The Baptism of the Lord

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2 THE CONVENTUAL CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS Church of Our Lady of the Angels Pastoral Staff rector Fr. Peter Kirwin, ofm vicar Fr. Joseph Schwab, ofm deacon Dcn. Hervé Lemire, ofm in residence x158 x152 Fr. Alonso de Blas, ofm x184 Fr. Bill Bried, ofm x124 liturgy and music Brian Kinzie Norbert Zwickl catechesis and sacraments Patty Tafolla high school youth minister James Whitaker faith in action ministry (social action) Patti Sills-Trausch Bonnie Wasniewski Laura Libertore wedding scheduling Nellie Castro x127 x126 x154 x122 x130 x155 x156 x171 Franciscan Renewal Center Administrative Staff executive director Fr. Joseph Schwab, ofm general manager Charles Brown executive assistant Rosa Rodriguez operations manager Mike Slivers adult education, programs and retreats Pat Mullen meetings and conferences Sue Force Indra Tilgass-Rodney counseling and support groups Judith McHale Spiritual Direction Sharon Taszarek finance Kris Cook Lora Nelson volunteer opportunities Pat Bennier the vision and its sustainability x152 x175 x186 x129 x160 x173 x164 x134 x162 x159 x151 x157 Sheri Baker x188 Ryan Hill x145 Patricia Lee x147 Rachel Oesterle x161 Sarah Privée x150 Gordon Sims x128 Executive Committee of the FRC Board Doug Olesen, Chair Alanna M. Mack, Treasurer William Anger, Vice Chair Tim Kerrigan, Secretary Main Phone Number Website: thecasa.org The Baptism of the Lord Many of us may not realize that carved into our beautiful copper baptismal font (which is at the front door of our lobby) is the actual topographical meandering of the River Jordan. This is symbolic and important to us because this is where Jesus of Nazareth was baptized by John the Baptist. The Baptism of Jesus concludes the Christmas Season and appropriately so. This incredible outward expression of integrating humanity with divinity is important to our understanding of the humility of God. Jesus did not need baptism. Rather, Jesus the Christ emptied himself totally and fully into the very essence of humanity in all ways and always as the truest expression of unbridled and overflowing love for all of creation. This weekend (Saturday) is also the Feast of Blessed Pope Gregory the X. Pope Gregory made St. Bonaventure (a Franciscan who is regarded as one of the greatest philosophers of the Middle Ages) a cardinal during his short reign as Pope. The Pope also sent a couple of missionaries to parts of China at the request of the Marco Polo family through Kublai Khan. As we all enter into this fresh year, may we contemplate renewal opportunities in our own lives. I know for me I have several accomplishments of which I desire to partake. Reading and developing my skills with the guitar is one. In addition, I am excited as we, our Franciscan Renewal Center community, move forward with the plans for a new church and community life center. It s now been nearly three months since I was blessed with a scholarship for a 26 day pilgrimage to Assisi. I am reminded by that experience that each day is a gift that I choose to spend wisely whether in rest, work, play, exercise or most importantly in relationship with Jesus. Blessings, Charlie Brown. General Manager RENEWAL is published weekly by the Franciscan Renewal Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization 5802 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale, AZ Federal Tax ID Printed by J.S. Paluch Company Inc. Copyright All rights reserved. Page 2 RENEWAL thecasa.org

3 Has your contact information changed? We would love to be informed if you moved, changed phone numbers, switched addresses, changed the color of your hair (ok, not that one), got married, had a child or any other major change has taken place since you filled out the yellow form and registered with us. This way we can be sure we have the most up-to-date information, and you will not miss anything from us! To update any information, contact Rosa at ext. 121 or rosa@thecasa.org and she will be happy to assist you. Also, if you haven t registered, we invite you again to please do so. The information on the yellow form is vital to our ability to serve you best. Please see the front desk today and they will assist you. Special Collection This Week The Franciscans have been assisted in missionary efforts by people who share their spiritual and financial resources through the Franciscan Missionary Union (FMU). Under the patronage of St. Anthony of Padua, the FMU provides critical services worldwide and makes a host of Franciscan missionary activity possible. The missionary work of the St. Barbara Province reflects that call. The FMU serves a culturally and ethnically diverse population within the United States but also in other parts of the world, including Russia, Mexico and the Holy Land. Your contribution supports the efforts of the Franciscans in the work of evangelization, reconciliation and care of the poorest of the poor. This Sunday, an extra envelope for this special collection is on your seat at Mass. There is only one collection during mass, so please drop both envelopes (your weekly Casa gift & special collection gift) in the collection basket. Extra envelopes are available at the front desk if you would like to take one home so you can prepare your gift for next week. LITURGY CONNECTION Simple Thoughts... Merry Christmas! (It s the last day of the season!) ~ Christmas is just the beginning of the story. The baby has been born. God became flesh so to be in relationship with us. And, today, we celebrate the beginning of the next chapter. God is now revealing himself in Jesus to all of us who waited. In holiday terms: we got our present, the gift was opened, we ve recognized what the gift is, and now it s time for that gift to be utilized. Our readings today share with us part of the mission. The psalm says, the Lord will bless his people with peace, and that peace comes from the gift of the Prince of Peace. This peace, through the Spirit, is for everyone. God shows no partiality, as the 2nd reading reminds us, and, whoever fears Him and acts uprightly has a roll to play in this chapter of the story. We have to live the gift that has been given! We are called to share the peace of Christ with everyone. We can t do it on our own, and we don t have to. Jesus, as a man, participates in baptism. Through His participation, He reveals to us that our own baptism is also the beginning of this new chapter in us. In our baptism, we are called to make His mission our own, to be, as the 1st reading says, a light to the nations, and establish justice on the earth. It s a big task, but God s Spirit is with us, and we are His beloved children with whom He is well pleased. ~The Church Staff Low-Gluten Hosts Low-gluten hosts are available for those who, for health reasons, cannot consume wheat flour. If you would like to receive a low-gluten host, please inform a sacristan before Mass begins. The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord January 10 & 11, 2015 ~ Cycle B thecasa.org RENEWAL Page 3

4 FAMILY CATECHESIS & SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION Signs and Symbols of Baptism Family Faith Activities: The Baptism of the Lord Today s celebration of the Baptism of the Lord brings the Christmas season to an end. Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan River and the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus like a dove and he is revealed to be God s beloved Son. Jesus public ministry begins as he is called to bring healing and justice to all people. Gather your family and ask them how it feels to take down Christmas decorations. What elements of Christmas can you bring with you as you move into ordinary time? Read Mark 1:7-11 and discuss: Who baptizes Jesus? How does the Holy Spirit come to Jesus? What does the voice from heaven say? Whose voice is it? Let s Celebrate! Set out pictures, candles, baptism garments and share stories of your children s baptisms. Create a special celebration. Wear white! Invite godparents to join you for this special occasion. Holy Water Blessings: Get some holy water from church and put into a small bowl. Create a family ritual of blessing one another by making the sign of the cross with the water. Like a Dove Activity: Create a dove outline on cardstock for each member of the family. Decorate by adding your name, coloring and adding glitter or other special touches. Punch a hole in the top part of the dove, add yarn or string and create a Holy Spirit mobile. Concluding Prayer: Renew your baptism vows together as a family. html Baptism is a sacrament of initiation, cleansing, strengthening, and welcoming. Baptism welcomes us into the community of Christian believers, offering new life as adopted children of God. Like any sacrament, Baptism makes visible an invisible reality. In other words, we use physical signs and rituals to express our experience of God and his grace in our lives. The symbols you see at a Baptism ceremony include the following: Sign of the Cross: the priest traces the sign of the cross on the child s forehead and asks the parents and godparents to do the same. The cross is a reminder of Christ s great love for us. It is an invisible branding that says you belong to Christ. Water: Cleansing, refreshing and life giving, a symbol of both life and death, signifying that we die with Christ and rise to new life with him. Oil of Chrism: Olive oil mixed with fragrant balsam and consecrated by the bishop. A sign of the Holy Spirit, the newly baptized is anointed on the crown of their head as priest, prophet and king. White Garment: White is a symbol of purity and cleanliness, this garment shows that we are a new creation, a new member of Christ s body, the Church. Candle: Lit from the Pascal Candle representing Christ as the Light of the World. As baptized Christians we spread the light of Jesus to the whole world! For more information about Baptisms, Sacramental Preparation and Family Catechesis, please contact Patty Tafolla at , ext. 154 or dcm@thecasa.org Page 4 RENEWAL thecasa.org

