ABOUT MANY THINGS
Our annual three-day Fiesta was again a great success. It was caked-out…. Never have there been so many cakes for the cakewalk. It was rained out on Sunday evening the final segment of the three-day event. However, it did not stop a large number of parishioners from attending. There was a wonderful presence of community, family and loving-service evident the three evenings of the Fiesta. Thanks to RJ Saavedra, her family, and the entire core committee who presented the 40th Annual Fiesta.

EAST SIDE CATHOLIC MAGAZINE
This is likely the final Pastor’s Monthly Update. The monthly update will be replaced with a monthly parish magazine entitled Eastside Catholic. It will be published by Decided Excellence Catholic Media and will be underwritten by advertising sponsorships. The magazine will have significant local parish content and some timely evangelization articles. The new magazine is scheduled to appear in our parishioner mailboxes at the end of the first week of December.

EMERGENCY SHELTER
The three-day emergency shelter in our Parish Hall on October 11th, 12th, and 13th accommodating 39 people who were released from detention was very well-served by our parishioners. Special thanks to the many loving hands and hearts for serving our special guests with such great love during their hour of need. The quick and calm loving response at the heart of the parish was indeed exemplary and a transparent community action of living the Gospel.

UPDATE FROM JOAN MARTIN
I have arrived safely in Port-au-Paix… About 2pm on Saturday, October 13th on the big MAF plane (10 seats) with the Sunlight school group. No flight problems.

Because of the earthquake, there is much talk of damage to schools, rectories, convents, churches, etc. It does not seem that many of the structures have fallen down. Some have been declared necessary for demolish by the city officials.

There are still the old pre-earthquake problems; difficulties to pay teacher salaries, no food for the nutrition programs, health problems for the priests, sisters, and teachers.

With the assistance of several benefactors, four of the parishes were able to get new vehicles this year. The money was sent in May 2017. The vehicles arrived at customs in Port-au-Prince in December 2017. The vehicles were finally released about May 2018. However, I am now learning that the government has not yet given the license plates for the vehicles… Plates were paid for in May 2018. So priests cannot drive the vehicles very far for fear of being arrested. I’ll write more later, after I have been able to visit the area.

HALLOWEEN
What’s a Catholic to do? The following is a paraphrase of a recent article by Lindsey Kettner which deals with this question. The article appeared in Catalina Foothills Catholic Magazine and is shared with permission.

With the holiday of Halloween comes a certain amount of controversy. Is it a religious holiday that Catholics should embrace or is it a pagan celebration that should be avoided? There are many differing opinions. Halloween is observed on the eve of All Saints also known as All Hallows Eve. Some see it as a pagan holiday. The old customs and traditions our cultures had, the Church did not try to destroy or wipe them out. It merely tried to purify them and make them holy, orienting them toward something good.

Today, Halloween is different; it has become darker and less innocent. As Halloween has taken a turn towards being more wicked and morbid. What’s a Catholic family to do? There are certain things that Catholics should avoid when it comes to Halloween celebration. 1) Anything overly morbid. Bodies hanging from trees, severed limbs and other gruesome displays have no places in the Christian faith. 2) The supernatural and demonic. We don’t want our children to be terrified of the devil, but we also don’t want to instill in them a curiosity for the demonic or witchcraft, which is very dangerous to the Christian soul.

Celebrating Halloween is not necessarily incompatible with being a Christian. Halloween can be seen as a secularized version of the “Catholic Church’s ancient practice of anticipating this great feast day when we honor the saints.”

Some families avoid the celebration of Halloween altogether, while others embrace the American traditions of the holiday. With so many ideas of how to approach Halloween, it is up to you to use your best judgement about what’s best for you and your family. If you’re not sure, ask the Holy Spirit to guide your decisions and help you choose the path that will deepen your faith and lead you closer to God.

NOVEMBER DOOR OPENERS TO THE HOLY
The feast days of All Saints on November 1st and All Souls on November 2nd are both door openers to the Holy. On Thursday November 1st, All Saints Day, we pray to God through the intercession of all the saints as they clearly acknowledge the company we keep in the opening prayer of the Mass… Today we rejoice in the holy men and women of every time and place. In this prayer, we acknowledge not only our canonized saints but all those loved ones who have gone on before us, and who, in the course of their lives, let God’s light shine through them to us. We acknowledge that these holy men and women to be faithful-like parents, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles whose lives have been compelling inspiration to us on our journey to the holy.

ALL SAINTS DAY MASSES
Wednesday (Anticipated), 6:30pm; Thursday 6:30am, 8:30am, 10:00am (School Mass), 6:30pm, 7:30pm (Spanish).

ANOTHER DOOR OPENING FEAST
All Souls’ Day on Friday, November 2nd, we pray that any of our loved ones who may still be separated from God by any burden might be set free by our prayers on their behalf. The memorial altar set up in the vestibule of the church is a reminder to us of this door opening into this All Souls’ month of November. All three All Souls’ Day Masses (6:30am, 8:30am, 6:30pm) will have a special All Souls’ Day emphasis and will be the opportunity to come and pray for our beloved dead.

COMFORTING THE SORROWFUL
November is a month when many Catholics think about the dead. Does that sound morbid? It needn’t be. Recalling the life of a beloved family member, longtime friend, or trusted mentor can be consoling, especially if that person has led a rich and full life.

But for most people thinking about the dead evokes sadness, particularly if the death was recent or untimely. That awareness should remind us of the need not only to pray for the dead but to pray for those who survive them. Comforting the sorrowful is one of the traditional “spiritual works of mercy.” Part of that comfort includes praying for the person who is grieving. But there are other ways to help as well.

Often we may want to help someone who has lost a loved one but feel paralyzed by the fear of saying the “wrong thing.” We may have heard stories of otherwise well-meaning people who want to comfort and say things like, “It’s all for the best.” Or, “I know just how you feel.” Which sometimes makes people feel worse.

The most comforting thing we can do for someone grieving a loss may be to be physically present and simply listen to them. In general, you needn’t worry too much about saying the “right” or “wrong” thing. Just try to consider the situation, speak from your heart, and do your best. And don’t forget to pray that God will console them in their sorrow.
-Fr. James Martin, SJ
 
 
HOLY COMPANIONS
This comment by a parishioner to me recently aptly describes the three new statues occupying the niches in the back of the church. In our Catholic tradition, statues, images and holy pictures remind us of the company we keep… holy companions. The late Father Andrew Greeley in his book The Catholic Imagination eloquently describes these Catholic practices.
 
Catholics live in an enchanted world, a world of statues and holy water, stained glass and votive candles, saint and religious medals, Rosaries and holy pictures. But these Catholic paraphernalia are mere hints of a deeper and more pervasive religious sensibility which inclines Catholics to see the holy lurking in creation. As Catholics, we find our houses and our world haunted by a sense that the objects, events and process of daily life are revelations of grace.

A common misconception among Catholics is that we worship the saints. Not true. Worship is reserved for God alone. The saints are “venerated,” much as you would venerate a beloved mentor. The other misconception is praying to the saints. Some people think that when Catholics pray to the saints we are replacing prayers to God. Also not true. We are simply asking for their prayers. If we ask for the prayers of friends from earth, why not ask for the prayers of friends in heaven?

PARISH KINO MISSIONS TOUR
More than 300 years ago, a tireless Jesuit priest by the name of Eusebio Francisco Kino made countless forays on horseback toward much of what is now the Northern Mexican state of Sonora and Arizona. Fr. Kino brought with him ideas in material culture - chiefly the Christian faith, the Spanish language, cattle, and crops - that would change the region deeply and forever.

Join us in retracing the steps of Kino who established the first Mission Dolores in Sonora and the missionaries who followed him. You will be guided on the tour by scholars and enthusiasts who know and love the region and volunteer their time to share it with others. The Mission tour is scheduled for February 26th – 28th, 2019. A valid U.S. Passport is required of all participants. The bus will leave Tucson on Tuesday morning at 8am and arrive back on Thursday evening around 6-7 o’clock. The fee for this tour is $575 per person, double-occupancy ($100 for single supplement). A deposit of $100 is required at registration, and final payment is due February 1, 2019. Fuller information and registration forms for the Kino Missions Tour are available at the parish office or in the literature rack in the vestibule of the church. This parish Kino Missions Tour is a special feature of our 60th anniversary year.

MANAGING STRESS IN TIMES OF CRISIS
In this time of deep pain in the Church, you might experience complex reactions such as confusion, anger, and hurt.

These emotional stressors can impact your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. While no one can eliminate all stress from their environments, you can learn to recognize and cope with them to minimize their impact on daily life. Indeed, the solution may be as simple as changing certain routines and setting a few goals. First, slow yourself down. Practice bringing yourself into the present moment versus focusing on the past or future. Engaging in deep breathing may assist this process.

Second, try to reflect on your feelings without judgment. Such awareness can help you respond to stressors which create clarity and prevent you from being swept away by toxic thoughts.

Practice acceptance. Accepting the reality of a situation does not mean you approve of it. Rather, acceptance allows you to shift focus from what is going wrong to how to respond.

Throughout this process, prayer can play a crucial part. Taking time to rest and pray is essential… as modeled by Jesus Christ. In every Gospel, we read of Jesus leaving His disciples in order to pray. The disciples knew Jesus regularly took this time in order to find the strength to do His Father’s Will.

Self-care entails engaging in healthy habits and omitting unhealthy ones. So manage what you eat, do your best to get adequate sleep and exercise, and allow for opportunities for leisure and solitude.

In addition to teaching them the importance of prayer, Jesus demonstrated to them the importance of solitude and rest by regularly going to a deserted place to be alone.

Talking with a trusted, objective friend or adviser to help you express your feelings and obtain compassionate and candid feedback. Finally, focus on what you can control on your choices, and on what will make you more resilient.
The above article on stress appeared in a recent issue of Luke Notes from St. Luke Institute. Printed here with permission.

DECEMBER 8TH PILGRIMAGE DAY TO OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS ORPHANAGE IN AGUA PRIETA
The Arizona chapter of the Blessed Nuno Society, home-based here at Our Mother of Sorrows Parish, is sponsoring an all-day pilgrimage to Our Lady Queen of Angels Orphanage in Agua Prieta on Saturday, December 8th. Rocio Zamora will lead the one-day pilgrimage. The onsite visit to the orphanage will give a hands-on prayerful experience of reaching out to the most vulnerable among us, the homeless orphans at the orphanage. Parishioner pilgrims need to have a valid passport. The carpool will depart from the parish at 8am on Saturday, December 8th and return by 8pm that evening. Cars will be parked on the Douglas side of the border and the pilgrim group will walk across the border and board a bus for the 5-minute ride to the pilgrim site in Agua Prieta. There is no cost, but a freewill offering to offset the cost of the Mexican bus and to assist the orphanage will be collected at the orphanage. Pilgrims are responsible for paying for their own lunch at a Mexican restaurant. Interested parishioners may contact Rocio at the parish office.
 
THANKSGIVING MEAL PRAYER
God most provident,
We join all creation
In raising to you a hymn of Thanksgiving
Through Jesus Christ, your Son.
For generation upon generation
Peoples of this land have sung of Your bounty;
We, too, offer you praise
For the rich harvest we have received at Your hands.
Bless us and this food which we share with grateful hearts.
Continue to make our land fruitful
And let our love for you be seen
In our pursuit of peace and justice
And in our generous response to those in need.
Prayer and Glory to You, Lord God, now and forever.
Amen
 
“YES, LORD” ANNUAL RENEWAL OF TITHE/STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE
During these weeks, our parish is into the annual exercise of the renewal of our stewardship giving of treasure. All registered parishioners will be receiving their annual “Yes, Lord” mailing during this time. Commitment Weekend for this annual appeal is on November 10/11.

INCOME/BUDGET PLATEAU
​Our stewardship/tithe weekly income seems to be on a stationary plateau. Overall support of annual operational budget seems to be adequate for now. Recognizing the plateau reality, our current year’s budget has been adjusted from $19,500 to $19,040 a week income. Contributions for the seventeen week fiscal year to date are $18,379 per week or 4% below budget, or $11,242 shortfall. Last years deficit at this point was 1.5% or $4,723 shortfall.

Our three months in the parish hall and the successful Three R’s campaign seem to have been contributing factors towards this years deficit. The “Yes, Lord” annual renewal has always been helpful in erasing the early deficit of the year. Non-givers on our parish roster are invited to consider beginning a weekly giving within a $1 to $5 range. Our deepest thanks to all who are regular and faithful supporters of our parish.
 
Happy Thanksgiving!

Yes, Lord Renewal of Tithe / Stewardship Season
All Saints' Day Masses - October 31 (Anticipated) & November 1st
All Souls' Day Mass / Altar of Remembrance - November 2nd
Thanksgiving Day Mass - November 22nd at 9am
Feast of Christ the King - November 25th
Parish Kino Mission Trip - February 26 - 28 2019

THANK YOU, THANK YOU…GRAND CELEBRATION
‘Thank you’ is such a beautiful phrase! Yet there are times when those two words seem so totally inadequate. They just touch the surface when the heart is overwhelmed with gratitude. Such is my sentiment on the September 16th grand celebration of our 60th anniversary and the rededication of our church at the 1pm special Mass. It was truly such a joyful occasion in the Lord… a spiritual mountaintop experience bringing to fruition all the collaborative efforts of the summer months in making our worship space a beautiful place for God and His people.

Bishop Weisenburger was the celebrant for the Mass and preached exceptionally well on our patroness…Our Mother of Sorrows. He concurred with my request to reprint his excellent homily for the benefit of all parishioners, I am making it available in this Pastor’s Monthly Update.

