My Brothers and Sisters, Today s Gospel (Luke 6:27-38) has to rate as one of the most difficult for a disciple to follow day in and day out. Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you... pray for those who mistreat you. Turn the other cheek. Be merciful. Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. If you re anything like me, this is extremely hard advice to put into action. How am I to forgive the unforgiveable? How can I possibly not judge? Just a week ago, the world learned of laicization (sometimes known as defrocking ) by Pope Francis of the former Cardinal Archbishop of my home town of Washington, DC Theodore McCarrick. The Holy Father had carefully weighed all the evidence of sexual misconduct/abuse, McCarrick s manipulation of children, seminarians and priests for his own sexual gratification by means of his power and authority as one of the highest-ranking churchmen in the United States. As the horror stories began to come to light, Cardinal McCarrick was demoted to become Archbishop McCarrick and was ordered by the Pope to remove himself from public ministry and begin a life of prayer and penance in a monastery. Sadly, as story after story piled up, the Church sustained serious injury as the result of not only the McCarrick scandal as well as the other accounts of sexual abuse and power abuse by clergy around the world. It also became known that all-toomany bishops were complicit in efforts to cover up the abuse or even worse, were abusers themselves. As all of this continued to unfold, McCarrick went to trial under Canon Law (the legal system of the Church) and following the trial verdict based on credible evidence, Pope Francis dismissed Theodore McCarrick from the priesthood. The Holy Father discerned that this difficult action was necessary to help bring healing to survivors, to set an example of a no tolerance policy for abusers (no matter what their rank) and bring new hope to a battered Church. McCarrick is the most senior Catholic figure to be dismissed from the priesthood in modern times. Now 88 years of age, Mr. McCarrick (as he is now known) will spend his final years in disgrace. Due to the statutes of limitations, he cannot be criminally charged with abuse of minors. As a priest of nearly 40 years, I have a hard time comprehending how this ordained man carried on a sexually abusive relationship with a teenager (among others), all the while rising to the heights of power in our Church. I have to admit that my emotional response to all of this and the other stories of abuse by clergy has been a source of sadness and shame, a source of anger and yes, a rush to judge and condemn Theodore McCarrick and other clergy offenders. But then the words of today s Gospel slap me across the face and call me to stretch in ways I d rather not. Leave me alone so that I can simmer in my anger and resentment, pointing a finger toward those who have demeaned the priesthood and the Church. Jesus, though, has other plans. His words in our Gospel passage challenge and confront me (as they generally tend to do!) Let go of the judgmentalism, the condemnation even when I m feeling personally wounded. Whether it be a woundedness as the result of the scandals, or a betrayal by a family member or a friend, or feeling judged by others the Lord is calling me (actually, you and me) to follow him. To pray for those who have harmed us. To let go of the anger. (The two go hand-in-glove: have you ever noticed how difficult it is to be angry with someone for whom you re praying?) How difficult but how rewarding and healing. Only by God s grace is it possible to follow Christ s path of self-giving love letting go of resentment, venom and anger even when it seems humanly impossible. Give, and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you. Grace, peace and hope in Christ, Rev. Charles G. Kieffer Pastor
7TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME PARISH NEWS For Parents Registering Their Children For The 2019-2020 School Year, Please Note: In order to receive a school s reduced Catholic Tuition Rate, your school must be informed on whether your family meets the criteria set by your parish for Registered, Active, Participating members. The definition of registered, active, and participating varies by parish, but usually includes attending Mass regularly as well as contributing with an envelope (or through online giving) to the offertory along with supporting the ministry life of the parish. If you have questions about your family s status, please contact your school s finance office. (Note: All Diocesan high school students receiving the reduced tuition rate for the coming year must have their status verified through the high school s verification process before they can be registered as Catholic.) CORRECTION Due to a typographical error, our 