BEFITTING FRUITS OF REPENTANCE (2 Nd SAY A). In his reflection on reconciliation and penance, St. Pope John Paul 11 stated that: the words conversion, repentance, penance and reconciliation are in close connection. Penance means the inmost change of heart under the influence of the word of God and in the perspective of the kingdom. But penance also means changing one s life in harmony with the change of heart, and in this sense doing penance is completed by bringing forth fruit worthy of penance: it is one s whole existence that becomes penitential, that is to say, directed towards a continuous striving for what is better penance is therefore, a conversion that passes from the heart to deeds, and then to the Christians whole life. Today s Gospel Mt 3:1-12, presents us with the penitential spirit of advent in the person of John the Baptist and his fierce demand to produce fruits befitting our great spiritual heritage of faith, without any iota of pretension and presumption of been automatically guaranteed salvation based on descent from a religious family background. John s personal lifestyle speaks volumes of an ascetical practice: he lived in the desert, a place with little water, rare vegetation, scorching heat, lack of food and shelter. He had no clothing except a garment made of camel- hair with a leather belt tied to his waist, his food was locusts and wild honey and he did not attach importance to the comfort that the temple afforded the priests even though his father Zachariah was one of the clerics. Thus Pope Francis s decision to shun the official papal apartments and rather live in a much more modest Vatican hotel so as to be in constant contact with ordinary people is typical of John the Baptist s lifestyle. John s message of the baptism of repentance targeted two groups of people: to the general audience, he sounded positively; repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Then, to the particular audience made up of Pharisees and Sadducees came the thundering and heart rending words: you brood of vipers if you are repentant, produce the appropriate fruit, and do not presume to tell yourselves, we have Abraham for our father. The ordinary people had little knowledge of God but the Pharisees and the Sadducees were the main stream of religious worship to whom much was given and much demanded. John told them that appearances are deceptive. Since all that glitters is not gold and God looks at the heart not at physical appearance, entry into the kingdom of God which Christ ushers in, demands that all must change and cleanse their hearts of sin not only in the sacraments but in concrete action. Through baptism the Christian is sacramentally assimilated to Jesus, who in His own baptism anticipates his death and resurrection. The Christian must enter into this mystery of humble self abasement and repentance, go down into the water with Jesus in order to rise with him, be reborn of water and the holy Spirit so as to become the Father s beloved son in the son and walk in newness of life (CCC537). The story is been told that a religious education teacher asked what the word repentance means. A little boy put up his hand and said, it is being sorry for your sins. Then a little girl raised her hand and added, its being sorry enough to quit. Words that express the act of contrition before or after confession of one s sins alone are not enough, deeds are required. The Christian virtues are the befitting fruits of repentance. When enabled by God s supernatural grace, the sinner changes from his evil ways and does what is right in the presence of God in relation to our fellow men and women, the old self of sin is rooted out and the new self in the image and likeness of God is generated by the working of the Holy Spirit through Christ our savior. Liturgical Training Saint Rose of Lima Parish December 16 Main Church-Friday 6:00pm Calling, all ministers who serve at the Mass. I am calling this gathering so that we are all on the same page when it comes to serving at the Holy Mass. The Holy Mass is a sacred occasion which should focus on the blessed Eucharist, Jesus! Let us together make the Holy Mass into an experience which will bring true meaning to our daily life, by worshiping our Lord with Joy and enthusiasm. Fr. Robert Rodriguez Thank you From Vickie Thanks for your continued support with prayers, food and donations through my illness thus far. Words can t express how grateful I am for my spiritual family at St. Rose as well as my own family and dearest friends. May the blessed Father keep you all in his tender loving care. Vickie Quintero Dear Fr. Robert and St. Rose of Lima Parish, It has been a blessing to be in your midst these past years. Thanks to your kindness and that of my sister, Madona, you have been home and family to me. I carry you all in my grateful prayers for your kind support and pray with you for all of your intentions. With prayerful gratitude in the Merciful Heart of Jesus and Mary. Sister Mary Catherine of the Immaculate Heart and the Holy Spirit O. Carm. Youth Choir: Practice every Wednesday at 6:00 pm in church loft. Please encourage your youth to share his / her talent.
