. . . you built up strength within me.—Psalm 138:3

The psalmist realizes that God strengthens the person that God calls. This happens to Peter in today’s gospel when his awareness of who Jesus is gives Peter a new mission. Peter receives a new name and the “power of the keys,” special graces, strengths, to support the leadership to which he is called. When we recognize Jesus in our lives, we are strengthened to unlock our hearts and put our “keys” to good use by opening doors so that others may enter the realm of God. In Pope Benedict XVI first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est (God is Love), he puts service to the poor and love of neighbor on the same level as the administration of the sacraments and the proclamation of the Word (19).

I just want to acknowledge with deep gratitude and love, the parishioners who use their “keys” to lead the human life, dignity, and justice ministries here at Cathedral:

*Angel Share Tree—Katia Roebuck

*Beginning & End of Life—Christine Dennis and her sub-committee leaders—Sr. Colleen Braun, Karen Bruce, Bettina Nolan, Clarissa Trasky, Monica Kleimeyer, Karen Ross            

*Catholic Parish Outreach—Susan Borghoff & Michael Perry *Crafters for Christ—Cathy Spargo Frieda

*Crop Hunger Walk—Mary Catherine Hinds

*Door Ministry—David & Betty Mullaney, Sandy Peace, Ann Mann, Jay Butler, Dan Gretsch, Chris Quinby, Kathy Dow, with special thanks to Wilbur Davis and founders, Anne & Bill Werdel

*Farm Workers Ministry—Olga Salas

*Habitat for Humanity—Walt Milowic

*Helen Wright Shelter Meals—Ann Petro, Mary Erazim, Mary Matza, Dulce Rodriguez

*Justice for Immigrants—Luisa Martin-Price

*Laudato Si Circle/Creation Care—Monica Kleimeyer

*Lectio Divina—Anne Werdel

*Note in the Pocket—Stacie Miller

*Oak City Cares Center Meals—Edie Basista, Elizabeth White with Tom & Stella Walton                                        

*Prison Ministry—Sandy Peace, Faye Solomon

*Refugee Resettlement—Kimberly Stanko

*Share the Blessings—Kevin Green

*Support Circles—Christopher Gorski

*The Reflecting Pool/ Racism Study--Lauren Green

*Women’s Center Lunches—Leni Crook

Barbara Molinari Quinby, MPS, Director

Office of Human Life, Dignity, and Justice Ministries

Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, Raleigh, NC