News

Updated Information Concerning HHS Mandate

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:03:00 +0000

Click here to read a bulletin insert from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops containing updated information on the mandate for health care coverage of contraceptives.

En Español

Ash Wednesday Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:25:00 +0000

For the tenth year, the Ash Wednesday collection on 2-22-12 will be for our Sister Diocese of Mandeville, Jamaica. We are called for a season to lay aside our creature comforts that we and others may know a season of renewal. With our giving to the upcoming Mandeville Collection, our Lent makes possible their Easter.

Your kindness and generosity provides for services that otherwise would not be available to our brothers and sisters there. Please consider responding with generosity again this year. Thank you.

Day of Reflection in Preparation for Black Catholic Congress

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:28:00 +0000

In preparation for the XI National Black Catholic Congress, a day of reflection will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2012 from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm at Rosary Chapel in Paducah.

Please click here for more information.

URGENT Request

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services announced last week that almost all employers, including Catholic employers, will be forced to offer their employees' health coverage that includes sterilization, abortion-inducing drugs, and contraception. Almost all health insurers will be forced to include those "services" in the health policies they write. And almost all individuals will be forced to buy that coverage as part of their policies.

Bishop Medley asks two things. First, as a community of faith we must commit ourselves to prayer and fasting that wisdom and justice may prevail, and religious liberty may be restored. Without God, we can do nothing; with God, nothing is impossible. Second, visit www.usccb.org/conscience to learn more about this severe assault on religious liberty, and how to contact Congress in support of legislation that would reverse the Administration's decision.

Brescia Celebrates Black History and Women’s History Months

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:28:00 +0000

The Diocese of Owensboro, Brescia University and several other sponsors are bringing the Core Ensemble to campus. They will be performing the chamber music theatre work, Ain’t I a Woman!, which celebrates the life and times of four powerful African-American women. The event takes place in Brescia’s Taylor Lecture Hall on Saturday, February 19 at 4 pm. This event is free and open to the public.

Black History Month Gospel Explosion

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:56:00 +0000

18th Annual Gospel Explosion

Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Owensboro

Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 2:30 p.m.

Click here for more information.

Catholic Men's Conference of Western Kentucky

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:27:00 +0000

The Catholic Men's Conference of Western Kentucky will take place Saturday, Feb 11 at Brescia University.

It will feature nationally known speakers such as 2 time US kickboxing champion Jesse Romero, Former US Army Veteran Richard Lane, and author and former Church of Christ Preacher Bruce Sullivan. The day will conclude with Holy Mass celebrated by Owensboro's own Bishop William Medley.

The theme: What does it mean to be a Catholic Man in a secular world?
Cost is $30 for adults and $15 for students.

For tickets or details, check out our website www.kycatholic.com or call
(270) 316-5067

or mail a check to: CMCWK, 2159 Sheffield Ct.

Owensboro, KY 42301

TAIZÉ Prayer -- Jan. 20

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:01:00 +0000

On Friday, January 20, 2012, Christians from various churches in Owensboro will gather to observe the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity by praying together at FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH in the style of TAIZÉ. Taizé is an ecumenical community in France which includes Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants. The community draws tens of thousands of pilgrims to its site for prayer and spiritual enrichment.

The prayer service we will be using, “Prayer before the Cross,” will include songs, scripture, and silence.

Please consider joining other Christians in prayer at this Taizé service in observance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

PRAYER before the CROSS in the style of TAIZÉ

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH

2830 Frederica, Owensboro

Friday, January 20, 2012, 12:15—12:45 p.m.

Men's Retreat Feb. 17-19

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:31:00 +0000

A men’s retreat will take place the weekend of Feb. 17-19 at Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. The theme is “Live Each Day: Be Alive to Your Spiritual Life.” The retreat will be led by Monsignor Bernard Powers. It will provide an opportunity to strengthen one’s relationship with God through the directed retreat, prayer, silence and free time. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday and ends Sunday afternoon. The fee is $175 (includes meals and accommodations) or $120 for commuters (includes meals). A limited number of scholarships are available. For scholarship information, contact Sister Ann McGrew at 270-229-4103 ext. 801. To register, contact Kathy McCarty at kathy.mccarty@maplemount.org or 270-229-4103 ext. 802.

