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MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Catholic Schools Week: Joyfully Celebrating the Blessings and Values of Catholic Education
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atholic Schools Week is set for Jan. 30 to Feb. 4 and will be a time full of celebrations at Christ the King School. Plans are underway for the week that will allow our whole parish to understand why Catholic education is so valuable, both academically and spiritually. The week will begin with the 11:15 a.m. Sunday Mass on Jan. 30. During Mass, one of the students will talk to the congregation about what attending Christ the King School means to him or her. “There will be a different dressup day each day,” says Christine Gibson, guidance counselor. “There will be special events throughout the week. It’s such a fun week!” The students will hold their traditional canned food drive
to celebrate the community, with the items collected going to God’s Pantry. They will also celebrate their families during the week. “We have the students write ‘thank you’ notes to their families for that activity,” Mrs. Gibson says. During the week, the students will celebrate our clergy and parish staff by inviting them to lunch — with cake! On Thursday, the school will celebrate Student Appreciation Day, and the teachers will be feted on Friday with Teacher Appreciation Day. “Celebrating Catholic Schools Week is important because it’s a reminder to the children that Catholic school is something special — and continued on page 5
Inside JANUARY 2022
2 Stewardship: New Year's Resolutions 3 Start 2022 with a Clean Spiritual Slate 4 The Ora Pro Nobis Ministry: The Blessings of Prayer that Unite Us All 6 The Feast of the Epiphany Celebrating the Revelation of God to Mankind 7 The Diocesan Divorce Ministry: Offering a Valuable Way to Heal and Move Forward
Connection The
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he New Year has arrived, and we have all been busy making — and trying to keep — our list of New Year’s resolutions. Many of us choose resolutions geared toward health and fitness. After all, possessing good overall health is critical to our well-being. Others may try to avoid a particularly bad habit. Maybe you need to quit smoking or stop swearing. Still, many of us plan things we have always wanted to do, but never get around to doing. As the days of January continue onward, however, many of us find the inspiration of keeping our goodintentioned resolutions to be fading fast. By the end of the month, most of us have given in to our temptations and returned to our old ways. We are only human, right? Discouraged by this yearly failure, many of us don’t even bother making New Year’s resolutions anymore, especially if we feel like we won’t succeed. Maybe our failures lie in both how we make our resolutions and what resolutions we actually choose. What we need to understand is the “root” of our resolution. For example, if you resolve to eat less candy to drop those recently added holiday pounds, is the “root” of your resolution a selfish one — wanting to look better since you overindulged? Or, are you genuinely seeking to stop giving in to each “sweet tooth” craving by practicing mortification — giving up of a personal pleasure to glorify God? If the “root” is a selfish one, only to benefit yourself, then it is often difficult to keep in the 2
long run. However, if we are trying to glorify God, our mission is much more important and worth keeping. Tying your New Year’s resolutions into the principles of stewardship — giving of your time, talent and treasure back to God — is a great way to ensure that the “root” of your resolution is right on track! For instance, resolving to pray each evening before going to bed glorifies God, brings you peace before slumber, and allows you to grow in your relationship with Christ. The “root” is pure. Your desire to keep it will be stronger and make it easier for you to keep. In the same way, resolving to return your talents to God by helping others in need is an excellent choice in creating a selfless resolution with the right “root.” Furthermore, resolving to re-evaluate your finances is also extremely important, and the beginning of a new year is a great time to do it. Are you giving back to God out of gratitude for all He has given you? Or are you merely dropping a dollar or two in the collection basket just to feel good about yourself? If you are not where you would like to be as a good steward — either with sharing your time, talent or treasure — you can resolve to do better. The New Year is a perfect opportunity to start anew and become the good steward that God desires each of us to become. And when we choose selfless things that build His kingdom instead of ours, we are sure to not only stay on track, but to succeed!
A Letter from Our Cathedral Rector
Start 2022 with a
Slate
Clean Spiritual Slate Dear Brothers and Sisters:
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e were all taught in school that the month of January gets its name from Janus, the ancient Roman god of doors and gates. His image was always carved or painted with two faces, one looking forward and the other backward. This reflected, of course, that you can go either out a door or in through one. From this very specific function, his role was generalized to include all beginnings and new endeavors. Because of Janus’ place in the Roman pantheon, it seemed natural to the Romans to name the first month of the civil year after him. (The Church year began back with the First Sunday of Advent, you’ll remember.) And although we no longer worship the pagan gods of the ancient Romans, the name has stuck down the centuries. But we’re not immune to the human instinct that moved the Romans to name the first month after Janus. His double countenance, facing forward and backward, reflects how we approach the coming of each new year. The last week of the old year finds the newspapers and TV programs giving a glance back at the past year (“the 10 best, or worst, movies of…” and such) along with predictions of what the new year will bring. My personal favorite is always “the 10 worst predictions” for the year just ending. Just like the secular world does — Janus-like — we both look back at our own successes and failures, happy events, and sad ones, during the year just ending, and forward to the new year as we prepare our resolutions.
