Oct 19: Feast of the North American Martyrs
Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, and Companions
Jennifer Hubbard
God’s path, which my hungry heart yearns to walk, is at times rocky and filled with unforeseen crevasses. Over time and with reflection, I now see that what appeared to be impasses too great and darkness everlasting are the blessing and beauty of the greater purpose intended for God’s children. My crushing moments should remind me of the moments when a sea is parted or a lion tamed, or when masses are fed with scraps and forgiveness is fully granted: the very Scripture that our Faith proclaims and lives.
And there are the people, like Saints John de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues, and companions, who offer me a glimpse of how that greater purpose is lived. Imprisoned, mangled, beaten, and bruised because of the Gospel they preach, each willingly returns to the very battlefield from which they were delivered, trusting only in God’s faithfulness. They are filled with intensity and yearning so passionate that their commitment inspires me.
My path and its crevasses seem so miniscule compared to those of the prophets, apostles, and martyrs and yet I am called to join in the common battle cry—the greater purpose intended for God’s children. For when all seems lost and defeat seems inevitable, our Savior reigns almighty. In the moment when our will and way conform to his, he takes his hand (powerful enough to crush anything) and gently, adoringly cups our faces—transforming us so that we may transform others.
Jennifer Hubbard resides in Newtown, Conn. The younger of her two children, Catherine Violet, was a victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012.
New Parking QR Code
There is a new QR code to use for free parking at the VCU Parking deck. This code can be obtained from the back of this bulletin, the parking section on the front page of richmondcathedral.org, or from the basket located at the Cathedral entrance. Please discard any old codes, as they will no longer function. Please note this code will only provide free parking during weekend Mass times.
No Children's Liturgy of the Word this Weekend
Because we will be celebrating Baptisms in the Mass this Sunday, there will be no Children’s Liturgy of the Word at the 9:00am Mass.
We look forward to celebrating the Sacrament with the families!
The Living Rosary led by Cathedral Youth Group,
This Sunday, October 20 after the 9:00am Mass
Join the Cathedral Youth Groups in saying the Rosary. Each student will lead a prayer of the Rosary and parents and parishioners are asked to join in to help lead and pray together as a community.
Memorial Candles
Order cards for memorial candles are now in the pews. If you would like a candle to be placed on the side altars in memory of your loved ones on All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, and throughout November, please follow the instructions on the white cards located in the pews, and on the tables by the Cathedral entrance. The final day to place your order is Sunday, October 27. Suggested donation is $10 per candle.
Money Counters Needed
Money counters are responsible for counting weekly collections and preparing the envelopes for permanent records. There are three teams who rotate by the month. We are in need of some volunteers for the January, April, July, and October team. If you are interested, please contact Tiffany Baham at tbaham@richmondcathedral.org
SAVE THE DATE! Advent Activities
Sat. Nov. 22 | 10:00am to Noon| Parish Hall
Bring a potluck breakfast item and enjoy wreath making, Advent crafts, and enjoy playing Advent Bingo! Let’s open our hearts and prepare together!
Cathedral Ornaments and Books For Sale
Visit the Cathedral Gift Shop for just the gift to mark a special occasion at the Cathedral. A Cathedral book gives the history of this magnificent church with pictures through the ages. A Christmas ornament is a beautiful reminder of a baptism, wedding, confirmation or visit to the Cathedral.
Adult Speaker Series
October 27 | 12:15-1:30pm | Parish Hall
Join us as we continue our exploration of Catholic Social Teaching as Deacon Chris Malone presents, Welcoming Strangers.
Lunch and nursery care provided.
Email Maria Thorsen with any questions: mthorsen@richmondcathedral.org
Reflections: Mystics of the Church
Sun., Oct. 27 | 10:00am | 2nd Floor Parish Offices
Join us as we discuss Saint Pope John XIII at our next meeting on October 27.
For additional information, please contact
Mike Jackman at mjack11097@verizon.net or
804 -338-3100.
Saint John XXIII
Diocesan Youth Conference
February 7-9th
The Diocesan Youth Conference registration will be opening soon. If you are in 8th grade - High School, save the date on your calendar now. This is a special fun and faith filled weekend for the youth in all the Richmond Diocese and is conveniently located right here in downtown Richmond. More details will be shared soon!
We keep having more fun and more friends every week in our Tuesdays Together program! Join us for our music and movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their parent/caregiver (and older homeschool children are welcome to come) We meet from 10am-11am on Tuesdays in the large downstairs classroom. Please come and invite a friend!
Coming up: Tuesdays Together Halloween Parade. Come in costume or not - but there will be extra fun on Tuesday, October 29!
If you would like to provide dinner for a Tuesday night RCIA Session please email Maria Thorsen at
R.C.I.A. MEAL MINISTRY
Cathedral parishioners have always been so welcoming to the members in the RCIA process. Our parish community supports those seeking full membership in the Catholic faith through. As a Eucharistic people, we come together to know and understand each other by sharing a meal. The faith of the RCIA community is strengthened by your generous gift of a meal.
Have you registered, or
recently moved?
If you have not yet registered as a parishioner of the Cathedral, please visit richmondcathedral.org, scroll down to "Join" and select "Online Registration." This can be completed in under five minutes, and will be necessary for such things as our upcoming Cathedral Christmas card!
If your address has changed since registering, please contact Tiffany Baham at
tbaham@ richmondcathedral.org and provide your updated address.
