Saint Michael the Archangel Parish Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 13, 2014 Rev. Fr. Dale A. Branson “For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy it; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:38b-39b Mailing Address 270 E. Hunt Hwy Ste. 16 #328 San Tan Valley, AZ 85143 Parish Office 25394 N. Poseidon Rd. Florence, AZ 85132 Phone: (520)723-6570 Fax: (520)723-7116 www.stmichaels77.org Parish Office Hours 9:00 am — 4:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday Weekend Mass Schedule Saturday Vigil - 4pm Sunday - 8 am & 10:30 am Copper Basin K-8 School 28682 N. Main Street San Tan Valley, AZ 85143 Daily Mass Schedule Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday - 8:30am at the Parish Office/Rectory Confessions before Mass or upon request We welcome you and we ask that you please take a few moments to register. RegistraƟon forms are located at the Greeters Table or can now be found and submiƩed online. Visit our website and click on the link, Parish RegistraƟon Form, found at the boƩom of the home page and follow the instrucƟons. TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION With the ReformaƟon, some early Protestants, including the "AnabapƟsts," rejected infant bap- Ɵsm in favor of "believer's bapƟsm." Against Orthodox and Catholic prac- Ɵce, which favored bapƟsm as soon as possible for a newborn, these movements desired that the candi- date for bapƟsm speak for him- or herself at a mature age, not through godparents as an infant. Today, it is clear that they were rejecƟng a very ancient pracƟce (even as early as the second century) of bapƟz- ing children of all ages. Children came first in ancient bapƟsmal cere- monies, and someone would speak for them. Gregory of Nazianzen wanted to delay the bapƟsm of children to three years of age, since at that age they could retain at least some impression of the liturgy. He made an excepƟon for the very ill, who were to be bapƟzed ahead of the annual Easter bapƟsm. That means that infants and children were normally bapƟzed together with adults, and that everyone received confirmaƟon and the Eucharist. The tone of the early bishops' wriƟngs is generous and compassion- ate, and seeks to build up the eucharisƟc assembly by widely cele- braƟng the giŌ of the Holy Spirit. If a priest celebrated bapƟsm, then the giŌ of the Spirit was postponed for the bishop, but with no regard for the person's age. So, unƟl the fiŌh century, confirmaƟon was for infants, too. --Rev. James Field, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co. Are you new to St. Michael the Archangel Church?
Transcript
Saint Michael the Archangel Parish Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
July 13, 2014 Rev. Fr. Dale A. Branson
“For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from
God, you will not be able to destroy it; you may even find
yourselves fighting against God.”
Acts 5:38b-39b
Mailing Address 270 E. Hunt Hwy Ste. 16 #328
San Tan Valley, AZ 85143
Parish Office 25394 N. Poseidon Rd.
Florence, AZ 85132 Phone: (520)723-6570
Fax: (520)723-7116 www.stmichaels77.org
Parish Office Hours 9:00 am — 4:00 pm
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday
Weekend Mass Schedule Saturday Vigil - 4pm
Sunday - 8 am & 10:30 am Copper Basin K-8 School
28682 N. Main Street San Tan Valley, AZ 85143
Daily Mass Schedule Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Friday & Saturday - 8:30am at the Parish Office/Rectory
Confessions before Mass or upon request
We welcome you and we ask that you please take a few moments to register. Registra on forms are located at the Greeters Table or can now be found and submi ed online. Visit our website and click on the link, Parish Registra on Form, found at the bo om of the home page and follow the instruc ons.
TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION With the Reforma on, some early Protestants, including the "Anabap sts," rejected infant bap-
sm in favor of "believer's bap sm." Against Orthodox and Catholic prac-
ce, which favored bap sm as soon as possible for a newborn, these movements desired that the candi-date for bap sm speak for him- or herself at a mature age, not through godparents as an infant. Today, it is clear that they were rejec ng a very ancient prac ce (even as early as the second century) of bap z-ing children of all ages. Children came first in ancient bap smal cere-monies, and someone would speak for them. Gregory of Nazianzen wanted to delay the bap sm of children to three years of age, since at that age they could retain at least some impression of the liturgy. He made an excep on for the very ill, who were to be bap zed ahead of the annual Easter bap sm. That means that infants and children were normally bap zed together with adults, and that everyone received confirma on and the Eucharist. The tone of the early bishops' wri ngs is generous and compassion-ate, and seeks to build up the eucharis c assembly by widely cele-bra ng the gi of the Holy Spirit. If a priest celebrated bap sm, then the gi of the Spirit was postponed for the bishop, but with no regard for the person's age. So, un l the fi h century, confirma on was for infants, too.
--Rev. James Field, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.
Are you new to St. Michael the Archangel Church?
Readings for the Week Sacramental Policies
ANOINTING OF THE SICK At the 8:30am Mass on the first Friday of each month.
BAPTISM Parents will need to provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate and participate in a class. Baptismal Classes are held on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 11 am in the Church office. Parents must call the church office to register for the class. Godparents must be practicing Catholics who are confirmed and married in the Church, if married.
CONFESSION Confessions are offered one-half hour before all Masses, or anytime upon request.
CONFIRMATION Confirmation will be given students in 8th grade or above. They must have completed the 8th grade religious education class and optimally the 7th as well. Sponsors must be practicing Catholics who are already confirmed and married in the Church, if married. Parents should not be sponsors for their own children. For information on Confirmation preparation for adults please contact the pastor.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION First Holy Communion will be offered to children in Grade 2. Children must attend CCD regularly throughout Grade 2 in order to receive the Sacrament in May of that year. Students will also be prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Grade 2.
MARRIAGE Both parties are expected to participate in the preparation program. Parties must notify the pastor at least one year prior to their proposed marriage date. Please meet with the pastor for a fuller explanation and to make arrangements.
Bombolino, Lisa Green, Bert Pampanin, Sandra Ramirez, Craig Rudko, Jenny
Rudko, Darrell Stonerook, Mary Teese & Polly Von Esse
Pastoral Council mee ngs are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month & all are
welcome to a end.
ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL MINISTRIES & COMMITTEES
Monday: Is 1:10-17; Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23; Mt 10:34 -- 11:1 Tuesday: Is 7:1-9; Ps 48:2-8; Mt 11:20-24 Wednesday: Is 10:5-7, 13b-16; Ps 94:5-10, 14-15; Mt 11:25-27 Thursday: Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19; Ps 102:13-14ab, 15-21; Mt 11:28-30 Friday: Is 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8; Is 38:10-12abcd, 16; Mt 12:1-8 Saturday: Mi 2:1-5; Ps 10:1-4, 7-8, 14; Mt 12:14-21 Sunday: Wis 12:13, 16-19; Ps 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16; Rom 8:26-27; Mt 13:24-43 [24-30]
Contact the Parish Office to place a Mass Inten on
July 12 4:00 pm Joshua Pearson July 13 8:00 am Pro Populo 10:30 am Jessimie Maclean July 20 8:00 am Christopher Dube 10:30 am Pro Populo July 21 8:30 am Michael Lasota July 26 4:00 pm Pro Populo
Pro Populo - La n: “for the people” Deceased
MassIntentions
MASS ATTENDANCE 320 People attended Mass the weekend of
July 5th and July 6th
Online Giving June 2014
Parish Offertory $2,225.00
Building Fund $240.00
Poor $30.00
Total $2,495.00
Live today the way you will wish you had lived
when you stand in judg ent before God.
--Anony ous
Parish Debt Obligations $242,236.82 Debt on the House $524,087.46 Debt on the Land $500,000.00 Pre-Construc on Loan
$1,266,324.28 Total Current Debt
Online Giving...If you would like to give online please visit our website, www.StMichaels77.org, and select the Online Giving tab.
