Celebrating 100 years!

“It seemed to me that this historic moment presented itself as a great grace. I realized, of course, that a simple chronological event, however evocative, could not by itself bring about great changes…. Even so, I was convinced—and I still am, more than ever!—that this celebration would be of benefit to humanity in the ‘long term.’” Pope John Paul II

The Holy Father’s words about the Church’s observance of the Great Jubilee Year 2000 have special resonance for us as we celebrate our Parish Centennial. No, anniversaries in themselves cannot give new meaning to our lives. But this unique time offers us a great opportunity for growth. As we explore the history of this amazing Cathedral community, we come to appreciate as never before the workings of grace in this local Church, and we realize that the Lord we serve is indeed “Lord of time and history.” And as we look to the future, we recommit ourselves to ministry in this parish community, and recognize that what we give to our Church now will help to sustain the Cathedral and its ministry for the next generation.

Our celebrations, which will begin in November 13 and conclude on November 21, offer a unique opportunity to celebrate. Each Mass on November 13-14 will be a special Mass of Thanksgiving, for the countless blessings God has given this parish community over the past 100 years. And at the Cathedral Fair, each ministry will have an opportunity to show who they are, what they do, and why they love doing it. (A bit of showing off is in order at a time like this!) We’ll also have a “History Climb” through the past century, and a mini-museum with little-seen treasures from the Cathedral archives. The celebration continues throughout the week with music events, special Masses, world premieres—and a good deal more! You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to be part of a milestone moment in the history of our great Cathedral.

The Year of the Eucharist

It seems appropriate that this year of our Parish Centennial should also be the Year of the Eucharist. Pope John Paul II has declared October 2004 through October 2005 a time to be “particularly engaged in living out the mystery of the Holy Eucharist.” In his apostolic letter Mane Nobiscum Domine (Remain with Us, Lord), the Holy Father meditates on the mystery of the Eucharist. He writes, “we are constantly tempted to reduce the Eucharist to our own dimensions, while in reality it is we who must open ourselves up to the dimensions of the Mystery.” How do we open ourselves up to the Mystery?

• By renewing our sense of wonder and awe at the presence of the God who gives us his true body and blood under the signs of bread and wine.
• By striving more than ever to celebrate the liturgy with dignity and reverence.
• By treasuring the gifts we receive from both of the tables spread before us at Mass: the table of the word, the table of the bread, for just as it is Christ whom we receive in the bread and the wine, so it is “Christ himself who speaks when the Holy Scriptures are read in the Church.”
• By spending time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament outside of Mass, waiting patiently, as Pope John Paul II, says, “to hear his voice and, as it were, to sense the beating of his heart.”
• By participating in Eucharistic celebrations like Vespers with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament (4pm on Sundays) and joining in Exposition and Holy Hour on the First Friday of each month.
• By becoming witnesses to peace in our world. “The Christian who takes part in the Eucharist learns to become a promoter of communion, peace, and solidarity in every situation.”
• By serving the poor. “We cannot delude ourselves: by our mutual love and, in particular, by our concern for those in need we will be recognized as true followers of Christ. This will be the criterion by which the authenticity of our Eucharistic celebrations is judged.” The inscription over the altar of St. James Cathedral boldly reaffirms this statement: “I am in your midst as one who serves.” It is our touchstone. Liturgy is source and summit: and its genuineness is revealed when it overflows into loving action in our world.

Read the Holy Father's letter in its entirety by clicking here.
Visit the Centennial Page to learn more about the upcoming celebrations!

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