Holy Family Cathedral Newsletter — September 2021

SEP 2021

In This Issue: 2 Stewardship and Evangelization: Using Our Time and Talents to Spread the Good News 3 An Ongoing Opportunity to Change the World 4 Questions & Answers About Our Annual Stewardship Renewal 6 Celebrating the Feast of the Archangels

HOLY FAMILY CATHEDRAL

7 Meet Parishioners Dana and Scott Trost

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

HOSPITALITY MINISTRY: Building Opportunities to Break Bread with One Another

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t is no coincidence that key moments in Christ’s public ministry revolved around meals. From the wedding feast at Cana to the breaking of the bread following the Resurrection, these moments embodied personal communion. Meals refresh and unite, renew us physically, and strengthen the bonds of those who share them. As the fruit of our labor, meals beget thanksgiving.

Here at Holy Family Cathedral, the Hospitality Ministry takes the experience of communal meals and adds an element of mission. Volunteers work as a group, bringing personal talents and warmth to the table at special events.

“We have so many different parish ministries that involve food,” says Hospitality Ministry Coordinator Maureen Petty. “Basically we are here It is in our shared experience, often around the table, that to help meet the needs of the parish.” we grow in communion with one another and Our Lord.

The Hospitality Ministry responds to requests for assistance from Fr. Kastl and our parish ministries. They prepare the Newcomers’ Brunches and assist with other parish events. At the recent parish picnic, they worked alongside the Knights of Columbus in food preparation. During the pandemic, they provided three meals a day for quarantined seminarians and priests. They are always ready to step in for special circumstances that arise.

Maureen, a Holy Family parishioner of 30 years, was drawn to the Hospitality Ministry after running the catering department at her specialty grocery store, Petty’s Fine Foods.

“I like food preparation, cooking, and parties,” Maureen says. “It felt very natural to get involved.”Since becoming more active at Holy Family Cathedral, Maureen is now blessed with a deep sense of belonging. “For a while, we were the kind of parish where people went to church and went home and didn’t know other people,” Maureen says. “I continued on back cover 8TH STREET & BOULDER AVE • TULSA, OK 74119 • (918) 582-6247 • TULSACATHEDRAL.COM

HOLY FAMILY CATHEDRAL Stewardship and Evangelization: Using Our Time and Talents to Spread the Good News

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esus came to save the world and to draw all men to Him. When we think of the salvific work of Christ, many of us think of His life, death, resurrection, and His ascension into glory. And while those salvific events are of primary importance in salvation history, it doesn’t end there.

Christ wants everyone to know the salvation He has won for them. He wants every soul to experience heavenly glory. Therefore, after having conquered death through His cross and resurrection, Christ commissioned His disciples to carry the Gospel to the world. They were charged to “preach the Gospel to all nations,” winning, through their words and examples, souls for the kingdom! What a task! The disciples were overwhelmed at the thought of carrying the Gospel to all nations after Christ had returned to heaven.

But the Lord assured them, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). When the Holy Spirit descended upon them on the feast of Pentecost, all those in the crowd were amazed. They all spoke in different tongues, preaching the same message, and everyone there could understand!

And so it was that the Church was established

through the power of the Spirit and for the purpose of evangelization. Each of us has been baptized in that Spirit, and through that, made a member of the Church. It is, thus, up to each and every one of us to actively participate in the Church’s mission — proclaiming the Good News to all the world and building up the Kingdom of God! Each of us must re-evaluate how we are using the gifts God has given us to build up His Kingdom. Do we preach the Good News in all that we do and say? The same Spirit that descended upon the apostles that first Pentecost remains with us now, giving us the strength and courage to labor in the vineyard of the world.

Christ came to save the world, and He established the Church as the “universal sacrament of salvation” (Christifideles Laici, 2), by which many people throughout the world would know the glory of His truth. St. Paul describes the Church as one body with many parts. And just as each part of the body has a particular function, so each member of the Church has a particular calling but is united as one body in the Spirit, all of the members are to carry out the Church’s one mission. How is God calling you to carry out this mission? What particular gifts has He given you with which you ought to build the Kingdom?

