Cathedral of Christ the King Newsletter — December 2020

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KING’S

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Upcoming Youth Advent Mission

Hope & Revival

to Speak of

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s 2020 draws to a close — a year fraught with many challenges — and as the season of Advent approaches, our Youth Advent Mission stands as a place of hope in the glory of God offering the theme “He Revives His People.”

The mission is set for the evening of Dec. 4 in the cathedral. Registration is not required, per se, but those wanting to attend will be asked to register online for a seat, as we

have been doing with Mass. In turn, the mission will also be streamed live for those wishing to take part, but remain at home.

“In this very troubling year, we are trying to bring hope back with the assurance that the Lord hasn’t abandoned us,” says Rebecca Whitney, Christ the King Cathedral Youth Director. “He wants to revive His people.”

Although the Youth Advent Mission originally was targeted to youth

and young adults of the parish, it is now a family event. The material will be relevant to all the youth and young adults, but whole families are encouraged to attend.

The mission now also is to be held just one day — previously, it ran for three days.

There will be several speakers who will enlarge on the theme, as well as a nationally known musician. During the evening there will be praise and worship, as well as adoration.

Confessions are tentatively planned.

“There will be opportunities to have prayer with prayer teams for specific intentions,” continued on page 5

Inside DEC 2020

2 Christmastime Stewardship: How We Can Bring His Son to the World 3 Understanding the Signposts of a Graceful Advent 4 Engaging in Worship with Our Music Ministry God Speaks to Us Through Song 6 Focusing Our Hearts Heavenward: The Origin and Beauty of the Nativity Scene 7 A Look at Our Sandwich Ministry Works to Feed Those in Need Throughout Lexington

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t is not uncommon to give gifts during Advent and Christmas, but it is never enough just to leave it at that. True, Jesus gave Himself to us at the first Christmas. And, as always, we should strive to imitate Him by giving of ourselves in some way as we celebrate the anniversary of His birth. But there is a way to give even more than just ourselves — by giving the gift of Christ to others. The seasons of Advent and Christmas are perfect opportunities to share the love and message of Jesus with others in a beautiful way.

Of course, giving of ourselves in imitation of Jesus is a beautiful thing. But it is just as important to remember that, as human beings, we bear the likeness of God. As Christians, Jesus Himself inhabits our very souls. As Catholics, our Lord literally dwells within us when we receive Him in the Eucharist. Based upon this logic, we do so much more than imitate Jesus when we selflessly give of ourselves to others. Indeed, just as Mary carried Christ in her womb when she visited her cousin, Elizabeth, and just as she brought Him in her arms to Simeon as a newborn child, we can also literally bring Jesus Christ to the world.

What a profound task Our Lord has laid out for us this season! As He grew in Mary’s womb, Jesus could only go where Mary chose to take Him. Of course, He couldn’t do anything — He couldn’t even speak. Mary became His hands and feet, and even His voice. Mary could have stayed at home during her pregnancy, resting and preparing for life with a newborn, as most mothers do. But instead, the Blessed Mother helped her Son begin His mission by bringing Him to her cousin, Elizabeth. Today, in much the same way, Christ invites us to share Him with the rest of the world. He chooses to make His presence known through us. And so, as the spiritual writer Caryll Houselander beautifully stated, “We must carry Jesus in our hearts wherever He wants

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us to go, and there are many places to which He may never go unless we take Him to them.”

How do we bring Jesus to those in our parish and community? There are many ways. We might visit with a sick parishioner over the holidays, providing fellowship and support in their time of need. We may consider serving a local soup kitchen or food bank, and doing our part to make sure that the hungry are fed. We can sing Christmas carols for our neighbors, bringing true joy and love to their homes. Perhaps we could help a tired friend clean her house, making her life a little bit easier during this busy season. Or we can share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others. We might even try going to work with a cheery disposition, or donating money so that a starving child in a poor country can have something to eat. These are just a few examples of how we can practice stewardship.

