Sorry for the delay in posting...

But Sophia Kathleen was born on July 11, 2012 at 3:04 p.m. So needless to say I have been busy and occupied over the past two weeks with my little girl. Regular posting will resume this week.

Volunteer: All it takes is a phone call...

Call Reassurance: The Call Reassurance program provides increased socialization as well as safety checks to lonley and/or isolated seniors who live alone in their own home. Caring volunteers make routine telephone calls to monitor the well-being of the seniors in the program and to engage them in a friendly conversation. Calls are made in the Commonwealth Catholic Charities office or in the volunteer's home. Training is provided. For more information, please call 804.545.5916 or 804.545.5952 or email us.

Want to join the Cathedral?

We are always welcoming new members to our parish! Please fill out our online registration form and become a member today!

Support our Parishioners!

Please consider supporting our parishioners who have businesses that advertise with the Cathedral: Our Advertisers can be found here. Thank you for your patronage!

E-Giving at the Cathedral

Donors can give to the Cathedral on our website, using a secure link: Go to E-Giving. To learn more, please read E-Giving Info. Thanks to all who have given and  made possible the many great ministries of the Cathedral family. For more information contact Kim Kremer at kkremer@richmondcathedral.org.

What is the Liturgy of the Hours?

You might be wondering why I post the Liturgy of the Hours for each day. What exactly are they? US Catholic magazine has a great primer on the subject here. In a nutshell:

"Also known as the Divine Office, the Hours are comprised of a four-week cycle of the psalms, biblical readings and songs, prayers of intercession, blessings, and other readings from spiritual writings, separated into morning, evening, daytime, and night prayer, and an office (collection) of readings. It is the required daily prayer of clergy and many in consecrated religious life, but it is also a rich source of prayer for all the members of the church."

You can also find more in-depth information about them here, here and here. Enjoy the prayer of the day!

Today at the Cathedral: Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Liturgy of the Hours can be found here.
Today's Mass readings can be found here.
Mass will be celebrated at 12:05 p.m. with Fr. Francois Babulu, our new Parochial Vicar.


The Saint of the Day is St. Antony Mary Zaccaria, 1502 - 1539. AmericanCatholic.org tells us:

"At the same time that Martin Luther was attacking abuses in the Church, a reformation within the Church was already being attempted. Among the early movers of the Counter-Reformation was Anthony Zaccaria. His mother became a widow at 18 and devoted herself to the spiritual education of her son. He received a medical doctorate at 22 and, while working among the poor of his native Cremona in Italy, was attracted to the religious apostolate. He renounced his rights to any future inheritance, worked as a catechist and was ordained a priest at the age of 26. Called to Milan in a few years, he laid the foundations of three religious congregations, one for men and one for women, plus an association of married couples. Their aim was the reform of the decadent society of their day, beginning with the clergy, religious and lay people.

Greatly inspired by St. Paul (his congregation is named the Barnabites, after the companion of that saint), Anthony preached with great vigor in church and street, conducted popular missions and was not ashamed of doing public penance.

He encouraged such innovations as the collaboration of the laity in the apostolate, frequent Communion, the Forty Hours devotion and the ringing of church bells at 3:00 p.m. on Fridays.

His holiness moved many to reform their lives but, as with all saints, it also moved many to oppose him. Twice his community had to undergo official religious investigation, and twice it was exonerated.

While on a mission of peace, he became seriously ill and was brought home for a visit to his mother. He died at Cremona at the age of 36."

Today at the Cathedral: July 4, Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

The Parish Offices are closed in observance of Independence Day.
There will be NO 12:05 p.m. Mass today.
Please enjoy the holiday safely!
The offices will reopen at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 5.

Today's Liturgy of the Hours can be found here.
Today's Mass readings can be found here.

The Saint of the Day is St. Elizabeth of Portugal, 1271 - 1336. Universalis tells us:

"She was the daughter of King Peter III of Aragón and was named after her great-aunt, St Elizabeth of Hungary. She was married to King Denis of Portugal, by whom she had two children. She set up hospitals, orphanages, and other institutions, patiently endured her husband’s infidelities and provided for the education of his bastards, and acted as peacemaker in the quarrelsome and complicated politics of the time.

On her husband’s death in 1325 she retired from public affairs and devoted herself to prayer and the service of the poor. Throughout her life she was faithful and regular in prayer, and daily recited the Liturgy of the Hours.

In 1336 her son, by now King Alfonso IV of Portugal, went to war against King Alfonso XI of Castile. Elizabeth followed the Portuguese army on the field in an effort to bring about peace. She succeeded, but the effort killed her.

The canonization of royal personages may seem offensive to our modern egalitarian principles; but though it may be hard to attain sanctity in a medieval kingdom or its equivalent, a modern corporation, with God nothing is impossible."

And finally, a prayer for the 4th of July:

"Almighty and eternal God, you have revealed your glory to all nations. God of power and might, wisdom and justice, through you authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment is decreed.

We likewise commend to your unbounded mercy all citizens of the United States, that we may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of your holy law. May we be preserved in union and that peace which the world cannot give; and, after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.

We pray to you, who are Lord and God, for ever and ever. Amen."

--From The Roman Ritual, Book of Blessings (#1965)

Diocesan Middle School Day Camp

Diocesan Middle School Day Camp
July 16 – 20, 2012

We’re piloting a Middle School Day Camp in Norfolk, Virginia, July 16 - 20, 2012, at Christ the King Church. The camp will bring together middle school youth together from area parishes to grow in community, understanding of their faith, and relationship with Christ. Middle School Camp activities include games, service, prayer, water sports, community building and fostering a deeper spiritual understanding on specific topics. The cost is $95 for participants. Scholarships are available. For more information and to register see http://www2.richmonddiocese.org/evangelization/events-youth.htm#MScamp.

“The Lord is My Shepherd”

“The Lord is My Shepherd”
St. Mary’s Church | July 19, 26 & Aug. 2 | 7-8:00 pm
July 20, 27 & Aug. 3 | 9:45-11:00 am

Join Fr. Michael Renninger for a 3-week Summer Scripture study at St. Mary’s Church. The 23rd Psalm is one of the most beloved prayers in religious history, and its truth has the power to change lives. Join Fr. Michael for an in-depth study of this beautiful Psalm, as we explore the meaning of the text and the power of this prayer. Sessions will take place on three evenings (July 19, 26, Aug. 2) from 7:00-8:30 pm, with the same talk repeated on three mornings (July 20, 27, Aug. 3) from 9:45-11:00 am. Bring your Bible!

DREAM-Act Eligible Youth

Special Announcement from Commonwealth Catholic Charities:

DREAM-Act Eligible Youth Call your local Commonwealth Catholic Charities office today for information and help applying

On June 16, President Obama announced that youth who do not have legal immigration status in the U.S. and meet specific criteria will be able to apply for a deferral that will allow them to stay in the U.S. with their families, finish school, and go to work.  Procedures are expected to be issued in August. 

For information about eligibility and assistance with applying, contact the Commonwealth Catholic Charities office nearest you.

Richmond: 804-285-5900
Newport News: 757-247-3600 x12 

Roanoke: 540-342-7651 x304

Commonwealth Catholic Charities presents Refugee Youth Photo Exhibit in honor of World Refugee Day

From the Commonwealth Catholic Charities Website:


Commonwealth Catholic Charities presents
Refugee Youth Photo Exhibit

in honor of World Refugee Day

On June 20, CCC celebrated World Refugee Day by unveiling a photo exhibit at ReEstablish Richmond created by refugee youth. Opening night brought over 150 visitors, who mingled with the refugee teens and their families.


The exhibit was composed of the writings, photos, and professional portraits of fourteen refugee students now living in Richmond. The teenagers worked in four workshops with eight professional photographers to learn the basics of photography, using donated cameras to practice their new skills. At the end of the workshops each student paired with a photographer, together choosing their two favorite photos.  Students also wrote about their photography experience and their photo subjects.


All of the teens featured in the exhibit are part of CCC’s School Liaison program, which is part of the Refugee Resettlement program.

Refugee Youth Photo Exhibit

World Refugee Day

June 21 - July 7
The Daily Grind
11655 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23233

July 9 - July 31
Whole Foods
11173 West Broad Street Glen Allen, VA 23060

Admission is FREE

Did you know? World Refugee Day was instituted by the United Nations and honors the courage, strength, and determination of millions of refugees around the world. Events are held across the globe to raise awareness about the situation of refugees.

Strangers No More Festival

Church of the Redeemer | 8275 Meadowbridge Rd, Mechanicsville, Va.
July 21, 2012 | 12:00 - 4:00 pm

Contact: Justin Meyer | justin.myers@cccofva.org

Come and join the Office of Justice and Peace in collaboration with five Catholic parishes & Commonwealth Catholic Charities as we celebrate cultural diversity with our refugee and immigrant neighbors. We will have food, various cultural dancing & singing, and games for all!

