This Sunday, January 16th, 2022

Saints Peter and Paul

TIMES OF REFRESHING

Fr. Ricky V. Ordóñez

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THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

You all have heard my story about the old lady who would tell people at the Parish potluck to keep their forks.

Why? Her desserts were yet to be served! And don’t we all think that it is the best part of every meal?

In today’s Gospel, we are reminded not to “drown ourselves” with the first course as Jesus has prepared the best for last- SALVATION!

Therefore, let us prepare ourselves to receive and enjoy what is yet to come. Meanwhile, let us “whet our appetite” for the true FOOD and true DRINK – the body and blood of our Lord in the Eucharist!

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RANDOM ACTS OF CHARITY AND KINDNESS RESTORE FAITH IN MAN!

If you have been with me in confession, most likely you would have received “Random acts of Charity and Kindness” as a penance. Never have I felt the impact of a compassionate act pushed forward as I have had in the last week.

As I began the process of preparing for my trip home, I found that there is a mountain of new expenses related to Quarantine protocols in the Philippines. The airfares are astronomical, Covid insurance rates are mind-boggling, mandatory hotel quarantine rates, etc. etc. etc.

One is never really sure if the trip will push through until all the requirements are met. In my case, I have resigned to the fact that I will have to face the expenses if I want to be with my ailing mother. Eyes closed, I pushed through with the preparations.

Then the MIRACLES started to happen! Suddenly, I found that friends and family have “taken over” filling my needs.

One helped pay for the airfare, another insisted and paid for an upgrade citing my safety, yet another paid for my hotel quarantine bills.

A friend provided me with much-needed travel funds and others simply gave me unsolicited and totally unexpected amounts for various needs. Honestly, I felt so much love and affection that all I can exclaim is, “Lord, what have I done to deserve all of these?” And cry!

Father's note Continues on top of the next column

At the Los Angeles International Airport, I had asked for luggage assistance as I was carrying suitcases and a wheelchair (another gift from a friend for my Mom). Since people have been so kind to me, I decided to push the gifts forward and gave the “skycap” a generous tip.

After I had checked in, the gentleman came back asking that I do him the “favor” of giving it to someone in the Philippines who needed it more. Wow! That is, indeed, a random act of charity and kindness.

One needs to open the “eyes of the heart” to see the innate goodness of MAN. Yes, there are many good people out there.

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THE “FENCE-SITTING” MUST STOP! JOIN THE MARCH FOR LIFE!

Someone once said that the worst thing that can happen in our life is when good people do nothing in the midst of evil.

It is time for us to have the SOLID CATHOLIC VOICE be heard.

Let us support the March for Life!

On Saturday, January 22, 2022, I ask you to join the Mass at the Cathedral at 9 am and the march to Holy Hope Cemetery to remember the millions of innocent lives lost to abortion. It is a very festive affair with families joining the march.

The “RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY” of Ss. Peter and Paul will have a delegation marching behind our huge banner. Currently, we are getting orders for T-Shirts, sign-ups for the event.

Call the parish office or contact Jody Gregston, Ana Sanguineti, or other members of the Respect Life Ministry. Know that I am with you in spirit at this “MARCH FOR LIFE”.

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BEGGING FOR YOUR CTSO SUPPORT!

Before I entered the seminary, my friends warned me that “the life of a priest is the life of a beggar!” It is true!

Now, I come begging for your support for the Catholic Tuition Support Organization (CTSO).

All of us pay State Taxes, right?

This is a chance for us to decide as to where those taxes go by making a DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR TAX CREDIT to CTSO and ask that you put our SS. Peter and Paul Catholic School as the beneficiary.

It will be a tremendous help to keep our school financially afloat while giving our children a chance to have a good, strong Catholic foundation.

Please use the CTSO envelopes for your participation. Check out the maximum amounts that you can give. And……THANK YOU!

WE HAVE GREAT NEWS!

Arizona CTSO

The Individual Tax Credit limits have increased.

The amount you can now contribute to Arizona’s Catholic Tuition Support Organization (CTSO) has increased.

If filing as a single taxpayer you can give up to $1,219, and a married couple filing jointly can contribute up to $2,435, and you, the donor can receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit off your Arizona tax liability. Brochures are in the vestibule or click here to make an online contribution.

CTSO- Tucson

MASS FOR LIFE

Saturday, January 22, 2022, Bishop Weisenburger will celebrate the Mass for Life at St. Augustine Cathedral at 9:00 AM. The Procession to Holy Hope Cemetery will follow the Mass.

See the attachment below for more information.

March for Life 2.pdf

Please join our Flocknote group which will be sending out a 9-day for Life Novena.

Respect Life Novena group

2022 MARRIAGE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger will celebrate a special Mass celebrating Marriage Anniversaries for couples that have received the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony and are celebrating the following anniversaries in 2022: 1^st - 10^th - 25^th - 50^th - 60^th or longer, Sunday, February 13, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave., Tucson.

The attached registration form can be returned to: