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Message Lent ReflectionBereavement Meal MinistryParish MissionNew Pastoral Team MembersUpcoming EventsCELEBRATING THE EUCHARIST. LIVING THE GOSPEL. LOVING GOD AND LOVING NEIGHBOR.Lent 2025THE STARTHE STARNewsletterUpgrading Our PersonalPrayer Life During LentBY FR. EMMANUEL-GARET IFEAKOR,ASSOCIATE PASTORNEWSLETTERHIGHLIGHTSDear people of God, the Lentenseason is here with us again. This isan annual season in the liturgicalyear of the Church. The Church inher wisdom as a mother has dividedthe liturgical year into differentliturgical seasons. Each liturgicalseason allows us to contemplate ina unique fashion the mystery of oursalvation and at the same timeaffords us the acceptable time ofregeneration, spiritual growth, andmaturity. This year’s Lenten seasonis, indeed, a unique one because weare in the Ordinary Jubilee Year2025 which was inaugurated withthe liturgical function of theopening of the Holy Door of St.Peter’s Basilica on 24th December2024. This signals celebrations ofgrace. The Holy Jubilee Year comesevery twenty-five years proclaimedby the Pope. The last OrdinaryJubilee Year we had was in 2000when I was at the crossroads of mydiscernment for the priesthood. TheOrdinary Jubilee will conclude withthe closing of the Holy Door in thePapal Basilica of Saint Peter in theVatican on 6 January 2026, theSolemnity of the Epiphany of theLord. The theme of this OrdinaryJubilee Year is spes non confundit;hope does not disappoint, Romans5:5. These were the words ofencouragement addressed to theChristian community in Rome bythe apostle Paul. Therefore, thecentral message of this year’sOrdinary Jubilee year is HOPE. Inthe second paragraph of the Bull ofIndiction, of the Ordinary JubileeYear 2025, Pope Francis states;“Everyone knows what it is to hope.In the heart of each person, hopedwells as the desire andexpectation of good things tocome, despite our not knowingwhat the future may bring.”It is pertinent to note that asChristians, the most assuring paththrough which we sustain hope isthrough prayer. Consequently, ourmotivation to propose “upgradingour personal prayer life during thisholy season of lent.” I am talkingabout prayer life and not saying orreciting our prayers. However,saying our prayers but not limitedto that can help one to cultivate anCont. on page 6

Noah McDonell, Director of Youth MinistryMARCH 2025 LENT EDITIONAs a child, it meant a LONG season of sacrificing things Ienjoyed and extra church services. Oh, and with my mom,it also meant spring cleaning! As soon as the forty dayswere over, I promptly returned to enjoying the treats Ihad given up and to my more usual self-absorbedbehaviors. I never thought of Lent as an opportunity tochange myself for the better in any lasting way.Then, I stumbled on an article by Fr. Rick Potts about howLent is “not an endurance contest!" It’s a spiritual exercisemeant to transform us into holier people. He said,“Instead of thinking short-term, we should be thinkinglife-changing.” That provided me with an entirelydifferent way to think about and live Lent. Now, I try totake an inventory of my life and discern what areas of mysoul need a thorough “spring cleaning.” I give thought tohow I can alter the careless or bad habits I’ve fallen intoin order to become more Christ-like. The Lenten disciplines of the Church – fasting, prayer, andalmsgiving – have a deeper meaning to me now. I viewfasting as making more space in my life and heart for Godand for others. I sacrifice to be in solidarity with thosewho are hungry - for food, yes, but also for justice, love, alistening ear, and my time. I contribute to the annual RiceBowl collection for the hungry around the world and athome.I have experimented with a variety of ways to pray, setaside 30 minutes daily for spiritual reading, triedjournaling on various topics, etc. while continuing mylifelong practice of praying the Stations of the Cross withmy favorite version (Everyone’s Way of the Cross byClarence Enzler. I highly recommend it if you want tolearn how to incorporate the Paschal Mystery into youreveryday life!). In my enthusiasm, I tend to take on toomany things: reading the Lenten booklets from DynamicCatholic and Bishop Barron, and the Little Black Book, andothers all at the same time. I finally realized I was readingtoo much and couldn’t keep all the ideas straight, so nowI choose one that I can really absorb and put into practice.My highly introverted youngest sister told me one Lentthat she was challenging herself to do one thing every daythat was out of her comfort zone. I was blown away andbegan to try to implement ideas like that into my ownintroverted life. One Lent, I invited a different person tolunch each Friday, someone I knew was lonely or unableto get out very often. It proved much more growthfulthan donating money to a charity, and it turnedacquaintances into friends.My new Lenten perspectives have led to lasting changesin my life. What will you choose to do this Lent in orderto become more Christlike?Lent ReflectionBY THERESE CARRICO-CARRUSO2

