December

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
December 26, 2010
St. Mary’s Basilica
A Catholic Faith Community
Franciscan Friars
231 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Parish Mission Statement
As children of a loving Creator, baptized into Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit, St. Mary’s Faith
Community believes in the power of the Sacred Liturgy which challenges us to faithfully live out
Gospel values of peace and justice.
Following the example of Mary’s openness to God’s call and in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi,
we minister with courtesy and compassion to all people, especially the poor and marginalized.
Reflecting God’s all-inclusive love, we commit ourselves to welcome and affirm the whole
diversity of God’s people.
Our commitment includes educating and forming ourselves into a community that joyfully
celebrates our oneness in Christ. Acknowledging that all gifts come from our Creator, we seek to
become good stewards of all God’s gifts.

Page 2
Mass Schedule
Monday—Friday………………….12:05 pm
Saturday Vigil……………………...5:00 pm
Sunday………………9:00 am and 11:00 am
Holy Days…………...12:05 pm and 5:15 pm
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Saturday…………………………….4:00 pm
Holy Hour and Adoration
Thursday…………….11:00 am and 5:00 pm
Parish Office Hours
Monday—Friday………..9:00 am—4:00 pm
Saturday……………...by Appointment Only
Sunday……………………………….Closed
Basilica Hours
Monday—Friday………10:00 am—4:00 pm
Saturday………………..10:00 am—6:00 pm
Sunday…………………..8:00 am—1:00 pm
Phone Numbers
Parish Office…………………602-354-2100
Fax…………………………...602-354-2060
Clergy and Staff
Rector and Pastor
Fr. Vincent J. Mesi, OFM…... 602-354-2072
vmesi@saintmarysbasilica.org
Parochial Vicar
Fr. Micah Muhlen, OFM…….602-354-2070
mmuhlen@saintmarysbasilica.org
Parish Manager
Jerome Doris…………………602-354-2069
jdoris@saintmarysbasilica.org
Administrative Assistant
Marriage Prep & Nullity Minister
Camela Fishgold……………..602-354-2062
camela@saintmarysbasilica.org
Adult Formation/RCIA Director
Sr. Anthony Poerio, IBVM…..602-354-2068
religioused@saintmarysbasilica.org
Religious Education and Baptism Director
Linda Raimundo……………..602-354-2100
lraimundo@saintmarysbasilica.org
Music Director
Gordon Stevenson…………...602-354-2061
gstevenson@saintmarysbasilca.org
Via Assisi Gift Shop Manager
Br. Tito Garcia, OFM………..602-354-2082
Gift Shop Hours
Monday –Wednesday………………..Closed
Thursday and Friday…..10:00 am—3:00 pm
Saturday……………….10:00 am—6:30 pm
Sunday………………….9:00 am—1:00 pm
St. Vincent de Paul……….…602-354-2097
Parish Website
www.saintmarysbasilica.org
Dear friends,
Peace and all Good!
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
This liturgical feast of the Holy Family has been on the church calendar for
about 100 years, often on different dates. It is a ―devotional‖ or ―idea‖ feast
and reminds us of the unity and love so evident in the family of Joseph,
Mary and Jesus. While the Church rightly honors and upholds family life,
we cannot overlook the various shapes families come in: nuclear, single
parent, adoptive, foster, blended, grandparents, couples who cannot have
children and others. We must apply ―family values‖ to every type of family
and situation we may find ourselves living. St. Paul encourages us to
practice every virtue. All of us are to clothe ourselves with love! Of course,
Paul knows that we are all human and from time to time we will hurt one
another and that’s why he reminds us that Christ forgives us and that
therefore we are to forgive one another.
The Gospel for this Mass brings a special challenge. The story of the flight
into Egypt reminds us that the Holy Family spent time as aliens in a foreign
land. In our day, we cannot ignore the plight of many families among us
who share that status. Many of these families have been separated by
immigration. Some parents have come here to work to support their families
but had to leave a spouse and even their children behind. Others have been
separated by deportation of parents while the children are citizens of their
new country. Our U.S. Bishops Conference has a clear position on
immigration reform. For more information and Catholic resources on this
issue, please turn to www.justiceforimmigrants.org and www.nccbuscc.org/
mrs/strangersnolonger. Today we pray for love, care and harmony of all
families and for just immigration reform.
