Holy Family
CATHEDRAL NEWS November 2012
Walk-a-Thon raises $5,000+ for School
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Volume 18 Issue 4
The Rector’s Report Dear Parishioners of Holy Family Cathedral, Included in this month’s Cathedral News are the results from our financial appeal in last May. I have been asked by the Parish Council to give three month updates as to the condition of our finances. As you may remember, in the August Cathedral News, I gave you the stats for May, June and July 2011 and 2012 as to the giving level of the parish. I was very pleased with the result of the request made in May. I realized that everyone would not be able to increase their donations and I asked for a 20% raise. The math would indicate that the result was actually an 18% raise and it truly made a huge difference during the summer months. For this cooperation and dedication I sincerely thank all of you. This month we are going to provide the income against the expenses so that you can see where we are presently. I must caution all of you as you read this because October has for some reason or another always been a very lean month for income and not so for expenses. So please view the material on the next page and pray for a very good Christmas with no great snow or ice. We are on the cutting edge and may have to make some very difficult decisions come the New Year. Thank you again for your cooperation and generosity, please continue to keep us in your prayers. Sincerely in the Holy Family,
Msgr. Gregory A. Gier
Identification Statement: The Cathedral News Issue 4 November 2012 (USPS 022-729) is published 10 x per year (monthly, except for June and July) by Holy Family Cathedral at 122 W 8th St., Tulsa OK 74119-1402. Periodicals postage paid at Tulsa, OK. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: CATHEDRAL NEWS, PO BOX 3204, Tulsa, OK 74101-3204. 2
August to October 2012
$80,000 $78,000
$72,000 $70,000 August Revenue
$68,000 $66,000 $64,000 $62,000
October Revenue
$74,000
September Revenue
August Expenses
$76,000
October Expenses
September Expenses
$82,000
Aug-12 Sep-12 Oct-12
Revenue
Expenses
Difference
Aug-12
$69,011
$74,103
-$5,092
Sep-12
$70,473
$80,939
-$10,466
Oct-12
$72,097
$78,996
-$6,899
August, September, and October parish revenue increased slightly each month. At the same time, expenses exceeded parish income by an average of about $7,500 per month.
Cathedral News deadlines: Please submit articles and announcements to the Cathedral News by the 15th of the preceding month. Email mikemalcom@gmail.com or send your article to Mike Malcom at the parish office. 3
Notes from the Knightstand BY MARTIN REIDY
Well, it's turkey time again hope you will bring one in and give it to Tom the Deacon as he's doin’ the seekin’! Yes, indeed, it is turkey time again!
give will receive: A Mass will be read at a
Once again the Council is collecting tur-
date to be determined in the Cathedral as
keys and hams for Catholic Charities in
we have done in years past.
order that CC can pass them on to their respective needy clients. Hams? Well, yes!
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dent beggar. Following his required 25 years of service Martin followed his dream of becom-
November is also the month of the
ing a hermit and constructed a rudimen-
Not everyone can (1) cook a turkey for
Feast of St. Martin of Tours (316/17-397).
tary hut near Tours in order to lead a life
various reasons hanging from a restric-
Mostly forgotten in this modern age Mar-
of prayer and subsisting on nuts and ber-
tive living accommodation to the ability to
tin was the most venerated and popular
ries. (an earlier attempt on an island off
bake one, and (2) a turkey is, or can be, an
saint of the early, middle, and late medie-
Italy nearly did him in as he over ate a
enormous amount of meat to consume
val period from the time of his death, if
herb called hellebore which was used to
for a one or two person family, especially
not before, until the onset of the modern
treat madness but lethal in large inges-
were they to be elderly. Can't make up
era circa 1600/1700. There were more
tions.) His holiness became renowned
your mind which you want to purchase?
churches and religious sites named for
and his cures and miracles legendary. So
Well, why not buy one of each as I doubt
Martin than any other saint and his shrine
it was that the local populace sought him
that CC will have any difficulty giving
at Tours was the fourth most popular
out to be their bishop in 370 at about 53
away either a turkey or a ham. Now, NOTE
visitation destination after Jerusalem,
years of age. The area bishops refused to
BENE!!! were you to say to yourself, "Why
Rome, and St. James Compostela in
sanction his election - he looked like a
not just write a check and let (Deacon)
Spain. Martin was born in what is today
beggar, dressed like a beggar, and
Tom buy the tom!" Well, that is just fine
Hungary, raised in Pavia outside Milan,
smelled like a beggar - but the locals had
BUT were you to take this route it is ex-
and is anchored by reputation in France.
their way for they wanted a "saint" and
tremely important that the check be made
Thus the adjectivial appendage “of
not a sanitized satrap!
payable to: Knights of Columus and note
Tours.” His parents were not Christian
that it is for a turkey donation. Why not
and paid homage to the Roman emperor
So it was that Martin became the
Holy Family Cathedral? Because we - the
and other Roman deities as expected of
Bishop of Tours though he continued to
Council - cannot cash checks made out
them. Christianity was now an estab-
live a penurious life. Martin is noted for
to the Cathedral. Now there are two ways
lished religion but not yet the force it was
numerous accomplishments which af-
to remit the check: One way is to give it to
to become after the fall of Rome in 410.
