Community Survey guides the common good

Community Survey guides the common good Thank you to the 1,383 individuals who took time to complete our 2 nd Annual Community Survey, May 11 18. We received a 28% response rate and your responses give us priceless insight as the Casa finalizes a five-year strategic plan to continue its good work. Who is our community? Half of you have been coming to the Casa for more than a decade. Eighty percent were raised as Roman Catholic. Others were raised in another faith: Protestant, Russian Orthodox, Quaker or too complicated to answer. Nearly three-fourths of the community is between the ages of 55-74. Twelve percent of respondents have children at home. The survey confirmed what we do well and what we can do better so more will embrace Catholic values improving themselves and their world. For example, 13% did not know that that licensed, professional therapists provide traditional counseling as part of our offering. Nine percent also did not know that the Casa provides rentable meeting and conference space to nonprofit groups. These two activities are important at the Casa. Here s why: Counseling is available to those who have no other access to care or no resources to pay for care. It is purely donation-based and no one is ever turned away due to lack of funds. It generates no profit, but is a service we do because embracing people wherever they are on their journey is at the core of the Franciscan way. We help them rediscover the joy in life that God intends for all of us. Meanwhile, rentable meeting and conference space provides revenue to cover the costs of essential ministries like counseling and other humanitarian aid, which are priceless. Meeting space also helps other non-profits renew and recharge here so they can continue their good work in our world. In open comments, many told us you are anxious for a larger, more comfortable church and improvements to aging facilities. We hear you! We are pleased that we are 67% of the way to our total fundraising goal for campus improvements. Some told us that you are concerned about loss of intimacy when we expand. We understand and assure you that every choice made during the design process is rooted in a firm desire to preserve that feeling of community. Being a true friend during a time of need is the challenge that we continually reach to meet every day and we thank you for your feedback. In the words of one respondent, The Casa motivates me to be more spiritual and focused away from self, and instead on what is best for the common good. Fr. Joe Schwab, OFM Executive Director Charles Brown CEO & General Manager

ADULT EDUCATION & PROGRAMS June 20-22, July 25-27, August 15-17 with Pam Bork Spiritual Spa Weekends offer time for physical rest and spiritual renewal. Check into your own private room and relax. Enjoy our newly remodeled pool, the healing garden and labyrinth. Join us, and bring a friend. Fee: $125 includes private room, all meals and program Check-in Friday at 5:00 pm Check-out Sunday at 11:00 am Massage, reflexology and gently touch available for $25 for 25 minutes. T WILIGHT RETREAT DISCERNMENT OF GIFTS Friday, June 6, 6:00-8:30 pm Dinner at 6:00 pm, Reflection 7:00 pm Pat Mullen, MA What are your God-given gifts? We all have God-given gifts that differ from our talents and skills. Experience a creative approach towards realizing, and/or affirming your gifts. This is not a scientifically designed exercise, but a true discernment experience, and it s fun! Fee: $20, includes dinner at 6:00 pm. Registration required. Program only: Freewill offering, no registration. Pat Mullen, MA is Director of Adult Education and Retreats at the Casa. Friday-Saturday June 27-28 & August 8-9 Edward Taylor, M.Div. These retreats are centered on films which have deep spiritual value even though they are not considered overtly spiritual films. Participants will view films and enter into lively discussions about their spiritual value. June 27-28 films include: Horton Hears A Who, Field of Dreams and 12 Years a Slave August 8-9 films include: Liar Liar, Philomena and Dead Poets Society Fee per person: Commuter $65. Single $100; Double $80/per person Fee includes films, lodging and meals. Check-in Friday at 5:00 pm. Dinner at 6:00. Check-out Saturday at 1:00 pm. For more information or to register for any of these programs please visit us at www.thecasa.org/programs-a-retreats or call 480.948.7460 ext. 162

ADULT EDUCATION & PROGRAMS Getting to the Heart of Male Spirituality Friday - Sunday, July 18-20, 2014 Fr. Norm Douglas, Larry Vuillemin, J.D., Terry Hershey, Deacon Phil LoCascio, and Brian Kinzie RETREAT INFORMATION Franciscan Renewal Center 5802 E. Lincoln Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85253 July 18-20 Check-in Friday at 5:00 pm Dinner at 6:00 pm Retreat ends Sunday at 1:00 pm Fees per person Commuter - $85 Single - $200 Double - $135 Limited scholarships available Spirituality for Every Man; ALL Are Welcome! Spend the weekend listening, learning, talking, questioning, reflecting, laughing, and renewing life. A talented retreat leadership team will provide you with opportunities to explore your spirituality as you journey forward. This retreat is all about getting beneath our layers and opening up to God and one another, with tears, laughter, and authentic conversation. Spiritual directors will be available to give retreatants an opportunity to share their faith journey in individual sessions. RETREAT TEAM: Register at www.thecasa.org or call 480.948.7460 TWILIGHT RETREAT: The Art of The Saint John s Bible Friday, July 30, 2014 Facilitated by Larry Fraher, MA, Director of Catechetical Ministries at Blessed Sacrament Parish The Art within The Saint John s Bible is meant not only to illustrate, but illuminate our faith. This presentation will look at how illuminations of The Saint John s Bible present a deeper understanding of the Scriptures than simple illustrations. The Casa has been generously gifted the Heritage Edition of The Saint John s Bible, which will be on display during Larry Fraher s presentation. Dinner at 6:00 pm. Presentation at 7:00 pm. Fee per person: $20, includes dinner and presentation. Registration required. Fee for presentation only: $10 For more information or to register for any of these programs please visit us at www.thecasa.org/programs-a-retreats or call 480.948.7460 ext. 162

FAITH IN ACTION MINISTRY GIVE THE GIFT OF WATER Summer in the desert is brutal for the homelessness. Dehydration and sun stroke are common dangers for those without shelter. It's not unusual for dozens of people to die every summer from heat exposure in the Phoenix area. You can help make the summer heat bearable for our neighbors in need with your simple gift of water. After all the Masses on June 7 and 8, the Casa will be collecting cases of bottled water. Hats and shoes (even flip flops) also are welcome. Help us be Christ in the world. Thanks in advance for bringing in your gifts of water. We also are collecting tuna and peanut butter for the local food pantries. Second Annual Casa Coffee House is a Great Success On April 26, Casa Grounds for Solidarity held its 2nd annual coffee house in Palm Court. Around 180 people attended and were treated to a wonderful evening of food, fun and (of course) great coffee. Tommy Basset and Arian Gonzales joined us from Café Justo to share the successful story of the coffee co-op. Adrian challenged us to sell more coffee in the coming year so that more Mexican families can join the co-op. During the coffee house, three of the Faith in Action ministries sold fair trade items. The Apache Fair Trade Crafting Cooperative took in $863. The Season for Nonviolence ministry sold $345 in Fair Trade chocolate and tea, and the Casa Grounds for Solidarity ministry sold $890 of Cafe Justo fair trade coffee. That is nearly double the sales from last year. The Phoenician Four and MG Johnson provided the delightful entertainment for the evening. Mark your calendars now for April 11, 2015 and plan to join us next year! In the meantime you can get your coffee every month on the 2nd weekend after all the Masses. The next sales dates are June 14 & 15 Casa Valley Interfaith Project invites you to learn about voting in the upcoming August primaries. Independent? Democrat? Republican? Libertarian? Green Party? Arizona is an Open Primary State. Come learn what that means. Visit us in the Hospitality area after Sunday morning Masses - June 1, June 15 & June 29 JUST SCRIPTURE meets again on June 8 in the Marcos room in Piper Hall. Each month we will open the session with a person who has studied Scripture. This person will guide us through the readings and help us understand the context and times when they were written so everyone will have a level of comfort with the readings. We will then focus our discussion on teasing out what scripture says to your heart, mind and soul. We will reflect on how scripture calls us to live in a way that promotes issues of justice, peace and inclusion. All Are Welcome Just Drop In! Contact us at 480.948.7460: Patti Sills-Trausch at x130 or socialconcerns@thecasa.org Bonnie Wasniewski at x155 or bonnie@thecasa.org

