Church of the Epiphany - Epigram

Meet Mr. Kinziro Aizawa

gary.marvin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the July edition of The Epigram.

By Dennis Keller

In Japanese KINZIRO (means manager of finance) AIZAWA (means twin brooks), but now he is Kenneth after his baptism in Louisville. He prefers Ken.

Ken, was a houseboy in Japan for Eugene and Nancy Shea, as the Sheas served as occupation personnel after WWII. Mrs. Shea asked her mother, Mrs. Stivers and husband, Dr. Stivers of Anchorage, to sponsor Ken to America. Ken, came to the US in December 1949 at age 18. He had attended high school in Japan, but Mr. & Mrs. Stivers enrolled him in St.Xavier to improve his English. He graduated in 1951, then attended U of L, and earned a BA, Masters and Doctorate in Chemistry. He worked for Olin Industries for 2 years and 25 years for E. I. Dupont of Louisville. Ken holds the Stivers in high regard.

Searching for Mary Magdalene

gary.marvin — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the July edition of The Epigram.

“Searching for Mary Magdalene: A Journey Through Art and Literature” - Jane Lahr

By Mary Ellen Horton

As a child, my mother attended a convent boarding school run by nuns who were cloistered. When young women, considered redeemed sinners, joined this order, they wore crowns of thorns during the ceremony, while the “good novices” wore wreaths of flowers.

Had Jesus been present, I think he would have removed the thorns and given all crowns of flowers. This book has many theories about the place of Mary Magdalene in the life of Jesus. The author describes her as “an enigma and a spirit that continues to morph from one form to another with the subtlety of an apparition.” Misunderstood by many, in the New Testament Mary Magdalene is mentioned only 13 times. Luke writes of Jesus at the home of his friends Mary, Lazarus and their sister Martha. Martha chided Mary for sitting at Jesus’ feet and not helping prepare the meal, but Jesus said to Martha, “Mary has chosen the better part, and it shall not be taken from her.”

Mary Bratton: “Playful and Spirit Filled”

gary.marvin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 05:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the May 2010 issue of The Epigram

By Joan Perkins

Prayer advocate, community builder, creative thinker, and bonne vivante, Mary Bratton brought a dose of humor and faith to my life. She could temper a too serious mood with her outrageousness, and calm a fearful heart with her deep trust in a loving God who embraced all. She was ever a reminder of the goodness of life by telling friends of her love, noting the positive, enjoying food and drink, and gathering people to celebrate.

Mary was a member of a simplicity circle that grew out of a Epiphany formation event about seven years ago. Through our monthly dinner meetings, Mary brought her gift for seeing a situation with different eyes.

“ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE IF YOU BELIEVE”

gary.marvin — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the May 2010 issue of The Epigram.

By Brenda Childress

The above words are on David DeSanctis’ key chain, a gift from his dad, and truly his living mantra. David has won several regional and state tournaments for the Special Olympics, including basketball, golf, and bowling. He is a five year member of the choir, participates in Ballard’s TV network, along with creating a segment on cooking. He told me I really had to try his triple layered chocolate cake and his heart shaped strawberry pie. David is also an active member of Epiphany’s Youth Group. He also works one afternoon a week.

I asked David to tell me some of the things that made him happy, sad, what his dreams and goals are, who he admires, what he thinks about God. David needed no time to dwell on his answers. He knows who he is and what he thinks. “God is perfect, and we strive to be perfect, but we will never be as perfect as God”. The best part of life…his dreams. It makes him happy “just thinking about realizing his dreams.” He loves music, Miley Ray Cyrus, and Selena Gomez. He admires President Obama. He still feels sad about losing his grandma, who started a family vacation tradition. He spoke to me how important it is to have traditions, and also to never stop them.

Epiphany Celebrates 39 Years

gary.marvin — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:29:15 +0000

Building a Future of Hope as We Celebrate 39 Years as a Parish Community

by Sharon Bidwell (for The Epigram)

With the sun shining and a nice cool breeze blowing, the Community of Epiphany gathered to celebrate its 39th birthday on June 6. As the crowds waited in the food lines for the great hot dogs and hamburgers, they heard the sounds of Epiphany’s youth praise band led by Chris Luken, our youth minister. These youthful musicians and singers rocked the crowd with Jimmy Buffet songs as well as praise and worship songs. Everyone also enjoyed the beautiful dances offered by Epiphany members who celebrate their Latino heritage. The vibrant costumes and energetic dances delighted the assembly.

This celebration also included the culmination of Epiphany’s participation in the Building a Future of Hope campaign. Over the past several months, Fr. Jeff and Epiphany’s campaign leadership team have spread the news about the campaign’s goals and encouraged the community to participate in helping to achieve those goals. Their work will help to set the stage for the future of the parish.

Epiphany’s Chapel

gary.marvin — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 05:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the May 2010 issue of The Epigram.

By Judy Webber

Do you, as I, breeze past and never walk inside the Chapel? Recently numerous occasions have placed me in this one particular spot on Epiphany’s grounds. I have found a place of prayer that allows you to be open to God’s grace. It is a quiet port along the fast stream of every day life.

The undulating wood paneled walls, evocative of trees of which they were once a part, almost embrace those who come within their limits. This is in stark contrast to the glass walls of the Worship Center.

“The Seeker's Guide to Being Catholic” by Mitch Finley

gary.marvin — Fri, 28 May 2010 05:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the May 2010 issue of The Epigram.

The Seeker's Guide to Being Catholic by Mitch Finley / Review by Celeste Fowler

I am so excited about this book. The "Introduction" draws us right in and we are led directly into "The Heart of the Matter" where there is no turning back. Mr. Finley taps into our questions, doubts and insecurities gently, with humor and positive energy. He gives a clear visual of how we weave our Catholicism into all aspects of our life. He gives us firm understanding of our beliefs and secures our foundations. Mr. Finley somehow makes us feel we are traveling together like a good work of fiction; yet, we are learning and being strengthened. It is an easy read where every page has a "WOW" or a "Yes, Yes!" yet leaves us with things to think about for our continual growth in Christ.

Our Newest Member – Sofija Peric

gary.marvin — Fri, 21 May 2010 05:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the May 2010 issue of The Epigram.

By Tony Simpson

An interview with Sofija (So-fee-yuh) Peric, an immigrant from Bosnia and Croatia who was fully initiated into the church Easter morning at the Easter Vigil.

You were baptized Catholic as an infant and went to church occasionally. What was your experience of church growing up in Bosnia, and as an adult in Croatia?

In Bosnia, I was young and went to church mainly for my grandmother. The church was big but it was just a building to me. Nobody explained the meaning of the prayers.

Days of Encouragement - Support for Women Religious

gary.marvin — Fri, 14 May 2010 05:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the May 2010 issue of The Epigram.

By Jeanne Denny

As you may have read on the Epiphany website, the Women’s Concerns Committee has offered two “Days of Encouragement and Hope” for women religious and persons interested in prayerfully supporting the active orders of U.S. women religious as they experience an investigation by the Vatican.

At the initial gathering in November of last year, 80 people met at Epiphany to offer hopeful support to the sisters at this challenging time. This number included women and men from Epiphany and beyond and sisters from seven different orders. A similar number attended the March gathering.

May 2010 Epigram now available

jeff.squyres — Wed, 05 May 2010 05:00:00 +0000

The May 2010 Epigram is now available for download.

Meet Lucio Caruso - Richly Alive

gary.marvin — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 05:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the March 2010 issue of The Epigram.

RICHLY ALIVE

By Brenda Childress

At one and a half years old, Lucio Caruso left his birthplace near Naples, Italy, and journeyed to America with his mother, who was suffering with MS, and his father. Lucio’s parents had wanted a child for many years, and at the age of forty one, his mother became pregnant with Lucio, “against all odds.” Lucio would only be blessed with his mother’s earthly presence until he was four years old.

At the age of seventeen, after graduating high school, Lucio declared, “thank God I’m through with all this Catholic stuff.” By happenstance, Lucio met and became influenced by people in the charismatic circle, and also the Jesus Movement. These experiences brought him on a resolute, yet anxious, search for purpose. In the “Summer of ‘72”, as Lucio likes to call this time, his Catholic faith became real to him for the first time. Lucio thought of the great love his mother gave him, the pain she endured to have him, and made a firm decision that his life would matter. He went on to graduate from college with degrees in Theology and Social Sciences. His biggest passion in life became “helping faithful people put their faith into concrete actions.” At twenty-one, he became the Youth Minister at his parish church. He then moved on to serve in faith formation, as pastoral associate, and worked on social justice issues for his diocese.

Epiphany's Newborn Ministry

gary.marvin — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 05:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the March 2010 issue of The Epigram .

