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AN INSIDE LOOK AT OUR
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
SERRA CLUB
Supporting and Praying for Vocations, Priests, and Religious
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here is no denying that the job of a priest is demanding and, in many ways, difficult. As laypeople, we might not always know how we can support our priests. Luckily, the Serra Club is here not only to support our priests but also to our religious brothers and sisters, while encouraging more vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The Serra Club uses prayer and builds relationships to walk alongside the priests of our diocese and support those who are in seminary or discerning religious life. Jim Bryant, the president of the Christ the King chapter of the Serra Club, was touched by the mission of the club when he first joined almost nine years ago. “I went to one meeting and was shocked at how many people I knew,” Jim says. “I just kept going. It’s helped my faith quite a bit and I think more about how I can help our priests.” The members of the Serra Club pray a Rosary and have Mass before their meetings and offer those prayers for more vocations. Members sign up to pray for a retired priest or seminarian daily. The club members cover the 5-6 p.m. hour on Wednesday in the Adoration Chapel. Some members of the Serra Club have gone to rural churches in the mountains to pray together continued on page 5
Inside APRIL 2022
Teaching By Example The Importance of Prayer in a Child’s Life
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All Things and All People Are Made New
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The Cathedral Liturgy Committee Elevating Our Worship through Prayer and Formation
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Divine Mercy Sunday and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
7 The Altar Care and Linens Ministry
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Teaching By Example
The Importance of Prayer in a Child’s Life
“I
want to be just like Mom and Dad!" Perhaps nothing lifts a parent’s heart like hearing these words. While certainly affirming, such words also remind us of the great responsibility that comes with parenthood. Children often examine the lives of their parents when making decisions that will affect their own lives. For example, a young boy may dream of becoming a physician one day, just like his father. Or a young girl may hope to become a veterinarian, just like her mother. Could the same be said about their parents’ faith lives? Just as children learn traits and values from their parents, they should also learn the importance and great joy of developing a personal relationship with Christ. And the foundation of such a relationship is prayer — conversation with God. How should we go about teaching our children to pray? There are several methods, but none works as well as teaching by example. Begin teaching the importance of prayer by praying openly with your spouse. This teaches children that prayer is meaningful and important, and not just a ritual. Also, pray with your children — in the morning and in the evening. Show your sons and daughters the importance of beginning and ending each day in prayer. While a fortunate dilemma, it’s a dilemma nonetheless — Catholics face the challenge of discerning which prayers to use, considering the thousands available. A good rule of thumb is to start simple — maybe an Our Father or Hail Mary, and then move into something more complex — Hail, Holy Queen or Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel, among others. Begin with prayers your children can pick up fairly quickly. Not only will this show them that praying can be fun and easy, but shorter prayers are also usually easier to understand. Teach your children the importance of spontaneous prayer, rather than just prescribed prayers. Spontaneous prayer is any prayer that 2
is created at the same time it is offered. Another way to think of spontaneous prayer is “praying in your own words.” Structure spontaneous prayers according to the ACTS acronym — Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. In layman’s terms, this means beginning each prayer with words of adoration, such as “You are the Lord God Almighty. I love you.” Move into a period of contrition, asking God’s forgiveness for the sins you have committed. Then, give words of thanksgiving, thanking God for the gifts He has given. Finally, spend time sharing with God your heart’s desires. These intentions can be personal or on another’s behalf. Following this format ensures that spontaneous prayer “covers all the bases,” and doesn’t become just a mental wish list. While God wants to hear and grant our wishes, He also expects words of adoration, contrition and thankfulness. The best time to begin praying with your children is right now. The sooner they learn about prayer, the sooner they can begin cultivating their own relationship with Jesus. Many parents even pray with their children before birth, hoping their unborn son or daughter can hear their words in utero. Remember, there is no better way to teach one’s children about the value of prayer than by example.