fected the direction of the church even
me when you see me. The second way is
His father was career military, the Praeto-
down to this day. Time and space does
to drop it into the Sunday collection and
rian Guard, and Martin followed in his
not allow for a full discussion but allow
Joanne in Accounting will see that the
footsteps - again, as expected of him.
me to touch upon a couple of them. In
Council receives your check. Lastly-the
Martin's conversion occurred in his late
372 Martin established the Abbey of Mar-
ABSOLUTE CUT-OFF DATE FOR CHECKS
teens when so allowed. His father never
moutier outside Tours and to which he
IS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18 AS THANKS-
accepted Martin’s conversion though his
also belonged. The uniqueness of Mar-
GIVING IS ON THE 22nd! THE LAST DAY
mother did and later converted. Martin
moutier, and a first, was that the Abbot
TO BRING A TURKEY OR HAM TO HFC IS
enlisted at the expected age of 15 and
had the power to ordain—thereby remov-
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19 as Deacon Tom
served 25 years in the Praetorian Guard,
ing the monastery from the control of a
and the youth group will deliver the
circa 332-356, and it was while stationed
bishop and be able to maintain their inde-
“collection” to Catholic Charities on Tues-
at Amiens that he is reputed to have
pendence to follow a life of prayer and
day, November 20 in order that CC can
halved his cloak to share with a freezing
penance free of other secular entangle-
give out the turkeys/ham on Wednesday,
beggar. It was that night that Christ came
ments. This “pattern” of organization
November 21st.! Once again those who
to him in a dream now as that resplen-
holds true into our time today.
THE TOMB OF SAINT MARTIN OF TOURS
Martin began the custom of sending his priests to an outlying church to reach the populace more effectively and to Christianize the rural areas. Heretofore, Christianity was an urbancentered rite where the local bishop was served by a body of priests in the town. Martin, in effect, began the parish system of governance in the church - a system familiar to him from his military
Martin is the patron of many callings, among them being the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps, beggars, tailors, hoteliers, geese, alcoholics, all horsemen/women, and the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
experience - which is the church or-
gious structure outside S. Sophia in Constantinople. The Republicans not only obliterated the shrine but built a street through its former location so it could never be rebuilt - but it was in 1865 to 1925 and so it exists today in Tours. His feast was a Holy Day of Obligation down to modern time and it initiated the beginning of the Christmas season, Advent, and signaled the end of the Court of As-
ganization today. Martin insisted that
sizes in England in the Middle Ages. No-
upon his death he be buried in a pauper‘s
military caretaker of the cloak was called
vember 11 was also the beginning of the
grave but ended up in a shrine, by popular
a capellani - a name which eventually
Liturgical Year for the Church. In respec-
demand in Tours. The veneration of his
was given to all military priests from
tive of that older tradition we say the Joy-
cloak, his “capella” became so popular
which comes our office of - you guessed
ful Mysteries on Sunday prior to the 8
that it – the cloak - became the name of
it! -chaplain. This common cloak of a
a.m. Mass until the end of January. Mar-
its location for from capella comes the
saint became the first flag of France.
tin is the patron of many callings, among
word chapelle and our word chapel for a
Martin's shrine was heavily damaged
them being the U.S. Army Quartermaster
little church. During the Middle Ages the
and/or destroyed first by the Huguenots
Corps, beggars, tailors, hoteliers, geese,
cloak was kept at Marmoutier Abbey but
in 1562, and later by the Republicans in
alcoholics, all horsemen/women, and the
was carried everywhere the king traveled
the French Revolution in 1793. His basil-
Pontifical Swiss Guard.
- even into war and upon the sea. The
ica, when built in 470, was the largest reli-
Happy Thanksgiving. 5
Growing Faith is an Exciting Adventure BY THE RCIA MINISTRY TEAM
Jason and Lenora Bliss have spent the last few years engaging with our parish as they have been called to the Catholic faith and have pursued its value in their life. Here are their responses to questions about that journey.
I began to attend Catholic services in
sure and no one was overbearing to
2010. Soon after, I began attending
join the church. To witness the devo-
Deacon Mattox’s Bible Study in the
tion of the R.C.I.A staff and other Pa-
spring. My questions about life were
rishioners was instrumental in my con-
beginning to be resolved as I read vari-
version process. I had wonderful peo-
ous classic books, began to say the
ple step up and answer questions. Our
rosary and make mental prayer. What
Parish has the most diverse congrega-
is most astounding is my discovery
tion I know of which provides an excel-
that Msgr. Halpine was the priest while
lent environment for learning and guid-
I was attending Monte Casino.
ing on one’s spiritual path. I recommend our Parish to anyone who is in-
How has being Catholic changed your Jason, what made you reach out for
quiring about the Catholic faith.
daily life? Mainly, I have learned that Jesus is my
How did being baptized, confirmed, and
God comes to us. I think that I was
friend with whom I have trust and
receiving the Eucharist for the first time
drawn in my early years attending
complete confidence in life’s events,
make you feel?
school and Mass at Monte Casino. As
both the good and the bad. This brings
Wonderful! I am now a member of
a child I enjoyed Mass and developed
peace of mind and certainty of God’s
God’s Household, one of his family.
respect for the devotion that the Nuns
support.