Weekly Reflection: The Sacrament of Baptism

This past weekend we celebrated Infant Baptisms at three of the Masses. Over 20 children were Baptized! We continue to pray for those children and their families in the months and years ahead. But, in case you missed it please take a moment to reflect on your own Baptism and what it means in your life. Below is a great reflection from A Baptism Sourcebook published by Liturgy Training Publications to help you do just that.

"It is fitting that baptism is the first of the sacraments, for its signs and gestures embody every aspect of the Christian faith and perhaps even of human experience. In this ritual, God’s call is unceasingly reiterated in the lives of those who choose to respond. In it, those individuals, thirsty for freedom and weary of affliction, pass through the waters in an exodus that brings them to new life. These waters flow with the rich silt of grace, for in them are flood and regeneration, promise and demand, death and rebirth. In them bodies are washed, and dressed souls illuminated, wounds anointed, creeds recited, initiates sustained. In them, the old Adam becomes the new.

In creating the Christian, baptism both incarnates the faith and recapitulates the paschal mystery in the elect. Baptism is the original moment of redemption for those who enter its waters. The elect take on themselves the cross, perish and emerge from the font into the great, good plenty of the Risen Christ. This ritual is no fiction. Nor is it pantomime. It is real death, real birth. In it, the initiates rise from the dead and enter into the radiance of light. In it are the cross and the empty tomb. No wonder that the new-born of the sacrament are anointed with the potent medicine of chrism and swaddled in a white garment. No wonder that we give a party for our families and friends when we baptize our children, and that we joyously applaud adults when they are baptized.

As a sacrament, baptism usually is thought of as a discrete moment, say an Easter Vigil, when adults enter the church. But the word used when families gather on a Sunday afternoon to have a baby baptized – christening – suggests something else about the sacrament. Though a one-time event, baptism is a lifetime project. The rite begins this sacrament, which extends into every moment of life as the incarnation and the paschal mystery deepen and broaden in the lives of the baptized.

The sacrament is rich indeed. Each symbol and gesture exfoliates, as if to account for the lavish plenitude into which the initiates enter. Water signifies thirst, flood, death, font, cleansing, refreshment, fertility and rebirth. Naming connects us with our best selves, the glorified Christ, and the people of God. Anointing seals and consecrates, recuperating human life from sin, identifying the baptized as children of a king and as athletes in the contest for salvation. Its aroma signals the sweetness of Christ and of the gospel. The white garment reminds us of the cross, the gospel, the church and the communion of saints, which we take on in the sacrament. The lighted candle shines with the splendor of the Risen Christ and represents the brilliance of the baptized and fire them with zeal. Its light reminds us of the burning bush and divine love, which burns but do not consume The words and actions of baptism overlay all these meanings to lead the initiates to the almost unspeakable glory of Easter."

July 3: Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle

Today's Liturgy of the Hours can be found here. Universalis tells us:

The apostle Thomas is famous for doubting the resurrection of Jesus when his fellow apostles told him about it; but if he is the sceptical apostle, he is also the believing apostle, for having seen and touched a risen man, he made the immediate leap of faith and so became the first apostle to call Jesus God.

  Nothing is known about Thomas’s later career. A well-known apocryphal document called the Acts of Thomas relates his missionary journeys to Persia and India. Although the document as it stands is not historical evidence (it was written to provide evidence for certain heretical Gnostic teachings), it still bears witness to the likelihood of a tradition that Thomas did go to India. If you are writing something that you intend to use to convince people of a controversial doctrine, you do not invent completely new facts: instead, you weave the existing facts and traditions into something that suits your purpose. Thus the very fact that the heretics used a journey of St Thomas to support their case shows us that, in the third century at least, there would have seemed nothing implausible about such a journey. The journey would have been easy enough – important trade routes lay that way – and if some of the apostles went west, to Rome, the centre of the world, there is no reason why some others should not have chosen to go east, to the edge of the known world.

  We will probably never know for certain; but the Christians of Kerala have called themselves for centuries “St Thomas Christians”, and they may very well be right.

  See the article in the Catholic Encyclopaedia.

  My friend has two children, a boy and a girl. If she tells the girl not to do something, the girl thinks “good, now I know one more thing about how to be grown-up” and doesn’t do it. If she tells the boy not to do something, he thinks “I wonder: why not?” and goes and does it, to see.