A Letter From Our Cathedral Rector
ALL THINGS AND ALL PEOPLE ARE MADE NEW Dear Brothers and Sisters:
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e associate the Easter season with springtime — a time of new life and new beginnings — and Holy Scripture addresses this idea of newness many times. The Lord declares, “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5). This idea of being “new” is important to us as Catholics, and it is important to our parish. We need to strive to do this on a regular basis — even on a daily basis. Think of the fact that all was once new. Regardless of how you view the development of this earth and those of us who occupy it, all was once new. During this Easter season, we need to retain that idea of being “new.” And being “new” means conversion, and we have often pointed out that conversion is at the heart of a life of stewardship. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it, “The Paschal mystery has two aspects: by his death, Christ liberates us from sin; by his Resurrection, he opens for us the way to a new life” (654). In other words, Christ’s Resurrection is the source of our new life — our own future resurrection. St. Paul wrote about it to the Romans (Rom 6:5) — “For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection.” Hope for a new life beginning now and extending on into heaven is the result of Jesus’
Resurrection. What greater grounds for thanksgiving can there be than this Easter hope? We should sing with joy about God’s promise to us, “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev 21:5). St. Paul also wrote (Col 3:1-2), “If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” Jesus’ Resurrection and His promise of a new life for us means that we need to live in conformity with our status as adopted children of God. How do we show our joy and our gratitude to God for this amazing gift He has given us? We join in worship, and praise God by word and song. We share the Good News of Jesus’ victory over death with our family, friends and neighbors. And we offer back to the Lord a portion of the time, talent and treasure He has entrusted to us. Yes, the Easter message that we share in the benefits of Christ’s Resurrection indeed makes all things new — the ultimate foundation for all Christian stewardship. The Lord is risen, alleluia. Sincerely yours in Christ, Fr. John Moriarty
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THE CATHEDRAL LITURGY COMMITTEE
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or Catholics, the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, and nothing is more sacred than our participation in the liturgy. Here at the Cathedral of Christ the King, our clergy and laity leaders work together through the Cathedral Liturgy Committee to plan our liturgies. “The Cathedral Liturgy Committee comes together the first Saturday of each month as an advisory committee to the Rector,” says Deacon Al Wiemann, leader of the Cathedral Liturgy Committee. “We bring out knowledge and skills together as clergy members and laity. Liturgy is at the heart of parish life so our goal is to set a vision for the celebration of the liturgy in the community.” All aspects of supporting the Mass are discussed each month. From ministries like Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to lectors, sacristans, and hospitality ministers, each ministry is evaluated every month to assess how the ministry has done and how it can prepare for the upcoming liturgical seasons. Additionally, as this is the cathedral
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Elevating Our
for the Diocese of Lexington, this ministry works with the diocese to prepare Masses for special events. “Extensive preparation goes into Masses around Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter especially,” Deacon Al says. “Bishop Stowe will celebrate Masses and those often require additional planning. When it comes to the Easter Vigil we have plan sheets that get down to the fine details of who is in charge of candles, gathering firewood, and even who lights the fire. It makes for a smooth celebration of the Mass when everyone knows the roles and responsibilities.” This committee utilizes various liturgical resources as guidelines throughout the planning of liturgies. Members often refer to Sacrosanctum Concilium, a resource from the Second Vatican Council, as well as the General Instruction of the Roman Missal to guide them. “You do not plan for Mass like you would a meal that’s simply thrown together,” Deacon Al says. “We prepare like you would from a good recipe. We know the formula and then
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Worship Through Prayer and Formation prayerfully try to enhance that experience. The Mass truly is a work of art and experience of public prayer.” Throughout the last two years, this ministry has adapted to a lot of change by keeping up with diocesan directives and policies. The greater diocese looks to us, and many priests and deacons at other parishes are able to adapt how we are executing these policies at Christ the King Cathedral. We have also witnessed many members of our committee step aside to
protect their health during COVID. Deacon Al encourages anyone who feels a calling to support this ministry reach out to see how they can get involved. “It’s appropriate for everyone in the parish community to prayerfully consider joining us on the Cathedral Liturgy Committee,” Deacon Al says. “God gave us the gift of the Eucharist. Through the intentional and prayerful preparations of the Cathedral Liturgy Committee, we are able to serve the parish and give this gift back to Him.”
If you feel called to learn more about how your talents can serve the Cathedral Liturgy Committee, please reach out to Deacon Al Wiemann at 859-338-1968.
SERRA CLUB
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for priests and for vocations. “When we’ve gone to an outlying church that doesn’t have many parishioners, it means a lot to them for us to show up with eight or nine people and pray with them,” Jim says. The Serra Club also hosts social events for the priests and seminarians. Once a year, they invite all of the priests in the diocese together for a gettogether in the backyard of one of the members. This popular event had to be put on hold due to COVID-19, but Jim hopes that this year, it will be offered again. When the seminarians go back to school in August, the Serra Club hosts a send-off for them. Then, before an ordination,
they host a big dinner for the seminarians and their families. The club makes an effort to keep in touch with seminarians by email. By the time they are ordained, Jim feels like they have really gotten to know them. “They just don’t get that much communication from people,” Jim says. “We try to email back and forth. They all say it means the world to them.” Serra Club meetings themselves are a great way to get to know some of the priests, meet other parishioners, hear good speakers, and learn how you can help support our local priests as they labor for the Church.
