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LATEST NEWS
From Fr. John Robert Skeldon, Rector
June 26, 2022
Homily and Reflection for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, in Light of the Overturning of Roe vs. Wade
As we return to Ordinary Time this Sunday, having completed the season of Easter and the two solemnities in honor of the Holy Trinity and the Body and Blood of Christ, we do so in an extraordinary way. We are called to persevere, to persist and endure in our discipleship. To set our faces toward the goal of our journey as Jesus in the gospel set his face to journey to Jerusalem. To consider the long haul or to play the long game… to mix metaphors. To put our hands to the plow and look ahead, not to what is behind. And this is extraordinary even as it plays out in the ordinariness of our lives.
The long haul that many Americans, including the Catholic Church, have set their faces toward and put their hands to the plow for has finally arrived in the overturning of the Roe vs. Wade decision by the Supreme Court, thus establishing that the unborn, or better pre-born human beings, have a natural right to life by virtue of their existence, made in the image and likeness of God. This has been the consistent teaching of the Church for the long haul, that from conception to natural death, human life should be protected, nurtured, revered and cared for.
There are two images in the gospel passage from Luke worthy of reflection, given the current state of affairs. First is the image of the plow to which the disciple is to put his or her hands. The plow is an image of the cultivation of life, not of its destruction. In the book of the prophet Isaiah, one reads this most famous verse: “[The peoples] shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again” (Isaiah 2:4). This idea is so important among the prophets that it is repeated verbatim in the book of the prophet Micah, chapter 4, and echoed in the book of the prophet Joel, chapter 4.
The image of the weapons of destruction that bring death being transformed into the tools of cultivation that assist life is a pregnant image. It is full of possibility and hope, which are what life points to. The plow’s purpose seeks to create furrows in the earth—the land—so that life can be seeded and cultivated, cared for under the watchful eye of the persistent and persevering plowman and woman. We, as disciples of Jesus Christ who is the Way, the Truth and the Life, are called to be those plowmen and women who put the hand to the plow in order to assist in creating those furrows, those safe places, which will cultivate, sustain, nurture and revere life. And to do it mercifully, kindly, generously, generatively and magnanimously—from the largeness and bigness of our souls. Never from an air of arrogance, anger, unkindness or pusillanimity—from the smallness of our souls.
This is where the second image in the gospel passage worthy of reflection comes to bear. As Jesus sets his face to go to Jerusalem, he must journey through Samaria and encounter Samaritans who historically have had very fraught, if not outright hostile, relations with Jews. It’s the only way to get to Jerusalem. And as he does so, he invariably encounters hostility and resistance. His own disciples seek to destroy such hostility and resistance with an overt demonstration of angry, reactive power. Jesus will have nothing of it. In fact, he rebukes his own disciples for suggesting such a thing. Have they learned nothing being with him that his way is not the way of reactive retaliation born of anger and animosity? His is a way that even loves one’s enemies and prays for them just as the sun shines upon the good and the bad and the rain falls on the just and the unjust (cf. Matthew 5:44-45). They are to meet such opposition, as invariably it will come, with their faces set toward Jerusalem, the goal of their journeying…a perspective borne of seeing the big picture, playing the long game, journeying for the long haul.
This is what the pro-life witness of the Church and many others has aimed to do during these last nearly 50 years…the time period of a biblical Jubilee. It is now time for the reset and the renewal to take place which is what the Jubilee signifies. Yet in journeying with our faces set toward Jerusalem, we cannot think that we have yet arrived. The full-throated witness to life must include an on-going accompaniment not only of those women who are pregnant and their unborn children within them, but these same women and their children and family even after birth and throughout their life. The often repeated ridiculous charge by those who are the cultured despisers of religion is that those who are pro-life are not really pro-life, but only pro-birth. Thus, this moment of biblical Jubilee is not the end of the journey but merely the end of the beginning. We have set our faces toward Jerusalem, and we have not arrived yet. We still must journey through our own Samaria where there will be opposition and hostility, and we counter such hostility with loving kindness and mercy.
The counsel that Paul gives to the Galatians in the second reading today is sound and prudent counsel for us as well as we make this journey: “…serve one another through love. For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. But if you go on biting and devouring one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another” (Galatians 5:13c-14). In the end, to conclude with another image from the biblical texts today—that of Elijah placing his cloak (symbol of prophetic authority) upon Elisha in the first reading from the first book of Kings—the cloak or mantle of authentic, full-throated, inclusive, merciful, pro-life witness has been placed upon us. Like Elisha we are called now to follow Elijah, setting our hand to the plow, and eventually to take Elijah’s place, as Elisha will do, as those who give authoritative witness to our Christian faith. May it be a witness always planted and rooted in Christ. And may the furrows we are asked to plow be seeded with a merciful and loving encounter that attracts many to Jesus Christ, who orders our lives extraordinarily, so that we may prepare ourselves for the journey, putting our hands to the plow and setting our faces toward Jerusalem.
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FOR THE WOMEN OF THE PARISH
Join Fr. John Robert for his 6-week Study of the Book of Ruth.
