THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD - February 2, 2020 - Saint ...
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THE MOTHER CHURCH OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS
Since 1878 nourishing by Word and Sacrament all who enter this holy and sacred place.
212 East Broad Street + Columbus, Ohio 43215 + Phone: (614) 224-1295 + Fax: (614) 241-2534
www.saintjosephcathedral.org + www.cathedralmusic.org
THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
February 2, 2020
SAINT JOSEPH CATHEDRAL Monthly Prayer Intention of Pope Francis: February
212 East Broad Street + Columbus, Ohio 43215 Listen to the Migrants’ Cries
Phone (614) 224-1295 + Fax (614) 241-2534 We pray that the cries of our migrant brothers and sisters, victims of
www.saintjosephcathedral.org criminal trafficking, may be heard and considered
www.cathedralmusic.org
Check us out on www.facebook.com Scheduling Mass Intentions
One of the greatest acts of charity is to pray for the living and the
+ Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan dead, and the greatest and most powerful prayer we have is the Mass
Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus since the fruits of the Mass are the very fruits of Jesus’ redemption.
+ Most Reverend Frederick F. Campbell Mass stipends (offerings) are $10.00 each; only one offering per Mass.
Bishop Emeritus of Columbus All Masses are scheduled by calling the Parish Office; intentions will be
+ Most Reverend James A. Griffin listed as below.
Bishop Emeritus of Columbus
Mass, Liturgy, Sacrament and Devotion Schedule;
Priests and Deacons
Very Reverend Robert J. Kitsmiller
Mass Intentions
Cathedral Rector; Judicial Vicar and Judge, Diocesan Tribunal
Vigil Mass ~ Saturday, February 1
Reverend Cyrus M. Haddad 5:15 p.m. For the Living and Deceased Members of
Parochial Vicar the Cathedral
Reverend Adam A. Streitenberger, OFS
Parochial Vicar, Administrator for Sacred Heart Parish; Sunday, February 2 ~ THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
Bishop’s Coordinator for Evangelization Malachi 3:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40
Reverend Hilary C. Ike 8:00 a.m. The Soul of Madeline Shea
In Residence; Defender of the Bond, Diocesan Tribunal; 10:30 a.m. The Soul of Walter J. Dembinski, Jr.
Chaplain, Nigerian Catholic Community 12:30 p.m. For the Intentions of Richard Fitzgerald & Family
5:15 p.m. For the People of the Diocese
Reverend Michael J. Kelly
Pontifical College Josephinum Monday, February 3 ~ Saint Blaise & Saint Ansgar
Reverend Mr. James Gorski 2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13; Mark 5:1-20
Permanent Deacon; jgorski@columbuscatholic.org 7:30 a.m. The Soul of Harry & Edna Lones
12:05 p.m. The Soul of Theodore Christopher Haddad, Jr.
Reverend Mr. Thomas Johnston
Permanent Deacon (Retired); thomjohnst55@gmail.com
Tuesday, February 4
Staff 2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14b, 24-25a, 30–19:3; Mark 5:21-43
Mr. Michael Agriesti 7:30 a.m. For the J.O.I.N. staff, volunteers & clients
Business Manager; magriesti@saintjosephcathedral.org 12:05 p.m. The Soul of Benjamin Beekman
Ms. Carol Stollenwerk
Administrative Assistant; cstollenwerk@saintjosephcathedral.org Wednesday, February 5 ~ Saint Agatha
2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17; Mark 6:1-6
Ms. Bobbie Meyers
7:30 a.m. Intentions of Bob Carle
PT Administrative Assistant; rmeyers@saintjosephcathedral.org
12:05 p.m. Intentions of Hannah Stollenwerk
Mr. Jake Neal 5:15 p.m. The Soul of Gordon Krug
Director of RCIA and Religious Education; Holy Hour and Confessions follow Mass; Benediction at 6:40 p.m.
jneal@saintjosephcathedral.org
Dr. Richard K. Fitzgerald Thursday, February 6 ~Saint Paul Miki & Companions
Director of Music; 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12; Mark 6:7-13
richardkfitzgerald@gmail.com 7:30 a.m. The Soul of Jerry Cooley
Holy Hour and Confessions: 10:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
Ms. Nicole Simental 12:05 p.m. Cynthia Moore
Principal Organist and Assistant Director of Music
Ms. Sarah Wilson Friday, February 7
Wedding Coordinator; wilson.3.sew@gmail.com Sirach 47:2-11; Mark 6:14-29
7:30 a.m. The Soul of Hilda Prunte
Mr. Phil Renico
12:05 p.m. The Intentions of Bruce Boylan & Building Team
Maintenance
Mr. Devan Kline Saturday, February 8
Maintenance 5:15 p.m. The Intentions of Cristina Alvarez
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Regular Schedule of Masses, Liturgies, Sacraments
Sunday Vigil Mass (Saturday) 5:15 p.m.; Sunday Masses: 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 5:15 p.m.
Weekday Masses: Monday through Friday: 7:30 a.m. and 12:05 p.m.; also Wednesday evening at 5:15 p.m.
Masses on Holy Days of Obligation and on Holidays will be listed, as they occur, on the previous page.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Saturday, 4:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m. | Tuesday 10:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
Wednesday 5:45 p.m.-6:45 p.m. | Thursday 10:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament ~ Two Weekly Holy Hours
Wednesday, 5:45 p.m.-6:45 p.m. | Thursday, 10:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
Parish Office Hours
Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. | Closed Saturday, Sunday, and on major holidays
New Parishioner Registration
Welcome to Saint Joseph Cathedral, the Mother Church of the Diocese of Columbus! We are glad that you are here and invite
you to become part of our parish family to be nourished by both Word and Sacrament, and also to become involved in one or
more of our parish ministries. To become a registered member you can pick up a form by the main entrance of our historic
church, stop by the Sacristy after Mass, visit our web site, or contact us through the parish office. Welcome!
The Sacraments
Baptism, Reconciliation/Confession, First Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders. Please
read the information provided in this bulletin about all seven Sacraments available at Saint Joseph Cathedral, including contact
information, necessary preparations, and scheduling.
