Light of the West. Enthronement Picture - Article starts on page 3. July - August Vol. XXIV, No. 4 July - August, 2016

Transcription

1 Light of the West Vol. XXIV, No. 4 July - August, July - August 2016 Enthronement Picture - Article starts on page 3. 1

2 Bishop John Writes His First Pastoral Letter Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory now and Forever!! September 1st marks the beginning of our Liturgical Year. Just as we observe January 1st with resolution for the new year, we can do the same with September 1st. It s a time to renew our awareness of the feasts we celebrate during September and October. Mary s Birth on September 8th and the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14th reminds us of God s gift in His Mother and the reality of the life-giving cross. On the Feast of Mary s Nativity, we pray to be delivered from sterile barrenness in good works and that we be made worthy to do works of kindness and compassion as our offerings to her Son. The AMBON Prayer for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross tells us the importance of the Cross. Lord,You dwell in the heights and it is you who exalt all, for by Your own will you endured being lifted up on the cross, so that by Your pure outstretched hands You mights draw all of us to Yourself. The cross is there to strengthen and lead us to the mystery of Christ s love for every person. Twice a year, approximately six months apart, the Church invites us to meditate on the power and wisdom of the crucified Christ during the third week of the Great Fast and the week of September 14-21st. Finally, let us not forget the Patronal Feast of our Eparchy on October 1st, the Protection of the Theotokos. The Kontakion of this feast is so reassuring: Today the Virgin is present in the Church and with the choirs of saints, invisibly prays to God for us. Our Eparchy s patronal Feast underscores the truth of St. Bernard s prayer that never was it known that anyone who fled to Mary s protection, implored her help or sought her intercession was left unaided. Have a great Liturgical year! +Bishop John 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: $20.00 per year - Please make checks payable to the Eparchy of Phoenix Published 6 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. John S. Pazak, President Ms. Kathleen Slonka, Editor us at: lightofthewest@cox.net 2 Glory to Jesus Christ

3 The Enthronement of The Fifth Bishop of Our Eparchy By mid-morning of Wednesday, July 20, 2016, the sun was beating down on the people as they gathered to attend the splendid service reserved for the Enthronement of Bishop John S. Pazak DD. as the Fifth Bishop of the Eparchy of Phoenix. St Helen s Roman Catholic Church in Glendale, AZ, was the site of this glorious Enthronement. The church, huge as it was, seemed to be filled to capacity. The choir sang magnificently as all of the people joined in to sing praises to God. The procession, starting with the Knights of Columbus, the clergy of the eparchy, the eastern priests who were present, two of the Roman Catholic Diocesan bishops, the three Eparchial Bishops, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh and the Apostolic Nuncio walked to the front of the church and the service began. Early in the service the Apostolic Nuncio, Christophe Pierre, went to the podium and read the Papal Bull which proclaimed Bishop John worthy of this Enthronement. The Bull stated: Francis Bishop Servant of the Servants of God To Our Venerable Brother John Stephen Pazak, a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer and, up to now, Bishop of the Eparchy of Saints Cyril and Methodius of Some of the clergy listening to the Nuncio s speech Toronto for Slovaks of the Byzantine Rite, at this time transferred to the Eparchy of Holy Protection of Mary in Phoenix, greetings and Apostolic blessing. Master of Ceremony Very Rev. Robert Pipta is holding the book for Metropolitan William Skurla to read. The episcopal office, to which the Lord Jesus has joined the important responsibilities of teaching Christ s faithful and of leading them to holiness, albeit something high and noble, always occupies a central place in the mission of evangelization. Consequently, it is with the greatest attention that We take particular care to appoint for each Local Church a fitting Shepherd to govern his flock with the requisite pastoral solicitude and authority. For this reason, inasmuch as the Eparchy of the Holy Protection of Mary in Phoenix needs its own Ordinary, owing to the resignation of Our Venerable Brother Gerald Nicholas Dino, Apostolic Nuncio Christophe Pierre reads the Bull written by Pope Francis. July - August 2016 Continued on Page 4. 3