Secular society ends Christmas on December 26 th but the Church continues
the celebration into the new year! On January 1 st , we celebrate the
Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. It is also New Year’s Day. It is also
World Day of Prayer for Peace. We will have two festive Masses: On New
Year’s Eve at 5:00 p.m. and on New Year’s Day at 10:00 a.m. This is a holy
day of obligation on which Catholics attend Mass as on Sunday. Then, we
continue the season on next Sunday with the Solemnity of the Epiphany.
This is a major feast day in our church calendar. We remember the wise men
from the East who visited the new born king with gifts of gold, frankincense
and myrrh. All children are invited to bring toys to Mass with them on this
day to be given to other children. Please see today’s bulletin for more
information. The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on January 9 th will
conclude our Christmas celebrations.
It’s time for ―Soup and Study‖! I would like to invite you to attend a four
week soup and study series beginning on January 19 th . While I was on
sabbatical this past year, I attended a scripture class in Jerusalem called
―Rediscovering Jesus in the Land with Matthew‖. I would like to share
some of that wonderful experience with you. You will find a fuller
description of these sessions in today’s bulletin. Hope you can attend.
And now, as we move into a new year, we will bless the 2011 calendars and
distribute them after Mass. Happy New Year!
Love,

Page 3
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY
Today is the Feast of the Holy Family. Ideally, when we think of families, we think of one type of family, the nuclear
family, father, mother, children. In reality, there are a number of various types of families. While we hold the Holy Family
as a model of family life, we do not forget those single parents, mixed families, the family of the local community, the state,
the nation, the world. As we reflect on family relationships today, it is important to keep this broad perspective in view, and
to be mindful of the struggles and joys attendant on each of these lifestyles. Today is a good day to reflect on what we might
do to make our family a holy family whatever family ours may look like.
We know very little about the daily ups and downs of the Holy Family. Surely they had experienced these in their lives, yet
we don’t hear much complaining or wishing for something that they don’t have. In any gathering of people today, there will
be as many experiences of family as there are individuals. In our families, we have those who are very positive, affirming
relationships with parents and siblings. These graced families seem to cope well with difficulties, and maintain honest
communication among family members. Years ago it probably was rather normal to have families who lived in proximity to
one another. As I was growing up, in an Italian family, there were four of our extended families who lived next door to one
another in two story houses in the Chicago area. Until this day, some of my cousins still do not understand why anyone
would want to live west of the Rockies. Today, we might find a different story. Young people go off to colleges across
country or because of a job offer. Parents retire to the ―sunbelt‖. Fortunately, because, of technology, air travel, e-mail,
phone, etc. some families have survived by having their deep roots in love and respect for one another.
Nobody has said that family life was simple, uncomplicated. Family relationships can be the most trying relationships we
will ever know.Yet in families is where the paschal mystery is lived, day in and day out. There will always be trials and
tribulations, illnesses, and financial challenges. The truth of the Incarnation is that we were never alone in any of it. We are
strong because of it. And our family grows because of it. Our job is to listen and trust. We are challenged to take on a new
personality as it were, and in one sense, this new personality is that of Christ himself. This new life reminds us that mercy,
kindness, humility, meekness and patience must be a part of it. These are not to be experienced casually, but must be heartfelt.
If it were up to each one of us alone, we might be overwhelmed. May we not forget the promptings and presence of the
Holy Spirit who breathes within each of us, in our families, in our communities, in our world.
Paul tells us that we are a people with roots, with connections, with a history that is still moving forward. Wouldn’t it be
nice when we celebrate the Incarnation this year, that we would open our hearts to not only welcome Christ in, but each of
our family members who may have distanced themselves from their roots! Love offered can be miraculous!
—Sr. Anthony Poerio, IBVM
Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
Safe Environment Programs
We can all be part of the solution--- together we can prevent child abuse.