Each of us must re-evaluate how we are using the gifts God has given us to build up His Kingdom. Do we preach the Good News in all that we do and say? The same Spirit that descended upon the apostles that first Pentecost remains with us now, giving us the strength and courage to labor in the vineyard of the world.

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SEP 2021 A Letter from Our Rector

An Ongoing Opportunity to Change the World

Dear Parishioners,

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n his letters, St. Paul often began by greeting his “brothers and sisters.” Every time I read one of these letters, it reminds me that you and I truly are sisters and brothers in the Body of Christ, the Church, but especially here in our parish. We need to understand that we are indeed a family, and the way we see and treat one another is fundamental to the health and happiness of this family.

Our spiritual family doesn’t stop at the walls of our church, but rather, extends to include every man and woman created in God’s image and likeness. You may be familiar with the term “Catholic Social Teaching,” part of which is built on a commitment to the poor. These are the beliefs that guide Catholics on how to apply the faith to all aspects of life, and they lay the framework for the Church’s teachings on the dignity and sacredness of human life. Once we make a commitment to be disciples of Jesus and pursue stewardship as a way of life, the principles of Catholic Social Teaching become very easy to incorporate into our lives.

Catholic Social Teaching has been around since those first followers of Jesus tried to balance their new faith with the realities of living in a world of Roman oppression. Jesus reminded His disciples then, just as He reminds us now, that caring for and administering to the poor should be at the core of all we do.

Recall when the Lord said in Matthew, “For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed

me; I was naked and you gave me clothing; I was ill and you cared for me; I was in prison and you visited me.”

This is our foundation as we seek to embody mercy and justice to our fellow man and should be one of our major goals as a faith community. Many of our parish ministries provide for us an opportunity to do just as Jesus asked — to serve those most in need.

As we move into the fall season, with Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas soon to follow, now is a good time for us to recommit ourselves to addressing the needs we see around us — both as a parish society and as individuals.

I am proud of our collective efforts in assisting and serving the poor, but I also know that we can do more. Many of us personally need to get involved in these efforts. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has a great love and regard for the poor and, like Jesus, he reminds us often of what we need to do. Pope Francis once said in a homily, “The measure of the greatness of a society is found in the way it treats those most in need, those who have nothing apart from their poverty.” Together, we can make a difference.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Very Rev. Gary D. Kastl Rector 3

HOLY FAMILY CATHEDRAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT

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nce again, it’s time for our Annual Stewardship Renewal. I’m sure someone will ask, as you may have asked yourself, “Didn’t we just have a Stewardship Renewal? Aren’t we sufficiently ‘renewed’ by now?” Yes, we had a Stewardship Renewal last year, and we’re going to have one next year, too! This is an annual occurrence — part of the rhythm of life at Holy Family Cathedral.

Just as the Church proposes a time of spiritual renewal each Lent, we believe in the importance of a yearly examination of commitment. Is the Lord asking you to give more time, talent, or treasure to our parish this year?

Commitment Weekend is September 25-26. Don’t forget to bring your Commitment Card to Mass!

How do I use my Commitment Card?

Your Commitment Card allows you to make commitments to prayer, parish ministries, and offertory giving. It is designed to be used by the whole family.

Time Section: Except for the ill and homebound, everyone should be able to check “Come to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days.” Try to check at least a few other items. Daily prayer should be a priority for every person trying to grow closer to God. Talent Section: You can either sign up for new ministries or re-commit to your current ministries. Be sure to write your first name next to the ministry! This is especially important if the card is being used by more than one person.

Treasure Section: Clearly print how much money you plan to give each week or month to our parish. Try to take a step toward giving five percent of your income to Holy Family Cathedral.

My age or physical limitations prevent me from being active in the parish. Should I still turn in a Commitment Card?