"The Marriage You've Always Wanted" One Day Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:11:00 +0000

Join Dr. Gary Chapman for a day long conference dedicated to laughter and love to help you build the love relationship of your dreams … “The Marriage You’ve Always Wanted”. The conference, hosted by St. Jerome Church, will be held on Saturday, March 24 at the Paducah Convention and Expo Center, 415 Park Street, Paducah, KY 42001 from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm. Tickets are $35 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact St. Jerome Church at 270-623-8181. You may also mail in a check to St. Jerome Church, PO Box 38, Fancy Farm, KY 42039 and we will mail you the tickets. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address (if applicable).

2012 Summer Camp Schedule - Gasper River

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:58:00 +0000

Click here for a listing of 2012 Summer Camp dates at Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp and Retreat Center.

Summer Staff Needed at Gasper River

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Are you looking for something more out of life?

What are you doing this summer? WE NEED YOU! Do you want to make a difference in a child's life? Do you seek to grow in your faith and help others grow in theirs? If so, please go to www.gasperriverretreatcenter.org , download an application from the Job Postings Link, and send it back to the Program Committee at Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp & Retreat Center. You must be at least one year out of high school to be eligible for a summer staff position. If you have any questions about the position, please call our office. Please pray about this wonderful opportunity to be the hands of Christ and make a difference for God. If you can’t give an entire summer but are interested in helping out, we are always in need of volunteers. If you are interested in serving in that capacity, please contact our office. To be a counselor, you must be at least four years older than the group you will be counseling for and have completed the diocesan Safe Environment Program. Don’t just spend another summer doing a routine job. Try something different that will change you and those you encounter for a life time!

Send completed Applications to:

Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp
Attn. Program Committee
2695 Jackson Bridge Road
Bowling Green, KY 42101
(270) 781-2466

"Men Who Cook" Benefit Gala

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:45:00 +0000

5th Annual "Men Who Cook" Benefit Gala

Saturday, February 25, 2012
7 p.m. - 11 p.m.
The Hines Center -- Owensboro, KY

Live music by: Charlene Blay and the 2nd Edition

For more information, visit www. glenmarysisters.org

Tickets now on sale: 270-686-8401

Be the Voice of the Unborn: March for Life 2012 Still Has Some Room

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:02:00 +0000

January 4, 2012

The Diocesan Gospel of Life Committee is sponsoring a bus trip to Washington D.C. to take part in the March for Life on January 23, 2012. You are invited to join them to speak up for the rights of the unborn. There are more spaces available for people interested in going on this trip and it is still not too late to register for the event. Please call Richard Murphy at 270/683-1545 to check and see if space is still available.

Reason for the Trip:

Every 26 seconds in this country a child dies as the result of an abortion. You can take a stand with thousands of other Americans to be the voices of our unborn children. You can help assert their right to life and liberty promised in the Declaration of Independence, and tell those representing us to grant that most basic birthright to the unborn. Citizenship is not a spectator sport. We must stand together to effectively advocate for the rights of our little brothers and sisters. It is estimated that 400,000 people participated in the rally in 2011.

Plan for the Trip:

The Gospel of Life Committee is working to set up a bus trip to and lodging in the Washington D.C. area to allow those interested in going to make their voices heard. Currently, the plans for the trip are under consideration, but many of the most important details are clear. Arrangements for travel will be with Toby Tours Bus Lines that will provide a late model bus with bathroom facilities and with passenger capacity of either 47 or 55 people. The size of the bus to be booked for the trip will be based on those making reservations.

The group will depart from the Catholic Pastoral Center in Owensboro on Saturday night at 8:00 PM on January 21, 2011, and arrive in Washington on Sunday afternoon on the 22nd in time to check in at the hotel, freshen up and visit the convention in progress. The group will be staying at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Washington on Capitol Hill where the Convention takes place. It may be possible for the group to attend a mini rally at the White House set to take place between 12:00 to 2:00 PM EST. On Sunday night the group will go to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the Mass for Life, and then return to the hotel that night.

The morning of the March for Life will find the group attending a pre-march Congressional Breakfast. The March for Life takes place in the early afternoon. It will be necessary to travel there by late morning. The group will stay the night of Monday, January 23 at the Hyatt. Some may have an interest in attending the March for Life’s fundraising event called the Rose Dinner. Arrangements can be made to attend this event; however it will be at a cost beyond what the trip cost is listed.

