Saint Michael the Archangel Parish Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 13, 2014 Rev. Fr. Dale A. Branson

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1 Saint Michael the Archangel Parish Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 13, 2014 Rev. Fr. Dale A. Branson For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy it; you may even find yourselves fighting against God. Acts 5:38b-39b Weekend Mass Schedule Saturday Vigil - 4pm Sunday - 8 am & 10:30 am Copper Basin K-8 School N. Main Street San Tan Valley, AZ Daily Mass Schedule Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday - 8:30am at the Parish Office/Rectory Confessions before Mass or upon request Mailing Address 270 E. Hunt Hwy Ste. 16 #328 San Tan Valley, AZ Parish Office N. Poseidon Rd. Florence, AZ Phone: (520) Fax: (520) Parish Office Hours 9:00 am 4:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION With the Reforma on, some early Protestants, including the "Anabap sts," rejected infant bap- sm in favor of "believer's bap sm." Against Orthodox and Catholic prac- ce, which favored bap sm as soon as possible for a newborn, these movements desired that the candidate for bap sm speak for him- or herself at a mature age, not through godparents as an infant. Today, it is clear that they were rejec ng a very ancient prac ce (even as early as the second century) of bap zing children of all ages. Children came first in ancient bap smal ceremonies, and someone would speak for them. Gregory of Nazianzen wanted to delay the bap sm of children to three years of age, since at that age they could retain at least some impression of the liturgy. He made an excep on for the very ill, who were to be bap zed ahead of the annual Easter bap sm. That means that infants and children were normally bap zed together with adults, and that everyone received confirma on and the Eucharist. The tone of the early bishops' wri ngs is generous and compassionate, and seeks to build up the eucharis c assembly by widely celebra ng the gi of the Holy Spirit. If a priest celebrated bap sm, then the gi of the Spirit was postponed for the bishop, but with no regard for the person's age. So, un l the fi h century, confirma on was for infants, too. --Rev. James Field, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co. Are you new to St. Michael the Archangel Church? We welcome you and we ask that you please take a few moments to register. Registra on forms are located at the Greeters Table or can now be found and submi ed online. Visit our website and click on the link, Parish Registra on Form, found at the bo om of the home page and follow the instruc ons.

2 Sacramental Policies ANOINTING OF THE SICK At the 8:30am Mass on the first Friday of each month. BAPTISM Parents will need to provide a copy of the child s birth certificate and participate in a class. Baptismal Classes are held on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 11 am in the Church office. Parents must call the church office to register for the class. Godparents must be practicing Catholics who are confirmed and married in the Church, if married. CONFESSION Confessions are offered one-half hour before all Masses, or anytime upon request. CONFIRMATION Confirmation will be given students in 8 th grade or above. They must have completed the 8 th grade religious education class and optimally the 7 th as well. Sponsors must be practicing Catholics who are already confirmed and married in the Church, if married. Parents should not be sponsors for their own children. For information on Confirmation preparation for adults please contact the pastor. FIRST HOLY COMMUNION First Holy Communion will be offered to children in Grade 2. Children must attend CCD regularly throughout Grade 2 in order to receive the Sacrament in May of that year. Students will also be prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Grade 2. MARRIAGE Both parties are expected to participate in the preparation program. Parties must notify the pastor at least one year prior to their proposed marriage date. Please meet with the pastor for a fuller explanation and to make arrangements. MASS ATTENDANCE 320 People attended Mass the weekend of July 5th and July 6th Readings for the Week Monday: Is 1:10-17; Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23; Mt 10: :1 Tuesday: Is 7:1-9; Ps 48:2-8; Mt 11:20-24 Wednesday: Is 10:5-7, 13b-16; Ps 94:5-10, 14-15; Mt 11:25-27 Thursday: Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19; Ps 102:13-14ab, 15-21; Mt 11:28-30 Friday: Is 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8; Is 38:10-12abcd, 16; Mt 12:1-8 Saturday: Mi 2:1-5; Ps 10:1-4, 7-8, 14; Mt 12:14-21 Sunday: Wis 12:13, 16-19; Ps 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16; Rom 8:26-27; Mt 13:24-43 [24-30] Mass Intentions July 12 4:00 pm Joshua Pearson July 13 8:00 am Pro Populo 10:30 am Jessimie Maclean July 20 8:00 am Christopher Dube 10:30 am Pro Populo July 21 8:30 am Michael Lasota July 26 4:00 pm Pro Populo Pro Populo - La n: for the people Deceased Contact the Parish Office to place a Mass Inten on ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL MINISTRIES & COMMITTEES ALTAR SERVERS Bert Pampanin, BertandPat@AOL.com, (480) BULLETIN bulle n@stmichaels77.org or (520) CCD Jenny Rudko, jennyinaz@msn.com, (480) COMPLIANCE OFFICER Jan Trbovich, dalerussel@msn.com, (520) EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS Virginia Bombolino, ginbaby2003@aol.com, (480) GREETERS Dora Ciciora, tdciciora@q.com (480) HOSPITALITY Lisa Green, hospitality@stmichaels77.org, (480) LECTORS Suzanne Bai nger, lectors@stmichaels77.org (480) LIFE TEEN Andy Ramirez youthgroup@stmichaels77.org (480) MUSIC Diana Albert, Dialbert2@aol.com, (480) PARISH SECRETARY/NOTARY PUBLIC Sandra Ramirez, Sandra@stmichaels77.org (520) PASTOR Rev. Fr. Dale A. Branson, pastor@stmichaels77.org, (520) PRAYER CHAIN Virginia Bombolino, ginbaby2003@aol.com (480) RCIA Bob Butchko, Bob.butchko@centurylink.net (480) RED HAT MICHAELETTES Sue Bai nger, redhats@stmichaels77.org; (480) SACRISTANS Polly Von Esse, pvonesse@aol.com (520) (includes Set Up/Take Down) USHERS Darrell Stonerook, sstonerook@live.com (602) WEBMASTER Craig Rudko webmaster@stmichaels77.org (480) P P C : Diana Albert, Sue Bai nger, Virginia Bombolino, Lisa Green, Bert Pampanin, Sandra Ramirez, Craig Rudko, Jenny Rudko, Darrell Stonerook, Mary Teese & Polly Von Esse Pastoral Council mee ngs are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month & all are welcome to a end.

