Monastic Retreat Held in Gilbert, AZ

Transcription

1 July - August 2015 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) Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever! Vol. XXIII, No. 4 July - August, 2015 Monastic Retreat Held in Gilbert, AZ monastery is the prophetic place where creation becomes praise of God and the precept of concretely lived charity becomes the ideal of human coexistence; it is where the human The being seeks God without limitation or impediment, becoming a reference point for all people, bearing them in his heart and helping them to seek God. Pope Saint John Paul II, Orientale Lumen (Light of the East) St Thomas the Apostle Byzantine Catholic Church in Gilbert, AZ sponsored a three-day children s monastic retreat. The retreat was led by Fr. Jerome from Holy Dormition Byzantine Catholic Franciscan Friary, Sybertsville, Pa and Sr. Gabriella from Christ the Bridegroom Byzantine Catholic Monastery, Burton OH. The children were given a foretaste of monastic life, learning about the history and daily life in a monastery. They even have the monastic habits in small size. Each daily session began in prayer followed with a silent breakfast and accompanied spiritual reading. Later, the lives of St. Anthony of Egypt and St. Mary of Egypt were presented. The children also made monastic dolls, icons and played a lively game Yes, your coloring book is nicely colored. of faith trivia. Fr. Jerome and Sr. Gabriella shared their vocation stories. The children were able to submit anonymous questions for their guests, ranging from, How was God created? to Do you wear pajamas, and everywhere in between! Three chotki bracelets were raffled off. The lucky winners were Macey Lucovich, Bella Aguayo and Jacob Aguayo. The children had a blast (and the adults too)! May God grant all those involved in the retreat many blessed, happy and healthy years! More Pictures on Page 3 1

2 New Seminary Diaconate Program Begins Pittsburgh, PA. Six men from the Eparchy of Phoenix recently began the Deacon Formation Program at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, PA. Each year for the next four years they will be travelling to Pittsburgh during the month of June to attend classes in Dogma, From L. to R: Timothy Belke - St. Philip, Sacramento, CA - Patrick Cullen - St. Melany, Tucson, AZ - Lorcan MacMurchadha - Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Albuquerque, N.M. - Gregory Gath - Annunciation, Anaheim, CA - Jonathan Deane - Holy Angels, San Diego, CA and Anthony Clark, SS Cyril & Methodius, Spokane, WA. Picture taken in the front of SS Cyril and Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA. Scripture, Homiletics, Canon Law and Church History. These classes are very intensive and are held each day of the week, except Sunday. The program lasts for two weeks for each of the four years. God willing at the end of their fourth year, they will be ordained to the Diaconate. 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 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. Gerald N. Dino, President Ms. Kathleen Slonka, Editor us at: lightofthewest@cox.net 2 Glory to Jesus Christ

3 The boys are practising their soccer skills. Fr. Diodoro talking with the children about the significance of the icon they were making. Fathers Jerome, Diodoro and Sister Gabriella are surrounded by the group of children holding their icons. Caroline shows her Saint Mary of Egypt art. July - August 2015 Four of the retreatants are getting ready to sing a song. The finished icon. 3

4 Myrrh-Bearers Retreat Sends Women Forth to Evangelize Article and pictures submitted by Joyce Coronel Dozens of women and young girls came from across the western United States for the Myrrh-Bearers retreat held at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZ June The Myrrh-Bearing women are revered as the first to proclaim the news of Christ s Resurrection. The retreat, organized by Sr. Jean Marie Cihota, OSBM, is an opportunity for prayer, meditation, learning and growth for women at every stage of life. Ten parishes were represented this year and many participants reconnected with those they had met during past retreats. The youngest girls were led by Patti Marmol while the teenagers were guided by Janet Escobedo. This year, the focus was on Heart-to-Heart Evangelization, a way of sharing the Good News of the Gospel with others through sharing personal stories of faith. After the opening prayer, the fun began with an icebreaker activity reminiscent of black-out Bingo. The women laughed as they ventured from the chapel and into the shady quadrangle to search for fellow retreatants who fit such categories as has traveled to Europe, has brown eyes, owns a cat, and other clues. Sr. Jean Marie gave the first presentation for the adult women, Rediscover You are chosen Prayerful Hearts, and taught the retreatants about the cycle of liturgical prayer and the Theotokos as the model of prayer. Mary, the Mother of the Church and Mother of Evangelization was depicted in the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Each room in the Franciscan Renewal Center s new building where retreatants stayed had a replica of the icon for retreatants to take home as a reminder of the weekend. Tanya Bartlett told the story of the encounter between Jesus Christ and St. Photina, known by many as the woman at the well or the Samaritan woman. Tanya s presentation, You are Called Open Hearts Metanoia, told the story of how the encounter with the Lord changed the woman s life forever. She then went to tell everyone she knew about what Jesus had done for her. Tanya helped participants to understand that each of us has people in our lives whom we are called to witness to. The third presentation was given by Jennifer Mikitish and was titled We are Church Grateful Hearts Koinonia. Jennifer, the mother of three young children, focused her remarks on the nature of the Domestic Church. She took each letter of the word domestic to get her point across, emphasizing that each woman must first realize she is a daughter of God. Sr. Jean Marie responds to the insights of several participants as they evaluate the weekend retreat. Jennifer Mikitish challenges the Myrrh-Bearers to actively become a Domestic Church The last presentation, We are Sent---Generous Hearts Diakonia, focused on the call of conversion, the faith of martyrs and the ongoing suffering of the persecuted Church. Joyce Coronel raised the level of awareness of the necessity to "Pray for the Persecuted Church", our brothers and sisters, who were displaced by ISIS last summer. From all night adoration to the Mystery of Reconciliation and the Divine Liturgy, the retreat was 4 Glory to Jesus Christ

5 also an opportunity to receive many sacramental graces. During the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Gerald Dino challenged the Myrrh-Bearers to continue proclaiming the "Good News". Making references to the persecuted Church and the martyrdom of thousands of Christians, he reminded all to stand firm in their faith in God. Following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, Bishop Gerald Dino anointed and commissioned the women and girls, sending them forth to evangelize as did the Myrrh-Bearing women of long ago. Catechist Patti Marmol and her group of little ones Bidding fond farewells to new found friends is difficult. July - August 2015 More Pictures on Page 8 MyrrhBearer Retreat 5

6 Palomar, CA Hosts Alive in Christ Camp Submitted by Basil P. Rabayda As a fast moving downpour blew over, and all the participants became drenched, the 2015 Alive in Christ camp began at Palomar Mountain Christian Center in California. This year s retreat was held July 30th - August 2nd. This camp offers many fun opportunities for new campers to make new friends and older campers to reunite with friends they had made in previous years. Ranging from physical challenges such as the favored games, Prisoner Ball and Gaga Ball, to the mental challenges and trivia games of Camp Leader Tic-tac-toe and Gazebo Trivia. Each team is awarded points when winning or placing in these competitions, as well as for their team building skills. The boys also have to prepare a skit for the Saturday night campfire, a Troparion sung during the 5 Gospel procession, and a banner paying tribute to their team Saint. The winner is crowned on the last day after the Hierarchial Divine Liturgy celebrated by Bishop Gerald Dino. It is an intense and spiritually driven weekend where we attend 2-3 services a day and are given an opportunity to go to confession. As a camper of 10 years, I will always remember the friendships I made with Priests, Leaders, and especially my fellow campers who are scattered across the Eparchy covering 8 states. I would also like to thank the directors and leaders of this retreat for making all the fun and learning possible. Next year s camp will take place July 14th -17th at Camp Brotherhood in Seattle, Washington. If you are considering attending, I would highly suggest making the effort. You will not be disappointed 6 Glory to Jesus Christ

7 July - August

8 We have a winner, Jonathan. The Bishop getting ready to throw the cross The teens with their beautiful handmade banners, listening to the Gospel during the procession on the last night The second throw was made by the bishop - and we have a new winner this time, Rick The team concept again wins out and the bishop awards the winning team with icons. A member of the second place team, Blaise... you guessed right... got a handshake from the bishop. Behind them, Father Michael and Deacon Jim are giving the quiet sign in sign language. 8 Glory to Jesus Christ