5 CASA YOUTH MINISTRY Upcoming this week: Today Jr. High Youth 12:00 pm in Agnes We cordially invite all youth in grades 6-8 to join our Jr. High group this year. We are expanding our program and adding a variety of opportunities for fun, spiritual growth, and serving our community. Watch future bulletins for upcoming meeting dates. Today High School Youth 5:00 pm in Longo Come start off the New Year right and find new ways to become the best version of yourself. We will share resolutions and discuss how we can renew our commitment to be a disciple of Christ. Catechists Needed! If you are 18 or older and feel called to serve our youth in any capacity, contact James (see below), and learn about the different volunteer positions we are adding to the core team. For information on upcoming events, the latest news and forms, visit us at CasaYouth.org or call James Whitaker at ext. 122 Thank You! Thank you to all of our volunteers who generously give of their time, energy and spirit, all year round, and especially over this holiday season. Your passion and commitment make it possible for the Casa to welcome all and serve those in need. We wish you a year filled with peace and joy. If you are interested in volunteering for the Franciscan Renewal Center in any way, contact Pat Bennier at ext. 157 or volunteer@thecasa.org thecasa.org RENEWAL Page 5

6 FAITH IN ACTION MINISTRIES Andre House and the Franciscan Missions say, Thank You! The Casa Community showed its generous spirit once again this year with food cards and cash totaling $11,076. The money and cards were distributed to the missions at Topawa, Whiteriver and San Carlos. Some monies were put aside to address local hunger needs as they arise. The Christmas celebrations we also collected 888 blankets and an assortment of pillows, sweaters, knitted scarves and sheets/pillowcases. Once Again you have made it possible for needy families to share a Christmas meal together. With the gift cards they can select food their family likes, which includes beans and fry bread in addition to the traditional turkey and stuffing. May God bless you and your families during this season when we celebrate that God truly does live among us, as seen in every kindness. Fr. Ignatius De Groot, OFM and Sr. Ruth Barbara, CSC It was like watching a miracle on Saturday. The almost 900 blankets arrived and the baseball team was amazing unloading them. They turned a 3 hour job into 30 minutes. It s amazing and comforting to see the inventory of blankets sufficient to get us through the next couple of cool months. Andre House is so deeply grateful to the Casa community for their goodness and generosity that provides such a life giving gift to our poor and homeless brothers and sisters. We are grateful and humbled beyond measure. Fr. Tom, Executive Director of Andre House Are you interested in an immersion trip to the Border? We are happy to announce an opportunity for you to join members of the Casa Grounds Ministry as we travel to Mexico to tour the roasting facility on Saturday, February 21st and Sunday, February 22nd. The trip will be an amazing opportunity to meet the growers and see the processes involved in bringing Café Justo coffee to our tables. We will also get the opportunity to visit the migrant resource center and see how Frontera de Cristo is supporting the community in Agua Prieta. Mexico. We have room for 15 to join the trip which will include meals, housing, logistics, translation, programming, and transportation. The group will leave around 7:00am on Saturday and return by 7:00 pm on Sunday Costs are still being finalized. Interested? us at cafeministry@yahoo.com. The Care for Creation Team invites you to join them as they continue to watch and discuss the episodes in the Showtime Series Years of Living Dangerously. The group will meet in the Serra room in Piper Hall on Friday, January 16 from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm to watch two episodes (7 & 8) and then share insights learned and possible actions to take. There will be no food or beverages served, so bring your own dinner and come join the group for good TV viewing and lively discussion. You do not need to have seen the previous episodes to enjoy the show and the discussion. Contact us at or Patti Sills-Trausch at socialconcerns@thecasa.org, Laura Libertore at laura@thecasa.org or Bonnie Wasniewski at bonnie@thecasa.org Page 6 RENEWAL thecasa.org 2015 Construction to begin on the Casa s 4th HABITAT HOME Casa Builder Ministry members will be in the Hospitality area after masses on January 17 & 18 to sign volunteers, Or us at: thecasahabitat@gmail.com and tell us the dates you wish to work. We will need VOLUNTEERS for CONSTRUCTION: All training will be provided by Habitat for Humanity. You must be 16 years old or older to volunteer for construction. We also need people who will provide morning coffee, or lunches for the crews. There are no age restrictions for these.

