153 Initiative

THE 153 INITIATIVE welcomes you to the work of transforming the world.... Our 153 Initiative focuses us on a way of real spiritual growth that results in practical changes in the way we live our daily lives. We invite you to join in this challenging adventure.

The 153 Initiative began in the Fall of 2007 as a way for us, as a Cathedral Parish, to renew our Baptism. It includes small group meetings for scripture study and discernment of how we as individuals as well as a faith community can more fully live our Baptism. The Day of Caring AND Parish-wide gathering will “kick off” the upcoming Advent Season.

The number 153 comes from the miraculous catch of fish in the Gospel of John, when the disciples finally recognized Jesus after his resurrection and once again listened and followed him. It’s a reminder for us that we don’t always recognize Jesus in our daily lives, but we certainly have reminders and this initiative is a step to get us closer to him and continue his work.

Coming again this fall... Cathedral Day of Caring, on November 12th

Start the day with 8 am Mass in the Cathedral and then spend the rest morning or day providing service and outreach to various shelters, homes and soup kitchens around our community. Last year we had over 150 volunteers spread across Memphis, visiting with homeless, serving food, painting shelters, raking leaves and much much more!

These are just a few of the locations we will be helping

Saint Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen - 123 N. Cleveland

Hope House – 23 S. Idlewild St.

St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen – 155 Market St.

Manna House – 1268 Jefferson Ave.

Denueville Learning Center – 190 S. Cooper St.

Poor Clare’s Monastery – 1310 Dellwood

Dorothy Day House – 1429 Poplar Ave.

Sisters of Charity Shelter – 700 N. 7th St.

Various parishioners in need of assistance

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153 Initiative