We exist to bring every person into intimacy with Christ.
Consecration to the Holy Family
Family Consecration to
The Holy Family
Save the Date: February 2, 2023
Thursday, 6:30 pm
The Candle Mass
Also known as the
Presentation of the Lord
This week’s topic can be, at times, a touchy subject for people on both sides of the equation, however, please bear with me to the conclusion so that we all might gain a little perspective. Children, particularly infants and toddlers, can often be disruptive at Mass by nature of their youth. With five children myself, I have had many experiences over the years with everything from people asking me not to bring my little ones to Mass, to people encouraging me along, and even complete strangers offering to hold my babies to give me a hand.
I was at one Mass where the priest actually stopped preaching his homily until a young mother quieted her baby, which, needless to say, was quite awkward. So, how are we to deal with children at Mass and the distractions they may bring to each of us?
Let’s start with Scripture. You are probably familiar with the scene from Matthew 19:13-14. Children were being brought to Jesus, but His disciples rebuked the people who were bringing them to Him, as if it were not the time and place for children. Jesus’ response to them was very direct. He said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” They were told, under no uncertain terms, to never stop children from coming to Him, because they are an example to the adults of the childlike simplicity required to get to heaven. Beyond that reason, children have as much right as anyone to have direct access to Jesus. In the context of the Mass or Adoration, Jesus is physically present in the Blessed Sacrament and, therefore, children should not be hindered from being in His presence.
Then, in Matthew 14 and John 6, we read the accounts of Jesus feeding the 5,000 by multiplying the loaves and fishes. Many theologians and Bible scholars have taught that the number 5,000 referred only to the men, as women and children were not counted, and that there were actually many more present at the event. I find it difficult to believe that there was an area roped off for families with children of certain ages to confine themselves, which is one of the reasons St. Gabriel doesn’t have a “cry room”. This means that children of all ages and stages were dispersed throughout the crowd gathered to hear Jesus preach. Mothers would have had nursing infants with them. Curious toddlers, unable to sit still, would have been present. There was probably even more than one cranky teenager in the crowd. This scene very much resembles what our Mass looks like today.
From the Church’s perspective, when a child is baptized, the parents and godparents make a promise before God and the community to raise the child in the Faith. There are many aspects to doing that, but it most definitely includes bringing them to Mass every Sunday. The Catechism says, “Parents should initiate their children at an early age into the mysteries of the faith of which they are the ‘first heralds’ for their children. They should associate them from their tenderest years with the life of the Church,” (CCC #225). “The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents,” (CCC #2226).
Now, none of this is to say that children should just be able to run amok in Mass while everyone else just deals with it. It is perfectly reasonable to head back to the narthex with a toddler who is crying or cannot sit still so you can still participate in Mass, while giving her a little more freedom to move. However, when we are not supportive of parents bringing their children to Mass, or worse, discouraging, we make it very challenging for them to do what Jesus and the Church are instructing them to do and what they promised to do at their child’s Baptism. Also, young parents are often more lacking in experience and confidence than older generations, so a little bit of support and kind words can go a long way in building them up.
Essentially, no matter where anyone falls on the spectrum of what has been described here, Mass will be made better if everyone practices compassion, empathy, and patience – virtues that Jesus teaches us to practice anyway.
Submitted by Jen Arnold
4th in a series of 6
NOTE ON CANDLEMAS:
On February 2 we, as Catholics, mark the Presentation of the Lord in the temple. But not all Catholics are aware of the cultural origins of this feast.
According to the Mosaic law, a mother such as Mary who had given birth to a male child was considered unclean for seven days; moreover, she was to remain “in the blood of her purification”—i.e., outside the temple—for thirty-three days more. If the woman had borne a daughter, the time that she was excluded from the sanctuary was doubled.
When the time (forty or eighty days) was over, the mother was to “bring to the temple a lamb for a holocaust and a young pigeon or turtle dove for sin”; if she was not able to offer a lamb, she was to take two turtle doves or two pigeons; the priest prayed for her and so she was cleansed (see Leviticus 12:2-8).
