Keeping Our Hopes High

09-25-2020Weekly Flocknote MessageFr. James Aboyi, V.C.

I can’t believe it is already three weeks now since we reopened our SJB school for in-person classes. We are still operating a hybrid model with over 90% of our students currently attending classes on campus. I thank God everyone is doing well, both in the school and here in the parish. We have observed an increase in Mass attendance here in the parish for the past few weeks. It is so wonderful to hear in the news about the consistent declining rate of COVID-19 cases. As we look forward to returning back to our normal life and routine, I encourage everyone to patiently continue to observe all the health and safety precautions. Let us resist the temptation of hastily abandoning the safety precautions so as to avoid a sudden spike in new cases.

Safe Environment Renewal Deadline Looming

I thank all the volunteers and employees who have completed their Safe Environment Training Renewal. I remind those who have not yet renewed their own to do so before or by Wednesday next week, September 30th. The Diocesan Safe Environment policy requires that everyone must be in compliance by the deadline in order to volunteer in any ministry. A reminder email has already been sent out to those who have not renewed their own in our parish. Please check your email and contact us in the parish office if you have any questions.

Talk Saves Lives

As we come to the end of the month of September, we are reminded that the month of September is dedicated as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Many of us have been touched by suicide in some way, shape or form. In Arizona, suicide has become the 8th leading cause of death for males and 11th for females, and we’re 17th in the U.S. among states with the highest suicide rates. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Aetna Resource for Living provides information to help us learn about this important issue. This is because, when you understand a problem, it’s easier to respond. Find out more from the attached page.

Many of us have been touched by suicide in some way, shape or form. In fact, suicide is a leading cause of death. In Arizona, suicide has become the eighth-leading cause of death for males and 11th for females, and we’re 17th in the U.S. among states with the highest suicide rates. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We want to give you information to help you learn about this important issue. Because when you understand a problem, it’s easier to respond. Aetna Resources For Living new Talk Saves Lives online training helps you do just that.

Developed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Talk Saves Lives is a simple training to use. Visit your member website and click on the Talk Saves Lives link under Tools > Helpful links. You’ll be guided through a lesson that covers:

  • The facts about suicide
  • Why people take their own lives
  • Suicide risk factors and protective factors
  • Suicide prevention information
  • How you can recognize and respond to suicide concerns

Suicide may feel scary and overwhelming. If you take time to learn about it, care and reach out, you might just save a life.

Suicide statistics. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Accessed June 2020.

Visit your member website to take the Talk Saves Lives training today. Call 1-888-238-6232.

World Day for Migrants and Refugees

This Sunday, September 27th is dedicated as the World Day for Migrants and Refugees. Pope Francis invites all Catholics to offer special prayers and seek ways to help alleviate the pain and sufferings of migrants and refugees. Read the full copy of the message from Pope Francis here.

Have a wonderful weekend and Remain Blessed.

Fr. James Aboyi, VC
Pastor

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