Our own Monsignor David Liptak wrote a beautifully poetic description on the importance of the Cathedral in an editorial appearing in this month’s Catholic Transcript.  In it he wrote, “Soaring above the City of Man in essential ways, it brings us back to earth, but not without yearning for the City of God.”

Docent Interview

In preparation for coverage of the 50th Anniversary Mass, ORTV spent time last week interviewing Monsignor McCarthy, Monsignor Liptak, and several parishioners including docent, Mark Saur. Mark has his own way of describing the beauty and significance of St Joseph Cathedral within the context of both Catholic teachings and architectural symbolism. His is a tour worth taking.

Twin of Original St Joseph Cathedral

With the 50th Anniversary Mass coming up at St Joseph Cathedral this Sunday at 3:00 PM,  it is interesting to note that for those too young to have known the old St Joseph Cathedral, there is a mirror image of it still standing in Providence, RI. Well, not quite exactly the same, but pretty darn close.

Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Providence was constructed in 1878 by the same architect who built St Joseph Cathedral in Hartford in 1889 – Patrick Charles Keely.  So if you want a glance into our past, you can get there in about an hour and a half! And while we celebrate a new day for the Cathedral, we remember with thanks the wonderful spiritual contribution Patrick Keely made by dotting our landscape with so many beautiful churches. You can read more about him here - http://www.keelysociety.com/patrick.htm.

Come join us for the celebration on Sunday!

Bishop's Throne

The chair on the altar reserved for the archbishop is called a cathedra.  A Latin word, cathedra is translated as seat or chair.  In early times, the chair was the symbol of a teacher. Today it symbolizes the bishop’s role as teacher and chief shepherd of his diocese. It also symbolizes the bishop’s authority to govern the diocese.

The archbishop’s chair is of American walnut, richly carved and with an inlay of ebonized wood. On the panel behind the chair is Archbishop Mansell’s coat of arms with his motto “BLESSED BE GOD.”  Taken from Psalm 68:36 and Tobit 13:1, the motto expresses Archbishop Mansell’s deep belief that each of us is called to give glory and praise to God in all that we do.

The soffit of the walnut canopy above the archbishop’s chair is of bronze and enamel. In the center is a crosier, indicative of the pastoral office and authority. About the staff of the shepherd are gathered sheep and lambs symbolic of the flock he is to shepherd.

In our modern times the altar, devoid of altar rails and gates, isn’t always treated with the spiritual reverence required. It is quite common to see people casually enter the sanctuary without thought of the sacredness of the space they have entered. But the act of the priest kissing the altar at the beginning and end of each Mass reminds us, this truly is a holy sanctuary, the symbol of Christ himself.

Table of the Lord

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1383):

The altar, around which the Church is gathered in the celebration of the Eucharist, represents the two aspects of the same mystery: the altar of the sacrifice and the table of the Lord. This is all the more so since the Christian altar is the symbol of Christ himself, present in the midst of the assembly of his faithful, both as the victim offered for our reconciliation and as food from heaven who is giving himself to us. “For what is the altar of Christ if not the image of the Body of Christ?” asks St. Ambrose. He says elsewhere, “The altar represents the body [of Christ] and the Body of Christ is on the altar.” The liturgy expresses this unity of sacrifice and communion in many prayers. Thus the Roman Church prays in its anaphora:We entreat you, almighty God, that by the hands of your holy Angel this offering may be borne to your altar in heaven in the sight of your divine majesty, so that as we receive in communion at this altar the most holy Body and Blood of your Son, we may be filled with every heavenly blessing and grace.

“Take this and eat it, all of you”: communion.

Thank you to all who prepared and participated in the gathering. So many people did so many wonderful things from decorating to soliciting raffle prizes to donating presents for the children to hawking tickets; it takes a family to throw a party. We’ve got a growing and connected family here at St Joseph Cathedral. Thank you to all!

Breaking Bread - Sharing Friendship

George & Marilyn

On March 18, 2012, our own Judith Stronger was awarded the archdiocesan St Joseph Medal of Appreciation by Archbishop Henry J. Mansell. A special ceremony was celebrated at the Cathedral to recognize the “hard work, loyalty, and commitment” of 210 distinguished parishioners from across the Archdiocese of Hartford. Judith is another of the tireless volunteers who translate faith by giving back and serving others. Her work with incorporating the Karen community into the parish family is truly inspiring, and highly visible at any Sunday morning Mass. A lector, Eucharistic minister, and RCIA facilitator, Judith is another humble servant of Christ.

Congratulations, Judith, George, and Marilyn. Your service is an inspiration to all.

NY Times – Celebrating the Day with Musical Variety

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/08/nyregion/a-preview-of-an-easter-concert-at-the-cathedral-of-st-joseph.html

Dr Jeffrey Douma

But the pains which he endured, Alleluia!
our salvation have procured, Alleluia!
now above the sky he’s King, Alleluia!
where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

Our Savior in Glory

Easter Sunday

Holy Thursday – 7:00PM – The Lord’s Supper*

If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. (John 13:14)

Good Friday – 12:30PM – Ecumenical Stations of the Cross

Good Friday – 3:00PM – The Lord’s Passion*

Behold the wood of the Cross, on which hung the salvation of the world.

Holy Saturday – 10:00 – 11:00AM  – Confession

Holy Saturday – 8:00PM – Solemnity Vigil Mass of Easter*

If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. (Romans 6:8)

Easter Sunday – 8:30AM & 11:00AM* – The Resurrection of the Lord

To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name. (Acts 10:43)

* Pricinpal Celebrant – Archbishop Henry J. Mansell

Consecrated Oils

Additionally, the priest renew their priestly vows. During his homily for the Chrism Mass, Archbishop Mansell always pays homage to the priest of the Archdiocese to thank them for their faith filled service to the Church. He also recognizes those celebrating a significant anniversary. It is a befitting blessing for the priests as they prepare for the Holiest week of the year within each of their own parishes.