Saint Maria Goretti

SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME • F E B R U A R Y 1 9 T H , 2 0 1 7

"We are the Roman Catholic Parish of St. Maria Goretti, inspired by our patroness

who was led by the Holy Spirit to reflect the love of the Father through our Lord, Jesus

Christ. We seek to learn the faith, to love the faith, and to live the faith. This is our

witness. By the grace of God and nourished by the Word and Eucharist, we humbly

serve God and our fellow man." *Mission Statement

6261 North Granite Reef Road • Scottsdale, Arizona 85250

Just north of McDonald Drive on Granite Reef Road

Catholic Church

REV. THOMAS J. HALLSTEN, KHS - PAROCHIAL ADMINISTRATOR

DEACON CARMENE CARBONE

DEACON GARY SCOTT • DEACON JIM TRANT

PARISH OFFICE ............. (480) 948-8380

Office Hours .... Mon.-Thurs. 8:30 am-4:00 pm Friday 8:30 am - Noon Toll Free………….……………1-866-973-9469 Fax ......................................... (480) 948-8815 E-mail .......................... smgoretti@smgaz.org Website ................................. www.smgaz.org

MASS SCHEDULE (YEAR ROUND)

Weekend ................. Saturday (vigil) 5:00 pm; Sunday 7:30, 9:00 & 11:00 am Weekday .............. Monday-Saturday 8:00 am Holy Day ............ please call the Parish Office

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturday 3:00-4:30 pm or by appointment.

SACRAMENT OF HEALING Anointing of the Sick: Administered on the 3rd Wednesday of each month after the 8:00 am Mass. Also available upon request if you are shut-in or enter-ing the hospital.

IN AN EMERGENCY For emergency anointing after office hours, please call (480) 361-3734.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

For the week of February 19, 2017

The Parish Office will be closed Monday, February 20th in honor of President’s Day..

• Please be sure to read the bulletin for com-plete details on all parish activities this week

Follow & Like us on Facebook.com/smgaz Visit our website www.smgaz.org

Android/Apple phone users, download our

parish App at myparishapp.com

Sunday: Lv 19:1-2, 17-18/Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13/1 Cor 3:16-23/Mt 5:38-48 Monday: Sir 1:1-10/Ps 93:1-2, 5/Mk 9:14-29 Tuesday: Sir 2:1-11/Ps 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40/Mk 9:30-37 Wednesday: 1 Pt 5:1-4/Ps 23:1-3a, 4-6/Mt 16:13-19 Thursday: Sir 5:1-8/Ps 1:1-4, 6/Mk 9:41-50 Friday: Sir 6:5-17/Ps 119:12, 16, 18, 27, 34-35/Mk 10:1-12 Saturday: Sir 17:1-15/Ps 103:13-18/Mk 10:13-16 Next Sunday: Is 49:14-15/Ps 62:2-3, 6-9/1 Cor 4:1-5/Mt 6:24-34

READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 19, 2017

S E V E N T H S U N D A Y I N O R D I N A R Y T I M E • F E B R U A R Y 1 9 T H , 2 0 1 7 2

PARISH OFFICE ............................................ (480) 948-8380

Parish Manager, Lynda Melton .............................. ..ext. 33 Parish Secretary, Bernie Baillargeon ..................... ext. 10 Accounting, Nancy Milus ........................................ ext. 14 Facility Supervisor, Tim Bies .................................. ext. 51 Facility Assistant, Jean Steeley .............................. ext. 51 MUSIC & LITURGY .......................................... (480) 948-8380

Director, Skye Hart ................................................... ext. 17 Ministry Placement/Sacramental Record Request Judy Colburn ........................................................... ext. 13

Office Hours .................. Monday-Thursday 9:00am-6:00 pm Faith Formation Assistant & Marriage Preparation Santa Giuliano ........................................................ ext. 15 Coordinator of Elementary Faith Formation & RCIA; Annulment Minister Cindy Troiano .......................................................... ext. 21 Youth Ministry & Baptismal Preparation Sammie Wimmer .................................................... .ext. 25 PRESCHOOL/KINDERGARTEN ............................ (480) 948-3606

Office Hours ...................... Monday-Friday 8:30 am-2:30 pm Director, Kate Strohmeyer……………………………ext. 23

PARISH STAFF

The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, February 20th in honor of President’s Day.

