously our personal response has great ramifications. A wonderful response to come not only from our lips, but from deep from within our hearts would be: “Lord Jesus, I profess and believe that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God. You are my Lord and my Savior. Make my faith strong and help me to live in the victory of the cross by rejecting sin and by accepting your will.” Our response to Jesus’ question requires sincere thought and discernment. But more importantly it requires action in how we think, speak, and live out our daily lives. Ask yourself: Does my life reflect that of a disciple of Christ? If not, why not?

About the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter: This feast brings to mind the mission of teacher and pastor conferred by Christ on Peter, and continued in an unbroken line down to the present Pope. We celebrate the unity of the Church, founded upon the Apostle, and renew our assent to the Magisterium of the Roman Pontiff, extended both to truths which are solemnly defined ex cathedra, and to all the acts of the ordinary Magisterium.

Saturday, February 23 ~ Sixth Week in Ordinary Time Saint Polycarp of Smyrna, Bishop and Martyr

Holy Gospel: Mark 9:2-13 Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." Suddenly, looking around, the disciples no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them. As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant. Then they asked him, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?" He told them, "Elijah will indeed come first and restore all things, yet how is it written regarding the Son of Man that he must suffer greatly and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him."

Meditation: When Moses met with God on Mount Sinai the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God (ref. Exodus 34:29). Paul says that the Israelites could not look at Moses' face because of its brightness (ref. 2 Cor. 3:7). In this incident Jesus appeared in glory with Moses, the great lawgiver of Israel, and with Elijah, the greatest of the prophets, in the presence of three of his beloved apostles. What is the significance of this mysterious appearance? Jesus went to the mountain knowing full well what awaited him in Jerusalem – his betrayal, rejection and crucifixion. Jesus very likely discussed this momentous decision to go to the cross with Moses and Elijah. God the Father also spoke with Jesus and gave his approval: "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." The cloud which overshadowed Jesus and his apostles fulfilled the dream of the Jewish people that when the Messiah came the cloud of God's presence would fill the temple again (ref. Exodus 16:10, 19:9, 33:9; 1 Kings 8:10; 2 Maccabees 2:8).

Prayer: God of all creation, who were pleased to give the Bishop Saint Polycarp a place in the company of the Martyrs, grant, through his intercession, that sharing with him in the chalice of Christ, we may rise through the Holy Spirit to eternal life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Contemplation: In this day and age when so many human beings saying “listen to me” or “hear me” or “follow me” or “join us in our cause” we hear the great voice of God saying to us all: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him.” Jesus Christ is, of course, the way, the truth and the life. His timeless teachings lead us to grow in holiness and grace, live a life of simplicity, live a life loving God and loving our neighbor as ourselves. And so we need to tune out all of those human voices and human opinions that lead us away from God and His Son, Jesus Christ, and simply “listen to Him” – listen to the divine voice of Christ in prayer, and the divine teachings of Christ in the New Testament, embrace His teachings, and live them to the fullest in all aspects of our lives. Origen, the great scripture scholar and Father of the Church, shows us how the transfiguration can change our lives: “When he is transfigured, his face also shines as the sun that he may be manifested to the children of light who have put off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, and are no longer the children of darkness or night but have become the sons of day, and walk honestly as in the day. Being manifest, he will shine unto them not simply as the sun, but as demonstrated to be the sun of righteousness.”

Scripture passages (NAB translation) courtesy of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; prayers are from The Roman Missal, Catholic Book Publishing, 2011; information about saints, solemnities, feasts and memorials courtesy of the Catholic Culture web site.

frlumpe:2019

~ ORGANIZATIONS IN OUR PARISH ~

LAST UPDATED: March 19, 2018

Members of parish community have a wealth of ways to serve and feel a part of the parish family. Committees are formed to educate, enrich our faith, strengthen our parish and support Outreach organizations. We welcome you to join us in the committee(s) of your choice!

THE SAINT JOSEPH CATHEDRAL PASTORAL COUNCIL meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month; the Council is advisory in capacity to assist Fr. Michael Lumpe, as Rector, with parish issues, planning and coordination. Parishioners are welcome at Council meetings and can contact Council Chairs to address the Council: Ed Hueckel, (614) 329-1801, [email protected]. Members include: Ed Hueckel, President; Nico Franano, Vice President; Michael Elton, President Emeritus; Amanda Gillespie, Secretary; Rev. Mr. James Gorski, Rev. Mr. Thomas Johnston, Nick Farmer, Crystal Bensonhaver, Jake Neal, Tom Boor, Kathleen Tourgeman, Lisa Emrich, and Rob Riepenhoff.

