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!

Saying thank you

The recent launch of the Friends of the Holy Trinity Cathedral was greatly assisted by the kind donations of the folders and the handouts/inserts.

NCB Foundation generously gave us the folders and did the invitations for us.

Mark Roberts of Hot off the Press printers kindly donated the printing of the handouts.

And Carolyn Terrier procured the services of the graphic artist Rachel Wade who graciously gave a discount on creating the beautiful handouts.

Thank you for your help and support!

Catholic Radio is on the air!

Catholic Radio will be on the airwaves at ROOTS 96.1FM every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday starting November 2, 2010 at 8:30pm - 9:00pm.

Some interesting topics for your listening pleasure will be Faith Journey with Ralston McKenzie, We Believe and Knowing the Faith with Angelique Reid and Noel Wilkins, A Byte of Catholic History with Michael Burke, Disciples in Action with Aloun Assamba, Theology of the body for Teens with Fr. John Sullivan, Justice Matters with Dr. Carolyn Pinnock and Cmdr. Hardley Lewin in addition to reflections on the Gospel.

Message from Monsignor Ken, Rector, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kingston, Jamaica -- Reflections on Mercy and God's Almighty Power

Mercy Flows From God’s Almighty Power

Synopsis of Sunday’s Homily (31 October 2010)

by Msgr. Kenneth D. Richards, Rector, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kingston, Jamaica

Who am I? I am created in the image and likeness of God. God is love. God created me with love. God created me, subject of His love. God created me to love… to love Him, to love self and to love others. When I fail to love God by my disobedience, a distortion (sin) arises in my relationship with God. This leads to a distortion of self love and a distortion in my love for my fellowman.

God, all powerful, seeks not to destroy me because of my distortion – sin. Rather, the Lord seeks to remove the distortion because He loves me.

In the book of Wisdom 11:23—12:2 we read: Yet you are merciful to all, because you are almighty, you overlook people’s sins, so that they can repent. Yes, you love everything that exists, and nothing that you have made disgusts you, since, if you had hated something, you would not have made it. And how could a thing subsist, had you not willed it? Or how be preserved, if not called forth by you? For your imperishable spirit is in everything! And thus, gradually, you correct those who offend; you admonish and remind them of how they have sinned, so that they may abstain from evil and trust in you. Lord.

When Zacchaeus repented because he experienced mercy, Jesus says: Today salvation has come to this house… for the Son of man has come to seek out and save what was lost (Luke 19:9-10).

Like Zacchaeus, may each one make a favourable and practical response to the saving mercy of God who loves us!

Peace,

Msgr. Ken

Message from Monsignor Ken, Rector, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kingston, Jamaica -- Reflections on Mission Sunday

Participation Necessary for Mission

By Msgr. Kenneth D. Richards

The celebration of mission Sunday is the occasion for each Catholic to commit/recommit to participation in the Church’s apostolate of proclaiming the Gospel to all peoples. This commitment or recommitment must be the response to the charge Jesus gives to His disciples: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to fulfill all I have commanded you. I am with you always until the end of this world" (Mt. 28: 19-20).

Mission is most effective when all members of the Church are involved in witnessing to the Gospel in all aspects of their lives. Therefore, each of us must nurture personal zeal to participate in the mission of the Church by renewing/ deepening our union with Jesus Christ through personal prayer that inflames our love for Him.

In addition, united action, necessary for effective mission activity, must be assured by nurturing faith in the real presence of Christ when celebrating the Eucharist. From these two actions we will be equipped to fulfill and make effective the proclamation of the Gospel to all people.

Introducing the Friends of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kingston, Jamaica

On Sunday 24 October 2010, the "Friends of the Holy Trinity Cathedral" was launched.

The Holy Trinity Cathedral is more than “just” a church. Yes, it is the principal place of worship for Kingston’s Roman Catholic community, but the building itself is a unique artistic, historical and cultural monument and is one of Jamaica’s most important landmarks.

The restoration of the Cathedral, in particular the removal of the layers of gray paint that had covered the amazing frescoes for nearly 40 years, requires the support of all Jamaicans to see it through to its completion. Once the Cathedral has been fully restored, it will require ongoing support from the broader community to maintain the edifice and the artwork, and to see to the continued development of the site so that it fulfills its potential as a premier locale for Jamaicans and for visitors to our island to experience it and learn about it.

The “Friends of the Holy Trinity Cathedral” has been established to engender this support for the Cathedral, not only among Roman Catholics, but among all Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica, whether on or off the island.

In general, “friends” of museums and other such public institutions such as heritage sites like the Holy Trinity Cathedral, are those who contribute in any way to the support of the museum or site, to its development and to its public presence and influence.

