Message from Monsignor Ken, Rector, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kingston, Jamaica -- ADVENT: Time of preparation…Listen to the Word!

During the Advent Season, the church invites us to look forward, in two ways, to the coming of Christ with great expectation.

In one way, we are to recall that we must be vigilant, watching and waiting in prayer, the Lord’s return in glory, the end of time. He will claim as His own, those who have lived faithful lives according to His words. Those who have been unfaithful will be treated accordingly.

In the other way, we are to reenter the experience of the people who awaited the fulfillment of prophecy, the appearance of the Messiah that took place two thousand and ten years ago. This experience comes alive for us during the fourth week of Advent and the celebration of the Christmas Season.

Our expectation for both encounters requires a particular kind of preparation. This preparation must be inspired by the very Word of God…attentive listening to the Word of God.

- Listen with your ears, the proclamation and explanation of the Word.

- Listen with your eye, as you read the Scripture and by your attentiveness to the wonders of creation.

- Listen with your heart, as the Spirit of God speaks within you, giving understanding to what you have heard and seen.

In listening we must seek the Divine Revelation…what are you saying to me Lord…and how can your will for me be accomplished? Our acceptance of God’s will, avails us the assistance of the Holy Spirit. Hence, like Mary the Mother of our Lord, we must commit to doing God’s will: I am the servant of the Lord, let your will be done (Luke 1:38).

I wish for you a blessed Advent Preparation of conversion and growth!

Msgr. Kenneth D. Richards

Weddings at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kingston, Jamaica

Are you interested in getting married at the beautiful Holy Trinity Cathedral, in Kingston, Jamaica? Are you considering having your wedding at the landmark Roman Catholic church in Jamaica, one of the oldest churches on the island, and the only church with interior frescoes comparable to any church in Europe or Latin America?

Here is some information that you might find useful if you are considering a wedding at the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Kingston.

For a wedding to take place in the Cathedral the couple has to give at least six (6) months' notice before the intended date for the wedding. This period facilitates a period of preparations inclusive of the following:

Counseling Sessions

- To establish the freedom of the couple to marry (whether they have been married before and current status, etc)

- To understand the nature and rights of marriage (as a sacrament, the obligations etc)

- To complete Civil Forms of intention to get married, and for the posting of Banns (notice) of marriage.

- To complete Church Forms

They will be required to attend one of the Pre-cana Conferences (a conference for engaged couples. You can find out more about these from your priest.) The dates for 2011 are:

- March 10 – 13

- June 9 – 12

- September 8 – 11

- November 24 - 27

FAQS

Is there a charge to get married at the Cathedral?

- Yes, this can be discussed as the arrangements are being made.

Do I have to be Roman Catholic to be married at the Holy Trinity Cathedral?

- One person has to be a Roman Catholic (bride or groom)

Can a priest of my choice perform my wedding ceremony?

- Yes, once it’s a Roman Catholic priest.

My betrothed and I completed Pre-cana at my home church, not in Jamaica, but we would like to get married in Jamaica at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Is this possible?

- Yes, once you have the certificate that shows you have completed Pre-cana.

If you are interested in getting married at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kingston, Jamaica, please contact Omella Mattis 922 3335 or 948 5699 or email omellamat@gmail.com.

From the Deacon's Desk: Parish Bulletin for 28 November 2010 - Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kingston Jamaica

1. Next Sunday (5 December) will be Men’s Sunday.

2. Church Council meets immediately after Mass in the Rectory Mass. All

members are asked to attend.

3. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception will be held on Wednesday, December

8, 2010 - special recognition will be given to couples who are celebrating their

25th and 50th Wedding Anniversary this year. This will take place at the

6.00 p.m. Mass at Stella Maris Church. All couples who fall in this category are to

give their names to Deacon Gooden .

4. The Rotary Club of Kingston invites all senior citizens to attend their annual

Christmas Treat on Saturday, December 4, 2010 beginning at 12:00 noon at Holy

Childhood high school in Stephanie Hall.

Buses are arranged for round-trips transportation to Stephanie's Hall from

various churches/Homes across Kingston and St. Andrew.

Please note the rules for entry this year are as follows:

· Senior Citizens 62 years and older – IDs MUST be presented.

· Children will not be allowed entry to the event, only senior citizens 62 years and older will be allowed on the buses.

· Arm-bands for entry will be issued at Stephanie Hall.

· No one will be allowed entry until the doors open at 11:00 a.m.

