September/October 2014
Volume 31 Issue 4
St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church 18211 S Henrici Rd.
Oregon City, OR 97045
BENIZI NOOZ
RCIA ~ New Beginnings
Your St Philip Benizi Parish RCIA team is preparing to start another exciting year. We will be assisting those who have expressed an interest in knowing more about the Catholic
faith. We stand ready to help you answer God's call to share the "Good News" with your friends and neighbors. We are not all expected to be teachers of the fundamentals that form the foundation for
our understanding of Christ's unending love for us. But, we are all called to offer this "Good News" to others by asking them if they are interested in learning about our faith, and
bringing them to RCIA night in our parish center.
With the help of the Holy Spirit and a tiny bit of bravery on your part, an invitation to RCIA night will give a friend or neighbor a chance to
explore the Catholic Faith and discover the love, peace, and joy that Christ adds to our daily lives.
You are an important part of our St Philip Benizi RCIA team. To assist you in your efforts to share your faith we have prepared a special card
for you to give to your friends and neighbors. You will find it in the pews and at the back and side doors of the church.
Take this card home and walk it across the street to a neighbor. Give it to a friend so they
know that caring for someone includes caring for their soul. Loving your neighbor includes an invitation to share in the eternal happiness that
Christ offers those who believe. This is your call. As members of this great
community of faith we are all parts of the Mystical Body of Christ. It is time to do your part. Your part is to bring them. We will teach
them what Catholics believe. Father Paschal will baptize them when they are ready. And God will bless them with the gift of eternal life.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost is truly a
team effort. And, you are an important part of the team. May God bless you and may the
Holy Spirit give you the courage you need to share your faith with a friend.
Pastoral Council 2014-2015
President: Lindy McDonald
Vice President: Gail Alexander
Past President: Lydia Roskey
Secretary: Mary Lou Silvander
Communications: Bill Breshears
Evangelization: Ed Schneider
Helping Hands: Bill Breshears
Jeannine Breshears
Liturgy: Deacon Jim Pittman
Parish/Family Life: Tina Twarowski
Youth Minister: Katy Schnoor
Religious Education
Youth: Gail Williams
Religious Education
Adult: Lydia Roskey
Social Justice: Becky Wooten Thuc Alexander
Join us on the 4th Thursday of each month at 7:00pm in the Parish Center.
Special Dates for
September, October
September
1 Labor Day 13 Women’s Retreat
21 Religious Education classes begin 27 A Taste of Nigeria @ 6:45pm
In the Parish Center
October
12 Pro Life Rally
31 Halloween
November
1 All Saints Day
Parish Staff
Pastor: Father Paschal Ezurike
Office Manager: Karen Henry Music Director: Debbie Schaffer
RE Director: Gail Williams Youth Director: Katy Schnoor
Marriages
Alexandra Kasmierowicz & Daniel Czyzewicz II (Aug 16, 2014)
New Members
Teri Jenson
Deaths
Linda Brolliar, Rudy Schwarz, Norm Denton, Jerry Knox, Jean Kirsch and Theresa Schmidt
Parish Happenings
Youth Sponsored Mass
Fourth Sunday of each month at 10:30am mass
Adoration
Thursdays from 8:30am-10pm
Divine Mercy Chaplet 3pm
Scriptural Rosary 8pm
RCIA
In Hall on Tuesdays at 7pm
It is the policy of St. Philip Benizi that
articles submitted anonymously will
not be published in the newsletter.
Our Awesome God By Gail Williams
Have you ever imagined what it would have been like to be born during the time of Jesus and experience His awesomeness? To hear Him speak…., too witness the miracles ..., to be in His presence and be filled with this overwhelming love. It would be life changing. In fact for many people during that time, it was life changing. They would travel for miles on foot to hear Jesus speak. After Jesus’ death, when Christianity was not accepted by the rulers of their time, the people worshiped in silence. And some gladly gave up their lives for their faith. Our Church needs that awesomeness back. We need to be transformed. How do we do that? First and foremost, pray. Pray, pray, pray. Make prayer a priority. Start simple by just having a conversation with God about your day. Or start reading a couple of versus from one of the Gospels and ask God what he is saying to you. Secondly, study. Catholics need to be continuous learners. Jesus doesn’t want followers, he wants disciples. That means sitting at the feet of Christ and learning. Read Catholic books, listen to Catholic CDs, watch DVDs about the faith, tune in to Catholic radio and television programs, or attend spiritual retreats. Thirdly, be generous. This is what Christ was all about. He was filled with a generous spirit of service. This is what Christ wants of us. He wants us not only be generous of our money and time, but also our love, appreciation, praise, and encouragement to others. Fourth, evangelize. We need to invite others to grow spiritually by sharing the love of God with them. And I have to admit, this does not come easy for me. This is what Pope Francis is asking us to do. I know, most of you are saying, “I just don’t have time for anything else!” Start off small. Spend one minute each day for a week in conversation with God. One minute, that’s all. Next week read one page from a Catholic book for a week. Next week, commit to practice one intentional act of generosity each day. The next week pass on a Catholic book you have been reading to someone. The fifth week, add two minutes of conversation with God a day, and so on. Small steps, tiny steps, but they will have a big impact on your life. Have you ever imagined what it would be like to be born during the time of Jesus and experience His awesomeness? Look in the mirror. It starts with you and me. It starts with all of us. We are created in the image and likeness of God, out of love. Let’s shake up the world, go out and show Jesus’ love, a little at a time.
Coming Soon:
A Taste of Nigeria
September 27 6:45pm in the Parish Center
On September 27, you are invited to ‘A Taste of Nigeria’. This benefit dinner will help
fund need-based college scholarships for students in Orlu, Nigeria, because education is the key to eradicating poverty. This event will be an evening of exposure to traditional Nigerian music and cuisine (with sensitivity to American taste). There will be an opportunity to play
Bingo, bid on items in a silent auction, and to purchase raffle tickets for a basket too. The funds raised will be administered by our Pastor, Father Paschal, in the area of his Nigerian diocese. Our goal is to raise 1,000,000 Naira, which is between 6,500 and 7,500 U.S.
dollars, depending on the exchange rate.
Did you know that 62% of middle class Nigerians live at or below the poverty level with an annual income of 1,430 U.S. dollars. Only 1 in 3 have access to clean water, i.e. water not
carried from the river. Their poor electricity supply, unemployment and inadequate infrastructure are key concerns.
Nigeria does not have a system of Social Security (remember life expectance at birth is 50
years). There are no Medicare, Medicaid or pension systems, no SNAP (Supplemental Nutri-tional Assistance Program i.e. food stamps), or public assistance programs, and no Scholar-ships or Pell Grants.
Nigeria is a PAYGO society, and if one cannot pay, one cannot go: not for medical
treatment, not for food, not for education.
Perhaps you have already contrasted the realities of daily life in Nigeria with daily life in
Redland. We invite you to make concrete the Universality of the Catholic Church; to reach out and connect with our Catholic youth in this West African nation. We invite you to come and enjoy ’A taste of Nigeria’ and to look into your hearts and open WIDE your wallets. We pray for your generous response. Dalu, Chukwu gọzi gi: (Da loo. Cho coo gah zee gee.)
Thank You, God bless you. See you on September 27th!
Tickets are available after all weekend Masses. The cost is $15/person, $25/couple, or $35/family
The St. Philip Benizi Church picnic was a wonderful event. The weather was just perfect. I would
like to thank Debbie and Karen for all their hard work and dedication to our parish, not only with
this event but in all their ministries. As a fairly new parishioner it was a joy to walk around and see
so many people visiting and sharing laughter. Katy and the youth group provided fun and
entertaining games for all the youngsters. The sing-a-song was a great new addition, so many
smiling faces as the nostalgic music played. We are so blessed to have a church community that
values time together in fellowship. There were so many who helped to make this a success, those of
you who cooked, cleaned, set-up, helped with the games, sang and played in the sing-a-long and
even the clean-up went smoothly. This parish is amazing. Thank you all! Tina Twarowski
SPB Youth Group
In July, 12 high school students from St Philip Benizi and 5 adult chaperones went on a journey. This was no ordinary journey, this was a spiritual journey. We traveled to Idaho for a day of fun in the sun at Silverwood Theme Park, unfortunately, this year was much different than the past couple years. The main difference was the lack of sun. There was thunder, lighting, hail, rain, wind and sun, all in just the day we drove to Idaho. We spent Thursday bonding with our group and having fun in the process. Many of us rode Thunder Canyon, a water ride, and proceeded to get soaked. We ended up going right back to the start of the line and doing it again, even though we were soaking wet and the outside temperature was only about 65 degrees.