Outreach to Helping the Homeless and Needy in Downtown Columbus
Twice-Daily Food Distribution at Saint Joseph Cathedral ~ (614) 224-1295
Saint Lawrence Haven, on the grounds of Holy Cross Church ~ Heather Swiger at hswiger@columbuscatholic.org
Joint Office for Inner-city Needs (J.O.I.N.) ~ (614) 241-2530
Saint Joseph Cathedral Music
Cathedral Concert Series: February 16 at 3:00 p.m. ~ CHRISTOPHER YOUNG, ORGANIST
Offices, Programs and Services of the Diocese of Columbus
For Diocesan offices, please call (614) 228-2457 during regular business hours,
or visit www.columbuscatholic.org.
Of Note This Week
Sunday, February 2 ~ THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
• 7:00 a.m. – PSR, Undercroft
• 11:30 a.m. – RCIA, Undercroft
Saint Joseph Cathedral
• 5:15 p.m. – Mass for the Religious of the Diocese, Reception in
Undercroft to follow
• 9:00 p.m. – Office of Compline, Cathedral
Monday, February 3
• 7:00 p.m. – Bible Study, Undercroft
Has New Office Hours
Tuesday, February 4
No events or meetings scheduled
Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 5
• 6:30 p.m. – RCIA in Undercroft & Cathedral
Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 6
No events or meetings scheduled Closed Saturday, Sunday,
Friday, February 7
• 6:00 p.m. Wedding Rehearsal: Newell - McDermott and on major holidays
Saturday, February 8
• 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. DPC Meeting, Undercroft
• 2:30 p.m. Wedding: Newell – McDermott
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Daily Server/Lector 7:30 a.m. 12:05 p.m. Wednesday, 5:15 p.m.
for the week of February 3 Cristina Alvarez Matthew Minix Tom Gjostein
THIS SUNDAY’S MINISTRY SCHEDULE
THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD ~ FEBRUARY 1 & 2
Vigil ~ 5:15 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 5:15 p.m.
Leader of Rosary Steve Frick
MC Tom Boor
Altar Servers Dave Simmons Steve Peishel Nick Chmielewski Laura Battocletti
Lisa Dalton Nico Franano Christian Haryanto
Dan Jurgens
Bonnie Maupin
Lector – One Josie Gonot Deborah Duffy Lisa Emrich Thom Gall
Lector – Two J P Pacis Thom Gall Al Sorichetti
Eucharist Cristina Alvarez Helen Leppla Susan Franano Bobbie Meyers
Kathleen Mary Beth Gallant Sharon Reichard Elvis Niangoran
Tourgeman Deborah Duffy Dave Garick Thom Gall
Barbara Garick
Evelina Horner
Steve Horner
Sandy Stover
Judy Bateman
Lead Hospitality Michael Elton Helen Leppla Pam Jurgens Ken Broussard Gordian Igwilo
Hospitality/Ushers Trish Kehl Michael Elton Mary Alice Johnston David Battocletti Jennifer Krisiewicz
Cristina Alvarez Frank Ruddy Elvis Niangoran Peggy Frank
Carrie Boor Betsy Decillis
NEXT SUNDAY’S MINISTRY SCHEDULE
THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME ~ FEBRUARY 8 & 9
Vigil ~ 5:15 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 5:15 p.m.
Leader of Rosary Tom Boor
MC Ron Pizzuti
Altar Servers Lisa Dalton Steve Peishel Nick Chmielewski Brendan Elchynski Brett Adema
Bonnie Maupin Bryce Still Jim Desmond Jessica Buck Christian Haryanto
Dave Simmons Trey Still Lisa Emrich Roger Djagli Bill Pickens
Nico Franano Genesis Djagli
Lector – One Josie Gonot Deborah Duffy Tom Boor April Taylor Peggy Frank
Lector – Two Michele Kenefick Mary Beth Gallant Sandy Stover Lynne Broussard Juliet Williams
Eucharist Kathleen Tourgeman Helen Leppla Evelina Horner Laura Battocletti Ashlin Naseman
Al Sorichetti Betsy Decillis Steve Horner Bobbie Meyers Peggy Frank
Trish Kehl Angel Still Felecia Krakowka Lynne Broussard Joel Naseman
Steve Krakowka
Ann Pizzuti
Sharon Reichard
Laura Wagner
Michael Wagner
Lead Hospitality Kathleen Tourgeman Helen Leppla Carrie Boor Ken Broussard Gordian Igwilo
Hospitality/Ushers Cristina Alvarez Angel Still Marcela Estevez David Battocletti Ashlin Naseman
Trish Kehl Michael Elton Kip Curtis Laura Battocletti Joel Naseman
Frank Ruddy Betsy Decillis
Judy Bateman
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This Sunday, we celebrate a Feast of the Lord, Jesus’ presentation in the Temple, forty days after His
birth. From Luke’s Gospel, we learn that Mary and Joseph were following the Mosaic Law which
required that every first born male child was to be consecrated to the Lord and a sacrifice was to be
offered in the Temple for the purification of the mother after she gave birth. Mary and Joseph were
pious Jews who kept the Mosaic Law. We learn that they were poor because they were only able
to offer turtledoves rather than a sheep. Yet, they offered what they could and most importantly,
they offered Jesus. We see the humility of Mary, who though sinless, nevertheless, keeps the Law by
undergoing this ritual of purification. Thus, like Jesus, she unites herself with her people. We see the
infant Jesus who does not need to be consecrated. Rather, he is the one who consecrates humanity
by His blood. Yet, as in his Baptism, Jesus becomes one with His people through this ritual so that
he might redeem and consecrate them. In the Gospel passage, the old man Simeon points out Jesus
as the light who brings the revelation of God to the nations and Israel. We are reminded that Jesus
came to redeem all of us from sin and purify us by His grace so that we might be lights of Christ to
the world. We can only do this by humbly presenting ourselves to the Lord for service to God’s will.
Mary and Joseph remind us how the practice of faith, through worship and deed, keeps us humble
and thus, able to show forth the light of Christ. Today, let us present our lives to Christ and be lights
in the darkness of the world.
At this Sunday’s 5:15 p.m. Mass, we welcome religious sisters and brothers, nuns, and priests for
the Feast of the Presentation, as they celebrate World Day for Consecrated Life. On this day, we
recognize men and women of the Church who have consecrated their lives to living in imitation of
Jesus Christ through the special charisms and works of their religious communities and their radical
witness to living as Jesus did through their vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. Religious sisters,
brothers and priests, nuns and monks give witness to us of the kingdom of God, begun here on earth
and fulfilled in heaven. When they forsake worldly goods and power and live like Jesus did, they
point us to the riches of heaven, our ultimate destiny. They remind us of what is truly important in
life - service to God in His kingdom. We thank them for this witness and we ask the Lord to bless
and renew the consecration of their lives.
