It is very important to me that I continue learning about the history of St. Mary’s, and listen to the thoughts of those who have been part of this parish for longer than I have.  If you have been coming to St. Mary’s regularly for more than 10 years, please join me for a listening session at 12pm today, Sunday, July 10th. Thanks in advance!   Love, Father Michael

7/10: Legacy Council (see above)

7/20:  Feast of Elijah.  Divine Liturgy and blessing of vehicles on 7/20 at 6:30pm

7/24:  Parishioner Rick Nieme will give a talk on substance abuse at 12pm.

Vladimir the Great (feast July 15) was a seeker.  He was raised a pagan but was not content worshipping man-made idols.  As the prince of Kiev (modern Ukraine) at the turn of the 11th Century, he sent delegates to inform him of the various world religions.  He intended to discern which was the true faith that he and his subjects could follow.  Upon returning, his delegates reported on the faith and practices of all those they encountered, and about the Divine Liturgy of the Byzantines in Constantinople, they said “We didn’t know if we were in heaven or on earth”.  Hearing this, Vladimir was baptized, reformed his life, and shared his faith with those under his care. 

“Go!” This is the one word from our Lord that we hear in today’s gospel, and yet it is a profound one. Jesus can control evil spirits, which was and is a shock to this world. Is he calling you to “go” on a holy path, by discerning a vocation to the priesthood, diaconate, or monastic life? Reach out to the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org

The Annual Eparchial Appeal is underway! You can use the instructions you received from the bishop, or you can visit our parish’s donation page here:  https://ephx.org/st-marys-eparchial-appeal/  We are working to support our Eparchy as a community, so please prayerfully discern what you can give, and I know we will meet and exceed our goal (we get a large percentage back) if we have full participation. Thank you for your generosity!  

-Donations are being accepted through Sept. 30. So far, we have raised $9,510.00 of our $25,544.72 goal.   We need to raise $16,034.72 to meet our goal.

-Thank you to those who have contributed: Bates, Chirdon, Clemens, Cook, Crans, Golya, Herrera, Jimenez, Kieselhorst, Koman-Keogh, Michnya, Mina, Fr. O’Loughlin, O’Neill Onufrak, Patzwahl, Reichert, Summe, Theisen, Wiggins, P. Zimmerman, and W. Zimmerman

The Eparchy of Phoenix, within all its parishes, institutions and programs, is committed to assuring a safe environment in ministry for its children and vulnerable adults that conforms to the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

For additional information regarding the eparchial Safe Environment Program or to report any incidents or concerns, please contact:

Subdeacon Paul Kilroy, Safe Environment Program Coordinator                                                          Cell: (702) 498-5972 — Office: (602) 861-9778 ext. 203 —    Email: sbdcnkilroy@ephx.org

or

Deacon. Michael Hanafin, Victim Assistance Coordinator                                                                       Cell: (480) 387-5182 — Email: vac@ephx.org