On Friday, the day the conference started, we were back to the warmth from the beautiful sun. We started the conference with singing, dancing and prayer. The theme this year was “God is”. We were asked what comes to mind with the words… “God is _____”. Many things came to mind… God is happiness, God is friendship, God is passion, God is prayer, God is love and God is life. These were just some sentences that were mentioned. The speaker then said “Why do we need to finish the sentence? Why can’t it just be…God is?” WOW, I thought. What a way to change my thought process.
We all went to Reconciliation on Friday night, so we could open our hearts to hearing His word and feeling His love. We all had some amazing experiences at Adoration on Friday and Saturday nights, which some of the students will tell you about, in October.
We had some amazing speakers, these are just a few of what we experienced: Matt Fradd talked about his friend Carla and her challenges of being a teen and her questioning what God is. Katie Hartfiel talked about the positive aspects of being a woman and what an amazing being we are. Steve Angrisano had us jumping, dancing and singing in our seats. The band was loud, yet amazing and Bishop Cupich said Mass on Sunday before we left to come home.
The group of students were amazing again this year. They were willing to share their thoughts and ideas freely with the group, two to three times a day. The rules for our discussions are simple: “What is said in the group, stays in the group”, when it comes to names and specific situations.
I look forward again this year when the students share their experiences with the community. This will be done on October 12th, between the masses. We will have pictures to look at and the students that attended Steubenville NW will share their stories and their meaning of what God Is. Please join us.
Katy Schnoor SPB Youth Minister
The Love INC Recycle Bike Ministry Needs Volunteers
Oregon City Evangelical works in partnership with Love INC to repair bikes for people in need of transportation or children who have never experienced the joy of bike riding. Last year hundreds of bikes were
put back on the road thanks to the generosity of the church working together.
Volunteers are needed for this valuable ministry on Saturdays from 9 am to Noon. Training is provided for those of high school age and older. Or contact the bike ministry if you have a bike(s) to donate.
Contact Gerry Hines @ 503-593-1485 or Love INC @ 503-655-4223 ext 2 for more information!
Project Rachel Did you know abortion healing is a major hidden issue in your parish, as it is in every parish? It is often hidden from sight, from conversation, and from parish attention. That is why Catholic Charities’ Project Rachel reaches out to each parish with information about the upcoming Rachel's Vineyard Retreat, in the hope that the information may reach hurting individuals through your parish bulletins, bulletin boards, in parish bathrooms, in Adoration Chapels, in confessionals, from the pulpit, and in announcements.
The trauma of an abortion experience can result in pain, loss, guilt, shame, self-numbing addictions, and alienation from both God, self, and community. Rachel’s Vineyard retreats offer an effective process of forgiveness, healing, and transformation in a safe, confidential, and caring environment. Your role in offering information about the retreats is essential to sharing God’s mercy and healing power. Since October is Respect Life month in the Catholic Church, it is important to note that as individuals – both women and men - heal from the trauma of abortion and experience true forgiveness and mercy, they become some of the most powerful voices in the ProLife movement.
We ask that you please print the attached announcement in your bulletins, and share the information anywhere and everywhere in your parish. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
From the Office of the Vicar General
Optional Special Collection for the Middle East
From: Bishop Peter Smith
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is asking that consideration be
given to taking a special collection to provide humanitarian relief and pastoral support for our affected brothers and sisters in the Middle East.
It is requested that this special collection be taken on either the weekend of September 6-7 or September 13-14.
These funds will be used by Catholic Relief Services and other Catholic agencies working in partnership with the local Church to meet the most urgent humanitarian needs facing the
people in Iraq, Gaza, Syria and surrounding countries where refugees have fled. These organizations have well-established partnerships with the Catholic Church in the region which allows them to respond quickly and efficiently to victims in some of the hardest to
reach areas. Collection funds will also be used to support Church programs to aid persecuted Christians and to respond to rebuilding needs of Catholic dioceses in the impacted areas.
Adult Education
Blessings! God's Mercy and Grace to you!
So far we at SPB have had a great summer! God has blessed us with great weather, a little hot but still lovely, and with that weather we had a yummy ice cream social. Lots of hungry customers for that one! SPB may even make it yearly, in the middle of the long, hot summers.
SPB had a retreat for one Sat. with "THE" Father Frances Chun. He even had some "True or False" and some visuals. Fr. Chun spoke on God's great mercy. There was a lot of learning that day. We had a great nourishing lunch with cole slaw, potato salad, sub sandwiches, and other goodies. Thanks to all who participated. Fr. Chun was pleased to see everyone.