There will be a Holy Hour, with Evening Prayer and Benediction before this Sunday’s 5:15 p.m.
Mass, from 3:50 to 4:50 p.m. The hour will include devotions and Evening Prayer, ending with
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
Have a blessed week.
Fr. Kitsmiller
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+ A Life in Christ through the Sacraments at Saint Joseph Cathedral +
“Every encounter with Christ, who in the Sacraments gives us salvation, invites us to ‘go’ and
communicate to others the salvation that we have been able to see, to touch, to encounter and to receive,
and which is truly credible because it is love. In this way, the Sacraments spur us to be missionaries, and
to carry the Gospel into every setting…” ~Pope Francis, November 6, 2013
Sacrament of Baptism
Congratulations on the planned baptism of your child! Saint Joseph Cathedral welcomes her families to celebrate with great
faith and joy the baptism of their children and are pleased to be the Church where this first Sacrament will be celebrated. The
Sacrament of Baptism is administered immediately following the 12:30 p.m. Mass.
If this is your first child, both parents must participate in our Baptism Workshop prior to the Baptism of your child. The
Workshop is also recommended for any godparent who has not previously taken a baptism workshop. Please register in
advance (no walk-ins) for the workshop and also to schedule the baptism of your child by calling Carol at (614) 224-1295, or
via e-mail at cathedral@saintjosephcathedral.org.
Selecting a godparent or sponsor: The duties of godparents are more than ceremonial. The principal responsibility of
a godparent is to give witness to the Catholic faith by his or her words and actions, thus parents need to find practicing
Catholics to faithfully serve in the role as godparents.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Why should we confess our sins? The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a sacrament of healing and a sacrament of conversion,
returning us to the Father after our sin. We are to confess serious sins at least once a year; those aware of committing a mortal
sin must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Holy Communion.
The Church also encourages us to go to confession more frequently, in order that we might deepen our relationship with God,
grow in humility and virtue, and help us to avoid future sin. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1458) Please refer to the
bulletin for the availability and locations of this grace-filled Sacrament.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation schedule is located on the inside front of this bulletin.
Sacrament of Matrimony
Congratulations on your engagement! Your decision to enter into the relationship of married life is a sign of love, hope and
strength for the entire community. We support you in your commitment for a faithful and lifelong Christian marriage. Couples
wishing to marry at Saint Joseph Cathedral may request setting a date to be married ensuring that the following are completed:
• Couple contacts the Parish Office and schedules a meeting with one of the clergy of the Cathedral;
• Couple meets with the clergy, completes an initial interview, and explore the couple’s freedom to marry;
• Clergy discusses any obstacles that may exist before the couple is free to marry and confirms a date;
• Couple agrees to comply fully with the established Marriage guidelines at Saint Joseph Cathedral.
For initial marriage inquiries, the couple needs to contact Sarah Wilson at wilson.3.sew@gmail.com.
The Eucharist ~ First Holy Communion
The Eucharist is the most special sacrament, in which the Body and Blood of Christ Himself is contained, offered and received,
and by which the Church constantly lives and grows. Adults receiving the Eucharist for the first time generally takes place
at the Easter Vigil Mass. Preparation for children is made through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, for adults
preparation is through the RCIA program. For information about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (PSR Program) or for Adult
Catechesis (RCIA) please contact Jake Neal at jneal@saintjosephcathedral.org
Sacrament of Confirmation
Confirmation is one of the sacraments of initiation, along with Baptism and Eucharist. Preparation for children is made through
the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, for adults preparation is through the RCIA program. For information about
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (PSR Program) or about Catechesis for Adults (RCIA) please contact Jake Neal at jneal@
saintjosephcathedral.org
Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick; Pastoral Care of the Sick
The priests will administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to any Catholic who is facing serious illness, is preparing
for surgery, is elderly, is chronically ill, or who is nearing death, by calling the parish offices. In addition to Anointing, those
desiring to receive the Eucharist at home, at a hospital or nursing facility can contact Deacon Thom Johnston at (614) 267-1903
or thomjohnst@aol.com. For emergency sacramental anointing, please contact the Cathedral by calling (614) 224-1295; never
send an e-mail requesting emergency sacraments.
Sacrament of Holy Orders ~ Religious and Consecrated Life
Please contact Fr. Paul Noble, Director of Vocations, at (614) 221-5565, or noble@seekholiness.com.
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Saint Joseph Cathedral ▪ 212 East Broad Street ▪ Columbus, Ohio 43215 ▪ (614) 224-1295
Candlemas – Light of the World
By Marcellino D’Ambrosio
I recently led a group of pilgrims to Jerusalem. As we stood at the foot of the Temple Mount and
remembered the Presentation of Jesus, several people had questions. There were questions about the
redemption of the first-born son. About the rite of purification after childbirth. About how to put Matthew and
Luke together in terms of chronology and geography — Bethlehem, the Temple in Jerusalem, the flight into
Egypt, and the return to Nazareth.
All these are very good questions. But they are not the questions that interest St. Luke. Neither then
are they the focus of the Feast of the Presentation which has been observed in the Church with great solemnity
at least since the fourth century.
The most important thing about this feast is not even the intriguing prophecy of Simeon to Mary that a
sword would pierce her heart “that the thoughts of many hearts would be revealed.” What tips us off to the
deepest meaning of the Presentation is the nickname it acquired early in Christian history – Candlemas. It is
so-called because it is the day of blessing all the candles used in the Church throughout the year.
We like candles because they are cozy, homey, and festive. As a child, I used to love to light votive
candles at the back of the church. They would continually remind God of my special intention, even when I had
long since left the sanctuary. Today I love the cheerful, hopeful candles of the Advent wreathe. And there is
nothing like a votive candle burning before an icon to help create an atmosphere of prayer.
These are good reasons to love candles. But the primary meaning of candles in the Catholic tradition is
not to create atmosphere or to remind God to answer our prayers.
Simeon, after taking Jesus in his arms, proclaimed him to be “a light of revelation to the Gentiles” (Lk.
2:32). It is rather strange to bring up the Gentiles, given the circumstances and the location. The
circumstances? The Holy Family were fulfilling obligations of the Law of Moses, incumbent not on Gentiles,
but on Jews. The location? They were standing in the Temple precincts, probably in the inner courtyard of
Israel where Gentiles were forbidden to tread under pain of death. The Lord suddenly comes to his Temple
(Mal 3:1). But he comes not to stay there. Neither is the plan for him to go forth from the sanctuary to
enlighten just his own people. No, he has come to set the whole world ablaze.
This Light of revelation to all nations, for that is what “Gentiles” means, later came back to the Temple
precincts as a grown man to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. On a festive autumn evening, while the Temple
plaza was ablaze with torches and full of Jews dancing in celebration of their special relationship with the
Almighty, Jesus echoed the words of Simeon and boldly proclaimed “I am the light of the world”(John 8:12).
To become a Christian in the early Church meant to have the darkness of error and despair scattered by
this radiant light of revelation. In his light, everything looks different. What was formerly drab grey suddenly
becomes dazzling technicolor. What had been murky becomes clear. What was a conundrum now finally could
be understood. This was so much part of the early Christian conversion experience that baptism was called
“the enlightenment” and the newly baptized, who wore white robes for the entire week after Easter, were called
“the enlightened ones.”
To this day, the ancient rite of the Easter Vigil begins with a dark Church and the congregation waiting
in anticipation. The Easter Candle is then lit from the new fire and, as the deacon proclaims “Christ our light,”
smaller candles held by the faithful are lit from the Paschal candle and the flame rapidly spreads from candle to
candle. The formerly darkened sanctuary now becomes ablaze with many hundred points of light.
This is stirring to watch. But I daresay we often miss the point. Yes, Christ is our light. But he has
ignited us with the fire of his Spirit, and he calls us “the light of the world” (Mat. 5:14). We are not meant, any
more than He was, to keep our light under the bushel basket of the home or the church. The light we have
received is meant for an entire world languishing in darkness. The Presentation is a feast of mission, a
reminder of the call to commit ourselves wholeheartedly to what our last three Popes have called “The New
Evangelization.” The candles which we so enjoy in our liturgies and devotions are a reminder that we must not
rest while there is even one left who remains in the valley of the shadow of death.
This article is made available courtesy of The Integrated Catholic Life.
6
The Candlemas Procession
A poem by Fr. Thomas Merton, Trappist Monk
Lumen
Ad revelationem gentium.
Look kindly, Jesus, where we come,
New Simeons, to kindle,
Each at Your infant sacrifice his
own life's candle.
And when Your flame turns
into many tongues,
See how the One is multiplied,
among us, hundreds!
And goes among the humble,
and consoles our sinful kindred.
It is for this we come,
And, kneeling, each receive one flame:
Ad revelationem gentium.
Our lives, like candles, spell
this simple symbol:
Weep like our bodily life, sweet work of bees,
Sweeten the world, with your slow sacrifice.
And this shall be our praise:
That by our glad expense, our Father's will
Burned and consumed us for a parable.
Nor burn we now with brown and
smoky flames, but bright
Until our sacrifice is done,
(By which not we, but You are known)
And then, returning to our Father, one by one,
Give back our lives like wise and waxen lights.
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Saint Joseph Cathedral ▪ 212 East Broad Street ▪ Columbus, Ohio 43215 ▪ (614) 224-1295
Throat Blessing on the Feast of Saint Blaise
by Fr. William Saunders
QUESTION: As a child, I remember having my throat blessed on the Feast of St. Blaise.
I was never too sure who he was or why we did this. Also, it seems like the practice
has been forgotten. Are throats still blessed on this Feast day?
Unfortunately, what is known about the life of St. Blaise derives
from various traditions. His feast day is celebrated in the East on
February 11 and in the West on February 3 (although it was observed on
February 15 until the 11th century). All sources agree that St. Blaise was
the Bishop of Sebaste in Armenia who suffered martyrdom under Licinius
about the year 316. (Remember that Emperor Constantine had legalized
the practice of Christianity in 313, but Licinius, his ally and co-emperor
who had concurred in legalizing Christianity, betrayed him and began
persecuting the Church. Constantine defeated Licinius in 324.) From
here, we rely on the tradition which has been associated with our
liturgical celebrations over the centuries, which does not necessarily
preempt their veracity or accuracy.
In accord with various traditions, St. Blaise was born to rich and
noble parents, and received a Christian education. He was a physician
before being consecrated a bishop at a young age. Although such a
statement seems terse, keep in mind that at that time the local
community usually nominated a man to be a bishop based on his
outstanding holiness and leadership qualities. He in turn was then
examined and consecrated by other bishops with the approval of the Holy
Father. Therefore, St. Blaise must have been a great witness of our faith
to say the least.
During the persecution of Licinius, St. Blaise, receiving some divine command, moved from the town
and lived as a hermit in a cave. Wild animals visited, and he healed any that were sick and wounded. One day, a
group of hunters gathering wild beasts for the game in the amphitheater discovered St. Blaise and seized him.
As he was being taken to the governor Agricolaus, the governor of Cappadocia and Lesser Armenia, St. Blaise
encountered a woman whose pig was being seized by a wolf. St. Blaise commanded the wolf to release the pig,
and it was freed unhurt.
While in prison, he miraculously cured a small boy who was choking to death on a fishbone lodged in
his throat. Also, the woman whose pig had been saved brought St. Blaise candles so that his cell would have
light and he could read the Sacred Scriptures.
Eventually, Agricolaus condemned St. Blaise for upholding his Christian faith rather than apostatizing.
He was tortured with the iron comb (an instrument designed for combing wool which was used here for
shredding the skin) and finally beheaded.
By the sixth century, St. Blaise’s intercession was invoked for diseases of the throat in the East. As early
as the eighth century, records attest to the veneration of St. Blaise in Europe, and he became one of the most
popular saints in the spiritual life of the Middle Ages. Many altars were dedicated to his honor, and even the
Abbey of St. Blaise in southern Germany claimed to have some of his relics.
St. Blaise is also venerated as one of the "Fourteen Holy Helpers," a group of saints invoked as early as the 12th
century in Germany and who are honored on Aug. 8: St. Denis of Paris (headache and rabies), St. Erasmus or
Elmo (colic and cramp), St. Blaise (throat ailments), St. Barbara (lightning, fire, explosion, and sudden and
unprepared death), St. Margaret (possession and pregnancy), St. Catherine of Alexandria (philosophers and
students, and wheelwrights), St. George (protector of soldiers), Sts. Achatius and Eustace (hunters), St.
Pantaleon (tuberculosis), St. Giles (epilepsy, insanity, and sterility), St. Cyriac (demonic possession), St. Vitus
8
(epilepsy) and St. Christopher (travelers). The German Dominicans promoted this veneration, particularly at
the Church of St. Blaise in Regensburg (c. 1320).
