Bishop Gerald s Lenten Message

Transcription

1 Light of the West Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix (formerly known as the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Van Nuys) Pastoral Center 8105 N. 16 th Street Phoenix, AZ Phone: (602) Fax: (602) Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever! Vol. XXII, No. 1 January - February, 2014 Bishop Gerald s Lenten Message During the Great Fast Catholics should contemplate the possibility of effecting a meaningful metanoia in their lives. A metanoia is a profound change in one s lifestyle, in one s values, a radical change of heart. Relevant for this purpose is a meditation on Psalm 50 (49 according to the count of the Greek Psalter). This Psalm speaks of God as a judge summoning His People to court so that He can pass judgment on them. First, He asks to see His faithful ones: Gather my faithful people to me, those who made a covenant with me by offering a sacrifice. (Ps 50: 5). The covenant and the sacrifice that God refers to is the solemn agreement made between Himself and the People of God, i.e. the ancient Israelites. In this covenant God promised to protect His People if they kept His Laws. This covenant was to be sealed by the sacrificial system which God gave the Israelites with the sacrifice of animals in the Temple. In Psalm 50, God speaks of the superficial way in which some of the Israelites offered these animal sacrifices. He tells them that He has no need to neither eat the flesh of those animals nor drink their blood. He tells them: I do not need bulls from your farms nor goats from your flocks; all the animals of the forest are mine (Ps. 50: 9-10) The sacrifice of these animals was meant to be simply an outward and visible sign of a person who sincerely seeks to live by God s Commandments. God then tells His People: Let the giving of thanks (Eucharistia) be your sacrifice to God, and give to the Almighty all that you promised. (Ps.50: 14). What God really wanted was to find love and compassion in the hearts of His People for the helpless, the oppressed, the orphans and widows. God loved His People, and they, in turn, were meant to show their love for God by compassion and love for their neighbors. God then declares: Call to me when trouble comes; I will save you, and you will praise me (Ps. 50: 15). The Judge (God) then addresses the truly wicked, i.e. those who talk about my covenant (Ps. 50: 16), but who then are always ready to speak evil; you never hesitate to tell lies. You are ready to accuse your own brothers and to find fault with them. You have done all of this and I have said nothing, so you thought that I am like you. But now I reprimand you (Ps.50: 19-21). The Judge condemns such hypocrisy but keeps silence in order to give the wicked an opportunity to repent. Then the Judge says: Listen to this, you who ignore me, or I will destroy you, and there will be no one to save you. (Ps 50: 22). In other words, God says: I can wait patiently for you to repent, but when the final judgment arrives, there will be no way to avoid strict justice. (Cont d on Page 8) January - February

2 Wyoming Needs Some Byzantine Love Too Wyoming Catholic College (WCC) in Lander, WY was blessed to host a Divine Liturgy on Saturday November 23, Fr. Michael O'Loughlin made the long trek up from Holy Protection of the Mother of God Church in Denver to celebrate the Liturgy at WCC's temporary campus at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. This was the first time a Divine Liturgy has been celebrated by a Byzantine priest at the college, and the first time in many years that one was celebrated in the state of Wyoming at all. Serving at the altar were Rev. Kyle Washut, a member of the Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic Church, and Anthony Aguirre, a Sophomore from St. Anne Byzantine Catholic parish Submitted by Anthony Aguirre in San Louis Obispo, California. The cantor was Dr. Peter Kwasniewski, the choir master at WCC. Among the gathered students were Alexis Aguirre from St. Anne Byzantine Catholic Church in San Louis Obispo, and Bridget Eames of St. John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church in Seattle, WA. The students and faculty were most grateful to have Fr. Michael celebrate Divine Liturgy and stay for lunch. Fr. Michael plans to make the pilgrimage to the campus once a semester and share with the students, and the state, the beauty of the Byzantine Catholic Divine Liturgy. Light of the West Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix Pastoral Center 8105 N. 16 th Street Phoenix, AZ Phone: (602) Fax: (602) (USPS PERMIT #1750) Postage paid at Phoenix, AZ Official Publication of the Byzantine Catholic Bishop of Van Nuys. Subscription rate: $12.00 per year Published 5 times a year by the Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix, 8105 North 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ Phone: (602) Fax: (602) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Light of the West, 8105 North 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ Most Rev. Gerald N. Dino, President Ms. Kathleen Slonka, Editor us at: lightofthewest@cox.net 2 Glory to Jesus Christ

3 Happy New Year From the Pastoral Center in Phoenix January - February

4 Christmas Celebration In the Eparchy Getting ready for the big play, St. Thomas the Apostle, Gilbert, AZ Shepherds everywhere - Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Albuquerque, NM St. Nicholas with the children. St. Basil, Los Gatos, CA St. Nicholas greeting the children. St. Basil, Los Gatos, CA Holy Protection, Denver, CO From L - R: Jan Park, husband Jeff Park and Florence Park, celebrate Holy Supper - St. Thomas the Apostle, Gilbert, AZ The sweetest looking angels - Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Albuquerque, NM Holy Protection, Denver, CO 4 Glory to Jesus Christ

5 Holy Supper - Memories and Prayers submitted by Kris Forbes, St.Thomas the Apostle, Gilbert, AZ Merry lights twinkle from the Christmas tree in the corner, adding to the soft glow from the candles on each table. The savory smell of cooking onions and baked fish fills the air as does the laughter and chatter of children and adults alike. After several minutes of hustle and bustle from the dedicated volunteers, everything is in place and Father calls for the ceremony to begin. This was the beginning of the Holy Supper at St. Thomas the Apostle Byzantine Catholic Church in Gilbert, AZ where Fr. Diodoro Mendoza is the pastor. Chants and incense rise to Heaven. Looking around at the faces of my family, I realize what an incredible blessing it is to be at this Holy Supper. Each item on the table from the bundle of hay, to the loaf of bread, to the garlic makes real for us part of the mystery and wonder of this season. More than that, it makes us part of it. I bless my children and watch their noses wrinkle as they taste the bitter garlic. My prayer is earnest as I ask God for their lives to be sweet like the honey. I think of Mary holding the infant Jesus, of all the hardships and bitterness that lay ahead for her family. I don t know what lies ahead for us, but at this moment we are truly blessed to be together with our parish family. We are blessed to have the witness of our Bishop, priests and sisters present. We are blessed to have plenty of good food to eat, songs and stories to share, and our faith alive and active - God s blessings, sweeter than honey! Fr. Michael Kirila, daughter and wife Betty. St. Thomas the Apostle, Gilbert, AZ Holy Supper, St. Thomas the Apostle, Gilbert, AZ With permission from Fr. Augustyn Holy Protection, Denver, CO January - February

6 Day of Discernment Held in Phoenix, AZ There are many seemingly expected responses that teens would give to the following questions: What makes you happy? ; What makes you unhappy? ; and, What gives meaning to your life?. Although these are not easily answered questions for any age group, there are some typical answers expected from teens. Correct? Even so, the responses given by this group of teens was definitely unexpected. It was the week following the wondrous Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior. Most schools were still on their Christmas break, and many students were still awed by the Christmas gifts they had recently received. This is the same time period of our Day of Discernment. Topics for the time of discernment were from Principles & Choices: Identity and Values by Camille Pauley and Rev. Robert J. Spitzer. The text gradually unfolds a journey reflecting on four levels of happiness and makes these applicable to social issues. Expected and typical responses to the questions above might have focused on their new and prized possessions. Nonetheless, each of these young ladies spoke of their family relationships as being the center of their responses, revealing the truth that their family relationships are the focal point of their lives. It truly was inspiring to witness the depth with which these young ladies revealed their most cherished gifts of life. Their spotlights went far beyond mere things or personal achievements. Their lights illuminated ways in which they can live for others. What a joy to behold! The Day of Discernment was held at the convent of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great, at St. Stephen Cathedral in Phoenix, AZ. Welcome to Father Matthew Alejo The Eparchy of Phoenix would like to welcome Father Matthew Blas Alejo of Bakersfield, CA. He was professed as an Augustinian Recollect Friar in 2004, and was ordained a priest in June 2005 by Bishop Alexander Salazar of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Most of his time has been spent in Mexico and Guatemala as well as in La Reja, Buenos Aires, Argentina. He will spend time in Phoenix, learning more about our Byzantine Catholic Church while awaiting an assignment in our Eparchy. 6 Glory to Jesus Christ

7 Homeless Young People Find Joy, Hope at Christmas Party by Nissa LaPoint Fr. Michael O Loughlin, Pastor of Holy Protection Byzantine Catholic Church in Denver, CO, hands a present to a homeless woman. A warm meal and gifts wrapped in bows awaited dozens of homeless youths last weekend in downtown Denver. The annual Christmas Party held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Denver by the Denver Homeless Ministry gave destitute teenagers and young adults a glimpse of joy and hope. I think it brings us all together, said 22 year-old Michael Smith. I spent the last couple of holidays by myself. I was walking around aimlessly. Others said they, too, enjoyed the time spent with family and friends. I like having dinners with my family, said Lashella Shelton, 20, of her husband and two children. It doesn t happen very often. Tanya Cangelosi founded the ministry to bring the love of Christ to those living on the streets, many who ve experienced abuse and grew up in a dysfunctional family. This is the fourth year she s held the Christmas party. I want them to experience what we experience at banquets, prom nights and Christmas, said Cangelosi of Holy Protection of the Mother of God Byzantine Catholic Church in Denver. Volunteers from Denver, and from as far as Steamboat Springs, volunteered to serve meals and distribute presents during the party Dec. 14 near 15th and Grant streets. Father Michael O Loughlin, of Holy Protection Byzantine Parish, and Father Chris Uhl, of Holy Ghost Roman Church, in Denver called out names and handed presents to the group. It s a nice event and perfect time to show generosity, January - February Father Uhl said. They need love. Everybody needs love. ` After eating dinner, the youths shared laughter and posed for photographs near the Christmas tree. Several shared thoughts on how they ve made it through months, or years, of homelessness. I try to keep it positive, said Marcus Hulum, 23. As long as you know you can find a place to sleep and wake up in the morning, then it s another chance to make it better. Some said their faith in God carries them through the struggles living on the street. If it wasn t for my faith in God, I couldn t have been homeless for eight years, said Shane Reid, 31. David Baker, 25, said he learned about God through his grandmother who raised him after his parents gave up on me. After his grandmother, Candy, died from cancer at 58 years old, he became homeless, he said. I m not going to lie, I thought about quitting my faith, Baker said after her death. This is one of the first Christmases I m not in jail. But Baker said he continues to read Scripture and works at his faith. I just put my trust in the Lord, he said. For more information about the Denver Homeless Ministry, visit Editor s note: this article was written by Nissa Lapoint: ; nissa.lapoint@archden.org; com/dcregisternissa. Permission was given by her and the Denver Catholic Register. 7

8 (Cont d from page 1) Finally God, the Judge, says: Giving thanks (Eucharistia) is the sacrifice that honors me (Ps. 50: 23). This was meant as a reminder that the Israelites were meant to repent and continue the sacrificial system of honoring God, but in a sincere and heartfelt fashion. This Psalm is meant to remind the People of God of His displeasure at a mere external observance of religious practices without a true metanoia, a repentance for our human failings and a conversion to a deep inner Faith. Some of the Israelites restricted their religion to only fulfilling the prescribed rituals. They brought their sacrificial animals to the priests in the Temple and then went home, thinking this was sufficient to please God. Does this remind any of you of those Catholics today who send their contributions to their home parish but rarely attend the celebration of the Eucharist? Worse yet, are those Catholics who attend Church Services regularly but who refuse to speak to their brother or sister or neighbor. This Psalm reminds us of what St. John the Apostle wrote in his first Epistle: If anyone says My love is fixed on God, yet hates his brother, he is a liar. One who has no love for his brother he has seen, cannot love the God, he has not seen. (1 Jn. 4:20). The Old Covenant made by God with the Israelites was perfected by Jesus, the Son and Definitive Word of God. This New Covenant was handed down to His followers, the members of the Church which Jesus founded. They are now the New People of God. So, the basic principles that God spoke to the Ancient Israelites in Psalm 50 are now to be applied to us, the New People of God. The Great Fast is meant to remind us of the necessity of living by these principles if we wish to honor God and avoid strict justice. A SUMMER MONASTIC ADVENTURE At Duchovny Dom - Weston, Oregon College age men Sophomore or Junior Year June, July and August 2014 Recommendation of Parents and Pastor Room, Board and modest compensation Prayer and Work Must supply own transportation to and from Monastery: There are two openings You may be the prayerful ones! For more information please call: Rt. Reverend Joseph Stanichar Glory to Jesus Christ

9 Regulations for the Great Fast The Most Reverend Gerald N. Dino, Bishop of Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix, has asked that the following directives be communicated to clergy, religious and faithful: 1. ABSTINENCE a. The law of abstinence forbids the use of meat, but permits the use of eggs and dairy products. b. Abstinence is to be observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays of the Great Fast. c. All of the faithful of the Eparchy who receive Holy Communion are obligated to abstain on these days. 2. STRICT ABSTINENCE a. The law of strict abstinence (strict fast) forbids the use of meat, eggs and dairy products. b. Strict Abstinence is to be observed on the following days: - First Day of the Great Fast, Monday, March 3, Great Friday, April 18, 2014 c. All adult faithful -18 years and older - who receive Holy Communion are obligated to observe strict abstinence. 3. DISPENSATIONS: Pastors and Administrators may, for a just cause, grant to individual faithful and to individual families dispensations or commutations of abstinence and strict abstinence into other pious practices. 4. DIVINE LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS: In keeping with our Byzantine Catholic liturgical prescriptions, the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gift is celebrated on Wednesdays and Fridays of the Great Fast and on the first three days of Holy Week. For pastoral reasons, at least one Presanctified Liturgy each week and at least one during the first three days of Holy Week is to be celebrated in each parish. 5. ALL SOULS SATURDAYS The All Souls Saturdays are to be observed on the designated Saturdays with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and the reading of the Diptychs for the faithful departed. 6. WEEKDAY DIVINE LITURGY a. In keeping with our ancient traditions, Divine Liturgy is not to be celebrated on the aliturgical weekdays of the Great Fast. b. Pastors are encouraged to offer other services during the weekdays of the Great Fast in keeping with our traditions as a Byzantine Catholic Church, namely Matins, the Divine Praises, Vespers or Compline. At these liturgies, Holy Communion may be distributed. The same applies to funerals during the Great Fast. Behold, the time of virtue has arrived! The Judge is seated at the gate. Let us not put on a gloomy face: but, while fasting, let us offer Him our tears and alms: and with compunction in our heart, let us say: We have sinned more numerously than the sands of the sea. Forgive us, O Redeemer of the world, that we may also share the crown of immortality. from Sessional Hymn of Cheesefare Sunday Matins January - February

10 San Francisco Pro-Life March: January 2014 submitted by Samantha Baron This year s San Francisco Walk for Life was held on January 25, For those of us coming out from the Santa Barbara/San Luis Obispo County areas, we started out with Divine Liturgy at 9:00 a.m. in Los Gatos with Fr. Anthony Hernandez, Pastor of St. Basil the Great Byzantine Catholic Church in Los Gatos and our pastor Fr. Milan Kasperek, of St. Anne Byzantine Catholic Church. After Liturgy, it was still an hour s drive to San Francisco. Upon arriving in the city, we saw a mass of Pro- Life supporters gathered, listening to the speakers. Those speakers sounded very passionate about what they were talking about: the Pro-Life movement. Pro-life supporters from far and wide came to this march in honor of and tribute to the poor babies who were aborted; they were also there to protest abortion. It was about an hour s walk, but it was worth going in order to represent all the little souls who went to heaven. Throughout the March, there were prayers to honor those who were aborted and prayers to help the poor souls who believe abortion is okay. There were many people standing on the sidelines. Many of these people were just bystanders, but some were also Pro-Lifers who did not join the March, and still others were Pro-Choicers who were yelling and holding signs of protest against us. Some yelled with bull horns, and still they were not heard over the roar of the people chanting Pro-life! Pro-life! It makes you wonder what has made these people so angry. Why would they be yelling at us? We are nothing but kind to them when we go on these walks, and yet they continue to yell at us and use bad language and curse us and God! Maybe they aren t angry at us, so much as what we are trying to do: abolish abortion. They have been lied into thinking that abortion is okay, that it s not murder because it s not a human being yet. Sadly, people know what they are doing in their hearts. No matter how much they try to tell themselves that it s ok, it will never be, and they know it. They can t hide from the grief they will feel and the pain of losing a child. The anguish and despair they will feel will not compare to anything they have ever experienced before no matter how bad the loss of their baby will be worse to women as well as men. It is encouraging to know that there were less abortion supporters this year than the last Pro-Life March in San Francisco. I feel that what that means is that we are making good progress in our quest to abolish abortion. This Pro-Life walk was an altogether enjoyable experience that I will never forget. I will never forget how much fun some of the people were and how funny others were. There is so much to learn from the highly respected speakers who were brave enough to speak in front of so many thousands of people. There were so many enjoyable things that happened. Many good friends showed up and everyone had a grand time. I could not believe how many people showed up, though I have been to the March before. I hope that each year the Pro-Life continues to grow, and more and more people show up, more than just the Catholics and Christians. St. Anne Parishioners, San Luis Obispo, CA Pro-Life Veteran - God bless our Veterans! St. Anne Parishioners, San Luis Obispo, CA 10 Glory to Jesus Christ

11 Group picture of representatives from 4 Eastern Catholic Churches: Saint Basil the Great Byzantine Catholic Church (Los Gatos), Saint Anne Byzantine Catholic Church (San Luis Obispo), St. Philip Byzantine Catholic Church (Sacramento), and Our Lady of Fatima Russian Byzantine Catholic Church (San Francisco) San Francisco City Hall in background St. Basil Parishioners O Lord, our God, at this most critical time, we entrust the United States of America to your loving care. We beg you to reclaim this land for your glory. Overwhelmed with the burden of the sins of our nation, we cry to you from the depths of our hearts and seek refuge in your fatherly protection. Look down with mercy upon us and touch the hearts of our people. Open our minds to the responsibilities that accompany human freedom. Free us from the falsehoods that lead to the evil of abortion. Grant our country the wisdom to proclaim that God s law is the foundation on which this country was founded, and that He alone is the true source of our cherished rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Give us the courage to reject the culture of death. O Lord, have mercy on us who have fallen into so many and such great sins. In your kindness and in your compassion do not cast us away from your presence, but in your love for all, teach us your moral laws. Enlighten the eyes of our minds, cast out all dark ness of sin from our hearts and direct our steps along the path of moral excellence. For to you is due all glory, honor and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen. (unknown source) January - February

12 Announcing Eparchial Women s Retreat for 2014 A Retreat Experience for girls, teens and women sponsored by the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix MYRRH-BEARERS Announcing Byzantine Youth Rally for 2014 June 27-29, 2014 Rancho El Chorro 2450 Pennington Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA "O women, be the heralds of good news." For more information, please go to The Myrrh-Bearers Retreat for girls, teens and women is being sponsored by the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix. The dates are June 27-29, 2014 and will be held at Rancho El Chorro in San Luis Obispo, CA. "Women of Faith" retreat theme will focus on women from the Old and New Testaments and "Women of Faith" today. Flyers and registration materials will be available in all parishes of our Eparchy in March. These will also be available by calling Sr. Jean Marie at Glory to Jesus Christ