When we reflect back on the blessings we’ve received, our hearts should be filled with gratitude — and blessings there have been, no matter how difficult the year has been. But for most of us, there have been failures and failings, too. That calls for repentance, and perhaps a trip to the confessional — but God, who makes “all things new” (Rv 21:5), will then give us a clean spiritual slate with which we may begin the new year. I’d also like to challenge you to include your grateful response to God as you make your resolutions for the new year. You don’t have to wait until you fill out a commitment card to decide this is the year when you’re actually going to attend Mass once a week in addition to Sunday (or begin worshiping every Sunday if you haven’t been doing so) or to pray the Rosary every week or to begin regular prayers with your family. Include in your resolutions how you are going to get involved in some ministry in the parish or some service to the community, and then do so. Decide to become more faithful in your financial stewardship if your treasure commitment is less than it should be. Look forward to the new year and bring Christ and His Church to the center of your resolutions. Then see what a good year it will be, with God at the center! Have a happy, and holy, New Year. Sincerely yours in Christ, Fr. John Moriarty 3
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The Ora Pro Nobis Ministry:
The
Blessings of Prayer that Unite Us All
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ome of us have busy schedules that don’t allow much time for church ministry. For others, leaving home isn’t a possibility, so volunteering at church is tough. But every single one of us has time and space to pray. So, the Ora Pro Nobis Ministry is available and accessible to all. Ministry members offer themselves for any requests that hit their email inbox. And it doesn’t matter where the person lives or their religion — members pray for everyone. The Ora Pro Nobis Ministry is simple, says Administrative Manager Joe Buckman, who helps coordinate this ministry. People email with their prayer requests, and he emails them out to more than 80 ministry members. It is helpful when people write the prayer request as they want it shared with others. As we approach Lent, getting involved in this ministry is one way to increase prayer time. Praying for the intentions takes only a few moments. In
Children gather for the Children’s Rosary at the Cathedral.
fact, ora pro nobis is Latin for “pray for us.” “When I receive a request, I stop right away and pray a Hail Mary,” Joe says. Not only is this a perfect ministry for those who are busy or homebound, but it’s also a fantastic way to show hospitality.
We are showing that people at the Cathedral want to lift up others in prayer. “This ministry has benefits to you and the person needing the prayers,” Joe says. Because the person needing prayer might be in a dire situation, Joe tries to get the continued on page 5
“This is a way to develop our faith in the Body of Christ. It unites us as a church across physical boundaries. We are all united in our sufferings and humanness.” — Joe Buckman 4
The Ora Pro Nobis Ministry
continued from front cover
prayer request out as soon as he can. He invites all of us to contact him if we know someone in need of prayers. The person needing prayers can remain anonymous. “God knows who it’s for, so that shouldn’t hinder folks from having someone prayed for,” Joe says. “God knows the details of what the prayers are for.” There is power in numbers. With more than 80 people praying, Joe believes God hears the prayers. There are a few other in-person prayer groups at the Cathedral that parishioners have organized, including a children’s Rosary. One benefit of the
Ora Pro Nobis Ministry is they were able to continue during the pandemic since they don’t meet. Joe would love to find someone to take over this ministry to help, as he has many other responsibilities at the Cathedral. With all the ways he’s been blessed, Joe knows it’s important for him to offer up prayers for others, and it’s a way for him to be aware of the needs of others. “This is a way to develop our faith in the Body of Christ,” he says. “It unites us as a church across physical boundaries. We are all united in our sufferings and humanness.”
If you would like to submit a prayer request or be added to the list of ministry members, please contact Joe Buckman at CTKoffice@cdlex.org.
Catholic Schools Week
continued from front cover
it’s something we take for granted,” Mrs. Gibson says. “The week reminds us what is special about Catholic school. If we don’t take the time to make a point of it, we do tend to take it for granted. “Catholic education is important because we like to integrate faith into every part of their day,” she adds. For Principal Ann T. Bruggeman, Catholic Schools Week holds a special meaning that is woven into her life of teaching. “In August of 1980, I walked up the steps of Christ the King School into a kindergarten classroom and what would turn out to be the start of lifelong love and appreciation of Catholic education,” Mrs. Bruggeman says. “I am not sure when I first realized that being educated in a Catholic school was both a privilege and a blessing, but I certainly understood the value when I was looking for my first teaching
job out of college. I have spent my entire career in Catholic education because I truly believe that the opportunity to weave spirituality, faith formation, community service, and prayer into a classroom can make a positive, lifelong impact on a student’s spiritual journey, and what better a gift could we give to today’s children.”
