September 18, 2016 • Twenty-Fifth Sunday In Ordinary Time

Saints

Peter & Paul C AT H O L I C C H U R C H

902 East Ninth Street • Hopkinsville, KY 42240

MASS SCHEDULE Saturday evening ..................................... 5:00 PM Sunday ................................. 8:00 AM, 10:30 AM Misa en Español .............. 2:00 PM, 10:30 PM Monday - Saturday ................................ 8:00 AM Wednesday ......................................... 5:30 PM Thursday MISA EN ESPAÑOL .................... 5:30 pm First Friday of each month ..................... 6:00 PM

Established 1872

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

We are a Roman Catholic Community of Christians called to be a priestly people, a household of faith, a temple of the Holy Spirit, a beacon of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church shining for Jesus Christ in the heart of Christian County.

Rev. Fr. Richard Meredith, Pastor crmeredith@stsppchurch.org Rev. Fr. Al Bremer, Parochial Vicar frbremer@bellsouth.net Rev. Fr. Basilio Az Cuc, Parochial Vicar bazcuc@stsppchuch.org Permanent Deacon, Mr. Tim Barnes tdbarnes@stsppchurch.org Permanent Deacon, Dr. Bill Sweet wesweet@stsppchurch.org

PARISH OFFICE PHONE: (270) 885-8522 PARISH FAX: (270) 885-5296 PARISH WEBSITE: www.stsppchurch.org

OFFICE HOURS: 8 AM - 5 PM Monday – Friday (Closed Noon -1:00 pm Daily)

SCHOOL TELEPHONE: (270) 886-0172 SCHOOL FAX: (270) 887-9924 SCHOOL WEBSITE: www.stsppschool.org

Tru†h Radio WSPP 93.5 FM

Saints Peter and Paul Assistance: 270-886-6027

Saints Peter and Paul Thrift Store: 270-962-7008

MEMBERSHIP IN THE PARISH We give a sincere welcome to all new families moving into our Parish. Please register in the Parish Office as soon as possible. Families who plan to move from our parish

community are asked to inform us.

Bulletin material deadline: Monday at noon in writing or email.

mailto:tdbarnes@stsppchurch.orgmailto:wesweet@stsppchurch.org

SS PETER & PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH, HOPKINSVILLE, KY

The Catholic Church teaches that the sexual abuse of any person is a grave moral evil. To report any instance of sexual abuse by any employ-ee of the Catholic Church please call the Office of the Bishop in Owens-

boro at (270) 683-1545. The Safe Environment Program is now avail-able at the Diocesan website www.owensborodiocese.org

† SACRAMENTS † † Reconciliation: Confessions will be heard Saturday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and Wednesday at 4:30 PM. Confessions will be heard any time by appointment. Confessions for Spanish speaking are 2nd, 4th & 5th Saturdays at 3:00 PM.

† Baptism: Baptismal Preparation Class is usually held the first Sun-day of each month. Our next class is scheduled for October 2, 2016 at 4:00 pm. Please call the Parish Office. Registration is required.

† Marriage: Contact the Office six months prior to the desired date.

2

Parish Pastoral Council

Robin Bilan, Education…………………...……..rcbilan@hotmail.com Jim Creighton, Spiritual Life ………………creighton.jim@gmail.com Libby Downs, Pastoral Associate ….………..ljdowns@stsppchurch.org Norma Folz, Worship ..………………………….nbfolz@gmail.com Gary Harden, Family Life ..……………….garyharden@gmail.com Sarah Kranz, Principal …………………....skranz@stsppschool.org Fran Marko, Secretary ......................................franmarko@gmail.com Rose McClurg, Vice Chair/Social Concerns rose1963mcclurg@gmail.com Joe Mezzoni, Chair/Admin .….……………. joemezzoni216@att.net

