For those of us, like me, who struggle with depression, winter can be a difficult time in normal circumstances. I've learned through years of experience that I need to take care of the whole self: the mental and physical as well as the spiritual. And I also know that I have to be OK with asking for help with that when I need it. I know, too, that prolonged periods of stress can trigger depression and anxiety in people who don't normally struggle with those. And life since March of last year has been one very long period of grinding stress for everyone. So we will be presenting resources each week that we hope will offer some ways to help or look for help. For those who know the battle well and those who are new to it. Let's pray for each other and support each other through this time.

-Fr Lou

The Struggle: Mental Health, Faith, and Self Care in the Covid Winter

I feel anxious, depressed, hopeless, lonely. Why is God allowing this?

God doesn’t cause our suffering, and suffering is not a punishment. Rather, we believe this sort of distress is simply the natural fallout for sin in the world. When humanity abandons God’s grace, guidance, and goodness, we end up miserable. And, since we are one human family, we are often burdened to share in the fallout for sins we didn’t personally commit.

Now, most of us would love to rearrange that situation. But God’s M.O. for redemption isn’t getting rid of suffering from the top down. Instead, Christ transforms it from the bottom up. Jesus offered himself into the depth of human suffering for our redemption, meeting us in our suffering, and making it an opportunity for solidarity, mercy, and conversion.

Suffering can be a chance to turn towards God and grow more holy, but God doesn’t want our suffering to destroy us - that’s why Jesus faced destruction on our behalf. If you're dealing with more than you can you can handle, please seek help both spiritually and medically.

Parish Offices Closed on Monday, January 18

Please note that both the SL and SFR parish offices will be closed on Monday, January 18 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. There will still be an 8:30 am Mass at St. Frances of Rome on Monday.

Knoop Notes

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time * January 17, 2021

“All the earth shall bow down before you, O God, And shall sing to you, shall sing to your name, O Most High”

BE OPEN with a SONG in OUR Hearts!

Gathering Hymn - God We Praise You

Responsorial Psalm - Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will

Gospel Acclamation - Alleluia Mass of Joy and Peace

Preparation of Gifts - The Summons

Communion - Here I Am, Lord

Sending Forth - We Shall Overcome

A joyful week to all . . . Let us believe in the love God has for us!

Mass Intentions

Opportunities for Life Special Collection: January 16 and 17

This weekend, the four Kentucky dioceses will take up a special collection called "Opportunities for Life." This collection during the week of the anniversary of Roe v. Wade (January 22) is part of the Kentucky bishops' unified message advocating for a pro-life culture in our Commonwealth. In the Archdiocese of Louisville, funds from this collection will provide resources to pregnant women and new families in crisis, including material assistance and grant support for programming at Catholic Charities and other organizations providing support to pregnant women and families.

36th Annual Community-wide Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

The Archdiocese of Louisville’s Office of Multicultural Ministry and its African American Catholic Ministries will host its annual Community-wide Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Monday, January 18 at 10:00 am at the Cathedral of the Assumption (433 South Fifth Street, Louisville, KY 40202). The theme is “It’s Time to Repair.” Join Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D., the Archdiocesan Gospel Choir, and others for a service of prayer and praise honoring Dr. King and all that he fought for. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, in-person attendance is limited. Click here to watch the event live. For more information, contact the Office of Multicultural Ministry at 502-471-2146.

January 22: Day of Prayer for the Protection of Unborn Children

Schedule of events hosted by the Archdiocese of Louisville to commemorate the 48th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

4:30 p.m.: Gather at the Cathedral of the Assumption

5:00 p.m.: 1.5 mile Prayer Walk (Those unable to walk are welcome to pray along in the Cathedral.)

6:30 p.m. Mass with Archbishop Kurtz at the Cathedral. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, seating is limited to 200 people so please email eharpring@archlou.org or ArchLouYM@archlou.org to reserve a seat. Masks are required for all events.

From Catholic Charities of Louisville

Last Week's Masses

Catch St. Leonard's Mass at 10am on Sunday and St. Frances of Rome's Mass at 11:30am on Sunday on our respective Facebook pages.