Wednesday Update, June 24, 2020

Fr. Robert Tamminga
Father Robert Tamminga, long time, beloved pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Tucson, Arizona died the morning of June 17, 2020 after a short illness. His funeral Mass is today; Wednesday June 24 at 10 AM. It will be livestreamed on the Diocese of Tucson website. Father Bob was born in 1945 in Chicago, Illinois to Ernest and Ann Tamminga.

The family moved to Tucson where he attended St. Ambrose School and Regina Cleri Seminary. Father Bob received his Bachelor of Arts in 1967 and his Master of Divinity in 1971 from St. John’s Seminary College in Camarillo, California. He was ordained a priest at St. Augustine’s Cathedral on May 23, 1971 by Most Reverend Francis Green.

His assignments included serving as the associate pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Douglas as well as at St. Ambrose Parish and St. Odilia Parish in Tucson. In 1978 he was appointed pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Safford, Arizona. He served there until he began his pastorship of St. Francis de Sales in 1984. Known for his quick wit and sharp intellect, he served the people of God in various capacities throughout his almost 50 years of ministry. His dedication to his fellow priests was evidenced by his service as a member of the Diocesan Ministry to Priests Program, and the Presbyteral Council. Serving on the Vocations Board and as the Chaplain of the Diocesan Search Program showed his unwavering commitment to the growth of the Church.

His love for all of God’s children was expressed through his ministry to the incarcerated and to the survivors of clergy abuse. His deepest commitment, however, was to the people of St. Francis de Sales Parish. Under his guidance the parish developed and continues to have a vibrant youth ministry program. In 2009 he received the St. John Paull II Distinguished Service in Youth Ministry Award for his tireless “service and commitment to the youth of the Diocese” as stated by then Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas. Father Bob also helped nurture countless other ministries in the parish from the Altar servers to the St. Vincent De Paul Society. Father Bob’s life was marked by extraordinary devotion and faithfulness. You are kindly asked to remember him, his family, friends and the parish community in prayer.
HOPE (Helping Our Parishes Endure) FUND THANK YOU!

The HOPE Campaign has collected just over $43,000 to go directly to our parishes as we navigate the closures and reduced attendance due to COVID-19. Thanks to all who have continued to support our parishes through the closures, either directly to the parish or through the HOPE Campaign. Please continue to give to your parishes as you are able. Your weekly or monthly support is critically needed. If you would like to give to your parish on-line, visit our HOPE FUND WEBSITE.

PRIESTS ORDINATION ANNIVERSARIES THIS WEEK

• Rev Paul Wilkin SDS 6/23/2019
• Rev Patrick Grile CSsR 6/24/1971
• Rev Jerome Stack CPPS 6/24/1972
• Rev James Shea CSsR 6/29/1965

PUBLIC MASSES
We are closely watching the number of Covid-19 cases and deaths increase across our state. This is not a time to lessen the protocols in our parishes, but to diligently protect each and every one of our brothers and sisters. I very strongly encourage all those in the CDC vulnerable categories [especially those age 65+ or with a chronic health condition] to remain at home and let the Church come to you via technology. Please remember that I have lifted the obligation to attend Sunday Mass until further notice. If you don’t feel 100%, please stay home for the protection of all. If you do choose to attend one of our public Masses, please be patient and kind with your fellow parishioners, parish staffs, and priests as we all work together to create safe spaces for public worship. And please remember, while you’re probably attending only one Mass your priest will be serving a lot of people over the weekend. Wearing a face mask is the best way to tell your priest you care about him. Wear it for him!

POPE FRANCIS: “TO BE CLOSE IN ORDER TO SERVE”
The 106th World Day of Migrants and Refugees will be celebrated on Sunday September 27, 2020. With the title “Like Jesus Christ, forced to flee”, Pope Francis urges us this year to discover the reality of internally displaced people more deeply. Every month, a new video of Pope Francis will delve into the sub-themes present in the message of the Holy Father. The first sub-theme was “To know in order to understand”. Today, we invite you to watch the second, newly released video, in which the Holy Father explores the sub-theme “To be close in order to serve”. It offers the real-life testimony of an internally displaced person who describes how the solidarity of generous people saved his life.

 

---

Please note: The Diocese of Tucson and St. Augustine Cathedral Parish offices are closed to the public until further notice because of the COVID-19 pandemic. While our offices are closed, Pastoral Center employees are checking email messages and voicemail hourly. When you call a Pastoral Center employee, please leave a message with your phone number so your call can be returned.