We may sometimes feel as if our efforts are in vain — especially when it is hard to see the effects of our evangelization. This temptation is particularly strong when we offer our treasure as a gift to God. The positive effects of monetary gifts aren’t always as visible as gifts of time or talent. But when we give of our treasure, the love of Jesus can travel to places we could never go. While our gift may not directly affect someone in a positive way, it very well may enable someone else to do it for us. Sometimes, God doesn’t just ask us to be His hands and feet, but to enable someone else to be them, as well.

Advent and Christmas give us the opportunity to reflect on Jesus’ call to live as stewards and disciples of His Word. God has put us in a particular place, given us a certain amount of time, and asked us to perform particular tasks and selflessly share a portion of our gifts. This is all for a singular purpose — to bring His Son into the world, and make Christ’s presence just as real as when He first became man more than 2,000 years ago.

A Letter From Our Cathedral Rector

Understanding the Signposts of

a Graceful Advent

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

T

he season of Advent offers many themes as we continue our journey through the pandemic.

HOPE... We have confidence during Advent that Jesus will come into our lives just as He came into the world as a baby born in a stable in Bethlehem. That spirit of hope permeates our lives as we move day by day through this challenging time.

We know that our God is the giver of gifts and that God has given us the greatest gift of all in His Son. We hope and pray for the gift of a vaccine and the transition back into normal life. A hope-inspired vision is at the heart of our sense of mission.

PATIENCE... We do need to wait — just as the world waited for the right time for the Messiah to come into the world. So, we need to wait for the right time to return to larger attendance at Mass and other public events. We need to wait for the safe time to live without masks and to be closer together. We need to realize that our impatience will put ourselves and others in jeopardy.

HISTORY... There have been pandemics before — the world has made it through them. Also, salvation history tells us that our spiritual ancestors, the Jews, faced a tremendous ordeal as they wandered in the desert for those 40 years. God was with them as they made wrong turns and wrong decisions and even rejected what they knew was right. They lost faith in their leader Moses and vacillated in their faith in God — but God always stayed with them and gave them a second chance. God is with us as we make our way through the desert of the pandemic.

CONVERSION... Advent is a time to repent, to change our lives, and to reorganize our priorities.

During these days, as we have been forced to be quieter, more home-focused, and more careful, many of us are growing in our appreciation of the simple pleasures of life, and the idea of giving has taken on a

new dimension as we realize what is most important in life.

GRATITUDE... Advent follows our national holiday of Thanksgiving. We have been blessed in many ways — great people are part of our lives, and simple pleasures and joys are offering some sparks to days that seem all too flat. Gratitude fortifies and drives our desire to be a giver. Gratitude takes us to God and leads us to reflective prayer and its attendant peace.

AWARENESS... We are called to live with our eyes open. A traditional Advent theme is to be alert, to stay awake. Our awareness frees us to see the needs of brothers and sisters who are struggling in life-and-death situations. Our awareness leads us to sense the presence of God in our world. As we discipline ourselves to see with the eyes of faith, we become more and more aware of the love of God which motivated Christ to come into our world as Jesus, the Light of the world GIFT-GIVING... Advent is a time for shopping. Our safety protocols will guide us to do less shopping in the stores and to scale down the occasions to exchange presents. This will not be easy to do. But many of us will feel a call to be a gift-giver in some other ways and to give more generously than usual to charitable causes, to groups dedicated to social change, and to the Church. This year’s strange Advent season will be an opportunity for us to reflect on and to prioritize our charitable giving.

These seven themes fit within the matrix of Advent’s many signposts. May we all make this journey together in a way that is full of grace.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Paul Prabell, Rector

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Engaging in Worship with Our Music Ministry God Speaks to Us Through Song

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f you ask Robert Whitaker, our Director of Music, about the impact that music can have on a person, he’ll tell you that music expresses things that mere spoken words cannot. And, when it comes to music at Mass, the words we sing help us focus our prayer and worship.

