My Brothers and Sisters, Recently at our 6:30AM daily Mass, I became aware of a controversy that had arisen recently between some of our regular Mass-going parishioners and a small group of those from other parishes who join in our morning Mass on their way to work. A fundamental quality of our Catholic Christian faith is hospitality (so, all are always welcome) however, there was some consternation experienced when this small group began reciting aloud the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel at the end of Mass. This was offensive to some. While personal devotions are a laudable thing, it s important that they not be unilaterally imposed with no warning on a community gathered for the celebration of the Eucharist. To make the issue a bit more delicate and problematic, this particular prayer at the end of Mass was actually and specifically suppressed at the direction of Pope Paul VI beginning the First Sunday of Lent (March 7 th ) 1965 in the decree Inter Oecumenici ( Instruction on Implementing the Liturgical Norms ). The conclusion of the decree makes it clear that the Holy Father gave it specific approval as a whole and in its parts, confirmed it by his authority, and ordered it to be published and faithfully observed by all concerned. The Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel was one of the Leonine Prayers (so called because it was composed by Pope Leo XIII) and, at his direction in 1898, became part of the publicly-recited prayers at the conclusion of the old Latin Tridentine Mass. The prayer was political in its intention at first, in support of the secular sovereignty of the Pope over the Papal States in Italy, and then (after the dissolution of the Papal States by the Lateran Treaty in 1929) the intention of the prayer was for the conversion of Russia. As the liturgical norms of the Second Vatican Council were implemented, Blessed Paul VI directed that thenceforth at the end of Mass, The last gospel is omitted, the Leonine Prayers are suppressed ( 45 J, Inter Oecumenici). The word suppressed is a fairly strong term in the language of the Church. To the best of my knowledge, the suppression of the public recitation of the Leonine Prayers at the end of Mass (including the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel ) has not been reversed or lifted by any subsequent liturgical directive or guideline of the Holy See. I explained to the 6:30AM Mass community that anyone was free to privately (silently) pray the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel anytime they wished, but that according to the still-standing liturgical directive of the Holy See, the prayer would not be recited publically at the end of Mass here at St. Theresa. I do understand that some parish communities have recently embraced the custom of praying the Leonine Prayers (or at least the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel ) at the end of Mass, presumably with the permission of their pastor. I have no critique of customs in other parishes, but as your Pastor I do have the responsibility of working to maintain harmony in our own community (especially at Mass!) and ensuring to the best of my ability that our public prayer at St. Theresa conforms to Church teaching. Private devotion and public prayer have always been two very different realities in our Catholic tradition. May God continue to lead us on the path of joyfully living our Christian discipleship! Grace, mercy and peace, Rev. Charles G. Kieffer Pastor
TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME PARISH NEWS A BIG Thank You From Verde Villas! On behalf of Catholic Charities, we would like to take a moment to thank St. Theresa Parish for collecting over $1,000 in school supplies for our residents and their children at Verde Villas. Your Parish family did not hesitate to put faith in action in order to help those in the community that are most vulnerable. The donations that were collected will help us advance our mission and better serve our residents and their families. We are extremely grateful for the time your Pastoral Council and Parishioners committed to making the school supply collection a possibility. Thanks to your efforts we are reassured that every child in our housing community will have the supplies they need to be successful and start the school year with dignity. As if this was not enough, we have also been informed that your Parish was able to raise $1460.00 for our Welcome Home fund at Verde Villas. These funds help residents who are struggling to make ends meet and need a one time a year assistance with their rent. Without your contributions we would not be able to help our residents get back on their feet since we have very limited resources in this area. Sincerely in Christ, Alcira Pastula Parish and Community Engagement WHO ARE YOU, SAINT THERESA OF LISIEUX? Did You Know She s A Doctor of the Church? Would You Like to Get To Know Her Better? Saint Theresa Parish is offering a retreat entitled 33 Days to Merciful Love - providing you with a wonderful opportunity to end this inspirational Jubilee Year of Mercy in a very special way. Fr. Michael E. Gaitley will guide us through a journey of Merciful Love with our own patron saint based on her writings and her profound insight that the Sacred Heart of Jesus is full of mercy. Jesus longs to pour out His Merciful Love on each one of us. Fr. Gaitley s book focuses this journey on the Spirituality of St. Theresa s Little