Forty days after the birth of Christ, Mary complied with this precept of the law. She redeemed her first-born from the temple and was purified by the prayer of Simeon the just in the presence of Anna the prophetess (see Luke 2:22).
Early celebrations
No doubt this event, the first solemn introduction of Christ into the house of God, was celebrated in the early Church in Jerusalem. We find it attested to in the first half of the fourth century by the pilgrim of Bordeaux, Egeria or Silvia. The day—February 14—was solemnly kept by a procession to the Constantinian basilica of the Resurrection and and Mass that included a homily on Luke 2:22.
At that time, the feast had no proper name; it was simply called the fortieth day after Epiphany. This latter circumstance shows that, in Jerusalem, Epiphany was when the feast of Christ’s birth was celebrated. From Jerusalem the feast of the fortieth day spread over the entire Church and later was kept on February 2, since within the last twenty-five years of the fourth century the Roman feast of Christ’s nativity (December 25) was introduced.
The feast spread slowly in the West; it is not found in the Lectionary of Silos (A.D. 650) nor in the Calendar (A.D. 731-741) of Sainte-Genevieve of Paris. In the East it was celebrated as a feast of the Lord; in the West as a feast of Mary, although the Invitatorium (“Gaude et laetare, Jerusalem, occurrens Deo tuo”—”Rejoice and be glad, O Jerusalem, to meet thy God“), the antiphons, and responsories remind us of its original conception as a feast of the Lord.
The blessing of the candles did not enter into common use before the eleventh century. In the Middle Ages it had an octave in the larger number of dioceses; also today the religious orders whose special object is the veneration of the Mother of God (Carmelites, Servites) and many dioceses (Loreto, the Province of Siena, etc.) celebrate the octave.
The blessing of candles
According to the Roman Missal, the celebrant, in stole and cope of purple, standing at the epistle side of the altar, blesses the candles (which traditionally were of beeswax). Having sung or recited the five orations prescribed, he sprinkles and incenses the candles. Then he distributes them to the clergy and laity while the choir sings the canticle of Simeon, Nunc dimittis. The antiphon “Lumen ad revelationem gentium et gloriam plebis tuae Israel” (“A light to the revelation of the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel”) is repeated after every verse, according to the medieval custom of singing the antiphons.
During the procession that follows, participants carry lighted candles and the choir sings the antiphon “Adorna thalamum tuum, Sion” (“Adorn the bridal chamber, O Zion”) composed by St. John of Damascus, one of the few pieces for which the words and music have been borrowed by the Roman Church from the Greeks. The other antiphons are of Roman origin.
The solemn procession represents the entry of Christ, who is the light of the world, into the Temple of Jerusalem. The procession is always kept on February 2, even when the office and Mass of the feast is transferred to February 3.
While today such processions are held inside the church, during the Middle Ages the clergy left the church and visited the cemetery surrounding it. Upon the return of the procession, a priest, carrying an image of the Holy Child, met it at the door and entered the church with the clergy, who sang the canticle of Zachary, “Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel” (“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel”).
At the conclusion, entering the sanctuary, the choir sang the responsory “Gaude Maria Virgo” or the prose “Inviolata” or some other antiphon in honor of the Blessed Virgin.
Candles will be sold after all our the Masses, January 28th and 29th here at St. Gabriel to
present to our Lord for our Candle Mass
on Feb. 2nd @ 6:30pm.
Next Sunday -
January 22nd, 2023, 3:00pm
St. Gabriel The Archangel
Bible Study for Women
Begins This Week!
January 24th | 9:15 AM
St. Gabriel Room - Upstairs in our New Formation Building
Many Catholics want to read the Bible but get bogged down by the long stretches that seem not to make sense or get lost among the sea of Old Testament names and places. Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible, an eight-part Bible study, helps you uncover the story woven throughout Scripture, so you can get the“big picture” of the Bible and understand what it’s all about. Aided by a unique color-coded Bible TimelineTM Chart that arranges the key people, places, and events of the Bible in chronological order, Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible will help you pick up the Bible with confidence and understand how you fit into God’s plan.
Invite your friends! You do not need to be a WINGS member to participate. All women are welcome!