2019 Parish Calendars list an incorrect phone number of the Parish Office. Please note that the correct number is 602.840.0850. If you use the parish information printed on the calendar for regular reference, you may want to write the correct telephone number on the calendar in place of the incorrect one. Apologies for the inconvenience! Lenten Scripture Study Groups Entering into Christ s Passion Let's do something different this Lent! Come join FMD-Forming Missionary Disciples, our parish small scripture study groups. We begin our 6-week lenten series titled Entering into Christ s Passion. The Gospel of Luke will take us on a journey through Holy Week as we learn about: Palm Sunday, Jerusalem, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. Multiple small groups will meet throughout the week starting March 3rd. Please email Jose Reyes (jreyes@stphx.org) for class schedules and to reserve your spot! Wednesday, March 6 6:30am, 8:30am (with School Community), and 6:00pm Even though Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation, it is an important observance in our Church calendar, and one that has deep roots in the hearts of Christians the world over. We invite you to join us as we start our Lenten journey together. Ashes will be distributed only during each Mass. Why Ashes? It seems ironic that, on the day we hear Jesus exhort us not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them, we walk around with ashes on our foreheads. But the use of ashes has ancient biblical roots as recognition of our own mortal frailty, as part of ritual purification, and as a sign of repentance. The Three Tenets of Lent. The traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving come directly from the Gospel reading for Ash Wednesday (Mt 6:1-6, 16-18). NO MORE PAPER RECYCLING at St. Theresa. Since local jurisdictions are providing recycling services along with regular trash collection service, paper that was once collected in the recycling bins south of the Msgr. McMahon Center no longer provides a source of fundraising dollars for our parish school as was once the case. In fact, for the past several months the recycling company has charged the school for the bins and the paper pickup. So, in early January, the recycling bins were removed from parish property. We no longer accept paper for recycling. Many thanks to all parishioners and friends who took the time to bring their old newspapers and other paper products to recycle for the benefit of St. Theresa Catholic School over the past several years. We encourage you to continue to recycle, using your city-provided bins.
Praise For Parents ~ Fr. JC Come to 'Praise for Parents TOMORROW - Monday, February 25th from 8-9AM in the Convent Upper Room. This monthly program is designed for parents with children of any age. Join Fr. JC and Kelly Bennan to energize your spirit with uplifting presentations, discussions and humor as we explore present-day topics of LOVE and the MINISTRY OF PARENTHOOD. Join us for one class or treat yourself to the program every month! Classes are offered on a drop-in basis and do not depend on prior attendance. 3rd Grade Sacramental Prep: Third grade children at the school and in the religious education classes have begun their preparation for the Sacraments of Confirmation/First Eucharist. If you missed the parent meeting on December 2nd, you must follow up with Gina Keating in the Parish Office to receive the required sacrament workbook and other information for your child to be included in this year s Third Grade Mass. Registration will close March 1st. Call 602-840-0850, ext. 111 to set an appointment. Children s Liturgy: The 9AM Children s Liturgy program needs SET trained volunteers to help share the Gospel message with children 5 years 3 rd Grade each Sunday. It s a minimal time commitment and you can pick your date to volunteer. Many hands make light work, and it would be a blessing to add your name to our list of volunteers! Email Gina Keating at gkeating@sttheresaphx.org. Pray For Those... Who Are Sick: Gerald Cooley & Caroline Russell PASTORAL CARE The New Evangelization is a task of apostolic (or pastoral) action. Authentic apostolic action is nothing other than acts of true love done for the love of God and for all our brothers and sisters. Pastoral Care is always looking for Kitchen Angels to help with Senior Luncheons and Funeral Receptions. If you feel called to serve in this capacity or you have questions, please contact Maureen Schaaf in the Parish Office @ 602-586-7429 or by email at mschaaf@sttheresaphx.org. Parishioners Who Are Sick, Hospitalized, Or Homebound please call Maureen Schaaf in the Parish Office @ 602-586- 7429 to request Holy Communion. Appointments may also be scheduled for Confession and Anointing of the Sick. When the Church cares for the