Yes! The first section of the card — Stewardship of Time — is the most important because it allows you to make commitments to prayer. Even if you can’t join a ministry or make it to Mass on Sunday, you can still pray for our parish. Your spiritual support has tremendous value in the eyes of God. 4

SEP 2021

OUR

Annual Stewardship Renewal

Last year I turned in a card, but no one ever called me when I signed up for a ministry.

If this happened last year, please forgive us! And don’t give up on filling out your Commitment Card! We have a very good plan to call every person interested in joining a new ministry. If for some reason the ministry leader does not call you within four weeks of turning in your card, please let the parish office know.

How much should I give?

Your gift is entirely dependent on how much God has given you. At Holy Family Cathedral, we ask that you give five percent to our parish, one percent to the diocese, and four percent to other charities. Why a percentage of income? First, because the tithe (10 percent) is a scriptural benchmark that the Church has honored for centuries (see Malachi 3:10). Secondly, we give a percentage of income because it is a common-sense standard by which everyone can equitably support the parish.

Most of all, we give because we believe God comes first in everything, even finances.

What happens if I don’t return my Commitment Card?

We will mail you a reminder letter that includes an extra Commitment Card (in case you misplaced yours).

Make every effort you can to participate. Our Stewardship Renewal is a very important annual event in the life of our parish. You and your family are part of what makes Holy Family Cathedral a great community! Most importantly, your commitments are actually promises to Christ Himself. All of us are called to give back to God a portion of what He has given us.

What if I can’t fulfill my financial pledge?

While our pledge is not a “contract,” we should all make a good-faith effort to fulfill it. Of course, if your financial circumstances change — if you lose your job, for instance — then the amount of money you give the Church will change, too. Likewise if you get a raise or bonus. The biggest reason many people don’t fulfill their pledge is that they attend Mass at another parish when they go on vacation, attend a wedding, etc. If you’re out of town, just make up for the missed Sunday when you write your next check to the parish. Using your envelopes is a good way to see which Sundays you missed.

I don’t even go to Mass very frequently. Why turn in a Commitment Card?

Because this is your chance to turn over a new leaf!

Why not make a commitment to God to come to Mass every Sunday, and then write down that commitment?

Even if that’s the only commitment you make, take a step forward. Jesus Himself is waiting for you!

Every cathedral family receives a special “Stewardship Package” in the mail that further explains our vision of stewardship. It includes a booklet that describes every ministry in the parish, as well as your Commitment Card.

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ST. R

APHA

EL

HOLY FAMILY CATHEDRAL

ST. GABRIEL

Celebrating the Feast of the E ST. MICHAEL

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Archangels

very Sept. 29, the Church celebrates the feast day of the Archangels — St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael. We are blessed to be inspired by these “servants and messengers of God” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 329).

The term “archangels” has its Scriptural basis in the New Testament (1 Thes 4:16, Jude 1:9), indicating a chief or leading angel. “Archangel” generally refers to St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael, as they are the three angels most frequently mentioned throughout Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. The fact that these three angels are mentioned by name on multiple occasions indicates the significance of their roles in the history of salvation. It is because of these important roles that we take pause to celebrate on Sept. 29.

St. Michael is mentioned by name on several occasions in Sacred Scripture (Dn 10:13, Rev 12:7), and his role in the Tradition of the Church has been extensively documented. He has been widely referred to as the “great prince,” and is most often associated with the apocalypse — the final battle against Satan.

Christian Tradition gives St. Michael four different roles, but he has primarily been regarded as the patron and protector of the Church.

St. Gabriel is mentioned by name in Scripture (Lk 1:19), and Tradition has also assigned him implicit roles within Scripture where he is not specifically mentioned. Most important, however, is St. Gabriel’s role as the messenger of God, delivering to Mary the announcement of the birth of Our Savior (Lk 1:26).

St. Raphael is mentioned by name only in the Book of Tobit, where he is responsible for healing Tobias. Raphael means “God has healed” and thus, he has also often been associated with the “angel of the Lord” (Jn 5:4).