One reason for St. Blaise’s popularity arose from the fact he was a physician who cured, even
performing miraculous cures. Thereby, those who were sick, especially with throat ailments, invoked his
intercession. Eventually the custom of the blessing of throats arose, whereby the priest held two crossed
candles over the heads of the faithful or touched their throats with them while he invoked the prayer of the
saint and imparted God’s blessing. In our present Roman Ritual, the priest prays, "Through the intercession of
St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other
illness, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." This practice continues in many
parishes on St. Blaise’s feast day.
While we invoke St. Blaise for his protection against any physical ailment of the throat, we should also
ask his protection against any spiritual ailment—profanity, cursing, unkind remarks, detraction, or gossip. St.
James reminds us, "If a man who does not control his tongue imagines that he is devout, he is self-deceived; his
worship is pointless," (1:26) and later, "we use [the tongue] to say, ‘Praised be the Lord and Father’, then we
use it to curse men, though they are made in the likeness of God. Blessing and curse come out of the same
mouth. This ought not to be, my brothers!" (3:9-10). Therefore, may St. Blaise protect us from all evil, physical
and spiritual, which may attack the throat.
Fr. Saunders is a professor of catechetics and theology at Notre Dame Graduate School in Alexandria, Virginia. His
new book is entitled Straight Answers. This article is reprinted with permission, courtesy of THE CATHOLIC HERALD – the
newspaper of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia.
+ + +
PRAYER IN HONOR OF SAINT BLAISE
O God, deliver us through the intercession of Thy holy bishop and martyr Blaise, from all evil of soul
and body, especially from all ills of the throat; and grant us the grace to make a good confession in the
confident hope of obtaining Thy pardon, and ever to praise with worthy lips Thy most holy name.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
+ + +
9“What page, what passage of the inspired books of the Old and New Testaments
is not the truest of guides for human life?” ~Saint Benedict, from the Rule of Saint Benedict (73:3)
“Purity is a gift of God: we can gain it and preserve it only by care and diligence in
avoiding all that may prove an incentive to sin.” ~Saint Agatha
Monday, February 3 ~ Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr
Holy Gospel: Mark 5:1-20 Jesus and his disciples came to the other side of the sea, to the territory of
the Gerasenes. When he got out of the boat, at once a man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit met
him. The man had been dwelling among the tombs, and no one could restrain him any longer, even with a
chain. In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles and chains, but the chains had been pulled
apart by him and the shackles smashed, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day
among the tombs and on the hillsides he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones. Catching
sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him, crying out in a loud voice,
“What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment
me!” (He had been saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of the man!”) He asked him, “What is your
name?” He replied, “Legion is my name. There are many of us.” And he pleaded earnestly with him not to
drive them away from that territory. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside. And they
pleaded with him, “Send us into the swine. Let us enter them.” And he let them, and the unclean spirits
came out and entered the swine. The herd of about two thousand rushed down a steep bank into the sea,
where they were drowned. The swineherds ran away and reported the incident in the town and throughout
the countryside. And people came out to see what had happened. As they approached Jesus, they caught
sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind. And they
were seized with fear. Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened to the
possessed man and to the swine. Then they began to beg him to leave their district. As he was getting
into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. But Jesus would not permit
him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has
done for you.” Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for
him; and all were amazed.
Meditation: Jesus took pity on the man who was overtaken by a legion of evil spirits. The destructive
force of these demons is evident for all who can see as they flee and destroy a herd of swine. After Jesus
freed the demoniac the whole city came out to meet him. No one had demonstrated such power and
authority against the forces of Satan as Jesus did. They feared Jesus as a result and begged him to leave
them. Why would they not want Jesus to stay? Perhaps the price for such liberation from the power of evil
and sin was more than they wanted to pay. Jesus is ready and willing to free us from anything that binds
us and that keeps us from the love of God. Are you willing to part with such things?
Prayer: Hear, O Lord, the supplications your people make under the patronage of the Martyr Saint Blaise,
and grant that they may rejoice in peace in this present life, and find help for life eternal. Through our
Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for
ever and ever. Amen.
Contemplation: A legion is no small force — but an army 6,000 strong! For the people of Palestine,
hemmed in by occupied forces, a legion, whether spiritual or human, struck terror! Legions at their wildest
committed unmentionable atrocities. Our age has also witnessed untold crimes and mass destruction at
the hands of possessed rulers and their armies. What is more remarkable — the destructive force of this
driven and possessed man? Or the bended knee at Jesus' feet imploring mercy and release? God's word
10reminds us that no destructive force can keep anyone from the peace and safety which God offers to
those who seek his help. “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not
come near you...Because you have made the Lord your refuge” (Psalm 91:7,9).
About Saint Blaise: Saint Blaise was a physician and Bishop of Sebaste, Armenia. He lived in a cave on
Mount Argeus and was a healer of men and animals. According to legend, sick animals would come to him
on their own for help, but would never disturb him at prayer. Agricola, governor of Cappadocia, came to
Sebaste to persecute Christians. His huntsmen went into the forests of Argeus to find wild animals for the
arena games, and found many waiting outside Blaise's cave. Discovered in prayer, Blaise was arrested,
and Agricola tried to get him to recant his faith. While in prison, Blaise ministered to and healed fellow
prisoners, including saving a child who was choking on a fish bone; this led to the blessing of throats on
Blaise's feast day. Thrown into a lake to drown, Blaise stood on the surface and invited his persecutors to
walk out and prove the power of their gods; they drowned. When he returned to land, he was martyred by
being beaten, his flesh torn with wool combs (which led to his association with and patronage of those
involved in the wool trade), and then beheading. Blaise has been extremely popular for centuries in both
the Eastern and Western Churches and many cures were attributed to him, notably that of a child who
was suffocating through a fish bone being caught in his throat. In 1222 the Council of Oxford prohibited
servile labor in England on his feast. He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. He is invoked for all throat
afflictions, and on his feast two candles are blessed with a prayer that God will free from all such
afflictions and every ill all those who receive this blessing.
Tuesday, February 4 ~ Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Holy Gospel: Mark 5:21-43 When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd
gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came
forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, "My daughter is at the
point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live." He went off with him
and a large crowd followed him. There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had
suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but
only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak.
She said, "If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured." Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in
her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him,
turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who has touched my clothes?" But his disciples said to him, "You
see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, Who touched me?" And he looked around to see
who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She
fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has saved you.