ST. ROSE OF LIMA NOTICES ST. ROSE OF LIMA WEEKLY ACTIVITIES Second Collection December 3-4 December 8th December 17-18 Building Fund Immaculate Conception SVDP Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction is every Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. A compliance representative will be at St. Rose of Lima from 1:30pm to 2:30 pm 2nd Thursday of the month. All New Volunteers are required to begin the clearance process for 2016-2017. Messengers of Mary prays the Holy Rosary Monday - Friday at 7:30 a.m. before Mass. We will pray the rosary on Thursdays in the CHURCH (instead of the Chapel), at 11:00 a.m. Remember to pray the rosary daily. Call 428.0573 for prayers & Consecration to Jesus through Mary. Spanish Choir Practice meets every Thursday at 6:00 p.m. in the church. New Group Forming Liturgy of Christian Prayer in the Chapel daily at 5:15pm. St. Rose of Lima Weekend Collections -- Nov. 24-27 Offertory $ 3,757.00 Thanksgiving $ 181.00 Military Service USA $ 580.00 Office Gift Shop Attention early Christmas shoppers: St. Rose of Lima Gift Shop has received affordable and inspirational Christmas items for all your needs. Be sure to get you advent wreath and candles. Advent starts on Sunday, Nov. 27. Visit the Gift Shop in the Parish Office Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Sun 7am +Connie Bailon 10am 11:30am Abe & Lillian Rivas 55 Anniversary Health and Well-being of Charlotte & Harry Russell 4pm Thanksgiving to St. Martin de Porres Health & Well-being of Ramona 6pm Murrieta & Family Mon 8am +Sandra Marquez Tues 8am Thanks to Our Lord Wed 8am Health and well-being of Walter Lasinsky Wed. 6pm In Thanksgiving to Christ Thurs. 8am Saint Rose of Lima Parishioners Thurs. 12pm Health and well-being of Bertha Coca & Family Thurs. 2:45pm RE Teachers Fri. 8am Birthday Blessings Fr. Robert 52 Sat 6pm Safety and well-being of Monica Hernandez and all in the military Sun 7am Marian Sisters of Santa Rosa 10am Health and well-being of Mary K. Howell and family 11:30am Saint Rose of Lima Parishioners 6pm Mass Intentions for Dec. 4-11 Health and well-being of Terri Barbosa Immaculate Conception -Holy day of Obligation Wednesday Dec. 7th 6:00pm Thursday 8:00am, 12:00pm, 2:45pm Office will be closed Board of Director nomination: I Rev. Robert A. Rodriguez nominate Naomi Lowery to the Saint Rose of Lima Board of Directors. If you have any concerns to this nomination please contact me with your concern. Rev. Robert A. Rodriguez REQUIREMENTS: Baptisms The parents of the child to be baptized must submit a copy of the baby's birth certificate. Parents and godparents need to attend the parish baptismal class. Classes are given on the second Saturday of the month from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Please call the office to sign up for the next scheduled class. All requirements for the Diocese of Tucson and Saint Rose of Lima will be given to the parents at this time. Baptisms are performed the first and third Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Our office staff is limited, therefore, sponsors and godparents proof of sacraments, documents and payment must be submitted at least one month before the baptism. When choosing godparents, if they are married, they must be married through the Catholic church, if single you must not be living with a partner. Donation is $20.00. Quinceañera The candidate and her parents must contact the office at least one (1) year or more before the date requested. Quinceañera are not performed during Holy Days. Requirements: active within the parish, youth group, Religious Education, Mass attendance, etc. or Six(6) sets of meetings and volunteer ministries given by Fr. Robert. Cost is $250.00. There is a non-refundable deposit of $100.00 to hold the date. Balance to the church must be received in the office one week before the ceremony. Weddings The couple must contact office at least 6 months prior to the desired wedding date. An appointment will be made for the couple. At that time it will be determined if the date desired is available, and all requirements for the Diocese of Tucson and Saint Rose of Lima will be given to the couple. Donation is $150.00.There is a non-refundable deposit of $50.00 to hold the date. Balance to the church must be received in the office one week before the ceremony.
Religious Education Christmas Play Dec. 10th after 6pm Mass. Come join the Religious Education students in reenacting the journey of the Holy family to Bethlehem. There will be a reception in the Hall after the play. Registration for Religious Classes will be on going. Register in the RE office Monday -Thursday 9:00am -12:00 noon. RE office phone number is 348-4785. ST. ROSE OF LIMA NOTICES Festival of Trees! It s that time of year again. Catholic Daughters are asking for baked goods and candy for the Festival of Trees for December 5-9. This is a community festival and we are having over 2300 students come to view the trees and buy some treats. We would appreciate it. Thanks in advance! Open Daily 8:00am-2:00pm Open 4:00pm-8:00pm Las Posadas Jr. High High School Youth Marine Corps Reserve Please drop off your unwrapped toys at the main Office. Our parish is one of the most generous givers to this program. Thank YOU! toys4safford@aol.com 928-792-3100 www.toysfortots.org High School Youth Groups / Confirmation Join us on Sunday after 11:30 a.m. Mass. High School Youth Group meets in the CAVE from 12:30pm until 2pm. Confirmation: Upcoming Dates Mass Attendance is Mandatory! This is part of your class time! Dec. 4th Festival of Trees Dec. 10 Christmas Play Dec. 18 Las Posadas 12:30pm Sunday Jr. High 6-8th grade -meets in the RE classrooms from 12:30pm until 2pm. Confirmation Class 1 &2nd December 18th After the 11:30am Mass All Families of RE and Parish are Invited! We need adult helpers to organize this event when Joseph and Mary made their journey to Bethlehem. We will have food, prizes, piñata. Please call the office if you can help. Fr. Robert