4 We judge that you, Venerable Brother, clearly manifest the virtues necessary for guiding this community. Therefore, upon consultation with the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, by virtue of our Apostolic authority, We release you from the bond of the Eparchy of Saints Cyril and Methodius of Toronto for Slovaks of the Byzantine Rite, and We name and appoint you Bishop of the Eparchy of Holy Protection of Mary in Phoenix, conferring upon you the rights and the obligation prescribed for this mandate in canon law. Accordingly, you will be sure to inform the clergy and the people of this your community, so that they may know who it is they are to love as their Father, follow as their Shepherd and adhere to as their Teacher. Finally, Venerable Brother, carefully reflect upon this new office which We entrust to you, and know that pastoral care cannot be worthily provided without the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel and the others of the Holy Spirit, aided by which you will be garnered abundant fruit for leading souls into heaven. Starting the procession in church are the bishops Given at Rome, at St. Peter s, on the seventh day of the month of May, in the year of the Lord two thousand sixteen, during the Jubilee of Mercy, the fourth of Our Pontificate. Francis Bishop John, Bishop Gerald and Archbishop Christophe Pierre listening to the homily by Bishop John S. Pazak. Altar servers and clergy after the Liturgy pose for the picture in St Helen Church. 4 Glory to Jesus Christ

5 Bishop John receives the chalice at the Great Entrance Bishop John in serious thought. Best friends forever, Alice, Arlene, Mary Jo and Debbie Presbyters receiving the precious blood. Benjamin is anxiously waiting for the Liturgy to start Friends Kay and Dorothy seem to be having a very good time. Carol and her father enjoyed the luncheon immensely. Out of town guests enjoying themselves after dinner. July - August

6 Las Vegas Parish Witnesses Another Son Ordained to The Presbyterate Submitted by Fr. Stephen Casmus Newly Ordained Fr Stephen Casmus greets his mother, Mrs. Alicia Casmus, with a kiss and a bouquet of flowers Deacon Joseph Wargacki helps dress Fr Stephen in his new vestments My life as a Byzantine Catholic started back in 1995 when I first attended the Divine Liturgy at Saint Gabriel s Byzantine Catholic Church in Las Vegas. I arrived in southern Nevada in 1993, and attended Saint Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Henderson. I volunteered as an usher and served at the 11:30 Mass. Shortly after I started serving as an usher, a visiting priest started celebrating that particular mass to help out the pastor there. His name was Fr. Francis Vivona, a bi-ritual priest. He came quite regularly and we started talking before and after Mass. One Sunday Fr. Francis saw my name tag and asked me what kind of name Casmus was. I told him Greek. He rose up, pointed his finger at me and said: You belong to me!!! I said: How so? (Thinking: You re a crazy man! ) He said: You re Greek. You belong in the Greek Church. But I was raised in this Church. I said. Thereafter, I would cringe when I saw him, or more correctly when he saw me because he would remind me that I was Greek and needed to see my heritage; that I needed to attend the Divine Liturgy at his Church. For about a year this went on until I finally said to myself: I gotta get this guy off my back. I asked him where they celebrated the Liturgy, fully intending to go and then tell him: Been there; done that; happy where I am. (Apparently God had other plans for me.) He told me they met at Saint Gabriel s at 6:30 PM on Saturdays. I told him I would come. So the next Saturday, not wanting to be late, I went to Saint Gabriel s around 6:00, and found the parking lot full. Just as I was getting out of my car, the doors of the church opened and everyone came out. I looked at the sign. It said 5:00 PM so I thought I had missed the Liturgy and I left. The next week I went at 5:00 PM, but when the Liturgy started, I didn t recognize the priest. Afterward, he greeted me and introduced himself as Fr. Stephen Washko. He asked me what brought me to Saint Gabriel s and I told him: Fr. Francis. He said: Oh, he s at 6:30. I stayed and at 6:30 Fr. Francis and Our Lady of Wisdom arrived for their celebration. Left: Standing room only for the Ordination. Right: Deacon Casmus reading the Gospel. Continued on next page - CASMUS 6 Glory to Jesus Christ