The next morning January 24, 2012, the group will depart for home at 8:00 AM, and should arrive back in Owensboro in the early morning of January 25, 2011.

Cost for the Trip including Bus Fare and Two Nights at the Hyatt:

The cost of a room at the Hyatt is quoted at $191.22 including tax per night and the group will stay two nights, for a total of $382.44 for a single person, but the cost of the room could be shared by 2, 3 or 4 people and this cost could be cut down considerably. If shared by 4 people, then the cost would be $95.61 per person for both nights.

The cost of the bus taken will depend on the size of the bus taken. Toby Tours quotes a price of $5280 for a 47 passenger bus and $5930 for a 55 passenger bus. If the Group took a 55 passenger bus, then the cost per person would be $107.82 for the bus. The group will be responsible for parking fees and toll costs and possibly a few other incidentals. People that may not be able to go, yet wish to contribute to the trip are most welcome to sponsor someone or donate some for the cost of the bus.

Please note that meals and souvenirs for the trip are at the additional expense of the traveler. Even with all of these expenses, it is estimated that a person staying four in a room, could make the trip for about $300.

Registration for the Trip:

To insure an accurate count for the number of rooms to reserve and to determine the size of the bus to take, it is necessary to register as soon as possible. If you believe that you would like to be part of this pilgrimage of faith, fellowship and exercise of citizenship, then please send a check payable to the Diocese of Owensboro for $300 and mail it to: Diocese of Owensboro, 600 Locust St., Owensboro, Ky 42301, Attention: Richard Murphy. All travelers are asked to have their final payments in as soon as possible. Please call Richard Murphy at 270/683-1545 to check and see if space is still available.

Let’s go make our voices heard for the unborn to recognize their most fundamental rights.

USCCB Vocations Video from Madrid

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:48:00 +0000

At World Youth Day in Madrid the US Bishops hosted a Vocations Fair, which encouraged thousands of youth to consider a vocation to the priesthood and consecrated life. Bishops, priests and religious share the inspiration of their vocation in this 5-minute video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5oToGeFOzY

SCN Associates to host Michael Crosby, OFM, Cap.

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:14:00 +0000

Michael Crosby, OFM, Cap. coming to Nazareth, KY February 4, 2012. Click here for more information.

Catholic Young Adult Information Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:18:00 +0000

Please join us at the Catholic Pastoral Center

600 Locust Street, Owensboro, KY

on Thursday, January 19, 2012

Gathering and refreshments @ 6:30 p.m.

Meeting starts @ 7:00 p.m.

The first meeting will consist of getting thoughts and ideas about activities for a Young Adult Group. The group will be open to ages 18-40.

For more information please call Sarah Patterson or Robin Tomes at 270-683-1545 or email the Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry at robin.tomes@pastoral.org.

Looking for something to do over Christmas Break?

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:42:00 +0000

Come to Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp & Retreat Center’s Christmas and New Year’s Camp!

When: December 29^th through January 1^st

Where: Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Who: High school students (9^th – 12^th grade)

Cost: Only $75

Please visit www.gasperriverretreatcenter.org or call 270-781-2466 for more information.

Young Adult Retreat at Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp and Retreat Center

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:41:00 +0000

“Who is My Neighbor?”
January 11^th through the 15^th
Cost is only $20
For anyone 18 and over
Gasper River Catholic Youth Camp & Retreat Center

Please visit www.gasperriverretreatcenter.org or call 270-781-2466 for more information.

Attention Youth! KY Rally for Life

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:38:00 +0000

Join us for KY Rally for Life in Frankfort KY, February 1, 2012. Cost is $35.00 and includes bus ride to Frankfort and lunch. Trip is open to youth grades 7-12 and their Chaperones. Pope Benedict XVI said, “Each of us has a mission, each of us is called to change the world, to work for a culture of life, a culture forged by love and respect for the dignity of each human person.” Please plan to join us and advocate for pro-life legislation in 2012! For more information contact your Parish Youth Minister or Robin Tomes at the Office for Youth Ministry at 270-683-1545 ext 358 or robin.tomes@pastoral.org.

