From the Rector’s Desk…

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 

This Fourth Sunday of Easter is called Good Shepherd Sunday because the Gospel passage comes from chapter 10 of John’s Gospel in which Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd is the one who calls his sheep, takes care of them and is willing to lay down his life for his sheep.  We could also call this Sunday, Good Sheep Sunday.  We are the good sheep of the shepherd, Christ, when we listen to his voice, follow him and depend upon him.  We can be tempted to follow other voices in this world that preach selfishness, greed, hate or hopelessness.  They lead us away from the Lord who gives us direction, a true purpose in life and salvation.

 

This weekend, we also begin the 2023 Appeal which is the major source of funding for the many ministries of the Diocese of Columbus.   You may have already received a brochure and letter from Bishop Fernandes asking for your financial support.   The theme of the Appeal is “Forward with Jesus.”  We are encouraged to move forward in our faith in the Light of Christ, becoming ever more dependent upon the Lord who is always with us.  The Appeal, formerly known as the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, seeks to raise 7 million dollars in order to support evangelization efforts in our parishes, schools, and college campuses.  Appeal dollars also provide tuition assistance for our Catholic schools.   It funds seminarian education and the formation of candidates for the priesthood and permanent diaconate.  We are blessed to see this support for one of our own parishioners, PeterClaver Kasasa Kiviiri.  Deacon PeterClaver will be ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Columbus on Saturday, May 27th at 10 am, right here at St. Joseph Cathedral.   Appeal contributions have supported Deacon PeterClaver’s formation and journey to the priesthood.  The Appeal also supports the local Church’s efforts to help the poor, a need which we see on a regular basis in our parish. 

 

Each parish is given a goal to help meet the diocesan goal.   St. Joseph Cathedral is asked to raise $42,645.24.  This is a very achievable goal for our parish.  With approximately 450 families, a $100 contribution from each family would more than meet the goal.  Many of us can give much more than that.  Others cannot.  Your gift, small or great, will certainly help us meet the goal.  Any donations that exceed our parish goal will go directly to our parish.  Your participation in the Appeal will benefit both the Diocese of Columbus and our parish.   I ask that you prayerfully consider a donation to the Appeal.  Your donation can be spread out over the course of the year.  It is my hope that we meet our goal, at least in pledges, by the end of May.  I thank you for your consideration and your contributions to the Appeal and our parish.   Most of all, I ask you to join me in praying for the success of the Appeal and the efforts of our parish and the Diocese of Columbus to live out the Gospel and bring people to Jesus Christ.   

 

May God bless you and reward your generosity.

 

Fr. Kitsmiller
 Rector