PARISH STAFF Tom Buehrle (twbuehrle@att.net)...............Director Of Stewardship Brenda Chaudoin (bchaudoin@stsppchurch.org)…. Parish Office Mgr. Libby Downs (ljdowns@stsppchurch.org)............Pastoral Associate Jennifer Groves (jgroves@stsppschool.org)…… School Secretary Leigh Ann Johnson …………………Parish Assistance Coordinator Steve Kinnard (skinnard@stsppchurch.org)...Maintenance Foreman Sarah Kranz (skranz@stsppschool.org)....................School Principal Donna Pfeufer (dgpfeufer@gmail.com)……...Thrift Store Gen. Mgr. Angie Phillips (abphillips2013@gmail.com)……...Thrift Store Mgr. Mayra Tirado (mtirado@stsppchurch.org)...Hispanic Ministry Asst. Sue Wassmer (swassmer@stsppchurch.org)............Parish Secretary Amy Watkins (awatkins@stsppchurch.org)....Parish Music Director

MINISTRY TO THE SICK Please notify the Parish Office upon admission of a family member into any hospital or nursing home. Any parishioner who is ill or infirm may request anointing by calling the Parish

Office, 270-885-8522.

PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

This is a devotion whereby members of the parish unite in taking hours of Adoration before the Most Blessed Sacrament during the day and throughout the night, seven days a week. (Code required for evenings.) There is a regular schedule of adorers but all are welcome to stop in for a visit. Parishioners are en-couraged to sign up for a scheduled weekly Adoration time. Please contact Bill & Jenny Rush at 270-885-2888, if you are interested in adopting an hour or if you can be a substitute or prayer partner. Available hours: 1pm Mondays, 12 am Tuesdays, 12 pm and 6 pm Thursdays and 3am Saturdays.

Supporting your parish has never been easier. Sign up for EFT from Checking or Savings to fulfill your offertory or pledge commitment.

___Regular Collection ___Legacy Building Fund Pledge ___Stained Glass Window Fund

AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL FROM CHECKING OR SAVINGS ACCOUNT I authorize Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church to process entries from my checking or savings as noted below. This authority will remain in effect until I give reasonable notification to terminate this authorization. Name___________________________________________ Type of Account: (Circle One) Address_________________________________________ Checking Account – attach a voided check City/State/Zip____________________________________ Savings Account – attach savings deposit slip Daytime Phone___________________________________ Starting Date: _______________________ E-Mail_________________________________________ Continue envelopes? (circle) Yes No Enter the amount to be deducted from your Checking or Savings account: $_______________ Semimonthly (Transferred on the 1st and 15th) $______________Monthly (The 1st or 15th)(Circle One) _______________________________________________ _____________________________________ Signature Date

mailto:joemezzoni216@att.net

SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 3

Catechetical Sunday: Since 1972, the third Sunday of Sep-tember has been set aside as Catechetical Sunday in our universal church. Therefore, this Sunday, September 18th the

Church will recognize Catechetical Sunday which is our opportuni-ty to give thanks to all those called by God to teach our Catholic faith to our children and youth. The USCCB’s Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis announced

the theme "Prayer: The Faith Prayed." Those who the Com-munity has designated to serve as catechists will be called forth to be commissioned for their ministry. Catechetical Sun-day is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. Catechetical Sun-day is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith. While parents are truly the primary catechists of their children, the Church has an obli-gation to assist parents in this important role. Our Cate-chists and aids for our religious education programs include: PSR – Parish School of Religion: Pre-K – 1st: Rossella Cincotti and Bette Covington 2nd Grade: Vicky and Tim Barnes 3rd-5th Grades: Morgan Murray and Kolleen Degenhardt Middle and High School: 6th Grade: Libbie Rutland and Dan Gardner 7th Grade: Jennifer Hanks, Carolyn Spurr and

Fr. Basilio Az Cuc 8th Grade: Libby Downs and Chuck Spurr 9th Grade: Heidi Wheeler and Michelle Carew-

Bessette 10th-12th Fr. Richard Meredith, Tom and Julie Folz Grades: and Jenny Rush We are also grateful to the adults who are willing to assist us when they can and share their expertise.