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

By Melinda Hileman

Four and half years ago Epiphany reshaped a ministry need. It has flown under the radar for many of you. This ministry began under Parish Life then moved to Community Care. Yet our newest and youngest members of our parish have taken full advantage of it without even knowing it! I am speaking about the “Newborn Ministry”. The Epiphany Newborn Ministry’s mission has been to assist families of newborns and adopted newborns as they begin their life’s journey with our faith community.

We offer to bring a few meals to the family following the arrival of their newborn. The time period for meal delivery could be immediately following dismissal from the hospital or a couple weeks later…after the relative help is exhausted and returned to their home. If you are unable to drive, need transportation to/from a doctor’s appointment, need an errand run for medicines or food pick-up, or just need a shoulder to lean on, we can assist with that too? You can ask questions of experienced mom mentors regarding diapers/formula/crying, etc. We also have a Certified Lactation Counselor available to advise you about nursing your newborn.

Meet our Parish Nurse

gary.marvin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 05:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the March 2010 issue of The Epigram.

Parish Nurse

By Julie Stuart

MY NAME IS JULIE STUART and I am the newest addition to the staff at Epiphany. Born and raised in Louisville’s south end, I grew up in St. Paul’s parish where I attended grade school. I graduated from Angela Merici High School and attended Spalding University for a few years. I then graduated from Bellarmine University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.

I worked for 13 years as a nurse in a doctor’s office. During that time, I ministered to my grandfather on his death journey and felt God calling me in a different direction. I enrolled in the Ministry Formation program through the Archdiocese of Louisville and was commissioned in 2005.

I Am Potential: Eight Lessons on Living, Loving, and Reaching your Dreams

gary.marvin — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 05:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the March 2010 issue of The Epigram.

I Am Potential: Eight Lessons on Living, Loving, and Reaching your Dreams
By Patrick Henry Hughes with Patrick John Hughes and Bryant Stamford

Review by Mary Ellen Horton

Imagine having your first baby, and learning he had drastic abnormalities? Patrick John and Patricia Hughes were heartsick. Patrick Henry was not only blind but had no eyeballs, and had deformities in his hips and shoulders. Local doctors had never seen such a case and hardly knew how to discuss it with them. The parents had been warned there might be difficulties, but being staunch Catholics, abortion was not an option. As I read, I realized how wonderful a gift this baby was and how truly outstanding.

Why Do We Keep Changing the Chairs?

gary.marvin — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 05:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the March 2010 issue of The Epigram.

Rearranging Furniture in the Worship Center

By Mary Ellen Horton

Have you ever wondered why the furniture is periodically moved around at Epiphany? Recently, I interviewed Linda Thieneman, Epiphany’s Worship & Music Director, about the reason for this. Linda explained that in the early days of Epiphany, the members wanted to emphasize being a pilgrim church, to have humility and not invest too much wealth, but to emphasize worship, so the chairs and platforms were simple wood structures that could be easily moved to emphasize the directions the worshippers should face. We now have heavier platforms and kneelers on the chairs, so it’s a challenge.

Sages Create “Blessings” Cards

gary.marvin — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the March 2010 issue of The Epigram.

“Blessings” Cards

By Jan Woodall

Our group has now crafted over 300 blessings to be sent to Sage Members. Join us at Jan Woodall’s (503 Coachouse Court • 244-9195) to laugh, learn and pray with our hands. Bring your own bag lunch.

Our focus is not great art, but sending a message of love and care to our 200+ members using donated recycled greeting cards on material.

Jeanne Flowers Named Principal of the Year

gary.marvin — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the March 2010 issue of The Epigram.

ROSES FOR JEANNE FLOWERS

By Jeanne Denny and Barb Aubrey

Everything’s coming up roses for Jeanne Flowers and rightfully so. Jeanne, a thirty year member of our Community of Epiphany and principal of St. Albert the Great parish school, has devoted almost 50 years of her life to Catholic School education. In 2009, she was named Principal of the Year in the Archdiocese of Louisville. On April 6, 2010, in Minneapolis/St. Paul at the National Catholic Education Association convention, Jeanne will be one of twelve principals in the nation to receive the Distinguished Principal Award.

Jeanne began her teaching career at St. Pius and then took a break to start a family with her husband, Dick. When their three daughters entered school, Jeanne also went back to school to get her Bachelors and Masters in Educational Psychology, and her Principal Certification. She was part of the Sacred Heart Model School family for 27 years serving as counselor, math teacher and assistant principal.

