St. Helen Roman Catholic Parish - Oracle
66 E. Maplewood St.
Oracle, AZ 85623-6148
Phone: (520) 896-2708
FAX: (520) 896-2631
Visit our Website:
http://www.sthelenparishoracle.org
To add, change or contribute information for the
website please contact the Parish Office at
St. Helen’s e-mail address:
sthelensmission@msn.com
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013
THIRTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Pastor: Rev. Msgr. Ambrose O. Nwohu.…………………………………………………………………………..520-896-2708
Parish Secretary& Compliance Representative: GloriaAcosta ……………………………………………………520-896-2708
Parish Office Hours: Tuesday – Friday……………………………………………..…..…………….…..………….9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Priest: Tuesday - Friday…………….…..………………………………………………….9:30 a.m. - 12 noon & 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Director of Religious Education: Mary Telles: Wednesday………………………………………………………..520-896-2708
MASS SCHEDULE
Saturday (Mass of Anticipation)……………………………………………………….……...…………………………….5 p.m.
Sunday………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………….8 a.m. & 10 a.m.
Monday thru Friday……...……………….…………………………………………..............................................................8 a.m.
First Friday of the Month Anointing of the Sick and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament…………………………......8 a.m.
All Holy Days of Obligation………………………………………..……………………........................................9 a.m. & 7 p.m.
Pray the Rosary…………………………………………………………………..…………………….1/2 hour before each Mass
“To one who has faith, no
explanation is necessary.
To one without faith no explanation
is possible.”
St. Thomas Aquinas
Parish Board of Directors
Rev. Msgr. Ambrose O. Nwohu,
President
Manuel Navarro, Treasurer
Teresa Kern, Secretary
Most Rev. Gerald F. Kicanas, D.D.
Rev. Msgr. Albert I. Schifano
********SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION*********
Marriage Preparation
Diocesan regulations require
that you see a priest at least
four months before your
wedding date.
Baptismal Preparation
Please call for arrangements at least two
months prior to the date of Baptism.
Baptisms are scheduled for the third
weekend of each month.
Reconciliation/Confession
Saturday from
4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Any other time by appointment.
Our Lord Jesus Christ the King
November 24, 2013
I rejoiced because they said to me,
“We will go up to the house of the LORD.”
— Psalm 122:1
REDEFINING KINGSHIP
This last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year is dedicated to Christ, our King. In the
first reading, from the second book of Samuel, we meet Jesus’ ancestor David, the greatest king
of Israel. This passage describes a glorious monarch who is acclaimed by all the tribes of Israel.
He is called both a “shepherd” and a “commander.” The second reading, from Paul’s Letter to
the Colossians, also contains glorious language, describing Christ as “the firstborn of all
creation.” Only at the end of this passage do we hear a hint of the paradox we will meet in
today’s Gospel: Christ the King makes “peace by the blood of his cross.”
In Luke’s Gospel, we confront the stark reality of Christ’s kingship. Here is our king,
hanging on a cross, jeered, taunted, berated by a common criminal. This king looks defeated and
powerless. Yet he demonstrates how absolute his power is. His death is truly for the salvation of
all, one person at a time, starting with the “Good Thief,” and continuing through the ages to us
today.
Deadline for bulletin announcements is 2 p.m. on Tuesday.
MASS INTENTIONS
Offered for our beloved dead as well as our living ones.
May the souls of our faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace
Tuesday, November 26 – 8 a.m. +Conrado Gomez by Pam & Jorge Gomez
VOCATIONS CRUCIFIX
At each Mass, the family taking the crucifix should designate
another family to carry the crucifix home the following week.
Please return the crucifix before the beginning of each Mass.
INFANT BAPTISMS
Instructions for infant Baptisms are on the first and third Thursday of
the month (after initial registration) at 7:00 p.m. in the Church Hall.
It is mandatory that parents and Godparents attend.
Sanctuary Lamp
11/16-11/17, 2013
Offertory - $1,316.75
Priests’ Retirement Fund - $5.00
Philippine Relief Fund - $225.07
November 2013
Please stop by the parish office to reserve dates for the Sanctuary
Lamp. The Sanctuary Lamp may be reserved by more than one
person for the same dates.
God bless you for your generosity.
