On the 14th anniversary of my priesthood ordination, we encounter the birth-story of Jesus, Son of God conceived through the Holy Spirit of David’s royal heritage. This gospel periscope is a continuation of the genealogy of Jesus. Notice that Matthew’s gospel is symbolized as the Son of Man because of his emphasis in the Emmanuel (God with us) which frames the entire gospel. At the center of the story is the angel’s announcement to Joseph of Jesus’ birth, name and identity. In other words, it’s called Joseph’s annunciation along with his amazing response.

The circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus is intriguing, if not, bewildering. In the Gospel, Matthew keeps us close to the ground and provides a preview of the intense drama of Christmas. After hearing much from John the Baptist, Joseph takes the center stage. Many of us don't realize that behind the well- decorated nativity scene lies a very troubling story. Accordingly, "Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit (Mt. 1: 18)”. In the ancient Jewish marriage custom, betrothal is the next stage after engagement. If all goes well, the relationship is taken to the next level which meant, they have already signed the marriage license now officially recognized as husband and wife but not yet allowed to live together and have sexual relations. They have to wait for a year before "the coming together" the final stage. By the way, in the ancient of days, pairing is done either by parents or matchmaker. Nowadays, it's carried out almost completely different except maybe for a few religious families. Pre-marital sex was inconceivable under this ancient custom. If a problem comes up during the betrothal period, the couple can't simply revoke, take the ring back and cancel wedding preparations, they have to call a divorce. Betrothal took a year of wait. It was within this timeframe that Mary was found pregnant which put Joseph and the future of the relationship in an impossible and serious dilemma. Since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly... (Mt. 1: 19).” This decision has been described as reverential fear. Although he was perplexed, he knew of the supernatural origins of Mary’s circumstances. He was troubled but deeply awed. Mary might have already told Joseph of the angel Gabriel’s annunciation and graciously accepted the offer to be the mother of the Messiah. Joseph and Mary are saints and mystics. Now, the extraordinary happened, “Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins (Mt. 20-21).”    

Joseph and Mary are prayerful and holy people, aware of the Angel’s appearance in a dream as mode of divine communication. It defies any sort of explanation. Something wonderful happened that changed the normal course of human history. The angel said, "I know this was not what you thought would happen but everything eventually will fall into place. Despite placed in an obviously awkward situation, he beckoned to follow. "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means 'God is with us'. When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home (Mt. 1:22-24).” 

Either through a dream, a text message, an email or a word from a familiar stranger, every encounter with God is life-changing. It alters our lives even if we don't know exactly where God would take us. In the midst of all the hype, Holy Mother Church invites us to behold Joseph as the model for Christian living. He was the type who wrestled with the complexities of life, remained docile, ever open to listen to God's word and went beyond what the law required. What would you do if you run into a similar scenario? What would you do if you find yourself at a point of no return? Would you follow what the law demands or take the road less traveled uttered by the voice of an angel? Joseph did, would you? As we come into the final days of our Christmas preparation, the "Emmanuel, God is with us" may trouble us and brings us into a halt but also, invites and calls us to do what Joseph and Mary did, that is, obeyed and trusted God, unlike Ahaz who refused divine invitation in favor of his own will. Amen.

PARISH BLOG

PASTOR'S WEEKLY MESSAGE 092423

September 25, 2023
Dear Parishioners, This Sunday, September 24, in observance of World Day for Refugees and Migrants, please help us procure the needed items posted in the bulletin. Here in Douglas and Pirtleville where migration is a daily occurrence, hospitality/kindness to strangers is deeply valued as a mark of religiosity and tenet of faith. Pope Francis chose this year’s theme, “Free to Choose whether to Migrate or to Stay.” I would say, in tough economic circumstances, leaving your home and loved ones is no longer a choice. I am extremely pleased that one of our parishes in the Catholic Community has graciously hosted the asylum seekers. It is an honor to open our doors to the refugees among us. I don’t think we spent a great deal of time thinking about it as this is who we are. This is not a favor done to them. We don’t expect Thank You or any appreciation at all. This is our very identity. Kindness and Hospitality given to strangers for nothing is the genuine mark of a religious person. Thank you for all your donations of food, supplies and other necessities. We rely heavily on the abundance and scarcity of the people of God for as long it comes from the heart. It’s happening and heartfelt. Just when you thought you ran out of food to feed them, lo and behold, the next thing you know, an unidentified person just dropped what you needed for that moment. God looks down on us and touches the hearts of individuals. That’s God’s providence and when you leave everything to him, wondrous things happen and keeps on flowing. I am thankful to the City of Douglas and Cochise County Emergency Management for providing support in whatever way they can. We can’t do this ourselves. We need the support of the local sectors and beyond of course to address this urgent issue. As a gracious act and humble expression of solidarity and hospitality, this year, we are moving the venue/location of Fiesta del Sol to St. Luke Parish. I am ever grateful to the fiesta committee for their overwhelming support in the sudden change only because of the presence of our very special guests. Their safety and protection are our top priority. We should do everything in our capacity to take care of them and make feel welcome regardless. The asylum seekers are so dear to us. It is a pleasure to serve them. They don’t give us any inconvenience at all. What we do is nothing compared to what they went through. Our fiesta income might diminish because of this unexpected transfer but no worries, it is completely understandable. We are doing something worthwhile, which is at the heart of who we are as a people of God. By the mandate of the gospel, we are morally obliged to welcome the refugees in our parishes. We have no option. We got no choice but to embrace them with wide open arms, just as Jesus did in every encounter with those regarded as outcasts and despised. The church will always be there in the most difficult and extreme circumstances as Jesus did. Queridos Feligreses, Este domingo 24 de septiembre, en conmemoración del Día Mundial del Refugiado y del Migrante, por favor ayúdenos a adquirir los artículos necesarios publicados en el boletín. Aquí en Douglas y Pirtleville, donde la migración es un hecho cotidiano, la hospitalidad / amabilidad hacia los extraños es profundamente valorada como una marca de religiosidad y principio de fe. El Papa Francisco eligió el tema de este año, "Libre para elegir si migrar o quedarse". Yo diría que, en circunstancias económicas difíciles, dejar su hogar y sus seres queridos ya no es una opción. Estoy muy contento de que una de nuestras parroquias en la Comunidad Católica haya acogido amablemente a los solicitantes de asilo. Es un honor de abrir nuestras puertas a los refugiados entre nosotros. No creo que pasamos mucho tiempo pensando en ello, ya que esto es lo que somos. Esto no es un favor hecho a ellos. No esperamos agradecimiento ni ningún aprecio en absoluto. Esta es nuestra propia identidad. La bondad y la hospitalidad dadas a extraños por nada es la marca genuina de una persona religiosa. Gracias por todas sus donaciones de alimentos, suministros y otras necesidades. Dependemos en gran medida de la abundancia y escasez del pueblo de Dios mientras venga del corazón. Está sucediendo y es sincero. Justo cuando pensabas que te quedaste sin comida para alimentarlos, he aquí, lo siguiente que sabes es que una persona no identificada simplemente dejó caer lo que necesitabas para ese momento. Dios nos mira y toca los corazones de las personas. Esa es la providencia de Dios y cuando le dejas todo a él, suceden cosas maravillosas y siguen fluyendo. Estoy agradecido con la Ciudad de Douglas y el Manejo de Emergencias del Condado de Cochise por brindar apoyo de cualquier manera que puedan. No podemos hacer esto nosotros mismos. Necesitamos el apoyo de los sectores locales y más allá, por supuesto, para abordar este preocupación urgente. Como un acto de gracia y una humilde expresión de solidaridad y hospitalidad, este año, estamos trasladando el lugar / ubicación de Fiesta del Sol a la Parroquia de San Lucas. Siempre estoy agradecido al comité de fiesta de IC por su abrumador apoyo en el cambio debodp a ;ps presencia de nuestros invitados muy especiales. Su seguridad y protección son nuestra principal prioridad. Debemos hacer todo lo que esté a nuestro alcance para cuidarlos y hacernos sentir bienvenidos independientemente. Los solicitantes de asilo son muy queridos para nosotros. Es un placer servirles. No nos dan ningún inconveniente en absoluto. Lo que hacemos no es nada comparado con lo que ellos pasaron. Nuestros ingresos de fiesta pueden disminuir debido a esta transferencia inesperada, pero no se preocupe, es completamente comprensible. Estamos haciendo algo que vale la pena, que está en el corazón de lo que somos como pueblo de Dios. Por mandato del evangelio, estamos moralmente obligados a acoger a los refugiados en nuestras parroquias. No tenemos otra opción. No tuvimos más remedio que abrazarlos con los brazos abiertos, tal como lo hizo Jesús en cada encuentro con aquellos considerados marginados y despreciados. La iglesia siempre estará allí en las circunstancias más difíciles y extremas como lo hizo Jesús. Click here for the Holy Father Pope Francis message on the 109th World Day of Refugees and Migrants, September 24, 2023.