In order to protect everyone's privacy be er, Prayer Chain requests will not be taken at mass any more. If you would like to place a name on the prayer list or would like to receive a monthly sheet of people needing prayers, please call or email Virginia Bombolino
Contribu ons June 22, 2014 Parish Offertory $1,490.10
Building Fund $396.00 Mass Si pend $11.00
Total $1,897.10
MOVING HELP NEEDED Our friend who was in need of a place to stay has been blessed! Debbie now has a room to stay and needs help moving her things. There are a few things from one bedroom; king sized bed and dress-er etc. She is in need of a truck and or trailer and a few good men to help her out. She is currently in Copper Basin and is moving to Magma Ranch. If you can help out or would like more details, please no fy Debbie at (626)208-7373. God Bless you for serving our Lord!
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN INFO Would you like to make a pledge to the Capital Campaign but do not have the 10% to put down. Not a problem. You can s ll make a pledge to the Campaign without the 10% down payment. Just note that without the down payment the payment amounts listed on the back of your pledge card will be slightly higher. Thank you for helping build our church!
CCD REGISTRATION FOR 2014-2015 CCD Registra on is underway and will con nue throughout the month of July. There are many op ons this year to sign up. You can sign up online via our website, just look for CCD Registra on Form under Parish Links at the bo om of the home page. You can also click the link on our Facebook page. Or you can pick up a registra on form at the Greeters Table.
July 13, 2014 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Parables, Anyone? When Jesus answers the apostles' question
about why he speaks in parables, it may seem as if
he is using them to confuse people. We know he is
trying to spread the good news of God's kingdom. So
he talks to the crowds in parables, easily understood
stories that usually have a moral or that end with a
question for the hearers. He uses these stories to
teach the crowd.
Jesus threw out parables like a farmer sowing
seeds. Some of them fell on the ears of those who
would be disciples. But most fell on the ears of peo-
ple not ready to understand. So how do we receive
his word? Do we hear it without understanding, letting it go in one ear and out the other? Do we hear it joy-
fully, but then forget it when troubles or difficulties come along? Do we listen to the word but ignore it in the
face of some later temptation?
If we want the word to grow strong in us, we can take steps to help ourselves understand it. We can
come to church early and spend a few minutes with the readings before Mass. After Mass we can talk about
the readings or the homily with our family over breakfast. We can pick out one practical point to practice
that week.
Keeping the word in difficult times is not easy. The cross teaches us to expect troubles, but we have to
endure them to really learn that we can go through suffering to a new life.
To be strong enough to resist temptations, we have to decide each day that we want to follow Jesus' word.
We can pray for that strength and ask God to help us remember that word when temptations come. And we
can decide to stay away from the places, people, or situations that so tempt us.
God's word can be likened to a ball game. We can sit back and watch, not really involved or caring who wins.
Or we can jump in and participate and make the game ours. Let us ask God how we can take the word and
run with it. Tom Schmidt, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.
Second Collection for the Needy
Beginning next weekend, July
19th & 20th, our church will
have a second collection for
the needy in the San Tan Valley
area. We receive numerous
calls during the week from fam-
ilies in need and we would like
to be able to provide some re-
lief to them. Thank you for giv-
ing from your heart to help the
needy in our area.
CCD Teachers Needed Are you interested in teaching our youth about
Rev. Dale BransonSt. Michael the Archangel25394 N Posidon Rd
Florence, AZ 85135
Dear Fr. Branson,
It is with great pleasure that I am able to extend my genuine gratitude for all you, the parish staff, and
St. Michael the Archangel's parishioners have done to make the 201"4 Annual Catholic Appeal a success.
A successful campaign begins with committed leadership at the parish level and I know that it is because
of your determined efforts that St. Michael the Archangel has met its goal.
As of the close of business on Wednesday, June 25,2OL4, the Live in Faith, Give in love campaign has
received 53,652,602 in gifts and pledges and is less than $20,000 Trom the overall goat. Thanks to the 31
parishes that have reached or exceeded their parish goal in gifts and pledges, we are optimistic aboutreaching the campaign goal for the second year in a row. St. Michael the Archangel's pledge total of$9,2O2from72 donors has contributed to that optimism.