May theses catechist know of Christ’s presence with them as they plan and teach our children and youth. We also give thanks to our teachers at Saints Peter and Paul School. These include: Principal - Ms. Sarah Kranz; 8th Grade – Miss Dina Murray; 7th Grade – Mrs. Peggy Kemp; 6th Grade - Mrs. Rochelle Dickerson; 5th Grade - Mrs. Vicki Luckey; 4th Grade - Mrs. Jane Irwin; 3rd Grade - Mrs. Mary Lee; 2nd Grade - Mrs. Chris Westfall; 1st Grade – Mrs. Sherry Braden; Kindergarten - Mrs. Stepha-nie Blankenberger; Preschool - Mrs. Gina Cayce; Kinder-garten Aide – Mrs. Teresa Duncan; Preschool Aides – Becky Adams and LeAnn Graves; Music and Art – Mrs. Elaine Ford; Physical Education and Spanish: Mr. Thomas Duncan; Guidance – Mrs. Mary Bess Ross; Library & Keyboarding-Gretchen Cormier. In addition, we are very grateful to the many volunteers who serve our school. We give thanks to our RCIA team who gather each Thursday evening to support and guide those who want to

learn more about the Catholic faith. Our RCIA Team in-cludes: Tim and Vicky Barnes, Arsha Battah, Robin Bilan, Ruby Carsone, Tim Davis, Sandy Doyon, Franki Durbin, Dottie Gernon, Gaby Guzman, Robert and Karen Hill, Deana Holdman, Vinna Humphries, Jamie and Samantha Lawrence, Angie Roberts, Rob Sivley, Cathy Smith, Karla and Tommy Wagner, Daniel Wilkinson, Libby Downs, Fr. Richard, Fr. Basilio and Fr. Al.

Tamale Sale: The Guadalupe Committee once again wishes to thank you for your support of their Tamale Sales last weekend at all Masses. Because of you, they raise $987.00. All these proceeds will go toward the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Decem-ber 12th. They wish to thank all

those who helped make this Tamale Sale possible by their hard work of preparing and selling the tamales. May your good deeds be rewarded.

Thank You Cards: We received two thank you cards this week that we wanted to share: First, from Aaron McNeil: The Aaron McNeil House would like to say thank you for being a faithful supporter of our organization. Your kind-ness in donating has encouraged us to work harder to serve those in need, giving hope in their hearts. It is truly a blessing to serve others with the help of great supporters like you. Thank you and God Bless, Aaron McNeil House Team

Second from Sanctuary Inc.: Thank you for your support of Sanctuary at our 10th Annual dinner. With the gift from Saints Peter and Paul Par-ish, you partner with us to serve victims of violence in the Pen-nyrile region. Thank you so much for your gracious gift and sponsoring a table at the Banquet. Sincerely, Sanctuary Team.

Birthday Card Request: Our parishioner Norma Boyd will be celebrating her 100th birthday on Sunday, September

18th. Due to declining health, she has relocated closer to family. Please help us celebrate Norma’s birthday and to let her know that she has not been for-gotten. Send cards to: Norma Boyd, Hometown Manor Assisted Living, 103 Manor Avenue, Bardstown, KY 40004.

Camino Ignaciano – September 22 – October 21, 2016: In September 2016 a group of pilgrims including our own Donna Pfeufer will walk the 640 km pilgrim route taken by Íñigo López de Loyola (who later be-came Saint Ignatius of Loy-ola) in 1522 from his home in Spain’s Basque country to Montserrat and Manresa.

The “Camino Ignaciano,” or the “Ignatian way” be-

(Continued on page 4)

PARISH NEWS

http://caminoignaciano.org/?lang=en

SS PETER & PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH, HOPKINSVILLE, KY 4

helps to make God’s mercy present throughout Western Kentucky. If you received a letter from Bishop Medley ask-ing for your support of the DRF, please make a generous gift today.

Safe Environment: Want to be involved with our youth here at Saints Peter and Paul Parish and School? Here at Saints Peter and Paul any adult (18 years of age and older) working/ volunteering/ assisting with programs that involve minor children (school programs or parish programs) are required to complete the four components of the Safe Environment Program provided by our Dio-cese. Come by the parish office for more information and to attain the necessary forms.

Parish Picnic Youth Activity: Our middle school and high school youth provide the desserts at our Parish Picnic scheduled for Sunday, September 25th. Youth: Desserts should be individually wrapped. Treats may include: cookies, brownies, cupcakes, lemon bars, rice crispy treats, fruit, etc. Bring them to the gym on Sunday, September 25th by 11:45 a.m. If you would like to sit at the table and sell these items, please see Libby.

Silver Streaks: Our Silver Streaks have meet and planned their activities. Go ahead and mark on your cal-endar to go with them on Tuesday, September 27th as they will depart from Saints Peter and Paul at 10:30 a.m. and travel to Patti’s for a day of fun and fellowship. For more information, call Julia Borders at (270) 886-6061.

PARISH NEWS

gins at the birthplace of Ignatius Loyola in Spain’s Basque country, in a village near the small town of Azpeitia. From there, the route proceeds through picturesque mountains, deserts, and plains, before ending in the town of Manresa near Barcelona. Ignatius rested in this town for some months after his journey from Loyola. Manresa was a place of profound spiritual enlightenment for him. Here he composed his spir-itual masterpiece, the Spiritual Exercises.

Pilgrims will walk virtually the same route that Ig-natius did, pass through many towns that he did, pray at churches where he did, and marvel at the same natural wonders that he saw. Pilgrims will be on a 28-day outer journey and an inner journey. The outer journey will be well marked. The inner journey less so. For some it will be about forgiveness or reconciliation, for others a new direc-tion or course in life, a confirmation of a major life choice, or a renewed or rediscovered sense of personal identity.

Each day pilgrims will have the opportunity for daily Mass, either said by the guide, Fr Michael Smith SJ, or they will attend a Eucharist in one of the local parishes. There will also be opportunities for prayer, personal re-flection, spiritual conversation and sharing in small groups. Let us hold Donna in prayer as she embarks on this journey of Camino Ignaciano.

St. Vincent de Paul: Each year on September 27th, we as a church celebrate the Memorial of St. Vincent de Paul. In honor of him and all the good work that he has done, we invite all our Saints Peter and Paul Thrift Store volunteers to join us on Tuesday, September 27th for the 8:00 a.m. Mass followed by a reception in the rectory. So we know how many to plan for, please let Libby know you are com-ing by Friday, September 23rd.

Baptism: We welcome through the waters of Baptism, Valentina Ariana Oñate, the daughter of Martha Alicia Oñate Fuentes and Rodrigo Oñate, who was baptized here at Saints Peter and Paul on Saturday, Septem-ber 10th with Fr. Carmelo Jimenez, Fr. Richard Meredith and Fr. Basilio Az Cuc. Grandparents are Rosa and Nicolas Oñate.

Disciples Response Fund: As you know, we are imple-menting a new way to increase support of the Disciples Response Fund and to assist our parish by returning to us 50% of all funds raised over our target. Support of the work of our Diocese is important. There are many things that even the largest parishes can-not do on their own. For example, the Disciples Response Fund puts money into an endowment for the care of retired priests. Also, the fund assists with the expenses for the ed-ucation of our seminarians. Pope Francis has designated 2016 as a “Year of Mercy”. He instructs us to open our hearts. The Diocese

(Continued from page 3)

Remember – Parish Picnic Sunday, September 25th

Begins after 10:30 a.m. Bilingual Mass Serving Lunch from 11:45 am to 1:30 pm

in the Parish Center Mass Schedule for the weekend is: Vigil Mass, Saturday, September 24th at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, September 25th at 8:00 a.m. – English Sunday, September 25th at 10:30 a.m. – Bi-Lingual Sunday, September 25th at 10:30 p.m. – Spanish Altar Servers: Vy Nguyen and Alondra Hernández Candle Bearers: Nic Luckey and Dayana Hernández Cross Bearer: Michelle Salas Incense Bearer: Roberto Nicanor Commentator: Mary Moehlman and Angeles Hernández Lector: Tommy Winters and Evelia Ocampo Eucharistic Ministers:

Yolanda Perry, Rossella Cincotti, Nathan Tillman, Trinidad Soriano

Ushers: Pat Covington, Chano Vieyra, Kelly King, Victor Hernández Vocational Cross: Ron Luckey Family Guadalupana: Familia Montejos

SEPTEMBER 18, 2016

Mon: Stained Glass Window Comm., 5:15 pm-OA Wed: Rosary Makers-9am, HFR Choir: 6:30 pm MS/HS Youth-5:30 pm Thurs: RCIA -7 pm, Gym

Fri: MOMs Group-OA, 9:30 am Sat: Knights Prepare Picnic food-Gym Sun: NO PSR Class Parish Picnic-Serving 11:45 am-1:30 pm Sophia Award Mass-2 pm, St Stephen ,Owensboro

THIS WEEK IN OUR PARISH SEPTEMBER 19-25

Readings for the Week of September 18, 2016 Sunday: Am 8:4-7/Ps 113:1-2, 4-8/1 Tm 2:1-8/ Lk 16:1-13 or 16:10-13 Monday: Prv 3:27-34/Ps 15:2-5/Lk 8:16-18 Tuesday: Prv 21:1-6, 10-13/Ps 119:1, 27, 30, 34-35, 44/Lk 8:19-21 Wednesday: Eph 4:1-7, 11-13/Ps 19:2-5/Mt 9:9-13 Thursday: Eccl 1:2-11/Ps 90:3-6, 12-14, 17/Lk 9:7-9 Friday: Eccl 3:1-11/Ps 144:1-4/Lk 9:18-22 Saturday: Eccl 11:9-12:8/Ps 90:3-6, 12-14, 17/ Lk 9:43b-45 Next Sunday: Am 6:1a, 4-7/Ps 146:7-10/1 Tm 6:11-16/

Lk 16:19-31

5

Monday, September 19 St. Januarius

8:00 AM † † MARY LANGHI

Tuesday, September 20 Sts. Andrew Kim Tae-gon, Paul Chong Ha-sang & Companions

8:00 AM BILL RUSH

Wednesday September 21 St. Matthew, Apostle

8:00 AM † CLIFF ANN LEWIS

5:30 PM † JIM MATHIEU

Thursday, September 22

8:00 AM † CATHERINE AMARRO 5:30 PM Spanish † POOR SOULS IN PURGATORY

Friday, September 23 St. Pius

8:00 AM † DOT CHERRY

Saturday, September 24

8:00 AM STEVENS FAMILY

5:00 PM † FRED BRINGARDNER

Sunday, September 25 26th Sunday In Ordinary Time

8:00 AM † BARBARA MITCHELL

10:30 AM BILINGUAL † TERESA CHONG

10:30 AM BILINGUAL † FACUNDA TENORIO CASTILLO

10:30 PM Spanish FOR ALL PARISHIONERS

† Indicates Requiem Mass

SANCTUARY LAMP

In Memory of Facunda Tenorio Castillo by Fulvia Medina Gonzalez

STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE….. The dishonest manager in today’s parable knew how to manipulate money to his own advantage. But the Gospel warns that no one can serve both God and money. Which do I serve? Is my stewardship such that anyone can tell? Budget News Weekly Parish Collection……………………………..$11,561.17 Weekly Parish Budget Needs ..................................$15,850.00 Diocesan Assessment ($69,161.00) …….…..Unpaid $57,406.00

Weekly Capital Improvement Donations ..................... $199.00 Capital Improvement Fund Balance .........................$21,491.39 Weekly A Legacy of Faith Fund Pledge Payments ........ $1,472.00

A Legacy of Faith Fund Balance ............................... $887,961.36

Stained Glass Window Donations ....................................... $0 Stained Glass Window Fund Balance .................... $384,208.00

More wonderful Pictures from the Blue Mass. Ron Luckey representing the Fire Department and Christian County Sherriff’s Department.