FAITH IN ACTION PROGRAMS Hot Topics The Super Bowl and How it Puts Our Youth at Risk with Human/Sex Trafficking Friday, June 6 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Lively discussions, centered around a variety of HOT topics that are of a concern to people in Arizona and our Casa community, will be presented in the Hot Topics forum here at the Casa. Oftentimes, people just want to hear what others have been thinking. Or maybe it is you who would like to voice your opinion on this particular Hot Topic. The topic of the Super Bowl & Human Sex Trafficking was chosen because of its timeliness as Arizona prepares to host the Super Bowl on Feb. 1, 2015. It will be a time to discuss and discover how it puts our youth at risk with human/sex trafficking in our local communities. The style of the program will be friendly with the hope that a sharing of ideas takes place. An important part of the discussion is remembering to be a good listener. The topic may be a particular passion of yours, but it may also be someone else s passion who has a differing opinion. This will be an opportunity to come together for sharing views and perhaps even discover some solutions! Discussion ground rules will be established as well as facilitators who will help civil discourse continue. Desserts from Chef Elias will definitely sweeten" the conversation. Come together to DISCUSS, to LISTEN and to LEARN more about current, relevant issues that are "Hot Topics." $10 fee includes coffee and dessert. Contact us at 480.948.7460: Patti Sills-Trausch x130 or socialconcerns@thecasa.org Bonnie Wasniewski at x155 or bonnie@thecasa.org

FAMILY CATECHESIS & SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION Congratulations to our newly baptized children and their families! Weston John, son of Jill and Adam Lovill Isla Luna, daughter of Cindy Fimbres and Joseph Davis Derek Efrin, son of Erin and Hector Sandoval Liliana Elise, daughter of Mandy and Matthew Morrell Bryce Elliot and Peyton James, sons of Adrienne and Elliot Zimmerman Family Faith Activities June 1st In the Gospel today, Jesus is praying and asking God to have the people glorify him so that they will also glorify God. We are reminded that God the Creator and God the Son are one. Ask your family to share a favorite way that they like to pray. Read John 17: 1-11 or visit holyheroesfun.com and watch the video and discuss: Who was Jesus praying to? Who was Jesus praying for? How does it feel to know that Jesus prayed, too? Friend Prayer Activity: Make a list of friends and pick one or two to pray for each day. New Prayer Activity: Try a different way of praying with your family. Do a prayer walk at the labyrinth behind the Guadalupe room. Maybe use incense during prayer at home. Pray by drawing an icon of God. Use your imagination or go online to find different ways to pray. Concluding Prayer: Dear God we believe that You made us in Your image to be like You. We believe that You sent Jesus to teach us how to live and be happy. We believe that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with us always and guide us to be more like You. Thank you God! Amen! Summer Time Prayer Corner! Gather your family and talk about how a summer prayer corner can remind you about God s love and care and that home is a sacred place where God dwells. Together choose a place to set up your prayer corner, inside or maybe outside in a protected place. Maybe a patio or yard? Work together to set up the table or box, cover it with a tablecloth, scarves or other fabric. Include a candle, Bible, cross or any other items that have special religious meaning for your family. Maybe photos of your family to remember in prayer. How about a vase for flowers from our garden? Invite family members to add to or exchange items in the prayer corner as summer progresses. Light the candle and have each person offer prayers for your family and summer plans. Leave your prayer corner in place all summer so that family can gather for prayer and conversation. Encourage family members to use individually as a quite place to have a conversation with God. For more activities such as these go to: www.vibrantfaithathome.org For information about Baptisms, Sacramental Preparation and Family Catechesis, please contact Patty Tafolla at 480.948.7460 or dcm@thecasa.org

