My Brothers and Sisters, For a long time, it s been thought by many that being a pro-life Catholic focused exclusively on opposing the taking of life in the womb: abortion. But somehow, one could oppose abortion but accept capital punishment the death penalty with the rationalization that the Church s teaching only pertained to the taking of innocent life (not all life ). Those who were found guilty of certain crimes could be put to death by the state but somehow that was okay for many pro-life Catholics. On August 2 nd, our Holy Father Pope Francis clarified the Catholic Church s teaching with regard to capital punishment (the death penalty). For centuries, the Church had accepted with increasing limitations over the years the use of the death penalty in certain situations, e.g. when there was absolute certainty of a criminal s guilt and there was no adequate way of protecting society from that person. Now, however, our pro-life stance is truly a seamless garment (to quote the late Cardinal Joseph Bernardin of Chicago) in all circumstances, from the womb to the tomb, every human life is to be cherished as a gift from God that no human being can take away. Building on the development of Catholic Church teaching against capital punishment, Pope Francis has ordered a revision of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to assert "the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person" and to commit the church to working toward its abolition worldwide. The catechism's paragraph on capital punishment, 2267, already had been updated by St. John Paul II in 1997 to strengthen its skepticism about the need to use the death penalty in the modern world and, particularly, to affirm the importance of protecting all human life. Announcing the change August 2 nd, Cardinal Luis Ladaria, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, said, "The new text, following in the footsteps of the teaching of John Paul II in Evangelium Vitae, affirms that ending the life of a criminal as punishment for a crime is inadmissible because it attacks the dignity of the person, a dignity that is not lost even after having committed the most serious crimes." Evangelium Vitae ("The Gospel of Life") was St. John Paul's 1995 encyclical on the dignity and sacredness of all human life. The encyclical led to an updating of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which he originally promulgated in 1992 and which recognized "the right and duty of legitimate public authority to punish malefactors by means of penalties commensurate with the gravity of the crime, not excluding, in cases of extreme gravity, the death penalty." At the same time, the original version of the catechism still urged the use of "bloodless means" when possible to punish criminals and protect citizens. Paragraph 2267 of the Catechism now will read: "Recourse to the death penalty on the part of legitimate authority, following a fair trial, was long considered an appropriate response to the gravity of certain crimes and an acceptable, albeit extreme, means of safeguarding the common good. "Today, however, there is an increasing awareness that the dignity of the person is not lost even after the commission of very serious crimes. In addition, a new understanding has emerged of the significance of penal sanctions imposed by the state. Lastly, more effective systems of detention have been developed, which ensure the due protection of citizens but, at the same time, do not definitively deprive the guilty of the possibility of redemption," the new section continues. Pope Francis' change to the text concludes: "Consequently, the church teaches, in the light of the Gospel, that 'the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person,' and she works with determination for its abolition worldwide."
TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME In his statement, Cardinal Ladaria noted how St. John Paul, retired Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis had all spoken out against capital punishment and appealed for clemency for death-row inmates on numerous occasions. The development of church doctrine away from seeing the death penalty as a possibly legitimate punishment for the most serious crimes, the cardinal said, "centers principally on the clearer awareness of the church for the respect due to every human life. Along this line, John Paul II affirmed: 'Not even a murderer loses his personal dignity, and God himself pledges to guarantee this.'" Pope Francis takes this insight to the next level, saying that the death penalty, no matter how it is carried out, "is, in itself, contrary to the Gospel, because a decision is voluntarily made to suppress a human life, which is always sacred in the eyes of the Creator and of whom, in the last analysis, only God can be the true judge and guarantor." Our Holy Father notes that, in particular, Catholic opposition to the death penalty is based on an "understanding that the dignity of a person is not lost even after committing the most serious crimes," a deeper understanding that criminal penalties should aim at the rehabilitation of the criminal and a recognition that governments have the ability to detain criminals effectively, thereby protecting their citizens. In past writings, the Holy Father has observed that capital punishment is cruel, inhumane and degrading" and said it "does not bring justice to the victims, but only foments revenge." Furthermore, in a modern "state of law, the death penalty represents a failure" because it obliges the state to kill in the name of justice, the pope had written. On the other hand, he said, it is a method frequently used by "totalitarian regimes and fanatical groups" to do away with "political dissidents, minorities" and any other person deemed a threat to their power and to their goals. In addition, Pope Francis noted that "human justice is imperfect" and said the death penalty loses all legitimacy in penal systems where judicial error is possible. The bottom line: God is the giver of all human life, and only God has the authority to bring a human life to an end. Human beings usurp God s role when they determine when a human life should end: whether through abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, murder or the imposition of a death sentence. May the Holy Spirit strengthen us as we Catholics work to uphold the dignity and inviolability of all human life, from the womb to the tomb. Grace and wisdom in Christ, Rev. Charles G. Kieffer Pastor PARISH NEWS Make Plans Now To Experience Fr. Michael E. Gaitley s Presentation Of Divine Mercy in the Second Greatest Story Ever Told In ten captivating episodes, acclaimed author and popular speaker Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC, shows how amazing historical events of the past 500 years connect to reveal the deeply personal spiritual reality of God s merciful love culminating now in our lifetime. Presentations will begin September 12th and will continue on Wednesdays for 10 consecutive weeks through November 14th in the Parish Convent Upper Room. REGISTER THIS WEEKEND AFTER ALL MASSES IN THE CHURCH RAMADA or online at https://sttheresaphxcatechesis.weshareonline.org/divinemercy. The Parish-reduced cost is only $10.00 per participant for the series guidebook. Registration deadline is August 29th! Don t miss out on this eye-opening spiritual journey. REGISTER TODAY! Questions? Please call and leave a message at 602-956-4434 and we will promptly return your call. Jesus, I trust in You.
