Father Vincent Ahar’s Reflection

LOVE IS THE IDENTY OF JESUS’ DISCIPLES (5TH SEY C).

On March 3rd 16 four out of five of mother Teresa’s

missionary sisters of charity who dedicated

themselves to serve the poor, elderly and people with

disabilities were massacred by ISIS at Aden in Yemen. These

innocent sisters were faithfully keeping the new

commandment of Jesus to ‘Love one another as I have loved

you’ which many of us find it difficult to obey because of

egoistic love, jealousy, envy, hatred, resentment, indifference,

ingratitude, disappointments and frustration in our

relationship with others. They followed the

footsteps of Christ who in perfect obedience to

God’s command laid down his life for his

friends (John 13:1). What the world need more

than anything else is the love Jesus has shown

on the cross for the salvation of the world. God

demonstrates His love for us in this: Christ died

for us while we were still sinners (Rom.5:8).If

people love each other in the same way Jesus

loved and gave himself up for us, there will be

no terrorism, war, crime, poverty, hunger,

starvation, homelessness, deprivation or

immorality: for the one who loves another has

fulfilled the law. The commandments ‘you

shall not commit adultery; you shall not

murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet and any other

commandments are summed up in this one word, ‘Love your

neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to a neighbor;

therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. The Jews had two

commandments of love in Deuteronomy 6:5 which pertained

to love of God and neighbor. So what makes the

commandment of Jesus to love new? The commandment of

Jesus was new in three ways: first, for the Jews only a fellow

Jew was considered as a neighbor excluding the gentiles,

while the disciples of Christ were to see every one in need of

help as a neighbor. Secondly, Jesus introduced a new type of

love that never existed in the world before; dying for one’s

enemies. Before the coming of Christ the best love that ever

existed was for a brother to die for a brother. Thirdly, Jesus

presents himself as the motive and model of true love: Love

one another as I have loved you. By this all will know that

you are my disciples if you love one another (John 33:35).

The love Jesus referred to here does not mean a sentimental,

selfish, passionate, endearing or affectionate relationships. It

is selfless and sacrificial love: It is the love with which God

has saved mankind through the death of Christ on the cross by

raising him from the dead on the third day. For God proves

his love for us in that Christ died for us while we were still

sinners (Romans5:8). Jesus loved and died willingly to save

us when we were totally estranged from God because of sin.

In this way he has reconciled us with God, with each other

and with creation. To love those who are lovable is not new

but to love those who do not deserve to be loved is what

makes Jesus commandment entirely new. Thus, Jesus is the

model and motive of the new commandment of love.

Therefore, the disciples of Christ are obliged to have this

distinguishing mark of supernatural love as their Christian

identity. The distinguishing mark of a true Christian is not

necessarily a baptismal card, a confirmation or a marriage

certificate but simply to love one’s wife or husband, parents

and children, brothers and sisters, leaders and subordinates,

friends and foes alike and to accept as one’s duty and

responsibility to sacrifice personal comfort and pleasures,

time and talents, and resources to be of loving assistance,

compassionate care merciful and sympathetic approach to

them especially during periods of struggle with

overwhelming difficulties such as weakness, sickness,

poverty, grief, old age, loneliness and the experience of been

disappointed and depressed. Through love and

encouragement we should give them hope.

Where there is love, there is faith and hope.

All the supernatural permanent values are set

in motion by charity.

Every good act is charity. Your smiling in

your brother’s face is charity, an exhortation

of your fellow man to virtuous deeds is equal

to almsgiving; your putting a wanderer in the

right road is charity; your assisting the blind, is

charity; your removing the stones, and thorns,

and other obstructions from the road, is

charity; your giving water to the thirsty is

charity. A man’s true wealth here after, is the

good he does in this world to a fellow-man. When he dies,

people will say; what property does he left behind?” But the

angels will ask, “what good deeds has he sent before

him?” (Mohammed).

Pope Francis asked this thought provoking reflective

question about the church: Are we missionaries by our words

and especially by our Christian life? by our witness? Or are

we Christians closed in our hearts and in our churches-

sacristy Christians? Are we Christians in name only, who live

like pagans? We must ask ourselves these questions, which

are not a rebuke. I ask myself as well; what kind of Christian

am I? Is my witness true?” Do we let God use us in the world

by extending to others the same love and mercy which we

received from God? Do we love others with understanding

good will like Jesus Christ? In the early church Christians

were of one heart and soul and no one claimed private

ownership of possessions, but everything they owned was

held in common. This promotion of the common good of all

reflected the love of Christ and people recognized the

presence of Jesus in their charitable actions and began to call

them Christians for the first time at Antioch. We too are

given a new commandment to love with the same selfless and

sacrificial love of Jesus by laying down our lives in service to

our vulnerable brothers and sisters. In the words of St. Paul

Be of the same mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or

conceit, but in humility regard others as better than your

selves. Let non of you look to his own interests, but to the

interests of others (Phillipians 2:4).

Mass Intentions for April 24-May 1 ST. ROSE OF LIMA WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

Second Collection: April 17- St. Vincent De Paul

Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction is every Friday

from 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Youth Choir Practice meets on Wednesday at 5 p.m. in the

church.

Messengers of Mary prays the Holy Rosary Monday -

Friday at 7:30 a.m. before Mass. We will pray the rosary on

Thursdays in the CHURCH (instead of the Chapel), at 11:00

a.m. Remember to pray the rosary daily. Call 428.0573 for

prayers & Consecration to Jesus through Mary.

Spanish Bible Study meets every 2nd and 4th Friday of the

month in the St. Matthew Classroom, led by Nemecio

Ramos. All are welcome!

Spanish Choir Practice meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

in the church.

Compliance is Every 2nd Thursday of the month from 1:00-

2:30 pm for accepting applications, fingerprinting and Safe

Environment Video.

St. Rose of Lima

Weekend Collections—April 16-17, 2016

Offertory: $ 4,761.10

St. Vincent de Paul $ 943.40

Building Fund $ 10.00

ST. ROSE OF LIMA NOTICES

Sun 7am Frank Sainz

10am Leon & Laura Marzolf

11:30am St. Rose of Lima Parishioners

6pm Jenny Fohr

Mon 8am Health & Well-being of Nonie

Abeyta

Tues 8am Jenny Fohr

Wed 8am Evelyn Cox

Thurs 8am Papal Intentions

Fri 8am Papal Intentions

Sat 6pm

Health & Well-being and

birthday blessings for Richard P.

Chavez and Father Ariel Lustan

Sun 7am

Eloisa Quijada and Carlota

Lacarra

10am Connie Bailon

11:30am

Health & Well-being of the Mary

Kay Howell family

6pm Special intention for Joseph

Shatto

St. Rose of Lima Parishioners

St. Rose of Lima

Cinco De Mayo Parade

May 7, 2016 —10:00 A.M.

Graham County Court House, 800 W. Main St., Safford

For parade entry forms Contact: Victor Ornelas, Chairman

928.235.7046, Nemecio Ramos 928.228.2255, or St. Rose of

Lima Parish Office 928.428.4920

Hope to see you at our Cinco De Mayo Celebration!!!

CINCO DE MAYO DONATIONS It is time to start bringing in donations for our

annual Cinco de Mayo celebration. Please

bring to the St. Rose of Lima office the

following items:

Soda (Pepsi or Coke

brands only)

Bottled water

Tortilla chips

Pinto beans

Rice

Items for the white-

elephant sale

Corn Tortillas

Red chile

Longhorn cheese

All-purpose bleached

flour

Honey

Cooking oil

Lard

Thank you for your support!

REQUIREMENTS: Baptisms The parents of the child to be baptized must submit a copy of the baby's birth certificate. Parents and godparents need to attend the

parish baptismal class. Classes are given on the second Saturday of the month from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Please call the office to sign up for the

next scheduled class. All requirements for the Diocese of Tucson and Saint Rose of Lima will be given to the parents at this time. Baptisms are

performed the first and third Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Our office staff is limited, therefore, sponsors and godparents proof of sacraments,

documents and payment must be submitted at least one month before the baptism. When choosing godparents, if they are married, they must

be married through the Catholic church, if single you must not be living with a partner. Donation is $20.00.

Quinceañera The candidate and her parents must contact the office at least one (1) year or more before the date requested. Quinceañera are not

performed during Holy Days. Requirements: active within the parish, youth group, Religious Education, Mass attendance, etc. or Six(6) sets

of meetings and volunteer ministries given by Fr. Robert. Cost is $250.00. There is a non-refundable deposit of $100.00 to hold the date. Balance

to the church must be received in the office one week before the ceremony.

Weddings The couple must contact office at least 6 months prior to the desired wedding date. An appointment will be made for the couple. At that

time it will be determined if the date desired is available, and all requirements for the Diocese of Tucson and Saint Rose of Lima will be given to

the couple. Donation is $150.00.There is a non-refundable deposit of $50.00 to hold the date. Balance to the church must be received in the

office one week before the ceremony.

Cinco de Mayo Planning

Committee Meeting Wednesday, April 27 at 6:00 p.m. Meeting

will be held in the St. Rose of Lima office.

For more information, please contact Committee Chair,

Victor Ornelas, at 928.322.7055.

St. Rose of Lima RE Office Hours:

Mon.-Thurs. 9 am - 12pm

RE Office Phone # (928) 348-4785

Religious Education Registration is currently

underway for the upcoming school year. Students may

be registered in the RE Office 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. A

registration discount per family will be awarded for

all those who register prior to May 23rd.

The Religious Education Program will be sponsoring a

Cake Walk for the Cinco De Mayo celebration. Please

send in cakes or cupcakes to help with the

fundraiser. You may drop cakes off at the RE office on

Friday May 6th from 9:00-2:00 or bring them Saturday

morning to the Cake Walk booth. Thank you for your

support.

First Holy Communion Rehearsal for children

scheduled to receive First Holy Communion on April 30

will be held on Wednesday, April 27 at 6:00 p.m.

First Holy Communion Very special CONGRATULATIONS

go to the children who received their

First Holy Communion on Saturday,

April 23.

The next group of children to receive

their First Holy Communion are

scheduled for April 30, at 11:00 a.m.

Children in Pima are scheduled for their First Holy

Communion on May 8.

ST. ROSE OF LIMA NOTICES

CONFIRMATION

Upcoming Class Schedules

SUNDAYS

Confirmation I 4:45 pm.—6:00 p.m. Class

6:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. Mass

Confirmation II 6:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. Mass

7:00 p.m.—8:15 p.m. Class

CINCO DE MAYO RAFFLE TICKETS

RAFFLE #1: $2/ticket or 6 tickets for $10

Grand Prize: $1,200 Cremation Certificate to McDougals

2nd Prize: 9-piece dinette set

RAFFLE #2: $1/ticket or 5 tickets

50/50 Cash drawing

Available for purchase in the St. Rose of Lima Parish office.

St. Rose of Lima Cinco de MayoSt. Rose of Lima Cinco de MayoSt. Rose of Lima Cinco de Mayo Enchilada DinnerEnchilada DinnerEnchilada Dinner

3 Enchiladas, Rice, Beans, Lettuce, Tomato & Drink 3 Enchiladas, Rice, Beans, Lettuce, Tomato & Drink 3 Enchiladas, Rice, Beans, Lettuce, Tomato & Drink $10 Per Plate$10 Per Plate$10 Per Plate

Entertainment & Live MusicEntertainment & Live MusicEntertainment & Live Music Friday May 6, 2016 @4:00 St. Rose of Lima Volunteer HallFriday May 6, 2016 @4:00 St. Rose of Lima Volunteer HallFriday May 6, 2016 @4:00 St. Rose of Lima Volunteer Hall

Tickets Will Not be available at the door.Tickets Will Not be available at the door.Tickets Will Not be available at the door.

NEXT ST. ROSE OF LIMA

FINANCE COUNCIL MEETING IS

MONDAY, APRIL 25, AT 6 P.M.

IN THE PARISH OFFICE

“Celebrating Families” April 30, 2016, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Home Depot Parking Lot

Hosted by: Graham/Greenlee Child Abuse Prevention

Council and Graham County Substance Abuse

Coalition

Come and Dump the Drugs and learn how to protect the

children of the community.

Opening ceremonies start at 10 a.m. with keynote

speaker Judge Michael Peterson. The event includes

family entertainment, graduation of students in the “I

Matter” program, a car seat check station, a drunk

driving obstacle course, resources, food and games.

For more information contact:

Christy Maltos at 928-428-7231

or Kathy Grimes at 928-348-1751

The Newman Sustaining board

and the students of the Newman

Club at EAC wish to thank

everyone for their support of

our annual tri-tip dinner. It was

a great success. All the volunteers worked so hard and

were so willing to give of their time and energy. A

Mass of gratitude for all the volunteers will be offered

on Saturday, June 11th, at 6 p.m. God bless all of you!

SAVE THE DATE FOR:

March 10-11, 2017

Tucson Convention Center

A great multi-generational, two-day celebration for all

people of our Diocese of Tucson

Registration will open up in the fall of 2016. More

information will be available soon.

Mass Intentions for April 24-May 1

Sun 8:30 am Health & Welfare of Jose

Villalba

Mon. 9:00 am Birthday Blessing for Lourdes

Ramos

Friday 9:00 am Our Lady of Guadalupe

Parishioners

Sun 8:30 am Brandon Garcia

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

Second Collections

Sunday 4-24-16 Home Mission Collection

Sunday 5-1-2016 Building Fund

Sunday 5-8-2016 Catholic Communication Campaign

Sunday 5-15-2016 St. Vincent de Paul

Rosary

The Rosary is recited daily at 8:30 a.m. before the 9:00 a.m.

Mass.

Eucharistic Adoration is on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to

10:30 a.m.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Gift Shop is open weekdays

9:30 a.m.—3:00 p.m. and Sundays after 8:30 a.m. Mass.

Anointing of the Sick Mass is every first Friday of the

month at the 9:00am Mass.

A Change of Schedule for Compliance:

A representative will be at St. Rose of Lima from 1:00 pm to

2:30 pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month.

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

Like Jesus, choose to love when faced with

hatred and anger.

Friendly Reminder - Parents please remember to sign

your student in for mass and out for RE class. Also,

ONLY an authorized adult can sign-out and pick

students up from RE class.

Mixed choir practice (adult & children) every Tuesday

at 4:30 in the church.

Confirmation class will continue to meet on Sundays

from 11:15-1:15.

CRS Rice Bowls - Please return your CRS Rice Bowl

as soon as possible. Please write your name on the box.

Upcoming events:

April 24 - RE & Confirmation classes

May 1 - RE & Confirmation classes

May 8 - RE & Confirmation classes

May 14 - First Holy Communion

Annual Catholic Appeal Announcement - The

Annual Catholic Appeal is a yearly

fundraising campaign that supports the

ministries, programs, agencies and schools

that serve the spiritual, educational, and

physical needs of the people of the Diocese of Tucson.

Pledge envelopes in each pew/seat.

Students of the First Communion RE class must

bring in their Baptismal Certificates as soon as

possible.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Weekend Collections — April 16-17, 2016

Offertory $ 603.00

St. Vincent de Paul $ 134.09

Fundraiser for Mother’s Day. A

raffle is being held for a cement bench.

Tickets are $2.00.

If anyone is interested in buying or selling

tickets, please come in or call OLG office.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE NOTICES

The Holy Father's Intentions

for the Month of April 2016

Universal: That small farmers may receive a just reward for

their precious labor.

Evangelization: That Christians in Africa may give witness

to love and faith in Jesus Christ amid political-religious

conflicts. http://apostleshipofprayer.org/

If anyone is interested in teaching or helping with the

Religious Education Program for next year, please call the

office at 428-0149.

Congratulations to Christian Moreno and

Armando Ruiz. They were recognized and awarded

the Saint John Paul II Youth Award for

community service and social justice at a ceremony

held at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Tucson on

Saturday, April 16.

ORTEGA’S SHOES Mt. Graham Shopping

Center

Richard & Theresa Ortega

Elodia—Valerie

928.428.0636

VALLEY FURNITURE

350 E. Armory Road

Safford, AZ

928.348.9340

SECULAR FRANCISCAN St. Elizabeth of Hungary

Fraternity

Meets 2nd Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. At Our Lady of Guadalupe Church

David Esquivel, Minister

928.865.2887

Kachina Hot Springs

Mineral Spa 1155 W Cactus Rd

Safford, AZ

928.428.7212 Kachinamineralsprings.com

KNIGHTS OF

COLUMBUS Joe Figueroa,

Grand Knight

928.965.5662 Meets 1st Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Walneck’s Safford Sewing Center

Jeff & Virginia Walneck Parishioners

Hwy 70 & 3rd Ave

928.428.0494

CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS

OF THE AMERICAS Court St. Rose of Lima #2398

Kittie Avalos, Regent

928.651.3257 Meets 3rd Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

At St. Rose of Lima

In St. Matthew’s room

THRIFTEE FOOD & DRUG Groceries-General Merchandise

Bakery-Deli

Pharmacy-Florist

755 S CENTRAL AVE

SAFFORD, AZ 85546

PHONE: 928.428.1844

“No worries, no hassles,

MORE CHOICES”

928-428-7425

www.advancedair.com

928.428.1740

Michelle A. Wilson Agent

610 W. Main St

Safford, AZ 85546

928.428.1570

farmersagent@vtc.net

PEPSI-COLA BOTTLING

COMPANY OF SAFFORD

St. Jude Prayer Group

Praying for those

struggling with addiction

Meets at

St. Rose of Lima Church

in the Garden

Friday’s at 2:30 p.m.

415 E US Hwy 70, Safford, AZ

Now Serving Breakfast @ 11AM

928.428.7148

OVEREATERS

ANONYMOUS NO dues * NO fees * NO weigh-ins *

NO diets

Meets Tuesdays at 7:30-8:30 p.m.

at St. Rose of Lima

in St. Luke’s Room

928.322.8647

CURSILLO

LEADERSHIP

For more information, contact

St. Rose of Lima Parish Office

928.428.4920

707 S. 6th Ave

Safford, AZ

928.428.1033

Brando’s Fun N’ Sun

Travel & Cruise

Inside Trophies ‘N Tees

513 W. Main Street, Safford

928.322.3271 Discount Vacation Planning, Cruises,

Airlines, Rental Cars, Hotels & More!

Greens Furniture

David Montez the Furniture King

520 W. 5th St Safford, Az 428.5900

Fifth Avenue Florist 516 S. 5th Avenue, Safford

928.428.2491

Mon—Fri 9 a.m.—5 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m.—12 p.m.

Jill R Chacon, owner

Bulletin Ads $150/Year