November:
Our Eternal Destiny
The consecutive celebration of All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2) presents the theme for this month: our eternal destiny. Traditionally, it is at this time of year that the Church reflects on the “Last Things”: death, judgment, the resurrection of the body, heaven, hell, and Purgatory.
These topics are featured in the readings and prayers for Mass, as the liturgical year comes to a close. Accordingly, the Gospel reading focuses on the end of Jesus’ public ministry. (The account of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection is proclaimed during Holy Week and Easter.) In Jerusalem, at the end of his public ministry, Jesus speaks about the end of the world and his return in glory (Parousia). This theme segues into Advent—the beginning of the new liturgical year—whose first part focuses on the Second Coming of Christ.
These topics are featured in the readings and prayers for Mass, as the liturgical year comes to a close. Accordingly, the Gospel reading focuses on the end of Jesus’ public ministry. (The account of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection is proclaimed during Holy Week and Easter.) In Jerusalem, at the end of his public ministry, Jesus speaks about the end of the world and his return in glory (Parousia). This theme segues into Advent—the beginning of the new liturgical year—whose first part focuses on the Second Coming of Christ.
The Virgin Interceding for the Souls in Purgatory by Luca Giordano
All Saints Day
The Solemnity of All Saints is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses will be celebrated on Friday, November 1 at 12:00 noon and 6:00 p.m. Bishop Knestout will celebrate the 6:00 p.m. Mass. As the name implies, All Saints Day commemorates all who are in heaven: those who have been officially declared (canonized) and particularly those who have not.
Book of the Names of the Dead
The observance of All Souls’ Day on November 2 initiates the month-long devotion of offering special prayers for the dead, especially for the souls in Purgatory. To underscore the importance of this Spiritual Work of Mercy, the Book of the Names of the Dead has been placed on the altar of St. Joseph, who is the patron of a happy death.
Parishioners are encouraged to inscribe the names of their deceased family members and friends, along with their date of death, in the book. This practice of compiling one’s own necrology is a good spiritual exercise.
Beginning on All Souls’ Day, and lasting throughout November, the Book of the Names of the Dead will be displayed in the St. Joseph chapel. The Book of the Names of the Dead calls to mind the scriptural image of the Book of Life, which refers to our heavenly destiny: “Only those will enter whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Rev 21:27; see also 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; Ex 32:32–33; Ps 69:29; Is 4:3; Dn 7:10; 10:21; 12:1; Mal 3:16; Lk 10:20; Phil 4:3).
Red Mass
Bishop Knestout will celebrate the 5:15 p.m. Mass on Saturday, November 2. This Mass will be offered in a special way for those who work in the legal profession. It is customary for a bishop to offer a Mass during October and November (the start of the United States Supreme Court term) to ask for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon those who serve as judges and others in the legal profession.
Brunswick Stew Sale
Nov. 9&10
Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus
Don't let yours get away!
$8 per quart or $15 for 2 quarts
Pre-orders for Brunswick Stew will continue THIS WEEKEND.
Complete the order form below and place in the labeled baskets in the rear of the church OR email Rick Wildes rick@rickwildes.com
Father Tony will offer a presentation on a cathedral’s role in serving the Church as a model of worship on Sunday, November 17 12:30 pm. This will be an opportunity to learn and ask questions about the Mass and the significance of the rites, gestures, and prayers used in the celebration, according to Vatican Council II.
The Cathedral is excited to continue a Children’s Choir for the 2019-2020 year. The choir will consist of children in Grades 1-8. The choir will be directed by Mrs. Amy Hruska, a Cathedral member who has taught music in the Richmond community for thirty-seven years and conducted the Children’s Choir for the last three years. She is excited to work with your children and wants to ensure their success through communication and cooperation.
