This Sunday
March 28th, Palm Sunday, the Passion of the Lord. | Saints Peter and Paul
TIMES OF REFRESHING
Fr. Ricky V. Ordóñez
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Palm Sunday! “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest!” Jesus’ triumphal entry is viewed by many as a man on his “last trip”.
By the grace of God to all believers, we all know that each step that He took brought us closer to our salvation, redemption, and resurrection!
From the depths of ignorance and doubt, we have come to know the Man who mounted the “greatest rescue mission” in the annals of all history.
Indeed, let us say, “Hosanna to the King of Kings!”
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A Year Has Passed! Let us recall that at this time last year, we were getting to know the Corona Virus and had largely dismissed that this will all disappear when the summer heat sets in. How we were mistaken!
Today, a year after, it seems that our lives have changed drastically and we are still dealing with it. We grieve the loss of loved ones who succumbed to the virus. We haven’t enjoyed the company of many of our friends as we continue to practice social distancing.
We have largely kept close to home and many of us worry over the safety of our families who live outside the United States.
However, despite all these challenges, the faith that we have in our hearts continues to bring us HOPE that someday, hopefully soon, we shall move towards a semblance of normalcy.
Meanwhile, let us hold on tightly to Christ as we now begin to see a “light at the end of the tunnel.” Praise be Jesus for your love and protection!
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A Great Unmasking! Each one of us face challenges differently. The experiences of the past year have, in many ways, unmasked our true selves.
Father's note Continues on top of the next column
For some, it was so easy to give up and “throw in the towel”.
For others, the strength of their faith brought them from one victorious battle to the other.
As they say, hindsight is 20/20 vision.
Let us, therefore, reflect on how we responded to the events of the past year and honestly assess how we fared as Catholics and citizens of this great United States of America.
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CATHOLIC TUITION SUPPORT ORGANIZATION (CTSO) As the tax deadline comes close, I would like to make another call for all of us to support CTSO. During these times of challenge, our Catholic Schools have literally “passed through the eye of the needle”.
It was a year of constant designing and redesigning of processes that allowed our students to continue their education despite the prohibitions of in-school attendance.
Our school principal, Mrs. Charlene Roll and her team of relentless teachers and staff struggled successfully and I would like to applaud their efforts.
As we recognize their sacrifices and dedication, let us participate in the CTSO and channel our State Tax dollars towards Catholic education.
Remember, it is a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. Perhaps this is the only time we can instruct the government to put our taxes where we want it to go – and see immediate results.
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THE ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL! Last week, I spoke about how our ACA contributions are spent. Yearly we hear about the 26 ministries that are financed by it.
As a former Vocations Director, I very well remember that a large share goes to the formation of our seminarians as they prepare for the priesthood.
In fact, ALL OF YOUR PRIESTS have been the recipient of your ACA contributions. Add to that, the formation of our Deacons and Lay Ministers. Moreover, many parishes from disadvantaged communities receive assistance from the Diocese and all these are either fully or partially funded from the ACA.
I, personally, thank each and everyone who has contributed to this most worthy cause that has allowed me to be a priest. In my heart, you are all my benefactors.
TOGETHER WE ARE SAVING CATHOLIC EDUCATION!
Arizona’s Catholic Tuition Support Organization (CTSO) wants to “thank” all the parishioners that have supported Catholic education and ask you to renew your support to the students in our Catholic Schools through CTSO.
Brochures are in the vestibule or visit www.ctso-tucson.org to make an online contribution.
Together we are saving Catholic education…and it does not cost you a dime!
Lenten regulations:
ABSTINENCE FROM MEATS is to be observed by all Catholics 14 years old and older on Ash Wednesday and on all the Fridays of Lent.
FASTING is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age but not yet 59.
Those who are bound by this may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to one’s needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted. Liquids between meals are allowed. [Some Catholics are not bound to fast on these days because of their health situation. For example, diabetics, pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as heavy laborers should eat enough to prevent physical danger to themselves or to others.]
Saints Peter and Paul Lenten schedule:
STATIONS OF THE CROSS:
7:00 p.m. every Friday during Lent; Benediction to follow.
On Good Friday, April 2nd, there will be Stations of the Cross at 3:00 p.m.
AND 7:00 p.m.
CONFESSIONS:
Confessions will be heard at the School Courtyard on Saturdays,
at 10:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m., and 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
CHANGE - Additional times are offered on March 25th, & 26th at 4:00 pm. PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO Confessions on Holy Saturday, April 3rd.
PASSION (PALM) SUNDAY:
March 28th
Anticipated Mass March 27th, at 5:30 p.m.
Sunday Masses at 7, 9, and 11:00 a.m.; 1and 6 p.m.
CHANGE - Unfortunately, due to COVID protocols we are not able to distribute or Bless Palms for Palm Sunday.
HOLY THURSDAY:
April 1st: NO MORNING MASSES.
The only Mass allowed is the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7:00 p.m.
GOOD FRIDAY:
April 2nd
A DAY OF FASTING AND ABSTINENCE
NO MASSES PERMITTED. The Church opens at 8:00 a.m.
12:30 p.m. - Good Friday Liturgy: Readings, Holy Communion, and Veneration of the Cross.
Stations of the Cross - 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
March 28th, Palm Sunday.
Mass will be indoors in the Church.
Mass Times:
Saturday 5:30 p.m.
Sunday at 7:00,9:00,11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.
Change for Confessions
Confessions will be held at the Saints Peter and Paul school courtyard beginning on Saturday, March 13th. The courtyard venue will provide additional shelter from the sun and a larger area in which to ensure privacy. The times for Confession will remain at the current schedule. Please call the Parish with any questions at 327-6015.
Confession times:
Saturday-
- 10:30 am
- 3:30 pm
Finance Corner
Fiscal Year July 1, 2020- Present
FIGURES ARE UNAVAILABLE THIS WEEK DUE TO THE PRINTER’S HOLIDAY SCHEDULE.
Thank you for your continued generosity! We appreciate all parishioners that have signed up for online contributions through our website. If you would like to learn more about online giving visit the parish website by clicking the button below.
You may also call James Lemas at the parish office if you need assistance.
THANK YOU!!
OPPORTUNITY TO SPONSOR EASTER DECORATIONS
Parishioners who would like to assist with the Easter Lilies and decorations in the Church for the Easter season are urged to personalize their sponsorship by making a dedication either “In Honor Of” or “In Memory Of” loved ones.
Click on the Donate button to connect to the on Line portal. Look for the Easter Flowers tab. Be sure to include in the notes section the intended names for the dedication.
CONTINUE THE TRADITION
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic School is a community dedicated to nurturing spiritual growth, strengthening moral values, and developing academic excellence.
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School is now accepting enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year.
We have openings in all grades and Scholarships are available to apply.
For a virtual or in-person tour please call Mrs. Kimberly Triphan, Admissions Coordinator, at 325-2431 ext. 102.
Come see our beautiful campus and all that we have to offer.