Catholic teaching?
and Priests have. My parents and entire family at that time were Protestant.
How did the Mass and the RCIA sessions
While attending their services I never
impact your daily life?
really felt at home. As I grew older, I
They made me appreciate life more
became materialistic, but even then
and inspired me to live life as a Chris-
always felt there was a void in my life.
tian on a daily basis. Going to R.C.I.A,
When I lived in South Central Louisiana
Dcn. Mattox’s Bible study and watch-
the utter destruction of Hurricane
ing various programming on E.W.T.N
Katrina brought so much horror and
taught me how to read the Bible and
misery to my attention I began to ask
understand the fulfillment of the scrip-
myself serious questions about the
tures. It also made me learn how to
meaning of life.
understand the Mass, how to practice the Sacraments and how to prepare
Lenora Bliss responds now with her
Later on, my wife and I moved to a
myself for Mass. Not enough thanks
experiences:
high-rise apartment with a splendid
and gratitude can be given to the dedi-
view of Holy Family Cathedral. Then I
cated staff of R.C.I.A.
began to seek God in earnest. My
Catholic teaching?
mother converted to Catholicism a few
Did you feel support from other parish
I was raised Southern Baptist. At the
years previously. She gave me some
members?
age of 15 I had the opportunity to take
Catholic literature that I began to read.
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Lenora, what made you reach out for
I feel as if I have a new family. No pres-
a neighbor of ours to Mass every week.
CHRISTINE COUGHLIN, DOROTHY WIRE, AND SISTER THERESITA HEARON HAVE FUN DURING THE WALK-A-THON.
I paid attention to the Mass and began to feel it was “right”. I’m sure I was lifted up
Current News & Upcoming Events
in prayer by that sweet elderly lady and several more Catholic people that I had come in contact with. So the seed was
Holy Family Cathedral School students raised a little over $5,000 during the
planted early on. Sadly I fell away from
annual Walk-A-Thon. Relatives and friends sponsored students who walked
God for years. My husband began R.C.I.A
laps around the parking lot. The event happened on the morning of Halloween
classes two years ago. When my husband
so the teachers dressed up in costumes. The photo at the top of this page
was watching the Fr. Robert Barron series
shows teachers Chrstina Coughlin, Dorothy Wire, and Sister Theresita Hearon.
on Catholicism I was secretly listening. Much to my husband’s surprise I started
The 55+ Lunch on Wednesday, November 14 is at a special time: 12:00 p.m. at
attending R.C.I.A. sessions last year. I
Foundations Restaurant at Platt College, 3801 South Sheridan. Platt College is a
have recently been received into Full Com-
sandstone colored building facing west. Foundations is in a separate building
munion with the church and feel so
with a black awning facing south. RSVP to Nancy Mullikin, 918-508-9800.
blessed! The Holy Family Cathedral Women’s Club is collecting toiletries for abused How has being Catholic changed your daily
woman residing at the Day Spring Villa. Donation boxes will be at the South and
life?
East Cathedral entrances until November 11.
Performing daily Prayer, both mental prayer and the Rosary. I feel a stronger
The Second Quarterly meeting of the Council of Catholic Women will take place
desire to help others.
at Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Church at 4001 E. 101st Street S., Tulsa, 918-2999406, on November 15. The program will be Wilma Lively, director of the Day
How did the Mass and the RCIA sessions
Spring Villa who will speak on human trafficking. The members are asked to
impact your daily life?
bring a donation of toiletries to this meeting. Work of Human Hands crafts will
They gave me a better understanding of
be available for purchase. Mass is at 11:45. Cost for the day is $10. Registration
the scriptures and of Catholicism itself.
9:30 to 10:00. Make your reservations to Gloria Baker, 918-446-0611 by November 11.
Did you feel support from other parish members?
The National Adoption Day Celebration will be at Catholic Charities campus,
Yes. I met a lot of wonderful people in
2450 North Harvard, on Nov. 17, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more
R.C.I.A and I feel the entire staff do a great
info contact 918-508-7131 or CLee@CCTulsa.org or CatholicCharitiesTulsa.org.
job.
Catholic Charities and the Department of Human Services Swift Adoption Unit will celebrate National Adoption Day. This special event will celebrate the gift of
How did being baptized, confirmed, and re-
adoption and is to raise awareness of the need to find permanent, loving homes
ceiving the Eucharist for the first time make
for the thousands of children in foster care currently available for adoption. Our
you feel?
celebration will include reading a National Adoption Day decree signed by the
Truly mere words cannot express but if I
Governor, prayer offered by Bishop Edward Slattery, music, games and activi-
had to use one word that word would be
ties.
PEACE.
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Holy Family Cathedral P.O. Box 3204 Tulsa, OK 74101-3204 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
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