Holy Family
CATHEDRAL NEWS January 2013
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Cover image: Adoration of the Magi, tapestry, 1894, Manchester Metropolitan University
Volume 18 Issue 6
A New Year... A New You? By now many of us have already given up on the resolutions that we've made to be better this year at: being good stewards of our bodies through healthy eating and exercise, giving up that annoying habit that we seem to always run back to when we're stressed, or organizing our room, home, or office. But the resolution I hope that all of us have made and never give up on is the commitment to become a better Christian this year. Especially since this is the Year of Faith! This past week was Vocations Awareness Week, and 5th Graders from all across the diocese met last Friday or Sunday to learn about what a vocation is and why its important. Did you know that we all have vocations? And as the 5th graders might be able to tell you, a vocation is a calling from God that each person receives at their baptism: a calling that has been given to each of us to do some definite thing for God that He has not called anyone else to do. Our Christian vocation is either to married life, to priestly life, to religious life, or to consecrated lay single life. But each of these vocations which God calls us to is just the path that God has given us to accomplish the universal vocation that we all share, and that vocation is holiness! We have all been created by God so that we may know, love, and serve Him in this life, so that we may live with Him forever in the life to come. We were created to become saints: heavenly citizens! Therefore, we must not take for granted our responsibility to fulfill our Christian duties to grow in our faith and evangelize others. If we neglect our bodies, let us never neglect our souls. If we struggle with vice, let us never abandon the source of grace and virtue. If we keep a messy space, let us never tolerate keeping a sullied heart. “I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.� (Rom. 12:1-2) And to accomplish this, the Church give us precepts which she, in her wisdom, considers bare minimums so as not to loose the possibility of eternal life: 1. You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor. 2. You shall confess your sins at least once a year. 3. You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season. 4. You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church. 5. You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church. 6. To obey the laws of the Church concerning Matrimony. 7. To participate in the Church's mission of Evangelization of Souls. Identification Statement: The Cathedral News Issue 6 January 2013 (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
It is to this last precept that I most wish to highlight. St. Thomas Aquinas said, “To teach in order to lead others to faith is the task of… each believer.” (ST, III, 71, 4 ad 3.) We all have the ability to preach the Gospel everyday by our words and actions, but do we? At the dismissal of every Mass, having been strengthened by the gift of the Eucharist, we are sent to continue our Mission to make disciples of all nations. (See Mt. 28:1920) It is though the fulfillment of our vocation and our Christian duties that we become holy. We actually grow in our faith by sharing it with others. Its one of the only things we've been given that increases by giving it away, the other is love and they are eternally intertwined. So if we feel like we are not adept or ill-prepared to share our faith, it behooves us to learn more about it. Everyone has received the Year of Faith Bucket List which has numerous suggestions about how one could take advantage of this graced year to grow our own faith and share it with others. Another opportunity began this week with start of the Catholicism Adult Study Program on Tuesday Night. These are tools to help us achieve the resolution that we have every year, every week, every day to become better Christians. Because how can we take our part in the New Evangelization unless we have first been evangelized? St. Paul asks the same thing: “But how are men to call upon him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? And how can men preach unless they are sent? So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ.” (Rom. 10:14-15, 17) As we begin the two thousand and thirteenth year of our Lord, we have the opportunity to once again hear the good news that, God so loved us that He sent His only begotten Son to save us from our sins, and then He gave us Himself to fulfill His promise to remain with us always. If we need reminding, then let us be reminded. If we have heard, then let us proclaim, let us be witnesses, and let us evangelize! Rev. John Grant
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
Inquiry Gets Them Started, Now as Catechumens and Candidates They Study in Earnest BY THE RCIA MINISTRY TEAM
KATIE BANAS
JOANNE COLE
STEVE COLE
EUELL HANNA
SUZANNE HANNA
AMANDA HARDY
BETHANY JARVIS
ANDREW ROSA
AMY WRIGHT
RCIA inquirers were recognized and blessed in the Rite of Acceptance at the 10 a.m. Mass on the Feast of Christ the King. Our RCIA group is now part of our congregation. Catechumens still need the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Candidates have been baptized, so need Confirmation and the Eucharist to complete full union with the Catholic Church. The enthusiasm and dedication they show is an inspiration to we who assist the RCIA process. Our first potluck dinner was on 12/19, providing a wonderful opportunity to build community in our parish. Many are looking for was to get involved with the needs of the church and find plenty of opportunities to serve as we get together and talk over a meal. Father Grant and Deacon Jerry and Tom helped the group pray the Liturgy of the Hours evening prayer. It was a lovely way to prepare for our excellent dinner. We reserve several rows each Sunday at the 10:00 Mass for these catechumens, candidates, their families and sponsors. They have the opportunity to ask questions as they get a clear view of what happens at Mass. Seeing the differences in the way the Mass is celebrated by our Bishop and our other celebrants helps them understand what is essential to it. 4
Notes from the Knightstand BY MARTIN REIDY
Now there comes upon us another chance to dream that all your hopes and promises will happen as foreseen! So we wish you well and hope they all come true as we say, “Happy New Year!” to each and everyone of you. WELCOME TO 2013! Traditionally, a multi-storied building had
forth the six pans of dressing, several of mashed potatoes, and a
no “13th floor” designation to avoid bad luck associated therein
cauldron of gravy for the same holiday feast. Our January dinner
as was the a “fir tree topping” was done for the favor of the gods
is always Turkey Stew prepared by Edna Hawkins with assis-
but those myths and legends are for another time, another col-
tance from her granddaughter Shae, her nephew Raymond Dean,
umn, Rather, like Janus - that double faced Roman god of doors,
who along with his wife, Theresa who drive up from Okmulgee
entries, exits, and Porter of Heaven (he released the sun each
just for this occasion. Dessert was cookies bagged by the stu-
morning and locked it away at night as he alone possessed the
dents at Holy Family School, while the Council provided the din-
key to the gate of heaven!) let us glance back into 2012 and for-
ner rolls, beverage, and milk for Sunday breakfast. So it is to
ward into 2013 to muse what has happened and what we hope
these extraordinary “saints” that we in all humility give a tip of
will occur. So, let us review our accomplishments, gratitude, and
the chapeau in recognition of all that they have done and con-
mea culpas!
