FEB 2022
In This Issue: 2 How Can We Model the Faith for Our Children?
3 The Word of God: How Do We Hear It? And How Do We Respond to It?
4 Join Us For Our Parish Retreat A Unique Opportunity for Parishioners to Draw Closer to Christ
6 Valentine’s Day The Feast of a Christian Martyr
7 Lenten Small Groups: Engaging in the Faith and Growing Spiritually Together
HOLY FAMILY CATHEDRAL MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Cathedral Servers Performing an Essential Role During the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
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erving at Masses at Holy Family Cathedral is different from any other parish in the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma. There is a high level of training required because this is, after all, the parish of Bishop David Konderla. “I am even more in awe of the Mass each time I serve,” says server Paul Louderback. “As a server, you are even closer in proximity to the sacrifice at the altar. There’s a profound sense of honor and wonder that comes with assisting the deacons and priests during the Mass.” Paul is one of our adult servers and came to participate in this ministry particularly because of his diaconate formation. He, along with men across the diocese, are currently in formation to become permanent deacons for the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma. Paul’s class is in their fifth year out of six and, God willing, they will be ordained to the permanent diaconate in June of 2023. Thus, Paul has served in this ministry for many years. “The first few times everyone, regardless of their age, is nervous,” Paul says. “There are many things to remember to do! However, once you have served a few times, you are better prepared to anticipate what to do and when to do it. Once servers are more comfortable with their responsibilities many of them get even more out of the Mass!” Children and adults can participate in this ministry. Each server needs to have at least received the Sacrament of First Communion, attend training, and be able to respectfully assist on the altar. Training sessions are typically scheduled following the annual stewardship renewal or when a group is interested. These training sessions are scheduled for either weekday evenings or Sundays between Masses. For special Masses, as well as our high Masses at 10 a.m. and noon on Sundays, we assign a lead server to help guide our servers with less experience or to answer any questions that may arise. Serving at Mass is also a great way to learn why things are the way they are in the liturgy. Why do the servers hold candles during certain parts of the Mass? Why do they ring bells during the consecration? Learning the reasoning behind continued on page 5 8TH STREET & BOULDER AVE • TULSA, OK 74119 • (918) 582-6247 • TULSACATHEDRAL.COM
HOLY FAMILY CATHEDRAL How Can We Model the Faith
for Our Children?
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he Church has made it clear that parents are primarily responsible for the spiritual and cognitive development of their children in matters of the faith. As the Dogmatic Constitution of the Church, Lumen Gentium, states, “Husbands and wives find their proper vocation in being witnesses of the faith and love of Christ to one another and to their children” (Chapter 4, Section 35). The Catechism of the Catholic Church further emphasizes this vocation, by pointing out that the moral education and spiritual formation of children is not only the right, but the responsibility, of their parents: “The right and the duty of parents to educate their children are primordial and inalienable... Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children” (CCC 2221, 2223). But how can we as parents create an environment in the home conducive to spiritual and moral development? As busy adults, how are we to disseminate the knowledge and understanding of the tenets of the faith to our children in the way that a trained and experienced catechist can? Furthermore, how do we strike a balance between teaching our children in the home and not interfering with the faith formation and sacramental preparation they are currently receiving through their parish school or religious education program? The answer to all of these questions is stewardship. Indeed, it is important that we reinforce the lessons that our children learn in school and at religious education classes by talking to them about the faith, reading Sacred Scripture with them, and spending time in family prayer. And there are several authoritative resources online that can help parents in this task, including Catholic Parents Online at www.catholicparents.org. This site links parents to numerous other websites and documents that can help them in talking to their children about the faith. But the best way that we can teach our children is by serving as a living example to them of how to live as disciples of Christ. If we want our children to grow up as strong Catholics and to display a lifelong commitment to their faith, then it is important that we ourselves live a committed faith life. This includes an ongoing commitment to our own faith formation as adults and active participation in the sacraments. It also includes the giving back of our time, talent, and treasure in service of our community in thanksgiving for the gifts that God has given us.