7 FAITH IN ACTION PROGRAMS Walking with Saint Francis The Journey of a Wounded Warrior For Veterans and Active Duty Service Members Friday - Sunday, February 6-8, 2015 This retreat for veterans is designed to offer healing insights from one of the most beloved but misunderstood saints. Most people don't know that St. Francis was a prisoner of war who faced a number of hardships and challenges before having a profound religious experience. In untangling the paradox of his life, we will explore how the call of the warrior intersects with the call of spirituality. We will examine, from a different perspective, challenges confronting veterans from the life of a saint who rose from the ashes of combat to become an icon of peace. With this goal in mind, we will look at the life of St Francis through the eyes of Joseph Campbell's The Hero's Journey and Harry Moody's Five Stages of the Soul. Fee per person: $125, includes meals, program, lodging, double occupancy. (The retreat is subsidized by donations.) Check-in Friday, 5:00-6:00 pm; Dinner, 6:00 pm. Retreat concludes Sunday, 1:00 pm after lunch. Fr. Conrad A. Targonski, O.F.M.,CAPT, CHC, USN (retired) is presently the chaplain at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He retired in 2010 from the Marine Corps Combat Center in 29 Palms, California where he completed his last assignment as Assistant Chief of Staff for Religious Ministries. On March 1, 2011, he accepted the position as Chaplain at Viterbo University where he continues his passion for the care and re-setting of returning Warriors and veterans and their families in the La Crosse area. Greg Masiello, PhD is a psychologist at the Albany Veterans Center, New York. Since 1998 he has assisted combat veterans with their reintegration to civilian life which includes: adjustment issues, family/ marital distress, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Greg served with the 42nd Aviation Brigade as a Liaison Officer in Iraq in He also served 23 years in the New York Army National Guard as a pilot, training officer, and psychologist. Sister Kathleen Osbelt, O.S.F. is a member of Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. Sr. Kathleen lives in a Franciscan Hermitage with three other sisters in Fayetteville, New York. Their lifestyle is a contemporary adaptation of the Document on Solitude written by St. Francis of Assisi. She is founder and Past Executive Director of Francis House (housing for terminally ill) and currently Project Director for Franciscan Villa Construction. Be the change you want to see in the world! To register for these Faith in Action Programs, call or visit thecasa.org thecasa.org RENEWAL Page 7

8 ADULT EDUCATION & PROGRAMS Intentional Conversation About Intimacy and Relationships For Individuals and Couples Friday, January 30 - Sunday, February 1 The truth is that intimacy has little to do with the other person. Intimacy begins with ourselves. Most of us don t want intimacy; we want security. Intimacy is about openness, vulnerability and risk, and vulnerability can hurt. Why are we afraid to be real? What does it mean to be real, to be honest or open? What do we desire in our relationships? Is it possible to find a relationship with someone who is afraid of intimacy? How do we nourish our inner life and find strength even when trust is betrayed? How do we practice a love built on a foundation of kindness, appreciation, sensitivity and attention? How do we learn the truth that intimacy has little to do with the other person? Intimacy begins with ourselves. Spiritual directors will be available for individual sessions. Terry Hershey has served as a Protestant minister and speaks throughout the United States and Canada on relationships, spirituality and gardening. He is the author of numerous books including The Power of Pause: Becoming More by Doing Less. Fees: Commuter: $130; Single $215, Double: $165 pp Registration required A Brush With God Thursday, February 5 - Sunday, February 8 Thousands of people from a wide variety of spiritual traditions have found themselves drawn to the mysterious and prayerful images found in the icons of Eastern Christianity. In this workshop, participants will experience step-by-step instructions to start and complete an icon. NO ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. Commuter fee per person includes Thursday and Friday dinner, Saturday and Sunday lunch: $250. With lodging and all meals: $475 single, $395 double/per person. An additional $75 materials fee must be paid directly to instructor at the start of class. Check-in Thursday: 5:00 pm; dinner at 6:00 pm Class times: Thursday and Friday, 7:00 pm following 6:00 pm dinner; Saturday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; Sunday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Peter Pearson, M Div, graduated magna cum laude from St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Wisconsin. He studied under Russian iconographer Dr. Nina Bouroff, Philip Zimmerman at the Damascus Academy of Sacred Arts, Nicholas Papas and other noted iconographers. For more information or to register for any of these programs please visit thecasa.org/programs-a-retreats or call Page 8 RENEWAL thecasa.org

9 ADULT EDUCATION & PROGRAMS Daughters of Eve 6-week morning sessions: Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 am starting February 5 Men s Winter Retreat Winter Winds - Find the Warmth of the Spirit When Life Has Grown Cold Friday, February 27 - Sunday, March 1 Spirituality for Every Man; All are Welcome! Spend the weekend listening, learning, praying, and laughing. A talented retreat team will provide you with opportunities to reflect and explore your life and your spirituality. As men seeking deeper relationships with God and the significant people in our lives, we will relight the fire in our hearts. Spending time away at the Casa is awesome; it s a place where we can experience guidance, healing, and rest. The food is great and the grounds and accommodations are wonderful, writes a Casa retreat attendee. Spiritual directors will be available to give retreatants an opportunity to share their faith journey in individual sessions. Retreat fee including meals: $130; with lodging $215 single, $165 double/per person. Check-in: Friday 5:00 pm; dinner 6 pm. Retreat ends Sunday, 1:00 pm. To maximize your retreat experience we recommend overnight lodging. This retreat is led by an experienced team, including: Terry Hershey Fr. Norm Douglas, Larry Vuillemin, JD, Deacon Phil LoCascio, Brian Kinzie We are a group of women on a spiritual journey open to the promptings of the Spirit. We explore the evolution of our spirituality using contemporary resources, sharing, prayer, ritual, story and song. This circle of women is a safe place to express our passions and our growing pains. It is also a nurturing environment in which we discover or enhance our experience of God. Suggested offering: $45 per 6-week session. No registration. Mary Jo McLaughlin, a longtime Casa community member, previously served as a Franciscan covenant worker in the Adult Education and Retreat Department at the Casa. Straight Talk Theology Pope Francis Challenge to Us: To Be a Community of Missionary Disciples Sunday January 18, 9:00-10:40 am Conditioning in Mercy, Compassion and Forgiveness In Pope Francis exhortation, "Joy of the Gospel," he invites us, urges us, to be a community of missionary disciples. What does this require of us? How do we refashion our hearts? No registration necessary. Suggested donation: $10 per person. William Cieslak, OFM Cap is a former President of the Franciscan School of Theology at Berkeley and a Professor of Liturgical Theology. He is one of the founding advisors and an ongoing advocate for Franciscan programs at the Casa. For more information or to register for any of these programs please visit thecasa.org/programs-a-retreats or call thecasa.org RENEWAL Page 9