It was a distinct honor to have our charter members group participate. Two of them proclaimed God’s Word. It was a blessing to have the third pastor of the parish, Charley Towner, participate in this grand marker event. The many concelebrating priests and our seven deacons added a special dimension to the special Mass.

The gathering in the hall immediately after Mass made for a grand reception. Our deepest thanks to all who had a hand in making the hall such a celebratory environment. All who served the guests did so with a beautiful spirit of hospitality. The representative leadership group from the parish who did the toasts added such a special dimension to make this such a grand reception.

The overwhelming positive response of the parishioners at the Mass and reception was most gratifying and reflects a great sense of blessings from the Lord on our parish and school communities.

PASTORAL STAFF TRANSITIONS
I’m pleased to announce long-time parishioner Renise Rodriguez is becoming the new Executive Assistant to the Pastor. Renise has been chosen from 10-15 applicants and brings her deep love for the Church and the parish and her active involvement in ministries to this position. She will be filling the big shoes of Madeleine Crespo who has served so faithfully and well in this position over these past three years.

Patsy Klein, our pastoral care coordinator who has been with us on a part-time basis has recently informed me that she has accepted a full-time position at Catholic Community Services. Patsy has been very effective in overseeing the pastoral care of the homebound and our Stephen Ministry group.

A WORD FROM THE NEW EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Dear Families of Our Mother of Sorrows,

My name is Renise Rodríguez and it is an honor to share with you that I will be taking on the role of Executive Assistant to the Pastor here at OMOS. I have been a parishioner of OMOS for nearly my entire life. I attended OMOS school and have been active in multiple ministries throughout the years. My formation at OMOS both in the school and in my participation in the Lifeteen program are an integral part of why I chose to pursue an undergraduate degree in Religious Studies from the University of Arizona. Upon graduation I worked as Campus Minister at St. John the Evangelist Catholic School in South Tucson where I gained 5 years of experience working in a parish and school setting. This year I was blessed to embark on a new journey and received a grant from the Diocese of Tucson in partnership with Catholic Extension which allowed me to begin a master’s degree in Religious Education from Fordham University. I am overjoyed and incredibly humbled to have the opportunity to return to my roots and continue to serve the Church as a Catholic professional. I want to thank Monsignor Tom for entrusting this position to me and welcoming me as a member of his staff. I humbly ask for your prayers as I assume this new role and continue in my studies. Please be assured of mine for all of you. May God bless you.
~Renise Rodriguez

PARISH TOWN HALL MEETING ON SEXUAL ABUSE
On September 17th, close to 100 people participated in a 90-minute meeting. Bishop Weisenburger shared a very helpful PowerPoint presentation on the sexual abuse crisis within the Church. The major portion of the meeting time was given over to the bishop’s listening and responding to participants’ questions. The other three members on the panel – Dr. Rosemary Celaya-Alston from the Diocesan offices of Child, Adolescent and Adult Protection and our own Sylvia Ramirez who oversees our parish Safe Environment protocols, and your pastor, shared from their perspectives on the Safe Environment protocols now in place, diocesan-wide and parish-wide.

PRAYER FOR MINISTRY OF EVERYDAY LIFE
God our Father – Work is your gift to us; a call to reach new heights by using our talents in the ministry of everyday life, for the good of all. Guide as we work in our distinct ministries of everyday life and teach us to live in the spirit that has made us your sons and daughters, in the love that has made us brothers and sisters. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The above prayer concluded the prayer of petitions of all Masses on the weekend of September 22/23. It is shared here for personal everyday use. Work -- in our everyday role, job, calling – is our involvement in the ministry of everyday life. As persons of faith, we can ask ourselves…how am I God’s presence in my everyday work environment, in what I do and how I do it? There can be a tendency to restrict the meaning of the word ‘ministry’ to what happens at the parish or to what happens in a parish sponsored ministry. Such a restrictive meaning is a total disservice on how and where most people live their lives each day. As sons and daughters of God, as brothers and sisters to each other in the Lord, we are truly in everyday ministry when we use our talents for the good of all.

VOICES OF THANKS

Dear Msgr. Tom & Staff…

On behalf of the church’s 60th Anniversary, Don & I would like to convey what a blessing OMOS has been to us since we joined in 1980. We started out in the Parish Hall and were proud to be part of the new church when it was built, and now when it has completed the 3R’s campaign of Renovation. It is better than ever! 1980 was the year I finally completed becoming a Catholic at OMOS. We both enjoying coming to Cenacle Chapel & have benefitted from its quiet sanctuary from everyday life and all its busyness. Happy 60th Anniversary to you all and OMOS.
Sincerely, Karen & Don Griess

Over the years, we became part of the OMOS family and benefitted spiritually and personally from being there. As we move to the next chapter of our lives, relocating to our hometown in Upstate NY, we are most sad to be leaving OMOS. I will forever seek the inclusivity, progressive, faithful, welcoming environment that we so enjoyed at OMOS.
With thanks and love, Tory & Jim Hunziker

Words cannot express my gratitude to you for the Cenacle Chapel. Thank you so very much for the opportunity to worship Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
God bless you always, Mary & David Witter

HOMILY BY BISHOP EDWARD WEISENBURGER ON THE OCCASION OF THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF OUR MOTHER OF SORROWS

Brother and Sisters,

It is an honor and a joy to celebrate this wonderful anniversary with you. As many of you know from your parish history:

• By 1950, following World War II, the Tucson metropolitan area had grown from 40,000 residents to roughly 123,000. Bishop Gercke decided it was time for a new parish on the East side.
• On May 10, 1958, Our Mother of Sorrows Parish was established, with groundbreaking taking place in January of 1959. The Church was officially dedicated on November 8, 1959, with the elementary school opening that same fall.
• In 1981, a dashing young Monsignor by the name of Thomas Cahalane was named pastor. A deep affection between pastor and parish ensued, which has never dimmed. In 1983, the parish celebrated its Silver Jubilee. By this point, Tucson’s population exceed 500,000. With more than 1200 families, it was time to expand the Church.
• Ground was broken on the new church in January of 1984, and Bishop Moreno dedicated it on May 26, 1985.
• Today, Our Mother of Sorrows is home to more than 3,000 families.

Monsignor Cahalane, and my good people, when I pause to consider -- the tens of thousands of baptisms celebrated on this spot; the similar number of confirmations; the multitude of sins forgiven in the Confessional leaving the faithful ‘whole’ again; the number of weddings celebrated; the thousands of Masses celebrated, nourishing the people of God with word and Christ’s true presence; the funerals: where faith was tested and hope emerged victorious; and by no means least, the abundant vocations to religious life and priesthood nurtured in this place – I can only conclude that these last 60 years have been a prodigious blessing for the people of God. In a mainline Protestant theology, it’s not the place, it’s what happens “in” the place that matters. In Catholic theology: what happens (in the Church), as well as (the Church itself), reflects God’s presence and God’s glory.

This is a Holy Place, in many respects…made holy by God’s people. The faith they have discovered here, nourished here, lived here, and embraced as they emerged to the fullness of life…lingers in the air. My prayer for this community is that they will acknowledge their privileged past; revel in the glory found here that is Christ “today”; and look to the future with great hope and trust. Their past is honorable and noble; their future bright.

And now, it is worth noting that your parish is under the title, and patronage, of Our Mother of Sorrows. Those outside the Church may find this title odd! Why focus on “sorrows.” Why not our Mother of joys, or happiness or hope?

Well, the truth is: she is all those things. Because in the end, being the first, and most perfect of all disciples, she is the eternal model for how we, in every age, are to face every facet of life. And what life knows no sorrows? And so, even here, in her own delicate and almost hidden way, she reveals how to encounter Him in the midst of this facet of humanity: our sorrows. To see this more clearly, let’s take a quick look at some of those moments she looks out at us from Scripture:

1. When we first meet her, Mary is the object of an ugly rumor: she’s pregnant and unmarried. According to the cultural norm for the time, her fiancé, Joseph, is expected to deny her and anything about the pregnancy, and to put her at a distance; but Joseph, her betrothed, being an “upright man”, elected the gentler, kinder solution: he would simply annul the betrothal. Like all women of her culture and era, she would be sent back to her family…presuming they would take her back…where she would live out her life in humiliation and shame, the child of her womb possibly bearing a label, a name too ugly for me to reference in this Church.

The fact that she was innocent, that her body had been invaded by the Holy Spirit, would not have been believed by many in her lifetime. And thus, people down the ages who have suffered from false rumors, who have had their reputations soiled, who have been misunderstood and maligned (unwed mothers, but so many more, so many others) …all these have identified with Mary. They found in her…one that they can turn to…one who understands.

2. When her son is born, shepherds and angels rejoiced …but the powerbrokers of the day seethed and conspired to kill her infant son. They wanted his life, his spirit. And so, parents today and down the ages, faced with so many “assassins of the soul”, have identified with Mary. They know well enough there are people out there – the drug pushers, the media that glamorizes uncommitted sex, the hawkers with cash registers for hearts, the preachers of false values – who are after their children in order to kill their spirits, trample their souls.

Parents know what Mary knew, and they fear what she feared.

3. After Jesus birth, Mary has to flee with her husband and child and become a refugee in a foreign land (the “flight into Egypt”). And thus, she immediately joins the countless displaced persons, the homeless huddling in the world’s doorways and sleeping on the nation’s grates, the 27 million refugees walking the earth today. These lowly ones who so badly need to be lifted up, they’re “cousins of hers under the skin”, and they too can identify with Mary.

4. When we find her next, her son is caught, betrayed by one She had fed at her own table many times. Her son was brought to a mock trial, beaten and humiliated and hanged on a public cross. She arrives in time to see him hanging there, every inch of her mind and body straining to go to him, but she is forced by the soldiers to keep her distance. And suddenly, every parent who has seen their child carted off to prison; every parent who wants more than anything else to help their grown child deal with alcoholism, or addition; every parent whose child is living in sin or raising their grandchild without baptism; or going through a divorce – every parent who witnesses such “crucifixions” but who are told to keep their distance (and their mouth shut), can identify with Mary, as they pray and suffer…in silence.

5. Finally, we see her cradling the dead and broken body of her only son in her arms, and she weeps uncontrollably. And thus, there she is once more, every parent who has lost a child, any friend who has lost a friend, any classmate who has lost a classmate through overdose or gunshot or suicide, can identify with the Mary of the Pieta.

And so…what does it all mean? I think it means this: This ageless woman – this pilgrim who savored the ups and downs of life – has been given to us as a “legacy”. Indeed, recall Jesus’ words to the apostle John from the cross, words that are intended for each of us as John represents the Church. Jesus’s words from the cross were, “Behold thy Mother.”

And indeed today, we are beholden to her in a whole different way, for we can see that she experienced many of the same joys and sorrows as us, fellow pilgrims on this journey of life. Yet, while she “like us” in so many ways, the Church tends to romanticize her, especially in art, music and literature. We…clothe her with the sun; wrap her head with a halo of stars; paint in winged cherubs to do her bidden; put the moon beneath her feet, dress her in medieval robes, paint her against a background of Italian villas – and musically whisk her up to heaven to the sound of Handel’s Messiah.

But what we have to understand is that all of this is metaphor, figure of speech. What all this heavenly glamour and bling is trying to tell us is that: Mary is blessed now because she remained faithful to the will of God.

In all her sorrows, she clung to God. In virginity, in motherhood, in widowhood, at home, as a wanderer in a foreign land, with live child, with dead child…through it all, she clung to God.

And thus, she becomes the woman for all ages. And that, precisely, is the secret of her enduring (unstoppable) appeal. Mary didn’t start out as great and travel a privileged path; she was a “handmaid” of the Lord and traveled the lowly path throughout life. But then, God who is mighty has done great things for her. God lifted her up when down, fed her when hungry, and because she responded so perfectly to his loving invitation, He saw to it that one day…all generations would call her blessed. (That great line from the “Magnificat” prayed by all who pray the liturgy of the hours nightly.) And indeed, is that not what we are doing right now? Calling this woman of flesh and blood – of our own very human experience—“Blessed”?

We’re not honoring someone far away, and high above us. No, we’re calling “blessed” someone who is near and right with us – at very human step. Indeed, when you look at the sorrows of her life, are they not signs of hope for us? A sort of preview of coming attractions…for all who cling to God in perplexity and adversity. For in recall the events of her hidden life, the Church reminds us…what Mary is, so (one day) shall we be.

And so, who is Our Mother of Sorrows? She is promise fulfilled, humanity completed, faithfulness rewarded. Simply put, she is…us – when we finally come to the end of this journey called life. For in the richness of her human experience as well as in all her heavenly glory…she is indeed…the woman for all times and all seasons.
 
Respect Life Month - All month long
Fiesta Weekend & White Elephant - Oct. 5, 6, 7
St. Francis’ Blessing of the Animals - October 4 at 6 pm
Parish Rosary Celebration - October 13 after 5:30pm Mass
Ministries Awareness - October 20/21 after all Masses

​PASTOR’S JULY TIME AWAY: TIME AWAY REFLECTIONS & COMING HOME
My annual two weeks of ministry in Lourdes was again a grace-filled blessing. It’s always a privilege to bring hundreds of parishioners’ written prayer petitions and entrust them to Mary’s intercession at the Shrine. The universality of the Church is always so evident in the diverse makeup of the pilgrims coming on pilgrimage there. There are an estimated 6 million pilgrims coming to Lourdes annually. Being a minister of reconciliation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation between four and six hours a day is totally an exercise of amazing grace. While confession is an important aspect of the sacrament, reconciliation – God’s reconciliation – is the heart and core of the sacrament. Healing reconciliation remains the primary ongoing ministry of Jesus through the sacrament in His other Body – the Church.

Reconnecting with my biological family…two brothers and my sister and numerous nephews and nieces and grand nephews and nieces is always a good grounding experience. Reconnecting back into our OMOS faith family is always a “coming home to God” experience.

Now it’s time again to embrace our parish mission statement which declares our goal and purpose – “As missionary disciples filled with the joy of the Gospel, our parish proclaims an ongoing encounter with Jesus Christ through Word, community, Sacrament, and loving service.”

THREE R’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY THEME AND PARISH MISSION STATEMENT
Our Three R’s 60th Anniversary theme…Remember, Renew & Rediscover Jesus Christ…interconnects and is very much grounded in our parish mission statement. The Three R’s theme and our parish mission statement both have ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ at their core. The center and core of our church, our faith, is developing and growing this personal relationship with Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and our companion in our everyday journey.

BACK TO CHURCH THIS WEEKEND, AUGUST 25-26
Our first weekend back in the church will be this weekend, August 25-26. The first phase (the church phase) of the three-year phases of the Three R’s projects is thankfully completed. Our deepest gratitude to all who are faithfully fulfilling their three-year pledge for the three-phase renewal projects within our parish campus. The following have been addressed in the church building renewal during these past three months:

• Pews & kneelers replaced.
• Flooring & carpeting replaced.
• Relocation of statues of Mary and Joseph to niches on either side of the sanctuary.
• Installation of new shrines to Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. John XXIII, and St. Teresa of Calcutta in the rear of the church.
• Installation of Jesus and Mary icons on back wall of Daily Chapel.
• Installation of glass doors in the vestibule and refinishing of all wood doors within the church.
• Expansion and remodel of restrooms making them accessible to people with disabilities.
• Expanded hearing loop within the church space for deaf and hearing-impaired.
• Installation of handicap ramp into the sanctuary.
• Remodel/add-on surprise was the need to replace the total sewage line within the church.
• Audio-visual system within the church has also been upgraded.

Daily and weekend Masses were celebrated in the original church of the parish…the parish hall…. during the church renewal project. Thanks to all our parishioners for your participation, support and understanding during this period of time.

PARISH BUILDING PROJECTS COMBINED DOLLAR ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT
Following is the Combined Accountability Report developed by our parish business manager, Steve Contreras on recent projects. The roofs of all nine free standing buildings making up Our Mother of Sorrows campus have either been replaced or renewed over the past several months. Our church building renewal project has been ongoing over these past three months. These renewal projects are a significant reinvestment in the future of our parish and its mission on the occasion of the 60th anniversary year of the parish. Our parish campus and its buildings are launching pads for our ongoing mission and purpose as a parish as we Remember, Renew and Rediscover Jesus Christ.

AN OPEN MEETING FOR PARISHIONERS is scheduled for 10:15am, Sunday, September 23rd in the PAC Auditorium for reflection sharing on the renewal projects and the Accountability Report. Parishioners’ views, comments and observations are welcome.

PARISH RRRJC ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT
As the church remodel nears completion, it is important to maintain transparency and accountability for the Remember, Renew and Rediscover Jesus Christ (RRRJC) Capital Campaign and the campus roof replacements and repairs to the roofs of the parish and school buildings. The following is a short summary of the campaign financial activity and the roofing projects as of August 3, 2018:

​The scope of the roofing projects was far beyond the $107,000 budgeted in the campaign, which only planned on replacing/repairing 3 roofs. Because of this, the Finance Committee decided to fund OMOS’ share of the project liability from parish and school reserves. It is intended that these reserves will be repaid by campaign surplus funds at the end of all the projects.

Phase 1 (Summer 2018): the church remodel is only the first of three phases originally planned for the campaign. The roofs were intended to be a part of Phase 2, but due to the urgency of the insurance claim, they were done during Phase 1.

Phase 2 (Summer 2019): will now include School Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) mobile labs and training for the teachers; shade cover over the playground on the field; and installing a shade cover over the placita between the church and the Kino Office.

Phase 3 (Summer 2020): will resurface the basketball courts, replace the whole parking lot, and establish an Endowment fund for future deferred maintenance, so another capital campaign will no longer be required to address facility needs.
~Steve Contreras, Parish Business Mgr.

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT
Our Building & Maintenance Commission acted as an oversight construction management committee during the summer months, during the renewal projects within the church. The group had a 7:15am Tuesday morning meeting with the subcontractors on a weekly basis during the church renewal projects. Thanks to the following parishioners who are members of our Building & Maintenance/Construction Management group: Hank Krzysik (construction manager), Steve Contreras (parish business manager), Jose Reyes (parish facilities manager), Jay Alexander, Rodney Langer, Andy McGovern and Randy Samuel.

SOMETHING OLD/SOMETHING NEW
The new pews in the church are making their own statement. Two of the original pews from the old church have been refinished and are now in the sanctuary space. Four pews from the former Convent Chapel have been refinished and are now in the Cenacle Chapel. These refinished pews maintain a historical link with the past as we observe the 60th anniversary year of our parish.

POSITION OF EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO PASTOR BECOMING VACANT
Madeleine Crespo who has served in this position so faithfully and so well for the past three years has informed me of her desire to move on to new opportunities. I am most grateful to Madeleine for her loving service to the pastor and to the parish. On behalf of the parish family, I thank Madeleine for the quality of her presence and ministry with us, and for her good communication within the network of our parish ministries. The parish is now actively seeking her replacement.

PARISH SEEKING APPLICANTS FOR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PASTOR
Applications are now being accepted online at the Diocese of Tucson website for this position at Our Mother of Sorrows Parish. See our parish website (www.omosparish.org/adult) for a complete job description. Interested applicants can apply online at the Diocese of Tucson, www.diocesetucson.org/human-resources/employment-opportunities.

OMOS TEEN CENTER
Room #2 in our Parish Activities Center is being dedicated exclusively for use by our parish Teen program. This responds to a need and an active request for such space over a period of many years. Our Teen Ministry program continues to bloom and grow and this gift from our parish gives new priority to the importance of ministering to our youth.

“KNOW YOUR STAFF” - MELINDA CABALLERO
I’m Melinda Caballero and I’m the new Adult Faith Formation Coordinator. I started working in this position in July. I have been part of the RCIA Core Team for 4 years and taught Adult Confirmation for 2½ of those. I’ve also facilitated several faith sharing sessions like “Rediscovering Jesus” and “Living as Missionary Disciples.” I’m a Eucharistic Minister at the 5:30 pm Mass on Saturday evenings.

I graduated in June from the first Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona. I’m entering my 2nd year of the Common Formation Program with my husband David, who is working towards becoming a Deacon.

I graduated from Arizona State University in 1997 with a BS in Accountancy and in 1998 with a MS in Information Management, which means I’m detailed oriented and like to work with computers. I worked at ASU for about 10 years doing web development, writing programs and reports. Being the Adult Faith Formation Coordinator is a complete career change for me. I’m excited about this and learning something new!

I converted to Catholicism in 2014 through the 12-week Profession of Faith program at the same time David was attending Alienated Catholics Anonymous. Being a “graduate” of one of the programs that we offer at OMOS makes me that much more excited.

The Holy Spirit is very important to me and guides my life. I know He’s led me to where I am today. I pray that I keep following the right path that He’s leading me down. I know how much I’ve gotten from being Catholic and I want to pass that passion along.

TEACH US TO PRAY—PRAISING GOD BY FR. JAMES MARTIN, SJ
A few years ago, I was focused on one negative aspect of my life. My spiritual director said, “I don’t think you’re being honest with God.” I was annoyed. Of course I was being honest! I was telling God all my problems in prayer. “Your life is more than just your problems,” my spiritual director said. “You’re not sharing with God the whole picture—and that’s not being honest.”

He was right. Being honest also means celebrating the good things in your life. That means engaging in “praise”, a word not much used in Catholic circles. The lack of focus on praise is especially surprising given its rich history in the Bible. In fact, there is an entire genre of psalms called Psalms of Praise. “Praise the Lord!” begins Psalm 148, “Praise the Lord, O my soul!”

How might you make praise a regular part of your prayer? Perhaps you could praise God for things you take for granted: a job, a roof over your head, family, or friends. Perhaps you could praise the beauty of nature that enchants you, the music that consoles you, the food that delights you. Perhaps you could even write your own Psalm of Praise: “O God, I praise you for ….” How would you complete that psalm?

Besides praising God in prayer, you can do so in deeds. Why not praise God by “paying it forward”, by doing an act of kindness for someone who needs it. That might be
the best praise of all. And then, in turn, someone else will end up praising God.

James Martin is a Jesuit priest, editor at large of America magazine and author of many books, including Jesus: A Pilgrimage, The Jesuit Guide, and In all Seasons, For all Reasons, a collection of essays from Give Us This Day.

ANNUAL PARISH & SCHOOL FIESTA OCT. 5, 6 & 7
Our annual parish and school Fiesta will be on the first weekend of October. The annual Fiesta is the single biggest gathering of our parish and school and neighboring community each year. It takes appropriately 300 volunteers to present the Fiesta event each year. Parishioners and school parents are encouraged and invited to sign up for some volunteer hours at the Fiesta during these weeks through the parish office. Hours of operation on the final day of the Fiesta this year will be from 4-8pm. Our deepest thanks to RJ Saavedra and her family for the huge leadership investment in the Fiesta with the core team and all who plan the Fiesta over a period of many months. The Fiesta event each year creates a unique environment for celebrating community and promoting a network of deepened relationships and friendships. Pray for God’s blessings on all who are involved in presenting the Fiesta and all who will participate in this annual gathering.

HAPPY, BLESSED, REFRESHING AND RENEWING LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Labor Day creates a marked separation between Summer and Fall.

• During this month we have our annual Seven Day Novena to our patroness…Our Mother of Sorrows.
• We will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of our parish with a Grand Anniversary Celebration & Rededication Mass at 1pm on September 16th celebrated by Bishop Weisenburger. Parish priests and deacons, priests ordained from the parish and former associate pastors will concelebrate. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.
• Our parish staff and school faculty will have its annual Retreat Day on Friday, September 21st. Your prayers for us will be a welcome gift.
• Ministry Awareness Weekend will be observed on the weekend of October 21-22.
• All levels of our Religious Education Formation program/processes (children, teens, adults) are becoming fully active again.

​
August/September 2018 Update

Seven Sorrows of Mary Novena - September 9~15 at 7:15pm each evening
Rededication Mass, 60th Anniversary Celebration - Sun., Sept. 16, 1pm
Staff & Faculty Retreat - September 21
Fiesta Weekend & White Elephant - October 5, 6, 7

BACK TO BEGINNINGS:
All our parish liturgical services are now being celebrated in the original church space of the parish, now the parish hall. The parish hall was the original church space of the parish for 27 years. The current church space which has been in service for worship for 33 years is undergoing remodeling. Thanks to all of our parishioners for your patience and understanding during this relocation to the parish hall for all our liturgical functions. What remains consistent during this time of transition is our coming together in God’s presence in the Mass, in Word, community, and Sacrament, calling us and leading us to loving service. Whenever God’s people come together in His name, Jesus assures us “there I am in your midst”.

It is our hope that the remodel within the church space will be concluded by the middle of August. The initial phase of the remodel is progressing according to plan. Let’s pray that it will continue to progress favorably on the time schedule that has been set forth.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS (MID-MAY THROUGH MID-AUGUST):
Because of the extensive renewal projects taking place in the church space during the summer months, the weekly exposition is relocated from the Cenacle Chapel to its own special designated room at the northwest corner of the parish hall...currently the Choir Room. The door to the space has a handicap ramp and will be secured at all times by a keypad on the door. The combination to the keypad is available to Eucharist Adorers at the parish office.

All of our weekday and weekend Masses are now in the hall space (our original church) through mid-August. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament follows the regular weekly schedule in its new designated space during the approximate three-month period of time.

I am hopeful that the relocation of the exposition space during this period of time will not change the adorer’s weekly practice of adoration and prayer in the present of the exposed Sacrament.

60TH ANNIVERSARY INTERESTING STATISTICS:
Since the beginning of the parish, there have been 8,813 baptisms; 10,750 first communions; 6,068 confirmations; 3,253 marriages; and 2,830 funerals celebrated here at Our Mother of Sorrows parish.

COMMEMORATIVE 60TH ANNIVERSARY BOOKMARKERS NOW AVAILABLE:
These remind us of our primary purpose with our Parish Mission Statement on one side of the bookmarker and the 60th Anniversary theme …Remember, Renew and Rediscover Jesus Christ on the other side.
 
Remember, Renew & Rediscover

Our parish community gathers in thanks,
As a pilgrim people of faith.
Called by the Lord,
To remember, renew and rediscover.
We pause to remember
The abiding presence of the Lord
On the journey of sixty years.
Yes, and for more than 2,000 years.
We pause to renew our relationship
With this abiding, healing and merciful Presence,
And with our patroness – Our Mother of Sorrows
Bequeathed to us from the Cross.
We pause to rediscover
This sacred and abiding companionship,
As we journey on with Jesus and Mary
On our pilgrim way home.

THREE R’S RENEWAL PROJECTS WELL-PLANNED:
Our deepest thanks and gratitude to all our Building & Maintenance commission members for pre-planning so well for the church building renewal projects during the next three-month period. The commission is now becoming a construction management group. The construction management committee plans to meet on a weekly basis to oversee and monitor the development of these renewal projects within the church. The following parishioners are members of our Building & Maintenance/construction management group: Hank Krzysik (construction manager), Steve Contreras (parish business manager), Jose Reyes (parish facilities manager), Jay Alexander, Rodney Langer, Andy McGovern, Oscar Esquerra, and Randy Samuel.