3 St. Michael the Archangel Financial Report Capital Campaign Pledges Contribu ons June 22, 2014 Parish Offertory $1, Building Fund $ Mass Si pend $11.00 Total $1, Parish Debt Obligations $242, Debt on the House $524, Debt on the Land $500, Pre-Construc on Loan $1,266, Total Current Debt Online Giving June 2014 Parish Offertory $2, Building Fund $ Poor $30.00 Total $2, Church Building Fund $137, Amount Pledged $963, Amount Paid $92, Pledge Balance $870, Registered Families Who has pledged: 171 Registered Families 24 non-registered families CAPITAL CAMPAIGN INFO Prayer Requests Online Giving...If you would like to give online please visit our website, and select the Online Giving tab. Would you like to make a pledge to the Capital Campaign but do not have the 10% to put down. Not a problem. You can s ll make a pledge to the Campaign without the 10% down payment. Just note that without the down payment the payment amounts listed on the back of your pledge card will be slightly higher. Thank you for helping build our church! In order to protect everyone's privacy be er, Prayer Chain requests will not be taken at mass any more. If you would like to place a name on the prayer list or would like to receive a monthly sheet of people needing prayers, please call or Virginia Bombolino Virginia Bombolino Phone: ginbaby2003@aol.com Live today the way you will wish you had lived when you stand in judg ent before God. --Anony ous CCD REGISTRATION FOR CCD Registra on is underway and will con nue throughout the month of July. There are many op ons this year to sign up. You can sign up online via our website, just look for CCD Registra on Form under Parish Links at the bo om of the home page. You can also click the link on our Facebook page. Or you can pick up a registra on form at the Greeters Table. MOVING HELP NEEDED Our friend who was in need of a place to stay has been blessed! Debbie now has a room to stay and needs help moving her things. There are a few things from one bedroom; king sized bed and dresser etc. She is in need of a truck and or trailer and a few good men to help her out. She is currently in Copper Basin and is moving to Magma Ranch. If you can help out or would like more details, please no fy Debbie at (626) God Bless you for serving our Lord!