CATHEDRAL EVENTS COMMITTEE: The Events committee plans social and fund-raising events throughout the year to foster a sense of community within the Cathedral Community. Meetings are scheduled as needed for any particular event. Contact Mandy Gillespie at [email protected] or (614) 604-7780.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE: This committee supports the Saint Joseph Cathedral web site, and provides advice and support to the Pastoral Council and the Saint Joseph Cathedral parish on technology related topics. Contact Nick Farmer at 614-706-3347 or [email protected].

LITURGICAL MINISTERS: Members of the Cathedral community take part in the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy as Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Hospitality Ministers/Greeters and Altar Servers. Review and training sessions are scheduled routinely with advance notification. Please contact Michael Elton at (614) 405- 7770 or [email protected].

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA): Are you or is someone you know interested in coming into the Catholic faith? RCIA sessions have already begun for this year. For more information about RCIA and the process of becoming a fully-initiated member of the Catholic Church, please contact Mr. Jake Neal at [email protected] or (614) 224-1295; or Carol Keene at [email protected] or (614) 657- 9528.

PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION (PSR) ~ CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD: As parents, you are the primary religious educators of your children. Our catechetical classes are here to support you. It is our goal to partner with you and your family along your faith journey. Saint Joseph Cathedral provides a program using the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd model for students enrolled in Grades Pre-K - Grade 8 who do not attend a Catholic School. The St. Joseph Cathedral PSR program meets on Sunday mornings in the undercroft from 9-10:15 a.m. For more information, please contact Mr. Jake Neal at [email protected] or (614) 224-1295

SAINT VINCENT De PAUL SOCIETY: You can grow spiritually by offering service to those in need. Participate in outreach programs for Saint Joseph Cathedral Back Door Ministry, J.O.I.N. (Joint Organization for Inner-city Needs), and the Jaycee Arms Monthly Lunch Service. For information on how you can help, please contact Renee Shouse at [email protected] or 301-305-9627

SOCIAL JUSTICE AND CONCERNS COMMITTEE: This committee dedicates its efforts to those who are in need due to hunger and poverty, domestic and family violence, capital punishment, health and bio-ethics issues. If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Michael Elton at (614) 405-7770 or [email protected].

VOCATIONS COMMITTEE: The Vocations Committee prays for vocations of Priests and Religious from our parish, from our Diocese and throughout the world. Through programs, prayer, discussion, and the encouragement of young people, parishioners can make the whole community more “vocation conscious.” The committee meets at 9:00 a.m. on the Third Sunday of the month in the Fulcher Room. Contact Barbara Garick at (614) 877-0168 or [email protected].

YOUNG ADULTS GROUP – (TRIPLE V) - VIA, VERITAS ET VITA: Young adults between the ages of 18 and 40 gather to foster community among fellow parishioners. Meetings are held at least once a month. Contact us via: Facebook – Saint Joseph Cathedral Young Adult Group (http://www.facebook.com/group.phpgid=194497085915) E-mail: [email protected]. If you would like to be included in the e-mail distribution list.

50+ GROUP: The 50+ group provides experienced adults with spiritual, social, educational, and service activities, as well as fellowship in a welcoming environment. The 50+ Group meets on the second Sunday of each month in the Cathedral Undercroft following the 12:30 p.m. Mass. Adults age 50 and up—all are welcome! For more information, contact Ruth Baird at [email protected]

~ TAKING PLACE IN OUR PARISH ~

SUNG VESPERS (EVENING PRAYER) DURING LENT WILL BE OFFERED AT ST. JOSEPH CATHEDRAL ON THE FOLLOWING DATES AND TIMES:  Sunday, March 17th (Second Sunday of Lent) @ 4:45 p.m.  Sunday, March 24th (Third Sunday of Lent) @ 4:45 p.m.  Sunday, March 31st (Fourth Sunday of Lent) @ 4:45 p.m.  Sunday, April 7th (Fifth Sunday of Lent) @ 4:45 p.m.  Sunday, April 14th (Palm Sunday) @ 4:45 p.m. These services will feature the treble voices of the Cathedral Choir. The liturgy lasts approximately 20-25 minutes and will be immediately followed by the 5:15 p.m. Mass. Vespers, commonly known as Evening Prayer, is part of the Liturgy of the Hours and is a great way to supplement your prayer life. Through this service, we offer praise to God, pray for the needs of the world, and give thanks to God for the day.