NOTE: The confirmation of the number of attendees from Holy Trinity

Cathedral must be submitted no later than Friday November 26, 2010.

PLEASE SEND IN THE LIST OF NAMES ASAP.

5. Feast Day of our Lady of Guadeloupe will be held on Saturday 11th December at

the Cathedral commencing at 4:00 p.m.

6. Penance Service will be on Wednesday, 15^th December at 5:30 p.m.

7. On December 19 the People of Praise will be having a service at the Cathedral

commencing at 5:00 p.m. All are invited to attend. Monsignor Ken will provide

further information at a later date.

8. The Christmas Tree lighting and a melody of Christmas Carols will be on

Christmas Eve 24^th December commencing at 7:00 p.m. with Mass starting at

9:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served after Mass.

9. Christmas Day Mass will be at 7:00 a.m.

10. On Boxing Day Sunday 26th December, will be Holy Family Sunday. There will

be Baptism and renewal of vows at 8:30 a.m. mass

11. Carol service will be held on New Year’s Eve commencing at 10:00 p.m. which

will be followed by Mass starting at 10:30 p.m. Confessions will be heard

between 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.

12. New Years Day will be celebrated as the Holy Day of Obligation, and Mass will

commence at 9:00 a.m.

13. The youths of the Parish will now be having Praise and Worship at 8:00 a.m.

every Sunday before Mass. Members of the congregation who are present are

encouraged to participate and support the youths.

14. Persons enrolled in Sagicor Life Churchmate Plan are advised that renewal

payment becomes due January 2011. The annual premium remains at

$2,000.00. Please start saving so that we can meet the deadline of January 31,

2011.

New applicants are welcome. For further information please contact

Ms. Lucy Chang.

15. The Holy Trinity Cathedral has post cards for sale. The costs are $150 each, and

$500 for a pack containing four cards. They can be obtained from

Ms. Lucy Chang, Mrs. Sonia Campbell and Mr. Henry Tomlinson.

16. There will be an Ecumenical Service at the Cathedral for all denominations on

Sunday January 16, 2011 beginning at 5:00 p.m. All are invited to attend.

Monsignor Ken will provide further information at a later date.

The Cathedral's 100th. Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday February 6th

commencing at 3:00 p.m. There will be NO Mass at 8:30 a.m.

17. All are reminded that Catholic Radio is now broadcasting on Roots FM on 96.1

megahertz at the following times:

Tuesday to Thursday (except fourth Wednesday) - 8:30-9:00 p.m. and

Sundays 8:00-9:00 p.m. The programmes are both educating and inspiring.

In addition they expand our knowledge of our Catholic faith. We look forward to

your comments as we continuously strive to improve our programmes.

18. Sunday school immediately after Mass.

19. Members are asked to remember Sis. Florence Shims in their prayers, one of her

legs has been amputated. She is in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Ward 2.

20. Liturgical Calendars are available at a cost of $250 each.

21. The new Public Address (P.A.) system has been installed in the Cathedral.

Contributions from members are still needed to assist with the repayment of the

loan that was obtained to purchase it. The cost for the system remains at

US$25,000.

Christmas Carol Service - Save the Date 19 December 2010

Save the date! Come and see the Cathedral and enjoy music of the season.

Christmas Carol Service

Sunday, December 19, 2010 at 4:00pm

Holy Trinity Cathedral

Join us on Thursday 25 November 10am, 2011

Dear Friend and Neighbor:

The Holy Trinity Cathedral on North Street is an architectural and artistic marvel, and a historical and cultural treasure. Originally built in 1911, the Cathedral has, for the past four years, been undergoing a massive restoration process. The main feature of this restoration has been uncovering the stunning frescoes (artwork/murals) that had been covered over by grey paint since 1970. The restoration work also encompasses repairing the organ, one of the largest in the region, fixing the stained glass windows which have been in disrepair since Hurricane Charlie in 1951, refurbishing the termite-infested pews which date back to 1911, installing a new PA system, and rectifying the structural damage to the dome of the building.

As we get closer to the completion of this project, we are committed to keeping the community surrounding the Cathedral connected to this project. We envision utilizing the Cathedral as a catalyst for community development, building on the goodwill and interest developed over the past four years.

It is that aim in mind, why we are inviting you to a dialogue and visioning meeting at the Cathedral, on Thursday, November 25^th, at 10am. The agenda is simple, come and see the space, meet us and let us dream together of the possibilities for this space and this community.