4 July 13, th Sunday in Ordinary Time Parables, Anyone? When Jesus answers the apostles' question about why he speaks in parables, it may seem as if he is using them to confuse people. We know he is trying to spread the good news of God's kingdom. So he talks to the crowds in parables, easily understood stories that usually have a moral or that end with a question for the hearers. He uses these stories to teach the crowd. Jesus threw out parables like a farmer sowing seeds. Some of them fell on the ears of those who would be disciples. But most fell on the ears of people not ready to understand. So how do we receive his word? Do we hear it without understanding, letting it go in one ear and out the other? Do we hear it joyfully, but then forget it when troubles or difficulties come along? Do we listen to the word but ignore it in the face of some later temptation? If we want the word to grow strong in us, we can take steps to help ourselves understand it. We can come to church early and spend a few minutes with the readings before Mass. After Mass we can talk about the readings or the homily with our family over breakfast. We can pick out one practical point to practice that week. Keeping the word in difficult times is not easy. The cross teaches us to expect troubles, but we have to endure them to really learn that we can go through suffering to a new life. To be strong enough to resist temptations, we have to decide each day that we want to follow Jesus' word. We can pray for that strength and ask God to help us remember that word when temptations come. And we can decide to stay away from the places, people, or situations that so tempt us. God's word can be likened to a ball game. We can sit back and watch, not really involved or caring who wins. Or we can jump in and participate and make the game ours. Let us ask God how we can take the word and run with it. Tom Schmidt, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co. Second Collection for the Needy Beginning next weekend, July 19th & 20th, our church will have a second collection for the needy in the San Tan Valley area. We receive numerous calls during the week from families in need and we would like to be able to provide some relief to them. Thank you for giving from your heart to help the needy in our area. CCD Teachers Needed Are you interested in teaching our youth about the faith? St. Michael s CCD Program is in need of teachers for all grade levels. Please notify Jenny Rudko at jennyinaz@msn.com or volunteer@stmichaels77.org, you can also call the church office at (520) In your please specify which TWO grade levels you are interested in teaching. Thank you!

5 ltjune 26,20L4 Rev. Dale Branson St. Michael the Archangel N Posidon Rd Florence, AZ Dear Fr. Branson, It is with great pleasure that I am able to extend my genuine gratitude for all you, the parish staff, and St. Michael the Archangel's parishioners have done to make the 201"4 Annual Catholic Appeal a success. A successful campaign begins with committed leadership at the parish level and I know that it is because of your determined efforts that St. Michael the Archangel has met its goal. As of the close of business on Wednesday, June 25,2OL4, the Live in Faith, Give in love campaign has received 53,652,602 in gifts and pledges and is less than $20,000 Trom the overall goat. Thanks to the 31 parishes that have reached or exceeded their parish goal in gifts and pledges, we are optimistic about reaching the campaign goal for the second year in a row. St. Michael the Archangel's pledge total of $9,2O2from72 donors has contributed to that optimism. I understand what an extraordinary effort this accomplishment is and your work and generosity - and that of your parishioners - is an inspiration to me. Thank you for your dedication. I know that you will continue to encourage others to follow the example you set as we work throughout the Diocese to reach the full 53.7 million goal. Again, I thank you for all you do to support the 26 Charities and Ministries that are funded by the Annual Catholic Appeal. Thank you for your stewardship. Prayerful and Grateful Good Wishes, * &"4 E-o- o-- Most Rev. Gerald Kicanas, D, D. Bishop of Tucson.^,4 FouNnATroN FOR THE DIOCESE OF TUCSON Ii;i,?;ii!'E,i;:lr 111 South Church Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701' Office: (520)

6 Saint Michael the Archangel Parish,r Jrrl tll\l:t ln ]..rl1lf WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOTIE A CATHOLIC OR LEARN TIORE ABOUT OUR FAITH? The Cathotic Church has set up a process for interested individuals to gradually be introduced to the Roman Catholic faith and way of life. This process is called the Rite of Christian lnitiation of Adults (RCIA) and is primarily a joumey of faith. The RCIA process has several distinct stages and serves as a model of faith development for individuals seeking full communion with the Catholic Church. RCIA is intended for any individual who is seeking to enter the Catholic faitfr frrtty including arryone who has not received the sacraments of Eucharist or Corftrmation. The RCIA process is a five step joumey individuals take together with others seeking the Catholic Faith. This Communaljourney is not a program but rather a sacramental process in which individuals are fully initiated into the Catholic Faith. The joumey includes the foltonting 5 steps: r lnquiry: the initial period before you decide to enter the Catholic Church. You're asking questions and checking it out, br.tt may not be yet ready to commit. o Catechumenate: those who decide to enter the Church and are being trained for a life in Christ are called catechumens, an ancient name from the early Ghurch. ln this stage, you're developing your faith and are being "catechized" - leaming the basic points about Catholic faith and life. I Purffication and preparation: The Church will help you focus and intensify your faith as you prepare to commit your life to Christ and be received into the Church at Easter. lf you're follorving the RCIA process, you'llgo through a hautiful series of Gospel--based meditations during Lent, which is the time frame of this period. r lnitiation itself, the culmination of the whole process! You're received into the Church during the EasterVigil Mass, where you'll receive the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. (lf you've already been baptized, you won't be baptized again.) r tlystagogy: after reception into the Church at Easter, this period lets you reflect and learn more about the mysteries of the Mass and the Sacraments that you now participate in fully. lf you or someone you know is interested in our RCIA joumey please join us or if you just want to talk to someone about your situetion or thet of a person you know who may be interested, we would love to hear from you. Please call the Pastor, Fr Dale Branson, at the parish ofrice A or Bob Butchko at 480{ or drop a note to either of our addresses found in the bulletin. The sessions are scheduled for Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:30 at the parish office.