~ IN, AROUND AND NEAR THE DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS ~

THE CATHOLIC TIMES WEEKLY NEWSPAPER: IT’S NOT TOO LATE!!! You can still sign up for Catholic Times. For a minimum donation of only $17 (less than 39 cents per issue), Catholic news from the diocese and around the world will be delivered right to your mailbox. Use the envelope provided in your February packet, or simply write your name and “Catholic Times” on a plain envelope, make your check payable to the parish, and drop it into the collection basket. As an evangelization tool, Bishop Campbell encourages all Catholic households in the diocese to receive and read our diocesan newspaper, the Catholic Times. You need the Catholic Times to keep up on all of the news throughout the diocese and the Catholic world.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS IN THE DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS? Did you know that the Serra Clubs of Columbus can help you do just that? The Serra Club is a lay International organization of Catholic men and women, whose mission is to foster vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Religious Life through prayer, programs and activities. To learn more, please contact VP of membership Dan Martin at [email protected] for the Downtown Serra Club or Ardith at [email protected] for the North Serra Club. Please feel free to visit with no obligations. Our website is serracolumbus.org.

BETHESDA HEALING MINISTRY: Are there times of the year when sounds, images and memories from a past abortion do not seem to go away? Please call Bethesda Healing Ministry to speak to someone who has been there and can help. Bethesda Healing Ministry Past-Abortion ministry meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month. We await your call: 614-309-2651 or 614-309-0157 or visit our website at www.bethesdahealing.org Save The Date: April 4, 2019 for “Joy in Forgiveness” benefit, featuring Keynote Speaker Dr. Ray Guarendi

YOUNG CATHOLIC PROFESSIONALS brings together young adults in their 20s and 30s from across the city for speaker events, panel discussions and networking to foster Catholic identity, encourage community and inspire a call to action. Join us on Wed., Feb. 20th from 7-9 pm at The Jessing Center (7625 N High Street, Columbus 43235) for our Executive Speaker Series featuring Leah Darrow. Find us at www.ycpcolumbus.org or on social media to stay up-to-date on these and future events!

THE ST. CHARLES PREPARATORY SCHOOL DRAMA DEPARTMENT is proud to announce its spring musical production, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Men’s & Women’s auditions for Spelling Bee…will be held Tuesday and Wed., Mar. 5 & 6 at 4 p.m. at the St. Charles Campus Theater, 2010 East Broad St. Auditions are open to all area high school women in Central Ohio. Rehearsals for Spelling Bee…will begin Mon., Mar. 11 at 4 p.m. Production Dates: May 2-5. If you would like additional information, please email. Doug Montgomery, at [email protected].

THE ST. CHARLES PREPARATORY SCHOOL DRAMA DEPARTMENT is proud to announce its winter production, the Columbus and Central Ohio premiere of “The Hundred Dresses,” a musical by Ralph Covert and G. Riley Mills, based on the book by Eleanor Estes. “The Hundred Dresses” will be presented Thurs., Fri., and Sat., February 21, 22, & 23 at 8 p.m. and Sun., February 24 at 3 p.m. in the St. Charles Campus Theatre. Adult tickets - $10 each, student tickets - $5 each. Reservations may be placed by calling the St. Charles main office at (614) 252- 6714 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

THE MARCH CATHOLIC MEN’S LUNCHEON CLUB will feature a talk by Mike Dittoe a member of St. Andrew Parish. Please join us Friday, March 1 at St. Patrick Church in downtown Columbus for lunch and Mike’s talk about the Origins and Development of Catholic Life in Central Ohio. As yet, there is no sponsor for the March luncheon. Contact Jim Gernetzke ([email protected]) if you are interested in sponsoring one of the monthly luncheons. Holy Mass begins at 11:45 am followed by lunch at 12:10 pm and Mike’s talk. No reservations are necessary. $10 covers the lunch and meeting. Bring a

PLEASE KEEP THESE PARISHIONERS IN YOUR PRAYERS: Tim Acton, Mary Antonelli, Jack Beckman, Christopher Clark, Larry Edwards, Thom Gall, Dr. Lianna Goetz, Frank Houchins, Ruth Harper, Tanya Ingle, Gloria Jefferson, Chris Katanyuta, Anna Katanyuta, Denise Lager, Mary McNellis, Sharon Merhar, Maria Paras, Linda Pauley, Susan Bateman Severs, David Simmons, Katie Finneran Slattery, Michael Sonderman, Sandra Valencia, Mark Watkins, Matthew Watkins, and Dora Zweydorff.