TUESDAY, JUNE 28
Please note the New Time and Location for this week only:
7 P.M. IN THE CATHEDRAL
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Rev. John Robert Skeldon has been notified that a parishioner who attended the 8am Mass on June 18, 2022, has tested positive for COVID-19. All Mass protocols have been followed. Please continue to follow the health and safety protocols for Mass and other gatherings outside of Mass, including maintaining an appropriately safe social distance and washing and sanitizing hands thoroughly and frequently.
Please keep in mind the symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, chills, fatigue, shortness of breath, headache, cough, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, and nausea/diarrhea. If you are exhibiting any symptoms of any illness, please stay home. If you or a member of your household are tested for COVID-19, please stay home until you receive test results showing negative. If you live in Tarrant County, free testing for COVID-19 can be obtained by registering for an appointment online at: https://access.tarrantcounty.com/en/public-health/disease-control--- prevention/COVID-19.html?linklocation=trending&linkname=COVID-19. If you live outside Tarrant County or would prefer to go to a private provider, additional testing options can be obtained at: https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/testing.aspx.
Updated guidelines from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html
Local pharmacies, physicians, and the health department are offering the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 6 months and older. We strongly encourage you to consult with your physician about getting vaccinated if you have not already done so. Please pray for all those affected by this global pandemic.
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WE ARE BLESSED TO ANNOUNCE AND WELCOME TO THE CATHEDRAL STAFF: MS. MARIA ROSALES.
She has accepted the position of Director of Children’s Faith Formation and Middle School Ministries. She can be reached by email at: mrosales@stpatrickcathedral.org
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May 6, 2022
Call for Peace and Vigilance at Mass by the Diocese of Fort Worth
There have been numerous and public calls recently by abortion activist groups to organize disruptions at Catholic Masses across the nation in response to the leaked decision from the Supreme Court regarding Roe v. Wade. This type of activity is an attempt to threaten the rightful and peaceful assembly of Christians to worship and disrupt the sanctity of the holy sacrifice of the Mass.
These groups are calling for people to dress in costume, carry signs and record their protests while attempting to enter churches in order to cause disruption and provocation. All of us must remain peaceful, prayerful, and recollected. Each and all of us should be more intentionally aware of our surroundings this weekend and in the coming months. If you see any type of suspicious activity, please remain calm and immediately report it to church volunteers who are the ushers and guardian ministry members so that they can respond as directed in order to prevent confrontation and preserve and promote the safety of all.
Spanish Translation:
Llamado de la Diócesis de Fort Worth a sus fieles para mantener la paz y a estar vigilantes en la Misa.
Se han emitido recientemente numerosos llamados públicos por parte de grupos activistas del aborto para organizar interrupciones en las misas católicas de todo el país en respuesta a la filtración del borrador de la Corte Suprema con respecto a Roe v. Wade. Este tipo de actividad constituiría una amenaza a la reunión legítima y pacífica de los cristianos para celebrar y adorar, y, además, perturbaría la santidad del santo sacrificio de la Misa.
Estos grupos piden a sus seguidores que se vistan con disfraces, lleven pancartas y graben sus protestas mientras intentan entrar a las iglesias para causar disturbios y provocaciones. Todos debemos permanecer en paz, oración y recogimiento. Debido a esta situación todos deberíamos estar más alertas sobre nuestro entorno este fin de semana y durante los próximos meses. Si usted ve algún tipo de actividad sospechosa, mantenga la calma e informe de inmediato a los voluntarios de la parroquia que son ujieres y los miembros del ministerio de guardianes para que puedan responder según las instrucciones recibidas para evitar cualquier confrontación y preservar y garantizar la seguridad de todos.
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This Week's Confession Schedule
Tuesday, May 10
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
in the Cathedral
with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
All are invited to pray with the Blessed Sacrament whether or not you come to confession.
Wednesday, May 11
11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.
in the Cathedral.
Saturday, May 14
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
in the Cathedral.
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Bishop Michael F. Olson has issued a Memorandum to priests and parishes requesting prayers for Ukraine circlerightarrow
“Please ask your parishioners to pray for peace, an end to war, and for the safety of all people of Ukraine who have been traumatized by the unjust Russian invasion of their homeland.”
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Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is responding with emergency support in Ukraine and neighboring countries. The CRS collection is scheduled in parishes on March 26-27 but parishioners can give now online at http://bit.ly/GiveUkraine. In the meantime, you are welcome to drop checks in the collection basket now indicating CRS/Ukraine in the memo space.
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CONFESSIONS
TUESDAYS
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
In the Cathedral with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. All are invited to pray with the Blessed Sacrament whether or not you come to confession.
WEDNESDAYS
11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
In the Cathedral.
SATURDAYS
4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
In the Cathedral.
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After 28 years with the Diocese of Fort Worth, Fr. George Thennattil, TOR, will be moving back to his Community in India.