10 Vision Corner Lost and found at the Casa Three years ago, my son invited me to leave the (rainy!) Northwest and join him in the Valley of the Sun! I was recently divorced and felt broken, lost and alone. With faith and hope that there was a place for me somewhere, I resigned my work as a teacher and said goodbye to my friends in Vancouver, Wash. Before my departure, a sister (my spiritual director) from the Franciscan Spiritual Center in Portland, Ore. told me to check out the Casa and contact Pat Julian. Sister Mary Jo had just returned from a visit here and was impressed with the simplicity, beauty and authenticity of the Casa s community and sacred grounds. She thought it would be a great place for me to start a new life. A few days after my arrival in Scottsdale, I met my new spiritual director, Pat. When she welcomed me with open arms, I felt like I found the place that I could call home - a place where I could heal. I did not have a job or a place to live, yet, but I found a church, a spiritual director and a community of people with warm and welcoming hearts. I felt rich and blessed and knew I would make it. I Since 1951, the Casa has been renewing lives through spiritual growth, healing and transformation, and serving others. learned to surrender to God and fully accept the life given to me. After a year of healing, I happily volunteered as a hostess for various retreats and learned so much about the Franciscan spirituality that was close to my heart. Last year, I began training to become a spiritual director, and I hope someday to be part of the Franciscan family and open my arms to all who are lost and seeking a home in a warm and caring community! Ria For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 Sign up for Casa Construction Updates This is an exciting time at the Casa. You may notice various construction activities that could affect access to different areas of the grounds. Stay informed by visiting the RENEWING LIVES website and signing up for Friday construction alerts at: CasaRenewingLives.org/contact-us/ DISCOVER THE VISION EVENTS Thursday, 22 January 2015, 6:00 pm Thursday, 5 February 2015, 11:00 am Thursday, 19 February 2015, 6:00 pm Thursday, 5 March 2015, 11:00 am To reserve your space for a Discover the Vision Event, rsvp@thecasa.org or call ext spiritual directors served the Casa s community in FY 2014 RENEWING LIVES Ourselves. Our Communities. Our World. For more information regarding the RENEWING LIVES initiative, or to contribute material to the Vision Corner, please call or communications@thecasa.org Page 10 RENEWAL thecasa.org

11 We Are Here for YOU We welcome all who are interested in attending. Counseling Support Groups No appointments required for groups listed below Monday: 6:30-8:00 pm: Divorce & Separation/Relationship Endings Tuesday: 5:30-7:00 pm: Grief Support Group 6:30-8:30 pm: Depression Support Group Individual Sessions Individual sessions are available mornings, afternoons and evenings, Monday - Friday, and require an appointment. To make an appointment, please call the Counseling Ministry at ext. 133, 8:30 am - Noon. If you know someone who is looking for help, answers, guidance or just needs someone to listen, please suggest our counseling ministry. Judith McHale, MA, LPC, Director of Counseling Ministry COUNSELING MINISTRY For more information about hosting your next non-profit event at the Casa, please call , ext. 134 or counseling@thecasa.org MEETINGS & CONFERENCES We offer non-profit organizations an exclusively serene gathering place for meetings, conferences, and special events. With spaces and lodging designed to inspire the mind and soothe the spirit, as well as exceptional food to nourish the body, the Franciscan Renewal Center is a wellness plan for non-profits that allows them to renew and recharge. Comfortable conference rooms of various sizes Private guest rooms with individual baths A/V equipment and high speed internet Full-service dining room featuring buffet-style meals Poolside and courtyard area for relaxing under the sun or stars Quiet places for reflection including the Meditation Chapel and Healing Garden Views of Camelback and Mummy mountains Take a Google Virtual Tour of the campus at CasaMeetings.org. We appreciate referrals of churches, non-profits or government entities. Contact Sue Force, Director of Meetings and Conferences (see below). For more information about hosting your next non-profit event at the Casa, contact Sue Force at , ext. 173 or sue@thecasa.org. Visit us at CasaMeetings.org thecasa.org RENEWAL Page 11