What are You Doing on …? Want to come and spend time with Our Lord in the presence of the Blessed Sacra-ment? I promise, the time will truly nourish your soul and make a difference in your life. Call Jenny or Bill Rush (270-885-2888) and adopt these hours. Be quick before someone else does! The following hours are now open and available for an adorer; Monday at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at 12:00 AM (midnight) Thursday 12:00 PM (Noon) and 6:00 PM Saturday 3:00 AM

©Liturgical Publications Inc

Our Pre-School chil-dren with members of the Sheriff’s Department at the Blue Mass cele-bration here at Saints Peter and Paul last Wednesday, September 14, 2016.

SS PETER & PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH, HOPKINSVILLE, KY 6

Please Pray for our Deployed

Wesley Britt, Nicholas Burton And Louis Fay

In Need of Prayers… Covington Convalescent- Pat Chesnut, Eliza-beth Jones, Karen Logsdon, Jean Soyars Western State Nursing Facility- Arnold Borders, Debbie Dickerson, Ellen Jones Christian Health Center- Lillian Cotthoff, Norma Downs, Barbara Holubecki, Friendship House- Christine Mills Others…. Clarence & Helen Al-lard, Mark Arnold, Mary Armstrong, Andy & Fran Belland, Norma Boyd, Helen Brown, Michael Burns, Scott Burnside, Kristen Cage, Francis Grace Cage, Marjorie Campbell, Alice Chuhralya, Sam Chesnut, Pam Cox, Tommy Craft, Mary Curtsinger, Dr. David Da-vis, Mary Dean, Angela Brockman DeAngelis, Rob Dollar, Gene Durbin, Pat Esposito, Tommy Folz, Theresa Ford, Pembroke Foster, Connie Fowler, Martha Fowler, Mary Gervais, Gant Golladay, Ron & Janice Godot, Stacey Godot, Jewel Claire Godot, Jeff Goulet, Beth Hancock, Karyn Harden, Bonnie Harris, Marianne Harton, Leah Henderson, Mary Jean Hester, Edward Hester, Han-nah Isom, Jennifer Jefcoat, Carol Johnson, Anita Jones, Douglas Jones, Jimmy Jones, Martha Jordan, Mark Kahre, Bill Keldermans, Joseph Kukral, Bob Labor, Larry Lytle, Helen Marshall, Neil McGillivray, Rosalina Lopez, Diane McCoy, Fr. Richard Meredith, Margie Meredith, Joe Mezzoni, Sr., Theresa Mills, Deborah Mor-ris, Sandy Mueller, Bill Nichol, JoAnn Perry, Lilly Phillips, Larry Puckett, Kiesha Quinonez & Family, Martha Reed, Desmond Ryan, Bob & Cele Schade, Emma & Gabriela Schiller, MaryAnn Schur-mann, Marianne Shaw, David Ray Shirley, Kristian Shouse, Doris Sholar, Gina Simpson, David Smith, MaryAnn Stahr, Mike & Marylyn Stocker, Georgiann Svestka, Ken Swicicki, Patricia Tariol, Jerry Thomas, Rose Ann Tobin, Donnie Tuminello, Gayle Tuminello, Hannelore Vanderklok, John Widener Family, Helen Winstead, Janet Winstead, James Wittschack. Names remain on the list for one month.

LAY MINISTERS SEPTEMBER 24/25

TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Saturday, 5:00 pm Altar Servers: ............... Joey Chaudoin, Karenna Chaudoin Cross Bearer: .................................................. Carly Chaudoin Commentator: ....................................................... Vicky Barnes Lectors ................................. Pam Sweet, Rochelle Dickerson Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers: ................ Mike Stocker, ........................... Frank Raber, Pam Carlton, Sandy Doyon Choir Loft ............................ Tony Esposito, JoAshley Hall Ushers .............................................. Todd Hall, Joe Chaudoin .......................................................... Bill Folz, Tony Folz Vocational Cross ................................................ Karen Shehan

