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June 17, 2020WEDNESDAY UPDATE JUNE 17, 2020 | BISHOP EDWARD J WEISENBURGER | VOL 3, NO 23
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!
OUR NATION’S ORIGINAL SIN
The sin of racism runs deeply in our history and culture. It has actually been referred to as our nation’s “original sin.” I am deeply moved by the peaceful protests we have seen across the nation. Those who engaged in peaceful protest are among our noblest of citizens and their witness rightly calls each of us to look within. I also wish to express a word of appreciation for local law enforcement whose policies and procedures appear to mirror much of what is being asked for across the nation.
My hope is that the citizens of our great nation will rise once again to meet a painful challenge—the challenge of racism and the violence it spawns. We are all children of one Heavenly Father. May our lives and conduct reflect His image in each of us.
PLEASE PRAY FOR...
The repose of the soul of Fr. Robert Tamminga. Fr. Tamminga was the long time pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish on Tucson’s East side. He passed away this morning after a short non-covid related illness. Please keep Fr. Tamminga, his family, and the parish community in your prayers.
PRAYER FOR PROTECTION AGAINST WILDFIRES
As we wait patiently for the monsoon rains to come and cool our temperatures and reduce the fire danger, we stand in prayer for those directly affected by wildfires in our Diocese: • The Bingham fire in Greenlee County
• The Bighorn fire in the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson
• The Bush fire between Apache Junction and Payson • The Blue River and Dry Lake fires on the San Carlos Apache Tribal lands
• And the numerous smaller fires that start each day and are extinguished so efficiently we rarely hear about them.
We Pray, Almighty and eternal God, we ask Your protection against destroying fire. Fire is so very necessary for our existence, and yet, when it gets out of control, it can be more damaging than anything else. Keep us, Your children, and our homes, parishes, deserts and mountains safe from further damage. Grant comfort and hope to those who have lost their homes and properties and move us to be Your hands and feet reaching out to them in their need. We ask Your special blessing on all those men and women battling the wildfires blazing throughout our Diocese. Give them strength and keep them safe. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
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 Charles Flynn 6/15/1969 Rev Stephen Watson OCD, VF 6/16/1984 Rev Jose Maria Corvera 6/17/1997 Rev Jose Luis Ferroni OCD 6/18/2005 Rev Albert Miranda 6/21/2014 Rev Michael Bucciarelli VF 6/21/1975
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.