This Sunday, July 18th.
The Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Saints Peter and Paul
TIMES OF REFRESHING
Fr. Ricky V. Ordóñez
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“…for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.” (Mark 6:34)
This week I was pondering upon this passage in this Sunday’s Gospel and was asking myself,
“What is Jesus’ goal in teaching us “many things”?
“What is Jesus’ goal in teaching us “many things”?
It is very clear that He wants us to realize what we need the most - beginning with the ability to recognize what we need in our lives and, in the openness of our hearts, enter into a state of CONVERSION, towards the GOOD, towards HIM.
So we ask ourselves, “How do we do it?”
Let’s begin with ourselves.
Are we open to listening to God? Are we “fertile soil” where we allow “good seeds” to grow?
Or are we fully convinced that we do not need change in our lives and everything that we are currently doing is enough? I would like to share with you something I picked up from social media which, upon reflection, I believe to be true. It says:
No one changes unless they want to.
Not if you beg them. Not if you shame them.
Not if you use reason, emotion, or tough love.
There’s only one thing that makes someone change:
THEIR OWN REALIZATION THAT THEY NEED TO DO IT.
Father's note Continues on top of the next column
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Learning Lessons from Renovating!
As you all know, we are renovating our sacristy. The last time I did something like this was when, at my last parish, we constructed new restrooms. I began to make plans by looking at magazines to give me ideas.
Thereupon, I had to admit to myself that if I want to “make it work” I need to realize my own limitations and seek help…and there were always many people I can ask for opinions.
You may not know it, but I am slightly color blind. It is very difficult for me to distinguish color shades.
So, I rely on people who have perfect color vision…Anita, Susan, James, Magdalene, Tim and others. Even though I may have my own ideas, it is always good to listen to those who are just as “invested” in the project as I am. Indeed, Jesus is teaching me “many things” and I am seriously listening.
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Intently finding solutions to our Sound System concerns!
After months of trying to make some improvements to our sound system, we are about to sign a contract with a company that has made a study of our needs and has given us a proposal.
Giving credit to the right person, it has always been Fr. Pat Crino’s desire to make these improvements. The funds were secured and preliminary bid invitations were made. Unfortunately, time overran his tenure as pastor and the project came to us at this time. Let us pray that, indeed, the professionals would have found the upgrades that we need and can afford.
RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Our Lord's parting words to his disciples were, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age" (Mt. 28:19-20).
Our RCIA community is forming for the 2021 / 2022 season.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) describes the RCIA as a process in which participants "undergo . . . conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments . . . The RCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council.”
Do you know of someone interested in becoming a Catholic? Do you know a Baptized Catholic that needs to receive the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and or Confirmation? Are you interested in learning more about your Faith as a Catholic?
If you or someone you know has questions and would like answers, click on the link titled "Sign Up" to register the name and contact information on our list. You can also reach out to Deacon Dan at 520-623-6015, X 108.
RCIA ENROLLMENT FOR THE 2021/2022 SEASON
Get your questions answered today.
Interested in the RCIA program at SSPP
We continue the seven-week series that answers the question, "Why should we return to Mass?" The video series is from the Word on Fire library.
Whether you've already started coming back to Mass or not,
we hope these reasons will inspire you and your friends and family.
We Are Made for Worship
Why should you come back to Mass? Because we are made for worship.
Worship is to "give worth to," and we all give our worth to something: health, work, sports, family, entertainment, diet, politics, etc. What we give the most time, energy, and worth to is what we worship.
Do we worship God first before all these other good things? Or is God last on that list?
C.S. Lewis wrote, "Put first things first and we get second things thrown in: put second things first & we lose both first and second things." When we give worth to God first in every Mass, we receive the grace to order the rest of our lives rightly.
Listen to this message from Br. Peter, a Dominican friar and friend of the Word on Fire Institute on the importance of ordering our worship rightly so that everything else falls into place.
God is longing for you to come home!
Rediscover the love of God at Mass this weekend.
CONTINUE THE TRADITION
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic School is a community dedicated to nurturing spiritual growth, strengthening moral values, and developing academic excellence.
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School is now accepting enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year. We have openings in all grades and Scholarships are available to apply.
For a virtual or in-person tour please call Mrs. Kimberly Triphan, Admissions Coordinator, at 325-2431 ext. 102.
Come see our beautiful campus and all that we have to offer.
July 18th. The 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Mass Times:
Saturday 5:30 p.m.
Sunday at 7:00 with masks and social distancing protocols in place.
9:00,11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and
6:00 p.m.
Finance Corner
Fiscal Year July 1, 2020- Present
Budget YTD: $ 19,288
Income YTD: $ 17,987
YTD Deficit: $ (1,301)
Sunday Collection 07/11/21: $ 7,282
Online Donations 07/11/21: $ 1,443
Total Collection 07/11/21 : $ 8,725
Adopt-A-Student: $ 1,216
Please note that July 1, 2021, marked the beginning of the new fiscal year. A full financial report for the parish and the school will be published in October.
Thank you for your generosity and continued support of Saints Peter and Paul.
If you would like to learn more about online giving visit the parish website by clicking on the “Donate Here” box.
You may also call James Lemas at the parish office if you need assistance.