  When the Church, inspired by Christ and millennia of prayer and reflection, tries to teach us what to do and what not to do, we pay no attention. We have to go and try it out for ourselves and later, made wise by experience, we discover that the teaching was right all along. We are like my friend’s small son. We are like St Thomas, who obstinately wouldn’t believe what he was told but had to see and touch for himself. St Thomas the Apostle, if you can stop laughing for long enough, pray for us!

Fun Fact! Thomas is the Patron Saint of:

• Architects
• Construction workers
• Cooks

Today's Mass readings, can be found here. Today's Gospel reading is the familiar story of Thomas' encounter with the Resurrected Jesus.

Gospel Jn 20:24-29

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,
was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord."
But Thomas said to them,
"Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks
and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
Now a week later his disciples were again inside
and Thomas was with them.
Jesus came, although the doors were locked,
and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands,
and bring your hand and put it into my side,
and do not be unbelieving, but believe."
Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

Did you know that we have a Nursery?

The Nursery is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sundays for children ages 15 mos. to 3 years. The nursery is in the lower level classroom area below the Parish Hall. To find it, ask an usher, or take the elevator across from the women's restroom. There is always a staff member on duty, but parents are encouraged to volunteer to help out.

If you’re interested in becoming Catholic

Contact Nick Stein at 804-359-5651 or nstein@richmondcathedral.org for more information about what it takes to become a Catholic.

Self-Guided Tour at the Cathedral

When visiting the Cathedral, pick up a Self‐Guided Tour pamphlet at the front entrance. It is well worth a read for even long-time parishioners. You are almost guaranteed to learn something new. Brochures are also available in Spanish.To view the tour on our website, visit: www.richmondcathedral.org/selfguidedtour.pdf

Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick

Contact: Kim Walters | 804-359-5651
kwalters@richmondcathedral.org

The Cathedral has a real need for Eucharistic Ministers who can bring Communion to those parishioners who are sick or shut-in. This would be a once-a-month commitment. If you are interested please contact Kimberly Walters.

Pilgrimage to Fatima, Lourdes and Santiago De Compostela

Hosted by Msgr. Mark Richard Lane | March 5, 2013

Contact: Anne Edwards | aedwards@richmonddiocese.org or 804-622-5251

We will be traveling 11 days beginning March 5, 2013, as part of a spiritual and fun group on a journey to some of the most sacred shrines and places of prayer and devotion in France, Spain and Portugal. The cost is $2,899 per person, includes air/land tour fare, hotel, most meals and government taxes/airline fuel surcharges. For more information or to receive a brochure contact Anne Edwards at the Catholic Diocese of Richmond.

All Saints Catholic School Work Camp

All Saints School 
3418 Noble Ave | Richmond, VA 23222 | July 23-26, 2012
Contact: John Tucker | jtuckeriii@comcast.net | 804-837-4900

Work includes painting, gardening, cleaning, carpentry, mulching & hauling. Fun includes: swimming, bowling, Regal Cinemas movies and Kings Dominion. Youth (rising 6th grade through graduating 12th grades) and adult volunteers are welcome and needed! Great Community Service Opportunity! Lunch will be provided. A suggested donation to defray expenses: $10 a day. For more information and to obtain the forms to be filled out, contact John Tucker.

Philatelist Needed!

Contact Kim Kremer | 804-359-5651
kkremer@richmondcathedral.org

Bishop Walter Sullivan recently donated his entire stamp collection to the Cathedral. We will be dividing the collection into 10 blocks and offering it in a Silent Auction on Friday, September 7, 2012, 7:00 pm during a wine and small plate social. If you are a philatelist, one who collects or studies stamps, and want to help divide the collection, please contact Kim Kremer.

CARITAS returns to Cathedral!

Contact: Laura O’Connor | 804-690-8141
lauraoconnor34@verizon.net

Our parish will be hosting 35-40 members of the CARITAS community during the summer intake program, Friday, August 4 – Friday, October 5, 2012. The CARITAS bulletin board has returned to the back of the Cathedral! Please check it out to learn more about how you may practice your faith and social justice teachings through this important ministry. Thank you for your prayerful consideration of and participation in the CARITAS ministry of our Cathedral community! Questions? Please contact Laura O’Connor .