I understand what an extraordinary effort this accomplishment is and your work and generosity - and
that of your parishioners - is an inspiration to me. Thank you for your dedication. I know that you willcontinue to encourage others to follow the example you set as we work throughout the Diocese toreach the full 53.7 million goal.
Again, I thank you for all you do to support the 26 Charities and Ministries that are funded by the Annual
Catholic Appeal. Thank you for your stewardship.
Prayerful and Grateful Good Wishes,
* &"4 E-o- o--
Most Rev. Gerald Kicanas, D, D.
Bishop of Tucson
.^,4FouNnATroN
FOR THE DIOCESE OF TUCSON
Ii;i,?;ii!'E,i;:lr111 South Church Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701' Office: (520) 838-2505
Saint Michael the Archangel Parish
,r Jrrl tll\l:t lN ]..rl1lf
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOTIE A CATHOLIC OR LEARN TIORE ABOUT OUR FAITH?
The Cathotic Church has set up a process for interested individuals to gradually be introducedto the Roman Catholic faith and way of life. This process is called the Rite of Christian lnitiationof Adults (RCIA) and is primarily a joumey of faith. The RCIA process has several distinctstages and serves as a model of faith development for individuals seeking full communion withthe Catholic Church. RCIA is intended for any individual who is seeking to enter the Catholicfaitfr frrtty including arryone who has not received the sacraments of Eucharist or Corftrmation.The RCIA process is a five step joumey individuals take together with others seeking theCatholic Faith. This Communaljourney is not a program but rather a sacramental process inwhich individuals are fully initiated into the Catholic Faith. The joumey includes the foltonting 5steps:
r lnquiry: the initial period before you decide to enter the Catholic Church. You'reasking questions and checking it out, br.tt may not be yet ready to commit.
o Catechumenate: those who decide to enter the Church and are being trained for a lifein Christ are called catechumens, an ancient name from the early Ghurch. ln this stage,you're developing your faith and are being "catechized" - leaming the basic pointsabout Catholic faith and life.
I Purffication and preparation: The Church will help you focus and intensify your faithas you prepare to commit your life to Christ and be received into the Church at Easter. lfyou're follorving the RCIA process, you'llgo through a hautiful series of Gospel--basedmeditations during Lent, which is the time frame of this period.
r lnitiation itself, the culmination of the whole process! You're received into the Churchduring the EasterVigil Mass, where you'll receive the sacraments of initiation: baptism,confirmation, and Eucharist. (lf you've already been baptized, you won't be baptizedagain.)
r tlystagogy: after reception into the Church at Easter, this period lets you reflect andlearn more about the mysteries of the Mass and the Sacraments that you nowparticipate in fully.
lf you or someone you know is interested in our RCIA joumey please join us or if you just want
to talk to someone about your situetion or thet of a person you know who may be interested, we
would love to hear from you. Please call the Pastor, Fr Dale Branson, at the parish ofrice 520-
723-657A or Bob Butchko at 480{88-2630 or drop a note to either of our e-mail addresses
found in the bulletin.
The sessions are scheduled for Wednesday evenings, 6:30 - 8:30 at the parish office.
Saint Michael the Archangel Parish
What ls the RCIA?RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian lnitiation of Adults, it is the process for welcomingadult newcomers onto the Roman Catholic Church.
Who Is rasponslDle forthe RCiA?Att members of the Parish community are responsible forthe implementation andexecution of the RCIA in our local environment. The succ,ess of the RCIA depends onevery member of the parish.
How do the memberc of the Partsh Community parfrcipate in the RCIA.There are Beveral ways for the Parishioners to participate in the RCIA:
a. Become a member of the RCIA team and participate in the weekly meeting ofthe RCIA from mid August to the end of May.
b. Attend the weekly meetings of the RCIA as a parish member and participatein the presentatiorc and discuseions of the topics.
c. Volunteer to be a Godparent for an un-baptized peron in the RCIA and makethe journey of faith with them and support them in their convercion.
d. Volunteer to be a sponsor for a baSized pereon in the RelA that is seeking tocomplete their membership in the Catholic church by receiving thesacraments of initiation, ofrering support and encouragement during thejourney.
e. Welcome the individuals that are in the RCIA process when you see them atchurch or in the community in general, acknowledge them and offer yoursupport and prayers for them,
t Share in the celebrations of the rites that are presented for the RCIAparticipants during the year at the Sunday liturgy.
g. Pray forthe RCIA team and thsse participating in the proce$s.