9 Anaheim Parishioner Performs in Japanese Troupe Pictures taken by Robert Yarosik Moon in her performance. Moon Gilbert, a member of Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church, along with her performing group, YUUJOU DAIKO performs the art of Japanese Drumming ( Taiko ) for an evening entertainment at Pearson Park in Anaheim, CA. YUU- JOU DAIKO opened the concert for the main featured Taiko drumming group called Hikari The drumming team Taiko. Father Stephen Washko, the pastor, and other members of the parish attended this magnificent program. Moon is also Annunciation s choir member, sacristan,and volunteers in the parish kitchen for fund raisers. In writing to our Editor, Kathy: I am Korean, born in South Korea. Playing Taiko is a hobby, which I enjoy regularly as my group meets weekly for practice, and we perform at various venues throughout the year from private functions, carnivals, and stage performances. I am a recent convert (just recently acknowledged the 4 th year anniversary as a Byzantine Catholic), coming from a non-denominational Christian background. Just prior to discovering the Annunciation Church, I had been attending Liturgical services with family in a local Coptic Orthodox Church. I loved the services, the prayers, the incense, all of which allowed me to immerse myself into the beauty that is the worship of God. I also live very close to the Annunciation Church, but had never before attended services. One day, I finally made a visit, and I was just elated to learn that services of the Byzantine Catholic faith were nearly identical to what I had been accustomed to from the Coptic Orthodox services. After attending a few more services at Annunciation, it wasn t long before I had decided that this would be my spiritual home. I couldn t have asked for a better extended spiritual family. I am happy being part of the Annunciation parish, and feel very blessed to have the opportunity to serve our Lord in the capacities currently assigned to me as choir member, sacristan and volunteer. Happy Fourth Anniversary, Moon!! Moon visiting our parishioners. July - August

10 Las Vegas, NV Celebrates Our Lady of Mount Carmel The side altar which houses the icon of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Las Vegas, NV - From throughout the city of Las Vegas and its surrounding communities, hundreds of parishioners and non-parishioners alike converged on Our Lady of Wisdom Italo Greek Catholic Church from July 8 to July 16 for the annual novena honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Mt. Carmel, which is located in present day Israel, was considered a holy mountain hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus. It was the scene of the Prophet Elijah s confrontation with the false prophets of the pagan god Baal(1 Kings 18). As early as the 6th century AD, Christian hermits began to settle on the mount. The Carmelite Monastic Order was founded in 1150 AD by former pilgrims and crusaders from the West. Their monastery was built near the traditional site of Elijah s miracle. The monks hoped to continue on Mt. Carmel the Way of Life of the Prophet Elijah, whom early Christians considered the founder of monasticism. However, with the defeat of the Crusaders in Palestine, Mount Carmel became unsafe for the western hermits. They then set out in about the year 1240 for Cyprus, Sicily, France and England. It was in Sicily that the Italo-Greeks came into contact with the Carmelite Monastic Order. Because of the dispersal of the Carmelites throughout Europe, it was felt that a General Chapter of all the Carmelite Monasteries was needed. This meeting was held in 1247 in England under St. Simon Stock. St. Simon Stock became worried about the future of the order. In 1251, the Blessed Mother appeared to him on July 16 and gave him a scapular saying: Take...this scapular of your Order as a badge of my union of purpose with you and as a special sign of grace for you and all Carmelites... Thus, during the Novena in Las Vegas a scapular was conferred on all those attending. The Pastor of Our Lady of Wisdom Italo-Greek Catholic Church is the Rt. Rev. Francis Vivona. Bishop Gerald anoints the parishioner with holy oil. Bishop Gerald saying the prayer and unraveling the scapular to put over the gentleman s head. Getting ready to incense the side altar and pray the Akathist. 10 Glory to Jesus Christ

