Michael the Fifth Sunday of Easter April 29, 2018 Rev. Fr. Dale Branson, Pastor

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1 Michael the Fifth Sunday of Easter April 29, 2018 Rev. Fr. Dale Branson, Pastor 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. Weekend Mass Schedule Saturday Vigil - 4pm Sunday - 8 am & 10:00 am Parish Center N Apollo Dr. San Tan Valley, AZ Daily Mass Schedule Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday - 8:30am at the Parish Center Parish Office N. Poseidon Rd. San Tan Valley, AZ Phone: (520) Fax: (520) Parish Office Hours 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday Confessions before Mass or upon request Adora on at 9:00am on Saturdays TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION In medieval times, one country, Scotland, linked its economy to the liturgy. Four holy days of the church calendar were keyed to the legal year. On these days, rents were due, clergy and servants were paid, and contracts and leases would begin or end. The term days were Pentecost (called Whitsunday), the Feast of Saint Martin on November 11 (Martinmas), the Feast of the Presentation on February 2 (Candlemas), and August 2 (Lammas), a harvest festival. On Lammas day, the first loaf of bread from the summer wheat harvest was given to the village priest. After the Reformation, which swept the Catholic festivals away, the term days were gradually detached from the old feasts. It was only in 1990 that the term days were anchored on the 28th of February, May, August, and November. Today the old Scottish universities are the last hold-outs, still naming their terms or semesters after the old festivals. Scottish students today may not know about the liturgical year, but they still call the fall term Martinmas, and the spring session Candlemas. Rev. James Field, copyright J. S. Paluch 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 or by appt. 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. QUINCEANERAS St. Michael the Archangel Parish does not have Quinceaneras at this time. Readings for the Week Monday: Acts 14:5-18; Ps 115:1-4, 15-16; Jn 14:21-26 Tuesday: Acts 14:19-28; Ps 145:10-13ab, 21; Jn 14:27-31a Wednesday: Acts 15:1-6; Ps 122:1-5; Jn 15:1-8 Thursday: 1 Cor 15:1-8; Ps 19:2-5; Jn 14:6-14 Friday: Acts 15:22-31; Ps 57:8-10, 12; Jn 15:12-17 Saturday: Acts 16:1-10; Ps 100:1b-3, 5; Jn 15:18-21 Sunday: Acts 10:25-36, 34-35, 44-48; Ps 98:1-4; 1 Jn 4:7-10 Jn 15:9-17 Mass Intentions May 1 8:30am Merv Winkle May 5 4:00pm Mae Harmeyer May 6 10:00am Sevigny Family Pro Populo - Latin: for the people - Deceased To request a mass, please call the rectory ST. MICHAEL THE MINISTRIES & FOOD BANK Sara Brackin BBRACKIN2@LIVE.COM (910) BULLETIN bulletin@stmichaels77.org (520) CCD/Altar Servers Reajean Porter CCD@stmichaels77.org (480) Leave Message COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR Sue Stonerook, sstonerook@live.com (602) Mary Teese, mteese@cox.net EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS Virginia Bombolino, ginbaby2003@aol.com, (480) GREETERS Karen Panhans karen.panhans1@gmail.com (928) HOMEBOUND MINISTRY Patricia DeStefano patriciad333@yahoo.com LECTORS Suzanne Baitinger lectors@stmichaels77.org (480) MUSIC Diana Albert, Dialbert2@aol.com, (480) PARISH SECRETARY/NOTARY PUBLIC Misty Landavazo, secretary@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 Baitinger, redhats@stmichaels77.org; (480) TEEN YOUTH GROUP Dillon Tambagan, teens@stmichaels77.org (480) SACRISTANS Irene Chagoya, Irene.chagoya@gmail.com (480) USHERS Darrell Stonerook, sstonerook@live.com (602) WEBMASTER Craig Rudko webmaster@stmichaels77.org (480) PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL: Diana Albert, Sue Baitinger, Bob Butchko, Virginia Bombolino, Ann Kolb, Reajean Porter, Bert Pampanin, Craig Rudko, Darrell Stonerook, Mary Teese, Irene Chagoya & Patricia DeStefano Pastoral Council meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month & all are welcome to attend.

3 Fifth Sunday of Easter In today's Gospel passage, at the Last Supper Jesus hints at the future of the community of his disciples. He is preparing them for life without his visible presence. What will hold the community together and sustain it to fulfill God's purpose? Jesus presents himself as the vine and his followers as the branches. Their common purpose is to bear fruit. When Jesus repeats "remain in me" and "bear fruit" many times in this passage, he reminds his followers that we must stay connected with him to fulfill our purpose. As the Letter of John describes, a living faith in Christ and a life filled with love are bound together in a single commandment. All our energy to do good and our hope that our good work will endure come through our unity with Jesus. Prayer and action must be woven together into the fabric of each Christian person and community. FAST AND SLOW Our readings today offer a sharp contrast that hints at the wide variety of ways in which God works. In Acts, there is a rush of activity and profound change happens in a hurry. Paul, who was a leader in persecutions of the first Christians, has recently encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. In today's passage, Paul has suddenly become a powerful witness for Jesus, risking his life and astonishing both the Christians and their enemies. This is God working fast, and everyone is trying to keep up! In contrast, in today's Gospel from John, Jesus describes the vine and the branches bearing fruit. Vines and branches by nature act slowly and quietly. The passage itself is repetitive and meditative, inviting us to slow down and listen to what is happening under the surface. This speaks of the slow, patient work of God. DISCERNMENT AND LOVE The scriptures indicate that God often works on a long-term time frame. We might need our whole lives to learn some of God's lessons. The Church sometimes takes centuries to learn vital lessons about God. But within God's slow work, there are bursts of activity when the moment is ripe in God's eyes. We might perceive these bursts of God's grace, if we are able to see. This fascinating mix of fast and slow can invite us again to deepen our practice of discernment. Discernment is the art of paying attention to God. It is the capacity to detect God's activity, which leads us toward bearing fruit and away from that which is fruitless. In our messy world, and aware of our personal frailties, discernment is often difficult. It helps to remember that God's activity is revealed in love. Whether fast or slow, God always works in love. We are called to perceive God's dramatic and sudden activities as well as God's deep and patient work of love in daily life and in our world Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

4 Due to this week s printing schedule, the contributions and Capital Campaign Pledges for April 22 will not be printed in next week s bulletin. God of mercy, Give us the grace to see Your face in others, especially the poor and those who suffer. And through your Spirit, enkindle in us the fire of Your love so that we may be better stewards of Your redeeming work throughout the world. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son. Online Giving If you would like to give online please visit our website, and select the Online Giving tab. Please note - If you have made a pledge to the Capital Campaign & are making a payment, please write Capital Campaign in the memo field of your check. Thank you MASS ATTENDANCE 866 people attended Mass April 22nd, 2018 BAPTISM CLASS The next Baptism Class for Parents and God Parents will be held May 12th, at 11am in the Parish Center. Please call the church office to register for the class. The class will not be held if no one has registered. Prayer Requests Do you know someone who needs prayers to comfort and strengthen them? If so please contact Virginia Bombolino Phone: ginbaby2003@aol.com All requests are private.

5 Gi Shop The Gi Shop has ordered items for Mother s Day, Father s Day, and confirma on. Stop and take a look. They have also ordered rosaries for fire fighters and the army. ATTENTION ALL CATHOLIC MEN A KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ANNOUNCEMENT A fraternal order of Knights of Columbus council is coming to St. Michael the Archangel parish. It is in the ini al stages of forma on. Council membership will soon be offered to KOFC men currently, members of nearby councils AND IS OPEN TO ALL CATHOLIC MEN interested in joining. Please watch future St. Michael bulle ns for more updates. Safe Environment II is me to get your marriage in shape! Worldwide Marriage Encounter is be er than any college course. In just one short weekend you can learn a technique for communica on that will keep your marriage on the right track to be healthy. Sign up today to a end one of the upcoming Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend on The next Safe Environment class will be the weekend of June 9th a er each Mass in one of the classrooms. Hopefully, all those needing to renew their class will be able to a end one of the sessions. If you have any ques ons; call Sue Stonerook or at sstonerook@live.com. Early registra on is highly recommended. For more informa on visit our website at: wwmearizona.com April 28-29, 2018 In the second reading today, John encourages us to love one another in deed and truth not in speech only. Do you show your spouse that you truly love them, not just say it? Love your spouse in deed by giving the gi of yourself; make the me to a end the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend. To apply online, and for weekend dates visit Did you know: The residual effects of having been abused can last a life me Those who have been abused seldom just get over it. The sense of viola on goes deep into a person s psyche and feelings of anger, shame, hurt and betrayal can build long a er the abuse has taken place. Some have even described the feeling as if it has scarred their soul. Those who have been abused can heal, but if o en takes me, therapy, and the support of loved ones. As a Church, we can help support those who have been abused by keeping them in prayer and providing opportuni es for healing

6 We invite all our Parishioners to come celebrate and ask your prayers for our CCD students making their Sacraments on: First Holy Communion Sunday, May 6, 2018 at the 10 am Mass And Confirmation Sunday, May 20, 2018 at the 10 am Mass Please come and join us for refreshments after Mass.

7 Schedule: April 29 Nothing Greater May 6 Dignified May 13 Fortified May 20 Edified May 27 Satisfied Classes are Sundays after the 10 am Mass. Please meet us in the back of the church to help take down chairs and set up for class. (Teens who help will receive 30 minutes towards volunteer service hours). Each class is roughly 1 hr & 15 minutes long. May 6 th kicks off a four-part series called More Than Flesh & Bones. We will explore the dignity of the human person while delving into what it means to be a body-soul composite being. This series offers practical insight in how to take care of the whole person body, mind, and soul; not to prove we are valuable, but to respect the value we are inherently given. All high school students from grades 9-12 are welcome to attend. No registration fees. Bring a JOURNAL & a FRIEND! Steubenville WEST This is an amazing retreat for current 8 th - 12 th graders. In other words, teens can be anywhere from incoming Freshmen to newly graduated Seniors. Registration fee per teen is $225 which includes: transportation, souvenir T-shirt and meals all weekend long. A $50 deposit is required and due by May 13 th. Check out the video on YouTube: Steubenville Youth Conference Promo If you have any questions about this retreat or if your teen is interested, please contact: Dillon (480) Dillon.Tambagan@gmail.com

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9 Discovering hope and joy in the Catholic faith. May 2018 St. Michael the Archangel Parish - San Tan Valley Rev. Fr. Dale A. Branson Lord, grant me serenity. St. Joseph the Worker As Jesus father on Earth, protector of the Holy Family, and the spouse of the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph was an example of obedience. He was also a carpenter who used the work of his hands to serve his family and community. Jesus, too, was a carpenter. He learned the trade from St. Joseph, working side-by-side in his carpentry shop. Jesus learned dedication, integrity, and the dignity of work from the example of his earthly father. Turn to Mary This month, we honor Mary, the Mother of God (and ours, too). Trust her for guidance and protection: Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9) Stress can result from feeling powerless in difficulties, yet change isn t always up to us. Knowing when to step back and surrender can actually bring peace. When faced with what we cannot change, try these tips for increasing feelings of serenity and peace. My peace I give you (John 14:27). Remember, Jesus does not want us to be troubled by worldly concerns. When you feel yourself starting to worry or stew about a difficult situation (or person), act out your belief that your prayer for resolution will be answered. Substitute positive, cheerful thoughts for negative ones. God is in control. Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it The saints prayers for us are called intercessory prayers. Asking the saints to pray for us is good and pleasing to God and is encouraged in Scripture: I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered (1 Timothy 2:1). again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4).... Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33). While we hope to be strong witnesses of our faith, not everyone will see us that way. Sometimes sharp words or critical comments from others can disturb our peace. Feedback can be helpful, but if anyone gets to you for more than day or two, consult a fellow Christian whom you trust for a better perspective. I can do all things in him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). Take every opportunity to appreciate your place in God s kingdom. Relish the tasks you have been given, for a job well done brings satisfaction and increased contentment. Why do we ask the saints to pray for us? Intercessory prayer is powerful: by it, the saints help us on earth and we help those in Purgatory. Our prayers are joined to the prayers of Christ, who never ceases to intercede for us (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2741). Copyright 2018 Success Publishing & Media, LLC

10 Christians know that our most important task is to share God s love with others. Finding ways to communicate love in a fallen world can be tricky, however. Try these strategies: And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, forbearing, (2 Timothy 2:24). Does someone have a need you can meet? Can others benefit from your knowledge or talents? Show love by cheerfully jumping to help those around you. The ill-tempered stir up strife, but the patient settle Three ways to share God s love May 2018 Page 2 disputes (Proverbs 15:18). It s hard to show love for others if we are fighting with them. When tempted to get involved in a spat, ask if winning will strengthen a relationship, lead to a better outcome, and if the issue is meaningful or important. If not, try to compromise or walk away. Bless the Lord, my soul; and do not forget all his gifts (Psalm 103:2). When we are constantly aware of God s love, our natural response is to offer up our voices to praise him. Jesus appeared to the Apostles on the mountain top in Galilee, so they could receive their final instructions. They were to go forth, baptize, and make disciples, and to teach what they had been taught. These are our instructions, too. Once we meet Jesus and experience his love for us, we can t keep him to ourselves. We must share him. Jesus also revealed to the Apostles, and to the crowd gathered with them, that God is a Trinity Father, Son, and Holy Spirit three Divine Persons united in love. The May 3 Saints Philip and James (1st Century). St. Philip was born in Bethsaida and followed John the Baptist before he followed Christ. After the Ascension, St. Philip preached in Asia Minor, where he was martyred. St. James, son of Alphaeus, was also one of the twelve apostles. He is often confused with St. James, Brother of the Lord, who helped St. Peter in leading the early Church. May 10 Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord (1st Century). This solemnity marks the completion of Jesus' mission of salvation and his Matthew 28:16-20, The Holy Trinity belief that God is three, yet one, is distinct to Christianity. When we became members of the Church, we were baptized in the name of the Trinity. The Trinity is a mystery we may not fully understand, but we can still live in its love and power. We proclaim our faith in it whenever we make the Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Our ultimate goal is to follow Christ into the eternal life of the Trinity. triumphant entry into Heaven. Note: In many dioceses, observance of Ascension has been moved to the following Sunday. May 18 St. Felix of Cantalice (1587). Born to poor, pious parents in Italy, St. Felix was called Brother Deogratias because he was always thanking God. As a young man, he joined the Capuchins, who sent him to Rome to be the friary s official beggar. He was also friends with Saints Philip Neri and Charles Borromeo. Why are Christians asked to evangelize? Before Jesus ascended to Heaven, he instructed his disciples, Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). The Gospel, or good news, to which Jesus referred is his Resurrection and victory over death. God became man and died for our sins, then rose from the dead. Thanks to Jesus, we have hope for a new life on Earth and eternal life in Heaven if we follow him. There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved (Acts 4:12). Think of it another way: If you discovered a way to eliminate hunger in the world or found a medicine to cure all diseases, you would want to share what you know with everyone who will listen. Jesus death and Resurrection offers something more amazing: eternal life. Once we have heard and believed the Good News, we can t keep it to ourselves. We must tell everyone about it. To provide practical ideas that promote faithful Catholic living. Success Publishing & Media, LLC Publishers of Growing in Faith and Partners in Faith (540) (540) fax (Unless noted Bible quotes and references are from the Revised Standard Version and the New American Bible) Copyright 2018 Success Publishing & Media, LLC

11 CCD Weekly Announcements April 29, 2018 Offertory Gift Bearers Weeks at a Glance MANDATORY REHEARSALS First Holy Communion May 2 Wednesday 6:30-8:00 pm May 5 Saturday 5:15-7:00 pm May 6 Sunday 10 am First Holy Communion Confirmation May 16 Wednesday 6:30-8:00 pm May19 Saturday 5:15-7:00 pm May 20 Sunday 10 am Confirmation Thank you to all our wonderful CCD Teachers, Substitute Teachers, and helpers who generously volunteered their time to share their faith and love of God with our students. Their commitment is what continues to make our CCD Program flourish. Thank you so much for helping us raise money for refreshments to be served after First Holy Communion and Confirmation. God, bless you, The CCD Sacrament Students of St. Michael the Archangel April 29 Mariana Ortega Emmanuel Ortega Francisco Ortega Mia RobertW) May 6 FHC Isabella De Los Reyes Anabel Diaz Keira Van Hoose Eliana Peinado Joseph De Los Reyes Mariana Ortega (W) **************************** Altar Server Schedule April 28-Saturday 4 pm Jayne Jaicks Isabella Simeone April 29 Sunday 8 am Tobee Dunlap William Johansen Anthony Bradeen April 29 Sunday 10 am Dylan Flanagan Abigayle Flanagan Tessa Robert