7 Continued from page 6 - CASMUS My first experience with the Byzantine Liturgy was a double whammy. I was hooked and I haven t looked back. I applied for and received a change of rite. In 1999, I applied to be part of the first Diaconal formation class. Having completed the courses, I was ordained to the deaconate by, then, Bishop William Skurla on June 7, I was assigned to Our Lady of Wisdom and served there 11 years. When my wife, Karen, passed away in 2012, my whole world was turned upside down and I began to question why I was doing what I was doing. I had a great job at the City of Henderson, but I had no one to support. I began to ask myself: Why do I need this job? Why not be of greater service to the Church? Why not consider the priesthood? All these questions hounded me, so I asked Bishop Gerald Dino if he would consider accepting me for formation for presbyteral ordination. His response was positive. Next came the application to the seminary, a lengthy and intricate process. I completed the application; it was submitted; and I was accepted on July 9, 2014, the second anniversary of Karen s death. I took that to be her approval. So, I sold my house and quit my job and went off to Pittsburgh to the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius. Now, two years later, after much study and prayer, I have been ordained to the priesthood and I pray that I can be a worthy servant of God and His people. Father Francis solemnly holds the candle as Deacon Casmus gets ready to be led the final steps to the altar for his Ordination to the Prebyterate. Top: Mrs. Casmus is enjoying singing the responses during the Divine Liturgy. Left:Altar servers and clergy gather around Bishop Gerald and newly ordained Fr. Stephen Casmus. July - August

8 Olympia, WA Honors It s Newly Ordained Priest Submitted by Fr. Joseph Wargacki The laying on of hands. Deacon Joseph is now Father Joseph - AXIOS July 3rd, 2016 is a day in my life that is forever burned into my memory. On this day, I was ordained to the Holy Priesthood of Jesus Christ. On this day I experienced joy, peace, love, gratitude and excitement. Not only were these emotions welling up from the depths of my heart, but I also felt that those in my family and parish family were experiencing some of these emotions as well. On this day, there was the expression of love and joy that permeated throughout Saint George Byzantine Catholic Church in Olympia Washington. The love and joy that was felt by me on this day can easily be seen in the faces of those who attended and shared in all of the festive moments of my ordination to the priesthood. The blessings and grace poured out upon me, through the hands of Bishop Gerald on this day, have been a tremendous blessing to me and the parish of St. George. I hope to serve the people of this Eparchy with fervor and joy as a Priest of Jesus Christ. I hope to be that instrument where the people of the Eparchy of Phoenix can encounter Christ and receive His Love. I thank Our Lord Jesus Christ and Bishop Gerald for this gift of the priesthood. be it done to me according to thy word. (Lk 1:38) (Father Joseph Wargacki) The first blessing from Fr. Joseph Wargacki The clergy and servers who were on the altar, witnessing this glorious event, surrounding Bishop Gerald Dino. 8 Glory to Jesus Christ

9 Outside group shot of clergy and Knights of Columbus Father Joseph is receiving his vestment from the Bishop Father Joseph is receiving his epitrachilion from the Bishop Father Joseph is receiving his cross and prayer book from the Bishop Father Joseph and the clergy are enjoying the banquet after the ordination. Father Joseph preparing the bread and wine before his first Solemn Thanksgiving Liturgy. July - August

10 Myrr-Bearers Gather for Annual Retreat The fifty participants traveled far and wide for the Myrrh-Bearers Retreat, from Anaheim, CA; Albuquerque, NM, Denver, CO; Gilbert, AZ; Phoenix, AZ; San Diego, CA and Sherman Oaks, CA Journey to Holiness, the theme for the Myrrh- Bearers Retreat held June 24-26, 2016 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZ, was a holy and sacred experience. The chanting of the Liturgical Prayers of our Church, especially the Matins and Vespers led by the women cantors of our Eparchy, was truly inspiring. Presentations and discussions centered primarily on the stages of the spiritual life and potential obstacles and detours on the journey. Most importantly, signposts pointing to God's Provision for Salvation were addressed. Why is this retreat for girls/teens and women named after the Myrrh-Bearing Women? The name emphasizes the role of women as the first witnesses to our Savior's Resurrection. Like the Myrrh-Bearers mentioned in all four Gospels, God continues to invite women to embrace the call of their unique vocation to be evangelizers and proclaimers of the Good News to their families, parishes and communities. Cathy Kardos listens as one of the retreatants tells the story listed in her booklet. 10 Glory to Jesus Christ

11 One of the highlights was the Anointing of the Sick. Very Rev. Joseph Hutsko was the celebrant. Kristina Forbes gathers with her daughters for the Retreat. The youngest Epistle Chanter for the Eparchy, whose favorite experience of the Myrrh-Bearers Retreat was chanting Matins and Vespers each day. Sr Jean Marie Cihota, OSBM explaining why the phrase Myrrh Bearing Women is used to the audience. July - August 2016 Kathleen Wursta challenges the women to reflect upon the various road signs, i.e., Detours, Dead Ends, Wrong Way, etc., indicating examples of obstacles that can be encountered on the journey to holiness. 11