12 COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD How to Submit Your Bulletin Information: E mail: bulletin@thecasa.org Drop Off: at the front desk (Attn: Bulletin) Fax: Deadline: Two weeks in advance of bulletin issue The Casa s Vision & Its Sustainability Department is seeking volunteers who can provide general office support for at least eight hours a week. If you are interested and have experience with Microsoft Office, please sheri@ thecasa.org or call Sheri Baker at Dog sitting at private home with pet-loving family and big, grassy yard. Beats a quick sitter visit, a cage or cubicle in a kennel or pet hotel, and it s more affordable, too. Suzana or dogvacationhome@aol.com Cave Creek room for rent (Tatum Ranch): Queen-size, shared bath avail. immediately. Professional female, nonsmoker, no pets. Utilities/pool incl. Snowbirds welcome! Cathy or cuinaz58@yahoo.com Experienced Homecare services for your loved one. Background in health care. Call Seeking FT/PT Nanny and/or Vacation Pet Care Position In your home. Paradise Valley to Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale. 36+ yrs exp. Cathy or cuinaz58@yahoo.com The Casa may publish requests in this space but it does not reflect our endorsement or knowledge of the people submitting the information. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Books and Blessings A bookstore and spiritual boutique at the Franciscan Renewal Center Monday - Friday Saturday Sunday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm 10:00 am - 6:30 pm 8:30 am - 2:00 pm 5:30-8:30 pm Cornerstone at the Casa offers meditation sessions every Monday and Friday at 11:30 am in the Meditation Chapel and every Wednesday at 11:30 am in the Casita. All are welcome - no charge. The Casa Prayer Partners Ministry petitions prayers and prays for our human family. Send requests to: CasaPrayerPartners@gmail.com Men in Spirit We are a men s group in search of guidance and strength, bonded by common challenges and faith in a God who knows us and is always with us. We meet on the 1st Saturday of every month. Please join us for 7:00 am Mass, followed by breakfast and our meeting. Contact jmccroy@yahoo.com to confirm upcoming meeting dates and discussion topics. The Casa Single Adult Ministry Widowed? Divorced? Never married? Single spiritual men and women of all ages gather to share their journey with like-minded people of faith. We meet at 6:30 pm on the 2nd Friday of every month and often organize outside activities to keep the group connected. Confirm upcoming meeting dates and join our mailing list at: spiritualsinglesouls@gmail.com. AZ Males We meet at 7:00 pm on the last Wednesday of the month. The discussions typically focus on the teachings and philosophy of Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM. Visit azmalespirituality.com to confirm meeting dates. About the Franciscan Renewal Center The Franciscan Renewal Center began in 1951 as a place for retreat programs. Affectionately known as the Casa de Paz y Bien or simply the Casa, it is today a Catholic renewal center in Paradise Valley, Ariz., offering spiritual growth, healing and transformation that moves lives into the service of others. The Casa is an active religious community of the Order of Friars Minor part of the worldwide Franciscan family, following in the footsteps of Sts. Francis and Clare of Assisi. The Casa is a wholly owned entity of the Franciscan Province of Saint Barbara, based in Oakland, Calif., that works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix. Activities at the Casa include daily and Sunday Mass, retreats, gathering space for non-profit groups, licensed behavioral health counseling, as well as more than 50 volunteer ministries that give aid to the poor or vulnerable, empower individuals to improve their circumstances, and build community fellowship. Discover more at TheCasa.org For the latest news and general information, visit us at thecasa.org or call the front desk at Page 12 RENEWAL thecasa.org