We will have a short window of rehearsals, so it is important for the participating children to be present at all rehearsals. The rehearsals are:
Sun. Nov. 24 10:05 - 10:55 am second floor, church office
Sun. Dec 8 10:05 - 10:55 am second floor, church office
Sun. Dec 15 10:05 - 10:55 am second floor, church office
Sun. Dec 22 12:00 - 12:45 pm in the church
Tue. Dec 24 3:15 pm call for 4:00 Mass in the church
We will have a short window of rehearsals, so it is important for the participating children to be present at all rehearsals. The rehearsals are:
Sun. Nov. 24 10:05 - 10:55 am second floor, church office
Sun. Dec 8 10:05 - 10:55 am second floor, church office
Sun. Dec 15 10:05 - 10:55 am second floor, church office
Sun. Dec 22 12:00 - 12:45 pm in the church
Tue. Dec 24 3:15 pm call for 4:00 Mass in the church
Register by filling out a registration form found in the Parish Hall,
email Amy Hruska aghruska@verizon.net, or click below.
SAVE THE DATE! Advent Activities
Sat. Nov. 23 | 10:00am to Noon| Parish Hall
Bring a potluck breakfast item and enjoy wreath making, Advent crafts, and enjoy playing Advent Bingo! Let’s open our hearts and prepare together!
Pastoral Council
The parish pastoral council will resume meeting on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. This group is a consultative body to the pastor. Members “give their help in fostering pastoral activity” (Code of Canon Law, canon 536 §1).Cathedral Ornaments and Books For Sale
Visit the Cathedral Gift Shop for just the gift to mark a special occasion at the Cathedral. A Cathedral book gives the history of this magnificent church with pictures through the ages. A Christmas ornament is a beautiful reminder of a baptism, wedding, confirmation or visit to the Cathedral.
Diocesan Youth Conference
February 7-9th
The Diocesan Youth Conference registration will be opening soon. If you are in 8th grade - High School, save the date on your calendar now. This is a special fun and faith filled weekend for the youth in all the Richmond Diocese and is conveniently located right here in downtown Richmond. More details will be shared soon!
We keep having more fun and more friends every week in our Tuesdays Together program! Join us for our music and movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their parent/caregiver (and older homeschool children are welcome to come) We meet from 10am-11am on Tuesdays in the large downstairs classroom. Please come and invite a friend!
Coming up: Coming up: Bring big brother or sister if they are off from school on ELECTION DAY!
If you would like to provide dinner for a Tuesday night RCIA Session please email Maria Thorsen at
R.C.I.A. MEAL MINISTRY
Cathedral parishioners have always been so welcoming to the members in the RCIA process. Our parish community supports those seeking full membership in the Catholic faith through. As a Eucharistic people, we come together to know and understand each other by sharing a meal. The faith of the RCIA community is strengthened by your generous gift of a meal.
Have you registered, or
recently moved?
If you have not yet registered as a parishioner of the Cathedral, please visit richmondcathedral.org, scroll down to "Join" and select "Online Registration." This can be completed in under five minutes, and will be necessary for such things as our upcoming Cathedral Christmas card!
If your address has changed since registering, please contact Tiffany Baham at
tbaham@ richmondcathedral.org and provide your updated address.
RCIA is a process of conversion and spiritual formation for individuals who are interested in living the Christian life in the Catholic tradition. It is time of prayer, study, reflection, faith sharing, on-going discernment and participation in parish life.
For further information please contact Maria Thorsen - mthorsen@richmondcathedral.org
Please visit the Cathedral website to review the Adult Faith Formation programs for 2019-2020
www.richmondcathedral.org
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
RCIA SPONSORS 2019-2020
Our Cathedral community supports the RCIA community each year with prayer and hospitality. RCIA members always express how thankful they are to our parish community. If you would like to join the RCIA ministry as a Sponsor please email Maria Thorsen: mthorsen@richmondcathedral.org
Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick and Homebound
This is a wonderful ministry whereby you will meet some of the nicest and most grateful people imaginable. The time commitment is minimal but the reward is everlasting!
If you can commit to spending a few moments once a month, bringing the Eucharist to those who would otherwise not receive it, contact the Eucharistic Minister Coordinator.
If you can commit to spending a few moments once a month, bringing the Eucharist to those who would otherwise not receive it, contact the Eucharistic Minister Coordinator.
John Aune
jraune@outlook.com | (217) 649-5566
The Gift Shop needs your help!