Participants will be responsible to order their own Study Set through ascensionpress.com or see the St. Gabriel connections email for the link in the Wings Bible Study promotion.
For more information or to register, visit ascensionpress.com, or contact Julie Savard at 480-518-5491 or email: raintreejulie@gmail.com.
NEW Moms Group of St. Gabriel Parish
Meet and Greet Potluck Lunch
January 24th, 2023
Moms of all ages and stages are welcome to join us for our very first Moms group meeting on Tuesday, January 24th from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. Please join us for a potluck lunch and fellowship. The group is designed to support women in the many roles that we have in life as mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, and friends.
Meeting will be held at 31305 N 55th Street,
Cave Creek, AZ 85331.
Please contact Tanina Santoro at 480-938-0040 to RSVP, sign up for potluck offering and receive gate code.
Adoration for Life will take place in the Parish Chapel!
St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church & Annunciation Catholic School Present:
What is a Eucharistic Miracle?
A Eucharistic miracle is some extraordinary event or phenomenon, which manifests the Real Presence of Jesus in the consecrated bread and wine in a way that we can discern with our ordinary senses. The manifestation may be as simple as a host floating on air, or as astonishing as a host becoming visible human flesh.
But I don’t believe in Eucharistic miracles!
But I don’t believe in Eucharistic miracles!
Our belief in Jesus’ Real Presence in the Eucharist
is based on Jesus’ own words found in the Bible and on the lived Tradition of the Church. This is what we call public revelation. The Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is a vital part of our faith. Eucharistic miracles on the other hand are not part of the public revelation and so are called private revelations. We are not bound to believe private revelations, even if officially recognized by the Church. It is not their role to improve or complete Christ's definitive Revelation. However, they can help us to live by it more fully (CCC 67). Legitimate private revelations can contribute to a deeper understanding of the mysteries of our faith and to grow in love for the Lord. Spiritual growth is imperative for all Christians.
But are these ones legit?
Whenever a claim of a private revelation such as a Eucharistic miracle or an apparition is made, the church carries out a rigorous investigation. The revelation is only approved after the church is satisfied that (a) the people involved are credible (b) there is no natural or scientific explanation for the phenomena (c) the revelation contains nothing contrary to public revelation and (d) the revelation is leading to good fruits. The miracles in this exhibition have gone through this process and are all church-approved. In fact, the exhibition was assembled by the Vatican to mark the Year of the Eucharist (Oct. 2004 – Oct. 2005).
Stop by our exhibit and witness how Jesus has
miraculously manifested himself throughout
the centuries and how this proves Jesus is a
totally present body, blood, soul and divinity
in the Holy Eucharist.
miraculously manifested himself throughout
the centuries and how this proves Jesus is a
totally present body, blood, soul and divinity
in the Holy Eucharist.
• 126 photographic historically documented
Eucharistic miracles from various countries
since the Last Supper
• Visible proof of Jesus' presence in the Eucharist
• All faiths welcome
• Free admission
January 27 - February 3rd
St. Gabriel Social Hall
Exhibit Hours:
Jan. 27 - 11 am - 4:00 pm
Jan. 28 - 30 - 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Jan. 31 - Feb. 2 - 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
"To always be close to Jesus, that's my life plan."
- Blessed Carlo Acutis
Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Catholic Schools Week
Dream Center Service Project
Beginning January 30 - February 2
We as a Diocesan Catholic School are extremely excited to partner with the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Phoenix for our first ever Catholic Schools Week service project to benefit the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Dream Center! All Catholic schools will be participating so let’s show the diocese the amazing generosity of Annunciation’s students and families!!!
What is the Dream Center at St. Vincent de Paul?
The Dream Center prepares kids for long- term educational success and gives them support, exposure, and tools to pull themselves from systemic poverty where they learn to dream of all that they can become. When kids reach educational achievements, they earn points "dollars" which they redeem for items in the Dream Center.
This provides children an opportunity to shop for items to give as gifts to others. Even though these children live in poverty, they learn to give of what they have, just as the woman in the Temple gave everything she had to God. Please help us in donating new and gentle used toys and teenage gifts to go to the Dream center. Here are some ideas but they will enjoy any thoughtful gifts.
