Cathedral Family,
This weekend we celebrate the Festival of St. Francis of Assisi! As parishioners of St. Francis Cathedral, we celebrate our patron and guide as we journey toward eternity. Celebrating a patron saint is always an opportunity to renew our own devotion and commitment to follow the Lord Jesus in our own personal lives. What makes a disciple a saint is the lifelong faithfulness of the journey. For most of us, life is a mix of ups and downs — challenges and joys. Our patron teaches us that radical devotion to Jesus is not only possible- but desirable and life-changing. Do you sense a restlessness in your spirit? Are you satisfied with all that life has to offer right now? The Lord may be breaking into your heart to call you to more! How will you want to respond?
October is sometimes called the month of the Rosary ---because we celebrate Our Lady of the Holy Rosary on October 7. This date refers to a 16th-century military victory attributed to thousands of people walking toward oncoming warships, armed with nothing but a chorus of “Hail Marys” fervently prayed. The Victory of Lepanto was won by the prayers of the Virgin Mother—who told us to “do whatever He tells you.” Faithfulness to Christ, when all seems lost, is the power of prayer. Do you know that power? This month, get reacquainted with the Rosary. It is simple yet profound. There are many online resources to assist you with the practicalities. We are also blessed to have a daily group of faithful parishioners who pray the Rosary publicly in the Cathedral after the daily masses in the morning. I also want to invite you to pray at the Rosary Rally being held on the front plaza of the Cathedral next Saturday, October 10th at 12pm. It is a peaceful, prayerful way to place our trust in a public way in the Lord of the universe. We need the childlike trust to believe that all things are possible with God.
As we move into the activity of the Fall---have you signed up for the Transformative Small Faith Groups? This is your personal invite to step out of your comfort zone---to meet other like-minded parishioners- people on the spiritual journey who need other companions just like you. Have you ever thought that your parish might need you? You have something to offer other people. Are you ready to be challenged by the Word of God? Do you want to say yes to that nudge of the Holy Spirit — whispering to you to start living your faith out loud? Please contact the parish office asap---or use the QR code on the flier or poster. You will get all the info you need. You will also get a passport to some new inner spaces of your soul.
Please come to our parish picnic this Sunday afternoon. We've put a lot of organizing and planning into welcoming you and your family. If you want to invite neighbors, friends, or others who have lost contact with faith or with the parish---please do---all are welcome!
Lord, make me a means of your peace!
Father Christy