What is Advent?

11-27-2016Pastor's LetterFr. Don Kline, V.F.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The word Advent means coming, and the season prepares us to celebrate the coming of Our Blessed Savior. Advent is the beginning of a new liturgical year for the Roman Catholic Church. On the first day of Advent, which begins this year on November 27, the Church celebrates its New Year's Day. The date for the beginning of Advent falls each year on the Sunday closest to November 30th - the feast day of Saint Andrew the Apostle.

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Closing the Year of Mercy

11-20-2016Pastor's LetterFr. Don Kline, V.F.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As the Jubilee Year of Mercy ends on the feast of Christ the King, we are reminded to become what we celebrate in this year of mercy. We are called to share the loving mercy that God has for us. God is merciful to all who seek Him with a sincere and repentant heart. Our response to God's loving mercy towards us is to act in that same way to all those we meet. The Holy Father reminds us: "Mercy is the very foundation of the Church's life. All of her pastoral activity should be caught up in the tenderness she makes present to believers; nothing in her preaching and in her witness to the world can be lacking in mercy. The Church's very credibility is seen in how she shows merciful and compassionate love" (MV,10). As members of the Body and Christ, our lives should reflect this witness of mercy to those we meet on a daily basis.

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Catholic Church's Guidelines on Cremation

11-13-2016Pastor's LetterFr. Don Kline, V.F.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

A few parishioners recently asked me if the Catholic Church had changed its teaching on cremation. Since November is typically the month we pray for our beloved deceased, I thought it would be appropriate to once again reflect on the official teachings of the Church on cremation. First, I want to offer a little history lesson on cremation and the Church’s official teaching. Secondly, I want to address some issues concerning cremation that I have seen by Catholics.

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2016 Election

11-06-2016Pastor's LetterFr. Don Kline, V.F.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Over the last four weeks, we have provided you with the AZ Voter Guide in our narthex as well as Bishop Olmsted’s booklet, “Catholics in the Public Square.” You can also read “Forming Consciences For Faithful Citizenship” by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. I hope you find these helpful as you prepare to go into the voting booth to do your civic and religious duty. The Catholic guides are also posted on our website for your review.

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