The Serra Club meets virtually via Zoom or in the Life Center after the 5:45 p.m. Mass on the second Monday of each month. For details about the next meeting, please contact Jim Bryant at 859-254-8394 or jimbryantky@gmail.com. Also, learn more about the Serra national organization at www.serraus.org 5
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Divine Mercy Sunday and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
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n the 1930s, Sr. Maria Faustina Kowalska of the Most Blessed Sacrament, a Sister of Our Lady of Mercy, received a message from the Lord that she was to live her life as a model of Christ’s merciful love and spread Christ’s mercy throughout the world. She proceeded to offer up all of her personal sufferings in atonement for the sins of others. She kept a diary in which she wrote of God’s mercy, as well as about her special devotion to Mary Immaculate and to the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation, which gave her strength. Sr. Faustina’s diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul, serves as the handbook for the devotion to the Divine Mercy. In it, we read of the message of mercy that she received from Christ. On April 30, 2000, Sr. Faustina Kowalska was canonized by Pope John Paul II. Then, on May 23, 2000, the Congregation for Divine Worship decreed that “throughout the world, the second Sunday of Easter will receive the name Divine Mercy Sunday, a perennial invitation to the Christian world to face, with confidence in divine benevolence, the difficulties and trials that humankind will experience in the years to come.” On Divine Mercy Sunday — occurring this year on April 24 — all parishioners are encouraged to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, always remembering and practicing the essential “ABCs” of Divine Mercy: • • •
Ask for mercy Be merciful to others Completely trust in Jesus
How to Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet “Chaplet” simply refers to the prayers counted on a rosary. The Lord said to St. Faustina, “You will recite this chaplet on the beads of the Rosary in the following Manner:” Begin with: One Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Apostle’s Creed On the “Our Father” beads, say: Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. On the “Hail Mary” beads, say: For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. In conclusion, three times recite these words: Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
“I want the whole world to know my infinite mercy. I want to give unimaginable graces to those who trust in my mercy.” — DIARY, 687 6
The Altar Care and Linens Ministry
Members Are Blessed to Provide Vital Service to the Liturgy
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he COVID-19 pandemic may have curtailed the activities of our Altar Care and Linens Ministry, but its members have remained dedicated to their work in maintaining the cleanliness and preparation of the linens used in the celebration of Mass. Rachel Stablein is the ministry coordinator, and she is anticipating the ministry’s schedule to return as COVID-19 restrictions ease. During the height of the restrictions, Rachel took care of the linens as Communion was not being offered in both species. However, now she plans to have the 18 members resume their duties. Each ministry member is responsible for the altar linens for one week. The member collects the used linens either on Sunday after
the last Mass, takes them home, washes and irons them, and returns them to the church within a day or two. The linens are washed separately at the minister’s home and are not mixed in the family laundry. Each item is treated with respect. “If we have that number of members, normally, each person does it only three times a year,” Rachel says. “So it’s not a ministry that is heavily involved.” The items washed are the purificators and the large washcloths that are used during Baptisms, the towels used to clean the chalices, and the small towels the priests use during the washing of hands. “These are basically the things to be washed and ironed,” Rachel says. continued on back cover
“For many of our members, they say, ‘This is my contribution, I’m doing the sacred linens, and it’s really quite an honor to do something used at Mass.’ Not all ministries are involved with this connection with Communion — the Body and Blood of Christ. That is really the motivating factor for many.” — RACHEL STABLEIN
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299 Colony Blvd. | Lexington, KY 40502 cathedralctk.org | (859) 268-2861
The Altar Care and Linens Ministry As normal activities resume at the parish, the number of items to be washed will increase, especially those used during weddings. While laundering used linens may appear to be a mundane activity, for those in the ministry, it has a special meaning. “For many of our members, they say, ‘This is my contribution, I’m doing the sacred linens, and it’s really quite an honor to do something used at Mass,’” Rachel says. “Not all ministries are involved with this connection with Communion — the Body and Blood of Christ. That is really the motivating factor for many.” The Altar Care and Linens Ministry also
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provides a way for older parishioners to remain active in stewardship in the parish. “We had one member who was also a sacristan, and she loved it,” Rachel says. “It was something she could still do. ‘We do different things at different times of life,’ is what she said. It’s so true. Perhaps some can’t do what they used to do, but they can do this.” Not only do ministry members launder the altar linens, but several also sew corporals and purificators for the parish, happy in the knowledge that something they have made will last over time, for the good of the Cathedral of Christ the King.
Although there is currently an adequate number of ministry members, new members are always welcome to offer their service. If you are interested, please call Rachel Stablein at 859-277-5847.
LITURGY SCHEDULE
Saturday Vigil - 5:00 p.m.|Sunday - 7:30 a.m.; 9:00 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Daily (Monday to Saturday) - 8:00 a.m.|(Monday to Friday) - 5:30 p.m. Reconciliation: Wednesday 4:45 - 5:20 p.m., Saturday 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. | First Sunday of the month 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.