See flyer below for suggestions and ideas.
That Man is You! will be starting shortly on Friday, January 27th at 6:30 am in the Faith Formation building - St. Gabriel Room. The program is entitled: THE LIGHT OF MEN and features dynamic Catholic Speakers who will challenge you to grow in your holiness.
Want to jump start your prayer life and
grow in faith with other men in the parish?
Start our day off in fellowship before going off to work or starting your day along with your spiritual director Father David Kulandaisamy.
Now is the time to join other men both single and married of St. Gabriel and learn how to claim your royal dignity and inheritance as the spiritual leaders of our families.
To register, contact Reinig at rreinig@reinig.com
or you can text or call at 602-396-0521.
DO IT ALL IN JESUS' NAME
Come to an
Informational Meeting
to find out how to become a Stephen Minister.
Tuesday, January 31
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Parish Admin. (Bldg. D)
Conference Room
Stephen Ministers bring distinctively Christian care to those in need. They use both words and deeds to express Christ's care for others-listening and comforting, calling on the training they have received and employing the tools of faith. If this job description fits your personal goals for ministry, consider becoming a Stephen Minister.
For more information, contact Marji Monte Carlo at avonbymarji@hotmail.com.
World Day for Consecrated Life
Join Bishop John P. Dolan and the
Religious of the Diocese of Phoenix,
for the Mass for the World Day of
Prayer for Consecrated Life.
Religious of the Diocese of Phoenix,
for the Mass for the World Day of
Prayer for Consecrated Life.
Sunday,
January 29, 2023
9:00 AM Televised Mass
Celebrated by
Bishop John P. Dolan
at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral
All are welcomed to come in person or to watch on television.
St. Gabriel Church Respecting Life Ministries
Hosts the Arizona Life Coalition
First Saturday Mass
Holy Mass + Pro Life Talk + Fellowship
Saturday, February 4, 2023
8:15 AM Holy Mass - St. Gabriel Parish Chapel
32648 N. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ. 85331
9:00 AM Brunch + Learn
Speaker: Rachel's Vineyard (Karen Ord)
Parish Tour Available
Bring a pot-luck item to share!)
St. Gabriel The Archangel
Respecting Life Ministry Presents:
All are invited to this workshop to hear renowned attorney Nik Nikas, founder of the Bioethics Defense Fund. BDF has been involved in constitutional litigation and strategic legislative drafting for over two decades. They effectively communicate the pro-life position on complex issues in a clear and concise way including end-of-life issues. This workshop will focus on the Catholic perspective in terms of what to be aware of and what to put in place before you are afflicted with a life changing illness. Although the event is at no charge, registration is required and can be accessed through the QR Code below.
This is Saturday, February 25, 2023 immediately after the 8:15am Mass, beginning at 9:15am to 12:30pm in the Parish Hall.
Light breakfast provided immediately following Mass.
To Register point your phone camera to the QR code
and follow instructions:
Or email: zoeg456@gmail.com
Drop off Your Used Books Now at St. Gabriel Parish!
32648 N Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek, AZ –
In the Parish Hall lobby or in the Adult Formation Entry
Here is what we need...
The Book Sale – held
March 18 & 19
Proceeds will support
Respecting Life Ministry
at St. Gabriel Parish.
For more info contact Rebekah at rebekahpolkoski@gmail.com
Pope Francis' Prayer
Intention for January
For Educators
We pray that educators may be credible witnesses, teaching fraternity rather than competition and helping the youngest and most vulnerable above all.
Contact Deb Vinci for more information.
set@stgacc.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Dial 988
Mass Times
Saturday Vigil – 4:30 PM
Sunday – 7:00 AM | 8:30 AM | 10:30 AM
Daily Mass
Monday – Saturday – 8:15 AM, Rosary at 7:30 AM
Confession Times
Tuesday 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Adoration
Tuesday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Office Hours
Monday – Thursday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(Note: Offices are now open during the lunch hour.)
Friday - 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Phone: 480-595-0883
Electronic Offertory: Faith Direct | Code AZ597
PayPal | access on our homepage stgacc.org |
give on time or set up scheduled giving.