Anyone who is interested in enrolling a child at Christ the King School, serving children from Pre-K through eighth grade, please call the school at 859-266-5641.
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The Feast of the Epiphany
Celebrating the Revelation of God to Mankind
W
hile “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is one of the most popular and widely recorded Christmas carols in America and Europe, its lyrics are rarely recognized as referring to the 12 days that stretch from Christmas Day on Dec. 25 until the glorious Feast of the Epiphany. For centuries, we as Catholics celebrated this feast as the commemoration of the coming of the Magi on Jan. 6, but the decision was made a number of years ago (at least in the United States) to celebrate Epiphany on the Sunday that falls between Jan. 2 and Jan. 8. But exactly which “manifestation” of Christ Jesus do we recognize on the Feast of the Epiphany? The Western Church reserves Jan. 6 as the commemoration of the coming
of the Magi. These three men, traditionally named Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, travel in haste towards the Christ Child and remain an undying testimony to the long pilgrimage of peoples in search of salvation. On the Feast of the Epiphany in 2007, Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged that this celebration elucidates not only man’s pilgrimage towards God, but also God’s pilgrimage towards man in the person of Jesus Christ. He spoke of the glorious incarnation with these words: “It was out of love that He made Himself history in our history.” On the Feast of the Epiphany, therefore, we come to realize that we are all on a pilgrimage towards Christ, the source of salvation. This
pilgrimage is unique to each and every man, but results in a universal and dynamic experience — a constant “growing closer” between God and man. It is for this opportunity that we rejoice! In the words of Pope Benedict XVI: “Happy are those who, while possessing the truth, search more earnestly for it in order to renew it, deepen it and transmit it to others. Happy also are those who, not having found it, are working toward it with a sincere heart. May they seek the light of tomorrow with the light of today until they reach the fullness of light.” Now when asked: “What occurs on the 12th day of Christmas?” we can respond with joyful certitude: “Epiphany!”
On the Feast of the Epiphany, we come to realize that we are all on a pilgrimage towards Christ, the source of salvation. This pilgrimage is unique to each and every man, but results in a universal and dynamic experience — a constant “growing closer” between God and man. It is for this opportunity that we rejoice!
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The Diocesan Divorce Ministry:
Offering a Valuable Way to Heal and Move Forward
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avigating divorce is most certainly complex. Broken relationships can affect us and our loved ones in unexpected ways. Sorting through the complicated emotions, coming to terms with a new normal, and understanding what divorce means as a Catholic can be overwhelming. Christ the King wants anyone going through this difficult process to know that they are not alone — the Church is here to help in the healing process and to walk the road together. Ellie Durbin, the founder of the Diocesan Divorce Ministry and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, knows personally how difficult it is to find support. When Ellie went through a divorce herself, she was surprised to find very few resources through the Church. At the time, the support groups she did find were unorganized and lacked leadership. Ellie knew that those healing from divorce needed more. Over the years, she began to explore different programs, looking for something meaningful and in line with Church teaching. After many years
of research and testing of different programs, the Divorce Ministry at Christ the King is strong and ready to assist. “I just think the ministry itself is so important,” Ellie says. “There is a lot of healing that goes on with people who have experienced divorce and with the Church.” While it can be tempting for someone going through divorce to drift away from the faith, rather than fully understand the annulment process and how to move forward as a Catholic, staying close to the sacraments is an integral part of the healing process. Every meeting opens with prayer, a renewed surrender to God — “Father, I belong to You. I place myself anew in Your hands and acknowledge You as Master and Lord of my life.” The Divorce Ministry offers a 10-week program, two hours each Wednesday night. The meetings take participants through a variety of topics, offer opportunities for sharing stories, and feature talks from priests. The leaders are those who have been through the program and continued on back cover
If you are interested in joining the next session of the Divorce Ministry, or have more questions, please contact Ellie Durbin at 859-806-3959 or elliedurbin@gmail.com. 7
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299 Colony Blvd. | Lexington, KY 40502 cathedralctk.org | (859) 268-2861
The Diocesan Divorce Ministry felt called to come back and serve others. “It’s a group run by people who have been where you are now,” Ellie says. “And they’re speaking from their heart.” In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Divorce Ministry moved to Zoom for its meetings. The leadership found that they were able to reach people who lived further from the Cathedral that way. Sessions are usually held at Christ the King, but the program has been held at whichever parish has people interested. The Divorce Ministry is here for anyone ready for the next step, to move forward, to accept the healing and the firm foundation that the Church has to offer. In community with those who understand what you are going through, the Divorce Ministry is here to offer support, education, and healing.
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“It’s a group run by people who have been where you are now. And they’re speaking from their heart.” — Ellie Durbin
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.