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Parenting can be a tough vocation, and children deal with many influences in their lives that exist in stark contrast to the values that their parents often hope to instill within them. Fortunately for parents, the stewardship way of life provides a simple and effective model for teaching our children in matters of the faith. By living as stewards of God’s gifts and reaping the spiritual rewards that accompany this lifestyle, we are tangibly showing our children that sharing of our gifts and talents leads to a life of happiness and spiritual fulfillment. In doing this, we give them a good opportunity to follow in our footsteps and make their faith a top priority for the rest of their lives.
FEB 2022 A Letter from Our Rector
The Word of God: How Do We Hear It? And How Do We Respond to It? Dear Parishioners, few short weeks ago, we completed our Christmas season. We are now in what we call Ordinary Time — but before long, we will begin Lent. This is one of those rare years when Ash Wednesday is in March — so, Lent does not, of course, begin in February this year. The Gospel of John begins with the statement, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” We speak often of the Word in the Church. As most of you are aware, the first part of our Mass is called the Liturgy of the Word. What does that mean to us? Basically, there are four parts of our celebration of Mass: Introductory Rites; Liturgy of the Word; Liturgy of the Eucharist; and Concluding Rites. My focus in this reflection is that second part — the Liturgy of the Word. The main parts of that are a First Reading, a Responsorial Psalm, a Second Reading, the Gospel, and a Homily. We draw on Holy Scripture from the Bible for the readings. As Catholics, we do not consider that these readings are about God, or about the Church, or about our faith, or a history lesson, or a nice story from long ago. We consider them to be God speaking directly to us. Thus, our attentiveness to what is being proclaimed is important. Are we listening? Do we hear? And then, do we respond in our lives? All of those should be facets of how we approach the Word of God.
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For us, the Word of God is the living Word. God is speaking to us as a community, and He asks us to be faithful to His Word. If we pay attention and truly listen, God can nourish our spirit, and Christ can be more real and present to us. The Homily, the Responsorial Psalm, the Profession of Faith, and the Intercessions develop the Word further and complete it. The Profession of Faith is our acceptance of God’s Word. However, the question for us is, how do we respond to the Word? Does it change our lives? Does it bring us to the conversion necessary to live lives of stewardship and service? It is not easy, I know. Being able to listen, to hear, and then to act requires time, practice, commitment, and a desire to fulfill all of this. That is one of my prayers for us — that we can hear the Word, and that we can bring it to life in our own lives and in the lives of others. Sincerely yours in Christ,
Very Rev. Gary D. Kastl Rector
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HOLY FAMILY CATHEDRAL
JOIN US FOR OUR
A Unique Opportunity for Parish T
here are few ways to nurture our faith life in a more teacher, pastor, chaplain for a community of Benedictine meaningful way than by participating in a Sisters, seminary administrator, Choirmaster, and parish retreat — and as we prepare for Lent, other tasks. I’ve directed retreats since soon this is a wonderful time to do so! Here at after I was ordained a priest.” Holy Family Cathedral, we are blessed Our retreat day will be a unique to have the opportunity to increase our opportunity for parishioners to come spiritual awareness with a one-day and experience spiritual renewal parish retreat on the Four Pillars as they learn more about the Four of Parish Stewardship, led by the Pillars of Parish Stewardship — dynamic Fr. Godfrey Mullen, Hospitality, Prayer, Formation, and OSB. By opening our hearts and Service — and opportunities to minds during such an important transform both individual lives and liturgical time, we can answer the entire faith communities. The theme call to deepen