PLEASE PRAY FOR
Ill and/or homebound:
Nellie Fuentes, Pat Scott, Andrea Marie Smith, Mary Maldonado, Tony T. Diaz, Infant Sophie Vincent, Leslie Scoville, Sammy Pacheco, Felix
Marquez, Dorothy Hidalgo, Corina Diaz, George Castillo, Mollie Clark, Elidia Alcaraz, Hailey (Candelaria) Lugo, Madison Harper
Our Service Men & Women:
Jordan Garrett, Nathan Jackson, Manny Navarro, David Navarro
Faithful Departed: Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon them
***Please help keep our prayer list current. To add someone to the prayer list, please call the parish office. Names will remain on
the list for 2 months. If you wish someone to remain on the list for an extended period, please contact the parish office.***
Bishop Kicanas’ Monday Morning Memo is an informative update on events taking place in the diocese and what the bishop’s busy schedule consists
of each week. You can read the weekly memo by visiting the diocesan website; www.diocesetucson.org or by requesting a copy from St. Helen Parish
Office. If you have something you want to publicize in the bishop’s memo, please e-mail it to bishop@diocesetucson.org or send it to his attention c/o
Monday Memo at the Pastoral Center, 111 S. Church Avenue, P.O. Box 31, Tucson, AZ 85702.
November 2013 CALENDAR
Every First Friday – 8 a.m.- Anointing of the Sick and Adoration of the
Blessed Sacrament
Holy Days of Obligation – Masses 9 a.m. & 7 p.m.
Adult Formation (Scripture) Classes with Msgr. Ambrose – Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
Choir Practice – Saturdays, 9 a.m.
Our Lady’s Prayer Group – Thursdays after 8 a.m. Mass
Finance Committee – Every 3rd Thursday – 6:30 p.m.
Parish Council – As announced
Liturgy Committee – As announced
Caregivers Support Group – Every 1st & 3rd Wed. – 10 a.m.
Second collection for Building Fund - Every first weekend of the
month . Parish Maintenance Second Collection six times/year.
St. Helen Offices & Ministries
Parish Council Chairman – Frank Pierson
Finance Council Chairman – Manny Navarro
Compliance Representative – Gloria Acosta
Liturgy/Bereavement - Mary Buzan
Choir Director – Ellie Brown
Religious Education
1st & 2nd Grades –
896-2955
896-2469
896-2708
896-9085
896-3530
3rd Grade (1st Communion)
4th & 5th Grades
6th, 7th, 8th Grades
Tony Telles
Becky Bayze
Maria Martinez
Jennie Seballos
Allison Lapa
896-9031
896-2605
896-2142
896-2589
896-2148
Youth Minister
Johnnie Seballos
896-2589
`
Confirmation Class
Mary Telles
Leslie Osborn
Social Justice – Mary Ellen Kazda
St. Helen’s Food Bank – Helen Alvarez
Knights of Columbus – Johnnie Seballos
Cursillo Movement Leaders – Mary & Tony Telles
Adult Catechesis – Msgr. Ambrose O. Nwohu
Carlos Ruiz – Maintenance
Kitchen Angels
Church Cleaning/Furnishings/Environmental Design
(Volunteers needed)
896-9031
896-2443
896-2955
404-4817
896-2589
896-9031
896-2708
896-2629
First Sunday of Advent is Sunday, December 1
Trinity Bookstore will be here Sunday, November
24 after Masses to display and sell Advent and
Christmas Items.
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ARE NOW COLLECTING
FOOD FOR THEIR ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE FOR NEEDY
FAMILIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS. These donations will go to
the Tri-Community Food Bank. Please leave your donations in
the church or bring them to the parish office. Thanks for your
help.
You are invited to
Immaculate Heart High School’s OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, December 14th from 9 to 11 am
Please take the opportunity to tour and experience all that
Immaculate Heart has to offer your high school student! Families
and students are welcome to come and talk with our skilled teachers
and staff and find how your child can have a great Catholic high
school experience!
FEED THE HUNGRY
The holidays are just around the corner and food contri-butions for
our local St. Helen Pantry and the Tri-Community Food Bank are
urgently needed. We need non-perishable food items of all kinds.
Please be generous.
Call 896-2540 for pick-up or bring your contribution to the church or
parish office. Monetary contributions are also accepted for both, St.
Helen Food Bank and Tri-Community Food Bank. If you know of
someone who needs help please call 896-2540. Thank you for your
generosity.
V0
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR
SUNDAY MORNING SOCIALS
SECOND COLLECTIONS
(*Diocesan)
December 7 & 8 – St. Helen Building Fund
December 28 & 29 – Parish Maintenance
Envelopes for
PARISH special
collections in the rack
back of the church.