Monday, February 20 6:00pm - Holy Hour - Chapel 6:30pm - RCIA - John XXIII

Tuesday, February 21 8:45am - Faith Fitness - Piper II Noon - SMG Bingo - Piper Hall 4:00pm - CGS - Atriums 6:30pm - Charismatic Prayer Group - Chapel

Wednesday, February 22 8:30am - Bible Study - Piper Hall 4:00pm - CGS - Atriums 7:00pm - Choir - John XXIII 7:15pm - A.A. Mtg. - Piper II

Thursday, February 23 6:00pm - First Eucharist Workshop #2 - JXXIII

Friday, February 24 6:00pm - Family Prayer Group - All are welcome - Chapel

Saturday, February 25 6:30am - Catholic Men’s Fellowship - Piper II 8:00am - Duet Orientation Mtg. - John XXIII 9:30am - Apostolate Mtg. - John XXIII

Sunday, February 26 8:45 & 10:45 - CGS - Atriums Noon - Bridges/Crossroads - John XXIII/ Piper II *High school returning from diocesan retreat this afternoon

SMG SCHEDULED EVENTS

Plate Collection Totals for February 12, 2017

192 Envelopes Used................................. 10,494.00 Loose .......................................................... 5,057.00 Online Giving (33) ………………………….. 1,301.00 Total Plate Offerings............................... 16,852.00 Year to Date Sunday Plate Income (Jul - Dec) BUDGET ............................................ $360,000.00 ACTUAL (plate) ................................. $335,937.12

* If you are in need of a 2016 donation statement for

your taxes, please call Nancy in the parish office (480-948-8380, ext. 14). Statements are NOT automat-

ically sent. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

S T E WA R D S H I P N E W S 3

"What can I do to be a good steward and disciple of Jesus?"

The Book of Leviticus from which our First Reading comes is the third book in the Old Testament. Its name in part comes from the Levites, who were the tribe to which Aaron belonged. Historically Aaron is considered to be the one from whom priests are descended. However, the Bible offers instructions to all of us, not just to priests. In today’s reading from Leviticus, God says to Moses that he should teach the people this: “Be holy, for I, the LORD, your God, am holy.” There is no way, of course, that we can be as holy as God is. God is divine, not human, and thus His Holiness is above and way beyond our capabilities. What God is saying to us though is that we do need to strive for holi-ness. We often speak of our call to holiness and how we can try to achieve that. One way is to embrace steward-ship and all it entails as a way of life. Will that make us holy like the Lord? No, but it does mean that we need to comprehend that it is God and God’s wisdom we must embrace and follow. Holiness for us means we need to attempt to separate ourselves from those things and thoughts and ideas which can be viewed as not holy in the Eyes of God. Yes, it is impossi-ble for us, but yet that is what we must try to do.

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTIONS

FR. MIKE BOYLE

CHARITY & DEVELOPMENT APPEAL

The annual Charity and Development Appeal (CDA) is underway. Thank you to everyone who has made their pledge. Each and every gift is im-portant, no matter how big or small. Our parish goal is 100% participation and $100,000. For those who have not yet made a pledge, please do so today! These programs and services reach beyond the boundaries of any one parish to all

of our community. Support works of mercy in our Diocese. Make a pledge and fill out your donor card today or donate online at dphx.org/cda, and be an instrument of God’s love and mercy through your gift to the CDA.

NEW THIS YEAR: The parish can no longer take bank account or credit card information for your CDA gift. To protect your per-sonal financial information, ACH and credit card gifts must be made through the CDA online giving portal at dphx.org/cda. TEXT TO GIVE - Text the amount of your gift to 602-313-0309. Giving this way is fast, easy and secure!

Thank you for donation of fleece blankets for the homeless. We will continue to collect them through February. Blankets should be the size that will fit into a back pack. Collection bins are located outside the doors of church, or drop off at the parish office.

BLANKETS FOR THE HOMELESS

The Mass … A Conversation with God

Each weekend we have the opportunity to listen to the word of God in Scripture and listen to a reflection on Scripture in a short homily. We invite you to prepare for your conversation with God this coming weekend by reading beforehand the Scriptures that will be used in the Mass and by lis-tening to a homily reflective of those Scripture passages.

You can find this on a web site designed by Fr. Boyle. It is available on an iPhone, iPad or PC. Use your brows-er to access: www.homilyweek.com.

† WEEKLY MASS INTENTIONS

† PLEASE PRAY FOR…

Those who are ill: Carmen Lucero, Deacon Charlie Voss, Frank Vassett, Robert Conklin,

Cam Flitton, Todd Sam Lucero, Harry Smole, Kelly Konya, Lennie DeFusco, Marilyn Jensen,

Gary Weiss & Fr. Blaise Meyer

† Deceased: +Roderick Schultz +Thomas Geis +Joe Pytel

+Rev. Joe McGaffin +Cletus Ring

May the souls of the Faithful Departed, through the mercy of God rest in Peace.

L I T U RG Y A N D M U S I C

† GIFT CART

Check out the new items at

the gift cart, open Sunday

mornings after all Masses in

Piper Hall!

THIS WEEK: We have new

items for First Holy

Communion! We also have

a wide variety of religious

books, statuary, rosaries,

and holy medals. We have

items on sale from 30% to 50% off! Stop in soon

while supplies last.

4

Ash Wednesday— Wednesday, March 1. Holy Mass and Imposition of Ashes at 8:00 a.m., 12 Noon, and 6:00 p.m.

† SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FEBRUARY 19, 2017 7th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME "Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow." Today Jesus continues the

powerful teaching of his Sermon on the Mount. Typical of this famous sermon, here he urges us to see things in a new way, specifically regarding situations and people who bother us. First, he tells us not to seek revenge. Instead, we are to demonstrate incredible generosi-ty. Then, he instructs us to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." These instructions don't come naturally to most of us. We are much more inclined to want to get even with those who cause us to suffer, and to wish ill for those who have hurt us. But Jesus proposes anoth-er way. In truth, what good does it do to seek revenge or foster hate? It only continues the cycle of evil. Jesus encourages behavior that will stop the cycle short. He gives us a model that--although it may not change the heart of our "enemies"--will nonetheless change OUR hearts for the better. When pressed into service for one mile, if we voluntarily go two, then WE are the ones whose attitude and experi-ence is certain to change. Instead of spending the length of that one mile cursing and complaining, we spend the length of two enjoying a surprising kind of freedom: "I chose to do this," instead of "I am being forced to do this." When we practice the generosity of giving more than we are asked, and the charity of praying for those who persecute us, we will find ourselves in a position to transcend the trouble. It sets us free to not be mastered by the evil around us. Thus, we are able to help end the cycle of evil and begin a new cycle of love and peace.

† 7TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Sat. Feb 18 5:00 pm Jill Ginsberg Sun. Feb 19 7:30 am Brian Hoy 9:00 am SMG Parish Family 11:00 am Christopher J. Franco Mon. Feb 20 8:00 am Gloria Brown Tues. Feb 21 8:00 am Bill Anders Wed. Feb 22 8:00 am Vince Talbot Thurs. Feb 23 8:00 am Don DeBasio Fri. Feb 24 8:00 am Mary & Tom McNamara Sat. Feb 25 8:00 am Jim Wigle 5:00 pm Bob Minton Sun. Feb 26 7:30 am Patricia Ray 9:00 am SMG Parish Family 11:00 am Peggy Ray Potvin

† LENTEN FASTING AND ABSTINENCE

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and absti-nence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of absti-nence.

For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.

Members of the Eastern Catholic Churches are to observe the particular law of their own sui iuris Church.

A Reflection on Lenten Fasting

If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the "paschal fast" to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily his Resurrection.

F A I T H F O R M A T I O N 5

Bridges and Crossroads Youth Ministry

Next Week 2/26

Crossroads: NO SESSION Crossroads will be on the Multi-Parish retreat in

Williams, AZ. Please pray for us! Bridges: Creation of Humanity

As we continue with diving into the Creed, we will be talking about how humanity is God’s only creation that is

made in His image and likeness.

CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD GRADES PREK-5

Please continue to pray for our candidates as they prepare to

complete their full initiation at the Easter Vigil:

Clayton Brunetti

Tammy Cowger

Shawn Kiepke, Joey Parilla,

Christelee DiDomenico

Keith Kaufman, Harry Ross

We are called to evangelize and invite those we meet to encounter the

living Christ through His Bride, the Church. If you would like more

information about RCIA, Please contact Cindy at 480-948-8380 ext. 21 Classes meet every Monday in

St. John 23rd Hall from 6:30—8:00pm Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12

BAPTISM

If you have a child in need of the

sacrament of baptism please

contact Sammie at

480-948-8380 Ext.25 at least 3

months before the baptism for more

information. Our next Baptism Class is

March 4th at 9:00am in the

Lamb Atrium, please call

to register

MARRIAGE PREPARATION

If you have recently become en-gaged, congratulations! Your next step toward a life-long marriage is to begin preparing for one. Please call Santa at x15 to continue your journey to holiness as an engaged person. Happy Home Psalm 12

Please pray for the children that are

preparing for the Sacraments of

Confirma"on/First Eucharist.

Workshop #2 is on Feb. 23rd, 2017 from

6:00—7:30pm in St. John 23rd Hall

Dinner Provided

RCIA

WOMENS FELLOWSHIP/VIDEO SERIES

Women's Fellowship/Video Series is held the 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month in

St. John XXIII from 9-10:30AM. Join us again on March 2nd as we look

at Ephesians, Discover Your Inheritance. No cost or registration.

Each week is unto itself. Open to all women, all ages.

WORDS OF WISDOM

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which

someone found and hid, then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has

and buys the field” Matthew 13:44

We will not be having session on March 12th due to Spring Break!

Mark your calendars! Steubenville Conference

at University of Arizona

July 14-16, 2017

All incoming freshmen and out-

going seniors are welcome to

join us!

S T . M A R I A G O R E T T I P A R I S H L I F E 6 6

Secular Franciscans, Robert Bundy, ofs (480) 998-7401 Alcoholics Anonymous ................... Wednesdays 7:15 pm Ida ................................................................. (480) 948-8503 Marriage Encounter, Dan & Jennifer Van Cuyk (480) 425-1353

Retrouvaille (for troubled marriages) ....... (602) 254-6723 Sanctity of Life ............................................ (480) 948-8380 Prayer Request Line ................................... (480) 948-8380 Prison Ministry, Judy Colburn .......(480) 948-8380 ext. 13 Pastoral Council ..................................... (480) 948-8380 Charismatic Prayer Group .................... Tuesdays 6:30 pm Kathy Smith .................................................. (480) 994-1643 Cursillo, Phil Ondrei ................................... (480) 951-5047 Christ Child Society, Helen Jaros ............. (480) 991-2207

MINISTRIES & ORGANIZATIONS

Knights of Columbus, Robert Calta…….. (480) 227-5607 Prayer Ministry, Bob & Carol Bundy... ..... (480) 948-8380 SMG Men’s Club. ........................................ (480) 948-8380 SMG Women’s Group, Kathy Nord………. (602) 705-9643 SMG Bingo!!!............................................. ..(480) 948-8380 Catholic Men’s Fellowship, Sean Fitzgerald (480) 293-4565

SMG PARISH LIFE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

SECULAR FRANCISCANS INFORMATION

The Secular Franciscans will meet Sat., March 11th at 8:30 am in John XXIII. Anyone interested in knowing & living the Gospel in daily life and the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi is invited to join us. For information call Bob Bundy, OFS, at 480-998-7401.

CATHOLIC MEN’S FELLOWSHIP

Catholic Men’s Fellowship of St. Maria Goretti meets Saturday mornings 6:30 am-8:00 am (check the schedule of events for meeting room location). Join us and become part

of a band of brothers who are seeking to draw closer to Christ and respond to God's call in their life…whatever that

may be. Catholic Men’s Fellowship is open to men of all ages.

Contact (call or text) Sean Fitzgerald @ 480.293.4565 or by

e-mail at seanfitzaz@hotmail.com

Attending Mass at SMG does not mean that you are registered. Please take the time to stop by the parish office, or down-load a registration form from our parish website (www.smgaz.org). Being registered, active parishioners is necessary to serve as a Godparent or Confirmation Sponsor; for those seeking in-parish tuition rate for our preschool & kindergarten or in-parish wedding and funeral fees; and for those seeking the Pastor’s approval for being granted reduced tuition status at one of our Diocesan schools. Please call the parish office if you have any questions, or need help with registering.

ARE YOU REGISTERED?

PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN

St. Maria Goretti Preschool & Kindergarten

where children Love God

Love One Another And Love to Learn!

Ages 2 and UP Morning Hours: MON.—Fri. 8:30AM—Noon

Extended Hours from 7:30AM-5:30PM

2017-18 School Year Registration Is now open to the public!