our faith this Lenten of stewardship is near and dear to Fr. season. Godfrey’s heart as it provides us with Fr. Godfrey, the current Rector at a valuable guide to life in Christ. St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville, “This topic is important because Ind., is looking forward to joining us it helps people see their true vocation on Feb. 26, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., as Christian disciples,” he says. “In other to share his deep passion for the stewardship words, what has Christ asked me to do? way of life. He brings with him a great The pillars are important because they Fr. Godfrey Mullen, OSB enthusiasm for the topic in addition to a embody the movement of the Christian wealth of personal experience. life. Each of us has the call to grow along the four ways: “Through the grace of God, I’ve been a Benedictine What does welcoming look like in our day? Do I tell God monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey since 1988 and a priest what I need and also listen for the answer? Am I willing of the Catholic Church since 1994,” Fr. Godfrey says. “Each to learn, be formed, and grow in my faith? And how does assignment I’ve been given by the superior has brought all of this move me to notice the needs of others and serve many blessings. I have served the Church as a seminary Christ in them?” continued on page 5
“It’s not an easy task to take stock of the most important elements of our lives while we’re in the thick of daily living. A retreat, at its best, gives us the ‘time away’ — even if it’s in our parish — to examine what is important and how we’re measuring up.” — Fr. Godfrey Mullen, OSB 4
FEB 2022
PARISH RETREAT
hioners to Draw Closer to Christ In today’s busy world, a parish retreat invites us to step out of our daily routines for a moment and focus on strengthening our relationship with God and, in turn, more fully answering the Gospel call to community and discipleship. “It’s not an easy task to take stock of the most important elements of our lives while we’re in the thick of daily living,” Fr. Godfrey says. “A retreat, at its best, gives us the ‘time away’ — even if it’s in our parish — to examine what is important and how we’re measuring up. Retreats also encourage the important art of listening to God’s grace speak to our hearts. It’s so easy to miss that still, small voice in our otherwise hectic lives. It’s also a wonderful time to connect
with other parishioners, an act of hospitality in itself so that we become stronger communities of faith.” With Fr. Godfrey at the helm, our 2022 parish retreat promises to be an engaging experience for all. We hope that parishioners will plan on taking advantage of this opportunity to experience a deepening of faith during the Lenten season by participating in our one-day retreat on Feb. 26! “More than anything, I appreciate the good work the Holy Spirit chooses to do in the lives of people as a result of drawing near to the quiet voice of God’s grace,” Fr. Godfrey says. “I look forward to getting to know my fellow disciples on the journey.”
Be sure to join us for our upcoming retreat, 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Feb. 26! For more information, please contact Jody Geiger at parish@tulsacathedral.com or 918-582-6247.
Cathedral Servers
continued from front cover
different aspects of the Mass helps the servers to really know the true importance of the celebration of the Mass. “I hope that more people consider participating as servers at Holy Family Cathedral,” Paul says. “There’s a need for more people to help our priests and deacons really at all Saturday and Sunday Masses. We are all already at Mass, so I encourage anyone that’s even considered serving to pray about it. The experience might draw you even deeper into the beauty of the Mass and further your relationship with Christ.”
“As a server, you are even closer in proximity to the sacrifice at the altar. There’s a profound sense of honor and wonder that comes with assisting the deacons and priests during the Mass.” — Paul Louderback
Parents of children —as well as adults — interested in becoming servers at Holy Family Cathedral should reach out to Monica Conro at mconro@tulsacathedral.com and will be notified of the next training opportunity.