12 On July 14th, Alive in Christ 2016 began at the Treacy Levine Center in Mt. Vernon, Washington. Throughout the 4 day retreat there were intense challenges physically, mentally, and spiritually. The physical challenges consisted of chariot races, capture the flag, soccer, ultimate frisbee, and, the camp favorite, prisoner ball. The mental challenges were mostly trivia games that were based off of previous talks and information provided during the camp. The trivia games were called, Camp Leaders and Squares (Tic Tac Toe trivia), and Trivia Decathlon. From Friday to Saturday every team was given time to prepare their skits and to practice a Troparion to sing during the procession to the campsite where we would perform; the dads even created a few hilarious skits of their own. Each team also created a banner for their team Saint, adorned in Crosses and symbols of their Saint. The spiritual challenges weren t a competition, but rather just a time to talk to God and to strengthen our relationship with Him. Averaging out to having about 3 prayer services a day, a time to go to Alive in Christ Camp Met in Washington State This Year submitted by Simon Grondin confession, and a all-night vigil on Friday night. The Team of Honor was crowned on the last day after the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Bishop Gerald Dino. Out of the 5 teams, team Basil The Great came out victorious. As a camper of 7 years approaching my final year as a camper. I will never forget all the memories I ve made with the campers, clergy, and leaders. I look forward to the new ones I will make next year. I would like to thank Bishop Gerald for coming to Alive in Christ every year, your presence is truly a blessing to all of the campers. I would also like to thank Fr. Michael O Loughlin and Fr. Michael Mandelas for organizing Alive in Christ this year, and a special thanks to the vocations office of the Eparchy of Phoenix for sponsoring Alive in Christ. I hope to see some new faces next year, and if you are thinking about coming to Alive in Christ next year, I promise you that you will not be disappointed, Parents should make a strong effort to get your son or sons into the camp next year. Running in the outdoors is really good before evening Vespers. Not even on the same team and these guys seem to be having a blast. Tony Sarsam, and his 2 sons, Nikita and Andrew are taking a few minutes before Liturgy to enjoy the scenery. I didn t know we had to bring our bedazzler with us. But I do think we re going to win! 12 Glory to Jesus Christ

13 Green team, practicing it s skit. Vesper services in the chapel. Cool? no the bottle says O2Cool. And he caught a bug on the bottle. The side of the fence where the questions come from. Bishop Gerald has confirmed, this will not be his last Tic Tac Toe game at Alive in Christ July - August 2016 Picture day, after Liturgy before they take off for home. 13

14 News From the Pews Annunciation Parish Celebrates The Fourth Ice Cream Social Sunday July 3rd celebrating the 240 anniversary of our country s independence. At Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church in Anaheim, California after the 10:00 am Parish Liturgy. The parishioners and friends enjoyed Ice Cream and the company of good friends. Children From The Cathedral Parish in Phoenix, AZ Learn About St Christina Hosts: Jillian Morse, Delayne Rock, Sally Rock & Ann Caldrin Priest is Newly Installed at the Cathedral in Phoenix, AZ Pictured are the clergy who were present for the installation of Fr. Diodoro Mendoza, as the new Rector of the Cathedral. Also shown is Clementina Mendoza, Fr. Diodoro s Mother. Father commented that his mother was recently told by her doctors, that she is in remission of her multiple myloma cancer. Deacon Adam Lowe explained to the little ones, on the feast day of St Christina, her story and how she suffered for her faith. Fr. Diodoro is being blessed by Bishop John Pazak who installed him as the new rector of the Cathedral. 14 Glory to Jesus Christ