“For me, hymns are the food of the soul and nourishment in times of happiness, joy, despair, and sadness,” Robert says.

Advent and Christmas are certainly a special time to closely listen to and sing the hymns. In doing so, we can truly visualize the words to help us focus on the reason for the season. Robert points out how he personally visualizes the scene of “Silent Night,” and says it is his favorite Christmas song.

“Every year when I hear that particular hymn, it takes me to an image of the newborn Jesus in the arms of Mary,” he says. “I picture her as an emotionally and physically exhausted mother after giving birth, who, in turn, is lying back in the protective warm embrace of Joseph. Nothing to me says ‘Christmas’ more than that image evoked by that hymn.”

Robert takes his time to choose the hymns for Advent, Christmas, and every other Mass by studying the readings and choosing hymns that relate.

“My primary goal is to have music that allows and encourages the congregation to pray through music, taking into consideration how well known

the hymn may be and how well the text of the hymn fits the Scripture,” he says.

Robert can’t remember a time in his life when he hasn’t been singing at Mass. Now, he is truly living his vocation overseeing liturgical music at the Cathedral.

He works with organist and Assistant Director of Music Gabrielle Manion, directing several choirs, instrumentalists, and cantors. If it relates to music, Robert is involved. Here in our faith community, we’ve had the pleasure of engaging in worship through Robert’s work for more than 14 years.

No matter how many times he has heard a hymn, Robert often picks up a new theme or message.

“That’s not a magical happening,” he says. “This continued on page 5

“Every year when I hear [‘Silent Night’], it takes me to an image of the newborn Jesus in the arms of Mary. I picture her as an emotionally and physically exhausted mother after giving birth, who, in turn, is lying back in the protective warm embrace of Joseph. Nothing to me says ‘Christmas’ more than that image evoked by that hymn.” — Robert Whitaker, Director of Music 4

Our Music Ministry

continued from page 4

is the Holy Spirit working through the texts of the hymn, or through the composer who wrote the melody in such a way that the words could not be sung to any other tune. That’s just God working and speaking through the music to me.”

Hearing a cantor or choir members sing, with the congregation joining in, is truly music to Robert’s ears. It is a huge blessing to him, not just during

Advent and Christmas, but all year long.

“When that happens, I feel like I’m totally transparent — meaning, hopefully, that people don’t see or hear me, Robert, doing the music,” he says.

“Rather, they see and hear God speaking to them in the music. God is just using me to transmit through my playing or singing. That’s the greatest wish I could ever hope for.”

Anyone may be involved in our Music Ministry, following a brief, informal audition and interview. To learn more, or to become involved, please contact Robert Whitaker at rwhitaker@cdlex.org or Gabrielle Manion at gmanion@cdlex.org.

Upcoming Youth Advent Mission

continued from front cover

Rebecca says. “They will offer individual come through the other side stronger through prayers for things significant to those the glory of Christ. That is the promise we requesting them.” have that we want to remind everyone.

“There are a couple referThe mission is set to enable us to The crucifixion and resurrection ences in the Scriptures that speak enter joyfully into Advent. can’t be separated,” she adds. “The to how precious jewels are put under “We want to set the tone for resurrection always comes after pressure until their glory is revealed. We Advent,” Rebecca says. “It’s a time the crucifixion. This reveals the want the mission to increase hope in people to prepare for Advent, to really great promise of Christ to His and strengthen their faith. We have not been enter into the joy of Advent. It will people of renewal and revival that abandoned. He is walking within our midst. We be a time of revival in people’s should strengthen our hope and can come through the other side stronger through lives with the pinnacle being the faith. Advent is a hopeful season the glory of Christ. That is the promise we birth of Christ. We want to focus that culminates in the coming of have that we want to remind everyone.” on that.”