How ftequently do the meeting take place and how long arc they?This year the RCIA will be meeting on Wednesday weekly from mid August until the endof May at the parish office from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM.
What go€s on at the meetings?Different topics are presented at the meetings which are designed to present theCatholic Faith to the participants during their journey of conversion.
For more information on how you can become a member of the RCIA team or participate in theprooess please contac{ Fr. Dab Branson at [email protected] or at the mrish ofFce520.723.657A ar Bob Br;tchko at [email protected] or at 480.888.2630. Allparishioners er€ u,elcome to participate in this miniistry.
25394 N. Poseidon Road, Florence, AZ 85132
Grcwi in FoithrM
To be "poor in spirit" coniures up images ofpeople who are depressed or down-hearted withlittle or no spiritual life. In fact, people who live thisbeatitude are spiritual giants fully aware of theirabsolute need for God and live with completedependence upon him. In that way, they growstronger through their trials and personalcrosses. When we live this beatitude we are
most likely living the other seven, too.Happy to live in union with God. Poor in
spirit means that we depend upon God for all
from
luly2Ol4 Page2
our needs and we are happy to live our livesjoined to him. Someone who lives in unionwith God knows that there is nothing the worldhas to offer that can compare.
Happy to be secure with God. Pooreconomy, bad health, loneliness, insecurity in
an imperfect world can rob us of safety andhappiness in the world. YeL when we relyon God for what we need, nothing can
steal the joy or happiness that he provides.
Nothing.
cripture
In this Gospel reading, lesus describedseveral scenarios of extraordinary goodfortune and compared that feeling todiscovering the kingdom of God.When people from Judah were sentinto exile in 587 BC, someburied their treasures in thehope of returning. PeoPle inJesus' audience would have
known that coming uPonsuch a treasure would have
changed their lives. So,
discovering the hidden treasureof the Kingdom now revealedthrough lesus can give newmeaning to our lives.
ln a barter-based economy like that ofancient Israel, a merchant's fortune
E Is the ChurchA always right?
Y
|uly 6 - St. Maria Goretti (1902).Twelve year-old Maria was attacked bya neighbor who tried to defile her.
When she fought rather than submit,he stabbed her repeatedly. She forgave
him before dying shortly after. Herattacker dreamed of Maria while inprison and his first act when released
30 years later was to beg Maria'smother's forgiveness. He wept tears ofjoy when he attended Maria'scanonization.
luly 22 - St. Mary Magdalene (1stcentury). fesus expelled seven demons
from Mary (Luke 8:2) and she
supported his ministry with her ownmoney. She stood by his Cross withhis mother and was the one whoinformed the Apostles of hisResurrection.
|uly 25 - St. lames (42). St. lamesand his brother left their father in a
fishing boat to become lesus'Apostles. St. lames was one of threeapostles to witness Jesus'
transfiguration, the raising of |airus'daughter, and theagony inGethsemani. St, o
@Iames was thefirst Apostleto bemartyred.
How "poor" is your spirir?
'rl(J
Mqtlhew 13r,44-52,Hidden ireqsure.
depended upon the quality anddesirability of what he had to sell.
Discovering a valuable pearlwould have been irresistible tohim. AIso inesistible wouldbe the answers to someonesearching for truth when he orshe discovers the reign of God.When we posses Godlytreasure, we are truly rich.Then Jesus described the
separation between the evil andrighteous like the sifting that
takes place when a catch isbrought ashore. The message of the
Kingdom now takes precedence overany old messages and gives them newmeaning.