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HOLY FAMILY CATHEDRAL
Valentine’s Day
The Feast of a Christian Martyr
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andy, flowers, romantic dinners, and excuses for wooing are the common traditions we associate with the once-pagan holiday known as Valentine’s Day. Dangling cupids, candy “message” hearts, and faux long-stemmed roses clutter every card store, waiting for that last-minute purchase. The question is — how did this over-commercialized holiday really begin? There are a few stories surrounding the history of Feb. 14 and St. Valentine himself, all dating back to the Roman Empire. The 14th day of February was a day set aside to honor the goddess Juno, queen of the Roman gods and goddesses. The following day, Feb. 15, began the feast of Lupercalia — a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. As part of the festival traditions, there was a name drawing among the young people. The names of young Roman women were written on slips of paper and placed into a jar. Each young man would draw a young woman’s name from the jar, and the two would be partners for the duration of the festival. Sometimes the pairing lasted an entire year, and often, the couple would fall in love and later marry. At the time, Emperor Claudius II was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns, and he was having a difficult time recruiting soldiers to join his military leagues. Claudius believed that soldiers were reluctant to join because they did not want to leave their loves or families. With this in mind, Claudius decreed all marriages and engagements cancelled in Rome. During this time, St. Valentine was a priest in Rome, and he and St. Marius secretly married young couples. For this, St. Valentine was apprehended and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who sentenced him to be beaten and then executed by beheading. He suffered this martyrdom on Feb. 14, around the year 270 AD. Before his death, it is said that St. Valentine left a note for the jailer’s daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it “From Your Valentine.” Although the truth behind the St. Valentine’s legend is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and, most
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importantly, romantic figure. It is no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France. Over time, Feb. 14 became a time for lovers to exchange sweet messages, making St. Valentine the patron saint of lovers. The date was often commemorated with the sending of poems and simple gifts. During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that Feb. 14 was the beginning of the avian mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of February — Valentine’s Day — should be a day for romance.
FEB 2022
Lenten Small Groups: Engaging in the Faith and Growing Spiritually Together
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ach year, as Lent approaches, we consider how we can grow in faith and offer sacrifices during this solemn liturgical season. This year, Cathedral Families invites you to consider joining a small group. Lenten Small Groups are actively forming right now and will be the start of small-group ministries at Holy Family Cathedral. “We got the idea from the parish we were at in Ann Arbor, Mich.,” says Becca LePage, who leads Cathedral Families with her husband, Will. “They highly encouraged all to participate in small groups. Will was a part of one for seven years and I was for three.” Will and Becca hope to form groups to connect people in similar states of life. Whether with an all-men or all-women group or in a couples’ group, this is a wonderful opportunity to accompany others on a similar life path. Groups will be capped at a maximum of eight people, but most will be between five and seven members. This allows for closer connections to be made and to accommodate schedules. “Will’s small group in Ann Arbor started with young, soon-to-be-married men,” Becca says. “Sometimes it was organized and they would do studies
on books of the Bible, other books or encyclicals, or something following the liturgical calendar. Other times, they simply just focused on the upcoming Sunday’s readings and took the time to reflect and converse over them.” In turn, these groups may also offer a chance for parishioners to gather to share in fellowship, pray, actively participate in praise and worship, study, and pray for each other’s prayer intentions. Small-group members will have a
valuable opportunity to walk with each other through ordinary daily life, as well as big life events — births, job changes, sometimes even the death of a child or other loved one — and know others are praying for them no matter what stage of life they are experiencing. Anyone interested in participating should reach out to Will and Becca and they will send the interest survey so they can connect people with similar needs and expectations. There is no continued on back cover
“When we recognize that we are on this journey towards Christ and acknowledge it is not easy, we look to others that walk similar paths. We don’t do it alone. We all need encouragement and inspiration, as well as people willing to carry our crosses sometimes to share the burden.” — Becca LePage 7
PO Box 3204 • Tulsa, OK 74101-3204 (918) 582-6247 • tulsacathedral.com
Lenten Small Groups
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“one size fits all” for these groups, so once people are connected, they will be able to discuss how frequently they want to meet and what their goals and expectations are. Fr. Kastl and Fr. Joshua will assist Will and Becca in recommending resources for the groups to use during Lent and beyond. From Lenten and Advent studies, lives of the saints, New Testament and Old Testament focus, sacred art, and more, there are plenty of possibilities for engagement and spiritual enrichment in our small groups. “When we recognize that we are on this journey towards Christ and acknowledge it is not easy, we look to others that walk similar paths,” Becca says. “We don’t do it alone. We all need encouragement and inspiration, as well as people willing to carry our crosses sometimes to share the burden. We are all looking for people to help us on our journey to Christ. Saints often come in multiples. Let’s join together to run the race towards heaven together.”
If you would like to fill out an interest survey to join a Lenten Small Group, please reach out to Will and Becca LePage at lovefromthelepages@gmail.com.