Offertory Envelopes | sign up for envelopes at the parish office or email receptionist@stgacc.org
Mail In Offertory: 32648 N Cave Creek Rd.
Cave Creek | AZ | 85331
Our School
ANNUNCIATION CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Founded: 2009
Grades Offered: K-8
Accredited through: Western Catholic Education Association
Enrollment: 240
Tuition Assistance Offered
100% acceptance into Catholic High Schools:
Brophy, Xavier, Notre Dame, Bourgade, St. Mary's
Principal: Sharon Pristash, PhD.
Email: spristash@acsphx.org
Phone: 480-361-8234
Help our Catholic Schools by directing your
state tax dollars to Catholic Education AZ.
Sunday - January 22, 2023
(Click Image Below)
Our Neighbors, Our Diocese...
DIOCESE OF PHOENIX:
Jan 22, 2023 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Memorial Mass for the Holy Innocents
St. Gabriel the Archangel Church 32648 N. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
January 26 @ 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
January 26 @ 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
A Holistic Approach to Trauma-Informed Care: Healing the Whole Person
St. Patrick Catholic Community 10815 N. 84th Street, Scottsdale
Jan 28, 2023 @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
12th Annual Phoenix Diocesan Catholic Women’s Conference
Xavier College Preparatory 4710 N 5th St, Phoenix, AZ
Jan 27, 2023 - Feb 3, 2023
Vatican Exhibit of Eucharistic Miracles
St. Gabriel Catholic Church \ Annunciation Catholic School 32648 N Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek, AZ.
January 29 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am
World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life
Ss. Simon & Jude Cathedral 6351 N 27th Ave., Phoenix, AZ
Jan 30, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Jan 30, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
REBOOT! with CHRIS STEFANICK
St. Andrew the Apostle Parish 3450 W Ray Rd, Chandler
Feb 4, 2023 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Feb 4, 2023 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Men of Christ Phoenix Conference
Xavier College Preparatory 4710 N 5th St, Phoenix, AZ
Feb 4, 2023 @ 9:15 am - 10:15 am
Feb 4, 2023 @ 9:15 am - 10:15 am
ICT First Saturdays with the Saints – Sts. Cyril and Methodius
St. Thomas the Apostle - ICT 2312 E. Campbell Ave., Phoenix
February 4 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
February 4 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
World Day of the Sick Healing Mass
Ss. Simon & Jude Cathedral 6351 N 27th Ave., Phoenix, AZ
February 7 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
February 7 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Catholic Charities Cultivating Healthy Relationships
Virtual Event
Feb 11, 2023 @ 9:15 am - 10:15 am
Feb 11, 2023 @ 9:15 am - 10:15 am
ICT Saturday Morning Lecture Series: From Constitutions to Press Conferences at 30,000 Feet: A Look at the Authority of Papal Teachings
St. Thomas the Apostle - ICT 2312 E. Campbell Ave., Phoenix
February 11 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
February 11 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
St. Anne ST.A.A.G.E. ministry presents JPII’s play, “The Jeweler’s Shop”
St. Anne Roman Catholic Parish 440 E. Elliiot Road, Gilbert
February 12 @ 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
February 12 @ 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Phoenix Gregorian Chant Group
Mater Misericordiae Catholic Church 1537 W Monroe St, Phoenix, AZ
Feb 18, 2023 @ 8:00 am - Feb 19, 2023 @ 5:00 pm
Feb 18, 2023 @ 8:00 am - Feb 19, 2023 @ 5:00 pm
18th Annual Polish Festival
Our Lady of Czestochowa 2828 W Country Gables Dr, Phoenix, AZ
Feb 23, 2023
Arizona March for Life!
Arizona State Capital
Mar 4, 2023 @ 6:00 am - 11:00 am
Mar 4, 2023 @ 6:00 am - 11:00 am
14th Annual Nun Run
Kiwanis Park 95 W. Baseline Rd, Tempe, AZ
May 30, 2023 - Jun 2, 2023
EDGE Camp: Multi-parish Middle School Retreat
Whispering Winds Catholic Camp,17606 Harrison Park Rd., Julian, CA