Praise For Parents Go Home and Love Your Family -Mother Teresa School is back in session and everything is fine and a comfortable routine is once more in place. Is that just wishful hopes or Positive Thinking? Here are some bona fide tips for genuine positive thinking. Positive Thinking Tips 1. Be grateful for what you have. Too often we think about what we don t have, or how we ve been hurt, or what s gone wrong. But there are even more things to be thankful for. 2. Believe you have what it takes to succeed. Don t give up on yourself when you do something stupid or you meet some obstacle that interrupts your plans. You re still in control of your destiny. 3. Write your negative thoughts down on a piece of paper then tear it into pieces or burn the list. Now, write a long list of personal affirmations and decide to read through this several times a day. 4. Recognise and avoid all the negative people who ll wear you down or knock you off your path. Often whiners and complainers are never going to change so minimize the time you spend with them. 5. Identify and hang out with positive people who see life as a gift to be treasured and enjoyed. These are the people who see the good in others, and offer encouragement to everyone they meet. Pray For Those... Who Are Sick: Joanna Barbieri, Christina Gavin & Ann Heald 2nd & 3rd Grade Sacrament Preparation for STCS Children and Religious Education (RE) Children: United in one as a community of believers in Jesus Christ, the Sacramental Preparation Program is a family process that combines children attending the school and RE program. The required sacrament classes and retreats begin during specific times of the year for each grade level. Children in 2nd Grade receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Children in 3rd Grade receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist. We acknowledge parents and applaud their role in the formation of their children by passing on the faith. The sacrament prep team enhances what children are learning, and helps families build up the body of Christ through the reception of the Sacraments. Online registration for 2nd and 3rd grade parents is open: www.sttheresaphx.org. For questions, please call Gina Keating at 602-840-0850, or email gkeating@sttheresaphx.org. Mark Your Calendars!!!! Elementary Religious Education Classes BEGIN TODAY, August 19th! 10:30AM-11:30AM in the School Classrooms! Traditional (Pre-School -5th grade) Home School (Pre-School - 8th grade) Be sure to register online! 4th-2th Grade Sacramental Preparation BEGINS NEXT SUNDAY, August 26th! 12:30PM-1:30PM in Classroom 17 Be sure to register online! Rite of Christian Initiation of Children - RCIC - (follows the formation process of RCIA) Parents, are you seeking to raise your children in the Catholic faith but they are 7 years old or older and have never been baptized? St. Theresa Parish offers a family-style program following the 9AM Mass, beginning Sunday, September 16th. Families discover the joy, beauty and mystery of our faith through study, exploration and faith-sharing with specific liturgical rites celebrated with our Catholic community. The process culminates at the Easter Vigil where the children receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion. Please call Gina Keating to register your child, 602-840 -0850, or email: gkeating@sttheresaphx.org.
TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME PASTORAL CARE Parishioners Who Are Sick, Hospitalized, Or Homebound please call Maureen Schaaf @ 602-586-7429 to request Holy Communion. Appointments may also be scheduled for Confession and Anointing of the Sick. Next BUNCO - Monday, August 20th at 1:45PM in Fr Feeney Hall. Come in out of the heat, make some new friends, and have a laugh or two. For more information please call Patti Iannucci @ 602-952-0802. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Every Thursday in the Convent Chapel 9:00AM ~ 7:00PM We are in need of Adorers for the Noon hour. Please call Maureen in the Parish Office at 602-586-7429 or email mschaaf@sttheresaphx.org if you can help. Watch for RSVP options - until then mark these Wednesdays on your calendar! October 3rd, November 7th, & December 5th - 2018 February 6th, March 13th, April 3rd, May 1st & June 5th - 2019. IT S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN (SET) Safe Environment Training Renewal The Diocese of Phoenix requires all church volunteers to renew their Safe Environment Training EVERY fiscal year. The 2018-2019 renewal coarse is available online at https://phoenix.setanet.org. Pastoral Care Volunteers MUST renew their SET by September 4th to remain active. Contact Maureen Schaaf @ 602-586- 7429 or mschaaf@sttheresaphx.org with any questions. The Alzheimer s Support group meets the LAST Tuesday of every month. The August meeting will be on Tuesday, August 28h at 4:00 PM in the Parish Conference Room. If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer s or dementia