7 Saint Michael the Archangel Parish What ls the RCIA? RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian lnitiation of Adults, it is the process for welcoming adult newcomers onto the Roman Catholic Church. Who Is rasponsldle forthe RCiA? Att members of the Parish community are responsible forthe implementation and execution of the RCIA in our local environment. The succ,ess of the RCIA depends on every member of the parish. How do the memberc of the Partsh Community parfrcipate in the RCIA. There are Beveral ways for the Parishioners to participate in the RCIA: a. Become a member of the RCIA team and participate in the weekly meeting of the RCIA from mid August to the end of May. b. Attend the weekly meetings of the RCIA as a parish member and participate in the presentatiorc and discuseions of the topics. c. Volunteer to be a Godparent for an un-baptized peron in the RCIA and make the journey of faith with them and support them in their convercion. d. Volunteer to be a sponsor for a basized pereon in the RelA that is seeking to complete their membership in the Catholic church by receiving the sacraments of initiation, ofrering support and encouragement during the journey. e. Welcome the individuals that are in the RCIA process when you see them at church or in the community in general, acknowledge them and offer your support and prayers for them, t Share in the celebrations of the rites that are presented for the RCIA participants during the year at the Sunday liturgy. g. Pray forthe RCIA team and thsse participating in the proce$s. How ftequently do the meeting take place and how long arc they? This year the RCIA will be meeting on Wednesday weekly from mid August until the end of May at the parish office from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM. What go s on at the meetings? Different topics are presented at the meetings which are designed to present the Catholic Faith to the participants during their journey of conversion. For more information on how you can become a member of the RCIA team or participate in the prooess please contac{ Fr. Dab Branson at pastor@stmichaelstt.orq or at the mrish offce A ar Bob Br;tchko at bob.butchko@centurylink.net or at All parishioners er u,elcome to participate in this miniistry N. Poseidon Road, Florence, AZ 85132