We have another wonderful retreat with Pauline Lange scheduled for Saturday, September 13th. She will speak on the way the Holy Spirit asks women to follow our Lord. She will touch on Our Blessed Mother; Hannah, the mother of Samuel the prophet who anointed David, Israel's King; and Lydia, the seller of a very unique dye, very expensive, for Kings, Queens, and Roman citizens. God is very much interested in having us as co-laborers with Him. Brunch will be served! It’s not too late to RSVP, just call the office. Pauline does a very good job at leading retreats. She also does 3 day retreats, so-o-o maybe in the future??
October is Respect Life month, On Oct.12, 2014, we will have a Pro-Life Rally. I have already lined up some Pro-Life guests, booths with literature and even an interactive booth. The Rally is in conjunction with Oregon Right-to-Life from Salem. They will bringing posters and other visuals.
Love in Jesus Christ, Lydia
Open Arms and Helping Hands There is so much need within our community and beyond. Many people are homeless or living in poverty. We try to help as many people as possible, but we need your time and talent.
The ways you can help are:
Your goods-we are in constant need of furniture, kitchen supplies, appliances and bedding. These articles need to be clean and in good shape. We also accept clothing and shoes.
Your time-we get a lot of calls from people within the tri-county area who have items for us to pick up...sometimes filling our truck! We can use whatever time you can spare to help pick up donated items and unload them in our warehouse. Donations to pay for gas, insurance and upkeep of our vehicle are always appreciated and needed.
Another way you can help is by working a ninety minute shift each month in our warehouse helping those in need select items for their home. We are open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Please check our website, listed below, to discover how you can shop online and save money while helping us raise money.
Deacon Jim Pittman Phone: 503-785-2415 E-mail: [email protected] website google.com/site/ctkopenarmsandhelpinghands/
Poems
From Heather Hannum
COMMUNION
I sit still, afraid to move and disturb the spell. Jesu is gazing
into the cup, partially filled with Passover wine. I do not fully understand, my mind's concepts so small and contracted. Moments before I
glanced up as he broke our dinner's bread and claimed his ransom in its substance. Of course I ate it; he gave it to me, and I love him. It was
such a simple act, almost casual except for the strange blessing words,
"This is my body. " As I slowly chewed and then swallowed, I noticed my breath begin to
expand and my heart shiver. A buzzing filled my chest and head that riveted my attention back to Jesus.
His head bowed in a reference that is his alone, and I was compelled to
look where his eyes rested. "My blood for the life of the world" came his words. What can this mean? How does wine be blood? And what means "the
world"? I cannot fathom in my pitiable head, but my heart commands a
silence as Jesu offers me the cup after he took the first sip. I follow his lead, the warm liquid meeting my throat.
As the others at table follow in the ritual, the rapid sensations arising within are foreign to me and demand my full attention. I beg inwardly to hold onto them as long as possible, delirious with their deep resonance
in my body and heart. Something came home in me just now, and I want this feeling to last.
Jesus is now looking at each of us, locking our eyes in his gaze until we all are one in a way I have no words to explain. I don't know when I will
get this again, but I want it, and not just for me, but for "the world".
12/13/12
AT THE FOOT OF YOUR CROSS
I stand, cowering and timid behind the robes of your holy Mother. It is too fearsome a sight to take in your pain and suffering, so I shield my eyes in
the folds of her veil. Your moans and joints cracking invade my covered ears, insisting I witness in spite
of my reticence.
Mary moves closer, and afraid to be lost to her circle of courage, I shuffle with her, needing a grace I do not have words to request.
Your sweat and blood splatter the ground, delivering tiny warm, wet ricochets onto
my bare arms and feet. My chest feels compressed by the suffocated energy of your labored breath.
I am helpless, standing overwhelmed by a divinely ordained suffering. Resistance to this truth fights within me to become a disobedience, but an intensity
arises that eventually lifts my face to mirror Mary's.
Answering a call made without words, I join Mary and lock into your gaze, past the pain to a depth of love and self compassion leading me to a soul acceptance of
your fiat. Awash now in your reflected dignity and sacred obedience, a gratitude laced with sorrow fills my heart, and I stand next to mother Mary, a witness to your cross.