Men in Spirit invites all men to join us for our next meeting on Saturday, June 7 7:00-9:30 am (7:00 am Mass, followed by breakfast and discussion) This month s discussion topic: Grace is God s Gift to All We are a new men s group in search of guidance and strength; bonded by common challenges and faith in a God who knows us and is always with us. We meet on the first Saturday of each month. Discussions are led by men from our community or speakers that the group chooses to bring in. For more information email Jim at jmccroy@yahoo.com Books and Blessings a bookstore and spiritual boutique Located at the Franciscan Renewal Center Monday - Friday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am - 6:30 pm Sunday 8:30 am - 2:00 pm Our store features books and gifts to delight the body, mind and spirit. We offer handcrafted works by local artists and fair trade crafters from around the world. We are especially delighted to showcase the work of Apache artisans from Arizona. If you're a fan of print books, our collection runs the gamut from the classics to the latest in all things spiritual prayer, personal growth, saints and popular Christian writers of today and long ago.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD How to Submit Your Bulletin Information: E mail: bulletin@thecasa.org Drop Off: at the front desk (Attn: Bulletin) Fax: 480.948.2325 Urgent: Casa member volunteer needs reliable, affordable vehicle for self-employment opportunities and to transport elderly neighbor, friends to appointments and errands. Would also appreciate rides to 11:00 am Mass and other Casa activities. Cheryl 602.954.4078 TLC for pets: Long-time Casa member volunteer offers experienced, quality, affordable, loving care in your home where your pets are most comfortable. Grooming, medications and playtime. Excellent references. Cheryl 602.954.4078 Adult Care/Personal Assistant: Experienced, mature, very clean woman seeking to provide home care to your loved one. Paula 480.246.7036 or 602.595.0512 Offering Childcare in My Home: My name is Edel Carrick, former Casa employee. I am available any day and can start immediately. I have extensive experience with infants through high-school-aged children. I am CPR and First Aid certified and also have fingerprint clearance from the State of AZ. My home is near the 51 and Union Hills. Please call me at 602.908.9809. I d love to be a caregiver to your child or children. Home Cleaning Services: Low rates, honest and trustworthy. 10 years of experience. Iliana 602.413.4128. The Casa may publish requests in this space but it does not reflect our endorsement or knowledge of the people submitting the information. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Men in Spirit Come join us! The Casa s Men in Spirit, is a new men s group in search of guidance and strength; bonded by common challenges and faith in a God who knows us and is always with us. We meet on the first Saturday of each month. Our next meeting is on June 7 from 7:00-9:30 am. Join us for 7:00 am Mass, followed by breakfast and an open discussion about spirituality. The topic for our discussion will be Grace is God s Gift to All. For more information email jmccroy@yahoo.com The Casa Prayer Partners is a gathering of people petitioning prayers and praying for our human family. Please join us in this prayer ministry! Contact CasaPrayerPartners@gmail.com. The Casa Single Adult Ministry Are you single? This ministry is for anyone 21-101 years old looking for a place to share their faith with other singles. Whether you were never married or are divorced or widowed, this is a group for spiritual men and women who desire to share their journey with like-minded people of faith. We gather once a month for fun and fellowship. In addition, members often organize outside activities to keep the group connected. We meet at 6:30 pm on the 2nd Friday of every month. Please join us at our next meeting on June 13. For more information or to be added to the group s email list, contact spiritualsinglesouls@gmail.com. AZ Males A group inspired by the teachings of Fr. Richard Rohr OFM, meets at 5:30 pm on the last Wednesday of each month. The discussions are typically centered on one of Fr. Richard s teachings and philosophy. Please feel free to join us at our next meeting on June 25. Meeting details at www.azmalespirituality.com. The Casa Rosary Ministry The Casa Rosary Ministry was introduced in May 2010, and meets at 6:00 pm Monday through Friday in the Meditation Chapel. Divine Mercy is held on Friday night at 5:45 pm followed by Rosary at 6:00 pm. About the Franciscan Renewal Center Since 1951, the Franciscan Renewal Center affectionately known as the Casa de Paz y Bien, or simply the Casa, has existed as a Catholic retreat center in Paradise Valley to offer spiritual growth, healing and transformation that moves lives into the service of others. The Casa was founded by and is today an active religious community of the Order of Friars Minor part of the worldwide Franciscan family, following the footsteps of Sts. Francis and Clare of Assisi. The Casa is a wholly owned entity of the Franciscan Friars Province of Saint Barbara, based in Oakland, Calif., that works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix. Activities at the Casa include daily Mass, Sunday services, private retreats, gathering space for non-profit groups, as well as 50 volunteer ministries that give aid to the poor or vulnerable, empower individuals to improve their circumstances, and build community fellowship. Discover more at www.thecasa.org If you would like to make a recurring donation to the Franciscan Renewal Center through your debit or credit card, please contact Ryan Hill at developmentpm@thecasa.org or 480.948.7460. Thank you for your generous hearts.

