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Today's Mass Readings A Message from our Pastor My heart was deeply touched by the outpouring of gifts during this past Christmas Season. The gifts I am most referring to are those that brought such joy and spiritual inspiration to St. Mary's: The Advent Giving Tree, Art and Environment, Liturgical Ministers, My Parish Staff, The Choir and my Franciscan Brothers. How grateful I am that Divine Providence brought me to this wonderful parish with so many wonderful parishioners. Each one of you have a special place in my heart. As we begin this new year of 2008, as we start a new path on the Journey of Life, let me ask each of you to pray in a special way for our world, but especially our country. We are at a crucial turning point and much prayer will be needed so that we can each make the right choice, not just in regards to the elections but other issues: such as immigration (especially here in Arizona), capital punishment, life and death issues. The list can go on and on, but I think you see the need we have for prayer. Together we can prayerfully find the solutions and bring about the Kingdom of God. May God bless each of you, and may the Holy Spirit dwell in your hearts forever. Fr. Vince 2008 Charity and Development Appeal My Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, A close personal relationship with Christ is our path to holiness. His love teaches us to be good stewards of the many gifts He has given us. When we commit our lives to Him, when we give Him our gifts of time, talent and other resources, we become more like Him who came not be served but to serve. We can never outdo God in generosity. He blesses our generosity a hundredfold. As members of one diocesan family, God asks us for faithful stewardship: accepting, increasing and sharing our blessings with others. Your donations and prayers for the 2008 Charity and Development Appeal are acts of leadership that make a great difference to all those who need our care. Please discern prayerfully your gift to the CDA. An increase over last year’s contribution would support us in meeting the new needs of our diocesan family which continues to grow. Contributions over $1,000 offer participation in the Society of the Miter and those over $5,000 include participation in the Shepherd’s Circle. Your loving response through both prayer and a financial gift has a great impact when done out of gratitude to the Lord. Recognizing that we are One Family in Christ, the CDA is an eloquent expression of our love for God and our stewardship of His gifts. May the Lord bless you and your loved ones with His love and mercy. Sincerely yours in Christ Thomas J. Olmsted Bishop of Phoenix

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