Go in peace and be cured of your affliction." While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue
official's house arrived and said, "Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?"
Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, "Do not be afraid; just
have faith." He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother
of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion,
people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, "Why this commotion and weeping?
The child is not dead but asleep." And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the
child's father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He
took the child by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum" which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise!"
The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He
gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.
Meditation: People in desperate or helpless circumstances were not disappointed when they sought Jesus
out. What drew them to Jesus? Was it hope for a miracle or a word of comfort in their affliction? What did
the elderly woman who had suffered greatly for twelve years expect Jesus to do for her? And what did a
grieving father expect Jesus to do about his beloved lost daughter? Jesus gave hope where there seemed
to be no human cause for it because his hope was directed to God. He spoke words of hope to the woman
(Take heart, daughter!) to ignite the spark of faith in her (your faith has made you well!).
Prayer: Grant us, Lord our God, that we may honor you with all our mind, and love everyone in truth of
heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Contemplation: Saint Ephrem of Syria commented on this miracle: “Glory to you, hidden Son of God,
because your healing power is proclaimed through the hidden suffering of the afflicted woman. Through
this woman whom they could see, the witnesses were enabled to behold the divinity that cannot be seen.
Through the Son’s own healing power his divinity became known. Through the afflicted women’s being
healed her faith was made manifest. She caused him to be proclaimed, and indeed was honored with him.
11For truth was being proclaimed together with its heralds. If she was a witness to his divinity, he in turn
was a witness to her faith...He saw through to her hidden faith, and gave her a visible healing.” In Jesus
we see the infinite love of God extending to each and every individual as he gives freely and wholly of
himself to each person he meets. Do you approach the Lord with confident expectation that he will hear
your request and act?
Wednesday, February 5 ~ Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr
Holy Gospel: Mark 6:1-6 Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his
disciples. When the Sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were
astonished. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What
mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of
James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at
him. Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin
and in his own house." So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick
people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.
Meditation: Jesus startled his familiar audience with a seeming rebuke that no prophet or servant of God
can receive honor among his own people. The people of Nazareth took offense at Jesus and refused to
listen to what he had to say. They despised his preaching because he was a mere workman, a carpenter,
and a layman who had no formal training by a scholar or teacher. They also despised him because of his
undistinguished family background. How familiarity can breed contempt. Jesus could do no mighty works
in their midst because they were closed-minded and unbelieving towards him.
Prayer: May the Virgin Martyr Saint Agatha implore your compassion for us, O Lord, we pray, for she
found favor with you by the courage of her martyrdom and the merit of her chastity. Through our Lord
Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and
ever. Amen.
Contemplation: The word “gospel” literally means “good news.” Isaiah had prophesied that the Messiah
would come in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring freedom to the afflicted who suffered from physical,
mental, or spiritual oppression (see Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus came to set people free – not only from their
physical, mental, and spiritual infirmities - but also from the worst affliction of all – the tyranny of slavery
to sin, Satan, and the fear of losing one's life. God's power alone can save us from hopelessness,
dejection, and emptiness of life. The gospel of salvation is “good news” for everyone who will receive it.
Do you know, live and experience the joy and freedom of the gospel?
Thursday, February 6 ~ Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs
Holy Gospel: Mark 6:7-13 Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and
gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking
stick – no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second
tunic. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever
place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony
against them.” So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they
anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Meditation: Jesus gave his apostles both the power and the authority to speak and to act in his name. He
commanded them to do the works which he did – to heal, to cast out evil spirits, and to speak the word of
God – the Good News of the gospel which they received from Jesus. When Jesus spoke of power and
authority he did something unheard of. He wedded power and authority with love and humility. The
"world" and the "flesh" seek power for selfish gain. Jesus teaches us to use it for the good of our neighbor.
Prayer: O God, strength of all the Saints, who through the Cross were pleased to call the Martyrs Saint
Paul Miki and companions to life, grant, we pray, that by their intercession we may hold with courage
even until death to the faith that we profess. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and
reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Contemplation: This traveling light provision which Jesus shared with his Apostles has solid purpose.
This "poverty of spirit" frees us from greed and preoccupation with possessions and makes ample room for
God's provision. The Lord wants his disciples to be dependent on him and not on themselves. He wills to
work through and in each of us for his glory. The Lord entrusts each of us with his gifts and talents. Are
you eager to place yourself at his service, to do whatever he asks you, and to live in witness his truth –
the only truth – and saving power to whomever and whatever situation he sends you?
12Friday, February 7 ~ Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Holy Gospel: Mark 6:14-29 King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and
people were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; That is why mighty powers are at
work in him." Others were saying, "He is Elijah"; still others, "He is a prophet like any of the prophets."
But when Herod learned of it, he said, "It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up." Herod was
the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip,
whom he had married. John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."
Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared
John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he
was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod,
on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. His
own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the
girl, "Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you." He even swore many things to her, "I will
grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom." She went out and said to her mother,
"What shall I ask for?" Her mother replied, "The head of John the Baptist." The girl hurried back to the
king's presence and made her request, "I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the
Baptist." The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break
his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off
and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in
turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a
tomb.
Meditation: When Herod heard the fame of Jesus he supposed that John the Baptist, whom he had
beheaded, had returned from the dead. Unfortunately for Herod, he could not rid himself of sin by ridding
himself of the man who confronted him with his sin. Herod was a weak man. He could take a strong stand
on the wrong things when he knew the right. Such a stand, however, was a sign of weakness and
cowardice. The Lord gives grace to the humble, to those who acknowledge their sins and who seek God's
mercy and pardon. His grace and pardon not only frees us from a guilty conscience, it enables us to
pursue holiness in thought and action as well. God's grace enables us to fight fear with faith and to
overcome the temptation to compromise goodness and truth with wrongdoing and falsehood.
Prayer: Grant us, Lord our God, that we may honor you with all our mind, and love everyone in truth of
heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Contemplation: Every person has at one time or another been haunted by a guilty conscience. King
Herod, the most powerful and wealthy man in Judea, had everything he wanted – except a clear
conscience and peace with God. Herod had respected and feared John the Baptist as a great prophet and
servant of God. John, however did not fear to rebuke Herod for his adulterous relationship with his
brother's wife. John ended up in prison because of Herodias' jealousy. Herod, out of impulse and a desire
to please his family and friends, had John beheaded. Now Herod's conscience is pricked when he hears
that some think that the Baptist has risen. Do you rely on God's grace and help to choose his way of
holiness and to reject whatever would compromise your faith and loyalty to Christ?
