SHARE:  
The Catholic Connection

As The Father Has Sent Me

October 2024

Why Do Catholics Do That - Part 2

Dr. Brian Reynolds, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Louisville, welcomes back Fr. Jeff Shooner, Vicar General and Pastor of St. Patrick Parish, for part 2 of “Why Do Catholics Do That?” Dr. Reynolds and Fr. Shooner discuss the Rosary, Holy Water, Respect Life Month, faith and science, miracles, and more. The episode concludes with a message from Archbishop Shelton Fabre about the Catholic Services Appeal.

New episodes of What's New in ArchLou will be available on the first Tuesday of each month here.

CSA Spotlights

By Molly Keene Smith


As Director of the Office of Mission Advancement for the Archdiocese of Louisville, I attend a meeting each quarter where directors from all the different agencies in the Archdiocese meet as a group with Archbishop Shelton. We share with him, and with each other, the things that we and our staff have been working on, including recent and upcoming events, new/ongoing initiatives, our outreach and assistance to parishes, etc. I always find myself listening with a real sense of amazement as each director talks about the work their agency is doing to advance the mission of the Archdiocese: to proclaim and live the good news of Jesus Christ.


As you may know, funding for all of these ministries and services comes primarily from the Catholic Services Appeal (CSA). People sometimes tell me they don’t give to the CSA because they don’t know what the money is used for or they don’t think it helps their parish, so I often think to myself at these meetings, I wish every parishioner in the Archdiocese could be seated at this table and listen to these incredible accounts of service and love of neighbor that are happening each day all across Central Kentucky and in every parish.


There is no doubt in my mind that hearing the reports shared by each agency director at our meetings about all the GOOD being done in this Archdiocese would change minds and hearts and result in a record breaking 2024 Catholic Services Appeal!


So, after discussion with my team, an idea began to take root. What if we videotaped the various agency directors one by one and asked them to share in their own words what they and their team members do on a daily basis? The videos would be brief, but would provide insight and specifics regarding all the good works being done and all the lives being impacted, about which many people are simply unaware.


When I asked my fellow agency directors to participate in this video project, they were gracious (despite some being a bit camera shy) and generously gave of their time to show up in our makeshift video “studio” to talk on camera about the work their agencies do. These leaders are truly passionate about the mission. They work for the Church because they find joy and great fulfillment in doing so. They are also very proud of their staff members and were overflowing with praise for the impactful ministry their teams accomplish every day with limited resources.


We decided to call these short videos CSA Spotlights.” Our hope is that they will shine a spotlight on the many ministries and services funded by the appeal. Those of us who work alongside these directors see the difference being made in so many lives on a daily basis. We want to share what we see with you!


Over the next several weeks, you will see these CSA Spotlight videos being shared on the Archdiocese’s social media channels. I hope you will watch them and that they will inspire you as I am daily inspired in my role here at the Archdiocese of Louisville. After you watch, please hit the “Share” button and spread the good news! After all, isn’t that what we are called to do by Jesus Himself? As this year’s CSA theme echoes, Jesus said: As the Father has sent Me, so I send you. When you make a gift to the Catholic Services Appeal, at whatever level you are able, you are answering this call and furthering our shared mission. As Archbishop Shelton says, “We are all in this TOGETHER.” Thank you for your great generosity and your faithful support!


Below is Deacon Denny Nash’s CSA Spotlight video. Deacon Nash is the Director of the Diaconate Office.

To donate or learn more about the Catholic Services Appeal click here.

Resources & Recommendations

This month, we're highlighting some helpful and timely resources for Catholics throughout the Archdiocese. We encourage you to check out the resources below.


Amendment 2

Catholics in Kentucky have an opportunity to vote Yes on Amendment 2 and empower parents to have a choice in schools that best fit the needs of their children. The Archdiocese of Louisville supports Amendment 2 because it gives parents options. The amendment will allow the general assembly to create legislation to make more opportunities available to all Kentucky students, whether or not they attend public school. To read more on Amendment 2, go here.


Respect Life Month

October is Respect Life Month. As Catholics, we reflect on the gift of every human life and how to build a culture that protects life from conception to natural death. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, recently issued a statement on Respect Life Month. He said, “Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist, gives us the fullness of life. He calls each of us to respect that gift of life in every human person.” You can read his entire statement here.


Upcoming Events



Red Mass

Please join the legal and judicial communities for the annual Red Mass, which invokes God’s blessing and guidance on all those in the legal community, including attorneys, judges, paralegals, and clerks. Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre will celebrate this Mass on Saturday, October 12, 2024, 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Assumption, 433 S. Fifth Street. People of all faiths who serve in the legal profession are invited to attend. Because Louisville is hosting the annual conference for the National Catholic Bar Association during this weekend, this year’s Red Mass will welcome Catholic legal professionals from across the United States. Find more information here.


Healthcare Professionals Mass 

The annual Healthcare Professionals Mass is Sunday, October 20 at noon at the Cathedral of the Assumption. Invoking the blessing of Saint Luke, the patron saint of physicians, this Mass gathers doctors, dentists, nurses, psychologists, respiratory and physical therapists, and all who work in healthcare to ask God’s blessing upon those who serve in this profession. A warm invitation is extended to persons of all faiths who serve in the healthcare field. Healthcare professionals are asked to wear their uniforms to the Mass. Find more information here.

Connect with us
Facebook  Twitter  Youtube  
The Catholic Connection is provided by: