father vincent ahar’s reflection · father vincent ahar’s reflection love is the identy of...
TRANSCRIPT
Father Vincent Ahar’s Reflection
LOVE IS THE IDENTY OF JESUS’ DISCIPLES (5TH SEY C).
On March 3rd 16 four out of five of mother Teresa’s
missionary sisters of charity who dedicated
themselves to serve the poor, elderly and people with
disabilities were massacred by ISIS at Aden in Yemen. These
innocent sisters were faithfully keeping the new
commandment of Jesus to ‘Love one another as I have loved
you’ which many of us find it difficult to obey because of
egoistic love, jealousy, envy, hatred, resentment, indifference,
ingratitude, disappointments and frustration in our
relationship with others. They followed the
footsteps of Christ who in perfect obedience to
God’s command laid down his life for his
friends (John 13:1). What the world need more
than anything else is the love Jesus has shown
on the cross for the salvation of the world. God
demonstrates His love for us in this: Christ died
for us while we were still sinners (Rom.5:8).If
people love each other in the same way Jesus
loved and gave himself up for us, there will be
no terrorism, war, crime, poverty, hunger,
starvation, homelessness, deprivation or
immorality: for the one who loves another has
fulfilled the law. The commandments ‘you
shall not commit adultery; you shall not
murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet and any other
commandments are summed up in this one word, ‘Love your
neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to a neighbor;
therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. The Jews had two
commandments of love in Deuteronomy 6:5 which pertained
to love of God and neighbor. So what makes the
commandment of Jesus to love new? The commandment of
Jesus was new in three ways: first, for the Jews only a fellow
Jew was considered as a neighbor excluding the gentiles,
while the disciples of Christ were to see every one in need of
help as a neighbor. Secondly, Jesus introduced a new type of
love that never existed in the world before; dying for one’s
enemies. Before the coming of Christ the best love that ever
existed was for a brother to die for a brother. Thirdly, Jesus
presents himself as the motive and model of true love: Love
one another as I have loved you. By this all will know that
you are my disciples if you love one another (John 33:35).
The love Jesus referred to here does not mean a sentimental,
selfish, passionate, endearing or affectionate relationships. It
is selfless and sacrificial love: It is the love with which God
has saved mankind through the death of Christ on the cross by
raising him from the dead on the third day. For God proves
his love for us in that Christ died for us while we were still
sinners (Romans5:8). Jesus loved and died willingly to save
us when we were totally estranged from God because of sin.
In this way he has reconciled us with God, with each other
and with creation. To love those who are lovable is not new
but to love those who do not deserve to be loved is what
makes Jesus commandment entirely new. Thus, Jesus is the
model and motive of the new commandment of love.
Therefore, the disciples of Christ are obliged to have this
distinguishing mark of supernatural love as their Christian
identity. The distinguishing mark of a true Christian is not
necessarily a baptismal card, a confirmation or a marriage
certificate but simply to love one’s wife or husband, parents
and children, brothers and sisters, leaders and subordinates,
friends and foes alike and to accept as one’s duty and
responsibility to sacrifice personal comfort and pleasures,
time and talents, and resources to be of loving assistance,
compassionate care merciful and sympathetic approach to
them especially during periods of struggle with
overwhelming difficulties such as weakness, sickness,
poverty, grief, old age, loneliness and the experience of been
disappointed and depressed. Through love and
encouragement we should give them hope.
Where there is love, there is faith and hope.
All the supernatural permanent values are set
in motion by charity.
Every good act is charity. Your smiling in
your brother’s face is charity, an exhortation
of your fellow man to virtuous deeds is equal
to almsgiving; your putting a wanderer in the
right road is charity; your assisting the blind, is
charity; your removing the stones, and thorns,
and other obstructions from the road, is
charity; your giving water to the thirsty is
charity. A man’s true wealth here after, is the
good he does in this world to a fellow-man. When he dies,
people will say; what property does he left behind?” But the
angels will ask, “what good deeds has he sent before
him?” (Mohammed).
Pope Francis asked this thought provoking reflective
question about the church: Are we missionaries by our words
and especially by our Christian life? by our witness? Or are
we Christians closed in our hearts and in our churches-
sacristy Christians? Are we Christians in name only, who live
like pagans? We must ask ourselves these questions, which
are not a rebuke. I ask myself as well; what kind of Christian
am I? Is my witness true?” Do we let God use us in the world
by extending to others the same love and mercy which we
received from God? Do we love others with understanding
good will like Jesus Christ? In the early church Christians
were of one heart and soul and no one claimed private
ownership of possessions, but everything they owned was
held in common. This promotion of the common good of all
reflected the love of Christ and people recognized the
presence of Jesus in their charitable actions and began to call
them Christians for the first time at Antioch. We too are
given a new commandment to love with the same selfless and
sacrificial love of Jesus by laying down our lives in service to
our vulnerable brothers and sisters. In the words of St. Paul
Be of the same mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or
conceit, but in humility regard others as better than your
selves. Let non of you look to his own interests, but to the
interests of others (Phillipians 2:4).