Scripture passages (NAB translation) courtesy of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops;
prayers are from The Roman Missal, Catholic Book Publishing, 2011;
information about saints, solemnities, feasts and memorials courtesy of Catholic
Culture.
frlumpe:2020
In the Year 2020
the Universal Church celebrates
the 150th anniversary of
QUAMQUAM PLURIES
ENCYCLICAL OF POPE LEO XIII
ON DEVOTION TO SAINT JOSEPH
AND DECLARING SAINT JOSEPH
13SAINT JOSEPH CATHEDRAL ~ COLUMBUS, OHIO ~ SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AND MEETINGS ~ FEBRIARY 2020
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
26 27 28 29 30 31 01
7:00 – 9:00 a.m. PSR, Undercroft 10:00 a.m. Tour, St. Paul
6:30 p.m. 90 – 100 Students and
11:30 a.m. RCIA, Undercroft
Pastoral Council chaperones. They will be
attending the 12:05 p.m. Mass.
6:30 PM
RCIA, Undercroft &
Cathedral
02 03 04 05 06 07 08
7:00 – 9:00 a.m. PSR, Undercroft 7 -9 p.m. Bible Study in 6:30 PM 9:00 a.m. Gay Family 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
11:30 a.m. RCIA, Undercroft Undercroft RCIA, Undercroft & Cathedral Tour of Cathedral DPC Meeting, Undercroft
"From Genesis to
5:15 p.m. Mass for the Religious,
Jesus" by Dr. Scott
rececption in undercroft to follow
Hahn
9:00 p.m. Office of Compline
09 10 11 12 13 14 15
7:00 – 9:00 a.m. PSR, Undercroft 9:00 a.m. 6:30 PM .
7 -9 p.m. Bible Study in
St. Francis de Sales RCIA, Undercroft & Cathedral 6:00 p.m. Wedding 2:30 p.m. Wedding:
Undercroft
14
11:30 a.m. RCIA, Undercroft Rehearsal: Newell - McDermott
"From Genesis to Cathedral tour
Newell - McDermott
11:30 a.m. Fellowship Sunday, Jesus" by Dr. Scott
Undercroft Hahn
6:45 p.m. Catechesis from the
Cathedral, in Cathedral
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
7:00 – 9:00 a.m. PSR, Undercroft Office is Closed for 6:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. Wedding:
6:30 PM Wedding Rehearsal:
11:30 a.m. RCIA, Undercroft Presidents Day Subler - Daniels
RCIA, Undercroft & Cathedral Subler - Daniels
1:30 p.m. Baptism:Springer Family 7 -9 p.m. Bible Study in
3 p.m. Cathedral Concert Series Undercroft
"From Genesis to
6:45 p.m. Catechesis from the Jesus" by Dr. Scott
Cathedral, in Cathedral Hahn
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
7:00 – 9:00 a.m. PSR, Undercroft 7 -9 p.m. Bible Study in 6:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday Mass Times:
11:30 a.m. RCIA, Undercroft Undercroft Pastoral Council 7:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:05
"From Genesis to p.m., & 5:15 p.m.
6:45 p.m. Catechesis from the Jesus" by Dr. Scott 6:30 PM
Cathedral, in Cathedral Hahn RCIA, Undercroft &
Cathedral~ Organizations in our Parish ~
LAST UPDATED: 11/5/2019
Members of parish community have a wealth of ways to serve and feel a part of the parish family.
Committees are formed to educate, enrich our faith, strengthen our parish and support Outreach organizations.
We welcome you to join us in the committee(s) of your choice!
THE SAINT JOSEPH CATHEDRAL PASTORAL COUNCIL meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday of
the month; the Council is advisory in capacity to assist Fr. Robert Kitsmiller, as Rector, with parish issues, planning
and coordination. Parishioners are welcome at Council meetings and can contact Council Chairs to address the Council:
Ed Hueckel, (614) 329-1801, emmett2381@yahoo.com. Members include: Ed Hueckel, President; Nico Franano, Vice
President; Michael Elton, President Emeritus; Amanda Gillespie, Secretary; Rev. Mr. James Gorski, Rev. Mr. Thomas
Johnston, Nick Farmer, Crystal Bensonhaver, Jake Neal, Tom Boor, Kathleen Tourgeman, Lisa Emrich, Rob Riepenhoff,
and Ruth Baird.
CATHEDRAL EVENTS COMMITTEE: The Events committee plans social and fund-raising events throughout the
year to foster a sense of community within the Cathedral Community. Meetings are scheduled as needed for any particular
event. Contact Mandy Gillespie at amandaagillespie@yahoo.com or (614) 604-7780.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE: This committee supports the Saint Joseph Cathedral web site, and
provides advice and support to the Pastoral Council and the Saint Joseph Cathedral parish on technology related topics.
Contact Nick Farmer a or nick@nickandsusanfarmer.com.
LITURGICAL MINISTERS: Members of the Cathedral community take part in the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy
as Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Hospitality Ministers/Greeters and Altar Servers. Review and
training sessions are scheduled routinely with advance notification. Please contact Michael Elton at (614) 405-
7770 or melton@columbus.rr.com.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA): Are you or is someone you know interested in coming
into the Catholic faith? RCIA sessions have already begun for this year. For more information about RCIA and the
process of becoming a fully-initiated member of the Catholic Church, please contact Mr. Jake Neal at jneal@
saintjosephcathedral.org or (614) 224-1295; or Carol Keene at keene9@gmail.com or (614) 657-9528.
PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION (PSR) ~ CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD: As parents, you are the
primary religious educators of your children. Our catechetical classes are here to support you. It is our goal to partner
with you and your family along your faith journey. Saint Joseph Cathedral provides a program using the Catechesis of
the Good Shepherd model for students enrolled in Grades Pre-K-Grade 8 who do not attend a Catholic School. The St.
Joseph Cathedral PSR program meets on Sunday mornings in the undercroft from 9-10:15 a.m. For more information,
please contact Mr. Jake Neal at jneal@saintjosephcathedral.org or (614) 224-1295
SOCIAL JUSTICE AND CONCERNS COMMITTEE: This committee dedicates its efforts to those who are in need
due to hunger and poverty, domestic and family violence, capital punishment, health and bio-ethics issues. If you are
interested in joining this group, please contact Michael Elton at (614) 405-7770 or melton@columbus.rr.com.