Contact the school office at 480-948-3606 or visit our website at Smgazpreschool.org

Join US for FREE MUSIC TOGETHER

CLASSES FOR AGES 6 weeks to 3

Years Old 8:30-9:00AM

Most Wednesdays TEXT @musicatsmg to

81010 for more information!

Take the credit and support SMG School at

catholiceducationarizona.org

Deadline for 2016 State contributions is April 15th!

A no cost way to support SMG School!

We meet the First and Third Tuesday of each month from 12:00 noon - 3:00 pm in Piper Hall YEAR ROUND!!!

Any one 18 and older is welcome to join us. Bingo cards are $1 each with a minimum of 3 cards. Cash Prizes * Door Prizes * Refreshments Yes!!! We’re Playing Bingo in Piper Hall from Noon to 3:00pm...See you February 21st.

SMG BINGO!!! - SEE YOU FEBRUARY 21ST

S T . M A R I A G O R E T T I P A R I S H L I F E 7

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS-MEETS 2ND TUES. IN PIPER II

We meet the second Tuesday of the month (Sept. thru June) at 7:00pm and pray the Rosary before our meeting at 7:30pm in Piper II.

Our annual St. Patrick’s Dinner Dance is Satur-day, March 18th at 6:00 p.m. in Piper Hall. Bring the whole family for a great evening of fun and entertainment! Tickets on sale soon!

If you would like information about the SMG Knights of Columbus council, contact our Grand Knight, Robert Calta, at 480-227-5607.

SMG WOMEN’S GUILD - WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU DO TO HELP!

Could you not watch one hour with me? -Mt. 26:40

Exposition of The Most Blessed Sacrament is: Sunday 6:00 am-12:00 pm Monday- Wednesday 6:00 am-6:00 pm Thursday - 6:00 a.m. - Midnight Friday Midnight -7:00 pm and Saturday 6:00 am - 5:00 pm

Current adoration hours in need of Adorers: Sunday 9:00-10:00 am, 10:00-11:00am Monday 11:00am-Noon, 4:00-5:00pm

Tuesday11:00am-Noon, 5:00-6:00pm Wednesday 4:00-5:00pm, 5:00-6:00pm Thursday 8:00-9:00am, 3:00-4:00pm Friday 10:00-11:00am, 1:00-2:00pm Saturday 8:00-9:00 am, 1:00-2:00pm, 4:00-5:00pm

You are encouraged to commit to any of the scheduled adoration hours. We are also in need of substitute adorers. Please sign up in the parish office. The Adoration Chapel will remain open on weekends. Please make every effort to keep your hour of adoration or get a substitute.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

ST. MARIA GORETTI “DUET”- ARE YOU HOMEBOUND??

Homebound parishioners, do you or a parishioner you know need a help-ing hand with services such as: grocery shopping, friendly visiting, busi-ness help, computer assistance, respite assistance, or transportation? If so, please call Judy Colburn at the parish office (480-948-8380 ext. 13) to help you get in touch with DUET. If you would like to help bring new Life to Elders visit www.duetaz.org to volunteer - also call 602-274-5022

Our St. Maria Goretti Crafter’s Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each

month at 9:30 am in Piper II

If you are in need of more information about this ministry call Judy Colburn at

480-948-8380 ext. 13 *Please note that we would appreciate any baby

material you could donate to us for our baby quilts.

Thank you for helping us help others.

SMG CRAFTERS — WE MEET YEAR ROUND!

FAITH FITNESS STRETCH EXERCISE IS BACK IN SESSION!!!

Another successful rummage sale is over. A BIG thank you to all those who donated merchandise and a HUGE thank you to ALL of our shoppers. Because of YOU the SMG Women’s Guild will again be able to assist the Parish Ministries.

Our next Women’s Guild Meeting is Thursday, March 16th at 6:30pm in Piper Hall.

Dates to remember and get on your calendars… *Our April meeting is on Thursday the 20th at 6:30pm in Piper Hall. This will be our last meeting. *We will end our year on Saturday, May 6th at 2:00pm with our annual Women’s Guild Tea. Look for more details to come. Need more info? Kathy Nord (602-705-9643)

The Men’s Club has a legacy of service to St. Maria Goretti and is always eager to welcome new members!

We meet the 2nd Sunday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in Piper Hall.

Come learn more about this wonderful group & all the ways we serve our community.

The time commitment is minimal - the rewards are countless!

MENS CLUB

Please plan to join us...through May.

We meet Tuesday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in Piper II (off of Piper Hall) for healthy stretching & fellowship. This fall session we will be adding a sec-ond day. See Maryelizabeth for loca-tion and details.

To register, contact Mary Elizabeth at 480-329-2960, 480-948-6960 or maryelizabeth23@gmail.com.

The SMG Golf League is ready to play every Thursday at 2:00pm at Starfire Golf Club on Hayden Rd. just north of Shea Blvd. All are invited to join us, come as often as you like, we’ll be playing through the Spring. Green Fee (9 holes) and a cart will cost $30. You may walk the course if you wish. We hope to see you on the links! For

more information please call Ted Bielli at 480-390-6681.

SMG GOLF LEAGUE—IT’S TIME TO GOLF!

S M G O U T R E A C H M I N I S T R I E S 8

ALL LIFE IS A GIFT FROM GOD...PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY.

ADOPTION CAN BE AN OPTION

Ecumenical Outreach & Interreligious, Tom Brady ...... (480) 745-5080 Guadalupe Outreach, D.J. & Lois Lovett ........................ (480) 483-3061 Sanctity of Life, Julie Watson ........................................ (480) 326-2277 Pastoral Care .................................................................. (480) 948-8380 Santa’s Workshop, Ida Trentacoste (after 5:30 pm) ....... (480) 634-8841 St. Vincent de Paul Society, Ann Collins ................. (480) 948-8380 x50

SMG OUTREACH COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Catholic Charities is the only licensed Catholic adoption agency in the Diocese. We bring our Catholic identity and values to the miracle of creating new families through infant adoption. We have many families on our waiting list BECAUSE they want to adopt through Catholic Charities, but we simply do not have enough infants for our families waiting to adopt. This seems hard to believe when we know that there are so many women experiencing unplanned pregnancies. Our pregnancy counseling program provides free, life-affirming support to those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. We go to the clients, wherever they might be, and help them explore the life-affirming choices of parenting or place-ment with a loving adoptive family. If parenting, we help them to develop the skills and resources they need to parent successfully. If placing for adoption, we help them decide whether they would like an open or closed adoption and they choose the family. Our support is life-long for birth and adoptive parents as well as baby. No one should experience an unplanned pregnancy without compassionate, life-affirming support. For information contact pregnancysupport@cc-az.org. Our counselors are available 7 days a week, toll-free on our pregnancy hotline 1.888.818.4445.

SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL INFORMATION

Maggie's Place provides houses of hospitality and ongoing support to help pregnant and par-enting women in need reach their goals, and welcomes them into a community filled with love and dignity. Are you interested in learning more

about how to support our mission? We are currently seeking female ap-plicants 21+ years who are interested in serving for one year as live-in volunteers with our mothers and their babies. For more information please contact Amanda Ayala at missioncorps@maggiesplace.org or visit maggiesplace.org.

MISSION OF MERCY MEDICAL CENTER

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU — ALL LIFE IS A BLESSING!

Mission of Mercy Mobile Medical Clinic has been serving the uninsured since 1997 in Phoenix, Maryvale, Mesa and Avondale. We are in need of vol-unteer doctors, nurses and bilingual interpreters to help at our clinics on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednes-days and Thursdays. For more information please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Ana, at 602-861-2233 S_M_2003@yahoo.com

The Church promotes unity among all the followers of Christ which flows from our common baptism and seeks the fullness of unity which is a condition of evangelization. The restoration of unity among all Christians is one of the principal concerns of the Second Vatican Council. Division damages the holy cause of preaching the Gospel to every creature. Thus we are asked to pray faithfully that unity will be achieved by those separated. The Church of Phoenix is called to participate in the quest for unity by promoting ecumenical and inter-religious relations as mandated by Vatican II. The Church has urged the faithful to seek unity with her separated Christian brothers and sisters and respect the truth found in all religions. It is essential that each parish as part of its mission seek ways to further unity with all Christians and non-Christians. As part of this call we at St. Maria Goretti Parish join the Diocese of Phoenix in this quest. Those interested in furthering this ministry please contact Tom Brady 480-745-5080.

ECUMENICAL AND INTER FAITH UPDATE

S M G O U T R E A C H M I N I S T R I E S 8

ALL LIFE IS A GIFT FROM GOD...PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY.

ADOPTION CAN BE AN OPTION

Ecumenical Outreach & Interreligious, Tom Brady ...... (480) 745-5080 Guadalupe Outreach, D.J. & Lois Lovett ........................ (480) 483-3061 Sanctity of Life, Julie Watson ........................................ (480) 326-2277 Pastoral Care .................................................................. (480) 948-8380 Santa’s Workshop, Ida Trentacoste (after 5:30 pm) ....... (480) 634-8841 St. Vincent de Paul Society, Ann Collins ................. (480) 948-8380 x50

SMG OUTREACH COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Catholic Charities is the only licensed Catholic adoption agency in the Diocese. We bring our Catholic identity and values to the miracle of creating new families through infant adoption. We have many families on our waiting list BECAUSE they want to adopt through Catholic Charities, but we simply do not have enough infants for our families waiting to adopt. This seems hard to believe when we know that there are so many women experiencing unplanned pregnancies. Our pregnancy counseling program provides free, life-affirming support to those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. We go to the clients, wherever they might be, and help them explore the life-affirming choices of parenting or place-ment with a loving adoptive family. If parenting, we help them to develop the skills and resources they need to parent successfully. If placing for adoption, we help them decide whether they would like an open or closed adoption and they choose the family. Our support is life-long for birth and adoptive parents as well as baby. No one should experience an unplanned pregnancy without compassionate, life-affirming support. For information contact pregnancysupport@cc-az.org. Our counselors are available 7 days a week, toll-free on our pregnancy hotline 1.888.818.4445.

SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL INFORMATION

MISSION OF MERCY MEDICAL CENTER

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU — ALL LIFE IS A BLESSING!

Mission of Mercy Mobile Medical Clinic has been serving the uninsured since 1997 in Phoenix, Maryvale, Mesa and Avondale. We are in need of vol-unteer doctors, nurses and bilingual interpreters to help at our clinics on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednes-days and Thursdays. For more information please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Ana, at 602-861-2233 S_M_2003@yahoo.com

ECUMENICAL AND INTER FAITH UPDATE

FEED. CLOTHE. HOUSE. HEAL.

….is what the SVDP Society does

through the Spirituality, Fellowship, Serving those in need, and Giving others the opportunity to serve.

We invite you to attend our meetings to learn more @10:00 am, Piper II, every other Sunday. Contact Ann Collins, 480-451-0898. If you or someone you know in our parish family is experiencing a crisis and in need of help with food, clothing, rent, utilities or medical/dental attention, we have many resources to fulfill many needs. Call SMG SVDP at 480/948-8380.

St. Vincent de Paul will gratefully accept your 2016 charitable tax donation until April 15th.

DO THE GOOD THAT PRESENTS ITSELF TO BE DONE….. …..Do it prudently and over an extended period of time. Charity is the paradise of communities and the souls of the virtue.

We are overwhelmed and truly grateful for your continued generosity to our Food drives and special donations.

· We need Jelly, Pasta Sauce, Mac & Cheese

· Backpacks are ALWAYS needed for the homeless. Please drop off used/new backpacks at SMG office anytime.

· Donations for clothing/furniture/appliances call SVDP Thrift Stores Pickup at 602-254-3338.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

· Next Meeting – February 26

· Next Weekend Food Drive – March 4 & 5

· Next 5th Sunday Collection– April 30

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time -- February 19, 2017 “Be holy, for I, the LORD your God, am ho-ly.” Is your vocation to holiness to be lived out as a priest or in the consecrated life? Visit dphx.org/vocations/ or dphx.org/consecrated-

life. Or phone 602-354-2005 for more information.

9 O T H E R N E W S 9 O T H E R N E W S

PLEASE PRAY FOR VOCATIONS

THE APOSTOLATE OF THE LITTLE FLOWER

A group of lay Catholic women who commit to Eucharistic Adoration, praying for the Church and for priests. Members study the “Little Way of Spiritual Childhood” of St. Therese, and strive to live it by practicing the virtues of Love, Humility, Confidence in God, & Abandonment to His Holy Will. Meetings are the 4th Saturday of the month at St. Maria Goretti. For more information please contact Maria Kinlen, Directress, at 480-332-7902 .

Every Sunday TV Mass: The Holy Mass is broadcast live at 9 a.m. Sun-day mornings from Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral on KAZT-TV (AZ-TV7, Cable 13), followed by local Catholic talk show “Catholics Matter,” hosted by Fr. Rob Clements. Every Monday The Bishop’s Hour: The Diocese of Phoenix’s locally produced radio program about issues from a Catholic viewpoint. Hosted by Michael Dixon, The Bishop’s Hour is broadcast at 11 a.m. every Monday on Immaculate Heart Radio 1310 AM, with an encore presentation on Thursdays at 9 p.m. Every Tuesday The Catholic Conversation: Steve and Becky Greene, the Cradle and the Convert, help Catholics faithfully live their vocation by providing Church teaching, navigating moral challenges and exploring current issues fac-ing the faith in our culture. The Catholic Conversation is broadcast at 11 a.m. every Tuesday on Immaculate Heart Radio 1310 AM, with an encore presentation at 7 p.m. More Info: phoenixcatholicmedia.org

HAPPENING AROUND THE VALLEY

New Time, New Station now on Immaculate Heart Radio Monday - Friday at 6:00-6:30am and 9:30-10:00pm. You can also listen to us on Inter-netIHRadio.com. For a schedule write RFR, P.O. Box 1728, Phoenix, AZ 85011 or call Genevieve at 602-954-0316. www.radiofamilyrosary.com

"So be perfect, just as your heavenly Fat-

her is perfect." Encourage the Holy Spirit

to perfect your marriage by taking part

in a WorldWide Marriage Encounter

weekend on February 24-26 in Phoe-

nix. To apply for the weekend and for

other dates visit www.wwmearizona.com.

WORLD WIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

All the faithful are invited to join us as we pray for the unborn the little

ones that cannot speak for themselves. We pray for them and their

mothers, that the unborn will be spared and the mothers will have a

change of heart. We meet every Sat. at 9:15 AM at Planned Parenthood,

1250 E. Apache Blvd. Tempe. More info. Call Ray 480 820 2553 or

Dick at 480 253 7118.

Catholic? Single? Widowed, divorced or separated? Over 35? Join us for some special time together and great fellow-ship. For information please check out our website at(cscarizona.org)

CRYS - CATHOLIC MINISTRY FOR YOUNG SINGLES

LET US PRAY...

WIDOWED? DIVORCED? SEPARATED?

LET’S RUN WITH THE NUNS!

NEW TIME—NEW STATION ON IMMACULATE HEART RADIO

LAUGH FOR HOPE

XAVIER COLLEGE PREP

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

SATURDAY, FEB. 25, 2017

Three super funny and squeaky clean comedians are coming to Phoenix for one night only! Come to Laugh4Hope, the 4th annual

comedy night benefiting local, non-profit, low-cost, Catholic healthcare or women and families!

Bringing Hope to the Community Through Laughter For Tickets and informa!on: laugh4hopephx.com

Or call: 602-448-5600

Benefits Life Choices Womens

Clinics and Hope Mobile Clinic

What: Fundraising Run for the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration of Our Lady of Solitude Monastery. All profits assist the Nuns in building their new cloistered Monastery in Tonopah, AZ. (you can register online at www.desertnunrun.com) When: Saturday, March 4th, 2017 Packet Pick up and Late Registration begins at 6 a.m. 10K begins at 7:30 a.m., 5K at 8 a.m., 1 mi at 8:30 a.m. Where: Kiwanis Park, 95 W. Baseline Rd., Tempe AZ The registration tent and starting line are located on the Soccer Field on the North side of Kiwanis Park nearest the intersection of W. Baseline Road and Ash Ave. We encourage people to park along both sides of S. Mill Ave or use the Kiwanis Parking lots off of S. All American Way.

Honoring our Presidents

Presidents’ Day falls on the third Monday of February and is both a federal and state holiday. The day marks the celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday (February 12) and George Washington’s birthday (February 22). No school, no mail and typically no banking. Other than a day off for a portion of the population and stores holding special Presi-dents’ Day sales, there are very little observances or traditions sur-rounding this holiday.

Lincoln and Washington are remembered as two of our nation’s great-est presidents because of the adversities they encountered and the positive impact they made upon our nation. You and I are called to pray for our president and leaders of our nation. They face tremendous chal-lenges and your prayers can move them to bring godly impact upon our nation.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2) for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3) This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4) who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.