I'm probably one of the few in the Valley of the Sun right now glad to be back in the sunshine and heat... but it's because was crazy enough to head east this week. Fr. Andrew, Fr. Brian and along with 250 other priests and brothers, attended the Holy Cross Assembly at Notre Dame in Indiana. It was mid-50 degrees, overcast, and rainy all week but the Holy Spirit kept our hearts on fire!

Every five years all Holy Cross brothers and priests serving in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America come together to pray, reflect and enjoy some fraternity. We share with each other stories from our parishes, schools and universities. As well, we pray for all those we serve including SJV! Many want to come and visit our parish. You all are rightly famous for being zealous for Christ and welcoming to visitors.

Following the conclusion of the Easter season at Pentecost we have also celebrated the Holy Trinity, Corpus Christi, Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary. We have re-entered ordinary time. Over the coming 22 weeks we will proclaim and listen to gospel stories of Jesus' healing and teachings, St. Paul's letters will instruct us, and we will continue to be nourished by the Eucharist at Mass.

As a parish we will also continue in our sacramental formation, prayer, fellowship and evangelizing. Among the many prayer groups in our parish, I would like to highlight this week the Apostoles de la Palabra, Divina Misericordia, Grupo de Oracién de Carismaticos, the Men's Fellowship and the Fellowship of Catholic Women. Please keep reading our bulletin to learn when they will meet and upcoming opportunities to pray together. It's wonderful way to meet other parishioners and try new forms of prayer.

The Knights of Columbus have been busy with the new Mother Mary Grotto and are inviting all of us to participate. They have donated most of the Grotto's funding but are inviting all of us to cross the finish line together. If you would like to help with this project please consider a honoring loved one with an honor memorial brick in the Grotto's plaza. See the Knights for more information.

I was blessed to join Bishop Emeritus Olmsted and many of our parishioners and friends at the opening celebration on Thursday of the new Aid to Women Center in south Phoenix. Our baby bottle collection at SJV last month helped with particular needs that have allowed them to welcome moms, dads and babies into the center for counseling and medical care in pregnancy. Let's pray for them in this amazing work and ministry!

Congratulations youngest parishioners who were recently baptized, Jetzalynne and Roberto, and their families. If you have babies and kiddos who haven't been baptized call us! There is info in the bulletin and happy to answer questions. We would love to help you bring these young people to Jesus in baptism!

Have a blessed week and always remember...the family that prays together stays together!

Fr. David Halm, C.S.C.
Pastor

BACK TO LIST BACK