Our Lady of the Desert Church

7101 West Picture Rocks Road, Tucson, AZ 85743

Phone: 520-744-3400 Email: office@desertrenewal.org

Website: www.desertrenewal.org

August 2, 2020

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Redemptorist Community

Church Rector

Rev. Ed Vella, C.Ss.R.

Associates

Rev. Tony Nguyen, C.Ss.R.

Director of Renewal Center

Local Redemptorist Superior

Rev. Pat Grile, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Jim Shea, C.Ss.R

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - Bro. William Cloughley, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Peter Connolly, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Ricardo Elford, C.Ss.R. Borderlands Outreach

Rev. Tom Fransiscus, C.Ss.R.

Rev. Lamar Partin, C.Ss.R. Pastor, Santa Catalina Parish

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Deacon

Rev. Mr. Ken McNealy

Choir

Hope Sullivan, Music Director

Liturgical Ministers/

Compliance Officer

Kelly Mooney

Bob Jones

Bulletin Editor

Alexis Murrieta

Knights of Columbus

Herbert Colon

Grand Knight

David VanderLinde

Deputy Grand Knight

Welcome: The Redemptorist Community and Pastoral

Staff of the Redemptorist Renewal Center extends a warm and loving welcome to all who come here to pray and worship in our church. We are a community that welcomes all people as brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. Together we are the body of Christ, living and active today.

Our Lady of the Desert Dear Church Family,

Religious Education. As you know there have been many changes during this pan-

demic. All of us have had to adapt by evaluating, reevaluating, doing discernment to-

gether and making decisions regarding how to move forward with our families. This

includes our Church community of course. After I sought and received direction from

the Diocese, especially regarding the length of our current programs, I must announce

that Our Lady of the Desert will be unable to provide religious education. Therefore, we

will not have our own programs for preparation for our young people to celebrate the Sacraments of First

Communion, Reconciliation and Confirmation. However, we are planning to partner with local parishes in order to

give you guidance and the opportunity to ensure that your children receive their sacraments. This information is being

gathered and will be shared as it becomes available. The other parishes are busy trying to organize their programs.

Please pass the word along to any family members of Our Lady of the Desert who might not see this announcement. If

you have any immediate concerns feel free to call our office.

Why can we have retreats but not celebrate public indoor Masses? This is a question many have asked, and it is

a good question. You may have noticed, for instance, that we are sponsoring a retreat morning on the first Saturday

of each month. I must be clear in explaining this, so read carefully:

Firstly, Redemptor ist Renewal Center retreats and programs are not under the auspices of the Diocese of

Tucson. I am not referring to programs, meetings and gatherings of the Church community. We very thoroughly

comply with all CDC and government health protocols, and are quite stringent about it. Disinfecting before and after

such events is meticulously done, which involves the space to be used as well as the designated restrooms. Other

buildings on the property are locked and do not have public access. Spaces are set up so that participants keep to a

distance of 6 feet apart, and the wearing of masks is mandatory. There is a maximum number of participants. All

participants go through a registration process. If a meal is involved, protocols apply. There is no self-service and

trained kitchen staff serves the food. The dining room is only open during meal times.

Secondly, Our Lady of the Deser t, which is a Conventual Church and not a diocesan par ish but has the

obligations of a parish when it comes to the preparation and celebration of Sacraments, complies faithfully to all

directives of the Diocese of Tucson. So the celebration of all Sacraments, including the Eucharist, is under the

direction of the Diocese of Tucson. At the moment, the celebration of indoor public Eucharist is not permitted. So

too, the celebration of the Eucharist is not part of the program of any retreats.

I hope this explanation helps. Please remember that there is always an inherent health risk for any of us who are

vulnerable by age or health disposition, who choose to participate in any retreat. The Redemptorist Renewal Center

cannot be held responsible for any possible resulting health issues. Please do not register if you are ill.

Online weekend Mass. We continue to offer online recorded weekend Mass. Each Saturday I will send an

email alert of the posting of the Mass on YouTube. If you subscribe (it’s free) to our YouTube Channel, you will

automatically receive it in your email:

Sunday Mass at O.L. of the Desert

Stewardship. Our Lady of the Deser t is full of love and so committed to supporting our Church community, especially during these challenging times. God love you! For your convenience, you may come during office hours to personally offer your stewardship, or mail it in, or use the following link and specify your donation: http://desertrenewal.org/fees-and-rates/ We love you, so please let us know if we can help you with anything.

~Fr. Ed Vella, C.Ss.R.~

Saint Alphonsus Maria di Liguori was born in Marianella near Naples on September 27, 1696. He was the first born of a large family belonging to the Neapolitan nobility. A child prodigy, he received a broad education in the humanities, classical and modern languages, painting and music. He composed a Duetto on the Passion, as well as the most popular Christmas carol in Italy, Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle, and numerous other hymns. He finished his university studies earning a Doctorate in both civil and canon law and began his practice in the legal profession.