Way, and how it connects with God s Divine Mercy. Plan now to open your heart to Jesus Sacred Heart and His unending invitation to receive His mercy, His forgiveness, and His treasury of compassion. WHEN? Wednesdays, October 12th November 16th at 1PM or 6:30PM (your choice) WHERE? Convent Upper Room Watch the bulletin in the coming weeks for more information. MAG Traffic Study Coming To St. Theresa Wednesday 31 August The Maricopa Association of Governments has requested that St. Theresa participate in a study that will analyze traffic flow (vehicular and pedestrian) to and from our campus the purpose of which is to gain a representative sampling of data from a large parish and school along a major Phoenix thoroughfare so as to continue to improve local transportation infrastructure. Personnel contracted by MAG will be counting vehicles and pedestrians coming and going from our campus on August 31 st some drivers and walkers will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire. The official communiqué from MAG is as follows: The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is conducting the 2016 Establishment and Commercial Vehicle Survey to understand the travel patterns of employees and visitors to and from local businesses. Trips to businesses by both customers and employees make up a significant fraction of trips in our region. This survey is an important component in the regional transportation planning process. Information from the survey is used to understand commute patterns and other aspects of travel behavior in the region, which can help to determine where transportation infrastructure improvements may be needed. While a survey of this type was performed previously, an update is required to provide the latest data on the travel choices, preferences, and needs of the public. Each selected establishment will represent hundreds of other establishments in the area, so participation, while completely voluntary, is very important for the overall success of the survey. MAG has contracted with Cambridge Systematics, ETC Institute and WestGroup Research for the data collection purposes. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Adult Faith Formation Orientation Begins Sunday, September 11th in the Convent Upper Room Sessions will be held on Sunday mornings at 10:15AM following the 9AM Liturgy during the Fall. Segments are designed for anyone seeking more information about the Catholic Church. We are also recruiting members of St. Theresa Parish that would like to serve in the RCIA Ministry. (9AM church dismissal, hospitality, session topics leaders, candidate sponsors & prayer partners). "Come and See," John 1:39 ~ If you are an adult who wants to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church (Baptized, Confirmed & Receive Eucharist), attend all sessions. Explore our Catholic Faith Tradition. ~ If you are an adult Baptized in another Christian Faith and wish to become Catholic, attend sessions through October, and continue as you like. Explore our Catholic Faith Tradition. ~ If you are a Baptized Catholic Adult and desire to receive First Communion/ Confirmation, attend the first segment... and continue as you like. Explore your Catholic Faith Tradition. ~ If you are already fully initiated in the Catholic Church and registered at St. Theresa Parish (Baptized, Confirmed with Eucharist) we welcome you to attend any or all of the sessions. EXPLORE YOUR CATHOLIC FAITH TRADITION Adult Registration Forms are available in the Parish Office or online on the Parish Website. Special arrangements will be made to accommodate work schedules. For more information regarding the 2016/2017 RCIA Process, please contact Patty & David Pettit at (602)840-0850 or email pdpettit@sttheresaphx.org. Pray For Those... Who Have Died: Jose Pallares Pastoral Council Corner Did You Know? The Parish Pastoral Council continues to present brief explanations of each Stained Glass Window in our church to discover the meaning behind the stained glass. We encourage parishioners to take in the beauty of our windows and experience the wisdom of God teaching us through the use of symbols. Window 14: The Pentecost Window Reflection: Come Holy Spirit, Fill the Hearts of your Faithful and Kindle in them the Fire of your Love Before Christ ascended to the Father, He promised the Apostles that He would help them to bear fearless witness to their faith even before persecutors, by sending the Holy Spirit upon the apostolic community. On the Feast of Pentecost, fifty days after the Resurrection, the Holy Spirit came down in an extraordinary way on the Apostles as they were gathered with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the group of men and women disciples. The Spirit came in the form of tongues of fire. Everyone was so filled with the Holy Spirit that each went out fearlessly to proclaim the Good News even to the point of martyrdom for some of them and to fulfill the command of the Lord, Go ye therefore, teach all nations, with His promise: I will never abandon you or leave you orphans. Those who believed the Apostles teaching were then baptized and they, too, received the Gift of the Holy Spirit. We rejoice with the presence of the Spirit among us today because of the Lord s promise: I will remain with you forever. The Tongues of Fire pictured in the window portray the coming of the Spirit on the Church, represented by St. Peter. Traditionally Pentecost is regarded as the birthday of the Church.
TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Your Knights Of Columbus "In Service to ONE, In Service To All." St. Theresa Council #13497 would like to thank everyone who attended our recent Wine Festival. Because of the support of this parish we are able to distribute funds to our Knights Charities and to many of the Parish Ministries and School. Last month, the Knights sponsored teens in our Life Teen program for their pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2016 with a gift of $1,000. For more information about the Knights of Columbus please call our Grand Knight, Jim Tucker, @ 602-430-6144. WHAT S UP WITH CATECHETICAL SUNDAY? The third Sunday of September in the United States is celebrated as Catechetical Sunday in order to acknowledge, appreciate and commission those who are catechists. In his encyclical letter Redemptoris Missio Pope John Paul II, says: Among the laity who become evangelizers, catechists have a place of honor Catechists are among those who have received Christ s command to go and teach all nations (Guide for Catechists, 33). Among the catechetical tasks proper particularly to parish priests is the task to foster a recognition and appreciation for catechists and their mission (General Directory for Catechesis, 225). The celebration of Catechetical Sunday provides a means to do so. The idea of establishing a catechetical day in each parish was presented by Pope Pius XI in his instruction entitled On Better Care for Catechetical Teaching (Provido sane consilio) published in 1935. In paragraph 25, he writes that the day should be a day in which a. The faithful should be called together in the parish, and having received the Holy Eucharist, they should pray to obtain greater fruit from catechesis (divine teaching) b. A special sermon/homily should be preached to the people on the necessity of catechetical instruction. Parents are to be told about their duty to instruct their children in Catholic doctrine and to send them to parish catechism (religion) classes. c. Books, pamphlets, and other material suitable for the purpose should be distributed. d. A collection may be taken up for the promotion of catechetical works. The first celebration of a national catechetical day in our country is recorded to be on October 30, 1935, in Rochester, N.Y. By 1944, the practice was in every part of the union and by 1955 most dioceses celebrated the day on the third Sunday in September. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Elementary Religious Education Classes Have Begun! Today, August 21st, in Fr. Feeney Hall @ 10:30AM. Registrations are still open! For more information stop by the hall or contact Rita Laguna in the Parish Office @ 602-840-0850. CHILDRENS SACRAMENTAL PREP This is a family program for children ages 7 years - high school who are not baptized. The program is modeled after the adult RCIA program. Participants are received fully into the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil with the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation & Holy Communion. Families attend weekly Sunday classes at 10:15AM in the Club Room. 2nd & 3rd Grade Sacraments For Catholic School Children Sacramental Preparation at St. Theresa Parish is whole family catechesis. Parents with 2 nd or 3 rd Grade children MUST register their children through the parish. Parents of 2nd Graders register: Sunday, September 25th, 10:30AM in Fr. Feeney Hall. Parents of 3rd Graders register: Sunday, December 4th, 10:30AM in Fr. Feeney Hall. Contact Gina Keating in the Parish Office @ 602-840-0850 ext. 111, or gkeating@sttheresaphx.org. PASTORAL CARE Serving The Homebound If you have a family member who is homebound and would like visits, communion, anointing, and/or confession, please give our Pastoral Care Office a call @ 602-586-7429. Alzheimer Support Group Tuesday, August 30th from 4-5PM in the Parish Office Conference Room. Memory loss takes many different roads. Professionals, along with those who experience caregiving for family members with memory loss, provide an atmosphere of learning, along with an opportunity to talk about and hear suggestions that help. Doors are open, no RSVP is needed.