11 Meet Basil s Boys Basil the Great said If you live alone, whose feet will you wash? Basil House is a community of men in the beginning steps of discerning priesthood for the Eparchy of Phoenix. They discern God s Will by living, serving, praying, learning and dining together while being active parishioners at Holy Protection Byzantine Catholic Church in Denver, CO. For more information about this community go to From L to R, Basil s Boys are: WILLIE PEACOCK grew up in a small town in Western New Mexico and converted to the Byzantine Catholic Church from Protestantism while studying at Central New Mexico Community College and attending Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Albuquerque. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 3D Animation from Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, recently got engaged, and will be married in September of this year. FATHER MICHAEL O LOUGHLIN is pastor of Holy Protection Byzantine Catholic Church in Denver, CO and House Father of Basil House. WILL JONES was received into the Catholic Church on Pascha He graduated from Oral Roberts University with a bachelor s degree in International/Community Development, and from Iliff School of Theology with a master s degree in Arts in Social Change. He worked for a time as a Dietary Staff member at Little Sisters of the Poor in Denver before joining the Basil House. Will is discerning celibate ministry in the church. MATT MARTIN converted to Byzantine Catholicism from Episcopalian in He read his way into the Church after getting a bachelor s degree in Theology and a masters degree in Philosophy and is discerning celibate ministry in the church. He grew up in Laramie, Wyoming, is a member of the Army National Guard and works part time as a police officer. Basil s Boys show the importance of camaraderie while living together. July - August

12 News From the Pews Fr. Michael O Loughlin, pastor of Holy Protection Byzantine Catholic Church in Denver, CO, is pictured with his nephew whose zeal for serving at the altar betrays a heart larger than his stature would indicate. Members of St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church in Anchorage, AK celebrate Dads and Grads in a Sundy afternoon event in June. Rev Mykhaylo Sidun is pastor. Few Millennials Read Newspapers According to an article in CONTENT EVANGELIST (Summer 2015) entitled Millennials Read Magazines : Younger audiences are the least likely to read print newspapers but are the heaviest consumers of print magazines. In a survey taken in 2014, readers under the age of 25 read almost 10 magazines in the month before they were surveyed. Digital editions are also an effective tool in reaching millennials. Digital magazine readers tend to be young and well educated. At least 41% of them were college graduates. The article concludes: Print magazines prompt people to action. Readers are inspired by the content with which they engage. In a corresponding article in the same magazine entitled The State of Diocesan Publishing, it is noted that in the last 11 years diocesan magazine circulation has increased by 581%. Did you ever wonder why our Eparchical magazine LIGHT OF THE WEST is so popular? You can also access it in its digital form by going to our Eparchial website: All past issues can be accessed at this website. Each new issue is loaded 2 weeks after it is printed. The Sisters of St. Basil the Great Warmly invite you to the 81st Annual Pilgrimage In honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help September 5 & 6, 2015 Mount Saint Macrina Uniontown, Pennsylvania (724) Glory to Jesus Christ

13 New Installed Icon and Signage Indicates Entrance to The Cathedral Complex subnmitted by Kathy Richard It was love for her Byzantine faith and her longheld desire that the symbol of our Eparchy should be prominently displayed on the front of the Eparchy buildings that prompted Kathy Slonka, the Editor of this Newsletter, to embark on a project that spanned almost 24 months. It resulted in the beautiful hand-painted Pokrov (the Theotokos with arms outstretched protecting us with her mantle) that now graces the front of the Eparchy and Pastoral buildings. The Pokrov will be solemnly blessed by Bishop Gerald on Sunday, October 4, and all are invited to attend. Measuring six feet high and four feet across, the Pokrov began as a 3 inch by 5 inch card the Bishop gave Kathy as a suggestion for the icon. Kathy took this picture to Impress Printers, who followed her instructions and turned it into a grid, each square of which was the size of the invidual tiles to be used, 6 inches square. Each of 100 tiles was painted white to ensure a uniform background with some for spares. Kathy then handcopied the grid drawings onto 84 of the tiles, selected colors, and painstakingly painted each square to match its square of the grid picture. The tiles were then glazed and ready to be fired. After having the first six tiles fired at a local ceramic shop, Kathy realized that this project could be justification to purchase a kiln of her own as she had always hoped to do. All the remaining tiles were fired by Kathy in her new kiln at 2000 degrees F. all night, then cooled all day before removing. Approximately 14 tiles had to be discarded and new tiles produced because of imperfections in color or contrast that did not meet the exacting eye of the artist. These additional tiles were painted and fired, and now it was time to come up with a plan to mount the icon of the Pokrov. Mr. Kevin Kowalchick, a contractor, was commissioned to design the lettering according to the specifications given by Kathy. Calling on the skills and expertise of long-time friends and craftsmen Cal Karnya and Mike Georgini, it was decided to sand smooth the front wall of the building where the Pokrov was to be displayed, use tacking adhesive on each tile and the wall, and handplaced each tile into its appropriate place. The display area is approximately 14 feet in the air, necessitating Cal and Mike to work from scaffolding to both affix the painted tiles and place the finishing tile border. They then carefully grouted the entire icon. Standing on the ground with Cal and Mike afterwards and surveying the finished Pokrov gleaming from the top of the Eparchy buildings, Kathy could say only, She is just beautiful. Those words could likewise be said of the spirit, generosity, and creative energy of the artist herself. July - August