13 Marian Eucharistic Conference submitted by Constantino and Maryann Santos Every January, hundreds of people gather at Paso Robles, California for the annual Marian Eucharistic Conference. People come from all over the State of California for this religious event. On Saturday, January 11, at 7 A.M. at Saint Rose of Lima Church in Paso Robles, Father Milan Kasperek, Administrator of Saint Anne Byzantine Catholic Church in San Luis Obispo, California, celebrated the Divine Liturgy, along with Father Marc Dauphine and Deacon John Bradley. Approximately 170 people attended this Liturgy. About half of the Catholics of the Latin Rite present had never participated in a Divine Liturgy of an Eastern Catholic Rite. Speaking with some of them afterwards, they shared how touching, reverent and inspiring they found the Divine Liturgy. A few of them joined us on Sunday, January 12, at Saint Anne in San Luis Obispo for the Divine Liturgy. Speaking at the conference were Father Andrew Apostoli, a frequent host on the Eternal Word Television Network and the Vice-Postulator for the Cause for the Canonization for Archbishop Fulton Sheen; Deacon Alex Jones, who up until ten years ago was the preacher of a thriving Black independent Pentecostal congregation in Detroit. He has since been ordained as a Latin Rite Catholic Deacon. Another speaker was Father Donald Calloway, another convert to Catholicism and a member of the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. Before his conversion, he was a high school dropout who had been kicked out of a foreign country, institutionalized twice and thrown in jail multiple times. After his conversion, he earned a B.A. from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH, a M.Div. and a S.T.B. from the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. and an S.T.L. in Mariology from the International Marian Research Institute in Dayton, OH. Also speaking were Deacon Harold, Founder and Director of Aurem Cordis, a Christian evangelization and apologetics organization, and finally, Father Pat, the founder of a Mission Program on God s Love in our Broken Lives. St. Rose of Lima in Paso Robles, CA. The Divine Liturgy was the opening of day 2 of the Central California Marian Eucharistic Conference which was held Jan 10 & 11, Father Marc Dauphine processes in front of Father Milan Kasparek as Deacon John Bradley leads the procession. January - February

14 LA Religious Education Congress Update HOPE: A WORLD AFIRE is the theme for the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress (LAREC), March 14-16, 2014, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Office of Religious Education, to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center. On Saturday, March 15th, Bishop Gerald will celebrate the Byzantine Catholic Divine Liturgy at 5:15 pm in the Marriott Grand Ballroom F. Our Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix will also be present at the LAREC booths, We will feature some Byzantine liturgical vestments and vessels, an iconographer writing an Icon, and various handouts showcasing the richness and fullness of our Byzantine Catholic Church. Our presence at this prestigious event is our ongoing attempt to raise the level of awareness of the On a beautiful Saturday at St. Anne Byzantine Catholic Parish, a day to remember with joy and fellowship was celebrated. At the suggestion of Fr. Milan Kasperek, our Parish Administrator, and his wife, Maria, a special midday gathering of parishioners was organized starting with an 11 AM Divine Liturgy followed by a surprise lunch in the recently remodeled parish hall. Although the occasion was open to everyone, the event was meant to honor the senior members and parents of our parish family. Having enriched ourselves with spiritual food at the Divine Liturgy, celebrated by Fr. Milan, we were all invited to move to the parish hall for a special noontime meal. A beautiful welcome in the parish hall unfolded! A magnificent three-course lunch of salad, chicken/ rice entree and stuffed cabbage followed by dessert. The young people of the parish prepared the table universality of the Catholic Church, and is a response to Blessed Pope John Paul II s appeal to breathe with both lungs. In November, 2013, Pope Francis met with the Eastern Catholic Patriarchs and Major Archbishops of the Eastern Catholic Churches, continuing the work of the communion of the individual sui juris churches, over 20 in total, that make up the one, universal Catholic Church. Together, East & West, let us affect Creation with the fire of Hope! San Luis Obispo Parish Keeps Busy settings, served the food and beverages; then cleared and cleaned after the meal. We thought we were in a four-star restaurant with all the attention by them. It was so appreciated. But, they were not finished; a group of our young people and kids performed a musical organized by them. It included singing, guitar playing and a medley of songs played on a harp. Our young parishioners are so talented and dedicated to our parish and we are very proud of all of them. A memorable time was had by all who attended! There was a general consensus to try and make this an annual event. Thank you to everyone who attended, but most especially, thank you to our chef, and to our young parishioners who gave up their Saturday first to serve God and then their parish family. We are so blessed! OK, what song should we do next. Strummimg on the ole guitar Accepting the applause of the seniors. 14 Glory to Jesus Christ

15 Arizona Catholic Bishops Visit State Capitol Phoenix, AZ January 28 and 29 were very exciting and productive days for the Bishops of the Arizona Catholic Conference. The Bishops met with a number of the key elected officials over the two days to discuss a number of important issues ranging from religious liberty, the sanctity of human life, immigration, school choice and ways to help the most vulnerable in our society. The Bishops are grateful to Governor Jan Brewer, House Speaker Andy Tobin, Senate President Andy Biggs and the nearly two dozen legislators who met with them at one of the Conference s sponsored events. The top left photo was taken in the House Chambers. L to R: Bishop Eduardo Nevares, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix; Bishop Gerald Dino, Bishop of the Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix; Bishop Gerald Kicanas, Bishop of the Diocese of Tucson; House Speaker Andy Tobin; Bishop Thomas Olmsted, Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix; Bishop James Wall, Bishop of the The Bishops of the Arizona Catholic Conference met with Governor Jan Brewer on Tuesday, Jan. 28 to express their thanks to her for her support on issues that concern the conference members. Bishop Gerald is second from the left on the far side. Diocese of Gallup; and Ron Johnson, Executive Director of the Arizona Catholic Conference. Eparchy of Phoenix Bishop s Appeal Begins Proposed Distribution Contingency Fund 85, Seminarian Education Fund 20, Priests Pension Fund 15, Vocation Recruitment 10, Light of the West 10, Rebates 55, How can I repay the LORD for all the great good done for me? PSALM 116:12 TOTAL 195,00.00 January - February

16 Byzantine Catholic Bishop of Van Nuys Holy Protection of Mary Eparchy of Phoenix LIGHT OF THE WEST 8105 North 16th Street Phoenix, Arizona NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PHOENIX, AZ PERMIT NO ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED FORWARDING AND RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED Upcoming Events Los Angeles Religious Education Congress Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA March 14-16, 2014 Eparchial Clergy Conference, St. Stephen Cathedral Conference Hall, Phoenix, AZ June 9-13, 2014 Myrrh Bearer s Retreat Rancho El Chorro - San Luis Obispo, CA June 27-29, 2014 Byzantine Youth Rally Mount St. Mary s University - Emmitsburgh, MD July 10-13, 2014 Alive in Christ Camp Y.M.C.A. Snow Mountain Ranch in Colorado July 24 - July 27, 2014 ALASKA Anchorage Saint Nicholas of Myra 2200 Arctic Blvd. Anchorage, AK Rev. Michael Sidun (907) Sun. Liturgy: Vigil 6pm; 10am Wasilla Bl. Theodore Romzha Mission 1201 Bogard Rd. Wasilla, AK Rev. Michael Sidun (907) Sun. Liturgy: 3pm; Summer 5pm ARIZONA Gilbert Saint Thomas the Apostle 19 W. Bruce Ave. Gilbert, AZ Rev. Diodoro Mendoza (480) Channing Ave Sun. Liturgy: Vigil 6pm; 10am Phoenix Saint Stephen Cathedral 8141 N 16th St. FRNT Phoenix, AZ Rt. Rev. Stephen G. Washko (602) Sun. Liturgy: Vigil: 5pm; 8am; 10am Tucson Saint Melany 1212 N Sahuara Ave. Tucson, AZ Rev. Robert Rankin (520) Sun. Liturgy: Vigil 5pm 10am; CALIFORNIA Anaheim Church of the Annunciation 995 N. West St. Anaheim, CA Rev. James Barrand (714) Sun. Liturgy : 10am Fontana Saint Nicholas of Myra 9112 Oleander Ave. Fontana, CA Very Rev. Joseph Hutsko (909) Sun. Liturgy: 10am Los Gatos Saint Basil the Great Mulberry Drive Los Gatos, CA Rev. Anthony Hernandez (408) Sun. Liturgy: 10am Sun Liturgy: 11am St. Albert the Great Church Sacramento Saint Philip the Apostle th St. Sacramento, CA Rev. Francis Murin (916) Sun. Liturgy: Vigil: 5pm; 10am San Diego Holy Angels 2235 Galahad Road San Diego, CA Very Rev. Robert Pipta (858) Sat. Vespers: 5pm Sun. Matins: 8am Sun. Liturgy: 9am Serving 13 Western States. 19 Parishes. 1 Mission. 8 Outreaches. San Luis Obispo Saint Anne 222 E. Foothill Blvd. San Luis Obispo, CA Rev. Milan Kasperek (805) Sun. Liturgy: 10am Walnut Creek East Bay Outreach Liturgies at St Mary Roman Catholic Church 2039 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Walnut Creek, CA Sherman Oaks Proto-Cathedral of Saint Mary 5329 Sepulveda Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA Very Rev. Mel Rybarczyk, CR (818) Sun. Liturgy: 9:30am COLORADO Denver Holy Protection 1201 South Elizabeth Denver, CO Rev. Michael O Loughlin (303) Sun. Liturgy: 10am Fort Collins Outreach Blessed John XXIII University Parish 1220 University Ave, Fort Collins, CO Rev. Michael O Loughlin (303) Sun. Liturgy 3pm NEVADA Las Vegas Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Outreach 8530 Robertson Road Las Vegas, NV Rt. Rev. Francis Vivona, JCL (702) Sun. Liturgy: 5pm Las Vegas Our Lady of Wisdom 2120 Lindell Road Las Vegas, NV, Rt. Rev. Francis Vivona, JCL (702) Sun. Liturgy: Vigil: 5pm; 10am Las Vegas Saint Gabriel the Archangel 2250 E Maule Ave Las Vegas, NV Rev. Marcus Gomori (702) Sun. Liturgy Vigil: 4pm:10am MONTANA Missoula Outreach St. John the Baptist, Main St Frenchtown, Montana Rev. William O Brien (509) Sun. Liturgy 2nd & 4th Sundays 6pm NEW MEXICO Albuquerque Our Lady of Perpetual Help 1837 Alvarado Dr. NE Albuquerque, NM Rev Brian Escobedo (505) Sun. Liturgy: 10am OREGON Portland Saint Irene 4630 N Maryland Ave. Portland, OR Rev. Frank Knusel (503) Sun. Liturgy: 10am WASHINGTON Mount Vernon Whatcom, Skagit & Island Outreach Immaculate Conception Church Mount Vernon, WA Rev Michael Mandelas (206) Sun. Liturgy: 5:30pm Olympia Saint George 9730 Yelm Hwy. Olympia, WA Rev. James Lane (360) Sun. Liturgy: 10:30 am Seattle Saint John Chrysostom 1305 South Lander St. Seattle, WA Rev Michael Mandelas (206) Sun. Liturgy: Vigil 5pm; Matins 10:00 am Spokane Valley Saints Cyril & Methodius 4315 N. Evergreen Rd. Spokane Valley, WA Rev. William O Brien (509) Sun. Liturgy: Vigil: 5pm; 10am 16 Glory to Jesus Christ