Weekly Spiritual Offerings
 First Friday Mass & Adoration of Blessed Sacrament – 8 a.m.
 Adult Scripture Study with Msgr. Ambrose
Every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. All adults welcome.
 Prayer Service Every Wednesday During Year of Faith
6:30 p.m. Holy Hour Devotion & Chaplet of Divine Mercy
followed by 7 p.m. Mass
Thanksgiving Day Mass
Thursday, November 28 - 9 a.m.
The ParishOffice will be closed Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday,
November 27, 28, & 29. A Blessed Thanksgiving to all!
THANKSGIVING
Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness
received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse
to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the
following of that impulse.
—Henry Van Dyke
Second Collection today for victims of the super typhoon Haiyan
that struck the Philippines, leaving in its wake tremendous damage for
3.4 million people and leading to many deaths and a shortage of water
and food. This collection will help Catholic Relief Services provide
much needed support to our brothers and sisters.
2013 Advent Penance Services
Tuesday, December 3 – St. Philips, Payson – 4 to 6 p.m.
Friday, December 6 – Holy Angels, Globe – 6 to 7 p.m.
Friday, December 10 – St. Bartholomew – SM – 7 p.m.
(Oracle, Mammoth, San Manuel)
Tuesday, December 19 – St. Francis – Superior – 7 p.m.
Friday, December 20 – St. Joseph – Hayden – 7 p.m.
PARISH RUMMAGE SALE FUNDRAISER
Saturday, December 7, 2103
From 8 a.m. until 12 noon. Food will be sold.
Only new and clean, gently used items will be accepted.
Please drop your donated items off in the church hall.
Volunteers needed on Friday, December 6 at 9 a.m. to help sort and
price items. Questions? Call Jennie/Johnnie Seballos 896-2589 or Ellie
Brown 896-3530.
ST. HELEN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES
Class Schedules:
1st & 2nd grades – Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
3rd grade (1st Communion Class) – Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
4th & 5th grades – Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
6th, 7th & 8th grades – Tuesday from 5:30 p.m.to 6:30 p.m.
Youth Ministry – Monday – 6 p.m. –All high school youth welcome
Questions? Call Mary Telles – 896-9031
TODAY’S READINGS
First Reading — The Lord said to David, “You shall shepherd
my people Israel” (2 Samuel 5:1-3).
Psalm — Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord (Psalm
122).
Second Reading — Thanks to the Father who has made you fit to
share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light (Colossians 1:1220).
Gospel — Jesus, remember me when you come into your
kingdom (Luke 23:35-43).
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday:
Dn 1:1-6, 8-20; Dn 3:52-56; Lk 21:1-4
Tuesday:
Dn 2:31-45; Dn 3:57-61; Lk 21:5-11
Wednesday:
Dn 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Dn 3:62-67;
Lk 21:12-19
Thursday:
Dn 6:12-28; Dn 3:68-74; Lk 21:20-28
Thanksgiving Day, Suggested:
Sir 50:22-24; Ps 145:2-11; 1 Cor 1:3-9;
Lk 17:11-19
Friday:
Dn 7:2-14; Dn 3:75-81; Lk 21:29-33
Saturday:
Rom 10:9-18; Ps 19:8-11; Mt 4:18-22
Sunday:
Is 2:1-5; Ps 122:1-9;
Rom 13:11-14; Mt 24:37-44
SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday:
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Monday:
Thirty-fourth or Last Week in Ordinary Time;
St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin, martyr; Catherine was a learned woman of the early fourth century
who, according to legend, following her conversion at age eighteen, preached the Gospel throughout
Alexandria in Egypt. While imprisoned by the emperor Magnus Maximus, she converted both the
empress and the leader of the armed forces, and for this she was martyred. Legend has that upon her
death, after a wheel of torture (known as “Catherine’s wheel”) broke, her body was carried by angels to
Mt. Sinai. St. Joan of Arc was thought to have heard her voice. Venerated in the East since the 9th c., she
is a patron saint of philosophers, preachers, librarians, and young unmarried women.
Thursday:
Thanksgiving Day; Hanukkah begins
Saturday:
St. Andrew, APOSTLE; died 1st c., brother of Simon Peter and disciple of John the Baptist; tradition
holds he preached north of the Black Sea and in Greece and died bound to an X-shaped cross, at Patras,
Greece; patron of Russia and Scotland; as “Protoclete”, or “First Called”, patron of the Greek Church,
patron of fishing industry; mentioned in the Roman Canon.
TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION
Today’s solemnity, the final feast of the Church year, is a youngster as feasts go. In 1925, Pope Pius XI was
distressed by global political upheaval and the de-Christianizing of society. That year was a “Holy Year,” keyed to the
sixteen hundredth anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, when the words “and of his kingdom there will be no end” were
added to the Creed. The Pope explained that although most feasts had developed over many centuries, the Church
sometimes provided a new feast to address new needs. He pointed to the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, showing
Christ’s love and compassion in a time when many people embraced a cold and gloomy spirituality. Originally on the last
Sunday of October, in the late 1960s the solemnity of Christ the King was moved to the last Sunday of the year.
Fresh from baptism’s waters, we are anointed with chrism “as Christ was anointed priest, prophet, and king.” This
feast is a key to our identity. On this feast, we recognize Christ as a king who breaks the usual mold of kingship, and who
shapes his kingdom with our hands, our words, our deeds of love and service.
—James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
Diocese of Tucson
… happenings around the diocese
The following are employment opportunities currently available in the Diocese of
Tucson. To view the job descriptions and information on how to apply, persons interested should
refer to www.diocesetucson.org (Employment Opportunities).
Schools:

St. Charles School, San Carlos, AZ – Kindergarten Teacher

Yuma Catholic High School, Yuma, AZ – School Principal

San Miguel High School, Tucson – Math and Science Teacher

Santa Cruz Catholic School, Tucson – Cafeteria Attendant (Part-time)

Immaculate Heart School, Oro Valley, AZ – Computer Teacher (Part-time)
Parishes:

St. James Parish, Coolidge, AZ – Parish Secretary (Part-time)
RETROUVAILLE & MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER RETREAT NOTICES
RETROUVAILLE – Retrouvaille is a program for married couples that feel bored, frustrated or angry in their marriage. Some experience coldness and
simply shut down. Others experience conflict and arguments in their relationship. Most don’t know how to change the situation or even communicate
with their spouse about it. This program has helped couples experiencing marital difficulty at all levels including disillusionment and deep misery.
For confidential information about or to register for the program call 520-722-2931; or e-mail: stogskk@mindspring.com or visit the website at
www.HelpOurMarriage.com
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
Thank you Father God for loving us so much that you sent your only son to us. Thank you Father that through the blood of Jesus and his
sacrifice on the cross our relationship with you has been restored and we are your beloved children. Our heavenly father loves us so
much and has such amazing gifts and plans for each one of our lives and marriages! Discover the amazing plan God has for you and
your marriage relationship - sign up today to attend a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend: in Phoenix - Feb 21st-23rd, 2014; for
more information contact Paul and Karen at 520-477-2121 or info@wwme-phx.org. You can also apply for a weekend at www.wwmephx.org.
His Kingdom Will Have No End:
Remember Me When You Come into Your Kingdom
Meditation
We believe with firm certitude that the Lord Jesus has conquered evil and death. With this sure confidence we entrust ourselves to
Jesus. Present in our midst, Jesus overcomes the Evil One’s power (see Luke 11:20); the Church, the visible community of Jesus’
mercy, abides in Jesus as a living sign of definitive reconciliation with the Father (see Benedict XVI, Door of Faith, 15).
The Year of Faith’s final month opens with All Saints (Catechism, 946–259; Compendium, 194–195; YouCat, 146) and All Souls
(Catechism, 1030–1032; Compendium, 210–211; YouCat, 159–160). We hope that one day, like Zacchaeus, who tried to see Jesus
only to discover that Jesus had come looking for him, we may hear Jesus say, “Today salvation has come to this house!” November’s
liturgy and Lectionary bid us reflect on life’s end and the judgment that follows (Catechism, 1021–1022; Compendium, 207–208;
YouCat, 154–155). Luke, by tradition an artist, concludes this Year of Faith by presenting a unique portrait of Christ the King.
“Enthroned” on the cross, the dying Jesus welcomes his kingdom’s first citizen, a criminal who requests neither deliverance from
suffering nor forgiveness—not even salvation; only, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus’ response
promises far more: “Today you will be with me in Paradise”: peace and plenty, consolation and contentment, all creation in harmony
with itself and its Creator. This is our faith, and the faith of the Church. May it also be our future. Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
Mission
Look with confident faith to Jesus for forgiveness; make it easy for others to say, “I’m sorry,” since Jesus has made it so easy for me.