The feast day on Sept. 29 gives each of us the opportunity to consider our own role in the Church, as we gratefully commemorate the Archangels responsible for carrying out their roles of defender, messenger, and healer.

SEP 2021

Meet Parishioners

DANA AND SCOTT TROST: Trusting in God’s Providence

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ith God’s help, even a neighborhood garage sale can be a lifechanging event — just ask parishioner Dana Trost. This past spring, Dana was selling various secondhand goods, along with a substantial pile of Catholic-themed books, merely hoping for some extra cash in her pocket. Instead, God chose that moment to answer a prayer, fulfilling a longing in her heart for like-minded friends of faith.

“A lady came up to us, saw the books, and asked if we were Catholic,” Dana says. “She wanted to start a Rosary group and asked if we would be a part of it. We now meet about once a month. It is a small group, but it is very powerful. It was such an answer to prayer.”

Dana and her husband, Scott, recently joined Holy Family Cathedral.

They have been married for 25 years and have six children ranging in age from 10 to 24 — two boys (the oldest and the youngest) with four girls inbetween. Dana is a cradle Catholic and Scott converted to the faith as an adult.

Both have been involved as parish volunteers for many years.

“I got an email with a checklist for volunteering and I filled out one for my husband too,” Dana says, with a laugh.

“I think I signed him up for just about everything!”

Both Scott and Dana are actively involved in the Church, not only for the sake of their own personal growth but also as an example to their children.

“Parish life is being drawn to the sacraments,” Scott says. “It is humbling and beautiful — perhaps a glimpse of heaven — to see such a community of families desiring the frequent reception of the sacraments and to see the fruit that it bears as we share these gifts together. God is good!”

Dana admits to not having all the answers but tries with her whole heart to live a countercultural life modeled after the saints, about whose lives she loves to read.

“We become who and what we surround ourselves with,” Dana says.

“Our goal — more importantly, God’s goal — is for our children to become saints. The world isn’t going to be an example to our children, so we have to be. We must do saintly things.”

The thought of doing “saintly things” can be intimidating, but even in our everyday lives, God is present and waiting to open “The world isn’t going to be an example to our children, so we have to be,” doors. The garage Dana says. “We must do saintly things.”

Both Scott and Dana are actively involved in the Church, not only for the sake of their own personal growth, but also as an example to their children.

sale-turned-Rosary invitation is a perfect example. All it took was a simple prayer and the Lord answered in an unexpected way.

Dana encourages all parishioners to take a leap of faith and ask the Lord for more. With so many parish ministries reopening following the pandemic, it is a fantastic time to start!

“Think about your God-given talents and where they can be used,” Dana says. “Do you like speaking or leading? If so, try being a reader.

Do you like learning Scripture? Join a Scripture study. Do you like quiet time but can’t find any? Sign up for an hour of adoration. Do you like social time and chatting with people? Come down for coffee and donuts. If you’re not sure what to do, ask Him! He will tell you!”

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PO Box 3204 • Tulsa, OK 74101-3204 (918) 582-6247 • tulsacathedral.com

HOSPITALITY MINISTRY

continued from front cover

found it difficult to reach out to people because I didn’t know them. Gradually, this is changing and great friendships are being developed.”

We extend our gratitude to all who volunteer their talents to make Holy Family Cathedral a warm and welcoming house of faith. It is in our shared experience, often around the table, that we grow in communion with one another and Our Lord.

“We have so many parishioners with fabulous talents that we don’t know about,” Maureen says. “We have pastry chefs and wine connoisseurs, people who love to cook and host. It will be amazing what we can accomplish together.”

The Hospitality Ministry would be thrilled to welcome new volunteers.

Interested parishioners are encouraged to contact Maureen Petty at 918-671-2538 or maureenpetty@yahoo.com.

Holy Family Cathedral — a warm and welcoming house of faith.