From the Rector’s Desk…

 

I want to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all the women in our parish that have answered God’s call to fulfill the vocation of motherhood in some special way in our Church and in our world.  We thank God for you and your willingness to bring children into the world and nurture children throughout your life, in physical, emotional and spiritual ways.   May God continue to remind you and bless you of your special role in the lives of all of us.

 

Our readings this Sunday turn from a focus on the risen Jesus to the third person of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit, as we prepare for the Feast of Pentecost.  The Gospel passage from John is taken from Jesus’ Last Supper Discourse.  He tells his Apostles that he will send them an advocate whom he calls the Spirit of truth to be with them.  The Greek word is parakletos which refers to an advocate who stands with the person before the Court, defending and interceding for them.  Jesus promises his disciples that the Holy Spirit will not only be with us but in us.  The Holy Spirit guided the Apostles and has continued to guide the Church down through the ages, reminding us of the teachings of Divine Revelation and keeping us faithful to the covenant that God establishes us through Jesus Christ.  Let us pray that we may faithful to the Holy Spirit who leads us to Christ, our way, our life, our truth.  As we prepare for the feast of Pentecost on May 28th, we pray for a renewal of our relationship with the Holy Spirit.  The disciples did as much after Jesus’ Ascension praying for nine days with the Blessed Mother for the gift of the Holy Spirit, the first novena.  We should do the same, beginning on May 19th.  We can use the following prayer individually or in groups to help us: 

 

“Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love.   P: Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.  R: And You shall renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation.  Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.”

 

The Appeal
 The 2023 Appeal has begun.   The annual Appeal, formerly known as the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, is a major source of funding for the many ministries of the Diocese of Columbus.

St. Joseph Cathedral is asked to raise $42,645.24.  This is a very achievable goal for our parish.  With approximately 450 families, a $100 contribution from each family would more than meet the goal.  Many of us can give much more than that.  Others cannot.  Your gift, small or great, will certainly help us meet the goal.  Pledge envelopes are in the pews and in the back of the church.   You can also give online at https://columbuscatholicgiving.org/appeal.  Please sure to select our parish as your organization.  I thank you for your prayers and generosity.

 

Parish Planning Meeting
 A joint parish planning meeting of the Cathedral parish and Holy Cross parish is being schedule for Sunday, May 21st at 11:30 am at St. Joseph Cathedral in the undercroft.  This meeting will help bring our two parishes together into one which will occur on July 1st.  Many things need to be discussed and planned in the meantime.   At this meeting, we wish to discuss the development of a mission statement and possible branding of the combined parish for bulletin, website and signage purposes.  We seek your input.  I hope you are able to participate in this important meeting.

Have a blessed week!                                                      

 

Fr. Kitsmiller