and need the support of others please come by and see if this is the group for you. Grief Group Options at St. Theresa Parish OPTION #1: The Grief Recovery Method Grief Support Group The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses Our Grief Recovery Method Support Groups provide a safe environment for you to look at your old beliefs about dealing with loss (Time heals all wounds * Replace the loss * Grieve alone * Be strong for others * Bury your feelings), which losses have affected your life (Death * Divorce or end of a relationship * Loss of a career * Loss of trust * Loss of safety * Loss of health * Loss of Faith), and take actions that will lead you to complete unresolved emotions that may still be causing you pain. Your feelings are normal and natural. The problem is that we have been socialized to believe that these feelings are abnormal and unnatural. It s an action-based group that involves required reading and writing assignments. It s not a drop in group. People say you have to let go and move on in your life, but they don t tell you what you need to do to accomplish that. The Grief Recovery Method Grief Support Group not only makes that possible, but provides guidance to ensure that it happens. Mondays 6-8PM in Parish Office Conference Room Facilitated by Maureen Schaaf: Certified Grief Recovery Specialist Fall 2018 Dates: Sept. 10, 17, 24 Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 OPTION #2: For anyone grieving the death of a loved one. The NEW DAY JOURNAL, a Catholic based process developed by Sr. Mauryeen O Brien, OP, is used. Each meeting participants work through one element of the grieving process using prayer, reflection, sharing, and journaling. There is a little homework involved. Each week the Journal presents a set of questions for reflection and participants are encouraged to reflect and write their thoughts. Journals are not handed in or graded but participants are encouraged to share their answers with the group if and when they can muster the will to do so. Each participant works through the grieving process in their own way. Tuesdays 6-8 PM in Parish Office Conference Room Fall 2018 Dates: Sept. 11, 18, 25 Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 DIOCESAN NEWS PRAY for Protection of Human Life and an End to Abortion The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a Call to Prayer, inviting all Catholics to join in a novena for the restoration of legal protection of human life in our nation, and healing for our people from decades of abortion on demand. This nine-week effort of prayer and fasting will be each Friday, August 3rd- September 28th. To respond to this call, please fast on Fridays in some way, and pray one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the intention of this novena. For more information or to receive weekly prayer reminders by text or email, visit www.usccb.org/pray.
SCHOOL NEWS Mass Intentions & Celebrants (AUGUST 20TH-AUGUST 26TH) MONDAY, AUGUST 20TH 6:30AM +MARTINA V. SO-FR. JOACHIM TUESDAY, AUGUST 21ST 6:30AM JOSEPHINE BONANNO, SP. INT.-FR. JOACHIM WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22ND 6:30AM JOSEPHINE BONANNO, SP. INT.-FR. CHUCK 8:30AM +LORI ZACHER-BISHOP ATOYEBI THURSDAY, AUGUST 23RD 6:30AM +JOHN LAGUNA-FR. CHUCK FRIDAY, AUGUST 24TH 6:30AM JOSEPHINE BONANNO, SP. INT.-FR. JOACHIM SATURDAY, AUGUST 25TH 8:00AM +RICHARD NORMAN-FR. JOACHIM 4:00PM FOR THE PARISHIONERS-FR. JC SUNDAY, AUGUST 26TH 7:30AM +NICHOLAS MOTOYO-FR. JC 9:00AM +RONALD H. BROATCH-FR. JOACHIM 11:00AM +VIOLA CHISHOLM & JIM ROONEY-FR. PAUL 5:00PM +MARIE & ALBERT FLEMING-FR. CHUCK The Priest scheduled to celebrate the Mass IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Sunday 10:30AM RE Classes (School Classrooms) 1:00PM Infant Baptisms (Church) Monday 1:45PM BUNCO (Fr. Feeney Hall) 5:30PM Youth Choir Rehearsal (Church) Tuesday 4:00PM SVDP Mtg. (Convent Conference Rm) 7:00PM Boy Scout Troop #147 Mtg. (PJP Rm) SET Renewal (Parish Conference Rm) Wednesday 9:30AM Centering Prayer (Convent Chapel) 4:00PM Life Teen (Life Room/McMahon Center) 5:00PM Reconciliation (Church) 6:00PM Adult Choir Rehearsal (Church) 6:30PM Rosary (Convent Chapel) Thursday 9:00AM Adoration (Convent Chapel) 6:30PM SET Foundation (Parish Conference Rm) Friday Saturday 9:00AM Reconciliation (Church) 8:00PM Al Anon (Classroom 16) Alcoholics Anonymous (Classroom 17) ~Readings ~ Week of August 19, 2018 Sunday Prv 9:1-6; Ps 34:2-3, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15; Eph 5:15-20; Jn 6:51-58 Monday Ez 24:15-24; Dt 32:18-19, 20, 21; Mt 19:16-22 Tuesday Ez 28:1-10; Dt 32:26-27ab, 27cd-28, 30, 35cd-36ab; Mt 19:23-30 Wednesday Ez 34:1-11; Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Mt 20:1-16 Thursday Ez 36:23-28; Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19; Mt 22:1-14 Friday Rv 21:9b-14; Ps 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18; Jn 1:45-51 Saturday Ez 43:1-7ab; Ps 85:9ab & 10, 11-12, 13-14; Mt 23:1-12