14 Albuquerque, NM Parish Again Sponsors A Succesful Bazaar Our Lady of Perpetual Help Byzantine Catholic Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico, held our annual Byzantine Bazaar Saturday, June 20, We enjoyed the highest attendance ever. Tours and information about our beautiful Church were presented hourly by Fr Chris Zugger, pastor emeritus. The relic of St Jude was on display for veneration. After the church tours Fr Artur Bubnevych, pastor, gave a blessing with the relic to all in need of spiritual and physical healing. Delicious traditional Slavic meals were sold including handmade pierogi. Over 500 holubki were served. Kolbasi sandwiches with sauerkraut were also on the menu. Dozens and dozens of baked goods including kolachi, blueberry goat-cheese pies, poppy seed breads, and baklava were sold. The raffle of restaurant gift certificates was very popular. This year we had a special prize. A gorgeous handcrafted quilt was made and donated by a parishioner. Our gift shop is always a big attraction. We offered affordable imported icons and embroidery from Russia and Ukraine. The icons and religious items were in high demand especially after the church tours. This year we had a special attraction for the visitors to the bazaar. The Albuquerque Classic Truck Club displayed vintage vehicles in the parking lot. The bazaar was a huge success primarily because of the joint effort of our God-loving parishioners and because of Fr Chris live radio interview the day before the bazaar. He was on New Mexico s most popular morning talk show giving a brief history of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and Byzantine Catholicism. He ended by inviting everyone to the bazaar. The annual bazaar once again proved to be an excellent way to introduce Our Lady of Perpetual Help to the community and to bring new families into the parish. We look forward to June 2016 Byzantine Bazaar! Waiting for the first patrons to come. While they wait for the coffee to finish brewing, the parishioners start mixing the ingredients for the stuffed cabbage. The expert stuffed cabbage maker table. More Pictures on page Glory to Jesus Christ

15 We still don t know who the winner is. How many stuffed cabbage did you make? Catholic Presence During Kings Fair in Hanford, CA July - August 2015 The Byzantine Catholic outreach in Hanford and St.Brigid Roman Catholic Church were present at Kings County Fair from June 11-14, During those days they tried to present the Byzantine Catholic Church in their booth.. A lot of people were stopping by and talked about their beliefs. They also talked about the Byzantine Catholic Church and having Divine Liturgy for people in that area. Some people did not know that the Byzantine Rite existed within the Catholic Church. Other rites were included in their discussions. During that time they had a wonderful opportunity to introduce Byzantine Catholic Tradition in Hanford. 15

16 Bishop s Appeal Parish Pastor Fam Goal FINAL Rebate Albuquerque Rev Artur Bubnevych 70 $14, $15, $4, Ananheim Rt Rev Stephen Washko 87 $17, $17, $5, Anchorage Rev Mykhaylo Sidun 29 $5, $5, $1, Denver Rev Michael O Loughlin 65 $13, $14, $4, Fontana Rev Matthew Alejo 26 $5, $2, $0.00 Gilbert Rev Diodoro Mendoza 60 $12, $12, $3, Las Vegas-OLW Rt Rev Francis Vivona 64 $12, $21, $6, Las Vegas-SG Rev Marcus Gomori 39 $7, $15, $4, Los Gatos Rev Anthony Hernandez 21 $4, $4, $1, Olympia Rev Vasyl Mutka 25 $5, $6, $1, Phoenix Rt Rev Wesley Izer 112 $22, $23, $7, Portland Rev Frank Knusel 14 $2, $2, $0.00 Sacramento Rev Francis Murin 20 $4, $4, $1, San Diego Rev Brian Escobedo 61 $12, $13, $3, San Luis Obispo Rev Milan Kasperek 25 $5, $6, $2, Seattle Rev Michael Mandelas 89 $17, $21, $6, Sherman Oaks Rev Melvin Rybarczyk 41 $8, $13, $4, Spokane Valley Rev William O Brien 28 $5, $5, $1, Tucson Reverend Robert Rankin 56 $11, $13, $4, Other $10, $4, $0.00 TOTAL 932 $196, $225, $64, DISTRIBUTION Proposed Actual Continguency Fund $85, $85, Seminarian Fund $15, $15, Vocation Recruitment $10, $10, Priests Pension Fund $15, $15, Light of the West $15, $15, Rebates $55, $64, HPM Foundation $21, TOTAL $195, $225, /10/15 16 Glory to Jesus Christ

