Church Building Campaign Update
03-22-2021Weekly Flocknote MessageFr. James Aboyi, V.C.I thank everyone for your prayers, support and understanding during the announcement of our new Church building plan last weekend. Moving from the original building plan to the current one is a major decision born out of prayers, reflection and a careful evaluation of our current situation as a parish community. You noticed that I was not able to present the plan with enthusiasm because I know we all needed time to mourn the loss of the initial plan and to move in the new direction.
I would like to express my appreciation to all the members of the Campaign Committee, the Building Committee, Art and Environment Committee and different planning committees who were specifically involved in detailed plans for the success of the Living Our Faith Building Our Church Campaign. As I said last weekend, though the plan has been modified, your effort is not wasted in any way as the goal of the campaign and the project still remain the same. For those who missed the announcement during the weekend, here is the video link to the presentation: https://youtu.be/E8N98DDlEjM
In addition, I want to thank you for the contributions, suggestions and feedback you provided about the new design. We are currently in the "Details" design phase where we can address the ideas we received from the community. It is not too late to send your suggestions to us. We have also developed a set of frequently asked questions from the feedback we received over the weekend and have posted them on our parish website. You can access them through this link: Q&A (Link: https://www.stbenedict.org/newchurchproject)
The new design makes it possible for us to keep our original building timeline; to break ground this year in 2021, and open the Church next year in 2022. We are targeting the month of November this year for “Breaking Ground.” This will only be realizable if we have the funds available. So far, we have collected $2.4M from the Living Our Faith, Building Our Home Campaign. We also have $770,000 in outstanding pledges from the Campaign. I know you have already done so much, but I appeal to you for your continual financial support so we can keep the timeline. Please click on this link: https://membership.faithdirect.net/AZ582 to sign up for your Online Giving to the Campaign if you have not already done so. I am working with the Finance Council to develop a funding strategy for the project. I will be giving you more updates in the weeks ahead.
Holy Week
Holy Week begins next weekend with the celebration of Palm Sunday. Holy Week is the peak of the Churches’ Liturgical Calendar and the most important week for us Catholics. I am glad the Pandemic is declining consistently, making it possible for us to celebrate the Holy Week and Easter this year. However, you will notice that there will be a few exceptions to the Easter Liturgies this year. First of all, I thank those who have already received their vaccines. We encourage everyone to continue to observe our parish safety protocols during the Easter Liturgies this year, especially to wear a facemask, maintain physical distance and use hand sanitizers, even if you have already received your two shots of the vaccine. Here is what to expect during the Holy Week and Easter Liturgies this year:
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday will be celebrated in the usual way this year except we will use only the "Simple Entrance" for all Masses. The Palms will be provided as you enter the Church’s doors. The Mass will start with the Commemoration of the Lord’s Entrance into Jerusalem from the back of the Church. We will live-stream all the Masses. However, as is usual, Holy Communion will be offered at the Main Entrance only after the 5 pm Mass on Saturday and 9 am Mass on Sunday.
Chrism Mass
The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on Monday of the Holy Week, March 29th, at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Phoenix. Only priests and Deacons are allowed to participate in the Chrism Mass this year. All the priests and Religious in the Diocese are expected to renew their vows/promise and commitments during the Mass. The Bishop will also bless the sacred oils that we use for anointing at Baptism, Confirmation and Anointing of the Sick.
Holy Thursday
The celebration of the Lord’s Supper will take place at 7pm. The washing of feet and the procession to the Altar of Repose will be omitted this year. We will have one hour of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Church right after Mass. Holy Communion will be offered at the Main Entrance for 30 minutes following the Mass.
Good Friday
The Passion of the Lord will be celebrated at 7 pm as usual, except we will omit the Veneration of the Cross this year. Holy Communion will be offered for 30 minutes at the Main Entrance following the Passion Service. Please check the bulletin for other prayer services on Good Friday.
Easter Vigil
The Easter Vigil Liturgy will be celebrated at 7:30 pm on Saturday. Mass will be as usual this year, except we will not have Baptism. Holy Communion will be offered at the Main Entrance for 30 minutes following the Mass.
All the Liturgies during the Triduum will be live-streamed. This is to remind everyone that the Bishop’s dispensation from Sunday and Easter obligation is still in place.
Have a wonderful weekend and remain blessed.
Fr James Aboyi, VC
Pastor