Christ in the Flesh. He has not — Rebecca Whitney, Christ the King During the mission, we will have left us abandoned. Christ uses Cathedral Youth Director the opportunity to further deepen our all our sufferings and difficulties for relationship with Christ. Our relationship our good and through the Incarnation, with Christ grows more beautiful as we are Christ enters right into them. We can have put under the challenges this year has brought. absolute hope in these promises especially at this “There are a couple references in the Scriptures time in our lives. Our hope is that the Advent that speak to how precious jewels are put under Mission will not only strengthen people’s faith and pressure until their glory is revealed,” Rebecca hope in these promises but that it can be a reminder says. “We want the mission to increase hope in that the Incarnation reveals that ‘God is with us’, people and strengthen their faith. We have not been that we have a good Father and He is good not just abandoned. He is walking within our midst. We can sometimes but always.”

If you would like more information about the upcoming Youth Advent Mission, please refer to the weekly bulletin and the parish website at www.cathedralctk.org.

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Focusing Our Hearts Heavenward:

NATIVITY SCENE The Origin and Beauty of the

W

ith all the commercialism surrounding Christmas, it’s far too easy for us to lose sight of the true reason behind the season. Overwhelmed by our endless to-do lists and the hustle and bustle of lastminute shopping, our focus quickly shifts away from the Christ Child’s birth. Yet, hidden amongst the holly wreaths and garlands, the Christmas Nativity remains a tangible reminder of the Incarnation, pulling us back in time for a moment as we reflect upon the incredible gift of Christ’s birth.

The modern challenges we face to keep our focus on Christ at Christmas is actually what first led St. Francis of Assisi to recreate the Nativity scene nearly 800 years ago. Frustrated with the growing materialism and greed that pervaded 13th century Italy, St. Francis wanted a way to visually remind people of Christ’s humble beginnings — to show them that Christmas isn’t about pomp and circumstance or material goods, but rather about unselfish love.

Describing the idea to his friend Giovanni, St. Francis wrote, “I want to do something that will

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recall the memory of that child who was born in Bethlehem, to see with bodily eyes the inconveniences of his infancy, how he lay in the manger...”

And so St. Francis’ idea took form on Christmas Eve in 1223.

This original Nativity scene was a living one, even including live animals. Villagers were deeply moved by the silent display of humble beauty, and the Nativity tradition soon spread throughout Italy and surrounding Europe. It is a tradition that remains today in nearly every Christian church and many homes. It’s hard to imagine Christmas without a Nativity scene somewhere.

Coming in various sizes and styles, each Nativity replica continues to focus our hearts on the true meaning of Christmas — to help us remember that Christmas isn’t about the number of gifts under the tree or the festive decorations, but rather about celebrating Christ’s birth. Many families have a tradition of hiding the Infant Jesus, only placing Him in the crib on Christmas morning.

This helps build anticipation during the Advent season as

we anxiously await the Divine’s birth. Others go a step further, actually wrapping up the Christ Child to be opened as the very first gift of Christmas.

Yet, whatever your family’s particular traditions, we hope that the Christmas Nativity continues to draw your heart heavenward this Christmas season — to center us all on the greatest gift ever given, our Incarnate Lord.

Coming in various sizes and styles, each Nativity replica continues to focus our hearts on the true meaning of Christmas — to help us remember that Christmas isn’t about the number of gifts under the tree or the festive decorations, but rather about celebrating Christ’s birth.

A Look at Our Sandwich Ministry Working to Feed Those in Need Throughout Lexington

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or Gloria O’Connell, serving through the Sandwich Ministry is a mission deeply rooted in faith, empathy, and love — ensuring that the homeless of our community are never forgotten.

“People talk a lot about the poor, but no one ever talks about the homeless — they are forgotten,” Gloria says. “When you don’t have a home, you really don’t have anything.”