Marriage Encounter

gary.marvin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the March 2010 issue of The Epigram.

MEMO

by Therese Brennan

To: All Married Couples
From: The Body of Christ
Re: Marriage Encounter

The Body of Christ, wishes to thank those of you who spend energy on each other. This gift of time, revealed through your lives, gives us hope in our individual relationships with God. We want to thank each of you who have acknowledged your problems and chose to seek help. And to thank you who have made Marriage Encounters.

Epiphany’s Banners Speak Our Faith

gary.marvin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the January 2010 issue of The Epigram.

Beautiful Banners

By Mary Kaye Jacobs

From week to week and season to season beautiful banners bless the rear walls of Epiphany’s Worship Center. They interpret the Gospel readings, remind us of the liturgical season, and sometimes illustrate a special event.
These banners are made by hand by Epiphany members, as well as other local fabric artists. Some were gifts to Epiphany, some commissioned for a special occasion then donated to the church.

The oldest were several designed by our founding pastor, Fr. Dick Fowler; one depicting the expectant Mary for Advent, and one of the Wedding at Cana.

Two parishioners who now work as co-chairs of Epiphany’s Arts and Environment Committee have long created and produced and repaired the banners that evoke Biblical themes and events. Margarete Klose and Pat Trimble have worked as a team to enhance our worship experience with this art in the form of fabric banners.

Epiphany Youth Band Makes a Beautiful Sound

gary.marvin — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 06:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the January 2010 issue of The Epigram

Dispelling Myths - Delighting Parishioners

by Charlene Kline

Forget any thoughts you might harbor about young adults, sitting around with nothing to do. The kids in the Epiphany Youth Band pack a peck of practice and performance into their busy weeks. The members, ranging from 11 years to senior high school, rehearse two hours a week with director Barrett Wilson at Epiphany. This rehearsal must alternate from Tuesdays to Wednesdays because of jam-packed schedules and the fact that the young participants attend a variety of schools across the county.

The members, numbering about twenty, play a variety of instruments, ranging from conga drums to cellos, violins, saxophones, French horns, flutes, and more. Barrett writes the arrangements for each instrument and new works are always in the wings. Some members of Epiphany youth band are also involved in the Louisville Youth Orchestra. Some play with their high school bands, marching and concert. Many work; most continue their music education. Aside from all these activities, there is always homework to be tackled.

Epiphany’s Glass Labyrinth designed by Sr. Larraine

gary.marvin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the January 2010 issue of The Epigram.

God’s Timing . . . . Not Ours

by Mary Bratton

How many times have I wished for something to happen on my time schedule, and then disappointedly felt MY wishes had been ignored by my heavenly Father!!

The labyrinths that we have at Epiphany both were affected by that way of thinking, bringing them to creation in our church. As the story goes, back in 1997, Lisa Scherer and her husband Bob celebrated their anniversary by visiting San Francisco. Prior to their visit, they were introduced to the labyrinth by Sr. Josette. Lisa and Bob walked one at Grace Cathedral. The Cathedral had one inside and one outside. Lisa can remember passing her husband on the labyrinth, as she was praying, wondering what her husband was thinking as he passed her praying his own individual prayer. She knew he had cancer. She wondered where God would take the two of them, as they travelled their life paths. The next two years had lots of trials, lots of prayers, and then God took Bob to his eternal home.

"Women of Epiphany" begins at Epiphany

gary.marvin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 06:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the January 2010 issue of The Epigram.

Women of Epiphany

by Pam Porta

There’s a new group at Epiphany! We are “ Women of Epiphany.” WOE for short! (WOE and MOE, the underlying meaning is something to contemplate!) We meet the first Tuesday of the month and are open to all women of all ages who are members of Epiphany. The group has been a great success. We have new ladies joining us each month and are looking forward to meeting many more.

The Baptismal Font – Out of the Waters

gary.marvin — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 06:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the November 2009 issue of The Epigram.

The Baptismal Font – Out of the Waters By Mary Kaye Jacobs

When we enter the Gathering Area of Epiphany, we begin to hear the waters of the Baptismal Font. The font is meant to remind us of a tomb, with its rough stone exterior and shape. Christ died then rose from the tomb, and we go down into the water and rise from the waters in Baptism. The font also calls to mind Moses and the rock that brought forth water and the dividing of the Red Sea to allow the escape of the Israelites from Egypt.

Julie's in "Her Right Spot"

gary.marvin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 06:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the November 2009 issue of The Epigram.