17 And Many Thanks... The Eparchy of Phoenix does not take lightly the many places that the contributions to our Eparchy are sent to. We have received Thank You letters from the Retirement Fund of Religious: Sincere thanks for your Diocesan check of $9, in support of the 2014 appeal for the Retirement Fund of Religious (RFR). Over the last twenty-six years, parishioner in your Diocese have donated a total of $176, to this collection. This letter was signed by Sr. Janice Bader, CPPS, the Executive Director of RFR. And again a thank you letter signed by: Most Reverend Peter F. Christensen, Bishop of Boise Chairman, USCCB Subcommittee on Catholic Home Mission. His reply: Please accept my deepest gratitude for your (arch)diocese s contribution of $5, from the 2014 Catholic Home Mission. Thank you to all members of our Eparchy for their loyal contributions. To see a wonderful video about Father Michael O Loughlin witness his vocation and ministry, please go to EPARCHY OF PHOENIX Facebook page and scroll to Father Michael s picture or the eparchyofphoenix.org web site and follow directions. July - August

18 Catholic Stuff Now Has a Byzantine Slant Father Michael O Loughlin of Holy Protection Byzantine Catholic parish in Denver, CO has taken over as co-host of the popular podcast Catholic Stuff You Should Know. This podcast was started in 2010, by a couple of Roman Catholic Continued from Page 5 - MyrrhBearer Retreat seminarians as a response to Pope Benedict XVI s call to use technology at the service of the Gospel. Since then it has attracted thousands of weekly listeners with it s lighthearted exploration of various prominent and obscure Catholic topics. In 2012 it was voted #2 in About. com s Best Catholic Podcast poll. Father Michael is excited to bring a Byzantine perspective to this already successful online ministry. You can listen to episodes on itunes, by liking the podcast s Facebook page, or by going to Dinner at the Franciscan Renewal Center provided an opportunity for fellowship and the sharing of faith stories. The little girls re-enacted the Gospel message of the women at the tomb of Jesus (Mt. 28:1-8; Mk. 16:1-8). Bishop Gerald anoints Brandi Lucovich and the Myrrh-Bearers to go forward sharing the Good News of Christ. Teens gather before the Icon of Christ with their teen leader, Janet Escobedo. 18 Glory to Jesus Christ