FLASHBACK TO 3RD WEEKLY BULLETIN . . .JUNE 29, 1958:
Encouraging
The number of parishioners in attendance at the three Masses last Sunday totaled 502. This figure was very encouraging insofar as it was the first Sunday, June 22nd, that Mass was offered at the new parish and the distance to the Seminary was considerable. It is hoped that all parishioners of Our Mother of Sorrows will attend Mass at the Seminary in the very near future.

Additional Masses
Due to the large attendance at the last Mass on Sunday, two additional Masses will be scheduled at 11 and 12 o’clock, beginning next Sunday, July 6th. Five Masses will be celebrated each Sunday, on the hour, beginning at 8:00 o’clock.

Twenty-Second Street
The County Office of Public Highways has been contacted and assurance was given that 22nd Street from Wilmot Rd. to the Seminary shall be watered down each Friday afternoon in preparation for the traffic on Sunday morning.

OUR MISSION AND OUR PURPOSE AS A PARISH:
As we enter into our 60th Anniversary year, we need to ask ourselves the question “Who are we as a parish?” and “What is our purpose?” The verse before the Gospel in the Mass of the Ascension of Christ into heaven gives us clear purpose and mission in the words of Jesus….Go and teach all nations, says the Lord. I am with you always until the end of the world.

Our first purpose as parish is to proclaim and live the Good News. This is a priority and over and above the Three R’s renewal projects within the church space over the next three months. It is easy for us to get sidetracked from our mission onto maintenance. Our Three R’s theme for our 60th Anniversary is at the very heart of the mission of our parish. It is at the core of our faith as Catholics. We are called to: Remember God’s abiding presence with us in Jesus Christ in the community of the Church; Renew our relationship with Jesus Christ again and again through Word, community, Sacrament and loving service; Rediscover Jesus Christ in the joy of the Gospel through ongoing encounter and missionary conversion.

WE ARE STRIVING TO BE A MISSION-DRIVEN PARISH by helping all people encounter Jesus and experience conversion through their involvement at the parish and outside; forming individuals to discern our chrisms on God’s given vocations; answering the outward call of the parish by providing formation for individuals to both take part in parish ministries and transform the secular world. Pope Francis’ definition of a parish featured on the front page of the bulletin each week gives us another perspective on who we are as a parish.

MCS: Our parish is about proclaiming the Message, forming Community, leading to loving Service.

PRIESTS’ TRANSITIONS:
Fr. Richard Awange will be taking up his new assignment in pastoral ministry at St. Margaret’s parish in Tucson on August 1st. The parish is most grateful to Fr. Richard for his very generous spirit of service and ministry during these past two years. He has been very available for a wide range of priestly ministries during this period of time. The parish will host a bon voyage reception for Fr. Richard after the 9am Mass on July 29th. Deacon Thomas Quirk will be ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral at 10am on June 2nd. Parishioners who have never experienced the beautiful ritual of an Ordination Mass and who may have a desire to participate are encouraged to do so. Fr. Quirk will be taking up his first priestly assignment with us here at Our Mother of Sorrows on the first week of July.

A MESSAGE FROM FR. RICHARD — MY TIME AT OMOS:
Living and ministering among the people of OMOS was a sweet delight. The challenge was a commitment of faith to missionary discipleship. It was a period of creative fidelity to the Joy of proclaiming the Gospel. Initially, it made real demands of my persistence, perseverance and emotional fortitude. But soon the payback was measured in better understanding of the people of OMOS and the culture of ministry that has been maintained in her traditions. I picked up the competency of expression and achieved the reflexes to freely flow with the currents and faith of the people of OMOS — an environment of collaborative ministry. More enriching was the quality of personal friendship and generous hospitality of her people. I found particular satisfaction in my ministry with the children of OMOS School and Life Teens who I will dearly miss so much. Such a worthy time well spent only makes me feel ready to now move on: a Missionary Disciple to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque here in the Diocese of Tucson.
Fr. Richard Awange 
 
INTRODUCTION FROM DEACON TOM QUIRK
Hello, Our Mother of Sorrows Parish! My name is Deacon Tom Quirk. Just a couple of weeks ago, I received a wonderful letter from Bishop Weisenburger telling me that he has assigned me to OMOS this July. He will ordain me a priest this coming June 2nd at St. Augustine Cathedral. (By the way, all are welcome to attend this 10am Mass.) I can’t wait to become a priest, and I’m very excited to begin my priestly ministry with you all.

Our Bishop has placed me with you because he understands that Our Mother of Sorrows parish is an excellent community for a brand new associate pastor. I can’t wait to learn many things, from Msgr. Tom and from you, as I serve as your new priest. Please pray for me and know that you are already in my prayers as I prepare to take on this new role. May our Lord and his Mother, models of faithful service and self-gift, make their presence known to us as we journey together. And may God richly bless you all!
Yours sincerely,
(Almost) Father Tom

KNOW YOUR STAFF — Laura Stehle:
It has been a great blessing for me to be the Director of Religious Education and the Christian Life and Social Concerns Coordinator here at Our Mother of Sorrows. I started working at the parish part-time almost 25 years ago assisting the director with the Religious Education Program. I feel the Holy Spirit guided me in a way I never expected and over the years I took over as the Religious Education Coordinator. In 2004, after completing the diocesan Living Stones program, I started full time as the Director of Religious Ed. It is wonderful to be able to walk with families and assist them in their child’s faith journey. Sacrament preparation and celebrations are a real joy for me as I see the church filled with families celebrating Sacraments.

I have always been involved in social outreach and cared deeply about those living in the margins. In 2012, I became the coordinator for Christian Life and it has been such a joy for me to oversee ministries such as TIHAN, Haiti, Blessed Nuno Society, Care for Creation, Primavera, and Consistent Ethic of Life. Some of my favorite outreach projects include our Thanksgiving Dinner Outreach, Christmas Angel Tree, Lenten Change Haiti Outreach, and pilgrimages to the Blessed Nuno Queen of Angels Orphanage in Agua Prieta, Mexico.

I’ve been blessed with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren that live here in Tucson and all of which have made some of their Sacraments here at the parish. It has been a great blessing to be part of such a wonderful staff and parish and to do something I feel so passionate about.

THREE-YEAR CATHOLIC BIBLE INSTITUTE:
Parishioners interested in learning more about the three-year Catholic Bible Institute may pick up a brochure with registration information at the Parish Office. The three-year Catholic Bible Institute sponsored by the diocese will be hosted again here at Our Mother of Sorrows parish. The Institute usually meets on the third Saturday of each month (8:30am to 4pm), beginning in August. Many of our parishioners who participated in the first three-year series feel very gratified and enriched through the in-depth study of the Bible.

STANDUP FOR KIDS TUCSON:
Kim Sisson, our Parish Youth Minister, is currently Executive Director and has been volunteering with SUFK for ten years. StandUp For Kids Tucson is a small grass roots and 100% volunteer non-profit organization with the goal of recognizing and meeting the needs of our local homeless youth. This includes fundraising, creating awareness and developing programs.

SUFK volunteers go into the streets Sunday and Wednesday evenings with trained volunteers. They reach out to our homeless and at-risk youth and young adults. Carrying food, hygienic products, service information, and other basic supplies, they encounter those kids where they are...living on the streets. Even though homeless kids need these items, the real goal is building trust relationships by being compassionate and loving. Often SUFK volunteers are their only example of a healthy relationship.

OMOS VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL STARTING SOON:
VBS snacks are a big part of the Bible-learning experience and your help is greatly needed to help feed our VBS crews. Graham Crackers, Fruit Roll-Ups by the Foot, Capri-Sun, Goldfish Crackers, Vanilla Pudding Cups and Vanilla Wafers are needed. Donations of cash and Fry’s cards help to purchase items in short supply. For additional information about VBS, contact Laura Stehle, 747-1321.

‘PRAYING THE SIGN OF THE CROSS’ BY FR. JAMES MARTIN:
A few years ago, a Jesuit friend remarked in a homily that every time we enter a church we are reminded of our baptismal promises. Sitting in the pews, I thought, “We are?”.

My friend meant that when we dip our fingers into the holy water font and trace the Sign of the Cross on our forehead, shoulders and chest, we are reminded of the waters of baptism and of being baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” This “Trinitarian” formula reflects the Christian belief that God has been revealed to us as “one in three persons.” Now, even those who have had just a smattering of theology know that almost anything you say about the Trinity will be inadequate — because the Trinity is a great mystery! It’s hard to say something that won’t deny either the individuality of the Father, Son and Spirit or the unity of three in one.

One of the best insights I’ve heard is that the Trinity is a “community of love”. And as community, the Trinity shows us that our life is lived not only in common with God but in common with one another. God is, to sum up, relational. God’s own nature is relational, and this offers us an insight into our own lives, patterned as they are after the Trinity.

So the next time you make the Sign of the Cross, either as you enter a church, begin a prayer, or even during a moment of fear, you might remember God’s “relational” nature. And you might be reminded that God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — desperately longs to be in relationship with you.

James Martin is a Jesuit priest and author of many books, including Jesus: A Pilgrimage and In All Seasons, For All Reasons, a collection of essays drawn from his column in Give Us This Day.

PARISH BUDGET NEWS FROM STEVE CONTRERAS, PARISH BUSINESS MANAGER:
As we approach the end of May 2018, our stewardship is almost 10% ahead of our budget for this time of the year. Even with the Three R’s Capital Campaign, our stewardship has been maintained, though we have fallen behind where we were last year at this time. As we come to the end of the school year and the beginning of summer, our stewardship typically declines. However, our current surplus will help carry us through the “lean summer”. Our new FY18/19 Budget has been approved by the Finance Committee and OMOS Board of Directors. Due to rising costs and our stewardship plateau, we will need to tighten our belts for next year just like every family does with their household budget. The new stewardship budget will continue with the weekly stewardship goal of $19,000 per week. We are so grateful to you, our parishioners, who make all the 70 to 80 ministries possible with your support.

June 2018 Update

Priest Ordination
June 2nd - 10 a.m.
St. Augustine Cathedral

Feast Days
June 8th & June 9th
Sacred Heart of Jesus
Immaculate Heart of Mary
 
Parish Mission Statement
As missionary disciples filled with the joy of the Gospel, our parish proclaims an ongoing encounter with Jesus Christ through Word, community , Sacrament and loving service.
 
Anniversary Highlights
Sunday, September 16, 2019
Rededication of Church Space
Special Mass at 1:00pm
Concelebrated by Bishop Weisenburger, Bishop Emeritus Kicanas and former OMOS associate clergy. Mass will honor charter members, alumni, religious and former associates.
Refreshments will follow in the Parish Hall.
 
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Parishioner & School Alumni Celebration
(in conjunction with National Catholic Schools Week)
Join us in celebrating 60 years of Catholic education at
OMOS with fellowship, tours and food.

Sunday, March 10, 2019
Festival of Families
Pope Francis will be visiting Ireland this year to celebrate Mass for the World Meeting on Families. Here at OMOS we also want to focus on the importance of families. Come and join us as we celebrate our 60th Anniversary with food, fun and games.
 
60th Anniversary Observances

• May 12-13, 2018 – Thanksgiving Masses. Bring baptismal registers forward at each Mass and highlight Baptism and its ongoing call to repentance, reform and renewal. There have been 8,813 baptisms since 1958. Charter members/families of the parish will be recognized at Mass on May 13.
• June 9-10, 2018 - Celebration of Mass/Eucharist as leading us to reflect on the Mass as the source and summit of living as missionary disciples
• July 14-15, 2018 – Confirmation registers, listing 6,068 Confirmations since 1958, brought forward showing our commitment to living as missionary disciples
• August 11-12, 2018 – First Communion registers brought forward at offertory time and the Mass/Eucharist as leading us to reflect on the Mass as the source and summit of living as missionary disciples. There have been 10,750 First Communions since 1958.
• September 16, 2018 – OMOS Feast Day Celebration and Rededication of the church
• October 5-7, 2018 – Fiesta 40!
• November 3-4, 2018 – Bring funeral/death registers forward at each Mass. There have been 2,830 funerals since 1958. Blessed Mother, saints, shrines and statues in our Catholic heritage
• December 1-2, 2018 – First Sunday of Advent and the Advent Season. Leading to 60th Anniversary Jubilee Year Christmas.
• January 26, 2019 - Begins National Catholic Schools Week at OMOS School. Alumni celebration to commemorate school’s 60th. February 14, 2019 – Valentine’s Day – Bring marriage registers, containing 3,253 marriages since 1958, forward at each Mass. Highlight love, friendship & marriage
• March 6, 2019 – Ash Wednesday; Parish Mission 3R’s – Repentance, Reform & Renewal
• April 21, 2019 – Easter Sunday – Remember, Renew & Rediscover Jesus Christ as Risen Lord
• May 10-12, 2019 - Conclusion of Jubilee Year

 
Mercy Outlets and Pilgrimages
 
Blessed Nuno Society
Join a pilgrimage to the Queen of All Angels Orphanage and
neighborhood outreach in Agua Prieta, Mexico.
Pilgrimages: June 2, Aug. 25, Dec.1
Valid passport required
 
Casa Maria
Mass at Casa Maria on the 2nd Tuesday Mass starts at 10:00am
Sandwich making on the 3rd Thursday
PAC Dining Room 8:30—10:30am

Primavera Men’s Shelter
Cook dinner on the 4th Wednesday
Parish Hall kitchen at 2:00pm
Serve dinner at the shelter
Leave OMOS at 5:00pm

Sr. Jose Women’s Center
Cook Dinner at the Center
Individuals or Groups
Schedule with Madeleine, 747-1321
Day or Night Volunteer
Contact Laura Lynn, 909-3905

St. Vincent de Paul Outreach
Minister here at OMOS to those in need of food and services
Mon - Sat 9:00am - 12:00pm

Stand Up for Kids
Find, stabilize and help homeless teens improve their lives.
Contact Kim Sisson, 747-1321.

TIHAN
Reach out to those living with HIV/Aids.
Help OMOS serve lunch at the Poz Café on the 3rd Monday in January.
Attend volunteer training to help in the office or become a care partner.
 
Kino Mission Pilgrimage
February 26 - 28, 2019
Travel by motor coach during this three-day Tuesday--Thursday pilgrimage, where you will visit some of the missions in Sonora, Mexico established by Fr. Eusebio Francisco Kino. Fr. Kino brought with him ideas and material culture—chiefly the Christian faith, the Spanish language, cattle, and crops that would deeply change the region forever. Join us in retracing the steps of Fr. Kino and the missionaries who followed him. A valid passport is required for this pilgrimage. The $575 fee includes all meals, transportation, and lodging (double occupancy).
 
Additional Pilgrimages During the Year

• Kino Border Initiative
• San Xavier Mission
• St. Augustine Cathedral
• Santa Rita Abbey

 
The Three R’s theme for our 60th anniversary is at the core of our faith as Catholics.
We are called to:

Remember God’s abiding presence with us in Jesus Christ

Renew our relationship with Jesus Christ again and again through Word, community, Sacrament, and loving Service

Rediscover Jesus Christ and the joy of the Gospel through ongoing encounter
and missionary conversion
​
www.omosparish.org

FEBRUARY GREETINGS:
February days bring us into springtime in the world of nature and on February 14th into the world of love, Valentine’s Day and the Lenten world of grace. Both bring times of new life – life in the world of nature and the life of the world in supernature.

Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day this year will introduce us into our annual springtime training during the Lenten season when the exercises of prayer, fasting and almsgiving (PFA) renew us in the three pillars of the Christian life. We are called to give more deliberate attention to them during the 40-day period of Lent. They bring us a deepening springtime in God’s love and presence…springtime in heart and in the spirit.

IS THE CALENDAR MIXED UP?
Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday on the same day! Seems though we should not be celebrating and enjoying “heart” day and begin the season of Lent on the same day. However, perhaps it is a great blend and mixture. What better way to begin Lent than to reflect on how we are called to change our heart? What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than to reflect on how we are called to become more loving?

Lent’s basic message is to be open and be ready to change so that God’s love may increase in us. Lent isn’t just a time to remember that we are dust. Rather, we are to remember that God’s spirit of love was breathed into us when we were merely dust. That dust was then formed into a living person, capable of loving God and all creation. Lent is a point of turning or returning to our God, a season when our hearts can expand as God fills them with love.

BISHOP EDWARD WEISENBURGER’S NEW YEAR GREETINGS:
We are at the beginning of a new year. I must admit that I am moved by the year-end message of Pope Francis. He remarked that 2017 had been marred by war, lies and injustice. In his characteristically direct and prophetic manner, he urged people everywhere to take responsibility for their actions. While I find the Holy Father’s assessment accurate and sober, I also find that it comes from a man whose life is a constant witness to boundless joy. Indeed, I believe it is that joy that has endeared him to most all the world. I suspect his words have great power as they flow from one who lives as he preaches, spending his days as a prophetic witness to peace, mercy, service of the poor and reconciliation among all peoples. Pope Francis is indeed a man who sees the world’s sufferings, but his witness is to the light of Christ — a light burning brightly which no darkness can ever overwhelm.

For those reading these humble words, I kindly invite you to join with me in looking honestly at our world and looking honestly within ourselves. Take an honest look at the sufferings of Christ as they are found in so many in our world today even as you take stock of the undeserved blessings of your own life. Consider the year behind us and join with me in answering Pope Francis’ call for the year ahead — accepting responsibility for our world, perhaps most especially by working to be part of someone else’s blessings in 2018.

SCHOOL STUDENT BODY ADORATION AND BENEDICTION:
Recently I celebrated a holy hour of adoration and benediction with the entire student body from our school. There was a very prayerful participation on the part of all the students during the prayer time. Following are some (direct) quotes from the third-graders’ reflections on their experience. They are simple, profound and precious.

• Yesterday I attended Adoration and Benediction with the school. I like when Monsignor had the incense. The part I liked the most was silent praying. Abrielle L.
• The part I liked the best was blessing us with the Bible. Jacqueline A.
• I like the part when we prayed, Come, Lord Jesus Come. It was so silent. I liked the last part because we get to pray with Jesus Christ and Monsignor. Sergio C.
• I really liked the humeral veil because it’s not something you often see. I also think the Monstrance is cool. When I get blessed with it I feel holy. Alana C.
• I really liked when Monsignor put the host in the Monstrance. Logan M.
• My favorite part was when Monsignor put the incense in the censer because I never seen it before and it was amazing. Erin C.
• I really liked singing Come, Lord Jesus because it was awesome. The best part was when we knelt down. Nicholas C.
• I also like when Monsignor puts Jesus in the Monstrance. Alma N.
• I liked putting our hands on our hearts because I felt Jesus in my heart and I liked singing in Latin the most. Nicholas O.

These reflections from our third graders teach us a great deal about the richness of our Catholic tradition and the abiding presence of Jesus with us in the Blessed Sacrament. We continue to be very blessed as a parish through the Cenacle Chapel space. In this space, we have exposition from 7am each morning to 8:45pm in the evening…Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (all through the night) to 8am on Saturday morning. On Sunday afternoon we have exposition there from 1:30pm to 8:45pm.

The comments and observations of our third-graders on the exposition experience can be an invitation to all of us to visit the Cenacle Chapel during the exposition days. It’s a wonderful way to joyfully encounter Jesus Christ as the source and summit of the Christian life and His companionship in the living bread from heaven during exposition times.

MONTHLY HOLY HOUR OF PRAYER:
The parish will be offering a monthly Holy Hour of Prayer on the first Friday of each month beginning on February 2nd from 6:30pm to 7:30pm in the church. Parishioners who are actively involved in ministry in the parish are especially invited and encouraged to participate. The monthly Holy Hour offers an opportunity for parishioners to come together in community of prayer in the presence of the exposed Sacrament. It will keep us prayerfully connected again and again with the source of all ministry. Without it, we may just be doing our own thing. The longer I remain in the ministry, the more I realize that it is the Lord who ministers to us and through us. When we continue to come back to the source, the Lord will bless us all abundantly.

KNOW YOUR STAFF - Madeleine Crespo, Executive Assistant to the Pastor:
I initially joined Our Mother of Sorrows as a 7th and 8th grade science and religion teacher. I answered the call to serve the wider parish community and joined the parish staff in 2015 as Executive Assistant to Msgr. Tom, a position which is both an honor and a joy. In addition to administrative duties, I am a Eucharistic Minister and also coordinate the parish schedule for the OMOS food service ministry benefiting Sr. Jose Women’s Center. My husband and I also serve as a sponsor couple in the Couple to Couple diocesan marriage preparation program.

Our Mother of Sorrows Parish and School is a unique faith-filled community of very special people who encounter Christ every day in the faces of those we serve. It is a great blessing and a privilege to serve the Church in the capacity that I do.

TEACH US TO PRAY - WAITING AND PRAYING BY FR. JAMES MARTIN, SJ:
The feast of the Presentation of Our Lord (sometimes called Candlemas because of the tradition of blessing candles on that day) commemorates the “presentation” of Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem, not long after his birth. “When the days were completed for their purification,” Joseph and Mary brought their firstborn son for the ritual dedication to God, as required by the Jewish law. And so, as presented in the Gospel of Luke, the Presentation is a story about faithfulness.

But not the faithfulness of just Mary and Joseph. It is about also the patient fidelity of two other people in the story: Simeon and Anna. Both are usually depicted as elderly, but only Anna is described that way by Luke. Both, however, are faithful. Simeon has been promised that he will see the Messiah before his death, and so he waits patiently. When he encounters Jesus, he takes the child in his arms and praises God. Anna prays constantly in the Temple, and when she sees Jesus she rejoices.

Simeon waits and Anna prays. What wonderful models of faithfulness for all of us. In our prayer this month, we might imagine Simeon asking us, “What is worth waiting for?” And we might hear Anna asking us, “What is worth praying for?”

For me, the most beautiful part of this story is that while both Simeon and Anna understood that the Messiah had come, they didn’t know what, precisely, that would mean. As it is with us: sometimes God answers our prayers in ways that may remain mysterious for many years. So, then, there may be more waiting and praying.
 
James Martin is a Jesuit priest and the author of many books, including Jesus: A Pilgrimage, and In All Seasons, for All Reasons, a collection of essays from Give Us This Day.
 
ANNUAL VALENTINE’S DINNER & DANCE:
This annual event is scheduled to take place in the Parish Hall after the 5:30pm Mass on Saturday, February 10th. The theme is “Great Gatsby/The Roaring 20s”. Tickets are $50 per couple and are available for sale at the school and parish office. Free childcare is provided by our LifeTeen group for children who are potty-trained through 6th grade.

Married couples will have the opportunity to renew their marriage vows at all Masses on the weekend of February 10-11. Couples coming to the annual dinner and dance are encouraged to participate in the 5:30pm Mass on February 10th and renew their marriage vows during the Mass itself. The annual dinner and dance is very well received and is a blessing opportunity for couples to have time out to celebrate and renew God’s presence in their friendship and in their call to be together in marriage.

As your pastor, I very much encourage married couples to give yourself this gift. You deserve it, you’ve earned it, and you’ll relish it.

TELEVISED MASS:
Beginning in February, Catholic Extension will broadcast weekly Sunday Masses for the homebound on KOLD, Channel 13. Catholic Extension selected the Tucson area to launch this new and exciting initiative, a partnership with the Diocese of Tucson and Tucson's local CBS affiliate, KOLD. Broadcast decisions were made by the Extension Society. The Sunday Masses will air both at 6am and 9:30am.

WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS - JUNE 14-23, 2018
A 10-Day Pilgrimage Retreat to the Holy Land: A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey made to a certain sacred place as an act of religious devotion with the aim of growing in one’s relationship with God. It is time set aside to be with God: to listen and talk with Him. The Holy Land of Israel is the main setting of Gospel events in the life of Jesus. Undertaking a pilgrimage to the Holy Land also helps Christians to connect to the historical sites of the events in the life of Jesus and our Christian faith. In the year of our 60th Parish Jubilee, we hope to renew our commitment to continue “walking in the footsteps of Jesus.”

Planning is underway for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land for parishioners, their family and friends. This 10-day retreat experience will be led by Fr. Richard and would include prayer at the Church of the Nativity, The Valley of Cana, The Sea of Galilee, Mount Tabor, The River Jordan, Jerusalem and the Dead Sea.

The complete itinerary of this pilgrimage costs $3,300 per person and includes round-trip air fare from Phoenix, accommodation in first class hotels, breakfast and dinner, all land transportation, expert and professional guides, and daily Masses, spiritual exercises and reflections. Space is limited to 40 persons. Interested parishioners are invited to a brief informational meeting with tour personnel on Tuesday, February 6th at 6:30pm in the church. Deadline for registration is March 1st. For additional information, please contact Fr. Richard at the parish office or visit www.nativitypilgrimage.com.

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS EPIPHANY PARTY SPONSORS:
Our exceptional sponsors again this year included Watson Refrigeration, Bring’s Broadway Chapel, Tucson Catholic Cemeteries, and the OMOS Parish Endowment Trust. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and support of our parish family and for the ministry you provide to those you serve in our community.

ANNUAL WINTER VISITORS RETREAT, MASS AND LUNCHEON:
Welcome back, Winter Visitors! Please join us for this special annual gathering on Tuesday, February 13th. We’ll begin at 9:30am for a time of reflection. Mass begins at 11am, followed by a luncheon in your honor. RSVP by February 9th with the parish office at 747-1321. This luncheon is for all winter visitors… if this your first winter with us or your fifteenth, we’d like to welcome all of you.

RRRJC CAMPAIGN & PROJECTS STATUS UPDATE:
Wow! God is on the move. Thanks to all those in the parish and school communities who have made sacrificial pledges to the Remember, Renew and Rediscover Jesus Christ Capital Campaign and faithfully continue to fulfill them. As of 1/15/18 we have received pledges amounting to $1,043,523 and received $431,343 in pledge fulfillment – over 41%! Together with our Building & Maintenance Commission, Campaign Master Planning Committee, and staff, the church remodeling projects are coming together.

We are very excited about all the work to be done in the church this summer. The first Masses celebrated in the hall will be on May 19th, back in the first church of the parish.

Then, the church projects begin as we replace the pews, carpet and tile, remodel both bathrooms, build shrine niches by the altar space and the back of the church, and install glass doors by the main entrance vestibule. Our 60th Jubilee Anniversary Mass will be celebrated September 16th with a special 1:00pm Mass instead of the regularly scheduled Mass at 12:30.

Stand by for more updates to come. Together we are the family of Our Mother of Sorrows and together we are making a difference for today and for tomorrow for the glory of God and to be a blessing for His people.

Steve Contreras, Parish Business Manager

ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL:
Bishop Edward Weisenburger will introduce the Diocesan Annual Appeal through a DVD presentation at all Masses next weekend 2/3-4. Our parish goal is $163,340. Thanks to all who participated and helped us achieve 92% of our goal last year. The spirit of generosity alive in our parish will help us to reach this year’s increased goal, which challenges us to a greater generosity of spirit.

MATCHING GIFT PROGRAM... DID YOU KNOW?
Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any parishioner charitable contributions made by their employees. To find out if your company has a matching gift policy, contact your Human Resource representative or enter your employer's name on the following website link: www.matchinggifts.com/acs. If your company offers such a program, simply request and complete a matching gift form from your employer. Some companies even match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses. The impact of your gift to Our Mother of Sorrows Parish/School may be doubled or possibly tripled!

Pray. Fast. Give.

February Dates to Remember:

Valentine’s Dinner & Dance 2/10/18
6:30pm in the Parish Hall

Winter Visitors Mass & Luncheon 2/13/18
9:30am (Reflection), 11am (Mass), 11:45am (Luncheon)

Ash Wednesday Mass Schedule 2/14/18
6:30am, 8:30am, 10am (School Mass), 3:30pm, 6pm,
7:30pm English in Parish Hall
7:30pm Spanish Mass in Church

WELCOME TO 2018
May we continue to be open and receptive to the companionship of the Lord in all our activities during this New Year. May the Lord bless us in our individual needs, in the needs of our Church, in the needs of our country, and our world through all the opportunities and daunting needs and challenges confronting us.

WHAT’S NEW FOR OUR PARISH IN 2018….
Our parish is moving into its 60th Jubilee anniversary year on May 10th. OMOS was established as the farthest eastside parish in the city on May 10, 1958. The following Jubilee committee is meeting on a monthly basis planning the Jubilee Year activities. The Jubilee anniversary committee roster is as follows: Msgr. Tom, Aida Samuel & George Gewehr (co-chairs), Cindy Phillips, Ed Ackerley, Erin Vu, Jose Merino, Jose Osuna, Laura Stehle, Lyn Bulski, Madeleine Crespo, Pam Coonan, RJ Saavedra, and Steve Contreras. A calendar of activities for the Jubilee Year is presently in process. An upcoming monthly update will have an extensive outline of the Jubilee activities.

PRAYER AND PRAYING:
Prayer and praying has been a lifeline to me as an individual and as a priest. Prayer keeps us connected with God who is the source of all blessings. The following prayers are very timely and I encourage using them on a regular basis.
 
New Year’s Blessing
O God of ancient blessing,
Your servant Mary pondered in her heart
The treasured words spoken about her Son,
Our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Bless us, as we gather in his name,
And prepare our hearts to receive his Spirit,
That our tongues may confess him Lord,
Every day of this new year,
And for ever and ever. Amen.

~ Blessings and Prayers for Home and Family
  
Prayer for Those Who Migrate*
Mary knew the weariness of the journey;
To Bethlehem, to Egypt, back to Nazareth.
She knew the weariness, the fear, the longing for home,
The need to continue moving, moving,
The longing for journey’s end,
The longing for at least a semblance of a home.
To Mary we entrust the mothers, the fathers, the children
Who today are holy families
Migrating in hope, in fear, in longing,
For peace, for some security, for something like a home.
May they find their journey’s end
As we open ourselves to their stories,
Their need, their spirits;
We ask for mercy for all migrants
And for our communities
Who are challenged to welcome them,
To hold up hope for a new beginning.

~Jane Deren, Education for Justice
*January 14 is World Day of Migrants and Refugees
  
A Prayer for Life
Father and maker of all,
You adorn all creation
With splendor and beauty,
And fashion human lives
In your image and likeness.
Awaken in every heart
Reverence for the work of your hands,
And renew among your people
a readiness to nurture and sustain
Your precious gift of life.
Grant this through our Lord
Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and resigns with you in
The unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever. Amen.

~Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers

Stewardship Prayer: I Am
My parish is composed of people like me.
I help make it what it is.
It will be friendly, if I am.
It will be holy, if I am.
Its pews will be filled, if I help fill them.
It will do great work, if I work.
It will be prayerful, if I pray.
It will make generous gifts to many causes,
if I am a generous giver.
It will bring others into worship,
if I invite and bring them.
It will be a parish of loyalty and love,
of fearlessness and faith,
Of compassion, charity and mercy,
If I, who make it what it is, am filled with these same things.
Therefore, with the help of God,
I now dedicate myself to the task of being all the things that I want my parish to be.

~Author Unknown
 
THREE R’s FIRST PHASE PROJECTS
During these past months, five of our nine free-standing buildings have had their roofs either replaced or repaired. During the summer months, a major part of our 3R’s projects will be taking place within the church. In mid-May, the weekend Masses will transfer to the Hall during the duration of the upgrades within the church space. The church floor will be re-tiled and re-carpeted. The new pews will be installed. The church restrooms will be remodeled and made handicap accessible. Glass doors will be installed in both entry ways from the vestibule. The statues of Mary and Joseph will be relocated from the back of the church to new shrine areas on either side of the sanctuary space. Shrine areas in the back of the church will feature Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. John XXIII, and St. Teresa of Calcutta. All of this work is being underwritten through the 3R’s campaign maturing pledges. Thanks to all who are turning in their pledge payments faithfully.

WE ARE SEEING REALITY THROUGH THE EYES OF EIGHTH-GRADERS
Our school involves our junior high students in justice exercises through what is known as Justice Monday. Recently they had a field trip to Casa Maria, the Catholic Worker House, where the hungry homeless are fed. It happened to be the second Monday morning of the month when I do an outdoor Mass at Casa Maria and they were participants. Afterwards, their Justice Monday field trip took them to Holy Hope Catholic Cemetery. The following is a sampling of reflections from the students. I find their witness very refreshing and telling.

Yesterday, I visited Casa Maria. It was a heart-breaking experience because it was sad that so many people weren't able to live independently. During Mass they were so enthusiastic.
Kaylee D.
 
Yesterday I went to Casa Maria. At Casa Maria we gave the people our lunches that we made for them. We also had Mass with them outside. It was very wonderful to see all of their wonderful, happy faces when they were singing the songs at Mass. I can’t wait to go back soon. It was a very important day that happened to me. It increased my faith very much!
Jordan F.

Yesterday I went to Holy Hope Cemetery for our Justice Monday field trip. The first thing I felt as I got onto the bus was how I am going to really dislike going to a cemetery, but as the day went on it was much more than just going to it because I simply have to. I learned that people have lost loved ones that they deeply loved and yet they still go on with their lives serving God. I can’t even imagine losing anyone I love. I saw markers that have beautiful flowers and decorations with nicely polished stones, but I also saw some that had nothing but a name and date, dusty, with no decorations. I felt sad that their lives are now a memory and how families have to deal without their loved ones. This experience made me appreciate my family much more.
Bria M.
 
When I went to the cemetery I felt bad. When I saw all the graves of the children, I thought, “Not fair! Why did they have to go so early and lose their family?” It was hard to see all the graves and very heart breaking. I said a prayer in my head whenever I cleaned a grave out of respect. I want to say it helped me understand what it felt like to lose someone and not get them back. I would like to pray for the deceased that they find their path to God.
Kaedo L.

That a grade school and parish can impact and help so many people through everyday of life. I now really get why Mrs. Stehle asks for food to give back to the people in need. Thank you for letting us have this great opportunity.
Hannah T.

Yesterday we went to Holy Hope Cemetery and in my personal experience I felt very pained in my heart knowing that there were thousands of bodies under my feet, especially after going to the section of children who had died. I feel very grateful that I am still on this earth. This experience made me realize that every day, every minute, every second, may be our last so we should live out our lives the way we have always imagined/dreamed. Now after, I have really thought about the meaning of life and now in my soul I believe that it is to love people while they are here and learn to let them to go live eternally with Jesus.
Meghan M.

PRAYING FOR PEACE…BY FR. JAMES MARTIN
The most well-known prayer for peace may be the Prayer of St. Francis, which begins, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” It’s attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, but it is the work of an anonymous French writer who published it in 1912. St. Francis’ non-authorship shouldn’t deter us from the underlying goal of the prayer, which is peace.

What does it mean to pray for peace? First, it means to beg God to bring peace to warring countries, into troubled regions, and in the midst of tense interpersonal situations. Peace is at the heart of the Christian message. And the peace that Jesus envisioned – the Hebrew word shalom – is not simply a cessation of violence, but the highest good for all involved. By praying for peace, we unite ourselves with God’s desires.

Second, praying for peace means putting those hopes into action. It means becoming a reconciler – among individuals, groups, and nations, as well as with those from whom we are estranged. All this brings us into closer relationship with God, for reconciliation with God demands reconciliation with one another. And how can you be in right relationship with God if you hold a grudge against your brother and sister?

Finally, there is a prayer for inner peace. Can you allow God to enter your heart and give you calm? Can you turn over the “warring” factions within you and give them to God? In all this, trust that Jesus, the “Prince of Peace” is on your side.
 
James Martin, SJ is a Jesuit priest, editor at large at America and author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage, as well as In All Seasons, For All Reasons, essays collected from his column in Give Us This Day.

JANUARY 20TH MARCH FOR LIFE
The annual March for Life will take place Saturday, January 20th beginning at 9 am with Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral. The Tucson March for Life gathers at St. Augustine Cathedral (192 S. Stone Ave.) and proceeds to Holy Hope Cemetery (3555 N. Oracle Rd) where a special prayer service at the "Statue of Rachel" will conclude the march. For more information contact the Diocese at 520-792-3410.

Respect Life Prayer
God our Creator, we give thanks to you, who alone have the power to impart the breath of life as you form each of us in our mother’s womb; grant, we pray, that we, whom you have made stewards of creation, may remain faithful to this sacred trust and constant in safeguarding the dignity of every human life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen.

ANGEL TREE AMAZING TOTALS
​Through the generosity of our parishioners we received more Angel Tree donations than we have over the last few years:

Angel          Cause                                                   Amount
White          Haiti                                                         $1755
Yellow         Blessed Nuno Gift cards                     $  815
Blue            Merilac Lodge Gift cards                      $  370
Blue            Merilac/Reachout Women’s Center  $1936
Purple         CCS - Refugees                                     $ 648
Green         Sr. Jose Women's Shelter, TIHAN,
                   Casa Maria, Poverello House,
                   Primavera, Border Ministries                 $2271
Red            SVDP & Project Outreach                      $4902

In total we received about $12,697 in cash, gift cards and gifts. Thank you to all our parishioners who made the Angel Tree a success through their prayers and donations. Thanks, thanks, thanks a thousand times over to all who befriended the angels!
Laura Stehle

KNOW YOUR PARISH STAFF
Patsy Klein, Pastoral Care Director In overseeing the Stephen Ministry, Home Bound Ministry and the Hospital Ministry at Banner University on Ajo Way, I continue to be in awe of the daily witness that God walks this earth in the form of the person willing to answer His call to service as well as the miracle of the believers whose pain and worry, doubt and fears vanish with prayer and receiving the Body of Christ. I will never know how I came to be so blessed to be called to this service, but I will always begin and end my day in total and complete gratitude!

In good humor Patsy Klein responds to the always asked question – “No I’m not a singer. I love music but singing was not a talent the good Lord thought to give me. I was however, a teacher and dancer of Mexican folkloric dance. Family and friends know I love to enjoy chocolates and cups of hot tea. Come visit me for prayer and conversation.”

If you would like more information on the ministries Patsy oversees or is in need of pastoral care services, you can reach her at the parish office at (520) 305-3613 or pklein@omosparish.org.

A NOTE OF APPRECIATION TO SISTER JOSE WOMEN’S CENTER
I wanted to let the staff and volunteers know how much I appreciate the support and help I received while staying in the overnight program for three weeks. The smallest things can make all the difference in your life and this place made a huge difference in mines. My first day here was very hard for it was the first time I had been in a shelter. Jean and Kim were very welcoming and made the stay here worth it. I thank you all for your help and to the staff and volunteers as well. The bed and warm blankets was so comforting. The delicious dinners that were prepared for all of us women were so wonderfully made. The guests (the other women) made me feel good by letting me know they, too, have faith which only made my faith grow. Sister Jose’s Jean and Penny are wonderful women and I’m very grateful to come to this shelter. It’s a special place in my heart I’ll never forget. I stayed together here and felt safe and that’s what matters the most. Anything is possible…. Thank you to all of you at Sister Jose Women’s Center.
Yvonne D.

MID-YEAR FY17/18 PARISH INCOME REPORT
As we reach the end of 2017 and the halfway point of the fiscal year, I want to thank all our parishioners for their faithfulness and generosity in their stewardship and outreach to the ministries at Our Mother of Sorrows and our community at large. Indeed, we are all blessed! As of December 25th, our weekly average stewardship is $20,520, which is 8% above our budget of $19,000, and 2% ahead of last year at this point. Our “Yes, Lord” campaign cumulative pledge values continue to lag behind last year, however, and we are under by 5%. EFT values have increased 1.5% thanks to 27 families increasing their gifts and seven new families signing up. Thank you again, and may God continue to bless you and your loved ones.
Steve Contreras, Parish Business Manager
 
DATES TO REMEMBER

Epiphany Ministries Dinner and Dance - January 6th - 6:30 pm
Liturgical Ministers’ Convocation - January 13th - 8:30 am
Special Celtic Mass - January 13th - 5:30 pm –“Switchback Duo”
March for Life - January 20th - St. Augustine Cathedral

“Mere administration” can no longer be enough. Throughout the world, let us be “permanently in a state of mission.” ~Pope Francis

TRIPLE GREETINGS AND BLESSINGS:
I. New Church Year Greetings and blessings as we enter into the Advent season. 
As we journey into the season of Advent in preparation for Christmas the following Advent prayer sets a good perspective for us.

Almighty and merciful God, may no earthly undertaking hinder those who set out in haste to meet your Son, but our learning of heavenly wisdom gain us admittance into His company.

I like the following older translation of the prayer,

God of power and mercy, open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy, so that we may share His wisdom and become one with Him when He comes in glory, while He lives and reigns with You in the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
 
At this time of year, a host of burdensome expectations can indeed become “earthly undertakings”, hindering us from meeting Jesus and receiving Him with joy. They can sidetrack us from gaining admittance into His company as we approach the great season of His birth among us at Christmastime. Preparing to receive Christ with joy challenges us to pay more deliberate attention to time for prayer, receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and reaching out to the least in loving forms of service. These are some of the ways of gaining “admittance to His company” and will help us to receive Christ with joy.

II. Christmas Greetings are surely most appropriate as we observe and celebrate Jesus being born into a human condition on December 24/25. Prayerful Christmas greetings come to all who read this Update. These greeting come from our very committed parish and school staff and faculty. I greet you especially through my 2017 Christmas poem entitled, Wonder of Wonders. It is a profound mystery and wonder of our faith that God has come into our human condition and desires to be our companion on the journey of life. This, indeed, is a wonder of wonders.
 
Christmas…Wonder of Wonders

Christmas is God’s wonder
In Mary’s helpless baby in the manger.
Wonder of Wonders
God is now within and among us.

Wonder at God’s omnipotence
Coming into human bondage.
The God-child helpless,
Needy, dependent and powerless.

Christmas is pondering time,
Pondering and wondering time.
Pondering within the heart
The heavenly treasure come to earth.

Mary kept all these things
Reflecting on them in her heart.
Will our hearts be filled
With the wonder of wonders now and always?
 
III. New Calendar Year Greetings - January 1, 2018: Prayerful greetings and blessings for the new calendar year of 2018. 
The year 2018 will bring us into the 60th anniversary year of Our Mother of Sorrows Parish. The parish was established on May 10, 1958. An anniversary committee is presently planning a calendar of events for the Jubilee Year…one major event each month of the Jubilee Year.

As we prepare for a new calendar year, let’s prayerfully reflect and embrace our parish mission statement…as missionary disciples, our parish joyfully proclaims ongoing encounter with Jesus Christ through Word, community, Sacrament and loving service. Let’s be witness to this mission statement in our daily lives and in doing so, we witness to the Gospel values of love of neighbor, inclusivity, respect and love for the gift of life in all its forms from the womb to the tomb. We are called to reach out to the least…the homeless, refugee, migrant and all on the margins, and care for our common home.

DOOR OF MERCY REMAINS OPEN: 
MERCIFUL LIKE THE FATHER is the motto and theme over the door frame leading to the Reconciliation/Confession Rooms in the church. It is a reminder to us that Jesus is the doorway to the mercy of the Father. As our Pope Francis states so beautifully, “Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy”.

The Door of Mercy leads to the Reconciliation/Confessionals where we encounter the face of God’s mercy among us in Jesus.

APPOINTMENT TIMES TO EXPERIENCE THE FACE OF GOD’S MERCY: 
The following are times when the Lord is available in the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession for blessing you with the gift of His healing mercy, reconciliation and peace.

On a weekly basis: Wednesday evenings 6pm-6:25pm and Saturdays 4pm-5pm and 7pm-7:30pm.
First Communion Families: Saturday, December 2nd at 9:30am and 10:45am.
School Communal Penance: Tuesday, December 12th at 9:30am and 10:15am.
Parish Communal Penance: Sunday, December 17th at 7:30pm.
Pre-Christmas opportunities: Monday, December 18th (9am); Tuesday, December 19th (7am); Wednesday, December 20th (6pm); Thursday, December 21st (4pm-5pm, and 7pm-8pm); Friday, December 22nd (4pm-5pm, and 7pm-8pm).

NEW PARISHIONER GATHERING: 
​I am responding to the invitation to the new parishioner gathering. I will be unable to attend because I am heading out of town early to join family out of state for the Thanksgiving holiday.

I will answer the statements for Msgr. Cahalane as follows: I most enjoy the fact that OMOS has Eucharistic Adoration throughout the week. It is what brought me to the Parish. I have been invited to join the Servites and their book club. I hope to connect with the Rosary Makers as I am a Rosary Maker myself. I have attended the recent Faith, Dying and Dignity Series. I also attended all seven nights of the OMOS Novena in September. I may look for other opportunities to join in church activities in the future.
P. Rondeau
 
NOTE: 139 new parishioners registered between April 1st and October 31st of 2017.

BEING STILL IN ADVENT BY FR. JAMES MARTIN: 
This may sound almost heretical, but with each passing year I like Christmas less and less. At the same time, with each passing year, I like the feast of the Nativity more and more. Maybe you feel the same. The craziness surrounding the secular season of Christmas – the endless ads on TV and online, the crowded stores, the glut of often crass holiday-themed movies – sometimes seems to drown out the real meaning of the season.

That’s why I treasure silence during Advent. Silence is a gift that we can give to ourselves in the middle of a noisy season. And silent prayer is something we can all afford – it costs nothing. Of course many people – parents of young children, children of aging parents, and people with hectic working lives – may not have much time to spare, but even a few minutes of quiet may help to center oneself.

In busy times it’s important to let quiet be your prayer. This can be as simple as “withdrawing”, as Jesus did, from the busyness of life and just sitting in the presence of God. Or it could be a simple meditation, reflecting on a single word from the stunning readings of Advent: from the Book of Isaiah, the Psalms, or the Gospels.

Sometimes people feel guilty for taking a break in the weeks before Christmas – there’s often so much to do. But think of silence as a gift you give not only to yourself but to God, who wants to meet you in the silence as you wait for Jesus to enter your heart in a new way this Advent.
 
James Martin is a Jesuit priest and author of many books, including Jesus: A Pilgrimage and a collection of essays from Give Us This Day entitled In All Seasons, For All Reasons.
 
“KNOW YOUR STAFF” — CINDY PHILLIPS: 
My name is Cindy Phillips and I am the Front Office Manager here at the parish. I grew up in this parish and I consider it my “family.” I have worked here for 24 years and consider it a true privilege to minister to the parishioners here at the parish. My job entails many facets which gives me an opportunity to work with people in all walks of life and generations. I oversee the front office, do data entry, scheduling for the entire plant and a wide variety of other tasks and duties. I am on the Fiesta committee, am a Eucharistic Minister and the staff liaison for the Ladies Guild. I am a mother of five and have four beautiful granddaughters. I love spending time with my family and friends. Board games are one of our favorite things to do together. I greatly admire St. Teresa of Calcutta. One of my favorite quotes from her is, "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love."

RESERVE JANUARY 6TH… ANNUAL EPIPHANY PARTY: 
The 5:30 pm Saturday evening Mass on January 6th, the week of the Epiphany, will be offered in thanksgiving, acknowledgement and gratitude for all the gifts of service given to our Bethlehem King by our parishioners during this past year. All adults who are actively involved within ministries in the parish are invited to this annual dinner. The weekend bulletin of January 6th will have an honor list of names of parishioners nominated for special recognition because of their ministerial service to the parish.

BECOMING FULLY CATHOLIC: 
The following witness sharings are from some of our adults Confirmed on November 18th:

I've known my whole life that Christ has always been present and has never left my side even in my darkest days of when I’ve felt completely alone. During this past year battling a brutal divorce and all of its other challenges there have been many days I’ve wanted to give up, but the Holy Spirit has stayed with me and pulled me through.

To me, completing confirmation is not just because I was born and raised Catholic but an opportunity to commit my life and my true self to God. I want to be of service, continue to learn, grow, share the Lord with others, and most importantly; just be the very best person I can be during my time here on this earth.

I know in my heart and soul that I have grown and look forward to the many more amazing experiences through Christ and to love all people as He has loved me. I also have learned true forgiveness. I have let go of a lot of baggage through confession and feel renewed in spirit and mind.

I am grateful to be here right now and my home church of Our Mother of Sorrows and after 10 years being gone from Tucson it was not an accident to come back home and be here during these incredible life changing events. God has provided for me in more ways than I can count…I am truly humbled.
A.Silva

I want to become Catholic so that I can continue my journey with my family. I practice the Catholic faith as much as I can but I want to fully receive the body and blood of Christ. I know that I am here at Our Mother of Sorrows for a reason. I was pulled by the Holy Spirit to be involved. Several years ago I prayed to be involved in some way at OMOS since both of my kids went to school here and then the next week I received a call to be an LMS minister so I accepted. The next year I was the head coordinator of the LMS group and served on the School Board and now work in the School office and I love it! I would never have thought 15 years ago I would be where I am with two beautiful healthy boys, a loving husband and a part of this great parish. I know that my grandmother is in Heaven very happy that this is where I am. I can’t wait to start my new life on this beautiful journey. Thank you.
C. Lanik
 
Luke12:34 – “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” We are all made to believe money and material items are our treasures. My parents migrated here to the US in hopes of a better life. But it came with a price of long hours of working, discrimination, and being made to believe money will solve all your problems. As a young man seeing all this, God and Church were not a priority. My parents’ heart was in money and giving us a better future. Unfortunately I did the same. Since January of this year, I’ve been coming to church every Sunday and I give my 10 percent and I pray with love to God.

I would like to thank the church and the staff in our confirmation class for taking time out of their evenings to teach us about our Catholic faith. Thank you so much for all you do.
A. Herrera

NEW LIFE MOMENTS: 
Twenty-two adults received the Sacrament of Confirmation at the 5:30 pm on November 18th. Two couples had their marriages validated. Eighteen children from our Religious Education program and from our school were baptized into the church at a special Mass on Friday, November 11th. More than 100 teens took part in the Rite of Welcome of Confirmation at the 12:30 pm Mass on November 19th.

LOURDES WATER DISTRIBUTION: 
When Mary appeared to Bernadette in Lourdes in 1858, she identified herself as….I am the Immaculate Conception. During one of the apparitions, she asked Bernadette to “…go and drink at the spring and wash in it”. Drinking the water from the spring and washing in it is a special feature of pilgrimages to the Shrine in Lourdes. A limited number of small containers with water from Lourdes will be available to parishioners after all Masses on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th.

PARISH RESOURCE GUIDE: 
Three thousand copies of the Parish Resource Guide have just been published for distribution to our parish families. The Resource Guide has been in ongoing stages of development over this past year under the sponsorship of our Stewardship & Development Council. The booklet is an extensive review of the ministries and different forms of service active in Our Mother of Sorrows Parish. The booklets are being distributed after all Masses during the first weekend of Advent. Thanks to Madeleine Crespo, Melinda Caballero, Rocio Zamora, José Osuna and José Merino for finalizing the Resource Guide. A special thanks to a number of sponsors and to our Parish Endowment Trust, our primary sponsor, for underwriting the printing cost of the Parish Resource Guide.

COMING HOME TO GOD'S MERCY THROUGH CHRISTMAS ALIENATED CATHOLICS ANONYMOUS PROCESS: 
Beginning on January 8th, ACA can be a very helpful process for inactive Catholics to come home to God's mercy to reconnect and rediscover Jesus. The ACA six-week sessions can be most helpful and effective towards personal encounter with Jesus as the face of God's mercy. Contact Msgr. Tom for more information.

ANNUAL TITHE/STEWARDSHIP RENEWAL: 
Yes, Lord responses have been steadily coming in this year. To date we have received a decrease of 14 in responses over the same period last year. The total amount pledged is 5%less than last year as well. Five percent of our 336 current active EFT stewardship contributors have increased their monthly automated donation for the new pledge year. We are thankful to those parishioners who have responded thus far to this year’s Yes, Lord campaign.

CTSO GIFT TIME: 
The CTSO acronym stands for Catholic Tuition Support Organization. Did you know that couples can designated $2,177 of their state income tax or $1,089 for individual filers to help students at OMOS School? An upcoming mailing from the parish will fully explain how parishioners can designate a portion of their state income tax between now and December 31st to benefit OMOS School. In the meantime, brochures with all the relevant information are available in the vestibule of the church and in the parish and school offices.

YEAR-END GIVING:

• 40% of all charitable gifts made nationally are given during November and December each year.
• Many people use Christmas and the year-end to “make up” or “catch up” on their giving for the year.
• All gifts made on or before December 31st are tax deductible in the year the gifts are made.

HOW TO INCLUDE OMOS IN YOUR WILL OR ESTATE PLAN: 
One of the easiest planned gifts is a bequest. You can simply state in your will or trust: I give to OMOS Endowment Trust, a not-for-profit organization with its principal office located at 1800 S. Kolb Rd., Tucson, AZ 85710…(then specify what you want to give.) If you wish to restrict your gift for the benefit of a particular ministry, this should also be stated here. Ministry categories within the Parish Endowment are: General Unrestricted; Christian Education Formation; Parish School; Social Outreach; Liturgy & Worship; Building & Maintenance; Scholarship; and Other (designated). You can:

• give a percentage of your estate, a specified dollar amount, or the residual of your estate.
• name OMOS as a contingent beneficiary in the event one of your other beneficiaries predeceases you.
• do a combination of any of these.

Please contact the Pastor or Steve Contreras, the Parish Business Manager at (520) 747-1321 for more information or to arrange a confidential meeting to discuss planned giving options. We also recommend you speak with your attorney, accountant and/or financial adviser.

Christmas Mass Schedule
CHRISTMAS EVE - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24TH

Advent Masses:
7:00am, 9:00am, 10:45am, 12:30pm, and 12:30pm (Spanish) in the Hall

Christmas Masses:
5:00pm - Msgr. Tom....Angels & Jammin’
5:00pm - (Hall) Fr. Richard...Cantor
7:00pm - Fr. Liam Jubilation
11:30pm - Carol Service/12:00am - Msgr. Tom...Solemn Celebration/Combined Choirs

CHRISTMAS DAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 25TH
7:00am - Fr. Richard...Cantor
9:00am - Msgr. Tom...Praise Alive
10:45am - Fr. Liam...Laudate
12:30pm - Fr. Jorge...Cantor
2:00pm - (Spanish) Fr. Ruiz...Coro de los Niños
No 6pm Mass

PARISH COMMUNAL CELEBRATION OF PENANCE
Sunday, December 17th 7:30pm (10 Priests/Confessors)

Merry Christmas

ABOUT MANY THINGS:
Our early October annual three-day Fiesta was again an outstanding success. There was a wonderful presence of community, family and loving service evident at the three evenings of the Fiesta. Thanks to RJ Saavedra and her family and the entire core committee who presented the 39th annual Fiesta. Next year is our 40th Fiesta which will be a highlight of our 60th Anniversary/Jubilee Year.
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• Bishops in Transition: Bishop Kicanas who has served our diocese well during his tenure as our bishop is presently transitioning out as our newly appointed bishop, Bishop Edward Weisenburger, is transitioning in. Bishop Weisenburger will be installed as the 7th Bishop of the Diocese on Wednesday evening, November 29th at St. Augustine’s Cathedral. Let’s pray in thanksgiving for Bishop Kicanas’ ministry as he enters into his retirement season and pray God’s blessings on Bishop Weisenburger that the Lord will bless him with a shepherding heart.
• Living as Missionary Disciples: I am delighted that more than a hundred of our parishioners have signed on to the five-week faith-sharing group process around the book, Living as Missionary Disciples. The challenge presented in the 32-page book published by the Bishop’s Conference in May is to move us individually and collectively as a parish from a mindset of maintenance to mission. Pope Francis, in The Joy of the Gospel document, reminds us that “mere administration can no longer be enough. Throughout the world, let us be permanently in a state of mission.” 
• Sixtieth Anniversary/Jubilee Year: May 10, 2018 will be the first day of our 60th Anniversary. The parish was established on May 10, 1958 as the farthest east parish in the city of Tucson. A 60th Anniversary/Jubilee Committee is presently being formed and will have the task of outlining highlights and points of emphasis during the year-long celebration.
• New Deacon Assigned to Our Parish: One of Bishop Kicanas’ last official assignments as bishop was assigning Deacon Greg Henderson to active ministry here at OMOS. Deacon Greg is the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Diocese. Deacon Greg and his wife Beatriz and family are registered parishioners. Two of their sons are presently in the seminary studying for the priesthood.

NOVEMBER DOOR OPENERS:
The feast days of All Saints on November 1st and All Souls on November 2nd are both door-openers to November. On Wednesday, November 1st, All Saints’ Day, we pray to God through the intercession of all the saints as we clearly acknowledge the company we keep in the opening prayer of the Mass…Today we rejoice in the holy men and women of every time and place. In this prayer, we acknowledge not only all canonized saints, but all our loved ones who have gone on before us, and who, in the course of their lives, let God’s light shine through them to us. We acknowledge these holy men and women to be people like parents, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles, whose lives have been a compelling inspiration to us on our journey to the holy.

All Saints’ Day Masses:
Tuesday (Anticipated), 6:30pm; 
Wednesday, 6:30am, 8:30am, 10:00am (School Mass), 6:30pm, and 7:30pm (Spanish).

PRAYING TO THE SAINTS AS PATRONS – by Fr. James Martin, SJ: A common misconception about Catholics is that we worship the saints. Not true. Worship is reserved for God alone. The saints are “venerated”, much as you would venerate a beloved mentor. Frankly, the saints would be the first people to tell you not to worship them. The other misconception concerns praying to the saints. Some people think that when Catholics pray to the saints, we are supplanting prayers to God Also not true. We are simply asking for their prayers.

Here’s an easy way to understand it: Most of us ask our friends on earth to pray for us, especially when we are struggling. If you ask for the prayers of friends on earth, why not ask for the prayers of friends in heaven? And why would the saints not pray for us? What’s known as “intercession” has always made sense to me.

I pray to the same few saints over and over, those for whom I feel a great deal of affection. Often some facet of their lives intersects with my needs. When I am sick, I pray to St. Bernadette Soubirous, the visionary of Lourdes, not only because she uncovered the spring water that has proven helpful for physical healing, but because she herself suffered from several serious illnesses. When tempted with pride, I pray to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the French Carmelite nun who was one of the humblest of saints. And when I need help with problems in our Church, I pray to St. John XXIII, who was pope from 1958 to 1963.

The saints are our companions, examples to inspire us. They are also our patrons in heaven, whose constant prayers help us here on earth.

James Martin is a Jesuit priest, editor at large of America, and author of many books, including My Life with the Saints and In All Seasons, For all Reasons, a collection of his essays from Give Us This Day.

ANOTHER DOOR OPENING FEAST
All Souls’ Day on Thursday, November 2nd, we pray that any of our loved ones who may still be separated from God by any burden might be set free by our prayers on their behalf. The memorial altar set up in the vestibule of the church is a reminder to us of this door opening into this All Souls’ month of November. All three All Souls’ Day Masses (6:30am, 8:30am, 6:30pm) will have a special All Souls’ Day emphasis and will be the opportunity to come and pray for our beloved dead.

ALL SOULS MEMORIAL CANDLES:
All Souls memorial candles are available for purchase from the parish office as a way of remembering beloved dead during All Souls’ month...the month of November. A label is available with each purchased candle. The names of deceased family members and friends can be noted on the label, and then placed on the candle. Candles can be brought to the Mass of your choice on All Souls’ Day, November 2nd, for a simple blessing during the prayers of petition. The blessed candle can be lighted during prayer time in the home during the month of November and may also be placed on the dinner table in the evening and lighted as a way of personally remembering those whose names have been noted on the candle. Perhaps praying the Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be would be an appropriate way to prayerfully entrust them into God’s loving care. The blessed candle is a sacramental in our Church practice, a way of reminding us of the holy. May our beloved family members and friends who’ve gone on before us in faith, rest in peace.
 
PRAYER FOR ALL SOULS:
Almighty ever-living God,
Who rule both the living and the dead and are
merciful to all,
We humbly beseech you,
That those for whom we pour out our prayers
May obtain pardon for their sins through
your tender mercy,
Rejoicing together, blessed in your sight,
And praising you without end.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you in the
unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
 
“YES, LORD” ANNUAL RENEWAL OF TITHE/STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE:
During these weeks, our parish is into the annual exercise of the renewal of our stewardship giving of treasure. My deepest thanks to Mari John who shared personal witness on tithing/stewardship practices during the annual preaching on this important aspect of holistic stewardship. All registered parishioners will be receiving their annual “Yes, Lord” mailing during this time. Commitment Weekend for this annual appeal is on November 4/5.

INCOME/BUDGET PLATEAU:
Our stewardship/tithe weekly income seems to be on a stationary plateau. Overall support of annual operational budget seems to be adequate for now. Recognizing the plateau reality, our current year’s budget remains at $19,000 a week income. Thanks to our regular givers for maintaining our budget in balance. Non-givers on our parish roster are invited to consider beginning a weekly giving within a $1 to $5 range. Our deepest thanks to all who are regular and faithful supporters of our parish.

FY 17/18 WEEK 16 PARISH INCOME REPORT:
Thank you to all of our parishioners for their faithfulness and generosity in stewardship and outreach to the ministries at Our Mother of Sorrows and our community at large. As of October 15, 2017 (week 16 of FY 17/18), our weekly average stewardship is $18,401 which is 3% below our budget of $19,000, but slightly ahead of last year at this point. Fiscal year-to-date, we are $9,577 behind our budget. Thank you again, and may God continue to bless you and your loved ones.
Steve Contreras,
Parish Business Manager
 
LIVING AS MISSIONARY DISCIPLES:
The Book “Living as Missionary Disciples” has been an eye opener to our parishioners. With over 100 people participating in 9 different groups, there have been a lot of great ideas being shared. I visited most and facilitated some of the groups and I can say there is a lot of energy throughout. Most agree that Our Mother of Sorrows does a good job at reaching out to people, but they also think we can do more. We are called by Pope Francis to move from a mindset of maintenance to mission. This vision cannot be accomplished without shared effort by the whole church community. Participants are openly sharing their concerns and ideas as we take on a “road map” to new paths for the Church’s journey of evangelization. This is becoming an on-going effort of our parish to be Missionary Disciples and I hope to see you along the journey!
Mary Chajewski
Adult Faith Coordinator
 
PRAYER FOR THE MINISTRY OF EVERYDAY LIFE:
God our Father,
Work is your gift to us,
A call to reach new heights
By using our talents for the good of all.
Guide us as we work and teach us to live
In the spirit that has made us your sons and daughters,
In the love that has made us brothers and sisters.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
 
DECEMBER 2ND PILGRIMAGE DAY TO OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS ORPHANAGE IN AGUA PRIETA:
The Arizona chapter of the Blessed Nuno Society, home-based here at Our Mother of Sorrows Parish, is sponsoring an all-day pilgrimage to Our Lady Queen of Angels Orphanage in Agua Prieta on Saturday, December 2nd. Executive Director Carl Sylvester will lead the one-day pilgrimage. The onsite visit to the orphanage will give a hands-on prayerful experience of reaching out to the most vulnerable among us, the homeless orphans at the orphanage. Parishioner pilgrims need to have a valid passport. The carpool will depart from the parish at 8am on Saturday, December 2nd and return by 8pm that evening. Cars will be parked on the Douglas side of the border and the pilgrim group will walk across the border and board a bus for the 5-minute ride to the pilgrim site in Agua Prieta. There is no cost, but a freewill offering to offset the cost of the Mexican bus and to assist the orphanage will be collected at the orphanage. Pilgrims are responsible for paying for their own lunch at a Mexican restaurant. Interested parishioners may contact Rocio at the parish office.

“KNOW YOUR STAFF” - KIM SISSON:
My name is Kim Sisson. I am married and have 4 amazing young adult sons. My missionary heart and desire is to stay close to Jesus as He fills my life with adventure and love. I am a trained Catechist in all three levels of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and a certified level one trainer. This work keeps me in constant formation and leads me to orphanages in Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua each year. I am the Executive Director of StandUp for Kids in Tucson, working in the street with homeless and at risk youth and young adults. These kids are a true testament that there is beauty and goodness in every dark corner of our world. A little over a year ago, I began a new journey with OMOS Teens as the Youth Minister. I am fascinated and inspired by the young people in our parish and continually encounter Jesus, in new ways, through them. I trust the wisdom and love the beauty of the church especially as it is reflected in our youth. I feel very blessed to be part of the OMOS parish staff and grateful for the opportunity to pray, grow and work together. I look forward to the sacrament of every moment and the joy that it brings through so many young people in so many different capacities. Please pray for me, pray for our youth and for our programs.

ROSARY-MAKING SPONSORED BY STRONG CATHOLIC FAMILIES:
In celebration of the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, October 7th, Strong Catholic Families sponsored rosary making for all ages. It was wonderful to have 64 adults and children come for the event. Everyone was invited to make a rosary for themselves and another to donate to the Blessed Nuno Society for distribution in Agua Pieta, Mexico. Over 200 rosaries were made, many of which were donated. It was beautiful to see so many families come out and honor Mary by making rosaries on her feast day.

COOKING AT SR. JOSE WOMEN’S CENTER:
Once a month students from OMOS School have been providing the food and cooking dinner at the Sr. Jose Women’s Center. Here is what a few of them had to say about their experience:

• McKenzie—The shelter was a very nice place for the women to stay. I felt compassion for the women because they looked alone and they had nothing. It felt good to be able to cook by fixing a meal.
• Emilio—It was nice to make dinner for the women. It makes me feel grateful for what I have. Everyone in the world needs food and a place to stay and it was good to see the shelter provided that. It felt good to help by cooking for the women who might not have eaten for some time.

If you are interested in cooking at Sr. Jose Women’s Center, contact Madeleine Crespo at the parish office.
 
THANKSGIVING MEAL PRAYER:
God most provident,
We join all creation
In raising to you a hymn of thanksgiving
Through Jesus Christ, your Son.
For generation upon generation
Peoples of this land have sung of your bounty;
We too offer you praise
For the rich harvest we have received at your hands.
Bless us and this food which we share with grateful hearts.
Continue to make our land fruitful
And let our love for you be seen
In our pursuit of peace and justice
And in our generous response to those in need.
Prayer and glory to you, Lord God, now and forever. Amen.
 
BRIEF SELF-INTRODUCTION BY DEACON GREGORY HENDERSON:
For the last twelve years I have worked for a great nonprofit organization named Accion based in Albuquerque as Chief Financial Officer. However, in February it became apparent to my wife and I that we were needed to move to Tucson to support my wife’s mother. Very shortly thereafter I was very pleasantly surprised to learn of the timing of the Diocese of Tucson CFO opening.

In my life I have had the blessing of relating to a broad range of people, from spending two summers on the Navajo reservation in college, to living three years in India as a missionary, to serving as a deacon with a majority of Spanish-speaking immigrants. As a deacon, I have served at the diocesan level on the archdiocesan pastoral council, deacon formation policy board, and deacon council, as well as at the parish level on a parish building committee and parish finance and pastoral councils.

By God’s grace, I look forward to serving as a deacon at OMOS and meeting my new parish family.
Deacon Gregory Henderson
 
NOVEMBER Update
Happy Thanksgiving!
Yes, Lord Renewal of Tithe/Stewardship Season
All Saints’ Day Masses - October 31 (Anticipated) & November 1
All Souls’ Day Mass/Altar of Remembrance - November 2
Anointing of the Sick - November 8
Veterans Day Mass for Active & Retired Military - November 8
Monthly Memorial Mass - November 15
Thanksgiving Day Mass- November 23 at 9am
Feast of Christ the King - November 26
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