Epiphany has a treasured history of coming together forcommunity members when they have experienced theloss of a loved one. With the first call that comes into theparish office notifying of a death, a coordinated agenda isset into motion, carried out in part by a dedicated groupof parishioners. Their roles range from implementing thedeceased’s wishes as outlined in a pre-arranged plan, toensuring liturgical ministers needed for the funeral Massare informed, to arranging a luncheon be provided shouldthe family choose so. That last directive is overseen bythe Bereavement Receptions Ministry. Bereavement luncheons are so much more than anordinary meal. It is a time for gathering grieving familiesand friends in a supportive environment, when our parishdemonstrates to them that they are not alone in thisjourney. But as circumstances dictated, and thingsevolved in our community, a decision was made torestructure this ministry. From what once were threevibrant teams, there are now two. The two teams rotatehosting these luncheons. Each team has roughly 60+ members under the guidanceof four volunteer leaders. We get members via yearlyStewardship pledges, mutual friendships, and oftentimes,those who have been the recipients of this very ministry.A few are still in the workforce, some lovingly have“grandparent” duties, and others are blessed withopportunities to travel. We try to accommodate, andalways appreciate, any time and gifts they can share!Without going into detail here, there are many andvarious ways to be involved; all are essential to carryingout the spirit and purpose of this unique ministry. And what goes without saying is, “death knows nobounds.” Often, we are given short notice that there willbe a reception. It’s urgent that calls be made for fooddonations and for the workers needed to ensureeverything goes smoothly. Based on a “best-guess”number of guests the family anticipates may attend,Epiphany provides fried chicken and beverages, andparishioners bring accompanying side dishes; it’s not anexact science (nor do we always have an ideal outcome!)Add in bad weather conditions, flu season, holidays…itcan be challenging in the best of times, but we roll with it! Then along came 2025 and with it, the stark reality of anaging parish. Both bereavement teams have been busy;the parish registry projects more to come. Nonetheless,we will keep focused on our mission. I, myself, have beeninvolved with this ministry for almost 17 years; severalothers have been for decades! Its biggest reward is whenthe families come to us expressing words of praise for thedelicious food and gratitude for this community’scompassion and generosity. All are nourished in body,mind, and spirit. CELEBRATING THE EUCHARIST. LIVING THE GOSPEL. LOVING GOD AND LOVING NEIGHBOR.Bereavement Receptions MinistryBY BERNADETTE MONDAY3

MARCH 2025 LENT EDITIONJane Cruthirds, FacilitatorJane M. Cruthirds is called through her baptism to serve as a teacher of the faith. Shedoes this as wife, mother, Ursuline Associate, Master Catechist, and the Director ofMission Formation for Sacred Heart Schools here in Louisville, KY. Jane is a lifelonglearner holding a BS in Biology from Wilkes University (1999), an MA in InternationalRelations from the University of Oklahoma (2005), and a Masters in Pastoral Studieswith emphasis in Spirituality from Loyola University New Orleans (2018). She iscurrently pursuing a Doctorate in Ministry from the Catholic Theological Union. Janeis a member of the Catholic community at St. Michael and a veteran of the UnitedStates Air Force.Join fellow parishioners in mission as we journey toward ever-increasing maturity as Christian disciples and growdeeper in God’s love personally and in community!All are invited to gather for our three-day Lenten Parish Mission geared toward conversion through conversation. Theconversation will be prompted using three questions that God asks in Scripture, leading to deeper connections withGod and one another. Our dialogue will be guided using “Conversation in the Spirit,” a method used during recentsynodal gatherings.Deacon Randy Perkins will preach at each English weekend Mass.Jane Cruthirds will facilitate the conversation:Sunday, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., beginning with a simple potluck mealMonday and Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.RSVP by Sunday, March 9 at https://bit.ly/ParishMission2025Direct questions to Sheila Murphy at sheila@ecclou.org or 502-780-1654.Lenten Parish Mission: God’s Invitation toConversion throughConversationSaturday, March 15 - Tuesday, March 184

