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Footsteps of St. Paul Pilgrimage
Thank you for voting. Those interested in OLOJ’s Pilgrimage please call Vicki Hill at 480-346-3045 to receive information on the final itinerary inclusive of tours, hotels, flights, and cost for your further review.
Dear Parish Family,
Written by Fr. Patrick Farley on January 29, 2012
In the midst of the Church, Catholics know and believe that in the fullness of time, in His mysterious plan of love, God the Father sent His only Son to begin the Kingdom of God on earth and bring about the spiritual rebirth of mankind.
"To continue His work of salvation, Jesus Christ founded the Church as a visible organism, living by the power of the Spirit. Moved by the same Spirit, the Church is constantly deepening her awareness of herself and meditating on the mystery of her being and mission. Thus she is ever rediscovering her living relationship with Christ in order to discover greater light, energy, and joy in fulfilling her mission and determining the best way to ensure that her relationship with humanity is closer and more efficacious- that humanity of which she is a part and yet so undeniably distinct." The destiny of the Church is to serve humanity until it reaches its fullness in Christ. (Gravissimum Educationis)
Evangelization is therefore, the mission of the Church; that is she must proclaim the good news of salvation to all, generate new creatures in Christ through Baptism, and train them to live knowingly as children of God.
Therefore, even in the midst of many different cultures and along with civilization's progress in every age, the Church proclaims the faith and reveals "to all ages the transcendent goal which alone gives life its full meaning". Catholic schools then have always been a means through which this mission of evangelization has taken place. The Catholic school is a means of promoting the formation of the whole person. The Catholic school is of course, more than a place of disciplined education and high expectations; she is an extension of the Church, meant to assist each person to encounter the Living Jesus Christ. The Catholic school is intended to be the place where a history, math, science, philosophy, art, music and humanities encounter the great existential questions of "Who am I? and Where am I going?" The fulfillment of such questions is Jesus.
Pope Benedict XVI recently stated that, "Faith creates in us a desire to lead a new life characterized by all that is beautiful, good, and true." It also serves as a guide, which points "both teacher and student towards the objective truth."
We cannot know the truth without knowing God: "God's desire to make himself known, and the innate desire of all human beings to know the truth, provide the context for human inquiry into the meaning of life. . . . the one who seeks the truth becomes the one who lives by faith." Catholic schools, then, serve "the Church's primary mission of evangelization."
Where Catholic Schools are strong, family life is strengthened. The values which we know to be important for the strength of civilization in general are passed on to children by those who know the importance of a Catholic education. I am grateful for our families who choose to send their children to Catholic schools within our diocese and foster faith and charity at home. There are still many Catholics who would like to send their children to a Catholic school but cannot afford to do so. I myself come from a family who modeled the faith at home but could not afford to send children to a Catholic School. My first experience in Catholic school was the seminary.
This week we begin Catholic Schools week, highlighting the importance of Catholic education within our community. Catholic High Schools boast 99% graduation rates, many of whom go off to Colleges and Universities. Many hours of community service are possible through Catholic School students as well. The community benefits from Catholic School education.
It is to the benefit of families in this area of Maricopa County that Annunciation Catholic School is progressing along schedule. Annunciation Catholic School will be built on the campus of St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Cave Creek, AZ. Should you feel passionate about supporting the creation of a new Catholic School in our area that would serve grades K-8, there is information in the bulletin about their capital campaign. Any interest should be directed to Annunciation Catholic School directly. To date, about 30% of all fundraising for Annunciation Catholic School capital campaign has come from Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church parish/parishioners.
Lastly, I would like to mention that all residents pay Arizona State Taxes. You can direct your tax liability (nothing out of pocket) to help fund Catholic education. Please check out www.catholiceducationarizona.org for more information. There are many students who have unmet tuition costs within our diocese. Your contribution to the general fund gives the maximum benefit to those Catholic School Children in need.
In Christ, Fr. Patrick Farley
New Video - Catholic Education of Arizona
New Video - The New Roman Missal
That Man is You 2nd Semester
(6:00a - 7:30a)
"That Man is You" Men's Program begins 2nd Semester!
"That Man Is You" is a weekly interactive study, focused on the development of men of all ages. It combines the best research from science along with the teachings of the Church. Using faith, reason, and the wisdom of the saints , this program promotes the vocation men must have to lead their families and transform society. The men meet each Friday at 6:00a with a hot breakfast. A highly professional presentation and small group discussion will follow. Each session ends promptly at 7:30 am.
[ Men That Man is You ]
The Catholicism Series with Fr. Robert Barron
Jan 10, 2012 to Apr 3, 2012 (9:00a - 10:30a)
OLOJ Adult Faith Formation presents: "The Catholicism Series" with Fr. Robert Barron. "The most important media project in the history of the Catholic Church in America." George Weigel, biographer of Blessed John Paul II Join us on Tuesday mornings at 9:00am for "The Catholicism Series" a ten-part video presentation by dynamic evangelist and theologian, Fr. Robert Barron beginning Tue, Jan 10 in the Our Lady of Joy Parish Hall.
Against a backdrop of some of the most beautiful religious art and architecture, this series takes us to points all over the globe on a fantastic journey through the rich world of Catholic tradition and history.
To watch a preview go to: http://www.catholicismseries.com.
Classes are Tuesday mornings from 9:00-10:30a
January 31
February 7, 14, 28
March 6, 13, 27
April 3, 2012
Come to some; come to all! Following the presentations there will be time for discussion and light refreshments.
[ Faith Formation ]
Confirmation Preparation Course
Jan 11, 2012 to Mar 28, 2012 (6:30p - 7:45p)
Our Lady of will be offering a six week Confirmation Preparation Course beginning in January 2012 for baptized Catholic adults who have received First Communion but need Confirmation.
Confirmation preparation session will be on the following Wednesdays from 6:30-7:45pm:
January 11 and 25
February 8 and 29
March 14 and 28
Candidates will be confirmed sometime in April or May. Teens and adults may contact Leighton Drake at 480-346-3042 or ldrake@oloj.org.
[ Faith Formation ]
Men's Bible Study: Book of Revelation
Jan 21, 2012
The last book of the New Testament is probably the most misunderstood book of the Bible. We're using the Revelation study authored by Dr. Scott Hahn and Mark Shea plus a five-lesson supplement series on the book, "Will Catholics Be 'Left Behind'?" by Carl E. Olson, which examines the false notion of a secret "rapture". The study can be purchased at http:// www.cssprogram.net/?page=catalog&study_id=3. You don't need to be a scholar to learn authentic Catholic teachings. Other than the book there is no cost.
We meet every third Saturday morning from 8:00-9:30 am at St Gabriel's. If you have questions, email us at MensBibleStudy@cox.net.
[ Faith Formation ]
Ministry of Bereavement
Jan 21, 2012 to Jan 28, 2012 (9:00a - 3:00p)
Our Lady of Joy will be holding workshops in this valuable ministry. These all-day workshops will be held in our parish from 9:00a-3:30p on two Saturdays: Jan 21 and Jan 28. They will be conducted by Sandy Heinisch, Grief Counselor and Trainer from the Oakland CA Diocese. This ministry is to help anyone who has suffered a death, loss of a job or divorce.
For further information, please call the parish office.
[ Bereavement Ministry ]
Fourth Degree Annunciation Assembly #2833
Jan 28, 2012 (6:00p)
Please join us Sat, Jan 28 at 6:00p. The Annunciation Assembly #2833 of the Knights of Columbus will hold its sixth annual Law & Honor Awards Dinner at the Our Lady of Joy Parish Hall to honor military, police and fire representatives. Our guest speaker for this gala evening will be U.S. Congressman, Ben Quayle. Tickets are on sale at $40 each ($80 couple) for a fine catered dinner. Dress will be semi-formal (tuxedoes for fourth degree Knights who have them).
Your early commitment to this event will not only manifest your recognition of this principle of patriotism,
but will also demonstrate your appreciation of these heroes who serve and protect us on a daily basis.
Proceeds from this event are distributed to charities nominated by our honorees.
[ Knights of Columbus ]
St. Vincent de Paul 5th Sunday Collection
Jan 28, 2012 to Jan 29, 2012
The St Vincent de Paul 5th Sunday collection will be taken up on the weekend of January 28/29.
Please use the envelopes stapled to this Sunday’s bulletin to make your donation. Deposit your envelope in one of the second collections at the weekend Masses next weekend. You may also leave your donation in the Church Poor Box or at the parish office.
[ St. Vincent de Paul ]
Secret Garden Luncheon & Fashion Show
Feb 4, 2012
On Sat, Feb 4, you will have the opportunity to visit a beautiful, enchanted place and you won't have far to drive. Our Parish Center will be transformed into "Our Secret Garden" for Our Lady's Guild Spring Luncheon & Fashion Show.
Along with Our Lady of Joy's Catholic School, Our Lady's Guild will offer a wonderful afternoon of faith, friendship and fun.
Enjoy a catered lunch served by our Knights of Columbus. Guild members, OLJ Catholic School students and family members will model fashions from The Gap, Gap Kids and Anne's Closet of Cave Creek.
Proceeds from this event will benefit Our Lady of Joy Catholic School and the Foothills Food Bank.
Help us make this event a huge success! Invite your family, friends and neighbors! Contact Doreen Stallone by email at labfrog@cox.net or phone 480-502-7662 to reserve your ticket or table before Jan 25. Tickets will be on sale in the courtyard after Masses on Sun, Jan 15 and Jan 22.
[ Special Mass/Event ]
Arizona Centennial Mass & Reception
Feb 12, 2012 to Feb 14, 2012
In honor of the Arizona Centennial, the public is invited to a special Mass with Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted at noon at St. Mary’s Basilica in downtown Phoenix. A reception and historical exhibit featuring the history of the Church in Arizona follows. Exhibit hours: 10:00a-1:00p, Sun, Feb 12; 10:00a-3:00p, Mon, Feb 13; 10:00a-4:00p, Tue, Feb 14 (Noon Mass with Bishop Olmsted).
[ Special Mass/Event ]
Beginning Experience
Feb 24, 2012 to Feb 26, 2012
BEGINNING EXPERIENCE is a weekend program to help single-again persons begin to deal with the grieving process. It offers an opportunity, through God's grace, to turn the pain of loss into an experience of positive growth. The next weekend will be Feb 24-26 at Mt. Claret Retreat Center in Phoenix, AZ. The cost is $149. Some partial scholarships are available for those who cannot afford the full cost.
Please register before Feb 17. For additional information: call 602-914-5148, visit www.AZBE.org or email info@azbe.org.
[ Singles ]