“Friends” act on a voluntary and non-remunerative basis. Their support is moral, financial or consists of voluntary work or expertise. Friends and volunteers of a museum institution undertake to support it and its activities with generosity and enthusiasm. Friends and volunteers expect no benefit, financial, or other, save the satisfaction of contributing to the maintenance and development of the institution to which they belong and to the satisfaction of the public which it serves.

The “Friends of the Holy Trinity Cathedral” aims to bring together supporters and volunteers of the Cathedral and structure their activities in an open manner and in a spirit of co-operation with the parent institution, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kingston, and with the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.

If you are interested in being a part of the completion of the Cathedral’s restoration, of the maintenance of the spectacular and unique artistic, historical and cultural treasure that it represents, and the development of the site into one of Kingston’s premier cultural sites, we invite you to become a Friend of the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

What would be expected of you as a Friend of the Holy Trinity Cathedral?

Be counted as a friend and supporter of the Cathedral.

Spread the word about the Cathedral and its marvels to your family, friends and acquaintances. Encourage them to visit, to attend mass there, to view the website, and to also support the Cathedral.

Subscribe to the blog to keep informed about the restoration efforts and the general life of the Cathedral.

Join the Facebook group.

Offer yourself, your skills and your services in any way that you deem helpful to the Cathedral.

The conveners of the Friends group are (from left to right) Karin Wilson-Edmonds, Diana Thorburn, Carolyn Terrier and Enith Williams.

Message from Monsignor Ken, Rector, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kingston, Jamaica -- Thanksgiving Sunday, marking the beginning of Heritage Week 2010

Thought from the celebration of Thanksgiving Sunday marking the beginning of Heritage Week 2010.

Belief and Mutual Respect

As a Christian, the One Whom we believe in and what we believe in is fundamental for our world view and vision. In other words, the nature of our belief forms our "raison d'être" ... the motivation for our choices and actions.
One element of Christian belief is that God who is Love, created us in His own image with love, to be loved and to love. This fact marks the dignity of each individual. The value of the individual is further highlighted by the action of God who through His Son, Jesus Christ, dwelt in our human nature and condition ... suffered grievously, died and rose again to restore human dignity that was overshadowed by sin.

Hence, the act of creation and our redemption mark the high value with which God holds humankind and therefore the regard we should have of self and others.

Acknowledging this fact must establish the personal regard we ought to have of self and others such that we facilitate conditions for human respect and advancement.

We can surmise that the above understanding of human dignity permeated the choice, action and sacrifice of our National Heroes and Heroine. Let us embody this understanding to enlighten our personal commitment to making respect for each person underlie our every choice and action. In this way Jamaicans may under God increase in beauty, fellowship and understanding; leading us to play our part in advancing the human dignity of the whole human race.

Peace,
Msgr. Kenneth D. Richards
Vicar General
Rector Holy Trinity Cathedral.

From the Deacon's Desk: Parish Bulletin for 17-23 October 2010 - Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kingston Jamaica

Holy Trinity Cathedral Parish Announcements for 17th October 2010

1. Next Sunday October 24 will be Women’s Sunday

2. All members of the Holy Trinity Parish are reminded to fill out the Census Forms

and return them to the Ushers. Members who did not receive Census Forms are

asked to collect them from the Ushers.

3. Sunday school immediately after Mass.

4. St. Michael’s Theological College Course Module Offerings for 2010-2011 are now

available; persons can view the various workshops, and courses offered on the Notice Board.

5. 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

Catholic Radio to be broadcast on Roots FM

The Archdiocese of Kingston is pleased to announce that Catholic Radio will commence broadcasting on Roots Fm 96.1 megahertz as of Tuesday November 2. The schedule is:

Every Tuesday 8:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Every 1st, 2nd & 3rd. Wednesday 8:30-9:00 p.m.

Every Thursdays 8:30-9:00 p.m.

Every Sunday 8:00-9:00 p.m.

We encourage all to listen to the inspiring programmes designed to strengthen our Catholic faith and we invite persons who may wish to contribute their time, talent and treasure to contact the Chancery at 927-9915 for further details.

20th anniversary of the Catholic Student Movement - Celebratory Mass

• There will be a mass on October 31 at the University Chapel, UWI, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Catholic Student Movement. Graduates of the University of Technology and University of the West Indies are invited. Mass commences at 9:15 am.

The Germans are here

The repair of Holy Trinity Cathedral's magnificent pipe organ is underway. The Cathedral's organ is one of the largest in the English speaking Caribbean, and according to master organist Dwight McBean, the best sounding.

A team of three experts from Orgelbau Klais organ company of Germany is here to undertake this daunting task.Pictured here is Martin Kauert and Frank Foster. They were recently joined by Thomas Heymann, who will recondition the facade of the pipes.

We are all excited about this latest step in the restoration process.

The team will be in Jamaica for 2.5 months. The first contingent arrived in mid-September and were joined by a third man in mid-October.

The goal is to have the organ ready for Christmas, and a magnificent Christmas carol concert is in the planning. Stay tuned!