PASTOR'S WEEKLY MESSAGE 22423

February 25, 2023
Dear Parishioners, Please mark your calendars for the upcoming LENTEN MISSION/RETREAT with the theme: Take, Bless, Break, Share, which is in line with and in preparation for the Eucharistic Revival. These four words are the backbone/skeleton of the Eucharistic Liturgy/Mass. The beauty and majesty of our worship all started with the Last Supper and so, we are going back to the original story. The presenters are the deacons, Fr. Marco, and myself. This will be a night of recollection for the community. There will be a reflection on each theme followed by moments of silence, music, and adoration. Lent is a journey to the depths of our inner lives. We will begin with the basic parts and fundamental concepts of the Mass and go from there. The Roman Mass has evolved in history, tradition, and theology. The content and substance of the Eucharist thus, are complex and vast. Even if we spend a weekly formation and lectures on the Eucharist for a year, we will not be able to cover the entire meaning and mystery of the Mass. In the end, the Mass is the best Catechesis. The experience of the Mass that is, the encounter with our Lord in the worship service, will teach us everything about the Mass; much more than hundreds of written commentaries about it. THE SACRAMENTS OF PENANCE AND RECONCILIATION/CONFESSIONS will be offered generously. Apart from the weekend confessions, we have added Wednesdays and Thursdays of Lent for confessions for your convenience. Please plan on going to confessions during Lent in preparation for the Easter celebration. The Sacrament, as we have learned, is not so much about guilt, sin, and punishment, but more importantly, God’s grace, mercy, and love. Above all, it’s about one’s ongoing relationship with God. PRAYING THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS in the morning and evening is a highly recommended spiritual exercise during Lent, especially the recitation of Psalms. Thank you for your support to the LENTEN FOOD SALES ON FRIDAYS OF LENT. Because the food is so delicious, it appears to be a treat more than a sacrifice. Your only sacrifice which is much needed is your support to the parish. The fish and / or shrimp and the sides prepared with an extra labor of love from the volunteers, is a priceless blessing, regardless of the recipe. I don’t remember refusing to eat fish or shrimp at any given point in my life. For me who grew up on an Island, it’s not right to say no to any seafood. Thank you so much to those who have donated to the 2023 ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL. You can give by filling out the envelope (traditional way), online (cathfnd.org), or text. To those who are still undecided, please seriously consider giving within your means. Blessings, Fr Jojo Estimados feligreses, Por favor, marque su calendario para la próxima MISIÓN / RETIRO DE CUARESMA con el tema: Tomen, bendigan, rompan, compartan, que está en línea en preparación para el avivamiento eucarístico. Estas cuatro palabras son la columna vertebral / esqueleto de la Liturgia Eucarística / Misa. La belleza y majestuosidad de nuestra adoración comenzó con la Última Cena, por lo tanto, volvemos a la historia original. Los presentadores somos los diáconos, el P. Marco y yo. Esta será una noche de recogimiento para la comunidad. Habrá una reflexión sobre cada tema seguida de momentos de silencio, música y adoración. La Cuaresma es un viaje a las profundidades de nuestra vida interior. Comenzaremos con las partes muy básicas y los conceptos fundamentales de la Misa y partiremos de allí. La Misa Romana ha evolucionado en historia, tradición y teología. El contenido y la sustancia de la Eucaristía son, pues, complejos y vastos. Incluso si pasamos una formación semanal y conferencias sobre la Eucaristía durante un año, no podremos cubrir todo el significado y el misterio de la Misa. Al final, la Misa es la mejor catequesis. La experiencia de la Misa, es decir, el encuentro con nuestro Señor en el servicio de adoración nos enseñará todo sobre la Misa; mucho más que cientos de comentarios escritos al respecto. LOS SACRAMENTOS DE LA PENITENCIA Y LA RECONCILIACIÓN/CONFESIONES se ofrecerán generosamente. Además de las confesiones de fin de semana, hemos agregado para su conveniencia, miércoles y jueves de Cuaresma para confesiones. Por favor, planee ir a confesión durante la Cuaresma en preparación para la celebración de Pascua. El Sacramento, como hemos aprendido, no se trata tanto de culpa, pecado y castigo, sino más importante aún, de la gracia, la misericordia y el amor de Dios. Sobre todo, se trata de la relación continua de uno con Dios. REZAR LA LITURGIA DE LAS HORAS por la mañana y por la tarde es un ejercicio espiritual muy recomendable durante la Cuaresma, especialmente la recitación de Salmos. Gracias por su apoyo a las VENTAS DE ALIMENTOS CURESMALES, TODOS LOS VIERNES DE CUARESMA. Debido a que la comida es tan deliciosa, parece ser un regalo más que un sacrificio. Su único sacrificio muy necesario es su apoyo para nuestras Parroquias. Los paltillos de pescado y camarón con sus acompañamientos El pescado y/o camarones y los lados. preparados con un trabajo extra de amor de los voluntarios, es una bendición invaluable, independientemente de la receta. No recuerdo haberme negado a comer pescado o camarones en ningún momento de mi vida. Para mí, que crecí en una isla, no es correcto decir que no a ningún marisco. Muchas gracias a aquellos que han donado a la CAMPAÑA CATÓLICA ANUAL 2023 . Puede donar llenando el sobre (forma tradicional), en línea (cathfnd.org) o enviando un mensaje de texto. Para aquellos que aún están indecisos, por favor consideren seriamente dar dentro de sus posibilidades. Bendiciones, Fr. Jojo

