Forming Intentional Disciples

09-28-2014Pastor's LetterFr. Don Kline

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Sherry Weddell's book Forming Intentional Disciples is an excellent resource for Catholics interested in going to heaven. I strongly encourage you to read it and live it.

As a Catholic, you have a responsibility to live your life for Our Lord in an INTENTIONAL way. That means you follow Our Lord as a disciple and live your life according to Our Lord's will - practicing your faith when it is convenient and when it is difficult. As an INTENTIONAL DISCIPLE, others see you a faithful Catholic who loves Our Lord.

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Extreme Generosity

09-21-2014Pastor's LetterFr. Don Kline

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I begin by acknowledging that there are many in our parish who live as intentional disciples… who give without counting the cost. I also challenge those who could be more generous with their time, talent, and treasure to do so.

I recently read this story about woman in an airport that reminds us of God's generosity. A woman had a "red-eye" flight around midnight. She was tired, but also hungry so she bought a box of cookies. She sat down and opened her handbag, searching for a book to read. A man sat down next to her and the next thing she knew, he opened the box of cookies and was eating one of them! This upset the woman but she did not want to create a scene. Besides, she thought, "Well, he is only eating one." But then he took another one. Rather than making a fuss, the woman simply took one herself. Then he took one and she took another one. This continued until there was only one cookie left. The man picked up the final cookie and said to the woman, "Would you like to split it with me?" She was so furious that she grabbed it out of his hand, took her bag and stormed away. When she got on the plane, she was still fuming. Before she sat down, she reached into her bag to find her book. What she pulled out was the box of cookies which she had bought!

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That Man Is YOU!

09-14-2014Pastor's LetterFr. Don Kline

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I would like to invite the men of our parish to prayerfully consider becoming a part of a wonderful men's group call "That Man is You!" Last year, 30 to 40 men gathered in Santa Maria Hall every Saturday morning at 6:45am to learn how to be real men in the modern world. They were exposed to some of the best research from science and the teachings of the Catholic faith. They learned about the wisdom of the saints. They were able to develop a vision of authentic men who are now capable of transforming themselves, their families and greater society.

The program is divided into two 13-week sessions. The Fall session emphasizes the development of the Scriptural vision of man, especially in his relationship to his family and society while the Spring session emphasizes the practical means of becoming that man. Our first session is September 20.

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Speak the Truth with LOVE

09-07-2014Pastor's LetterFr. Don Kline

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

God calls us to a relationship. As followers of Jesus (who is God), we are always called at all times and in all places to seek Our Lord in an intentional way. By our words AND by our actions, we are able to model for others what it means to be Christian.

Following Christ can be difficult at times. We are surrounded by tensions and ongoing conflicts. We can see the lack of respect for human beings, especially the unborn, who are created by God. Young people are worried about the future. We all know the temptations our young people face... drugs, inappropriate relationships, pornography, and on and on.

There are so many people in our world who, because of their faith in Christ, suffer discrimination that leads to persecution. Christian around the world and here in Phoenix are harassed to give up Our Lord. Many in our society are afraid of Jesus and signs of His presence in public life are not allowed. We are being asked to not even mention His holy name. One example I heard recently had to do with a 17-year-old girl who was suspended from school after telling a fellow student 'bless you' after they sneezed. Kendra Turner says a teacher at Dyer County High School in Tennessee has banned her and her classmates from using "Church speech" in the classroom..

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