SOLEMNITY OF PENTECOST (C)

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3 Father Vincent Ahar s Reflection Pentecost marks the completion of Easter celebration which began on Easter Sunday. In the old testament, the Jews celebrated Pentecost fifty days after the Passover as an agricultural harvest fiesta also known as the day of the first fruits (Numb 28:26),or the feast of weeks (Ex 34:22). On this day, the Jews joyfully praised and thanked God for bountiful blessings for the first fruits of the harvest that began to come in notably around June first. They also thanked God for singular deliverances from the bondage of slavery in Egypt (Deut 16:12). And for the giving of the law on mount Sinai when the people were constituted as the great nation of Israel (Ex 19:20). They thanked God for Himself and for His law, rules and principles which he had given to govern their lives and nation. The Jews believed that God gave the laws to Moses fifty days after the exodus. On the day of Pentecost God fulfilled the ancient prophecy of Joel: I will pour out my spirit upon all mankind. And I will work wonders upon the heavens and on the earth fire (Joel 3:1.3). In the new testament, after the resurrection Jesus appeared to his disciples in the upper room and symbolically breathed on them saying, Receive the holy spirit (John 20:22). But he told them to wait for the out pouring of the Holy Spirit before they could begin their ministry of proclaiming the Gospel of salvation, administering the sacraments especially baptism and teaching people obedience to God s word and commandments. (Luke 24:49). Just as no one can be able to hear without ears, to see without eyes, and to breath without lungs, so too, we can not live a holy Christian life or carry out the mission Christ entrusted to the church without the power of the Holy spirit actively at work in our hearts. This was true of the apostles. Fearful of the Sanhedrin as they had become after the ascension of Christ, the disciples numbering up to one hundred and twenty secretly gathered together with Mary the blessed mother of Jesus at the upper room in a cenacle of prayer, then, suddenly they noticed a mighty wind descended from heaven, the sound of which filled the entire house in which they were sitting, and there appeared tongues of fire and rested upon each one of them and they were filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the spirit gave them utterances. Hence, Pentecost marks the inaugural day of the church, the new beginning of the first fruits of the mission for the harvest of souls. The Holy Spirit transformed the timid and fearful disciples into courageous witnesses of Christ s saving death and resurrection. This new beginning of the harvest of peoples rather than agricultural products began fifty days after Jesus death and resurrection (Acts 2:4). Since then, the spirit prepares men and goes out to them with his grace, in order to draw them to Christ. The spirit manifests the risen Lord to them, recalls his word to them and opens their minds to the understanding of his death and resurrection. He makes present the mystery of Christ, supremely in the Eucharist, in order to reconcile them, to bring them into communion with God, that they may bear much fruit (CCC: 737). The Holy Spirit guided the church from the very beginnings. He enters into a fisher man and makes him a preacher of the gospel, converted Saul of Tarsus a persecutor of Christians into Paul the apostle to the gentiles. He changed Mathew the Tax collector into an evangelist. He illumined Philip to enable the Ethiopian Eunuch to understand the difficult scripture text of Isaiah about Jesus, the suffering servant of God (Acts 8:26-40). The Holy Spirit led Peter to preach the Gospel to a gentile; Cornelius and his household. While Peter was still preaching, the Holy Spirit came down upon them as they listened in the same way he descended upon the apostles on Pentecost before Peter eventually baptized them (Acts 10:1-4}. The Holy Spirit directed that Paul and Barnabas be set apart for a special mission to the gentiles (13:1-3). The decision of the first church council of Jerusalem not to unnecessarily burden the gentiles with the laws of Moses was reached by the apostles through the work of the Holy Spirit (Acts 15:28-29). Currently, the Holy ghost is using Pope Francis, the Pope of mercy to show the superabundant mercy of God s love to all those SOLEMNITY OF PENTECOST (C) who are weighed down and over burdened with the guilt of sin in perpetuity of the mission of Jesus to bring glad tidings to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives, give new sight to the blind, free the oppressed, proclaim a year of favor from the Lord (Luke 4:18-19) The Pope maintains that: without detracting from the evangelical ideal, there is need to accompany with mercy and patience the eventual process of personal growth as these progressively appear I sincerely believe that Jesus wants a church attentive to the goodness which the Holy Spirit sows in the midst of human weakness, a mother who, while clearly expressing her objective teaching, always does what good she can, even if in the process she get soiled by the mud of the street the churches teaching must helpto treat the weak with compassion, avoiding aggravation or unduly harsh or hasty Judgments (Amoris Laetitia, p155). We too have received the Holy Spirit in the sacraments especially baptism and confirmation, others through faith which comes by hearing the word of God that has inspired repentance for the forgiveness of sins in like manner as the gentile Cornelius and his household. The Holy Spirit sanctifies and makes us all God s chosen people. He intercedes for us because we don t know how to pray as we should. The Holy Ghost bestows upon us gifts to be used to build God s kingdom here on earth. He unites people of different races, nationalities, language into the one people of God to speak the language of love God and neighbor. The gift of Wisdom enables us to value the things of heaven above earthly things and to recognize God s presence in our world: Understanding helps us to grasps the mysteries of the Christian faith and to explain it vividly to others: knowledge enables us to discover quickly the will of God: counsel helps us to discern good and bad so as to prefer doing his will: Fortitude gives us the strength to do the will of God even when it involves hardships, persecution, trials and temptation by defending justice and truth: piety inclines us to a tender love of God and his holy religion, fostering devotion by faithfully meeting the demands of being a Christian today: fear of the Lord gives us a saving dread of sin so as to love and respect God. (PG: P134). Therefore, St. Cyril of Jerusalem says: to each is given the manifestation of the Holy Spirit for the common good. His approach is gentle, his presence fragrant, and His yoke very light, rays of light and knowledge shine forth before him as he comes. He comes with the heart of a true protector; he comes to save, to lead, to teach, to console, to admonish, to strength, to enlighten the mind, first of the one who receives him, then through him the mind of others as well. Do we use the gifts God has given us in humility to give God glory and to promote unity of purpose for the common good of all? What kind of fruits do we bear? Do we live according to the flesh or according to the spirit? St. Paul exhorts us to live according to the spirit and not to gratify the desires of the flesh: now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, selfishness, dissentions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like. In contrast, the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Gal 5:19-22) May the Holy Spirit purify us, destroy whatever is evil in us, give us light and drive away all the traces of darkness within us, take away the coldness within us and fill us with warmth, fill our emptiness, give us humility instead of pride, enkindle in us the fire of love rather than hatred, enabled us to be self controlled instead on satisfying our sensual passions, give us joy to balance our afflictions, grant us peace in turbulence, inspire us to promote justice, human rights and the dignity of every one, enable us to be on fire with God s word, to forgive sins that is hard to let go and let live. And renew the face of the earth.

4 Sun Mass Intentions for May am St. Rose of Lima Weekend Collections -- May 7-8, 2016 Offertory $ 4, Offertory - Pima, 1st Communion $ St. Vincent de Paul $ ST. ROSE OF LIMA NOTICES Bootsie & Pablo Trujillo and Leanna Trujillo and LaTanya Stidum 10am Rosalia P. Chavez Eloisa Quijada and Carlota 11:30am Lacarra 6pm Paublita Duran Papal Intention: Mon 8am Universal: Respect for Women Tues 8am Papal Intention: Evangelization: Holy Rosary Wed 8am Helen Craig Thurs 8am Florence Malloque Fri 8am Rudy Saenz Jr. Sat 6pm Health and Well-being and birthday blessings for Espie Mendoza Sun 7am St. Rose of Lima Parishioners 10am 11:30am Health and Well-being of Jeffrey Vaughn Blessings for the 2016 Graduates 6pm Florence Malloque ST. ROSE OF LIMA WEEKLY ACTIVITIES Second Collection: May 15- St. Vincent De Paul Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction is every Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Youth Choir Practice meets on Wednesday at 5 p.m. in the church. Messengers of Mary prays the Holy Rosary Monday - Friday at 7:30 a.m. before Mass. We will pray the rosary on Thursdays in the CHURCH (instead of the Chapel), at 11:00 a.m. Remember to pray the rosary daily. Call for prayers & Consecration to Jesus through Mary. Spanish Bible Study meets every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month in the St. Matthew Classroom, 6:00 p.m., led by Nemecio Ramos. All are welcome! Spanish Choir Practice meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the church. Compliance is Every 2nd Thursday of the month from 1:00-2:30 pm for accepting applications, fingerprinting and Safe Environment Video. How to keep your Joints Happy and your Bones Healthy A presentation will be made by Dr. Ali Dalal M. D., who is an Orthopaedic Surgeon and Hip and Knee Specialist at the Tucson Orthopaedic Institute. Thursday, May 19 at 6 p.m. St. Matthew s Room Attention Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Committee A follow-up meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 25 at 6 p.m. In the St. Rose of Lima Cave. Congratulations to the following Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Raffle Winners: 