All priests, deacons, employees, and volunteers in ministries that serve minors are required to take Safe Environment
Training annually. All other volunteers complete Safe Environment every two years.
In the Diocese of Phoenix all volunteers must complete Called to Protect for Ministries as a
foundation course for Safe Environment. Called to Protect for Ministries is a 3 hour program which
will teach steps that can be taken to prevent child sexual abuse and as a component of the training
everyone is required to complete a volunteer application and Code of Ethic.
The Safe Environment Coordinators for St. Mary's Basilica are Tom & Linda Raimundo.
Date: January 22, 2011
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Saint Mary’s Basilica Social Hall
Length of Session 3 hours
Please call 602-354-2100 for more information.

Page 4
“Soup and Study Sessions”
The Gospel of St. Matthew
Reserve Four Wednesday Evenings:
January 19th and 26th and February 2nd and 9th 2011.
We will begin at 6:00 p.m. with delicious homemade soup
and continue with our class at 6:30 p.m. Begin the New
Year on the right foot! Fr. Vince will lead four prayer and
study sessions on the Gospel of St. Matthew. While on
sabbatical this past summer, he spent a month in the Holy
Land. The program was called “Rediscovering Jesus in
the Land with Matthew”. Along with scripture study, Fr.
Vince toured throughout the land of Jesus and would like
to share some of his experiences with you.
World Day of Peace
And so, please mark your
cal endar s now f or this
opportunity to study Matthew’s
gospel and learn more about the
Holy Land.
In December of 1967, Pope Paul
VI invited people of good will
throughout the world to begin
1968 with a "Day of Peace." It was
his intention that the first day of
the civil New Year begin with a
consideration of the need to preserve peace and to work
assiduously for the promotion of peace through various
cultural, social, and political institutions. Pope Paul made
it clear in his first message for the Day of Peace, that his
concern was not exclusively religious. In choosing to call
it a "Day of Peace" rather than a day of prayer for peace,
the pope wanted to highlight the importance of the duty of
all men and women (even unbelievers) to work for peace
that leads to human development and the advancement of
civilization. To this day, January 1 remains dedicated as a
Day of Peace.
For Your Marriage
On this second day of Christmas become
each other's "turtle dove." Read
Shakespeare's love sonnets--or a
favorite poem--to each other. Don't
worry about being too sentimental.
Christmas reminds us that Christ became
human and honors our human nature,
schmaltz and all.
For daily marriage tips visit:
www.ForYourMarriage.org.
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
“Be My Valentine
Dinner Dance”
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Wild Horse
Hotel and Casino
Once again this year, everyone is invited to celebrate
Valentine’s Day together at the fabulous Wild Horse Hotel
and Casino! A Welcome Reception (no host bar) will begin at
5:00 p.m. followed by a delicious buffet dinner prepared by
Chef Howard. Then, we begin the dancing to the music of our
own disc jockey, Eliseo Ramirez.
The price is $75 per person...Each guest will also receive a
Free Play Voucher worth $25! Come along and have some
fun! Ask anyone who went last year how delightful it was!
All proceeds from this spectacular and classy evening will go
to the St. Mary’s Pipe Organ Fund.
Tickets are on sale today in the Via Assisi Gift Shop.
Wedding Seminar
Interested in getting married at
St. Mary’s Basilica?
Join us on Wednesday, December 29th at 6:30 pm in the
Parish Center. We will offer information, go over our policies
and Diocesan requirements under the new Covenant of Love
policy. This seminar is required for weddings at the Basilica
and will help you in making your wedding a memorable and
liturgically beautiful Sacrament.
Pre-registration is now required.
Please call or email the parish office to register.
602-354-2062 camela@saintmarysbasilica.org
St. Mary’s Basilica Hosts
ASL Interpreted Liturgy
Each Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Mass
True to our parish Mission Statement, St.
Mary’s welcomes the whole diversity of God’s
people. Every Sunday, hundreds of people from
all walks of life and cultures celebrate the Eucharist in our
beautiful Basilica. In an effort to reach out and welcome our
brothers and sisters who are deaf or hearing impaired, our
parish Pastoral Council has decided to include an American
Sign Language Interpreter each Sunday at the 11:00 a.m. Mass.