sick, it serves Christ himself in the suffering members of his Mystical Body the Church shows this solicitude not only by visiting those who are in poor health but also by raising them up through the sacrament of anointing and by nourishing them with the Eucharist during their illness and when they are in danger of death. (Decree of the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship, 7 December 1972) Save the Date: You re a saint, Charlie Brown! The Peanuts Gang can t wait to see you at Vacation Bible School from June 17th-June 21st, 9AM to Noon. We have a need for SET-trained adults who can volunteer to be station leaders for Crafts, Snacks, Games and other areas. Also, students who completed 5 th grade are invited to be a CIT (counselor in training), and volunteer hours are counted for anyone who needs them. Good grief, it will be such a great time! You can even bring your security blanket. Please email Gina Keating at gkeating@sttheresaphx.org for more info or call 602-840-0850. Keep a lookout for updates in the bulletin. The Alzheimer s Support Group meets the last Tuesday of each month. The next meeting is Tuesday, February 26th at 4PM in the Parish Office Conference Room. If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer s or dementia and you need the support of others, come by and see if this is the group for you. ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
March Senior Luncheon Wednesday, March 13th (the 2nd Wednesday of the month due to Ash Wednesday) 11:30AM in Fr. Feeney Hall RSVP to Andrea Myton at 602-214-0553 (Please leave a message if you get Andrea s voicemail). You can now RSVP and/or pay on line at https://sttheresaphxcatechesis.weshareonline.org/ SeniorLuncheon $10.00 per person If you have contributed online or signed up for an event online in the past be sure to click the Login button in the upper right corner and use your email address and password prior to completing your registration/giving. If you can t remember or need a new password, click the Login button and then click on Forgot Password? button and a temporary password will be emailed to you and you can set a new password. RSVP deadline is Friday, March 8th!!! BUNCO Monday, February 25th at 1:45 PM in Fr. Feeney Hall. Come make new friends, and have a laugh or two. For more information please call Patti Iannucci @ 602-952-0802. ATTENTION ALL HOMEBOUND AND CARE FACILITY EMs: Ash Wednesday is March 6th. If you are able, please take Communion on that day so you can also administer Ashes to those who will otherwise be unable to receive them. Blessed ashes will be available in the Sacristy and at the front desk of the Parish Office. If you have any questions do not hesitate to call Maureen Schaaf @ 602-586-7429. Thank you and God Bless you for taking Jesus to our Homebound and to Care Facilities. 7TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME The 2019 Charity And Development Appeal (CDA) Is Underway! Each and every gift is important, no matter how big or small. Please help support the vital programs and services throughout the Diocese of Phoenix. These programs and services reach beyond the boundaries of any one parish to all of our Phoenix-area community. Thank you for your support of the 2019 Charity and Development Appeal. DIOCESAN NEWS Ladies Lenten Prep Retreat Saturday, March 2nd at St. Daniel the Prophet in Scottsdale. Beginning with Mass at 8AM and ending at 12:30PM. NO charge! Please register by Friday, February 22nd at unruffledladies@gmail.com or call 602-228-2126. Catholic Medical Association of Phoenix: Pro-Women s Healthcare Informational Presentation March 2, 2019, 10AM 2PM, $12 per person, Diocesan Pastoral Center Join the growing membership of Catholic medical professionals for an enjoyable morning of worship, fellowship, and formation. Go to:https://phoenix.onedesa.com/ event-registration/register.php?act=begin _registration&event_id=4402&list_department=5 Don t Miss The 10th Annual Nun Run! Saturday, March 2nd, 7:30AM at Kiwanis Park in Tempe. 10K, 5K, 1 mile Run/Walk benefiting the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration. This is a family-friendly event. This year s Nun Run holds a special significance as all proceeds go towards the construction of Our Lady of Solitude Monastery, set to begin in early 2019! Visit desertnunrun.com to learn more, to register, donate, volunteer or become a Nun Run Sponsor! The 10th Annual Nun Run is present by our Title Sponsor: Catholic Cemeteries and Funeral Homes of the Diocese of Phoenix. Give, and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. Give the gift of your love by attending the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend March 16th-17th in Tucson or May 17th-19th in Phoenix. To apply online, and for other weekend dates please visit www.wwmearizona.com.