The Common Word

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:16:00 +0000

The Common Word is a weekly thirty-minute radio program roundtable discussion of the Gospel Lectionary Scripture of the week by four mainline minsters in Henderson, Kentucky. The show airs on Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. on WSON 860 AM. You can also listen anytime by going to www.wsonradio.com and clicking on archives. It also airs each Sunday on WKWC 90.3 FM in Owensboro.

The following ministers participate: Fr. Anthony Shonis, Associate Pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Roman Catholic Church; the Rev. Dr. Beth Macke, Vicar of Peace Episcopal Church in Rockport Indiana; Pastor Freida Alexander, pastor of Belleview United Methodist Church; and Pastor John Guthrie, pastor of Henderson Presbyterian Church.

Guest Commentary: Little Sisters of the Poor

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:24:00 +0000

The Elderly Are a Blessing, Not a Burden

By Sister Constance Carolyn Veit, lsp

As the 20th century came to a close, the United Nations celebrated the International Year of Older Persons, heralding the vision of “A Society for All Ages.” The first years of the new millennium have been anything but that, with the abandonment of frail seniors during natural disasters from New Orleans to Japan, the legalization of assisted suicide in several U.S. states and foreign countries, and political rhetoric that seems to consider the growing population of seniors merely as a drain on our health care system and the federal budget. Is this the society for all ages we envisioned in 1999?

Rather than looking upon the growing numbers of older persons as a burden, Pope Benedict – like his predecessor, Blessed John Paul II – has called them a blessing for society. “Every generation can learn from the experience and wisdom of the generation that preceded it,” he affirmed in speaking to the elderly at St. Peter’s Residence in London last September. The Pope insisted that “the provision of care for the elderly should be considered not so much as an act of generosity but as the repayment of a debt of gratitude.”

The Pope’s words should give us pause. We might also recall a bit of Biblical wisdom: “With your whole heart honor your father; your mother’s birth pangs forget not,” Sirach tells us. “Remember, of these parents you were born; what can you give them for all they gave you?” (Sir 7:28). Sirach admonishes us, “My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. Even if his mind fail, be considerate with him; revile him not in the fullness of your strength. For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, it will serve as a sin offering – it will take lasting root.” (Sir 3:12–14).

To realize all that we owe the elderly and to honor them as a blessing, perhaps we need to slow down a bit and look at each one as if they were our own parent or grandparent. Maybe we need to see ourselves in them – for we too will be old one day, if we are blessed to enjoy a long life. Perhaps what we really need to do is to look upon the elderly as Pope Benedict does – as persons imbued with inviolable dignity, and thus worthy of our respect and care, simply because they have been made in the image and likeness of God and are sustained by his Providence. “Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary,” Benedict said in his first homily as Pope and again to the elderly last September in London. “Life is a gift, at every stage from conception until natural death, and it is God’s alone to give and to take.”

This October American Catholics will once again observe Respect Life Month. When we think of pro-life activities, we naturally think of the unborn, and rightly so. But this year, we would do well to reflect on the elderly – the contributions they have made to our families and society, their wisdom and experience, the care and assistance they need and the respect they deserve as human persons created in God’s image. The U.S. Bishops recently published a statement on assisted suicide entitled To Live Each Day with Dignity (http://www.usccb.org/toliveeachday/). It is a valuable read for anyone who cares about the dignity of human life.

As Little Sisters of the Poor, we are committed to the accompaniment and care of the needy elderly, following the advice of our foundress, Saint Jeanne, who said, “Never forget that the poor are Our Lord … Making the elderly happy, that is what counts!” We are caregivers – not politicians or policy makers. But we do know that caring for the elderly poor is growing more difficult all the time because of funding cuts, a chronic shortage of qualified professional and paraprofessional care givers, and the attitudes of a society becoming increasingly callous with regard to the sacredness of human life. During this Respect Life Month we invite you to pray for the triumph of the Culture of Life, to advocate for better financing of care for low-income seniors and better educational programs and benefits for caregivers, and simply to cherish the elders in your own family or community.

Sister Constance Carolyn Veit is director of communications for the Little Sisters of the Poor in the United States.

Diocesan Directory Now Online

noreply@blogger.com (Diocese of Owensboro) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:11:00 +0000

The Directory for the Diocese of Owensboro is now available online. To view the Directory, click here.