Looking for a new way to help your parish family? Want to secure an EXCELLENT parking spot before Mass? We are looking for volunteers to staff the Gift Shop before and after the 9:00am and 5:15pm Sunday Masses. We can schedule one Sunday or more as your schedule allows. This would involve arriving 30 minutes before Mass and staying for 30 minutes after Mass. Volunteers ensure that this ministry can be available for our parishioners.Contact Jody Taylor at myzooty1@gmail.com
Updated Weekend Bulletin
Give with Vanco
You can give:
• online through QR code or visit
www.richmondcathedral.org/give/
• through Mobile App by downloading the
‘GivePlus Church’
• or by texting the amount you wish to give to 804-315-0903. You will have to enter your credit card or bank account number the first time you give. For more information please call the church office 804-212-3898
Parking Voucher
The parking vouchers for the VCU Decks have been updated. Please use this QR code to vacate the decks and avoid paying for parking.
Bulletin Update!
Please check out our weekly bulletin for more in-depth information regarding events at your Cathedral!
Bulletin Update
More events and information found here:
Wednesday, August 15, is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is a Holy Day of Obligation. Please join us for a Solemn Mass at 12:00 Noon with special music sung by the Cathedral Schola Cantorum or a sung Mass at 6:00p.
"When speaking of families, often the image of a treasure comes to my mind.
Today's rhythm of life, stress, pressure at work, and also the little attention paid by institutions, could put them in danger.
It's not enough to talk about their importance: it's necessary to promote concrete means and to develop their role in society with a good family policy.
Today's rhythm of life, stress, pressure at work, and also the little attention paid by institutions, could put them in danger.
It's not enough to talk about their importance: it's necessary to promote concrete means and to develop their role in society with a good family policy.
Together, let us ask Jesus that any far-reaching decisions of economists and politicians may protect the family as one of the treasures of humanity."
-Pope Francis
HOLY SMOKES!
PREK-Middle School Open House
Sunday, Sept. 9 | 10:00 - 11:00 am
Join us in our new church offices on the first floor to learn about our wonderful year of children’s formation and middle school youth group. You will get a chance to meet your child’s catechist or group leader. Coming from the church, go past the bathrooms through the hall and two sets of doors to reach the new office. Coming from the street, you can enter directly through the double doors at 823 S. Cathedral Place.
High School and Confirmation Open House
Sunday, September 9 |12:00-1:00pm
Join us in our new church offices on the first floor to learn about our high school youth group meetings and the chance for service hours. If you are in your sophmore year or older and would like information on the Sacrament of Confirmation, please attend this open house. Coming from the church, go past the bathrooms through the hall and two sets of doors to reach the new office. Coming from the street, you can enter directly through the double doors at 823 S. Cathedral Place.
Bible Timeline: A Story of Salvation History
*Now Mondays* 7:00p - 8:30p | Parish Hall (New Location)
Dates: September 17th, September 24th, and October 1st
“To fall in love with God is the greatest of all romances; to seek Him, the greatest adventure…” St. Augustine. The Bible Timeline is a Catholic approach to Scripture that invites us into a transformative encounter with Jesus Christ.
Everyone is invited. Please attend and bring a friend!
Please note temporary change of location:
The Nursery will be located in the large classroom on the lower level for about 4 weeks. All nursery supplies have been stored as the rooms are cleaned and painted, so we are asking that you bring a bag of toys that the children can share each week. Please have diapers available, if needed.If you have any questions please email:
mthorsen@richmondcathedral.org
Women's Book Group
Fridays at 10am | Parish Hall
Sept 28, Oct 5, Oct 12, and Oct 19
“Through her unique gift for
storytelling, combined with profound
spiritual insight, Sr. Bridget
Haase's Doors to the Sacred will invite
readers to open the door to the room of
daily experience, stand under its
ceiling of providence, walk the floors of
faith, and explore its nooks and
crannies of divine surprises and
disguises. By so doing, they will
discover that each event of life is holy,
saturated with God, and filled with
hope.” – Paraclete Press
“Shine like stars in the world, as you hold fast to the word of life” (Phil. 2:15–16)