1st prize: Clara Carrasco (Cremation from McDougal s Caldwell) 2nd prize: Jeanne Kalberg (Dinette Set from Valley Furniture) 50/50: Sandra Carrasco ($294) Thank you to all the volunteers for a successful St. Rose of Lima Cinco de Mayo Fiesta! REQUIREMENTS: Baptisms The parents of the child to be baptized must submit a copy of the baby's birth certificate. Parents and godparents need to attend the parish baptismal class. Classes are given on the second Saturday of the month from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Please call the office to sign up for the next scheduled class. All requirements for the Diocese of Tucson and Saint Rose of Lima will be given to the parents at this time. Baptisms are performed the first and third Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Our office staff is limited, therefore, sponsors and godparents proof of sacraments, documents and payment must be submitted at least one month before the baptism. When choosing godparents, if they are married, they must be married through the Catholic church, if single you must not be living with a partner. Donation is $ Quinceañera The candidate and her parents must contact the office at least one (1) year or more before the date requested. Quinceañera are not performed during Holy Days. Requirements: active within the parish, youth group, Religious Education, Mass attendance, etc. or Six(6) sets of meetings and volunteer ministries given by Fr. Robert. Cost is $ There is a non-refundable deposit of $ to hold the date. Balance to the church must be received in the office one week before the ceremony. Weddings The couple must contact office at least 6 months prior to the desired wedding date. An appointment will be made for the couple. At that time it will be determined if the date desired is available, and all requirements for the Diocese of Tucson and Saint Rose of Lima will be given to the couple. Donation is $ There is a non-refundable deposit of $50.00 to hold the date. Balance to the church must be received in the office one week before the ceremony.

5 ST. ROSE OF LIMA NOTICES First Holy Communion CONGRATULATIONS to the children who received their First Holy Communion in Pima on Sunday, May 8. St. Rose of Lima RE Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9 am - 12pm RE Office Phone # (928) Graduates The graduation mass is scheduled for Sunday, May 22 nd at 11:30. If you are graduating from an area high school or EAC and wish to participate/attend Mass, please notify Veta Estrada as soon as CONFIRMATION Upcoming Class Schedules May LAST CLASS FOR CONFIRMATION I 4:45 pm - 6:00 pm -- 6:00 pm Mass May CONFIRMATION 2 CLASS 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm -- 6:00 pm Mass May :00 pm -- MANDATORY WITH SPONSORS (or a parent) seating arrangements, letter to Bishop May 29 - NO CLASS - Memorial Day Weekend June 5 - MANDATORY PRACTICE with Sponsors - 7:00 June 9 - CONFIRMATION arrive at 5:00 pm Ministry Gathering - Rescheduled for Aug. 6 On August 6, 2016, Saint Rose of Lima will be hosting a Vicariate-wide ministry gathering. All ministers who serve in the Vicariate as a RE teacher, jail ministry, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Daughters, music, homebound, etc. are asked to gather to listen to guest speakers from the diocese. It is important to refocus ourselves knowing we are not isolated from our Diocese. Please make plans to join us May 28th from 9 a.m. and concluding with Mass a 6:00 p.m. Refreshments and Lunch will be provided. God Bless! Religious Education Registration is currently underway for the upcoming school year. Students may be registered in the RE Office 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. A registration discount per family will be awarded for all those who register prior to May 23rd. Dear Families, This year s religious education classes have come to a close. God blessed us with a great year of classes and we all look forward to next year. I d like to thank the many individuals who shared their time and talents to help our parish children grow in faith and love for our Lord. We are currently registering for next year. If you haven t yet registered your child please come by the RE office to register. Also, we are planning for next year and are in need of teachers, aides and office assistants. Please consider sharing yourself in service to the youth of our parish. Also, please continue to pray for the religious education program, the children, teachers, and all those who work within the program. Blessings, Suzanne Ortega Newman Club The final Newman meeting was held on Tuesday, April 26th. Graduates were honored, along with summer birthdays. The attending students were given a study bag filled with goodies. It was a fun time, and the students were very appreciative of all that was done for them. Student attendance this year was the highest it has ever been. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this year so successful! We will start up again the first of September. Anyone interested in volunteering, please call Mary Kay Howell at Working with college students is very rewarding! M ay is the Month of Mary. In her honor, please bring fresh flowers for her. Place them in the vases next to the Blessed Mother in the glass case.