This first round of meetings is targeted especially at members of the arts and cultural Community. We feel an engagement with your community is natural, and builds upon the raison d’être, for the past four years, the restoration of the beautiful artwork. We have observed how inspired the congregants, the community workers and all the visitors to the Cathedral have been by the sheer beauty of the space.

We should note that the restoration work has seen the training and involvement of 34 young people from the neighbouring community, and has been a source of economic and spiritual upliftment for the youth of the area. Those who participated received HEART NTA certification.

Once the restoration is complete, we envision the Cathedral becoming a landmark location for visitors to Kingston, whether from home or abroad. As the site develops and fulfills its potential as a central attraction in the city, it will have a beneficial impact on the neighbouring community, providing opportunities for complementary economic activities. Furthermore, the upliftment of the site and the community are in tandem with the overall revitalization of downtown Kingston.

We look forward to engaging you on this exciting and wonderful project.

May the Lord continue to bless your operations with success.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Msgr. Kenneth D. Richards

Vicar General

Stand your ground in right living! Reflections on the End of Time from Monsignor Ken, Rector, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kingston, Jamaica

The end of the Liturgical year brings into focus the last things in relation to death, the second coming, judgment, and hell. The ending of time! Indeed, mankind lives in between the present reality and the anticipated end of the ages. This anticipation is marked either by anxiety and fear regarding our individual destiny while for others the anticipation is filled with hope regarding the fulfillment of God’s promise regarding the destiny of the righteous. Luke invites us to remain mindful of the end, but, in so doing, to avoid the fear and anxiety that is ultimately meaningless.

The Gospel of Luke, chapters 9- 20, had us journeying with Jesus as He resolutely proceeded toward Jerusalem. During this journey the Gospel writer had us listening to instructions from Jesus that informed us of the values, qualities and requirements of the true disciple who, as pilgrim, must resolutely proceed toward the heavenly Jerusalem.

The Gospel of Luke also relates the account of Jesus, who, having arrived in Jerusalem, enters a discussion by His disciples about the magnificence of the Temple. Jesus interjects that the destruction of the temple would take place in the not too distant future. However, Jesus went on to clarify that the destruction of the Temple would have nothing to do with prophesy about the end of the ages. This clarification is a corrective for the association persons, then and in future, make regarding various events and signs as indications that the end of time is near. The implication is that the end of time and these events, which are bound to happen, are basically unrelated and separate occurrences. Hence, any wish that there will be signs and portents to warn us of the end must be put aside. It is a wicked and faithless generation that is eager for a sign…, Jesus remarks in Mt. 12: 39 and Mt. 16:4. St. Augustine also suggests, it is the faithless person, the person who loves their sin more than the Lord who will live in fear and anxiety for portent to warn of the end.

Luke 21:5-19 says, "And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be terrified, for this is something that must happen first, but the end will not come at once." Then he said to them, "Nations will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines in various places; there will be terrifying events and great signs from heaven." But he said, ‘Take care not to be deceived… Your perseverance will win you your lives.’

So what should Christians do awaiting the end of time? For sure, the fear and anxiety of the faithless cannot be a personal characteristic preoccupation of the faithful. For what sort of love of Christ is it to fear His coming says Augustine. Therefore, be vigilant, stand your ground so that your hearts will not be coarsened by debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life (Luke 21:34).

Faithful and active witness is the Christian’s obligation in every age and at every time. For the Jamaican context, the current requirement is for a dispassionate observation and response to current happenings in our country. It does not require prophetic prediction that our nation is on a morally destructive course. There is a prevalent looseness regarding sexual morality and the painful disrespect for life. One too many persons from every walk of life are pursuing self interest and apparent self deception bent on hopeless deception of the populace. In too many instances, truth and integrity are being sacrificed on the altar of expediency. In the legal realm, the value of procedure is being undermined as it is tossed about by proponents and defense not to seek justice and truth but used for power play and one-upmanship. In the wider society, personal loyalties unashamedly see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil, by the deafening silence in some quarters, or ridiculous defensive arguments in other quarters.Mindful of the end of time, knowing that the Lord will come in glory, that He will judge the world with justice and his people with truth, that He will reward each according to his deeds... let persons of faith live not in fear and anxiety for a sign for how and when to exercise faith; but looking resolutely to the heavenly Jerusalem, embody the values and qualities of the true disciple, obedient to Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life, and stand your ground in right living! He who has ears to hear let them hear!