PASTOR'S WEEKLY MESSAGE 21723

February 18, 2023
This Wednesday, February 22, is ASH WEDNESDAY, the beginning of the 40-day Lenten season. The imposition of ashes will be available as scheduled. Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation but please plan on attending the Mass because the worship of God in the Eucharist is central to faith, the be-all and end-all, the source and summit of Christian life. Humanity, the crown and steward of creation, was created to worship God. Ash Wednesday is a universal day of fasting and abstinence. Those 18 – 59 years of age are obligated to fast. However, those who are ill/sick/frail, pregnant and engaged in hard labor, are excused because of the strength and nourishment needed to sustain life. Fasting can be done either by eating one full meal and two smaller meals, or only liquids. Fasting is more spiritual than physical, as we join to experience what it means to hunger and thirst, our humble (least) expression of solidarity to those who have literally none and nothing to eat and drink at all. Additionally, 14 years and beyond are bound to abstain (avoid the main nourishment of a certain culture). Here in the US, it will be meat which may be similar in Mexico. The idea is sacrifice. This is not so much about legality. Laws are only the beginning. Rules are meant to guide and draw us deeper and closer to God. If they lead us away from God, there is a disconnect. Righteousness must not be understood and reduced merely for the sake of observance of the law. If that’s the case, we are missing the point. Jesus says, “unless your righteousness surpasses those of the Scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 5:20). Aim for virtue and wisdom, and not simply the fulfillment of a requirement. Our liturgy in the next 40 days will be subdued. There will be no Gloria, Alleluia, and we will refrain from singing high pitched and tempo songs, which everyone will miss but it’s temporary. The observance of the LENTEN SEASON begins from Ash Wednesday until sundown on Holy Thursday, before the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, and excluding Sundays of Lent. The 40 days of lent is a time of prayer (personal and communal), fasting and almsgiving (charitable acts). On Fridays of Lent, please support the parish food sales to help our parish incomes. During Lent, there will be a weekday CONFESSION TIMES: Wednesday, 5pm-6pm and Thursday, 5pm-6pm in addition to the regular confessions on Friday’s and Saturday’s. Penance Service will also be offered on the 4 th and 5 th week of Lent before entrance into Holy Week. Thank you so much for your support to the 2023 ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL. The theme, We are the Mission of the Church is so appealing including the video. To those who haven’t given yet, please seriously consider giving within your means. You still have time to think and pray for it. Congratulations to those who participated in the Anniversary Mass especially to the Jubilarians (25, 40, 50, 60, 70). We will schedule a dinner for you sometime in the spring or fall of 2023. Promise. Blessings, Fr Jojo Este miércoles, 22 de febrero, es el Miércoles de Ceniza, el comienzo de la temporada de Cuaresma de 40 días. La