News from Parish Pastoral Council

The results are in from the election to fill three vacancies on Parish Pastoral Council. Bobby Gamble, Michael Epps and Hana Yun are the newest members of Pastoral Council. We welcome these three individuals to council and extend a heartfelt thank you to all the nominees. The current members of Pastoral Council are Kathy Brincefield, Drew Burrichter, Maria Thorsen, Mike Jackman, Gigi Curtin, Bobby Ray Gamble, Glenn Poole, Hana Yun, Leslie Murray, Michael Epps, Bill Cramer, Barbara Munjas, Michael Epps, Donna Newcomb, Jody Taylor, Laura O’Connor, Deacon Mark Matte, Deacon Marshall Banks, and Cathedral staff. Pastoral Council will be meeting this summer to define our parish vision. If you would like to contribute any ideas to this process, please share your ideas with any member of Pastoral Council.

SKY – “Everything is possible with God” Vacation Bible School at the Cathedral

July 23-27, 2012 | 8:00 am – Noon 

Make sure to register your K-5 students and 2-5 year olds to reserve your spot.

Please also sign up to volunteer to make this our best VBS year yet! This is a great way for high school students to get volunteer hours and have some fun! There are many positions available.

To register your children you can go to: https://osv.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/sacredheartvbs2012

The Eck Endowment Fund

The Eck Endowment Fund to support other ministries was established with a generous $50,000 endowment by Mr. Frank Eck in 2011. Each year $3,500 is given to Cathedral ministries. This year Finance Council received over $14,000 worth of grant requests. After careful deliberation, they recommended the following:

• $400 for the purchase of new altar cloths
• $2,800 to refurbish the classrooms
• $300 for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Training

Council also recommended using $1,400 in the regular budget to polish and lacquer the tabernacle doors for all 4 side altars and another $1,000 for additional altar cloths. We appreciate all the grant requests and look forward to receiving parishioner’s ideas in the future.

TAIZÉ Prayer at Richmond Hill

7:30 p.m. First Monday of each month.

Richmond Hill

Taizé worship is contemplative and meditative in character, using short songs, repeated again and again in a candle lit chapel. Using just a few words, the songs express a basic reality of faith, quickly grasped by the mind As the words are sung over many times, the hope is this reality will gradually penetrate one’s whole being. Meditative singing thus becomes a way of listening to God.

We invite you to participate in our practice of Taizé which includes singing, prayer for Metropolitan Richmond, and a period of silence. Jim Bennett is a skilled musician and leads this time of worship with a variety of musical instruments.

A Note from the Rector

The first Friday of each month is devoted to celebrating the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Following the 12:05 p.m. Mass on July 6, we will celebrate the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament until 1:00 p.m. All are welcome to come at any time during the Exposition to offer prayers and adoration. The Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will now be offered every first Friday of the month at the conclusion of the Mass.

Welcome Fr. Francois!

Please extend a warm Cathedral welcome to our new Parochial Vicar, Fr. Francois Babulu, who starts his new assignment with us this weekend! He can be reached at gongu14@gmail.com.

This Week at the Cathedral

Saturday, June 30, 2012
2:00 pm Wedding
5:15 pm Mass with Infant Baptisms † Peg Robb

Sunday, July 1, 2012
9:00 am Mass with Infant Baptisms † Allen G. West
11:00 am Mass with Infant Baptisms † Edgar and Mary Meehan
2:00 pm Music Rehearsal for Korean Mass
5:15 pm Mass -- Cathedral Parishioners

Monday, July 2, 2012
8:00 am Daily Mass -- Mary Ann Stansfield
7:00 pm RCIA Summer Class #3 - Taize Prayer at Richmond Hill

Tuesday, July 3, 2012
7:00 pm Divorce Group

Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Parish Offices closed in observance of Independence Day
12:05 pm No Daily Mass

Thursday, July 5, 2012
8:00 am 30 Minutes of Reflective Music for Personal Prayer in Church
12:05 pm Daily Mass † R Mihtis

Friday, July 6, 2012
12:05 pm Daily Mass followed by the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
† Patrick Slater
5:00 pm Wedding Rehearsal

Saturday, July 7, 2012
2:00 pm Wedding
5:15 pm Mass † Bruna Luperni Bullock

Sunday, July 8, 2012
9:00 am Mass † Charles Rittling
11:00 am Mass † Lucille Bowles Owen
12:30 pm Music Rehearsal for Korean Mass
2:00 pm Korean Mass
5:15 pm Mass † Bob Kandt