In 1723, he abandoned his legal career and, despite his father's strong opposition, began his seminary studies. He was ordained a priest on December 21, 1726, at the age of 30. He lived his first years as a priest with the homeless and marginalized young people of Naples. He founded the "Evening Chapels". Run by the young people themselves, these chapels were centers of prayer, community, the Word of God, social activities and education. At the time of his death, there were 72 of these chapels with over 10,000 participants.

Taking up residence in the Chinese College in Naples, he began his missionary experience in the rural interior of the Kingdom of Naples where he found people who were much poorer and more abandoned than any of those in the city. This was a life-changer for him.

On November 9, 1732, Alphonsus founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, known as the Redemptorists, in order to follow the example of Jesus Christ announcing the Good News to the poor and the most abandoned.

Alphonsus was a lover of beauty: musician, painter, poet and author. He put all his artistic and literary creativity at the service of the mission and he asked the same of those who joined his Congregation. He wrote 111 works on spirituality and theology. The 21,500 editions and the translations into 72 languages that his works have undergone attest to the fact that he is one of the most widely read authors. Among his best known works are: The Great Means of Prayer, The Practice of the Love of Jesus Christ, The Glories of Mary and The Visits to the Most Holy Sacrament. Prayer, love, his relationship with Christ and his first-hand experience of the pastoral needs of the faithful made him a great master of the interior life.

Alphonsus' greatest contribution to the Church was in the area of Moral Theological reflection with his Moral Theology. This work was born of his pastoral experience, his ability to respond to the practical questions posed by the faithful, and from his contact with their everyday problems. He opposed the sterile legalism which was suffocating theology and he rejected the strict rigorism of the time. He knew how to put theological reflection at the service of the greatness and dignity of the person, of a moral conscience, and of evangelical mercy. Alphonsus was ordained bishop of St. Agatha of the Goths in 1762. He was 66 years old. He underwent a great reform of his diocese. In 1775, he was allowed to retire from his office and went to live in the Redemptorist community in Pagani where he died on August 1, 1787. He was canonized in 1839, proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1871 and Patron of Confessors and Moralists in 1950.

St. Alphonsus Maria di Liguori, C.Ss.R. Founder of the Redemptorists – Feastday August 1

For those who shop on Amazon, please know that we also

have an AMAZONSMILE account. Amazon contributes

0.5% of eligible purchases to the charity of your choice.

We have registered "Redemptorist Society of Arizona"

(our corporate title) as a place of charity.

Sign in to the following before making your purchase:

https://smile.amazon.com/ch/86-0218579

Thank you so much!!

Knights of Columbus - Council # 15704

Why should you consider becoming a Knight?

If you’re interested in helping those in need, serving the Redemptorist Renewal Center, growing in your faith, and having exclusive access to top-rated insurance protection for your family, then the K of C is the organization for you.

Becoming a Knight of Columbus can transform your life. As a Knight, you have the opportunity to support your local Church, give back to your community, grow in your faith and gain exclusive access to our top-rated insurance program to protect your family. These are just some of the reasons to become a Knight.

We are a band of brothers, a network of men in communities around the world dedicated to doing good in the service of God and neighbor.

LEAD WITH FAITH. Deepen your faith. As a member of the Knights of Columbus you have access to a wealth of spiritual resources to help you become a better Catholic man, husband and father. As a member you get: • Access to knights.net • Subscription to Columbia, our flagship monthly magazine • Prayer and faith formation resources to help you grow in Catholic masculine spirituality

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY. Discover the Catholic difference. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, you get exclusive access to our top quality portfolio of financial products, backed by ethical and Catholic business practices, that can help secure your family’s future and give you peace of mind. As a member you get: • A dedicated brother Knight field agent assigned to you and your family • Complimentary, comprehensive annual financial review • Exclusive eligibility to purchase K of C life insurance, disability income insurance, long-term care insurance and retirement products • Access to free family fraternal benefits

SERVE OTHERS. Make an impact. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, you can be a part of our unmatched charitable outreach. Support and participate in thousands of charitable programs – both local and international – that help those who need it most. As a member you have the opportunity to help us: • Put coats on kids • Give food to families • Bring clean water to those in need • Provide wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs for the disabled and handicapped • Support victims of natural disasters and support the needs of your community

DEFEND YOUR VALUES. Defend the faith. Defend the truth. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, your voice is joined with 1.9 million fellow members. You receive tools and resources to stay informed, take action, and support local, national, and international efforts on issues that are important to you. The Catholic faith is worth defending, and with the Knights you never act alone. As a member you: • Stand up for the unborn and the dignity of all human life • Fight for religious liberty and our persecuted brothers and sisters in the Middle East • Fight racism in all its forms • Join in our ongoing work in support of the Church

The Knights of Columbus is not just a fraternity in name. It is a brotherhood of Catholic men who each play a part in improving the world around them, one community at a time. They stand together in faith, dedicated to uphold the principles they cherish while lending their support and strength to parish, home and fellow Knight.

From charity for worldwide causes, to helping closer to home with volunteer activities, to a top-rated insurance program that protects those closest to you, the Knights makes the most of its brotherhood.

