Sunday - 2th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Parishioners,

Today the liturgy presents to us the Gospel parable of the two sons sent by their father to work in his vineyard. One of them immediately agrees to go but then does not; the other instead refuses but later repents and complies with his father's wishes. With this parable Jesus reaffirms his affection for sinners who convert and teaches us that humility is necessary in order to accept the gift of salvation. 

St. Paul too, in the passage from his Letter to the Philippians, urges us to be humble: "Do nothing from selfishness or vainglory", he writes, "but... let each of you... in humility count others more important than yourselves" (Phil 2: 3). These are the same sentiments as those of Christ who, emptying himself of divine glory out of love for us, became a man and humbled himself even to dying on a Cross (cf. Phil 2: 5-8). The verb used means literally that he "emptied himself" and sheds clear light on the deep humility and infinite love of Jesus, the humble Servant.

Along with Saint Louis IX, the Archdiocese has two other patrons:  Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne and Saint Vincent De Paul.  On Saturday we celebrated the Feast of Saint Vincent, and it important to recall his life as it has great impact for us on how we are live ours.  St. Vincent de Paul said: "What a joy it is to serve the person of Christ in his poor members!". And this he did with his entire life.  Here are few more of St. Vincent’s maxims that we may want to think about as we seek to grow in holiness:

The 2020-21 session of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) classes at the Cathedral has recently commenced. If you or someone you know are interested in becoming a Catholic or would like to become active again in the practice of the Catholic faith, it’s not too late to get enrolled. Please refer to the bulletin or contact the parish office for more information.

Next weekend, there will be a special collection for the formation of permanent deacons in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Since 1977, 487 men have been ordained as permanent deacons in the Archdiocese, with 211 still active and serving in parishes, hospitals, archdiocesan agencies, and other organizations.  Currently, there are 44 men in formation, and this collection relieves some of their financial burden for studies to become a deacon.  Please prayerfully consider supporting this special collection on Sunday, October 4, 2020. 

Also next weekend, Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski and the Cathedral Basilica will welcome members of the legal and government community to the 10:00 am Mass at the Cathedral for the 2020 Red Mass. Through the Mass, the Church asks the guidance of the Holy Spirit for all who are servants of justice. Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City will serve as homilist. Archbishop Coakley serves on the Catholic Relief Services Board of Directors, is chairman of the Domestic Justice and Human Development Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop, and serves on various other boards. 

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis has adopted Sunday, October 4, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. as its part of the 40 Days for Life campaign, a campaign of prayer and fasting to end abortion and give peaceful witness to the dignity of all human life. Anyone who would like to participate in this invaluable ministry by signing up for a one-hour slot to quietly, peacefully pray outside of the abortion clinic may email bryankirchoff@att.net with a preferred time.

Just a quick reminder that masks are to be worn at all times while in the Cathedral Basilica (except for the reception of Holy Communion).  It is important that the mask covers both your nose and your mouth to prevent the spread of a virus.