This Sunday, October 3rd, 2021
Saints Peter and Paul
TIMES OF REFRESHING
Fr. Ricky V. Ordóñez
*****
LOSING A LOVED ONE!
My memories bring me back 18 years ago when I left the Philippines to enter the seminary filled with hopes of following God’s call to be a priest for the Diocese of Tucson. I remember peering out the jet plane’s window as I caught the last glimpse of the lush green of my tropical country.
Through the clouds, it slowly disappeared into the expanse of the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Together with the excitement for what awaited me in the United States was the realization of what I am leaving behind.
It was right there and then that I came to grips with accepting the reality that I would miss out on family gatherings, baptisms, weddings, birthdays, Christmases, New Year, and, yes, even deaths and funerals.
Having lost my father last week, I have now admitted to myself that no amount of preparation can numb the pain of losing our loved ones.
We can pray every prayer known to our hearts, we can do “facetime” with them, we can balm our hearts with kind words of support from our friends – but we still have to go through the process of personal and deep-seated grief.
There is no “vaccine” that could prevent the pain and longing for our loved ones when they depart from this world. We simply grit our teeth, take in the “breath of life”, cradle the memories, begin to move on, and shed the tears as it comes.
And then….let Jesus take over.
Father's note Continues on top of the next column
It is at this moment of grief that I have to admit feeling a tinge of envy when I look at my brother priests who have their families here or at least within a short flight from Arizona. If they so choose, they can follow their priestly vocation and still have the joy of being with their families. For us who have ours on the other side of the world, we simply remind ourselves that we are here for a reason – God’s reason.
As I asked you last week, before you go to bed tonight, HUG YOUR WIFE, YOUR HUSBAND, YOUR CHILDREN, YOUR GRANDCHILDREN AND YOUR PARENTS.
Call your friends and tell them they are appreciated. Reach out to your brothers and sisters and express your love. Forgive whoever needs to be forgiven. Ask forgiveness from those whom you have wronged.
Thank those who have earned your gratitude. Put into motion all that you have always hoped to achieve for yourself and for your families.
By these actions, you not only secure the peace of what is left of your life; but also, fulfill God’s commandment, “LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF.”
My family and I wish to thank you all for the outpouring of sympathy and affection on the passing of my Dad. At the same time, thank you, too for your birthday greetings.
Despite the grief and present challenges, we continue to say, “All Glory to God”.
PARISH CALENDAR
Sunday 10/03 MASSES-
7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.
Monday 10/04
MASS-7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., Church
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL-6:30 p.m., Madonna Hall
Tuesday 10/05
MASS-7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., Church
Wednesday 10/06
MASS-7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., Church
Thursday 10/07
MASS-7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., Church
Friday 10/08
MASS-7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., Church
ADORATION AND BENEDICTION-6:00 p.m., Church
Saturday 10/09
CONFESSIONS– 10:30–11:30 a.m., and 3:30-5:00 p.m., Church-Inside Cry Room and Music Room
MASS-7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., Church
5:30 p.m., Church (Sunday vigil)
October 3rd, 2021. The 27th 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.
SECOND COLLECTION
USCCB’s Bishops Emergency Disaster Fund
Hurricane Ida
Our second collection today is for the USCCB’s Bishops Emergency Disaster Fund for those affected by Hurricane Ida. On August 29th, Hurricane Ida made landfall on the Gulf Coast and continued to the Northeast, killing dozens, damaging churches, homes, and businesses, and leaving communities without power. Please consider supporting the efforts of Catholic Charities, Catholic Relief Services, and local agencies who will provide services to the dire and immediate needs as well as aid in long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts.
Thank you for your ongoing generosity.
ALL SOULS DAY– NOVEMBER 2
Novena & Masses
We will begin our annual All Souls Novena (a series of 9 consecutive Masses) beginning with the 7:00 a.m. Mass on Tuesday, November 2nd, continuing through November 10th.
You may list the names of your deceased loved ones in the Novena by using the Novena envelopes (available in the mailed packets or in the pews) and also to include your donation if you wish.
Please turn in your envelopes to the parish office by Friday, October 29th.
Knights of Columbus Rummage Sale
Mark your calendars:
The Knights will be having their annual rummage sale Sunday, October 31st, from 6 a.m.— 2:30 p.m. in Gramer Hall.
All proceeds support our Knights' charitable activities here in the Parish and School.
Donated items will be gladly collected after all WEEKEND MASSES in the convent garage in the Church parking lot.
ARIZONA ROSARY CELEBRATION
October 16, 2021 / 10:00 am-12:15 pm
Mark your Calendars for the Arizona Rosary Celebration.
Plan to attend the annual Arizona Rosary Celebration on Saturday, October 16, 2021, 10:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Saint Augustine Cathedral, 192 South Stone Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701.
The Most Reverend Edward Weisenburger, Bishop of Tucson, will preside.
Pray the Holy Rosary before the Blessed Sacrament, participate in a Blessing Procession, enjoy music, and listen to the words of keynote speaker Reverend Wilfred “Willy” Raymond, C.S.C., president of Holy Cross Family Ministries.
Honor Mary under her title, Our Lady of Sorrows.
All Catholic schools, parishes, organizations, and groups are invited to participate. Pray for the success of the Arizona Rosary Celebration.
For more information, contact Karen McEwen at ksmcewen@comcast.net or (520) 870- 5122.
Finance Corner
Budget YTD: $ 115,728
Income YTD: $ 127,104
YTD Surplus: $ 11,376
Sunday Collection 09/26/21: $ 5,701
Online Donations 09/26/21: $ 1,844
Total Collection 09/26/21 : $ 7,545
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.