Our DYM works with our youth, their families, young adults, and volunteers to help themgrow ever closer to our Lord through regular gatherings, activities, and formation. Growing up at Epiphany, Noah received his sacraments, attended many BibleTimes, andgrew in faith through our Youth Ministry. He earned a Bachelor of BusinessAdministration & Design Art Technology and an MBA with an emphasis on Innovationfrom Bellarmine University. Following school, he entered into ministry work serving asthe Coordinator of Faith Formation for the Cathedral of the Assumption, overseeingChildren's Religious Education, Youth Group, OCIA Program, and Adult Formation.At Epiphany, Noah organizes youth group events, as well as our Confirmation classes, tohelp engage our youth in their personal spiritual development and to encourage them toparticipate in the liturgical life of our community. If you have a young person interested in our youth ministry or feel called to work withour youth, contact Noah at 502-780-1175 or noah@ecclou.org.Our DWM works closely with our clergy, Worship Committee, and Parish Pastoral MinistryTeam to plan our vibrant, prayerful liturgies. Denise collaborates with volunteers to prepare and implement every aspect of our liturgies.She brings much musical experience to our worship. Originally from Missouri, Denise cameto Louisville to study piano, organ, and conducting at Southern Seminary, where she earnedher Master in Church Music. Her smooth transitions between piano pieces are impressive!She is working on her Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance and Music Education.Denise has taught music at local Catholic schools and enjoys Louisville’s diversity, culturalexperiences, and food! Epiphany’s focus on liturgy, music, and social justice inspired Deniseto come here, and she has already found parishioners to be friendly and welcoming. If you have a desire to help with liturgy planning, music ministry, or serve at liturgy, contactDenise at 502-780-0475 or denise@ecclou.org.Noah McDonell, Director of Youth MinistryNew Parish Pastoral Team MembersPLEASE WELCOME THEM TO OUR PARISHDenise Whittington, Director of Worship & MusicCELEBRATING THE EUCHARIST. LIVING THE GOSPEL. LOVING GOD AND LOVING NEIGHBOR.5

Upgrading Our Personal Prayer Life During Lentthinking of His love for us? This willenable us to implore God’sabundant blessing as we take onour daily challenges. Most times,we seem to be in a hurry to skipour prayers. We do have timeprobably for every other thingexcept creating quality time withGod. As teens, most of usexperienced and participated indaily routine prayers in ourfamilies. If I may ask; what hashappened today? Do we still praytogether as a family? The maxim,“the family that prays togetherstays together” still remains validand incontestable. As Pope Francisnotes, in our journey towards theJubilee, let us return to Scriptureand realize that it speaks to us inthese words: “May we who havetaken refuge in him be stronglyencouraged to seize the hope setbefore us. We have this hope, asure and steadfast anchor of thesoul, a hope that enters the innershrine behind the curtain, whereJesus, a forerunner on our behalf,has entered” (Heb 6:18-20).At this juncture, I would like topropose personal, family, or groupLectio Divina during this year’sJubilee Lenten season.Cont. on next pagepatient in affliction, faithful inprayer,” Cf. Rom. 12:12.Realistically, Pope Francis observesthat life has its joys and sorrows,that love is tested amid trials, andthat hope can falter in the face ofsuffering. Even so, he can write:“We boast in our sufferings,knowing that suffering producesendurance, and enduranceproduces character, and characterproduces hope” (Rom 5:3-4). Thus,one cannot ignore prayers and stillbe patient in affliction and joyful inhope. Jesus left us with atestimony of his prayers. In thesame vein, Jesus admonishes, “Weought always to pray and not tolose heart”, Cf. Luke 18:1.Furthermore, the interplaybetween hope and prayer makes ussee clearly that Christian life is ajourney calling for moments ofgreater spiritual intimacy with God.This call to upgrade our personalprayer life is more urgent duringthis Lenten season. We have cometo the reality of living with socialmedia in today’s world. Socialmedia has possessed a major partsof our life. In this scenery, can wepause to give a moment to Godbefore we get ready for the day’schores and commitments whileCont. from page oneauthentic prayer life. In this sense,we are talking about a prayer lifethat is conversational and routine.As individuals, our personal prayerlife is the greatest weapon we haveas Christians aside from theSacraments. Jesus set a tone ofsuch prayer life in the Gospel ofAsh Wednesday saying, “When youpray, do not be like the hypocrites,who love to stand and pray in thesynagogues and on street cornersso that others may see them.Amen, I say to you, they havereceived their reward. But whenyou pray, go to your inner room,close the door, and pray to yourFather in secret. And your Fatherwho sees in secret will reward you”Cf. Matt. 6:5-6. Prayer surges andarises from the heart. TheCatechism of Catholic Church citingSt. John Damascene, offers thetraditional definition of prayer as“the raising of one's mind andheart to God or the requesting ofgood things from God" ((CCC, no.2559). Prayer is also "vital andpersonal relationship with theliving and true God." As pilgrims ofhope, prayer sustains our hope inGod. The correlation between hopeand prayer is further brought outby Apostle Paul, “Be joyful in hope, BY FR. EMMANUEL-GARET IFEAKORMARCH 2025 LENT EDITION6