19 Consecrated Life and Families The year of consecrated life was initiated by Pope Francis on November 30, 2014 and will conclude on the Feast of the Encounter of Christ in the Temple, February 2, Coinciding with this "Year of Consecrated Life" is the "Synod on the Family" and the "World Meeting of Families". This later will be held in September in Philadelphia, PA. Both consecrated life and the family life are vocations blessed by God. Both provide blessings of loving relationships. It was said that, "each person will find life by giving life, hope by giving hope, love by giving love." Both consecrated life and the family are blessed by fruitful living in such a manner. Pope Francis in his Apostolic Letter to all consecrated people reminds us with a sense of urgency "to look to the past with gratitude, to live the present with passion and to embrace the future with hope". These words are applicable to all. Several years ago, the Inter-Eparchial Vocation Commission of our Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Church of Pittsburgh, launched the Pilgrim Vocation Icon Program. Many Parishes continue to have households sign up to pray before the Pilgrim Vocation Icon. Families receive the Icon at the end of the Sunday Divine Liturgy and return it to the tetrapod before the Liturgy on the next Sunday, for the next household to pray before the Icon. The original Icon, "Follow Me" was written by Sister Marie Paul, OSB in Jerusalem. From the Gospel theme, "I am the vine, you are the branches," (Jn. 15:5), she depicts six smaller images from the Gospels, recalling instances of Jesus' call to follow Him. Some examples include: the scene of the crucifixion, reminding us that to become His followers, we must take up the cross; the sheaf of wheat recalls the words, "The Harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few," (Mt. 9:37); James and John leaving their father to follow Christ. Each vocation, whether to consecrated life or family, is a unique calling and blessing. The seeds of vocations to holy priesthood, to the diaconate in Christ, and to the monastic and religious life, are sown by God and nurtured within families, the domestic church. May all families in the Parishes of our Eparchy of Phoenix continue praying that God will continue blessing our Church with an abundance of vocations. Icon used with permission of The Printery House, Conception, MO 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 Upcoming Events Pilgrimage Our Lady of Perpetual Help Sept 5-7, 2015 Uniontown, PA LA Religious Ed Congress 2016 Anaheim Convention Center, Feb. 26, 27 and 28 Theme: Boundless Mercy 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) Phoenix Saint Stephen Cathedral 8141 N 16th St. FRNT Phoenix, AZ Rt. Rev Wesley Izer Very Rev Joe Hutsko (602) Sun. Liturgy: Vigil: 5pm; 8am; 10am Tucson Saint Melany 1212 N Sahuara Ave. Tucson, AZ Rev. Robert Rankin (520) Sun. LiturgyVigil 5pm 10am CALIFORNIA Anaheim Church of the Annunciation 995 N. West St. Anaheim, CA Rt. Rev. Stephen Washko (714) Sun. Liturgy : 10am Fontana Saint Nicholas of Myra 9112 Oleander Ave. Fontana, CA Rev Matthew Alejo Sun. Liturgy: Vigil 5pm; 10am(909) Sun. Liturgy: 10am Hanford Outreach Oro Valley Outreach Saint Mark RC Church, 2727 W Tangerine Rd, Oro Valley, AZ Sun 5 pm Clovis, CA Outreach Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 929 Harvard, Clovis, CA Rev.Milan Kasperek (805) & Rev. Gregory Zubacz (559) Every Sunday at 2:30 PM Divine Liturgy Saint Brigid Catholic Church 200 East Florida Street, Hanford, CA Rev. Milan Kasperek ((805) Every Sunday Liturgy: 5pm Los Gatos Saint Basil the Great Mulberry Drive Los Gatos, CA Rev. Anthony Hernandez (408) Sun Liturgy: 11am St. Albert the Great Church 1095 Channing Ave Palo Alto, CA Serving 13 Western States. 19 Churches. 1 Mission, 8 Outreaches. 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 Rev Brian Escobedo (858) Sat. Vespers: 5pm Sun. Matins: 8am Sun. Liturgy: 9am San Luis Obispo Saint Anne 222 E. Foothill Blvd. San Luis Obispo, CA Rev. Milan Kasperek (805) Sun. Liturgy: 10am Sherman Oaks Proto-Cathedral of Saint Mary 5329 Sepulveda Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA Very Rev. Mel Rybarczyk, CR (818) Sun. Liturgy: 9:30am Walnut Creek Outreach East Bay Outreach Liturgies at St. Mary RC Church 2039 Mt. Diablo Blvd Walnut Creek, CA Rev. Anthony Hernandez nd Saturday vigil: 6:15 pm 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 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 Spirit of Christ 5475 Farm Lane Lolo, 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. Artur Bubnevych (505) Sun. Liturgy: 10am OREGON Portland Saint Irene 4630 N Maryland Ave. Portland, OR Rev. Frank Knusel (503) Sun. Liturgy: 10am WASHINGTON Burlington Skagit County Outreach St, Charles Roman Catholic Church 935 Peterson Road Burlington, WA Rev Michael Mandelas (206) Sun. Liturgy: 5:30pm Olympia Saint George 9730 Yelm Hwy. Olympia, WA Rev. Vasyl Mutka (360) Sun. Liturgy: 10:30 am Seattle Saint John Chrysostom 1305 South Lander St. Seattle, WA Rev Michael Mandelas (206) Sun. Liturgy: Vigil 5pm; 10:00 am Matins 8am Spokane Valley Saints Cyril & Methodius 4315 N. Evergreen Rd. Spokane Valley, WA Rev. William O Brien (509) Sun. Liturgy: Vigil: 5pm; 10am 20 Glory to Jesus Christ