Letters from the Pastor

Our New Pastor

Written by Fr. Will Schmid on March 25, 2012

Dear Saint Mary Magdalene Parish and Staff,

I am humbled and honored to accept Bishop Olmsted’s invitation to be the next pastor of Saint Mary Magdalene. For the past few years I have watched this parish grow into a beautiful Catholic community and I couldn’t be more excited to begin my ministry here with you. Please pray for me as I finish my current assignment at Seton Catholic Preparatory High School and my studies this summer at the University of Notre Dame. Know that you will be in my daily thoughts and prayers.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Will Schmid

It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter

Written by Fr. Greg Menegay on February 5, 2012

My dear parishioners,

As you are all aware, at the end of this past August I stepped away from the parish to take a medical leave of absence in order to address some serious health issues. These past several months have been a time of rest and healing for me and I am happy to report that I am in much better shape now than I was when I first began my leave. I miss all of you very much and am truly grateful for all of the prayers and support I have received from you.

Although I am looking forward to getting back to work and engaging in the ministry God has called me to, my doctors have advised me that I need to slow down. It has been with this in mind that I have been discerning my role as pastor of St. Mary Magdalene. After much thought and prayer, and consultation with the diocese, I have made the decision to resign my position as pastor of St. Mary Magdalene. This was not an easy decision for me and it is with a heavy heart that I write this letter, but I feel it is what is best for my health at the present time. I will of course continue with my priestly ministry in the diocese, but I will be taking some time away from the role of pastor. I will work with Bishop Olmsted and the priest placement board to determine an appropriate assignment.

Advent Message from the Pastor

Written by Fr. Greg Menegay on December 18, 2011

Dear Parishioners,

As I sit here on this eve of Thanksgiving my heart is filled with an abundance of thankfulness for all of the prayers and support you’re offering for me during this time of healing. The amount of cards and letters I’ve received are too numerous to count and it brings me great joy to read your encouraging words. While I would like to be able to write each of you an individual thank you letter I simply don’t have the time so I’m hoping a general thank you will do.

Although it’s difficult for me to be away from the parish I have some health issues that were in need of full-time attention. The good news is that as I take the time to address these issues I’m feeling better as the days go by. I’m very grateful to Fr. Matthew for taking on the role of interim parochial administrator and I know that your support and encouragement are a big help for him.

There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t remember all of you, my parishioners in my prayers and Masses. I also never fail to pray for my staff, the deacons, and of course Fr. Matthew. St. Mary Magdalene has become the amazing parish that it is because God has brought such a wonderful group of people together. Although it will be awhile longer before I see all of you it gives me great joy to know we’re united in prayer. I pray God’s abundant blessings upon you and want you to know that you are loved and appreciated.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Greg Menegay

Major Changes That Followed the Vatican Council

Written by Fr. Matthew on October 30, 2011

Some of the major changes that followed the Vatican Council - not all of them explicitly spelled out or called for in the Liturgy Constitution - included the almost universal use of the vernacular and the discarding of Latin (as the only language of the church and the Eucharist); Mass celebrated facing the people at an altar table rather than at an ornate main altar ‘facing East’; the accompanying music was allowed to reflect local customs and cultures according to the principle of ‘inculturation’; concelebrated Masses when more than one priest is present (pre-Vatican II practice was to have each priest offering Mass separately at various altars within a church); and a greater prominence given to the Liturgy of the Word, including the prayers, readings and homily.

The 1st edition of the Missale Romanum, based on the mandate from the Second Vatican Council, was promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1969. 1st missal introduced the New Order of the Mass and the General Instruction. Unlike the Roman Missal of Pius V, this did not contain the scripture readings, which were now in a book called the Lectionary. In 1970, both books were published and the Vatican approved the 1st English translation of the Order of the Mass for use in the US. A second edition of the Missale Romanum, which included new prayers and rubrics, was issued in 1975. A decade later the Bishops of the US revised the English Sacramentary based on this second edition. A third edition was issued by Pope John Paul II in April 2000. Since this was the Millennium, he included new prayers for the saints who had been canonized after the second edition had been published. A year later, the Vatican published Liturgiam Authenticam, a document which contains revised norms for the translation of liturgical books, including the Missale Romanum. (As a great linguist and traveler, Pope John Paul II had come across the differences in the translations himself, thus desired to have a unified translation!)

Eucharist- a Look into the Past and the Present:

Written by Fr. Matthew on October 23, 2011

When we try to understand the need and meaning of the changes in the Eucharistic prayers (the Roman Missal), from this Advent, we need to look into the path it developed through the ages. Maybe this is the most important time in our times to look back- to understand and appreciate the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, in its richness and grace.

After the Protestant Reformations and the Council of Trent many Catholics prayed their own private prayers and devotions at Mass. Such people tended to be passive spectators represented by the priest, the altar servers and (perhaps) the choir. Apart from the homily, the only time when all might concentrate on the priest was at the Consecration

The Eucharistic Prayer (Roman Canon) was said silently by the priest, but a server rang a bell before and at the Consecration so that all could give their attention to the central action of the Mass.

Over the succeeding centuries frequent communion among Catholics was rare although the Council of Trent had encouraged this practice. However, the notion of unworthiness was so deep-seated that many believed they must attend sacramental confession prior to every communion.

The liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) were not sudden innovations. The development of liturgical and Biblical scholarship over the previous half-century had laid the foundation for the Council's Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy

This is a continuation from last week’s bulletin article to help us understand and embrace the revised Roman Missal. To be continued.

In Christ,

Fr. Matthew

Changes to the Mass

Written by Fr. Matthew on October 14, 2011

Dear Parishioners,

The continuation from last week’s bulletin article to help us understand and embrace the revised Roman Missal.

Eucharist A Look in to the Past and Present As far back as the 16th century, the research of reformers led to a rediscovery of the Church Fathers of the late Christian Roman Empire, such as Cyril of Alexandria and John Chrysostom. Ancient liturgical texts provided evidence of full and active participation by all present at the Eucharist.

However, the liturgical revival grew strongly in the late 19th century for very good reasons as there was an explosion of European power, energy and conquest outside the European continent. Among Europeans abroad were scholars fascinated with discovering ancient civilizations, monuments and records in the Greek and Middle Eastern world where Christianity had had its origins

Hence the 1950s were times of liturgical change paving the way for the reforms of Vatican II.

The following paragraph taken from Vatican II's Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy is indicative of the Council's reforming thrust: 'The Church desires that Christ's faithful, when present at the Eucharist, should not be strangers or silent spectators. On the contrary they should take part in the sacred action, conscious of what they are doing. They should be instructed in God's word, be nourished at the Lord's Table and give thanks to God.'

In the arrangement of the Mass, the two main parts, the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, were clearly distinguished. Omitted from the pre-Vatican II Mass were the Last Gospel, prayers at the foot of the altar and various repetitions.

Reintroduced from earlier practices were the Prayers of the Faithful, the procession of the gifts and the sign of peace. Overall, there was greater emphasis on the congregation worshipping as a community.

In Christ,

Fr. Matthew

Changes to the Mass

Written by Fr. Matthew on October 9, 2011

Dear Parishioners,

This is the first in a series of articles that will be seen here in the bulletin each week. These articles will help us understand and embrace the revised Roman Missal.

Eucharist-a Look into the Past and the Present When we try to understand the need and meaning of the changes in the Eucharistic prayers (the Roman Missal), from this Advent, we need to look into the path it developed through the ages. Maybe this is the most important time in our times to look back- to understand and appreciate the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, in its richness and grace.

After the Protestant Reformation and the Council of Trent many Catholics prayed their own private prayers and devotions at Mass. Such people tended to be passive spectators represented by the priest, the altar servers and (perhaps) the choir. Apart from the homily, the only time when all might concentrate on the priest was at the Consecration.

The Eucharistic Prayer (Roman Canon) was said silently by the priest, but a server rang a bell before and at the Consecration so that all could give their attention to the central action of the Mass.

Over the succeeding centuries frequent communion among Catholics was rare although the Council of Trent had encouraged this practice. However, the notion of unworthiness was so deep seated that many believed they must attend sacramental confession prior to every communion.

The liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) were not sudden innovations. The development of liturgical and biblical scholarship over the previ- ous half-century had laid the foundation for the Council's Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy.

To be continued. . .

Changes in The Mass Starting in Advent

Written by Staff on October 3, 2011

Dear Parishioners,

The time has come for us to begin the education process for the wording changes that will take place in the Mass at the beginning of this coming Advent. Over these next four months there will be homilies, bulletin articles, and various other resources to assist you with these changes. When the time comes we will place cards in the seats so that everyone can easily follow the new wording for the Mass parts. The actual process of change will take some time and I’m sure that all of us, me included, will stumble a bit as we make this transition but we’ll adjust.

As we get moving with all of this I would like to encourage you to visit the parish website and click on the banner at the top of the home page for the “Roman Missal, third edition.” This link will take you to the website for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops which contains a wealth of resources to assist you with these changes. You will find in-depth explanations of what’s happening and why, as well samples of the revised prayers and responses. A little personal study will prove to be very beneficial for you as we go through this process.

Change can often times be difficult but it’s important to understand that this is not simply change for the sake of change. What’s happening will help all of us to renew our understanding of this beautiful celebration we call Holy Mass. For those of you who lived through the changes in the Mass after the second Vatican Council this will be easy; for the rest of us it won’t be that difficult either. I encourage all of you to welcome these changes as yet another opportunity to be renewed in your faith. Children’s Good Deeds

The Best Gift We Can Give

Written by Saint Mary Magdalene Staff on September 18, 2011

As we all know, Father Greg is currently absent from the parish for health reasons. As of this writing, there has not been a definitive course of treatment established, but we will keep you posted as we know more.

Normally this would be the place in the bulletin for Father Greg to address parish issues of concern to us all. It seems appropriate then that we use this space to challenge each of us who are the parish of Saint Mary Magdalene to continue our ministries and organizations in the spirit in which Father Greg originally established them.

Our task during this time is to live out our parish mission in both our personal and ministerial lives. What is important is that we assist each other in achieving our goal of being the sacrament of Christ to each other and all whom we meet. This means helping out where we can, reaching out to others where we should and supporting each other during this time.

The best gift we can give to Father Greg when he returns is to find Saint Mary Magdalene continuing our mission and ready to return back to him the reigns of leadership to a parish that certainly missed his physical presence, but kept his vision of parish and community alive. So remember him and all of us in your prayers.

Saint Mary Magdalene, pray for us.

Written by Fr. Greg Menegay on August 21, 2011

Dear Parishioners,

The Gloria in excelsis (Glory to God in the highest) is an ancient and beautiful hymn by which the Church, gathered in the Holy Spirit, glorifies and entreats God the Father and the Lamb. It is sung or said on Sundays outside Advent and Lent, and also on Solemnities and Feasts. I’d like to share with you the wording for this venerable hymn which will take effect this coming Advent with the new Roman Missal:

Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to people of good will.
We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you,
we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us;
you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father.
Amen.

The words in bold are what will be different compared to the current version. It will also be laid out in a better format for singing and recitation but for the sake of space in the bulletin I had to compress it a bit. So this is just another preview of things to come.

In Christ, Fr. Greg Menegay

What an amazing and glorious God we serve!

Written by Fr. Greg Menegay on August 14, 2011

Dear Parishioners,
At the beginning of Mass we are asked to call to mind our sins as part of what’s called the Penitential Rite. This is an opportunity for you to receive forgiveness from venial sins and to receive strength to avoid serious, mortal, sins. There are a few different forms for the penitential rite and here at St. Mary Magdalene during Advent and Lent, and often times at weekday Mass, we say the Confiteor (I confess to Almighty God…)

This is one of the many prayers of the Mass that will experience a wording change when we begin using the new Roman Missal at the beginning of Advent. As part of the prayer you will say the words “through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.” This change might seem like you’re being overly negative with yourself but that’s not the purpose. In Biblical thinking, to say something three times means that it’s complete. So with this new wording you’re being asked to express complete sorrow for your sins and your desire for God’s mercy. You will also be asked as you say those words to tap your chest three times with your fist. This action is an ancient symbol of expressing sorrow for your sins. We will also continue to use the form where we say or sing “Lord have mercy” or “Kyrie Eleison,” which is the Greek wording.

At every Mass God desires to pour out His mercy on His people to give to us forgiveness, peace, and healing. What an amazing and glorious God we serve!

In Christ, Fr. Greg Menegay

Changes in The Mass Starting in Advent

Written by Fr. Greg Menegay on August 7, 2011

Dear Parishioners,

The time has come for us to begin the education process for the wording changes that will take place in the Mass at the beginning of this coming Advent. Over these next four months there will be homilies, bulletin articles, and various other resources to assist you with these changes. When the time comes we will place cards in the seats so that everyone can easily follow the new wording for the Mass parts. The actual process of change will take some time and I’m sure that all of us, me included, will stumble a bit as we make this transition but we’ll adjust.

As we get moving with all of this I would like to encourage you to visit the parish website and click on the banner at the top of the home page for the “Roman Missal, third edition.” This link will take you to the website for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops which contains a wealth of resources to assist you with these changes. You will find in-depth explanations of what’s happening and why, as well samples of the revised prayers and responses. A little personal study will prove to be very beneficial for you as we go through this process.

Change can often times be difficult but it’s important to understand that this is not simply change for the sake of change. What’s happening will help all of us to renew our understanding of this beautiful celebration we call Holy Mass. For those of you who lived through the changes in the Mass after the second Vatican Council this will be easy; for the rest of us it won’t be that difficult either. I encourage all of you to welcome these changes as yet another opportunity to be renewed in your faith. Children’s Good Deeds

People are tired of becoming "just another statistic"

Written by Fr. Greg Menegay on July 17, 2011

Dear Parishioners,

Every year during the month of July the Diocese of Phoenix highlights the practice of Natural Family Planning. This time frame lines-up with the anniversary of the encyclical Humanae Vitae (July 25th, 1968) which articulates Catholic beliefs about human sexuality, conjugal love and responsible parenthood.

The Catholic Church expects married couples to practice responsible parenting and responsible family planning, but does not support the use of artificial methods of birth control. When Pope Paul VI wrote Humanae Vitae he stated that if contraception becomes common practice there would be a sharp increase in marital infidelity and divorce. Sadly enough our society has become plagued with these things because there has been widespread rejection amongst Catholics of the principles stated in that document.

The good news though is that many Catholics are taking a fresh look at what the Church has to say about human sexuality and conjugal love. People are tired of becoming “just another statistic” and are discovering the timeless wisdom of Christ and His Church. Consider this paragraph from the Catechism of the Catholic Church; “Married couples should regard it as their proper mission to transmit human life and to educate their children; they should realize that they are thereby cooperating with the love of God the Creator and are, in a certain sense, its interpreters. They will fulfill this duty with a sense of human and Christian responsibility,” (CCC 2367). The practice of Natural Family Planning helps couples to cooperate with God’s plan for marriage and family, remain faithful to the teachings of the Church, and to enjoy healthy and successful marriages.

In Christ,
Fr. Greg Menegay

My Sacrifice and Yours

Written by Fr. Greg Menegay on June 26, 2011

At the conclusion of the Preparation of Gifts during Mass, the priest invites those present to pray, saying: “Pray, brethren (brothers and sisters), that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.” These words will change at the beginning of Advent this year when the invitation is made according to the new translation: “Pray, brethren (brothers and sisters), that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.”

While it is true to say that something that is mine and yours is “ours,” the more literal translation conveys a greater depth of meaning. The words “my sacrifice and yours” signify the distinct order of members in the one Church which offer the one sacrifice on the altar. There is only one sacrifice, but each member of the Church participates in it according to his or her own place in the Church. The priest offers the sacrifice according to the power received from the Sacrament of Ordination, the lay-faithful according to the power received from the Sacrament of Baptism. “My sacrifice and yours” speaks of the complementarity of priest and people during the Holy Mass.

Since the official language of the Church is Latin, all of the prayers for Mass that we say in English are a translation. "My sacrifice and yours,” then, is a translation that signifies two things: that priest and people offer the sacrifice in their own way, and that the lay-faithful are called to share in the offering of the sacrifice by uniting their hearts to that of Christ.

In Christ, Fr. Greg Menegay

Thank you for living the message of stewardship and support

Written by Fr. Grege Menegay on June 19, 2011

Dear Parishioners,
For the past couple of weeks we’ve all been watching the Wallow Fire on the news with great shock at the hundreds of thousands of acres of forest that are being consumed by this fire. The Northeastern part of Arizona is part of the Diocese of Gallup, New Mexico and so the parish recently sent a donation to Catholic Charities of Gallup to help with their efforts of providing assistance.

There has also been a great response by the parish in providing donations for the teens to take to the Little Sisters of the Poor when they make their mission trip to Gallup, New Mexico at the end of the month. Since the sisters rely on divine providence for many of their day to day supplies whatever we are able to bring them will be a tremendous blessing.

From time to time I think it’s important that I take the opportunity to thank all of you for the way you live the message of stewardship and support not only the needs of this parish, but the needs of various ministries and organizations outside the parish as well. A friend of mine once said to me that while it’s important for people to give to a need, it’s even more important to have the attitude that you need to give. It’s a great joy to see this attitude amongst so many of the parishioners here at St. Mary Magdalene. May God bless you for your love and generosity.

In Christ,
Fr. Greg Menegay

Reflection on Last Year's Youth Mission Trip

Written by Fr Greg Menegay on June 12, 2011

I asked a parent of one of our teens in the parish to write a reflection about last year’s youth ministry mission trip. Enjoy!

In Christ, Fr. Greg Menegay

Youth Ministry Mission Trip

I would like to share with you about our trip from 2010 to Gallup, NM. It was the first mission for the St. Mary Magdalene high school group and I was blessed to be the only parent volunteer with the 6 teens, Father Greg, Seminarian Keith Kenney and Cassy.

We started this trip with no idea of the outcome but we went with open hearts, a desire to serve and a group of girls that bonded immediately. There are so many experiences such as daily Mass, adoration, working, cleaning and making lots of memories. I want to share one particular moment that really impacted the girls.

Our accommodation was a cottage with the Little Sisters of the Poor. The ministry of the Little Sisters of the Poor is to take in the HOMELESS elderly. The sisters not only take in these precious children of GOD they feed, clothe, help with medical needs, and most importantly their spiritual feeding, making their end of life more valuable.

Now here is the most touching part. The Little Sisters of the Poor depend completely on donations. Yes, everything is donated. Every week the Sisters go into the community to ask and literally beg for food, clothing, medicine and any other needs for their community. Can you imagine being responsible for a large group of people with many health concerns and they have no family or anyone able to take care of them? The Sisters scoop them up and provide them with a beautiful home filled with warmth, laughter and all their needs being met.

Fr. Matthew K. Jacob D.S., New Addition to the Family of St. Mary Magdalene

Written by Fr. Matthew Jacob D.S. on June 5, 2011

I am Fr. Matthew K. Jacob D.S., the new addition to the family of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church as the Assistant Pastor. Though I was born and brought up in India, I belong to the religious community, the Disciples of Hope, and I come all the way from Manila, Philippines, the place of my previous assignment. Our community is a new religious order that originated in the Philippines, in the mid 1990s and spread to the other parts of the world. Our founder, Rev. Fr. Romuald P. Zantua D.S., envisioned the spiritual care for the sick and the dying and in a special way towards the terminally ill as our charism. We do mostly serve the Lord in the sick and invalid in and out of hospitals, especially facilitating the reconciliation with God and with one another.

Change is a part of every human situation and we come across new people, faces, and things most often than not in our life, though seldom do we come across new places and cultures. Somewhere in July 2010, I was asked by my community superior for a new assignment in the Diocese of Phoenix, which I was glad to accept, whether in the hospital or in the parish. Though I knew the challenges of being in a new place, as a priest just three years in my ministry, but was glad to be in this new place, culture and spirituality which in fact will help me grow in my priestly ministry.

Today I am glad to be with you in the St. Mary Magdalene family, to serve and to be part of the growth day in and out. I thank you all for the warm and open-hearted welcome extended to me, in a special way to our Pastor Rev. Fr. Greg Menegay, for his guiding spirit and gentle manner. May God bless us.

In Christ,
Fr. Matthew Jacob D.S.

Preparation for the Reception of Holy Communion

Written by Fr. Greg Menegay on May 29, 2011

One of the most solemn moments during Mass is the time of Holy Communion when you have the opportunity to receive the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist. While everything in the Mass up until that point is a preparation for the reception of Holy Communion, two of the actions that occur just before that time are the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer and the exchange of peace. The “General Instruction of the Roman Missal,” which provides the guidelines for the celebration of the Mass, gives us some wisdom about these two actions.

“In the Lord’s Prayer a petition is made for daily food, which for Christians means preeminently the Eucharistic bread, and also for purification from sin, so that what is holy may, in fact, be given to those who are holy. The priest says the invitation to the prayer, and all the faithful say it with him; the priest alone adds the embolism, which the people conclude with a doxology. The embolism, enlarging upon the last petition of the Lord’s Prayer itself, begs deliverance from the power of evil for the entire community of the faithful,” (GIRM 81).

New English translation of the Roman Missal coming Advent 2011

Written by Fr. Greg Menegay on May 22, 2011

At the beginning of Advent 2011, which will be the end of November, there will be some significant changes taking place with the celebration of the Mass. Not with the actual structure of the Mass but with the prayers and responses. The Vatican has recently approved a new English translation of the Roman Missal which is the official prayer book for Mass.

This new translation is more faithful to the Latin text, which is the official language of the Church, and also brings us more in-line with other contemporary language translations throughout the world.

While the majority of the changes will affect the prayers said by the priest, most of the prayers and responses of the people will also change. For example the beginning of the Nicene Creed will change from “we believe” to “I believe,” with other wording changes throughout the prayer as well. The response after the “Lamb of God” will change from “Lord I am not worthy to receive you,” to “Lord I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof…” which is the prayer of the Centurion from the Gospels.

Please pray with me for some priest help

Written by Fr. Greg Menegay on May 14, 2011

What a great blessing it was for us to have Fr. Frank Roach, our “snowbird” priest, here with us from early January through Easter Sunday. Now that Easter Sunday has passed Fr. Frank has left to go home to Minnesota. What this means is that right now I’m the only priest here at the parish. While this has been the scenario for the six years I’ve been pastor at St. Mary Magdalene it’s become a bit more challenging with the exponential growth we’ve experienced in our new church facility.

The Diocese of Phoenix is working on getting another full-time priest for the parish but unfortunately no timeframe has been given to me for when that might become a reality. I will call around to try and get some help with the weekend Masses but those efforts are not always fruitful.

Fortunately I’ve got youth on my side, don’t let the grey hair fool you as I’m only 45. I’m able to do a pretty good job of keeping up with things but there will be times when there is simply no priest available here at the parish. My Deacons and staff are a great blessing but please pray that some regular priest help comes along in the not too distant future.

In Christ,
Fr. Greg Menegay

The Easter Season is a Grace-filled Time

Written by Fr. Greg on May 8, 2011

Now that Holy Week and Easter Sunday have passed we find ourselves in the Easter Season until mid-June when we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost. This is a busy time for us as we have a large number of children, teens, and adults receiving First Communion and/or Confirmation over the next couple of weekends. Congratulations to those receiving these Sacraments and may the Grace of God bring forth many good things in your lives.

I also want to thank the Deacons, my staff, and all the volunteers who worked to make everything happen for Holy Week and Easter. There’s a lot of work that goes into all of those celebrations and a team effort is the only way to make it all possible.

This is a very Grace-filled time on the life of the Church because Jesus Christ is Risen, He is Risen indeed!

In the Risen Lord,
Fr. Greg Menegay

Easter Message from our Pastor

Written by Fr. Greg on April 24, 2011

Dear Parishioners,
Jesus Christ is Risen, He is Risen indeed! This ancient Easter greeting of the Church reminds us of the joy that we celebrate today, Christ rising from the grave and winning victory over sin and death. The Resurrection is the “key” event in Christianity because it proves that Christ is everything he claimed to be.

We’ve just completed six weeks of Lent and now it’s time to move into the rejoicing that is part of the Easter Season. As I mentioned to you on Ash Wednesday, whatever you choose to give-up or do during the Lenten Season should have an effect that continues long after Lent is over. Do you feel a little stronger in your faith? Have you improved your discipline in following the teachings of Christ and His Church? Have you become more aware of your gifts? Are you committed to live each day as a disciple of Christ? Hopefully you can answer “yes” to one or all of these questions.

I pray that all of you may have a joyful Easter Season, living and knowing each day that the Cross of Jesus Christ has redeemed the world.

In Our Risen Lord,
Fr. Greg Menegay

Holy Week Schedule

Written by Fr. Greg Menegay on April 10, 2011

Dear Parishioners,
As we celebrate the 5th Sunday of Lent this weekend we’re getting close to the end of this Holy Season. Hopefully it’s been a good Lenten Season for you and whatever you’ve given up or decided to do during this time will benefit you long after Lent is over.

We begin Holy Week with:

• Sunday April 17, 2011: Palm Sunday Regular Mass Schedule
• Monday, April 18, 2011: Mass of Chrism at the Cathedral of Sts. Simon & Jude 7:00 p.m.
• Holy Thursday, April 21, 2011: Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:00 p.m.
• Good Friday, April 22, 2011:
  • Stations of the Cross 3:00 p.m.
  • Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 7:00 p.m.
• Easter Vigil Saturday, April 23, 2011: Vigil and First Mass of Easter 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, April 24, 2011 Easter Masses:
  • 6:30 a.m. Mass will be outside
  • 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses will be in church and outside in an effort to accommodate the crowds

I encourage you to fully participate in the celebrations of Holy Week and Easter and have a joyful ending to the Lenten Season.

In Christ
Fr. Greg Menegay

The Season of Lent has begun

Written by Fr. Greg Menegay on March 30, 2011

This is your annual opportunity to go "into the desert" with Christ and make an honest evaluation of your relationship with him and the practice of your faith. Do you have a strong personal relationship with Christ? Do you fulfill your Sunday obligation by attending Mass each week? Do you pray daily? Do you read the Bible? When was the last time you went to Confession? These and many other things are what you should be thinking about over the next 6 weeks.