Mass Intentions & Celebrants (FEBRUARY 25TH-MARCH 3RD) MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH 6:30AM +JOSEPHINE CELIS-FR. JOACHIM TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH 6:30AM CONOR LAUGHAN, SPECIAL INT.-FR. JOACHIM WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH 6:30AM +BOB FALK-FR. JOACHIM 8:30AM +JANE LEONARD-FR. CHUCK THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH 6:30AM +MARIA MENDOZA-FR. CHUCK FRIDAY, MARCH 1ST 6:30AM +MARY JANE LAWS-FR. JOACHIM SATURDAY, MARCH 2ND 8:00AM +JOSEPH KRIMPLE-FR. CHUCK 4:00PM FOR THE PARISHIONERS-FR. JOACHIM SUNDAY, MARCH 3RD 7:30AM +GAIL T. DAVIS-FR. CHUCK 9:00AM +ALL HOLY SOULS IN PURGATORY -FR. CHUCK 11:00AM +ED MUSENBROCK-FR. JOACHIM 5:00PM +JIM SERRA-FR. CHUCK The Priest scheduled to celebrate the Mass IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. ~Readings ~ Week of February 24, 2019 Sunday 1 Sm 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23; Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13; 1 Cor 15:45-49; Lk 6:27-38 Monday Sir 1:1-10; Ps 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5; Mk 9:14-29 Tuesday Sir 2:1-11; Ps 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40; Mk 9:30-37 Wednesday Sir 4:11-19; Ps 119:165, 168, 171, 172, 174, 175; Mk 9:38-40 Thursday Sir 5:1-8; Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6; Mk 9:41-50 Friday Sir 6:5-17; Ps 119:12, 16, 18, 27, 34, 35; Mk 10:1-12 Saturday Sir 17:1-15; Ps 103:13-14, 15-16, 17-18; Mk 10:13-16 Sunday Sir 27:4-7; Ps 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16; 1 Cor 15:54-58; Lk 6:39-45 Sunday 9:00AM RCIA (Convent Upper Rm) 10:15AM RCIC (Club Rm) 10:30AM RE Classes (Fr. Feeney Hall) 12:00PM Adult Confirmation (Convent Upper Rm) 12:30PM 4th-12th Grade Sacrament Prep (Classroom 17) 6:00PM Life Night (Life Rm/Msgr. McMahon Gym) Monday 8:00AM Praise For Parents (Convent Upper Rm) 1:45PM Bunco (Fr. Feeney Hall) 5:30PM Youth Choir Rehearsal (Church) 6:00PM Grief Recovery Method (Parish Conference Rm) 6:30PM Edge Jr. High (Life Rm/Msgr. McMahon Gym) Tuesday 4:00PM Alzheimer Support Group (Parish Conference Rm) SVDP Mtg. (Convent Conference Rm) 6:00PM New Journey Grief Group (Parish Conference Rm) 7:00PM Boy Scout Troop 147 Mtg. (PJP Rm) Wednesday 9:30AM Centering Prayer (Convent Chapel) 5:00PM Reconciliation (Church) 5:30PM Life Teen Bible Study (Life Rm) 6:00PM Adult Choir Rehearsal (Church) 6:30PM Rosary (Convent Chapel) Thursday 9:00AM Adoration (Convent Chapel) 6:45PM Benediction (Convent Chapel) 7:00PM Kevin Saunders Bible Study (Fr. Feeney Hall) Friday 6:00PM Communion & Liberation Group (Convent Upper Rm) Saturday 9:00AM Reconciliation (Church) 8:00PM Al Anon (Classroom 16) Alcoholics Anonymous (Classroom 17)