6 Sun Friday Mass Intentions for May :30 am 9:00 am Sun 8:30 am OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE NOTICES Health & Welfare of Pontorieno Family Our Lady of Guadalupe Parishioners Marie Algunsa and Ernest DeLeon Our Lady of Guadalupe Weekend Collections -- May 7-8, 2016 Offertory $ Catholic Communication Campaign $ Mothers Day Raffle $ OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE WEEKLY ACTIVITIES Second Collections Sunday St. Vincent de Paul Rosary The Rosary is recited daily at 8:30 a.m. before the 9:00 a.m. Mass. Eucharistic Adoration is on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Our Lady of Guadalupe Gift Shop is open weekdays 9:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m. and Sundays after 8:30 a.m. Mass. Anointing of the Sick Mass is every first Friday of the month at the 9:00am Mass. Congratulations to our First Communion Students Aaron Jurado Adan Leon Jacob Moreno Victoria Munoz Xavien Bejarano If anyone is interested in teaching or helping with the Religious Education Program for next year, please call the office at SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: Pentecost Sunday Monday: Seventh Week in Ordinary Time Wednesday: St. John I Friday: St. Bernardine of Siena Saturday: St. Christopher Magallanes and Companions; Blessed Virgin Mary; Armed Forces Day Volunteers Needed The upkeep of the San Jose Cemetery is the responsibility of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and we need volunteers from San Jose and Solomon to please cleanup the area. The Compliance Audit is due at the end of May, if you need clearance as a volunteer or if you would like to check your status, please call OLG office at A representative will be at St. Rose of Lima from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm on the 2 nd Thursday of each month. GOSPEL REFLECTION: In the context of the feast of Pentecost, let us remember the integral connection between the gifts of peace and forgiveness and the action of the Holy Spirit. Friendly reminder - Parents please continue to sign your student in for mass attendance. Mixed choir practice (adult & children) every Tuesday at 4:30 in the church. Confirmation class will continue to meet on Sundays after mass. Upcoming events: May 15 - No RE class May 15 - Confirmation Retreat May 21 - End-of-Year RE Party from 3-5 p.m. Mothers Day Raffle Congratulations to Janice Gonzales Winner of the Mothers Day Raffle Cement Bench Annual Catholic Appeal The Annual Catholic Appeal is a yearly fundraising campaign that supports the ministries, programs, agencies and schools that serve the spiritual, educational, and physical needs of the people of the Diocese of Tucson. Pledge envelopes in each pew/ seat.

7 ORTEGA S SHOES VALLEY FURNITURE Mt. Graham Shopping Center Richard & Theresa Ortega Elodia Valerie SECULAR FRANCISCAN St. Elizabeth of Hungary Fraternity Meets 2nd Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. At Our Lady of Guadalupe Church David Esquivel, Minister Kachina Hot Springs Mineral Spa 1155 W Cactus Rd Safford, AZ Kachinamineralsprings.com 350 E. Armory Road Safford, AZ KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Joe Figueroa, Grand Knight Meets 1st Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Walneck s Safford Sewing Center Jeff & Virginia Walneck Parishioners Hwy 70 & 3rd Ave CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS Court St. Rose of Lima #2398 Kittie Avalos, Regent Meets 3rd Wednesdays at 7 p.m. At St. Rose of Lima In St. Matthew s room Greens Furniture David Montez the Furniture King 520 W. 5th St Safford, Az THRIFTEE FOOD & DRUG Groceries-General Merchandise Bakery-Deli Pharmacy-Florist 755 S CENTRAL AVE SAFFORD, AZ PHONE: No worries, no hassles, MORE CHOICES Michelle A. Wilson Agent 610 W. Main St Safford, AZ farmersagent@vtc.net PEPSI-COLA BOTTLING COMPANY OF SAFFORD OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS NO dues * NO fees * NO weigh-ins * NO diets 415 E US Hwy 70, Safford, AZ Now Serving 11AM CURSILLO LEADERSHIP For more information, contact St. Rose of Lima Parish Office Bulletin Ads $150/Year Fifth Avenue Florist 707 S. 6th Ave Safford, AZ S. 5th Avenue, Safford Mon Fri 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. 12 p.m. Jill R Chacon, owner Meets Tuesdays at 7:30-8:30 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima in St. Luke s Room Brando s Fun N Sun Travel & Cruise Inside Trophies N Tees 513 W. Main Street, Safford Discount Vacation Planning, Cruises, Airlines, Rental Cars, Hotels & More!

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