13 Spiritual Direction How is God present or absent in your life? In the midst of a busy life, many people find it difficult to notice God s action in their daily affairs. Yet, at the deepest level, many of us long for a more conscious experience of God s presence and love. A spiritual director/companion is trained to listen and encourage you to explore a closer relationship with God through conversation, listening and prayer. If you are curious about spiritual direction at the Casa, or would like to make an appointment, please contact Sharon Taszarek at , ext. 162 or sharon@thecasa.org Leave Your Legacy. Are you wondering how you can make a lasting gift to the Franciscan Renewal Center (the Casa )? By leaving a charitable gift in your will, naming the Casa as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy or IRA, you can make a meaningful and profound gift to our community. By learning more about these and many other giving options, you can ensure the life of the Casa tomorrow! La Verna LEGACY SOCIETY Contact Ryan Hill to learn more about the La Verna Legacy Society and estate planning with the Franciscan Renewal Center. Call , ext. 145, or visit thecasa.org/planned-giving. Helping to ensure the continuity of the Casa. The State Legislature and You: Learning how to advocate for our Environment Are you ready to make a difference? Arizona needs more advocates who are willing to meet with legislators, city council people, county supervisors, and other officials who have enormous impact on our future and on what kind of legacy we leave for the next generation. The workshop covers the basics on Arizona government, how a bill really becomes a law and the dos and don ts of Citizen Lobbying with your elected officials. We will offer a light lunch of sandwiches and chips. Sponsored by the Franciscan Action Circle, a Faith in Action Ministry. Presented by Sandy Bahr, Sierra Club Chapter Director Fee: $5.00 Register by calling x 132 or online at Register in advance to ensure that we have a lunch waiting for you! Catholics Can Come Home People have told us they decided to come to these gatherings because they had one or more of these experiences: Drifted away from the Church Hold some hurt or anger about the Church Find the Catholic religion is no longer relevant 7:00-8:30 pm Thursdays, January 22 - March 5 St. Barbara Room at the Casa Join us if you are curious about the Catholic Church of today, or if you know someone who has walked with us before would you invite them to join us? Contact Gwendolyn Schran or at gschran@gmail.com for more information For the latest news and general information, visit us at thecasa.org or call the front desk at thecasa.org RENEWAL Page 13

14 January 11, 2015 The Baptism of the Lord This Week at the Casa Sunday 9:00 am RCIA for Children 8:45 am Just Scripture 10:45 am Confirmation/First Eucharist Class 5:00 pm Hogan s Heroes Monday 11:30 am Cornernerstone Meditation Session 4:00 pm Survival School 6:00 pm Rosary 6:30 pm Divorced & Separated Support Group 6:30 pm T ai Chi Tuesday 9:00 am Survival School 11:00am Water from Rock 5:30 pm Grief Support Group 6:00 pm Rosary 6:30 pm Depression Support Group 7:00 pm Catechetical Session 7:00 pm Water from Rock Wednesday 9:00 am Survival School 10:00 am Arizona Bible Class 11:30 am Cornerstone Meditation Session 6:00 pm Rosary 6:30 pm Infant Baptism Orientation 7:00 pm Liturgical Dance Rehearsal 7:00 pm The Art of Intentional Loving Thursday 7:45 am Contemplative Prayer 9:00 am Survival School 9:30 am Daughters of Eve Friday 9:00 am Survival School 11:30 am Cornerstone Meditation Session 6:00 pm Care for Creation Movie Night 6:30 pm Spiritual Single Souls Readings & Mass Intentions January 11-18, 2015 Sunday Is 42:1-4, 6-7; Ps 29, Acts 10:34-38, Mk 1:7-11 Pro-Populo 7:30 am R. Anthony Howard, Jr. 9:15 am Donald Polityka 11:00 am Elna Cardenas 7:00 pm Monday Heb 1:1-6; Ps 97:1, 2b, 6, 7c, 9; Mk 1:14-20 Jean Finnegan 7:00 am Tuesday Heb 2:5-12; Ps 8:2ab, 5, 6-9; Mk 1:21-28 Lucille Zanoni 7:00 am Wednesday Heb 2:14-18; Ps 105:1-4, 6-9; Mk 1:29-39 Bill & Ellen Wogan 7:00 am Thursday Heb 3:7-14; Ps 95:6-11; Mk 1:40-45 Paul & Marie Burgess 11:00 am Friday Heb 4:1-5, 11; Ps 78:3, 4bc, 6c-8; Mk 2:1-12 Elizabeth Peterson 7:00 am Saturday Heb 4:12-16; Ps 19:8-10, 15; Mk 2:13-17 Peshaur Army School & Community 7:00 am Andrew Bucci 5:00 pm Next Sunday 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19; Ps 40:2, 4, 7-10; 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20; Jn 1:35-42 Pro-Populo Dick Richards Thomas J. Kehoe The Murphy Family 7:30 am 9:15 am 11:00 am 7:00 pm Saturday 5:00 pm Breaking Open the Word Some of these events require advance registration. Please visit thecasa.org or call for more information. The intentions listed here will be the intentions of the priest and will not be announced to the gathered assembly. thecasa.org RENEWAL