Welcome to the Supreme Knight of St. Peter Claver
09-20-2021Weekly Flocknote MessageFr. James Aboyi, V.C.I welcomed the Most Worthy Supreme Knight, Sir James K. Ellis of the Knights of St. Peter Claver to our St. Benedict Parish Community over the weekend. He was accompanied by the Western States District Deputy Br. Bruce D. Sampson, the Ladies Auxiliaries and some members of the Knights. They joined us at our Saturday Vigil Mass on September 18.
The Supreme Knight, Sir James, was visiting Arizona for the first time. He was visiting to celebrate the Feast of St. Peter Claver with Bishop Olmsted at St. Pius X on Sunday, September 19. The official Feast Day of St. Peter Claver is September 9; however, since the Knights and Ladies and the Black Catholic community only meet on the third Sunday of each month, we celebrated the Feast on Sunday. We were honored and blessed to have the Supreme Knight and the Clavers visit and join our community Mass this weekend.
Fourth Degree in the Knights of Columbus
On a similar note, I am glad to inform you that I received my Fourth Degree in the Knights of Columbus on Saturday, September 18. What a double blessing for me to have become a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus on the same day I hosted the Supreme Knight of St. Peter Claver. My congratulations to several other members of our Fr Binta Knights of Columbus Council who also made their Fourth Degree on Saturday. The ceremony was held downtown and witnessed by family members.
Catechetical Sunday
This past weekend, the Church celebrated Catechetical Sunday when all those who serve in religious education and formation programs were blessed and commissioned for their ministry. Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. The theme for the Catechetical Sunday this year was “Say the Word and My Soul Shall be Healed." This year, we are blessed with 38 volunteer Catechists in our parish. I thank all our Catechists for responding to God’s call to serve our parish community through their ministry. Let us give them our support as they help our children, teens and catechumens grow in faith.
Thank You to Deacon Jack Benware
On a not so happy note, I would like to inform you that our Deacon, Jack Benware, will be leaving us and moving to Chicago by the end of September. It was very difficult for me when Deacon Jack broke this news to me and I know you are feeling the same way too. However, I understand his decision and want what is best for him, especially the need to move closer to his family. Please join me in thanking Deacon Jack for his commitment and personal sacrifices for our parish community. Deacon Jack will preach at Mass next weekend and will also give a brief goodbye message after all of the Masses.
Mark Your Calendar
You are invited to come and join us for an information meeting on Monday, September 27 at 6:30pm in the Church. The goal of the meeting is to share an update with you regarding our Church building project. The meeting will be live-streamed. Here is the link for the live-streaming: https://youtu.be/0mE5FctxyUc.
Please note! The link will only be active when the meeting starts.
Have a wonderful weekend and remain blessed!
Fr James Aboyi,
VC Pastor