Adoration Every Thursday 9AM-8:30PM Convent Chapel I want to encourage everyone to visit - if possible, every day - especially amid life s difficulties, the Blessed Sacrament of the infinite love of Christ and His mercy, preserved in our churches, and often abandoned, to speak filial with him, to listen to him in silence, and to peacefully entrust yourself to Him. ~Pope Francis Looking For Help From The Baby Boomer Generation to assist with the Pastoral Care Ministry. Wednesday, September 7th from 6-7:30PM in the Parish Office Conference Room. Now that the children are raised, the joy of serving others in our community is a beautiful spiritual opportunity! Bring your ideas (men & women) and let s share the needs of today and tomorrow. Contact Bobbie Stich @ 602-586-7429 for more information. Duet - Our Partner In Health & Aging Help for Grandfamilies: Respite, benefit counseling, and legal guidance. For more details contact Duet @ 602-274- 5022 or info@duetaz.org. Mass Intentions & Celebrants (AUGUST 22ND-AUGUST 28TH) MONDAY, AUGUST 22ND 6:30AM +PATRICIA HEALY-FR. JC TUESDAY, AUGUST 23RD 6:30AM +WALLY KUBIS JR.-FR. JC WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24TH 6:30AM +CLAUDIO ACEVEDO-FR. JC 8:30AM +RENATE GRIFFIN-FR. JOACHIM THURSDAY, AUGUST 25TH 6:30AM +SISTER DELORES KAMIERCZAK-FR. JC FRIDAY, AUGUST 26TH 6:30AM +JOHN P. HEALY JR.-FR. CHUCK SATURDAY, AUGUST 27TH 8:00AM DANIEL & LOIS SHANAHAN, SP. INT.-FR. JC 4:00PM FOR THE PARISHIONERS-FR. CHUCK SUNDAY, AUGUST 28TH 7:30AM +ELEANORE STRATZ-FR. JOACHIM 9:00AM +BILL HALLENBECK-FR. JC 11:00AM +PETER KUPCIK-FR. CHUCK 5:00PM +HEATHER & SUSANNE BAIN-FR. KEVIN The Priest scheduled to celebrate the Mass IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Sunday 8:30AM Blood Drive (Blood Mobile/South Parking Lot) 10:30AM RE Parent/Child Mtg. (Fr. Feeney Hall) 1:00PM Infant Baptisms (Church) Monday 10:00AM Wally Kubis Funeral (Church) Tuesday 1:00PM Pastoral Care Book Club (Parish Conference Rm) 3:30PM Youth Choir Rehearsal (Church) 5:30PM Core Team Mtg. (Life Teen Rm) 6:00PM Liturgical Minister General Assembly (Church) 6:30PM SVDP Mtg. (Convent Conference Rm) 7:30PM Adult Basketball (Msgr. McMahon Gym) Wednesday 9:30AM Centering Prayer (Convent Chapel) 5:00PM Open Gym/Teen Loft (Msgr. McMahon Gym) Reconciliation (Church) 6:00PM Choir Rehearsal (Church) 6:30PM Rosary (Convent Chapel) 7:30PM Loft Bible Study (Life Teen Rm) Thursday 9:00AM Adoration w/ Benediction (Convent Chapel) 6:00PM EM Training (Church) 7:00PM Kevin Saunders Bible Study (Fr. Feeney Hall) Friday 10:00AM Jim Wagner Funeral (Church) Saturday 9:00AM Reconciliation (Church) 10:00AM Altar Server Training (Church) 8:30PM Al Anon (Classroom 16) Alcoholics Anonymous (Classroom 17) ~ Readings ~ Week of August 21, 2016 Sunday Is 66:18-21; Ps 117:1, 2; Heb 12:5-7, 11-13; Lk 13:22-30 Monday 2 Thes 1:1-5, 11-12; Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 4-5; Mt 23:13-22 Tuesday 2 Thes 2:1-3a, 14-17; Ps 96:10, 11-12, 13; Mt 23:23-26 Wednesday Rv 21:9b-14; Ps 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18; Jn 1:45-51 Thursday 1 Cor 1:1-9; Ps 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; Mt 24:42-51 Friday 1 Cor 1:17-25; Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 10-11; Mt 25:1-13 Saturday 1 Cor 1:26-31; Ps 33:12-13, 18-19, 20-21; Mt 25:14-30