In a recent process of staff alignment, the Stewardship and Engagement staffposition was eliminated. Due to no fault of her own, Angie Fox’s position waseliminated. We would like to thank Angie for the time and energy that sheshared to help Epiphany grow. In her five-year tenure on staff. Angie providedessential leadership in developing several areas of the parish, such as re-introducing the Artist Showcase, coordinating celebrations for the Feast ofEpiphany, new member dinners, ministry fairs, stewardship drives, welcomedesk scheduling, Father Randy’s farewell party, long-range plan 2020-2024, andmany others. Best of luck in future endeavors, Angie!Farewell...Upgrading Our PersonalPrayer Life During LentAs we begin this year’s Lentenseason, journeying together duringthis Ordinary Jubilee Year of hope,may we seek the intercession of theBlessed Mother Mary who“treasured up all these things andpondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:18-19.CELEBRATING THE EUCHARIST. LIVING THE GOSPEL. LOVING GOD AND LOVING NEIGHBOR.Cont. from page 6Lectio Divina is literally translatedas “divine reading.” This is an age-long incredible Catholic tradition ofpraying with the Scriptures.Interestingly, this comes with foursteps, namely; reading, meditation,contemplation, and prayer. In thefirst step, reading, one chooses ashort passage of Scripture. Theemphasis here is not on quantitybut on quality. Take the readingslowly allowing God to speak toyou. It is recommended that oneconcentrates on a single word,phrase, clause, or verse. After this,comes the second step,meditation. Here, one deeplyreflects on what was read withopenness of heart. In the thirdstep, contemplation; with God’senlightenment, one relates andapplies what was read into one’sheart and daily life experiences.The last step is meditative prayer.This involves the processes ofspeaking, listening, and change.Inspired by what was read, wespeak to God as we are. Then allowGod to talk to us by listening to Hisvoice while allowing His Word tomake a change in us. This entailsdialogue and not monologue. Ultimately, in this dialogue wediscover what God wants and likes,what God dislikes and detests. 7

Lenten Prayer OpportunitiesMondays5:00 p.m. Rosary in the Chapel5:30 p.m. Daily Mass6:00 p.m. Adoration & BenedictionTuesdays8:30 a.m. Daily Mass7:00 p.m. SoulLife on 3/25 & 4/1 in the Lighthouse & ZoomWednesdays8:30 a.m. Daily MassThursdays8:30 a.m. Daily Mass5:30 a.m. Hora Santa or Misa & AdoracionFridays7:30 a.m. Taizé Prayer on Zoom8:30 a.m. Daily Mass9:15 a.m. Centering Prayer in the Library11:30 a.m. Adoration in the Chapel6:00 p.m. Viacrucis7:00 p.m. Espiritualidad de la SinodalidLenten Almsgiving OpportunitiesCRS Rice BowlPick up a bowl in the Connector1.Fill the bowl up during Lent with cash and coins2.Return to our Holy Thursday Mass3.April 17 at 7:00 p.m.a.Lenten Collection Proceeds will help La Casita, Catholic Charities, and the Americana CenterLook for more information coming up in our bulletin, Epiphany Happenings,and EccLou.orgCELEBRATING THE EUCHARIST. LIVING THE GOSPEL. LOVING GOD AND LOVING NEIGHBOR.MARCH 2025 LENT EDITION8