imposición de cenizas estará disponible según lo programado. El Miércoles de Ceniza no es un Día Santo de Obligación, pero por favor planee asistir a la Misa porque la adoración de Dios en la Eucaristía es fundamental para la fe, el ser y el fin de todo, la fuente y la cumbre de la vida cristiana. La humanidad, la corona y mayordomo de la creación, fue creada para adorar a Dios. El Miércoles de Ceniza es un día universal de ayuno y abstinencia. Los de 18 a 59 años de edad están obligados a ayunar. Sin embargo, aquellos que están enfermos / enfermos / frágiles, embarazadas y involucrados en trabajos forzados, son excusados debido a la fuerza y la nutrición necesarias para mantener la vida. El ayuno se puede hacer comiendo una comida completa y dos comidas más pequeñas, o solo líquidos. El ayuno es más espiritual que físico, ya que nos unimos para experimentar lo que significa tener hambre y sed, nuestra humilde (menos) expresión de solidaridad con aquellos que literalmente no tienen nada ni nada que comer y beber en absoluto. Además, los 14 años y más están obligados a abstenerse (evitar el alimento principal de una determinada cultura). Aquí en los Estados Unidos, será carne que puede ser similar en México. La idea es sacrificio. No se trata tanto de legalidad. Las leyes son sólo el comienzo. Las reglas están destinadas a guiarnos y acercarnos más y más a Dios. Si nos alejan de Dios, hay una desconexión. La justicia no debe ser entendida y reducida simplemente por el bien de la observancia de la ley. Si ese es el caso, estamos perdiendo el punto. Jesús dice: "Si no supera vuestra justicia a la de los escribas y fariseos, no entraréis en el reino de los cielos" (Mt 5,20). Apunte a la virtud y la sabiduría, y no simplemente al cumplimiento de un requisito. Nuestra liturgia en los próximos 40 días será sometida. No habrá Gloria, Aleluya, y nos abstendremos de cantar canciones agudas y tempo, que todos extrañarán, pero es temporal. La observancia de la TEMPORADA DE CUARESMA comienza desde el Miércoles de Ceniza hasta la puesta del sol del Jueves Santo, antes de la Misa vespertina de la Cena del Señor, y excluyendo los domingos de Cuaresma. Los 40 días de cuaresma son un tiempo de oración (personal y comunitaria), ayuno y limosna (actos de caridad). Los viernes de Cuaresma, por favor apoye las ventas de alimentos de la parroquia para ayudar a nuestros ingresos parroquiales. Durante la Cuaresma, habrá HORARIOS DE CONFESIÓN entre semana: miércoles, 5pm-6pm y jueves, 5pm-6pm, además de las confesiones regulares los viernes y sábados. El Servicio de Penitencia también se ofrecerá en la 4ª y 5ª semana de Cuaresma antes de la entrada en Semana Santa. Muchas gracias por su apoyo a la CAMPAÑA CATÓLICA ANUAL 2023. El tema, Somos la Misión de la Iglesia es muy atractivo incluyendo el video. A aquellos que aún no han dado, por favor consideren seriamente dar dentro de sus posibilidades. Todavía tienes tiempo para pensar y orar por ello. Felicitaciones a los que participaron en la Misa de Aniversario, especialmente a los Jubilarios (25, 40, 50, 60, 70). Programaremos una cena para usted en algún momento de la primavera u otoño de 2023. Prometer. Bendiciones, Fr. Jojo
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