Fr. George has faithfully served at the following parishes over the past 28 years: St. Thomas the Apostle, Fort Worth; Holy Trinity, Azle; St. Elizabeth Seton, Keller; and St. Catherine of Sienna, Carrollton. Currently Father is working as the Hospital Chaplain in the downtown Fort Worth hospitals.
Although he is not assigned to St. Patrick Cathedral, he is assisting with Confessions and Masses six days a week. We thank Father for his dedicated service here at St. Patrick Cathedral and in the Diocese of Fort Worth.
We offer him a big Namasté! (thank you)
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Bishop Olson's Homily for the Opening Mass of the Diocesan Synodal Process - October 17, 2021
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Questions & Answers on Eucharist Document (English).pdf
Questions & Answers on Eucharist Document (Spanish).pdf
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St. Patrick Cathedral Fiscal Letter - English
St. Patrick Cathedral Fiscal Letter - Spanish
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Call for Action on Advance Directives Legislation
The bishops of Texas through the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB), with one exception, are calling on the faithful from throughout the state to contact their respective state senator and state representative to urge the lawmakers to support SB 1944/HB 3099 which reforms the Texas Advance Directives Act and to oppose SB 917/HB 2609 which eliminates the dispute resolution process.
The TCCB Action Alert details why it is important to support SB 1944/HB 3099 and to oppose SB 917/HB 2609 and how to make your voice heard with one easy click.
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Join us for Fr. John Robert's classes each Monday and Tuesday:
Both classes will be Live Streamed on St. Patrick on our parish website and on the Cathedral's Facebook page.
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EUCHARISTIC ADORATION IN THE CATHEDRAL:
Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.
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COVID Vaccination Information
In order to ensure that every resident knows the importance of receiving the vaccination, Tarrant County officials have asked the Diocese of Fort Worth to distribute this information about getting the COVID vaccination.
Details about resources for COVID in English, Spanish and Vietnamese
COVID Vaccine - YouTube Videos
YouTube links of videos for COVID in English, Spanish and Vietnamese
This information is for residents of Tarrant County and the surrounding counties whose residents can be vaccinated at Tarrant County vaccination centers.
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“CATHEDRAL TREASURES” is a beautiful 74-page limited-edition book that is now available to order. Cost is $20 plus shipping and handling. This comprehensive collection of the sacred beauty here at St. Patrick Cathedral includes the magnificent windows, stations of the cross, statues and sacred objects. circlerightarrow
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POPE FRANCIS signs new Encyclical "Fratelli tutti" on St Francis' tomb in Assisi
"Let us dream, then, as a single human family, as fellow travelers sharing the same flesh, as children of the same earth which is our common home, each of us bringing the richness of his or her beliefs and convictions, each of us with his or her own voice, brothers and sisters all." CLICK HERE to see the complete Encyclical.
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Bishop Olson’s Statement regarding Pope Francis’ Comments Recorded in Francesco
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Financial Information for St. Patrick Cathedral:
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Engaging In Religious Formation Ministry
Please CLICK HERE to find out how you can help in the life of our parish.
helpful links
Resources for help during these trying times:
HELP DURING THESE DAYS:
- POPE FRANCIS' LETTER to the People of God on the sexual abuse crisis circlerightarrow
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Recommended reading from Fr. John Robert circlerightarrow
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Father John Robert's most requested homily circlerightarrow
- Litany of Mary circlerightarrow
SEMINARIAN DAILY PRAYER LIST
We invite everyone to pray for our Diocesan Seminarians this year. CLICK HERE to download the 2017-2018 Seminarian Daily Prayer List. For any additional information please contact the Vocations Office.
circlerightarrow Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth
circlerightarrow Today's Readings
circlerightarrow Saint of the Day
circlerightarrow The Vatican
circlerightarrow U.S. Conference Catholic Bishops
circlerightarrow Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops
circlerightarrow U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults
circlerightarrow Catechism of the Catholic Church
circlerightarrow North Texas CatholicToday's Readings
news to use
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online giving
St. Patrick Cathedral invites you to consider our electronic giving program as a way to automate your regular weekly offerings. Electronic filing is convenient and secure way for you to provide much-needed consistent financial support to our church. circlerightarrow
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FORMED - the best catholic content all in one place
ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL PARISHIONERS have access to the truth, beauty, and meaning of the Catholic Faith anytime, anywhere... with FORMED. Use it on your computer, tablet or smartphone.
Click here to learn more about FORMED. circlerightarrow
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ministries to help you share your faith
St. Patrick Cathedral offers many ways for you to apply the teachings of our beautiful Catholic Faith into ministries alongside other members of our Parish family. A few of these are: Youth Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, Altar Society, Knights of Columbus, Christ Before Us (an outreach ministry to the homeless). circlerightarrow
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teaching to help you grow in your faith
Our Cathedral offers many classes and opportunities for individuals and families to gather to search the Holy Scriptures together and to pray for each others needs. These classes are made available through various programs: Children's Formation, Adult Formation and RCIA . circlerightarrow
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Parish news from Fr. John Robert, Classes, Events, Cancellations due to weather, Cathedral Choir, Youth Ministry
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