Through the Sandwich Ministry — which Gloria founded in 2009 — volunteers make sandwiches each month for the Catholic Action Center. In the past, the group has also made snack bags and lunch bags for the Hope Mobile and Natalie’s Sisters.

“We don’t have a budget for this ministry,” Gloria says. “It’s beautiful that everyone donates what we need for food for the organizations.”

Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the group would gather on the second Friday of the month to put the bags together. Gloria says people were quick and they all knew what to do.

Now, with the pandemic precautions in place, volunteers are making sandwiches at home and dropping them off at church on an assigned day.

The sandwiches are then delivered to the Catholic Action Center.

For many of us, it is tempting to volunteer for a ministry around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays — it is certainly a popular time of the year to give back to those in need. However, Gloria urges parishioners to get involved with ministries throughout the year.

“The homeless are still homeless in July and August,” she says. “To truly follow Christ’s teaching, it is really important to help the homeless.”

Volunteers gathered in December 2019 to make sandwiches for the Catholic Action Center.

Gloria says this ministry is very flexible, especially when the sandwiches are being made at home. This ministry works really well for Gloria because of her mobility and health issues.

“I see Jesus in these homeless people,” she says. “I am very thankful for everything I have. I definitely feel close to Jesus when I do this. This is my way of giving back. Christ calls me to do this.”

As Gloria continues her work with the Sandwich Ministry, she hopes that, someday, she may be more present with the homeless. She also hopes to eventually expand this ministry to serve other organizations in the city. For now, she is happy to help in any way she can.

“Homelessness can happen to anyone,” Gloria says.

If you would like to get involved, or for more information, please contact Gloria O’Connell at 817-317-8129. Gloria emphasizes that volunteers may come as often as they are able — there is no monthly requirement.

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Don’t Forget to Return Your Commitment Card!

T a le n t = Current

Please remember to turn in your commitment cards to the parish as soon as possible. We appreciate your willingness to participate in this year’s Stewardship Renewal. The more we grow to embrace and understand the stewardship way of life, the more our parish will flourish and grow!

Clearly write

Time

(con tinu ed)

ly Involved

= Interest

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in Joining the first nam e of family mem ber on the line.

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Talent

T a le n t = Current Clearly write

Welcoming Christ

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in Joining the first nam e of family mem ber on the line.

FORMATIO N (SPIRIT UAL)

Treasure

_  Com munion to _________  Extraordinar the Sick/Homebound continued _________ y Ministers Com of Holy  Rite of Christia ion _________ Usingmun Spending Time My Talents Financially Supporting ation of Adults (RCIA) n Initi  Five Min ute Prayer Min _________ _________ istry  RiteChurch with God in Prayer in Parish the  Lectors of theMinistries of Christian _________ Word Adu lts adapted forInitiation of  ____ rgic _____  al Environ Chil “Love the Lord your God with all your heart.”________ “LoveLitu your neighbor as men yourself.” Love requires that “ForSurv they gave according todren their(RC means, as I can _  IC) t iving Divorce Mus ____ In order to keep this commandment, we have____ to ____ Min we act in icthe best interests of others. How can you_____ testify, and beyond their means, of their own free istri es  The _  Perpetuaby e— spend time in prayer, talking to the Person we your involvement in parish programs? will... butPuls first they gave Lex ingtthemselves l Euc _________ serve others on Young to the Lord” Professio haristic Ado nal Cath ratiothe  love most. Below are some suggested ways to When you up for a program, will call (2nd Cor. 8:3-5).

At Christ Pray n leader ____ _____  olics the King, we ask that erssign of the _________ The Fait Wel hful l make prayer a priority. you Sacr to explain each household give: _________  istans how to become involved.

