This Sunday, May 2nd. The Fifth Sunday of Easter

Saints Peter and Paul

TIMES OF REFRESHING

Fr. Ricky V. Ordóñez

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Let’s stay connected!

Jesus reminds us this week to keep our connections with Him. Like branches to a vine, we should be united with the vine to receive constant nourishment; otherwise, when we lose it, we wither and die.

The pandemic has reminded us how, despite the challenges, to remain connected.

If there is one lesson that we learned, it is that we truly need and desire to be with people we love. The act of having to keep our distance from others simply proved that point. Indeed, these are valuable lessons that we didn’t think the Corona Virus would teach us.

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The family as one!

As you can probably tell, I am a great proponent for the unity of family. Living on the other side of the world from my loved ones has always reminded me how precious they are to me. Thanks to technology, we are able to constantly monitor each other and have frequent and long-lasting conversations. While we have to be creative because of the 15 hour time difference, it has not become a hindrance.

I often think about how BLESSED YOU ALL ARE that you can easily drive down for visits to Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa.

Moreover, you are able to physically participate in the momentous family occasions – births, baptisms, birthdays, graduations, weddings – and yes, even be with each other in moments of grief.

I pray that you realize that this is a great blessing.

Father's note Continues on top of the next column

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Calling all MEN!

I would like to personally extend an invitation to all the men in our parish to seriously consider joining the KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS!

It is a very worthwhile ministry for men to join others to pray together and embark on projects that assist the church. Currently, our Knights of Columbus (KofC) council is seriously making plans for the rehabilitation of the garden area on Lee and Norris Streets skirting the church and the rectory.

For this, a lot of muscle will be needed.

There are times where we tell ourselves, “There must be something I can do for God!”

Well, please consider joining other men who have found a lot of joy and a great sense of fulfillment in serving our Ss. Peter and Paul Parish.

Please don’t hesitate to approach me or any member of the Knights of Columbus! We will gladly hand you an application form.

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Have you considered a Catholic School Education for your children?

Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School is one of the best schools in our Diocese for up to the 8th grade.

I know that most parents appreciate the great value of a Catholic school education for their children.

So why wait?

There are quite a few scholarships available. Simply call our school office for details, take a tour of the facilities and discuss possibilities.

It will be the best INVESTMENT you will make for your children’s future.

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.

We are offering an Easter time reflection series by Bishop Barron. Please take some time as a family to look at the section below and watch the video.

Easter Reflection Series

Remain in Me

For we Catholics, Easter is not a one-day event but a 50-day season of celebration! Death has been defeated by the God who went down into the muck of sin and despair and arose victoriously!

When plucked from a vine, a fruit or vegetable will live for a short while before starting to decay. As it is with us. We can live for a short while on the fumes of God's grace when we neglect or turn away from him, but in short order we begin to falter and wither under our own strength.

Perhaps someone we know and love has cut themselves off from God and the Church. Have we cut them off as well? Have we doubted the power of God's grace to intervene in their lives? The early disciples doubted and feared Saul (who became Paul) after his conversion, for he had been persecuting them and hunting them down. But they saw how the power of Christ had transformed Saul and he became one of the greatest evangelizers of the entire Gospel.

Jesus asks that we remain close to him, for without him we can do nothing and our earthly efforts will surely fail. "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower" (John 15).

May 2nd. The Fifth Sunday of Easter.

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.

On Sunday, we distribute Holy Communion after the Mass, at the Sanctity of Life Garden (south side of Church). Please allow social distancing while waiting to receive the Eucharist.

Sunday Readings Link

Announcing NEW CHANGES.

Confessions are now being held outside at the Gramer Hall Patio. The times of confession stay the same as last week.

Saturday at 10:30-11:30 am, and 3:30-5:00 pm

Starting on Monday, May 3^rd.

The weekday, Monday through Friday, Mass schedule will now include 7:00 am and Noon.

Saturday's schedule will be as follows:

Weekday Mass at 7:00 and Noon.

The Vigil Mass for Sunday is at 5:30 pm.

Tucson Diocese- Bishop's Mass Link

EXPOSITION of the BLESSED SACRAMENT on THURSDAYS BEFORE FIRST FRIDAYS (Please note time change)

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is a presence of God physically to us on the altar.

When we kneel before the Lord exposed in the monstrance on the altar we not only pray in the Lord’s physical presence, but also long to receive Him again at Mass.

We would like to invite you to adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Thursday, May 6th, between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. with Benediction.

Social distance and face masks are required inside the church.