RCIA is a process of conversion and spiritual formation for individuals who are interested in living the Christian life in the Catholic tradition. It is time of prayer, study, reflection, faith sharing, on-going discernment and participation in parish life.
For further information please contact Maria Thorsen - mthorsen@richmondcathedral.org
Please visit the Cathedral website to review the Adult Faith Formation programs for 2019-2020
www.richmondcathedral.org
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
RCIA SPONSORS 2019-2020
Our Cathedral community supports the RCIA community each year with prayer and hospitality. RCIA members always express how thankful they are to our parish community. If you would like to join the RCIA ministry as a Sponsor please email Maria Thorsen: mthorsen@richmondcathedral.org
Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick and Homebound
This is a wonderful ministry whereby you will meet some of the nicest and most grateful people imaginable. The time commitment is minimal but the reward is everlasting!
If you can commit to spending a few moments once a month, bringing the Eucharist to those who would otherwise not receive it, contact the Eucharistic Minister Coordinator.
If you can commit to spending a few moments once a month, bringing the Eucharist to those who would otherwise not receive it, contact the Eucharistic Minister Coordinator.
John Aune
jraune@outlook.com | (217) 649-5566
The Gift Shop needs your help!
Looking for a new way to help your parish family? Want to secure an EXCELLENT parking spot before Mass? We are looking for volunteers to staff the Gift Shop before and after the 9:00am and 5:15pm Sunday Masses. We can schedule one Sunday or more as your schedule allows. This would involve arriving 30 minutes before Mass and staying for 30 minutes after Mass. Volunteers ensure that this ministry can be available for our parishioners.Contact Jody Taylor at myzooty1@gmail.com
Updated Weekend Bulletin
Give with Vanco
You can give:
• online through QR code or visit
www.richmondcathedral.org/give/
• through Mobile App by downloading the
‘GivePlus Church’
• or by texting the amount you wish to give to 804-315-0903. You will have to enter your credit card or bank account number the first time you give. For more information please call the church office 804-212-3898
Parking Voucher
The parking vouchers for the VCU Decks have been updated. Please use this QR code to vacate the decks and avoid paying for parking.
Bulletin Update!
Please check out our weekly bulletin for more in-depth information regarding events at your Cathedral!
Bulletin Update
More events and information found here:
Wednesday, August 15, is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is a Holy Day of Obligation. Please join us for a Solemn Mass at 12:00 Noon with special music sung by the Cathedral Schola Cantorum or a sung Mass at 6:00p.
"When speaking of families, often the image of a treasure comes to my mind.
Today's rhythm of life, stress, pressure at work, and also the little attention paid by institutions, could put them in danger.
It's not enough to talk about their importance: it's necessary to promote concrete means and to develop their role in society with a good family policy.
Today's rhythm of life, stress, pressure at work, and also the little attention paid by institutions, could put them in danger.
It's not enough to talk about their importance: it's necessary to promote concrete means and to develop their role in society with a good family policy.
Together, let us ask Jesus that any far-reaching decisions of economists and politicians may protect the family as one of the treasures of humanity."
-Pope Francis
HOLY SMOKES!
PREK-Middle School Open House
Sunday, Sept. 9 | 10:00 - 11:00 am
Join us in our new church offices on the first floor to learn about our wonderful year of children’s formation and middle school youth group. You will get a chance to meet your child’s catechist or group leader. Coming from the church, go past the bathrooms through the hall and two sets of doors to reach the new office. Coming from the street, you can enter directly through the double doors at 823 S. Cathedral Place.
High School and Confirmation Open House
Sunday, September 9 |12:00-1:00pm
Join us in our new church offices on the first floor to learn about our high school youth group meetings and the chance for service hours. If you are in your sophmore year or older and would like information on the Sacrament of Confirmation, please attend this open house. Coming from the church, go past the bathrooms through the hall and two sets of doors to reach the new office. Coming from the street, you can enter directly through the double doors at 823 S. Cathedral Place.
Bible Timeline: A Story of Salvation History
*Now Mondays* 7:00p - 8:30p | Parish Hall (New Location)
Dates: September 17th, September 24th, and October 1st
“To fall in love with God is the greatest of all romances; to seek Him, the greatest adventure…” St. Augustine. The Bible Timeline is a Catholic approach to Scripture that invites us into a transformative encounter with Jesus Christ.
Everyone is invited. Please attend and bring a friend!
Please note temporary change of location:
The Nursery will be located in the large classroom on the lower level for about 4 weeks. All nursery supplies have been stored as the rooms are cleaned and painted, so we are asking that you bring a bag of toys that the children can share each week. Please have diapers available, if needed.If you have any questions please email:
mthorsen@richmondcathedral.org
Women's Book Group
Fridays at 10am | Parish Hall
Sept 28, Oct 5, Oct 12, and Oct 19
“Through her unique gift for
storytelling, combined with profound
spiritual insight, Sr. Bridget
Haase's Doors to the Sacred will invite
readers to open the door to the room of
daily experience, stand under its
ceiling of providence, walk the floors of
faith, and explore its nooks and
crannies of divine surprises and
disguises. By so doing, they will
discover that each event of life is holy,
saturated with God, and filled with
hope.” – Paraclete Press
“Shine like stars in the world, as you hold fast to the word of life” (Phil. 2:15–16)