THE CA  Vacation Bibl _________ THEDR  Ushers AL OF C Tuus Volunteee School and Totus HRIST Please check the circle next to your commitments FOR to prayer: THE KI r Joining 2021 CO _____  MATION = Currently Involved = Interested in____ NG Youth Ministry MMITM (SPIRITUAL ____ (Middle Scho ) first name of family member on ENT CA the ____ line. _  ol) Days_____  Clearly write the Youth Ministry RD  Attend Mass every Sunday and on Holy ____ Adult Faith h Scho 1%(Hig to the diocese, SERVICE _________ Form ol) ation LIFE & STEWARDSHIP) HOSPITALITY (PARISH (COMMUN   Attend weekday Mass once a week or more ALPHA ITY OUTRE _________ First & Last _________ and 4% to other charities ACH _________ American Heritage Girls (AHG) )  Brea  Nam Attend Adoration once a month or more kfast Book Club  Building a Uni e  _________ Archives/History of Parish _________ Called & Gift Lexington throted Interfaith  more ____or____ ed Worksho  Spend 15 minutes a day in personal prayer ugh Direct Acti _ _________ (BUILD) p Ministries ____ Bereavement Phone Cathedral  on ____ Book Store Weekly giving based on  Pray together with my loved ones _________ _________ Catholic Singles of the Bluegrass _  Catholic Acti Catholic Way  on Center Din _________ Bible Study (CAC) ner or more_________ Coffee & Donuts proportion of income: _________  Read the Bible for at least one hour a week Catholics Retu Ema  il _________  Christians in rning Home Catholic Financial Studies _________ Community Charismatic Compass  Pray the Rosary at least weekly or more (CCS) _________ Prayer Group Week ly G i vServ i n ice g Ch a rt _________ Digital Marketing Ministry  _________ Children’s Litu   CRS rgy of the Wor  Go to Reconciliation every other month or more Bowl — Len10% % ofRice Income: 4%Spouse: 1% (CLOW)  Healing Hopeful _________ d Hearts_________  Givi ten Season5% First & Last _________ ng Tree — Name  Con _________  Schedule time for a spiritual retreat Chr Household Income Amount of Weekly Gift fraternit Knights of Columbus _________ istm as Season y of Christia  Habitat for Hum (CC D) Doctrine— Ministry ________ $30,000 $29 $23 $6 anity $58 MOMSnMinistry of_  _________ _________  Invite a friend or acquaintance to Mass Spou Pho Hope Center  King’s Men  Mothers Sharing _________ $50,000 $96 $48 $38 se: $10 ne _________  Resp$70,000  Pray for the sick of our parish  Len ect Life $134 $67 $54 $14 ten Mission _________ _________  New Member Receptions _________  Sand$100,000  Ligh wich Ministry Spouse:$19  Pray for my country daily $192 $96 $76 Volunteer_________ _________ t of the Wor Email ld Oktoberfest ________ Retreat  St. Vinc $200,000 $384 $192 $153 $38 ent de Paul riage Min _________  Pray for an increase in vocations __________  Mar (SVDP) istry O'Neill Center Receptionists  Mar ried Life  Parent Teacher Organization for _________ _________  Pray for our priest(s) p the King School Address  Ora Pro Nob Worksho Christ ____ is/P _____  _________ rayer NetwPicnic  Pray for persecuted Christians My Offertory Pledge ork Volunteer Parish Library Parish ____ THE CA  Pray for those serving in the military _____  Reli_________ T to  Scouts (Boys/Cubs) gious Vocation H EThe of Christ City the King: D R Cathedral AL OF s Team CHRIST State of Mar , Han Special Events _________ ds Team y  THE KI  Pray for inactive Catholics ZIP 299 Colony G a weekly or monthly offertory gift: complete N either continued Blvd.Please Trail Lifepanel _________  • Lexington, on next Pray for faith in the face of crisis KY  cathedralctk. org • (859) 268- 40502 _________  Welcome/Hospitality Team 2861 Weekly gift $ x52 = $ annually  Work to overcome one sinful habit Widows & Widowers Group (WOW) _________

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