Beginning Experience Weekend Help for the heartache of finding yourself alone again June 13-15, 2014 Mt. Claret Retreat Center Phoenix, AZ Would you like help dealing with the loss of a loved one; resolving the grief of a death, separation or divorce? This program offers single-again persons an opportunity, through God, for turning the pain of loss into an experience of positive, personal growth. Fee: $149, financial assistance available For more information call 602.914.5148 or visit us at AZBE.org Catholic Business Resources Group A business networking group featuring educational speakers Join us on Wednesday, June 4 for 7:00 am Mass Blessed Sacrament Church 11300 N. 64th Street, Scottsdale Followed by meeting at 7:30 am. Meetings are the first and third Wednesdays of each month. For more information, call Francis Battaglia 602.277.1100

JUNE 1, 2014 - THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD This Week at the Casa: Sunday 5:00 pm Hogan s Heroes Monday 6:00 pm Rosary 6:30 pm Divorced & Separated Support Group Tuesday 11:00 am Water From Rock 5:30 pm Grief Support Group 6:00 pm Rosary 6:00 pm Spiritual Healing for Outreach to Veterans & Military Families 6:30 pm Depression Support Group 7:00 pm Water From Rock Wednesday 10:00 am Arizona Bible Class 6:00 pm Rosary 6:30 pm Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction & Relaxation Program Thursday 7:45 am Contemplative Prayer 11:00 am Discover the Vision 6:00 pm Rosary Friday 5:45 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet 6:00 pm Twilight Retreat: Discernment of Gifts 7:00 pm Hot Topics, Coffee & Cool Desserts Saturday 8:00 am Men in Spirit 9:00 am Employment Healing Workshop Readings and Mass Intentions June 1-7, 2014 Today: Acts 1:12-14; Ps 27:1, 4, 7-8; 1 Pt 4:13-16; Jn 17:1-11a; or (for Ascension) Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47:2-3, 6-9; Eph 1:17-23; Mt 28:16-20 Benefactors FMU 7:30 am Pro Populo 9:15 am Nicolas Rodriguez Navarro 11:00 am A.J. Casados 7:00 pm Monday: Acts 19:1-8; Ps 68:2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab; Jn 16:29-33 J.H. Special Intention 7:00 am Tuesday: Acts 20:17-27; Ps 68:10-11, 20-21; Jn 17:1-11a Mike Sweeny 7:00 am Wednesday: Acts 20:28-38; Ps 68:29-30, 33-36ab; Jn 17:11b-19 Mr. Elias 7:00 am Thursday: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; Ps 16:1-2a, 5, 7-11; Jn 17:20-26 Jane Peterson 7:00 am Friday: Connect with us online: TheCasaFRC on: www.thecasa.org Acts 25:13b-21; Ps 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab; Jn 21:15-19 Charles Seiwell 7:00 am Saturday: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Ps 11:4, 5, 7; Jn 21:20-25 Ann Minier 7:00 am Thomas Londen 5:00 pm Next Sunday: Vigil: Gn 11:1-9 or Ex 19:3-8a, 16-20b or Ez 37:1-14 or Jl 3:1-5; Ps 104:1-2a, 24, 35c, 27-28, 29bc-30; Rom 8:22-27; Jn 7:37-39 Day: Acts 2:1-11; Ps 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34; 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13; Jn 20:19-23 The intentions listed here will be the intentions of the priest and will not be announced to the gathered assembly.