Sunday, 8:00 am Altar Servers: ........... Eva Blankenberger, Ashleigh Stevens Cross Bearer: ........................................................ Cole Stevens Commentator: ................................ Stephanie Blankenberger Lectors ................................... Jerry Brockman, Chris Stevens Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers: ............. Marcy Stevens, ...................... Debbie Harden, Lana Bastin, Marilyn White Choir Loft ..................................... Bob Stites, Terri Means Ushers ..................................... Gary Harden, Branson White ......................................... Alvin Schmitt, Philip Garnett Vocational Cross ..................................Marilyn White Family

Parish Spiritual Adoption Program: September – Month Six – 24 Weeks – “I’m sitting up straight now!” We are now at the end of the second trimester! Your spiritually

adopted baby now weighs almost two pounds. She sits up straight now to accommodate her internal organs which have moved into their final place in her little body. Babies born prematurely at this time have a very good chance of surviving. “Thank you for your prayers! I’m 6 months

old now. I just opened my eyes- Before today they were sealed shut for protection. I wonder what you look like. I can hear sounds, too! It’s great to have someone praying for me.”

Spiritual Adoption Prayer Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I love you very much.

I beg you to spare the life of the unborn baby that I Have spiritually adopted who is in danger of abortion.

Sister Audrey Mary Gold Award: The Disabilities Aware-ness Committee for the Diocese of Owensboro is happy to announce the start of The Sister Audrey Mary Gold Award. This award recognizes achievements for a person who works to ensure that others are included in parish life regardless of disability. The committee is looking for nominees and will be awarding the Sister Audrey Mary Gold Award on All Saints Day, November 1, 2016. If you know of someone who fits the criteria, please send e-mail to nominate the person, or Continued next column

from previous column

group, on or before, October 1, 2016 to Richard Murphy, Director for the Office of Social Concerns for the Diocese of Owensboro at richard.murphy@pastoral.org. You can find the full criteria for nominating someone on the diocesan website: www.owensborodiocese.org/gold-award/ .

Diocesan Safe Environment Policy

The safety of our children is the responsibility of every Christian. Anyone aware of the abuse of a person under the age of eighteen is required by law to report this to the proper state authorities: local law enforcement (Hopkinsville City Police – 270-890-1300 or Christian County Sheriff’s Office – 270-887-4135) or the Kentucky Child Abuse Hotline (toll-free: 1-877-KYSAFE1; 1-877-597-2331).

To report to the diocese abuse by church personnel (paid or volunteer) either past or present, please call the Pastoral Assistance Coordinator at this confidential phone line: 270-852-8380.

The Diocese of Owensboro has just revised its sexu-al abuse policy, and it is available at Saints Peter and Paul Parish (on a table in the narthex or at the parish office) and also on the diocesan web site (www.rcdok.org/safe).

mailto:richard.murphy@pastoral.orghttp://www.owensborodiocese.org/gold-award/http://www.rcdok.org/safe

SEPTEMBER 18, 2016 • TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Pastor’s Greetings: ASSESSMENT AND THE DISCIPLES RESPONSE FUND 2016-2017 I want to describe some of the mechanics of Church funding of the Parish and of the Dio-cese. First though consider this, contributing of ourselves in the mission and ministry of the

Church is a participation in the mystery of the Communion of Saints. God provides that all of us by prayer and by tal-ents can participate in some way. As Mother Teresa put it, we can all do small things with great love. In that holy com-munion, from greatest to least in terms of material means, we all have a share. I find peace in doing what God ena-bles me to do (without resenting or being frustrated in what I cannot do), for my doing is measured not by quantity but by love.

Sts. Peter & Paul Parish is truly blessed by generous stewards of the Church’s mission to proclaim the Gospel, to witness and to share the Catholic Faith, and to serve the needs of Christ in suffering humanity. Given time, the parish has always had enough to accomplish the work to which God has called it. Historically, however, this parish has nev-er had such a margin of income above expenses so as to be able to pay its annual diocesan assessment from surplus in-come.