tinue to do without reservation or hesitation. were there one or more of you that deserve recognition and I have not noted
The Council was able to continue in supporting many of our charitable undertakings - church, school, and civic programs of
you ;thusly know that you are so noted by Christ who said, “What ever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for Me!”
various depth and variety - due to the success of the parish garage sale, your patronage of our monthly pancake breakfast, &
Up and coming for 2013 is more of the same: Sausage and
Mardi Gras to hit the highlights, our “passthrough” projects —
pancakes every third Sunday (with exceptions and a summer
UltraSound, Turkey Drive, and, most importantly, your most gen-
break), Mardi Gras in February and Garage Sale through March
erous contributions to our Homeless Monthly Dinner Project by
in co-operation with the H.F. Women's Club, “Sagebrush Satur-
which $3,164.00 was collected as a result of our appeal to you
day” in March at Clear Creek Monastery, KC Convention in April,
for your financial assistance in its continuance.
Altar Server Award(s) in May, Priest Dinner in August, perhaps a Spring/Fall Festival, Turkey Drive in November, and without say-
It is hoped that, along with the Council's contribution of $500.00 our Homeless program is on sound footing for the next
ing - the monthly dinner at the Day Center for the Homeless and whatever Monsignor Gier comes up with in between!
two years! Our gratitude is extended to all of those individuals who contributed so generously to this feeding project with their
Finally, I sadly report with a sigh and a tear in the eye that as
additional contributions of goods and services. The Council's
2012 came to a close so did our annual Christmas bash with a
List of Angels (& I hope that I do NOT overlook anyone!) include
farewell dinner at Ludiger's with Scott McQuade at the keyboard
first and foremost Rebecca and (daughter) Mary Grace Thomp-
and some fifty Knights and guests in attendance. A fun-filled
son for their unstinting monthly assistance in preparation and
occasion for some fifteen to twenty years all things must come
serving food at the Day Center, Beth Henry, Catherine Caldwell/
to an end as Time marches on - meaning that we are all becom-
Caves, Jean Caldwell, Ann Owen, Kathleen Davis, Ann Sellars,
ing a older - not in spirit, not of heart, but of muscle and bone!
Vivki Buckendorf, and (of course!)Helga Gorman for the pumpkin
What the Council will do for festivities is yet to be known but as
pies served at our December “Blowout” dinner celebrating
the late Patti Page sang so many times: “Que Será Será!” May
Thanksgiving/Christmas! We want to especially thank Ethel
you have a Blessed New Year and may God be with you through-
Brooks, Colleen & Mayo Brooks, Gloria Bennet, Kali Hayden, The
out your days! PAX!
Thierrys - Sharon, Johnny, Johnny II, & Johnny III who brought 5
SPAGHETTI DINNER Proceeds benefit the Mike Petzet Scholarship Fund Saturday, January 26, 5:30-8:00 p.m. Cathedral Auditorium Dinner Includes: Pasta, Bread, Salad, Drink and Dessert Pre-purchase prices: Adults: $7.00, Teens (12-17): $6.00, Children (11 and under): $5.00, Family of 5: $25.00 At the Door Prices: Adults and Teens: $10.00, Children (11 and under): $6.00 Email: Madison.wofford@myhfcs.org Call the School Office for more information: 918-582-0422.
Parish Youth! Thanks to everyone who helped transport turkeys last year from the Cathedral to Catholic Charities: especially the students of Holy Family Cathedral School. Special thanks to the parents and students who delivered turkey dinners to Tulsa families in need.
6
7
Holy Family Cathedral P.O. Box 3204 Tulsa, OK 74101-3204 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
8