15 Autobiography of Fr. William Eugene O Brien Jr. Most people that I meet are quite amazed that a Byzantine Catholic priest would have a very Irish name. My usual response is God sometimes works in very strange ways. I was born on June 30, 1949 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. My parents were William Eugene O Brien, Sr., who grew up in Belleville, New Jersey, and Dorothy Eileene Finley who grew up in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. I grew up Roman Catholic in an Irish family. Both my paternal and maternal grandfathers were born and raised in Ireland. My father s oldest brother was the late Rev. Msgr. John J. O Brien, a priest of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. My uncle, whom everyone in my family called Father John, was the means God used to implant the idea in my mind, when I was five years old, that He was calling me to the priesthood. Although I have had the privilege of knowing many wonderful priests and bishops over the years, I have never known a priest who loved his priesthood more and, motivated by that love, was more willing to share his priesthood with others, than my uncle. I have two sisters: Mary Elizabeth, a widow, with two daughters, and Barbara who is married with three daughters. I grew up in New Jersey, attending Catholic elementary and high schools, and graduating from Seton Hall University in 1978 with a degree in Communications. I initially worked in the data processing field, as a computer operator and programmer, before entering the seminary. During all these years the thought that God was calling me to be a priest never left me. I moved to Foster City, California, in the San Francisco Bay area in 1981, working for a small insurance company in the neighboring city of San Mateo, as a computer programmer. In early 1982 I participated in a Walk For Life in San Mateo in which the participants stopped at various Catholic churches along the route of the Walk. One of the July - August 2016 churches was Saint Macrina Byzantine Catholic Church, at that time our parish in the Bay area. I had never been in a Byzantine Catholic church in my life. Yet when I walked into Saint Macrina s I experienced an overwhelming feeling that I was home, that this was where I should be. I realized that I had found something very special. The Walk For Life took place on Lazarus Saturday and we were given the Holy Week schedule. I attended Vespers and Divine Liturgy at Saint Macrina s for the first time on Holy Thursday and just fell in love with the Byzantine Catholic Church. I became an active parishioner of Saint Macrina s and in early 1984 applied to Bishop Thomas Dolinay for Transfer of Rite and admission as a seminarian for the then Eparchy of Van Nuys. Bishop Dolinay graciously granted both of my requests. So I loaded my possessions in my little Toyota Tercel and headed to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Sadly, my uncle, Father John, fell asleep in the Lord in his fifty-third year of priesthood, a month before I entered the seminary. When I arrived at SS Cyril & Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary in that August of 1984, and saw it for the first time, I had the same overwhelming feeling that I had had when I walked into Saint Macrina s for the first time that I was home, that this was where I should be. My four years at SS Cyril & Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary were incredible. On May 8, 1988, at Saint John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, Bishop Thomas Dolinay imposed his hands on me and ordained me to the priesthood for the Eparchy of Van Nuys. I have the honor of being the first priest ever ordained for our Eparchy. I recently celebrated my twenty-eighth anniversary of priestly ordination. I am Pastor of SS Cyril & Methodius Byzantine Catholic Church in Spokane Valley, Washington. I can honestly say that I have never been happier. 15

16 Appointments within the Eparchy of Phoenix Bishop John S. Pazak has made and confirmed the following appointments: Protosyncellus: Most Rev Gerald N Dino Syncellus for California: Rt Rev Stephen Washko Syncellus for Arizona: Very Rev Robert Rankin Syncellus for Nevada: Rt. Rev Francis Vivona J.C.L. Syncellus for the Pacific Northwest: Very Rev Joseph Stanichar Chancellor: Very Rev. Diodoro Mendoza College of Eparchial Consultors: Very Rev Brian Escobedo Very Rev Marcus Gomori Very Rev. Diodoro Mendoza Rt Rev Stephen Washko Rt. Rev Francis Vivona J.C.L Very Rev. Mel Rybarczyk Very Rev. Michael O Loughlin Presbyteral Council: Priests with a Pastoral Assignment in the Eparchy EPARCHIAL FINANCE OFFICE Promoter of Justice: Very Rev Msgr Michael Moran J.C.L Defender of the Bond: Very Rev Msgr Michael Moran J.C.L. Advocates: Rt. Rev. Stephen Washko, Very Rev. Marcus Gomori, Subdeacon Paul Kilroy and Mrs. Pam Morley Notaries: Fr. Stephen Casmus, Very Rev. Marcus Gomori, Mrs Magarita Hernandez, Rev Msgr Kevin McAuliffe and Mrs. Pam Morley. EPARCHIAL OFFICES AND COMMISSIONS Censor: Rt Rev. Frasncis Vivona J.C.L. Ecumenical Affairs: Rt Rev Stpehen Washko Evangelization: Very Rev Diodoro Mendoza Pension Committee: Rev. Msgr. George Vida Very Rev. Marcus Gomori Rt. Rev Stephen Washko Eparchial Finance Officer: Deacon John Danovich Eparchial Assistant Finance Officer: Deacon Adam Lowe Administrative Assistant: Very Rev. Joseph Hutsko Finance Council: Very Rev Joseph Hutsko Deacon James Danovich Rev. Brian Escobedo Very Rev Diodoro Mendoza Rt. Rev. Stephen Washko Deacon Michael Melnick has been relieved of his Finance Office duties and is pursuing a vocation at Duchovny Dom, Weston, OR. Personnel Board: Most Rev. Gerald N Dino Bishop Emeritus Religious Education: Rev. Anthony Hernandez, Director Sr. Jean Marie Cihota, OSBM Asst Director Safe Environment Coordinator: Sr. Jean Marie Cihota, OSBM Vocations Office: Very Rev Michael O Loughlin, Director Rev Michael Mandelas, Asst Director Deacon James Danovich Sr. Jean Marie Cihota, OSBM Youth and Young Adult Ministry: Very Rev. Michael O Loughlin Very Rev. Diodoro Mendoza EPARCHIAL TRIBUNAL Judicial Vicar: Rt. Rev Francis Vivona, J.C.L 16 Glory to Jesus Christ