The interpreter will sign from the front of the church at the
Shrine of Our Lady of Grace. Pews will be reserved there for
you. .Please get the word out to those who would benefit from
this new ministry.
Bring them to church. “All are welcome in this house!”

Page 5
Christmas Season Mass Schedule
Sunday
January 2nd, 2010
Solemnity of the
Epiphany of the Lord
9:00 and 11:00am
Solemn Vespars
5:00 pm
Friday
December 31st, 2010
Solemnity of Mary,
the Mother of God
Vigil Mass 5:00pm
Saturday
January 1st, 2011
Solemnity of Mary,
the Mother of God
10:00am
Sunday
January 9th, 2010
Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
9:00 and 11:00am
Stewardship: A Way of Life
During this Christmas season, we give to those we love to
express our love, on the birthday of the one who taught us
what love is all about. This is the principle involved in
our giving of our financial means to our parish and to
other worthy charities. In the spirit of our Lord’s
birthday, let us see what gift of self we can give out of our
love. We know by now what our annual income is or will
be from all sources, including possible gifts and bonuses.
We know, too, how much we have given to God, both
through the church and through worthy charities other
than the church. Does the amount I am giving truly
represent what I think of Almighty God? Does it
represent my love, my gratitude, my repentance, my acts
of self-denial, my crosses and joys? Does it represent an
acceptable share of my material goods? In this season of
giving, we should take time to
re-appraise what we have offered God
this year. Let’s use tithing as a
measure, an acceptable standard, and
determine now if our gift of love is
worthy of us.
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Centering Prayer With
Fr. Luis Baldonado, O.F.M.
Centering prayer Mondays
at 7:00 pm In the Friars Chapel.
“Called to Minister With the Sick”
Morning of Reflection
January 8, 2011, 10:00 a.m.-Noon
“When the Church cares for the
sick, it serves Christ himself in the
suffering members of his Mystical
Body…the Church shows this
solicitude not only by visiting those
who are in poor health but also by
raising them up through the
sacrament of anointing and by
nourishing them with the Eucharist
during their illness and as Viaticum when they are in danger of
death.” (Decree of the Sacred Congregation for Divine
Worship, 7 December 1972) Since the Second Vatican
Council, the emergence of the laity within the Pastoral Care of
the Sick, one of the oldest ministries in the church, has
necessitated a serious look at parish commitment and
professional training for volunteers. This ministry is a
powerful witness to God’s presence and significant means of
sharing Christ’s healing power.
Our parish has a long history of care for the sick. At present,
we are in desperate need of more men and women to minister
in this way to those who are in the hospital or confined to their
homes. It takes a commitment to do this ministry. There are
some requirements at Good Samaritan Hospital as well as
diocesan requirements for safe environment training.
However, once you have met these requirements, you will find
the ministry to the sick very rewarding. Please attend a special
morning of reflection at the parish center on Saturday morning,
January 8 th from 10:00 a.m. until Noon. For more information,
you may call Fr. Micah at 602-354-2070.
The Green Corner
To find out more about helping our
planet and animals, please visit The
National Geographic Magazine web site
at www.nationalgeographic.com or pick
up their latest edition at you local book
store. National Graphic Magazine is a
great source of information and great for kids as well.

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For information on advertising,
please call our church representative
CHUCK TONNE
at 1-800-950-9952 • Ext. 2528
Email: ctonne@4LPi.com
JOSEPH A. LOSADA
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT
St. Mary’s Parishioner
602-769-9838
ACCOUNTING – TAX – CONSULTING
2 Locations to Serve
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La Paz Funeral Home
935 E. Indian School Rd.
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602.266.5558 602.743.1000
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$50 donation with each vehicle purchase
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ST. MARY BASILICA-PHOENIX AZ A 4C 05-0401
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FOR AD INFO CALL 1-800-950-9952 • WWW.4LPi.COM
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B 2C 05-0401
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