Sunday

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Mass Schedule
Monday—Friday………………….12:05 pm
Saturday Vigil……………………...5:00 pm
Sunday………………9:00 am and 11:00 am*
* Interpreted for the deaf/hard of hearing
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
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……………..602-354-2082
lraimundo@saintmarysbasilica.org
Music Director
Gordon Stevenson…………...602-354-2061
gstevenson@saintmarysbasilica.org
Via Assisi Gift Shop Manager
Br. Tito Garcia, OFM………..602-354-2100
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
Dear Friends,
Peace and all Good!
Third Sunday of Easter
All of the appearances of Jesus following his resurrection reveal how the risen
Christ restores relationships by reconnecting with those who followed him. This
is the work of reconciliation that begins with the forgiveness of sins. In these
Easter encounters, whether in the upper room or on the road to Emmaus, in the
garden or on the beach, Jesus makes connections about everything in the
scriptures, “beginning with Moses and all the prophets” who referred to him
(Luke 24:44). As he told them before he died, that “the Christ is to suffer death
and rise from the dead on the third day” and that “in his name repentance for the
forgiveness of sins is to be preached to all the nations, beginning in
Jerusalem” (Luke 24:46-47). The purpose of Christ’s pardon is not simply to
erase the slate of sin but to engage his disciples in becoming a new creation. The
Easter season celebrates Christ’s victory over the grave by choosing reconciliation
over revenge. By daring to forgive those who put him to death, by choosing
to die rather than seek vengeance on those who tortured and executed him, Jesus
shows us how our God is a God life and how the fullness of life is found in
forgiveness. When we forget who we are—made in the image and likeness of
God—we are less likely to forgive. When we forget that the one who hurt us, or
who holds something against us, is also made in God’s image and likeness, we
will fail to forgive. But when we remember who we are and whose image we
bear, and that we carry within us the very breath of God, we will gather the
courage and dare to forgive.
As we continue to celebrate this beautiful Easter Season, we wish to welcome all
new parishioners to St. Mary’s. Our parish is unique in that not many
parishioners actually live in the actual parish boundaries but rather come from
many different places throughout the valley—some from quite a distance! This
means that you have chosen to worship here and to make St. Mary’s your
spiritual home. The fact that so many have chosen this parish for worship and
Christian life reflects the vibrancy of this community. I am so proud of all of
you—you make St. Mary’s the beloved community that it is! And so, we will
have a lovely reception on May 6 th to honor and celebrate all of our new
parishioners. Please mark your calendars now and plan to attend.
As you see from today’s bulletin, the dedication concert for our new pipe organ
will take place on Sunday afternoon May 20 th . We have invited Bishop Olmsted
to give the blessing. This magnificent instrument should be fully installed by
next Sunday! Yeah!!! I think you agree that it is visibly glorious and the sound
will be even more amazing. Please plan to attend the dedication ceremony and
concert. We will also have a lovely reception following the concert as a little
way to thank everyone who has made this possible and to celebrate this historic
moment.
Visiting the sick is one of the corporal works of mercy. Indeed, ministering to
the sick and homebound is one of the most important ministries in our parish.
Each week, several Ministers of Care visit Good Samaritan Hospital to bring the
Eucharist and support to the patients. We are in need of more volunteers for this
vital Christian ministry. If you think God may be calling you, please contact Fr.
Micah for more information (602-354-2070). As Mother Teresa said so often:
“We see the face of Christ in the sick.”
In closing, this past week witnessed the sad death of one of our parishioners, Mr.
Bill Newcomb. Bill had a lovely, soothing speaking voice which he used well as
a lector here at St. Mary’s—a ministry he loved. Please keep his dear wife
Clemence and the entire family in your prayers. I know they will miss this
lovely man terribly—as we will as well. We take heart from Scripture: “Do not
let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God and faith in me. (John 14: 1) May
Bill’s soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
Love,