Mass Intentions for April 24-May 1 ST. ROSE OF LIMA WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Second Collection: April 17- St. Vincent De Paul
Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction is every Friday
from 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Youth Choir Practice meets on Wednesday at 5 p.m. in the
church.
Messengers of Mary prays the Holy Rosary Monday -
Friday at 7:30 a.m. before Mass. We will pray the rosary on
Thursdays in the CHURCH (instead of the Chapel), at 11:00
a.m. Remember to pray the rosary daily. Call 428.0573 for
prayers & Consecration to Jesus through Mary.
Spanish Bible Study meets every 2nd and 4th Friday of the
month in the St. Matthew Classroom, led by Nemecio
Ramos. All are welcome!
Spanish Choir Practice meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
in the church.
Compliance is Every 2nd Thursday of the month from 1:00-
2:30 pm for accepting applications, fingerprinting and Safe
Environment Video.
St. Rose of Lima
Weekend Collections—April 16-17, 2016
Offertory: $ 4,761.10
St. Vincent de Paul $ 943.40
Building Fund $ 10.00
ST. ROSE OF LIMA NOTICES
Sun 7am Frank Sainz
10am Leon & Laura Marzolf
11:30am St. Rose of Lima Parishioners
6pm Jenny Fohr
Mon 8am Health & Well-being of Nonie
Abeyta
Tues 8am Jenny Fohr
Wed 8am Evelyn Cox
Thurs 8am Papal Intentions
Fri 8am Papal Intentions
Sat 6pm
Health & Well-being and
birthday blessings for Richard P.
Chavez and Father Ariel Lustan
Sun 7am
Eloisa Quijada and Carlota
Lacarra
10am Connie Bailon
11:30am
Health & Well-being of the Mary
Kay Howell family
6pm Special intention for Joseph
Shatto
St. Rose of Lima Parishioners
St. Rose of Lima
Cinco De Mayo Parade
May 7, 2016 —10:00 A.M.
Graham County Court House, 800 W. Main St., Safford
For parade entry forms Contact: Victor Ornelas, Chairman
928.235.7046, Nemecio Ramos 928.228.2255, or St. Rose of
Lima Parish Office 928.428.4920
Hope to see you at our Cinco De Mayo Celebration!!!
CINCO DE MAYO DONATIONS It is time to start bringing in donations for our
annual Cinco de Mayo celebration. Please
bring to the St. Rose of Lima office the
following items:
Soda (Pepsi or Coke
brands only)
Bottled water
Tortilla chips
Pinto beans
Rice
Items for the white-
elephant sale
Corn Tortillas
Red chile
Longhorn cheese
All-purpose bleached
flour
Honey
Cooking oil
Lard
Thank you for your support!
REQUIREMENTS: Baptisms The parents of the child to be baptized must submit a copy of the baby's birth certificate. Parents and godparents need to attend the
parish baptismal class. Classes are given on the second Saturday of the month from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Please call the office to sign up for the
next scheduled class. All requirements for the Diocese of Tucson and Saint Rose of Lima will be given to the parents at this time. Baptisms are
performed the first and third Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Our office staff is limited, therefore, sponsors and godparents proof of sacraments,
documents and payment must be submitted at least one month before the baptism. When choosing godparents, if they are married, they must
be married through the Catholic church, if single you must not be living with a partner. Donation is $20.00.
Quinceañera The candidate and her parents must contact the office at least one (1) year or more before the date requested. Quinceañera are not
performed during Holy Days. Requirements: active within the parish, youth group, Religious Education, Mass attendance, etc. or Six(6) sets
of meetings and volunteer ministries given by Fr. Robert. Cost is $250.00. There is a non-refundable deposit of $100.00 to hold the date. Balance
to the church must be received in the office one week before the ceremony.
Weddings The couple must contact office at least 6 months prior to the desired wedding date. An appointment will be made for the couple. At that
time it will be determined if the date desired is available, and all requirements for the Diocese of Tucson and Saint Rose of Lima will be given to
the couple. Donation is $150.00.There is a non-refundable deposit of $50.00 to hold the date. Balance to the church must be received in the
office one week before the ceremony.
Cinco de Mayo Planning
Committee Meeting Wednesday, April 27 at 6:00 p.m. Meeting
will be held in the St. Rose of Lima office.
For more information, please contact Committee Chair,
Victor Ornelas, at 928.322.7055.
St. Rose of Lima RE Office Hours:
Mon.-Thurs. 9 am - 12pm
RE Office Phone # (928) 348-4785
Religious Education Registration is currently
underway for the upcoming school year. Students may
be registered in the RE Office 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. A
registration discount per family will be awarded for
all those who register prior to May 23rd.