At the l,ast Supper, ]esus promisedhis disciples he wouldsend the lloly Spirit toguide them "Io alltruth" (ln 16'.73). "The
Advouile, the holy Spiritthat the Fother will senrl
in my name-he willteach you euaything anri remind you of allthar [I] tnld you" (lohn l4:26). TheApostles handed on their authority andmission to their successors, -- the popeand the bishops. Together, they are
responsible for "giving an authenticinterpretation of the Word of God"(CCC #85; DeiVerbum,10, S 2). The
whole Church, because it is under theguidance of the lloly Spirit, cannot errin matters of faith and morals.
Also, "The whole body of thefaithful...cannot em in matters of belief.This characteristic is shown in thesupernatural appreciation of faith
{sensus fidei) on the part of the wholepeople" (CCC 92). That means thatindividual members may makemistakes, sometimes publically. Then
the Church must clarifu "what has
always and everywhere been believed
by all" (St. Vincent of Lerins).
Feasts & +Celebration
t't:)tytiy/u,l.i?,.wTo provide practical ideas that promote
Publishers of Growing in Faith- and Parmers in Faith"(s 40) 6 62-7 84 4 (5 a0)6 62-7 8a7 f ax
http://www. growin ginfailh com(tlnless uoted Bible quotes and refereuces are from
the liryised Standard Version and the New American Ilible)
@ Copyright 2014 Success Publishing & Media' LLC
rovung ln
Discovering hope and joy in the Catholic faith. July 2014
St. Michael the Archangel Parish - San Tan ValleyRev. Fr. Dale A. Branson
Growing strong through spirituql troining
The Sacrament of Penance andReconciliation (Confession) is a place
where we can speak directly to Godand get his invaluable help forrenewing our lives. To trulybenefit from thisconnection, it's bestto approach thisSacrament withsincerity,openness tochange, and towelcome theinevitable trialsthat help usresisttemptation.
Sincerity is the key.
l]oliness, like healthiness, is an
ongoing process. It starts with a sincere
desire to live the way God wants notthe way society suggests. Progress
toward holiness means avoiding sinbut also living with virtue.
Keep moving forward. Although we
Jesus, as the Son of God,assumed a humannature and became onewith us in all thingsexcept sin (Catechism ofthe Catholic Church,#470). That made himtrue God and true man.
Why do Cqtholics stly thqt Jesus
is true God snd lrue mqn?
our faith: (lohn 1:14).The divine nature andhuman nature united inthe person of Jesus"without confusion ordivision" (Council ofChalcedon, A.D. 541).
Jesus is "Emmanuel,"God with us.
may want to be healed, if we continueto damage our souls by not avoidingtemptation, we won't Progress. Wemust change. Fortunately, we can seek
forgiveness in Confession andstart fresh.Seek the priest's advice.
After all, it is Jesusspeaking throughhim. This is ourspecial time withthe Lord whowants to helP usovercome ourweaknesses.View trials as
training. Jesus wants us
to use Confession to leamto overcome all that separates us fromhim. When we fail to resist
temptation, we can thank God for the
trial and start again. Jesus wants so
much to help us to grow closer tohim. He created this Sacrament as a
way for him to lead and guide us.
Sl. Joqchim qnd Sl. AnneWhatwe know of these / - <
traro saints comes from f fl": \tradition. We know
grandparmsand thatthey raisedMary lesus'mother. We also
know that theywere faithfulJews who raised their daughterin a devout Jewish home. Herunshakeable faith, herdevotion to the laws of herreligion, her comfort withbeing mother and wife, and hersteadiness in moments of crisis
indicate the values with whichshe was raised.
illl ;;;";Jesus gave us a great gift
when he created theSacrament of Confession(lohn 20:23). He knew wewould want to hear the rvordsof absolution to know he
forgives us. Remember thatno matter what haPPens/ Youare iust one Confession awaY
from coming home.
Begin lo chonge"Yesterday is gone. Tomorrowhas not yet come.We have only today.Let us begin."Blessed Teresa of