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE NOTICES Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day, Saturday Dec. 10th Mananitas at 5:30am Menudo fundraiser after the 6:00AM Mass Warm drinks and desserts Donations will be appreciated. This fund raiser will go towards the needs of the Parish. Please call the Office for more information. Weekend Collections Nov.24-27 Offertory $ 659.00 Thanksgiving $ 213.00 Military Service USA $ 64.00 December 4 December 8 December 18 Second Collection Building Fund Immaculate Conception St. Vincent De Paul Envelopes available for Poinsettias at the front entrance of the Church. Thank you for your donation. First Friday Mass and Adoration, Friday Dec. 9 Confessions from 9:30-10:30am. Holy Day of Obligation Dec. 8th 9:00 am. ( Please check St. Rose s schedule for additional Masses) Mass Intentions for Dec.4th-11th Sun 8:30am +Mary Royce Mon. 9:00am +Carlotta Jaramillo Tues 9:00am +Bobby Larronia Wed. 9:00am Prayers for those in discernment Thurs. 9:00am +Brandon Garcia Fri. 9:00am Our Lady of Guadalupe Parishioners & Deceased Sat 6:00am Blessed Virgin Mary Sun. 8:30am +Albertlado, Rosilia, & Hotencia Amado RELIGIOUS EDUCATION GOSPEL REFLECTION: As John's message prepared the way for Jesus in the first century, we, too, are called to prepare ourselves for Jesus' coming Teachers Needed! Mixed Choir Day/time change CHOIR PRACTICE on Thursdays at 4:00 in the church. Friendly Reminder Parents must sign the clipboard located at the church entrance to verify Mass attendance on Sunday. If you attended Mass out-oftown, please bring church bulletin. RE Class Change RE classes is from 4-6 p.m. as we prepare for our Christmas program, which will be on December 10 at 5 p.m. in the parish hall. Items Needed The RE Program needs to borrow plastic Nativity items (Holy Family, sheep, cows, donkeys, etc.,) or stuffed farm animals for their Christmas play. If you have any of these items and can help, please call the office at 428-0149. Christmas Program Saturday, December 10 @ 5 p.m. Please come support our RE Program and join us for hot chocolate and cookies after the program. Family Day TODAY! Everyone is welcome! Please join us. Upcoming events: December 4 Family Day TODAY December 5 RE classes from 4 to 6 p.m. December 10 Mañanitas @ 5:30 a.m./mass @ 6 a.m./menudo December 10 Christmas RE Program at 5 p.m. December 12 RE classes from 4 to 5:30 p.m. from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm every 2nd Thursday of each month. All new Volunteers are required to begin the clearance process for 2016-2017. Our Lady of Guadalupe office will be closed on Thursday, December 8, for the Holy Day of The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
ORTEGA S SHOES VALLEY FURNITURE Mt. Graham Shopping Center Richard & Theresa Ortega Elodia Valerie 928.428.0636 SECULAR FRANCISCAN S t. Elizabeth of Hungary Fraternity Meets 2nd Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. At Our Lady of Guadalupe Church David Esquivel, Minister 928.865.2887 350 E. Armory Road Safford, AZ 928.348.9340 Kachina Hot Springs Mineral Spa KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 1155 W Cactus Rd Safford, AZ 928.428.7212 Richard Ortega, Grand Knight 928.428.0636 Kachinamineralsprings.com M eets 1st Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Walneck s Safford Sewing Center Jeff & Virginia Walneck Parishioners Hwy 70 & 3rd Ave 928.428.0494 CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS Court S t. Rose of Lima #2398 Helen Romero, Regent 928.965.6604 M eets 3rd Wednesdays at 7 p.m. At St. Rose of Lima In St. M atthew s room Greens Furniture Davi d Montez the Furniture King 520 W. 5 th St Safford, Az 428.5900 THRIFTEE FOOD & DR UG Groceries-General M erchandise Bakery-Deli Pharmacy-Florist 755 S CENTRAL AVE SAFFORD, AZ 85546 PHONE: 928.428.1844 928.428.1740 Michelle A. Wilson Agent 610 W. Main St Safford, AZ 85546 928.428.1570 farmersagent@vtc.net PEPS I-COLA BOTTLING COMPANY OF SAFFORD OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS NO dues * NO fees * NO weigh -ins * NO diets 415 E US Hwy 70, Safford, AZ Now Serving Breakfast @ 11AM 928.428.7148 CURSILLO LEADERSHIP For more information, contact St. Rose of Lima Parish Office 928.428.4920 Bulletin Ads $150/ Year Fifth Avenue Florist 707 S. 6th Ave Safford, AZ 928.428.1033 516 S. 5th Avenue, Safford 928.428.2491 Mon Fri 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. 12 p.m. Jill R Chacon, owner M eets Tuesdays at 7:30-8:30 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima in St. Luke s Room 928.322.8647 Brando s Fun N Sun Travel & Cruise Inside Trophies N T ees 513 W. Main Street, Safford 928.322.3271 Discount Vacation Planning, Cruises, Airlines, Rental Cars, Hotels & More!