The Religious Education Program will be sponsoring a
Cake Walk for the Cinco De Mayo celebration. Please
send in cakes or cupcakes to help with the
fundraiser. You may drop cakes off at the RE office on
Friday May 6th from 9:00-2:00 or bring them Saturday
morning to the Cake Walk booth. Thank you for your
support.
First Holy Communion Rehearsal for children
scheduled to receive First Holy Communion on April 30
will be held on Wednesday, April 27 at 6:00 p.m.
First Holy Communion Very special CONGRATULATIONS
go to the children who received their
First Holy Communion on Saturday,
April 23.
The next group of children to receive
their First Holy Communion are
scheduled for April 30, at 11:00 a.m.
Children in Pima are scheduled for their First Holy
Communion on May 8.
ST. ROSE OF LIMA NOTICES
CONFIRMATION
Upcoming Class Schedules
SUNDAYS
Confirmation I 4:45 pm.—6:00 p.m. Class
6:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. Mass
Confirmation II 6:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. Mass
7:00 p.m.—8:15 p.m. Class
CINCO DE MAYO RAFFLE TICKETS
RAFFLE #1: $2/ticket or 6 tickets for $10
Grand Prize: $1,200 Cremation Certificate to McDougals
2nd Prize: 9-piece dinette set
RAFFLE #2: $1/ticket or 5 tickets
50/50 Cash drawing
Available for purchase in the St. Rose of Lima Parish office.
St. Rose of Lima Cinco de MayoSt. Rose of Lima Cinco de MayoSt. Rose of Lima Cinco de Mayo Enchilada DinnerEnchilada DinnerEnchilada Dinner
3 Enchiladas, Rice, Beans, Lettuce, Tomato & Drink 3 Enchiladas, Rice, Beans, Lettuce, Tomato & Drink 3 Enchiladas, Rice, Beans, Lettuce, Tomato & Drink $10 Per Plate$10 Per Plate$10 Per Plate
Entertainment & Live MusicEntertainment & Live MusicEntertainment & Live Music Friday May 6, 2016 @4:00 St. Rose of Lima Volunteer HallFriday May 6, 2016 @4:00 St. Rose of Lima Volunteer HallFriday May 6, 2016 @4:00 St. Rose of Lima Volunteer Hall
Tickets Will Not be available at the door.Tickets Will Not be available at the door.Tickets Will Not be available at the door.
NEXT ST. ROSE OF LIMA
FINANCE COUNCIL MEETING IS
MONDAY, APRIL 25, AT 6 P.M.
IN THE PARISH OFFICE
“Celebrating Families” April 30, 2016, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Home Depot Parking Lot
Hosted by: Graham/Greenlee Child Abuse Prevention
Council and Graham County Substance Abuse
Coalition
Come and Dump the Drugs and learn how to protect the
children of the community.
Opening ceremonies start at 10 a.m. with keynote
speaker Judge Michael Peterson. The event includes
family entertainment, graduation of students in the “I
Matter” program, a car seat check station, a drunk
driving obstacle course, resources, food and games.
For more information contact:
Christy Maltos at 928-428-7231
or Kathy Grimes at 928-348-1751
The Newman Sustaining board
and the students of the Newman
Club at EAC wish to thank
everyone for their support of
our annual tri-tip dinner. It was
a great success. All the volunteers worked so hard and
were so willing to give of their time and energy. A
Mass of gratitude for all the volunteers will be offered
on Saturday, June 11th, at 6 p.m. God bless all of you!
SAVE THE DATE FOR:
March 10-11, 2017
Tucson Convention Center
A great multi-generational, two-day celebration for all
people of our Diocese of Tucson
Registration will open up in the fall of 2016. More
information will be available soon.
Mass Intentions for April 24-May 1
Sun 8:30 am Health & Welfare of Jose
Villalba
Mon. 9:00 am Birthday Blessing for Lourdes
Ramos
Friday 9:00 am Our Lady of Guadalupe
Parishioners
Sun 8:30 am Brandon Garcia
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Second Collections
Sunday 4-24-16 Home Mission Collection
Sunday 5-1-2016 Building Fund
Sunday 5-8-2016 Catholic Communication Campaign
Sunday 5-15-2016 St. Vincent de Paul
Rosary
The Rosary is recited daily at 8:30 a.m. before the 9:00 a.m.
Mass.
Eucharistic Adoration is on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to
10:30 a.m.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Gift Shop is open weekdays
9:30 a.m.—3:00 p.m. and Sundays after 8:30 a.m. Mass.
Anointing of the Sick Mass is every first Friday of the
month at the 9:00am Mass.
A Change of Schedule for Compliance:
A representative will be at St. Rose of Lima from 1:00 pm to
2:30 pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month.
GOSPEL REFLECTION:
Like Jesus, choose to love when faced with
hatred and anger.
Friendly Reminder - Parents please remember to sign
your student in for mass and out for RE class. Also,
ONLY an authorized adult can sign-out and pick
students up from RE class.
Mixed choir practice (adult & children) every Tuesday
at 4:30 in the church.
Confirmation class will continue to meet on Sundays
from 11:15-1:15.
CRS Rice Bowls - Please return your CRS Rice Bowl
as soon as possible. Please write your name on the box.
Upcoming events:
April 24 - RE & Confirmation classes
May 1 - RE & Confirmation classes
May 8 - RE & Confirmation classes
May 14 - First Holy Communion
Annual Catholic Appeal Announcement - The
Annual Catholic Appeal is a yearly
fundraising campaign that supports the
ministries, programs, agencies and schools
that serve the spiritual, educational, and
physical needs of the people of the Diocese of Tucson.
Pledge envelopes in each pew/seat.
Students of the First Communion RE class must
bring in their Baptismal Certificates as soon as
possible.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Weekend Collections — April 16-17, 2016
Offertory $ 603.00
St. Vincent de Paul $ 134.09
Fundraiser for Mother’s Day. A
raffle is being held for a cement bench.
Tickets are $2.00.
If anyone is interested in buying or selling
tickets, please come in or call OLG office.
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE NOTICES
The Holy Father's Intentions
for the Month of April 2016
Universal: That small farmers may receive a just reward for
their precious labor.
Evangelization: That Christians in Africa may give witness
to love and faith in Jesus Christ amid political-religious
conflicts. http://apostleshipofprayer.org/
If anyone is interested in teaching or helping with the
Religious Education Program for next year, please call the
office at 428-0149.
Congratulations to Christian Moreno and
Armando Ruiz. They were recognized and awarded
the Saint John Paul II Youth Award for
community service and social justice at a ceremony
held at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Tucson on
Saturday, April 16.
ORTEGA’S SHOES Mt. Graham Shopping
Center
Richard & Theresa Ortega
Elodia—Valerie
928.428.0636
VALLEY FURNITURE
350 E. Armory Road
Safford, AZ
928.348.9340
SECULAR FRANCISCAN St. Elizabeth of Hungary
Fraternity
Meets 2nd Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. At Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
David Esquivel, Minister
928.865.2887
Kachina Hot Springs
Mineral Spa 1155 W Cactus Rd
Safford, AZ
928.428.7212 Kachinamineralsprings.com
KNIGHTS OF
COLUMBUS Joe Figueroa,
Grand Knight
928.965.5662 Meets 1st Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
Walneck’s Safford Sewing Center
Jeff & Virginia Walneck Parishioners
Hwy 70 & 3rd Ave
928.428.0494
CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS
OF THE AMERICAS Court St. Rose of Lima #2398
Kittie Avalos, Regent
928.651.3257 Meets 3rd Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
At St. Rose of Lima
In St. Matthew’s room
THRIFTEE FOOD & DRUG Groceries-General Merchandise
Bakery-Deli
Pharmacy-Florist
755 S CENTRAL AVE
SAFFORD, AZ 85546
PHONE: 928.428.1844
“No worries, no hassles,
MORE CHOICES”
928-428-7425
www.advancedair.com
928.428.1740
Michelle A. Wilson Agent
610 W. Main St
Safford, AZ 85546
928.428.1570
PEPSI-COLA BOTTLING
COMPANY OF SAFFORD
St. Jude Prayer Group
Praying for those
struggling with addiction
Meets at
St. Rose of Lima Church
in the Garden
Friday’s at 2:30 p.m.
415 E US Hwy 70, Safford, AZ
Now Serving Breakfast @ 11AM
928.428.7148
OVEREATERS
ANONYMOUS NO dues * NO fees * NO weigh-ins *
NO diets
Meets Tuesdays at 7:30-8:30 p.m.
at St. Rose of Lima
in St. Luke’s Room
928.322.8647
CURSILLO
LEADERSHIP
For more information, contact
St. Rose of Lima Parish Office
928.428.4920
707 S. 6th Ave
Safford, AZ
928.428.1033
Brando’s Fun N’ Sun
Travel & Cruise
Inside Trophies ‘N Tees
513 W. Main Street, Safford
928.322.3271 Discount Vacation Planning, Cruises,
Airlines, Rental Cars, Hotels & More!
Greens Furniture
David Montez the Furniture King
520 W. 5th St Safford, Az 428.5900
Fifth Avenue Florist 516 S. 5th Avenue, Safford
928.428.2491
Mon—Fri 9 a.m.—5 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.—12 p.m.
Jill R Chacon, owner
Bulletin Ads $150/Year