CATHEDRAL FACTS: DID YOU KNOW... that our Cathedral has three vocations in formation for the priesthood? Rev. Mr. Chris Yakkel, Mr. Andrew Wisniewski and Mr. Anthony Suttle are the men, and we ask that you pray for them and for all who are discerning God’s call to the priesthood and religious life.

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE CATHEDRAL ALMS FOR THE POOR BOX? Located in the wall near the Broad Street entrance, this box and the funds you provide are important. At the Cathedral these Alms for the Poor go to pay for the food that is distributed daily at the Cathedral to the poor and needy – up to 150 food bags (usually containing a sandwich, fruit, chips & cookie, bottled water), and on many winter days hot coffee and hot cocoa. Help us provide this most basic necessity – food – to those in need by donating to our poor box.

LOW-GLUTEN* HOSTS are available at the 10:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. Sunday Masses. Worshippers can receive low-gluten Holy Communion from the center aisle from the Master of Ceremonies (please identify yourself) to the Celebrant. * contains less than 0.01% gluten content & meets the standard set by the Holy See and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Stewardship: Time ~ Talent ~ Treasure We have many choices to make in life. Some are trivial, but others have eternal consequences. We’re instructed that “Before man are life and death, good and evil, whichever he chooses shall be given him.” The way of life and the good follows the commandments of God, as Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Plain – the Beatitudes in Luke’s Gospel, versus the Sermon on the Mount – the Beatitudes in the Gospel according to Matthew. But that is a way of giving, not grasping. It’s opposed to the world’s wisdom which seeks power, riches, and pleasure. God’s wisdom, St. Paul wrote, is hidden, and it is not self-centered. Let us pray for the grace to live by God’s wisdom, which will lead us to a life of service in this world and eternal joy in the next. Guided by that wisdom, we will use the time, talent, and treasure entrusted to us for the glory of God rather than for our own personal comfort. (www.thecatholicsteward.com)

Your contribution supports the work and operations of Saint Joseph Cathedral, our music and education programs, and all other aspects of our community outreach. Please be generous in your support of these important endeavors. In addition to making a contribution through the Offertory basket, you can contribute electronically through your checking account, or through your Visa, MasterCard or Discover account by going online to the Financial Stewardship page on our web site at www.saintjosephcathedral.org, by sending a text message to 614-721-4184, or by scanning the QR code to the left with your smartphone QR Scanner Application.

YOUR OFFERTORY IS A GIFT TO GOD: If your Offertory is not made electronically, please use your parish Offertory envelope to thoughtfully, prayerfully choose your gift and present it eagerly to Our Lord. Many times families will ask for a letter stating that they are registered, participating members of our parishes in order to become a Godparent, Confirmation Sponsor or simply to enroll in one of our Catholic schools. Using our electronic giving or envelope system makes our job easier and allows us to honestly say, “Yes! This family is registered and actively participating here in our parish!”

YOUR OFFERING TO GOD ~ THANK YOU!

Offertory: February 9 & 10, 2019

Envelope $2,861.00 CHECK OUT OUR NEW, SECURE, EASY ON- Loose Collection $2,016.00 Credit Card $ 991.00 LINE GIVING OPTIONS ON OUR WEB PAGE: Less 6% Diocesan Tax (352.08) WWW.SAINTJOSEPHCATHEDRAL.ORG Total to Parish $5,515.92

Catholic Times $834.00

My discipleship at Saint Joseph Cathedral ~ It’s as simple as 1-2-3: 1. Participate at least 1 hour per week in community prayer (Sunday Mass). 2. Devote at least 1 hour per week volunteering in a parish ministry. 3. Contribute at least 1 hour of weekly income (2.5%) for financial support.