VOCATIONS COMMITTEE: The Vocations Committee prays for vocations of Priests and Religious from our parish,
from our Diocese and throughout the world. Through programs, prayer, discussion, and the encouragement of young
people, parishioners can make the whole community more “vocation conscious.” The committee meets at 9:00 a.m. on the
Third Sunday of the month in the Fulcher Room. Contact Barbara Garick at (614) 877-0168 or barbaragarick@
gmail.com.
YOUNG ADULTS GROUP – (TRIPLE V) – VIA, VERITAS ET VITA: Young adults between the ages of 18 and 40
gather to foster community among fellow parishioners. Meetings are held at least once a month. Contact us via: Facebook
– Saint Joseph Cathedral Young Adult Group (http://www.facebook.com/group.phpgid=194497085915) E-mail: yagroup.
stjosephcathedral@gmail.com. If you would like to be included in the e-mail distribution list.
50+ GROUP: The 50+ group provides experienced adults with spiritual, social, educational, and service activities, as well
as fellowship in a welcoming environment. The 50+ Group meets on the second Sunday of each month in the Cathedral
Undercroft following the 12:30 p.m. Mass. Adults age 50 and up—all are welcome! For more information, contact Ed
Hueckel, (614) 329-1801, emmett2381@yahoo.com.
15~ Taking Place in our Parish ~
OFFICE OF COMPLINE, FEBRUARY 2ND at 9:00 p.m. The Office lasts about 30 minutes and consists of psalms, short
passages from scripture, an office hymn, a canticle (Nunc Dimittis), a responsory, collect and additional prayers. In keeping
with the earliest practices of the monastic communities, Compline is offered when the work of the day is completed – a time
when the quietness of evening settles over the hearts and minds of those who have come together. It is an opportunity for
reflection, to offer gratitude for the blessings of the day which has passed, and to anticipate God’s gift of a new day to come. We
hope you will join us for this unique spiritual experience.
THE CATHEDRAL PARISH BIBLE STUDY BEGINS THIS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD: “From Genesis to Jesus”
by Dr. Scott Hahn, is scheduled to begin February 3, 2020 from 7:00 to 9:00 in the evening. If you are interesting in attending,
please contact Judy Bateman @ jtblimited@yahoo.com.
ST. OLAF CHOIR: The St. Olaf Choir, conducted by Anton Armstrong, will perform at Mees Hall at Capital University in
Columbus, on February 10 at 7:00 p.m. during its 2020 winter tour. For more than a century, the St. Olaf Choir has set the gold
standard for choral singing, performing for millions around the world. During its 2020 National Winter Tour, the choir will
celebrate two milestones: the 100th anniversary of its first tour to the East Coast, as well as the 30th anniversary of conductor
Anton Armstrong. Comprised of 75 mixed voices, the St. Olaf Choir is hailed as the nation’s premier a cappella ensemble,
renowned for its artistry and beauty of sound. Tickets are $30.00 and $10.00 for students, available at stolaf.edu/tickets or
800-363-5487. Although we aren’t performing at St. Joseph this tour, we would love to have all of you and your congregation
join us again for the concert! I’ve added a special promo code JOSEPH just for members of St. Joseph. It will get you all $3.00
off the ticket price!
~ In, Around and Near the Diocese of Columbus ~
THIS SUNDAY, MASS FOR RELIGIOUS OF THE DIOCESE: February 2nd, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
is World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life. A Holy Hour for Vocations to the Consecrated Life will be held at 4:00 p.m. at St.
Joseph Cathedral. Bishop Brennan will celebrate the 5:15 p.m. Mass for the Feast Day.
INVITING ALL WOMEN… Please mark your calendar now for the Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference on Saturday,
February 15, from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Ohio Expo Center. Take advantage of early bird pricing by registering at www.
columbuscatholicwomen.com. Come ready to rest, refresh and renew with the Lord and thousands of women from around the
diocese. You don’t want to miss this uplifting, annual event for women!
JOIN US FOR BUILDING VIRTUE. Columbus, Ohio, will host 3,500 men at the 2020 Men Of God Conference to hear from
some of the most dynamic speakers around the country, and immerse themselves in a life-changing day of fellowship and faith.
The Columbus Catholic Men’s Conference is enjoying its 23rd year of bringing men to God and proclaiming our Catholic faith
and mission. As Men Of God, we invite you to this incredible event.Everyone is welcome! SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 22, 2020
from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Columbus Expo Center in Kasich Hall. To register, go to https://www.catholicmensministry.
com/.
WHY DO COUPLES WHO PRACTICE NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING HAVE SUCH LOW DIVORCE RATES?
Natural Family Planning (NFP) depends on some of the same virtues as marriage itself: commitment, communication,
consideration, and self-control. Married couples who use NFP report better communication between spouses, increased
patience and emotional maturity, deeper understanding of each other’s bodies, and growth in respect for God’s gift of fertility.
Discover these benefits and more by attending an NFP introductory session or class series offered locally or online. Information
and registration at https://columbuscatholic.org/natural-family-planning.
ATTENTION, GOOD NEIGHBORS, VETERANS, FIRST RESPONDERS: Use your life-skills and talents to help
others! If you are interested in becoming a hospice volunteer, whether at the bedside or behind the scenes, please join us for a
special panel discussion. A group of Mount Carmel Hospice volunteers will discuss their roles and contributions, then answer
your questions. The information session can help you find out how you can support those who are at end of life. Please join us
on February 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. or on February 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Mount Carmel Hospice and
Palliative Care Center. Register by calling 234-LIFE (5433).
LAGHI CHAIR LECTURE AT THE JOSEPHINUM: The Pontifical College Josephinum invites you to its annual Pio
Cardinal Laghi Chair Lecture. Rev. Msgr. Thomas G. Guarino, STD, Professor of Systematic Theology at Seton Hall University,
will present “Continuity and Change at Vatican II: Why is the Council Still Controversial?” on Wednesday, February 19, 2020,
at 7:00 p.m. in the Jessing Center. Free and Open to the Public; reservations not required. For more information, please visit
www.pcj.edu or call 614-985-2274. The Pio Cardinal Laghi Chair was inaugurated at the Josephinum in 1992 in honor of Pio
Cardinal Laghi, then Prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education. American cardinals and presidents of the United
States Conference of Catholic Bishops promoted the funding of this chair in recognition of Cardinal Laghi’s dedicated service
to the Catholic Church in the United States.
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