Make a stand among them, and you can discover how easy it is to make a difference in your life and that of others. Become a Knight. Contact our Local Council Grand Knight Herbert Colon. Spread the word! Click on this link: https://uknight.org/EmailCouncilMD.asp?ID=26678&CNO=15704&MG=GK

~Fr. Ed Vella, C.Ss.R. ~

Our mission is to be a place where the contemplative spirit of the human person may be discovered, fed and nourished. It is a place, an oasis in the Sonoran Desert, where Individuals encounter God and “feel the burn” of the Holy Spirit.

If you request additional envelopes, the envelopes will

be available the following weekend in the box on the table by the candles in the front office.

For your convenience, know that you may come during office hours

to personally offer your stewardship, or mail it in, or use the

following link and specify y our donation. Click here:

http://desertrenewal.org/fees-and-rates/

SUNDAY COLLECTION July 25-26, 2020 $ 3,215.00

Redemptorist Renewal Center office hours are as follows:

Monday - Saturday:

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sundays:

8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

-Fr. Ed

Please Take Note:

OUR SICK

“The desert will lead you to your heart where I will speak.”

OUR DECEASED Please remember in your prayers:

(Month/Year)

Ed Bumby (6/20) Michael J. Connolly (2/20)

Maureen Connolly (2/20)

John Dallas (8/19) Carolyn Hasenoehrl (6/20)

Robert Heyer (10/19)

John Hoelzel (10/19)

Thomas Jackson (5/20)

Marcia Janicki (9/19)

Ray Kovash (6/20) Ralph Long (2/20)

Dave Miller (2/20)

Robert E. Muckley (12/19)

Margaret O’Connell (2/20)

Joseph Plamondon (7/20)

Consuelo Piccarella (7/19)

Joseph Piccarella (9/19)

Aidan Martel Santoyo (7/19)

Tom Weiss (9/19)

Please pray for others in our community who are struggling with various illnesses.

Marge Beymer DCN Joe Bogushefsky Peggy Calabro Pat Celentano Berlyn Hodges Sherry Iavagnilio Kim Judkins

Jo Kovash

Suzanne Kraft

Virginia Lester

Jack Lehmkuhl

Harriet Lewandowski

Billie Marshall

Philip Oberstar

Jim Oliver

Kathy O’Toole

Mark Paris

Paul Person

Pat Pion

Alice Rigney

Walter Ross

Aubrey Scarbrough

Chuck Sensale

Maddy Spezia

Jane Welti

Kathy Zeches

Ernie Zeches

**Paul & Louise Guley (d)

**Velma Starman (d)

**Spiritual Progress

of Redemptorists

**Christopher Mattis(d) and all who battle depression and mental

illness

**Ray Kovash (d)

**Ed Bumby (d)

** Fran & Monica Roach & Family

**Mariana McNamara

**Barb & Gerry VanDerlaske- Anniversary

** Mildred McNeil (d)

**Sheridan & Mary Shea (d)

**Linda Burroughs

**David Miller (d)

UPCOMING EVENTS

SoulShine -is a 12 Step group designed to meet the needs of recovering addicts. The primary focus is on codependency, but we are open to all persons suffering from any type of addictive behavior. Our meeting format follows that of A.A. and includes recovery readings. Come learn to love yourself better, free yourself from addictive thinking and allow your soul to shine! Every WEDNESDAY, 7:00- 8:30 pm. The SoulShine Online CoDA Zoom Room starts at 6:30 pm for anyone who wants to join early and visit before the meeting starts at 7:00 pm.

https://arizona.zoom.us/j/965541204

Seeds of the Word Book Club: Our next book club meeting will be Wednesday, September 30th, from 2-3 pm in the Ironwood Room (across from the RRC pool). We’ll be discussing Anthony Lilles and Dan Burke’s book, LIVING THE MYSTERY OF LOVE: 30 Days with Thérèse of Lisieux (discussion of which was postponed due to the Coronavirus shutdown). Lilles and Burke lay out Thérèse’s program for a deeper relationship with God in this

presentation of her intimate letters to her sisters and close friends. The RRC bookstore still has a few copies in stock. Please join us, even if you have not read the book!

Please note that we will have the discussion as a Zoom call September 30th at 2 PM if the RRC remains closed in September. Well make the final decision by the end of August.

GriefShare - will take place on Saturday mornings on Zoom or conference call from 10-12.

To register or for more information: contact, June or Stan Wood 520.219.2919. or at Jwls1@earthlink.net

Scripture Prayer Group - meets via zoom each Tuesday from 7-8pm. For more details email John Davenport at: john@davenport.net, or call 440.478.1203.

Redemptorist Associates - All meetings are taking place via zoom. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the Redemptorist Lay Associates, please contact Jenny Martin 520.461.9001 or Fr. Ed Vella 520.744.3400.

**Mass Intentions

Be assured that the

Redemptorists will celebrate private Masses for these specific

intentions, as requested .