17 San Luis Obispo, CA Parish Celebrates 30th Anniversary The thirtieth anniversary of the founding of Saint Anne Byzantine Catholic Church in San Luis Obispo, California was an extra special celebration. Most Reverend John S. Pazak, chose our humble parish for his first Parochial visit as the new Bishop of the Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix. Bishop John, escorted by Reverend Father Milan Kasperek, pastor, was greeted at the narthex of the church by Benjamin Kasperek, the pastor s son, Mrs. Julie Carlin and Mr. Edward Stewart. Mrs. Julie Carlin and Mr. Edward Stewart have been active members of the church since its beginnings. Bishop John was welcomed to his church with bread and salt and provided the keys to his church in San Luis Obispo. Bishop John proceeded into the church to pray for his people and to celebrate the Diving Liturgy. At the beginning of the Divine Liturgy, Bishop John bestowed the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Chrismation on the newest member of the parish, Judith Grace Baron. Bishop John continued with the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, Concelebrating with Bishop John were, our Pastor, Reverend Father Milan Kasperek, Reverend Father Diodoro Mendoza, Rector of Saint Stephen Cathedral, Reverend Father Anthony Hernandez from St. Basil Church, Los Gatos, CA, Reverend Father Sebastian Carnazzo, Pastor Saint Elias Melkite Church, Reverend Father Christopher Anthony Bi-Ritual Benedictine priest, Deacon Charles Roeder from Mission San Luis submitted by Edward Stewart Obispo and our own Deacon John Bradley. Reverend Father Diodoro Mendoza was no stranger to the parishioners of Saint Anne. He had been appointed assistant to the Saint Anne s second pastor, the Reverend Father James Lane. Reverend Father James became very ill and was hospitalized for a time. During his homily Bishop John encourage the parishioners to remember their baptism candle and light the way for Christ. This brought to the mind of our parishioners the words of Most Reverend Bishop Kuzma, third Bishop of the Eparchy who challenged the Parishioners to Shine as a beacon of Christ s love on the Central Coast of California. After the Divine Liturgy, Bishop John joined the informal celebration luncheon in the parish hall. The Christianson family provided musical entertainment. Mr. Edward Stewart related facts he had gleaned from the internet, about Bishop John. He then introduced Miss Mariel Linskey. Miss Linskey provided a brief and humorous summary of the thirty-year history of the parish. Mr. Edward Stewart described the events that led to the very first liturgy. He is the only remaining active member of the Parish who was there, June 22, Bishop John and the parishioners enjoyed the wonderful luncheon and the time getting to know one another. Bishop John admitted he really enjoyed the weather of the central coast. The parishioners prayed that God grant Bishop John many happy blessed years and extended an open invitation to visit anytime. San Luis Obispo Parish Hosts First ICC Event - Encore Saint Anne Byzantine Catholic Church hosted its first Submitted by Dana Paul Christianson Institute of Catholic Culture - Encore event on Friday, August 12th. Parishioners and visitors watched a video presentation of a talk entitled, Music & the Soul, by John Cuddeback, Ph.D., philosophy professor at Christendom College. Afterwards, Rev. Father Milan Kasperek fielded questions and comments from the audience, who engaged in a lively discussion. Saint Anne's plans to continue the ICC-Encore events every Friday, following Devine Liturgy. The complete video, Music & the Soul, can be viewed at the following link: Pictures for this event are on page 19 The Institute of Catholic Culture was started in 2006 by Rev. Franklyn McAfee, S.T.D., and Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo, M.A., as an educational outreach project in response to the Church's call for a new evangelization. From its inception, the Institute has offered weekly seminars in Catholic history, philosophy and theology, with a strong emphasis on the study of Sacred Scripture. July - August