8 Grcwi in FoithrM To be "poor in spirit" coniures up images of people who are depressed or down-hearted with little or no spiritual life. In fact, people who live this beatitude are spiritual giants fully aware of their absolute need for God and live with complete dependence upon him. In that way, they grow stronger through their trials and personal crosses. When we live this beatitude we are most likely living the other seven, too. Happy to live in union with God. Poor in spirit means that we depend upon God for all How "poor" is your spirir? 'rl (J luly2ol4 Page2 our needs and we are happy to live our lives joined to him. Someone who lives in union with God knows that there is nothing the world has to offer that can compare. Happy to be secure with God. Poor economy, bad health, loneliness, insecurity in an imperfect world can rob us of safety and happiness in the world. YeL when we rely on God for what we need, nothing can steal the joy or happiness that he provides. Nothing. from cripture In this Gospel reading, lesus described several scenarios of extraordinary good fortune and compared that feeling to discovering the kingdom of God. When people from Judah were sent into exile in 587 BC, some buried their treasures in the hope of returning. PeoPle in Jesus' audience would have known that coming upon such a treasure would have changed their lives. So, discovering the hidden treasure of the Kingdom now revealed through lesus can give new meaning to our lives. ln a barter-based economy like that of ancient Israel, a merchant's fortune Feasts & + Celebration uly 6 - St. Maria Goretti (1902). Twelve year-old Maria was attacked by a neighbor who tried to defile her. When she fought rather than submit, he stabbed her repeatedly. She forgave him before dying shortly after. Her attacker dreamed of Maria while in prison and his first act when released 30 years later was to beg Maria's mother's forgiveness. He wept tears of joy when he attended Maria's canonization. luly 22 - St. Mary Magdalene (1st century). fesus expelled seven demons Mqtlhew 13r,44-52, Hidden ireqsure. depended upon the quality and desirability of what he had to sell. Discovering a valuable pearl would have been irresistible to him. AIso inesistible would Y be the answers to someone searching for truth when he or she discovers the reign of God. When we posses Godly treasure, we are truly rich. Then Jesus described the separation between the evil and righteous like the sifting that takes place when a catch is brought ashore. The message of the Kingdom now takes precedence over any old messages and gives them new meaning. from Mary (Luke 8:2) and she supported his ministry with her own money. She stood by his Cross with his mother and was the one who informed the Apostles of his Resurrection. uly 25 - St. lames (42). St. lames and his brother left their father in a fishing boat to become lesus' Apostles. St. lames was one of three apostles to witness Jesus' transfiguration, the raising of airus' daughter, and the agony in Gethsemani. St, Iames was the first Apostle to be martyred. E Is the Church A always right? At the l,ast Supper, ]esus promised his disciples he would send the lloly Spirit to guide them "Io all truth" (ln 16'.73). "The Advouile, the holy Spirit that the Fother will senrl in my name-he will teach you euaything anri remind you of all thar [I] tnld you" (lohn l4:26). The Apostles handed on their authority and mission to their successors, -- the pope and the bishops. Together, they are responsible for "giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God" (CCC #85; DeiVerbum,10, S 2). The whole Church, because it is under the guidance of the lloly Spirit, cannot err in matters of faith and morals. Also, "The whole body of the faithful...cannot em in matters of belief. This characteristic is shown in the supernatural appreciation of faith {sensus fidei) on the part of the whole people" (CCC 92). That means that individual members may make mistakes, sometimes publically. Then the Church must clarifu "what has always and everywhere been believed by all" (St. Vincent of Lerins). t't:)tytiy/u,l.i?,.w To provide practical ideas that promote faithful Catholic living. Success Publishing & Media, l.l() Publishers of Growing in Faith- and Parmers in Faith" (s 40) (5 a0) a7 f ax growin ginfailh com (tlnless uoted Bible quotes and refereuces are from the liryised Standard Version and the New American Copyright 2014 Success Publishing & Media' LLC

9 rovung ln Discovering hope and joy in the Catholic faith. July 2014 St. Michael the Archangel Parish - San Tan Valley Rev. Fr. Dale A. Branson Growing strong through spirituql troining Sl. Joqchim qnd Sl. Anne Whatwe know of these / - < traro saints comes from f fl": \ tradition. We know grandparms and that they raised Mary lesus'mother. We also know that theywere faithful Jews who raised their daughter in a devout Jewish home. Her unshakeable faith, her devotion to the laws of her religion, her comfort with being mother and wife, and her steadiness in moments of crisis indicate the values with which she was raised. illl ;;;"; Jesus gave us a great gift when he created the Sacrament of Confession (lohn 20:23). He knew we would want to hear the rvords of absolution to know he forgives us. Remember that no matter what happens/ You are iust one Confession away from coming home. Begin lo chonge "Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin." Blessed Teresa of Calcutta The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation (Confession) is a place where we can speak directly to God and get his invaluable help for renewing our lives. To truly benefit from this connection, it's best to approach this Sacrament with sincerity, openness to change, and to welcome the inevitable trials that help us resist temptation. Sincerity is the key. l]oliness, like healthiness, is an ongoing process. It starts with a sincere desire to live the way God wants not the way society suggests. Progress toward holiness means avoiding sin but also living with virtue. Keep moving forward. Although we why Do Gatholics Do That Jesus, as the Son of God, assumed a human nature and became one with us in all things except sin (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #470). That made him true God and true man. This is a great mystery of may want to be healed, if we continue to damage our souls by not avoiding temptation, we won't Progress. We must change. Fortunately, we can seek forgiveness in Confession and start fresh. Seek the priest's advice. After all, it is Jesus speaking through him. This is our special time with the Lord who wants to help us overcome our weaknesses. View trials as training. Jesus wants us to use Confession to leam to overcome all that separates us from him. When we fail to resist temptation, we can thank God for the trial and start again. Jesus wants so much to help us to grow closer to him. He created this Sacrament as a way for him to lead and guide us. Why do Cqtholics stly thqt Jesus is true God snd lrue mqn? our faith: (lohn 1:14). The divine nature and human nature united in the person of Jesus "without confusion or division" (Council of Chalcedon, A.D. 541). Jesus is "Emmanuel," God with Copyright 2014 Success Publishing & Media, LLC