As you remember, last fiscal year, Sts. Peter & Paul Parish resolved its past due assessment ($13,951.54) and its 2015-2016 ($59,962) assessment by special giving dedi-cated to that purpose alone. None of the total $73,913.54 came from the regular giving to the general operational fund. We collected all assessment donations as a special “custodial fund” dedicated to the Diocese of Owensboro as our taxed assessment or “cathedraticum.” Many people helped with this, some with very large amounts. For the first time in the history of the parish there was no past due as we entered the 2016-2017 fiscal year. Thanks be to God and thanks be to you, God’s faithful and generous people. This fiscal year the diocesan assessment is levied at 15.5% of our non-exempt parish income in 2014-2015 or $69,161. I am pleased to announce that we have already received $11,755 toward the new assessment. So, as of 9/12/2016 the remainder due for fiscal 2016-2017 stands at $57,406. Again this year we plan to collect our assess-ment only from your special giving to this purpose. Thus, this number will not be reflected in our operational budget.

The Diocese has now begun its annual campaign (Disciples Response Fund or DRF) for additional diocesan funding from the parishes. Unlike the annual assessment of parishes, this campaign is a direct solicitation from regis-tered parishioners and from those attending the Catholic Church (possibly unregistered) during September and Octo-ber. Each parish has been assigned a goal for its parishion-ers to pledge and donate to the Diocese. This year that goal is 2.58% of a parish’s three year average assessable income. In other words, in addition to the 15.5% assessed tax another 2.58% of the same income is being sought by the Diocese. For Sts. Peter & Paul Parish that 2.58% comes to $19,439.57.

The Diocese in effect is seeking 18.08%+ of the non-exempt income of its member parishes. 15.5% must even-

tually be paid, one way or another. The additional DRF goal is voluntary. The 15.5% is paid to the Diocese by the Parish. The 2.58% is paid by parishioners directly to the Diocese. The two sources are not correlated, just as neither of these are correlated with diocesan special collections or other diocesan fund raising activities, e.g., Vocare. 50% of any DRF money collected by the Diocese beyond the goal set for the parish is rebated to the parish. The 2.58% +/- DRF goal if met has no effect on paying down or diminishing our parish assessment. Neither is the Parish informed by the Diocese of the individual pledges or actual donations made by its parishioners. Only the total pledges/donations of its registered members are reported to the Parish.

In my perspective, there is no coherence among the various ways the Diocese raises its funding from the member parishes. All of the monies paid to the Diocese by the par-ishes and by registered parishioners either by way of as-sessment, special collections, special campaigns, or by way of DRF solicitation come from the same population and go into the same “pot” for various allocations. Whatever the amount of freewill donations to the Diocese from parishion-ers, the taxed assessment is not affected in the least and must be paid. All donations to the Diocese and parish as-sessments are tracked and could be readily coordinated. Coherence is entirely attainable, but not the chosen practice at this time.

And so, once again I ask based on the principle – “Debts before Donations” – that you use the special monthly assessment/cathedraticum envelope in the monthly mailing or note your check for this purpose and continue to consider diverting your intended donations requested by the Diocese of Owensboro first to the pay-ing down of our taxed annual assessment before making donations to diocesan special collections, Disciples Re-sponse Fund, Vocare, etc. Once what is owed has been paid, any extra giving for these worthy causes of Church support will be much appreciated. God bless us and pro-vide for our generosity of participation in the work of the whole Church. May God especially provide us with much love. Fr. Richard

7

Tootsie Rolls: Our Knights of Columbus are once again offering their Tootsie Roll Drive. You can pre-order boxes of Tootsie Rolls or they will be in the narthex the weekend of October 1st and 2nd to sell these great gift ideas.

Knights of Columbus – Tootsie Roll Order Form Perfect for Halloween

$10.00 per box – Box contains 50 large Tootsie Rolls Order Today – Supply Limited

Name: ___________________________________ Telephone: ________________________________ Email: ___________________________________ Boxes – Quantity: ___________________________ Price - $10.00/Box – Total: ___________________

Drop in Collection Basket, or give to any Knight