18 Religious Education Directors Meet in Maryland The Eastern Catholic Eparchial Directors of Religious Education met at Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center, Marriottsville, Md. for its spring meeting, Monday, May 23 through Thursday, May 26, Pictured are (seated l. to r.): Sr.Jean Marie Cihota, OSBM (Byzantne Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix), Sr.Marion Dobos, OSB (Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Archeparchy of Pittsburgh), Sr. Ann Laszok, OSBM (Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St.Josaphat in Parma, Ohio), (standing l. to r.): Rev. Hezekias Carnazzo (Melkite Greek Catholic Eparchy of Newton, MA), Very Rev. Archpriest John M. Fields, treasurer (Ukrainian Catholic Metropolitan Archeparchy of Philadelphia), Rt. Rev. Mitred Archpriest John S.Kachuba, vice-chairman (Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma, Ohio),Very Reverend Gregory J. Noga, ECED Chairman (Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic, NJ), Rev. Paul L. Voida (Romanian Catholic Eparchy in Canton, Ohio), Rev. Deacon Daniel G. Dozier (Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic, NJ), Rev. Andrew J. Summerson (Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma, Ohio). Discover God s game plan Men invited to weekend retreat at Seminary14 16 October 2016 To be a priest... don t you have to give up everything your family, your friends, the things you enjoy? Don t you have to be super holy, super smart, or somehow different? Come and see if this is the case! Every young man eventually has to make some hard decisions college, career, marriage, family, religious life. How do I know what s right? Does God care what I decide? If you ve ever thought about the priesthood, it s worth taking a weekend to learn how to listen for God s plans for your future. The Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius is hosting a "Come and See" weekend for men ages 18 to 35 who may be considering a vocation to the priesthood in the Byzantine Catholic Church. The event runs from Friday evening, 14 October through Sunday afternoon, 16 October 2016 at the Seminary (3605 Perrysville Avenue) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The weekend retreat is free of charge and will include sharing liturgical services and meals with the Seminary community, an introduction to the Seminary formation program, a tour of the Seminary, gatherings with the Seminarians, talks, and a panel discussion. The retreat is conducted in a no pressure, no hard-sell environment. The atmosphere is prayerful, positive, and fraternal. Any man seeking further information or wishing to register for this "Come and See" retreat of discovery is encouraged to contact his vocation director and use the online registration at Deadline for registrations is the 29th of September. 18 Glory to Jesus Christ

19 Upcoming Events Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Sept 3-4, 2016 Uniontown, PA Religious Ed Congress Feb 24-26, 2017 Theme : Embrace Trust Anaheim, CA Photos from St. Anne Byzantine Catholic Church 30th Anniversary Receiving the gifts after the Great Entrance Bishop John sharing a moment with a student getting ready to go to college in North Dakota. Bishop John receives the bread, salt and keys of the church before the Liturgy begins. Bishop John gives the Gospel book to the young listener to kiss. All attention is at the back of the church where the blessing is taking place for the new soon to be baptized baby. July - August

20 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 In This Issue Bishop John s Pastoral Letter Page 2 San Luis Obispo - ICC event Page 17 ECED directors Page 18 Seminary - Come and See Page 18 Enthronement Page 3 Las Vegas Ordination - Fr Stephen Casmus Page 6 Olympia Ordination - Fr Joseph Wargacki Page 8 Myrrhbearer s Retreat Page 10 Alive in Christ Camp Page 12 News from the Pews page 14 Fr. Bill O Brien autobiography Page 15 Bishop s appointments Page 16 San Luis Obispo Celebrates Page Glory to Jesus Christ