10/18/12
Poems (continued)
THE CROSS
Dropped, I have shaken and reverberated from your falls. For the final time I now rest on the dirt and stones, an uneasy balance forced by uneven rocks. Groans and
creaks, preceding yours, escape from dried cracks, forced wider as heavy hands hold
down your arms and legs. Nails pounded begin a keening at the tips of my crossbar, first right then left, holes
deepening and splitting the wood. Sharp splintering quickly muffles from the wet of your sweat and blood, and I feel the greater weight of your body compressed by the
stakes.
Your back arches as the metal is driven through your ankles in hard succession, and I feel the strain on us both with the jarring lift and vertical thud into the crucifixion
hole.
All nature knows the reason my limbs were selected to parallel yours and cast their long shadow into future millennia. And so we wait for this part of the story to play
out. My strengths shift with your head turns, your words, your life force continuing to leak away. The noon sun heats your blood into a burnished crimson paint, and your body
mass evaporates drop after drop. The charging molecules of air and stone reach their climax, lightning flashing and
marble curtains tearing. All creation has bowed low at the loss of their Prince; I alone
allowed to hold my full height. In the finishing blow, I feel the hard point of the spear pierce your chest and back, this
last flow of blood and water the true echo of my wordless tears. Eased into the arms of your mother, I miss the weight of your sacred body, but forever
hold the shadow of your limb.
1/10/13
Come & See at the Monastery
October 17 - 19, 2014
November 14 - 16, 2014
February 27 - 28, 2015
April 24 - 26, 2015
Monastic Week
July 4 - 11, 2015
Come, visit and get to know our Benedictine Community in Mt. Angel.
Get input, quiet discussion and prayer.
RSVP one week before the event: (503) 845-6141 or [email protected]
Time, Talent and Treasure
What Can I Do??
There are many ways to help out here at your parish. Here are just a few…
Giving the gift of time….
Our thanks to Sacristans Dan Edgerton, Ed Schnieder, Jim Arn, Scott Bible, Lindy McDonald, Jerry Siler and Greg Markowski, for faithfully overseeing the sacristy and assisting the celebrant, whether priest or minister. These people open the doors, assure
hosts and wine are ready, lights and fans are on, servers are ready, the Lectionary is ready to be carried by the Lector, Extraordinary Ministers are signed in…the list goes on. They are a perfect example of the “behind the scenes” actions here at SPB. Be sure to tell them
how much you appreciate what they do to make Mass or Communion Service possible. Giving the gift of time….
SPB has five teams of parishioners who take turns counting the collections every week. Each team is comprised of three or four people who are not all related to each other, i.e.,
two married couples. They meet at an appointed time and spend up to two hours once every five weeks counting the collections and preparing the parish’s deposit. These people are the height of discretion and another example of the “behind the scenes” activity here at
SPB. Thank you for all you do! Giving the gift of time…..
What does the Lector/ Commentator do? He/she greets you from the pulpit, introduces the celebrant, carries the Lectionary to the altar and reads the readings, petitions and
announcements. Yes, we appreciate the Lectors/Commentators we have, and could use more. Ask one of them why they do what they do and you will learn they feel it is an honor
to minister in this way, and you can do it, too. Thank you, Lector/Commentators! Giving the gift of time…..
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are the parishioners who serve the Eucharist to the rest of us. They are confirmed, trained by the pastor and certified to administer Holy Communion in church and to shut-ins in their homes. They must arrive at church early
enough to help set up the service and then stay to clear the altar and “do the dishes” after Mass. Next time you see one of them carrying a tray of glasses or counting hosts, let them
know how much you appreciate the gift they are giving. Giving the gift of time…..
Altar servers are youth who appear at Mass earlier than those who are not scheduled to serve. And even though they may not be scheduled to serve, they often volunteer to fill the
vacancies. Apprentice servers are trained by senior servers who then serve with them while they gain experience and confidence. Youth 4th Grade and higher are eligible to serve. Active servers are occasionally rewarded with a small Burgerville gift certificate. Their true
reward is your appreciation of their ministry and their satisfaction of serving God. Tell our young people “Job well done!”
Continued on page 11
Continued from page 10
Giving the gift of time…..