JULIE’S IN “HER RIGHT SPOT” By Brenda Childress

Julie Stuart, our new parish nurse, and her husband, Jay, have been Epiphany members for seven years. For twelve years, Julie worked in a doctors’ office, and then began pursuing her Masters in Pastoral Studies, completed this past December. I asked Julie what prompted her to change gears, and she told me she very much desired to combine her faith with her nursing skills. Julie said the turning point in her life came when she helped her grandfather through his death journey, and she felt a conversion and transformation take place within her. She knew at that time the direction she wanted her life career to go, and now her “dream has come true”.

Stewardship “You Think You Know but You Have No Idea”

gary.marvin — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the November 2009 issue of The Epigram.

Stewardship “You Think You Know but You Have No Idea” By Brandie Grisham

This tag line from the MTV biography series came to mind when I started to think about stewardship. It resonated with me because for the longest time I always looked at stewardship as something my church wanted from me but I realized after working as an intern at St. Bernadette’s this past year that could not be farther from the truth. As an intern I was required to attend as many committee meetings as I could and to participate in as many activities as possible. And although that was my “job” I learned that my active involvement in the church actually enhanced my worship experience. Always afraid of the burden such commitments would be on my already hectic schedule, I shied away from participating in service opportunities. But in actuality my contributions connected me to that community which is something I hope to replicate here at Epiphany.

Cancer Screening at Epiphany

gary.marvin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the November 2009 issue of The Epigram.

FACTS ABOUT BREAST CANCER By Jo Anne Feldman

Did you know that October was Breast Cancer month???

Book Review: The Jesuit and the Skull By Amir D. Aczel

gary.marvin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the November 2009 issue of The Epigram.

Book Review: The Jesuit and the Skull By Amir D. Aczel By Mary Ellen Horton

The Jesuit and the Skull: Teilhard de Chardin, Evolution, and the Search for Peking Man by Amir D. Aczel tells how one man sought to reconcile his religious faith with the study of evolution. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin was a Frenchman who was born into a very religious and aristocratic French family and became a Jesuit priest. Possessed of brilliance, charm and wit and with credentials in philosophy, theology, geology, and paleontology, his Jesuit superiors worried because he questioned the doctrine of original sin and supported Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. They feared the Vatican would censure, even excommunicate him. Supported by scholarly papers and personal work in his fields of study, he was prominent and popular.

They sent him to Peking, now Beijing, China, so remote in 1923, that they hoped he wouldn’t attract attention. By chance or design, soon after, a sensational discovery was made very near Peking. A cave containing bones and tools of apes or men—possibly a missing link.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Eastern Area Community Ministries

gary.marvin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the November 2009 issue of The Epigram.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Eastern Area Community Ministries By Eileen Breslin

In 1971 when Epiphany began, our founding co-pastor, Fr. Flynn walked around the neighborhood and saw many people in need right in our backyard. By Fall 1974, he and Fr. Fowler brought Sr. Carmelita Dunn to Epiphany to start the Neighborhood Visitor Program.

Truly starting on a shoestring, NVP now assists over 300 families each year. Epiphany and our covenant churches Anchorage Presbyterian and St. Luke's Episcopal were instrumental in expanding NVP into Eastern Area Communities Ministries in the late 1980s. Today, 38 congregations support EACM.

Portrait of a Survivor By Jo Anne Feldman

gary.marvin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0000

This article originally appeared in the November 2009 issue of The Epigram.

Portrait of a Survivor By Jo Anne Feldman

Epiphanite, Stacey Hallahan, is a 12-year breast cancer survivor. Since diagnosis, she has volunteered for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, serving as its president for the past 5 years. Stacey was only in her 30’s when diagnosed. Only last year did Stacey test positive for the BRCA 2 gene mutation, meaning her breast cancer was genetic. And, although her mother also had breast cancer 5 years ago, in her case, her father was the carrier.

On September 12, at the Susan G. Komen Pink Tie Ball, Stacey was presented with the “Promise of One” Award. The Promise of One Award is presented to a volunteer that exhibits outstanding leadership and provides exceptional service to the breast health need of their local community; as well as for their commitment, dedication and unwavering support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and its vision of: a world without breast cancer. Stacey is supported in her efforts by husband, Dan, and sons, Corey and Jackson, who were only 4 and 1 when Stacey was diagnosed.

November 2009 Epigram now available

jeff.squyres — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0000

The November 2009 Epigram is now available for download.