An usher is like a Sergeant at Arms at your local club. They are information providers, guiding people to pews and pointing out the restrooms. They take up the collections and guide the Communion flow toward the altar. Some of them are also greeters who call out a
friendly “Hello” to everyone who comes through the door, making all feel welcome as they return to their parish family. As the parishioners depart the church, ushers monitor the condition of the church itself, checking restrooms and doors, turning off lights, closing
windows. Ushers usually show up early and leave late….giving the gift of time. Thank you! David Beaty, 503-632-3941, is SPB’s usher/greeter coordinator. Give him a call if you
think you want to include ushering and greeting in your gifts to God. Giving the gift of time…..
Ever notice the sparkling linen on the altar? And how many of those little white cloths does Father use in a weekend anyway? The parishioners who sign up to do the altar linens
can tell you! Parishioners sign up for a time period during the year and quietly collect the soiled linen and just as quietly return it clean and pressed. Sometimes two people will share the linen duty in a month; other times an individual takes it all. If you can do your
own laundry, you can do the linens. A person who really dislikes ironing can make this chore a special gift to God. The altar linen schedule is created from names from the Time,
Talent, and Treasure forms, but if you missed it, a call to the parish office can get you involved. This is a fine example of what is going on behind the scenes, for the glory of God! Thank you! Giving the gift of time….. “Wipe your feet off before you come into the house!” Ever heard that at church? No. All
feet, in any condition, are always welcome! But eventually the residue has to be cleaned up and some seasons are naturally “dirtier” than others. That is where the church
cleaners enter the picture. Church cleaners sign up on the Time, Talent, and Treasure forms and an annual schedule is prepared. All supplies are provided, although sometimes cleaners have favorite products they bring along, and only the church itself is cleaned, not
the basement or restrooms. This is an excellent project for families….what better way for children to take ownership of their church, outside of Mass? We desperately need more
volunteers for this ministry, please consider volunteering. Thank you! Giving the gift of time…..
Every week we are invited to join our parish family at coffee hour on Sunday morning, but how does it actually happen? Well, someone passes the schedule around during coffee
hour and gently nudges people to sign up. Then the weekly people show up at the hall before Mass to plug in the coffee makers, make the hot chocolate, heat water for tea, set out condiments, turn on the dishwasher, and lay out the goodies. When Mass is over,
these same people serve the drinks and goodies, and then clean up by washing the dishes and wiping tables. After serving and cleaning, the 10:30 crew must reverse what the 8:00 crew started – unplug the coffee makers, turn off the dishwasher, put away the
condiments, etc. Great friendships have been formed among the coffee hour people, and if you want to be part of the fun and service, sign up on the Time, Talent, and Treasure form,
or sign up on the schedule. Thank you!
Check out the Time, Talent and Treasure Form for more!! These forms will be available in your pew beginning October 11.
BeNiZi NooZ is published by St. Philip Benizi Parish Communications Commission. Comments and suggestions may be sent to the parish office.
Mass Schedule Mon., Wed. - Fri. 8:00am
Tuesday 6:30pm
Saturday 5:30 Vigil
Sunday 8:00 & 10:30am
First Saturday of every month
Anointing of the Sick - 8:00am Mass
Mass times anywhere: 800-627-7846
www.masstimes.org
Reconciliation Saturday 4:30 - 5:00pm
Eucharistic Adoration Thursday 8:30am to 10:00pm
St. Philip Benizi—Redland 18211 S. Henrici Rd. Oregon City OR 97045
Office Hours: 8:00am - 3:30pm Monday,
8:00am-5:30 Tues.-Thurs., 8:00am-Noon Friday
Phone: 503-631-2882
Fax: 503-631-7443
www.philipbenizi.org
St Philip Benizi Mission Statement
The Primary and only purpose of the Church is that of Jesus Christ
who came into the world to fulfill the will of His Father. Thereby
this becomes the mission of St. Philip Benizi parish, to proclaim the
kingdom of God, to build up the parish community as a witness of
God’s love and care for the world, to be the invitation to become
what God has called us to be.
This mission is best accomplished through individuals working with
others who accept the same purpose. This forms a parish
community and the work achieved with the guidance of the Spirit is
called ministry. In this way we are directed to work toward God’s
purpose of “wanting all men to be saved and come to the knowledge
of the truth.” (1 Tim 2:4)
Since the inception of St Philip Benizi, volunteers have been a
mainstay of the smooth functioning of the parish as we strive to
fulfill the St Philip Benizi Mission Statement.
You are the hands that bring the body of Christ to those who
hunger for the Bread of Life. You are the catechists who I
introduce the great truths of our faith to our youth and others.
You are the voices that proclaim God’s Word.
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