KEEPING OUR EYES ON THE HORIZON | JUNE 5, 2020
In Solidarity Against Racial Violence
This week, the Provincial Ministers of the US-6 Provinces (the six OFM provinces in the United States in the process of restructuring into one coast-to-coast Franciscan community) have written a joint statement expressing solidarity with our African American brothers and sisters who are demanding an end to the deadly violence of racism. Click here to read their message.


Fr. Sam Nasada, OFM, along with staff members Patti Sills-Trausch, Norbert Zwickl, and Richard Guerra led an online Prayer Service for Racial Healing in Our Land .

And the Center for Action and Contemplation shares the Richard Rohr Meditation: Being One With the Other
A Big Casa Welcome to Br. Henri Djoj, OFM!
Introducing Br. Henri, who will be residing at the Casa for the next eight weeks: "I am currently in the Master of Divinity program at the Franciscan School of Theology, expecting to graduate in May 2021. Before joining the Order of Friars Minor of the Province of Saint Barbara in 2014, I worked as an Architectural Designer in Boston, Singapore, and San Francisco. I left Indonesia in the early nineties and graduated from Boston College in 1997. A few years later, I received a master’s degree in architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design. During my free time, I enjoy walking, swimming, and listening to chill music mix. I will be working with Fr. Joe, for the next few weeks at the Casa."— Br. Henri Djoj, OFM
Public Sunday Liturgies with Limitations and Safety Precautions

Reminder: For your safety, as well as others, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE DECIDING WHETHER RETURNING TO PUBLIC MASS IS RIGHT FOR YOU AT THIS TIME.

The General Dispensation releasing Catholics from their Sunday obligation remains in place, giving you the freedom to participate via livestream on our YouTube Channel.

Should I come to Mass?
  • Each person must make the decision of what is best for themselves and their families.

Stay home if:
  • You are feeling sick or have a fever.

  • You have a sick family member at home or have been recently exposed to someone who may be sick.

  • You are a primary caretaker of a vulnerable person.

  • You have been traveling or in large crowds.

  • You are at risk because of preexisting conditions or age. 

Public Mass Times:
  • Saturdays at 5 pm (with limited music, no congregational singing)

  • Sundays at 9:15 am (with limited music, no congregational singing)

For everyone's safety, music will be limited with no congregational singing during public Masses. To enjoy Mass with full music, please participate in the livestream-only Mass on Sundays at 7:30 am.

Entering/Leaving the Church and Being Seated:
  • When you arrive, three entrances will be open and marked. Staff will help guide you inside. The two doors at the Main Entrance will be marked A and B. Entrance C can be accessed on the south side of the church near the west parking lot. Staff will guide you when leaving the church.

  • Wearing a Face Mask is required.

  • Physical Distancing of at least 6 feet is required.

  • Using Hand Sanitizer (will be provided) is required.

  • Limited Seating will be available on a First Come, First Served basis.

  • Overflow Seating will be available in the Community Life Center with the same limitations and safety procedures as the church.

  • Ushers will guide each person or family to their seat. No self-seating.

  • Pews will be marked to maintain physical distancing.

  • Music will be limited with no congregational singing.

  • No printed materials will be available. Prayers will be shown on screen.

  • Holy Communion will be available for those who attend public Mass and participate via livestream after Mass has concluded.

Holy Communion Procedure Video and instructions:

  • Continue to wear Face Mask.

  • Continue Physical Distancing.

  • Sanitize Hands.

  • Communion will be given in the hand.

  • Step aside and lower/lift your mask briefly to place the Body of Christ in your mouth.

  • Proceed to your car still wearing your Face Mask and maintaining Physical Distancing.

As we slowly return for weekend Masses, we invite you to bring your Lenten Almsgiving Collection envelope and drop it in the collection boxes located in the narthex and in the church. Your donations will continue to support some of our Native American communities in Arizona who are especially suffering during this pandemic. 

Everything we are doing is precautionary, to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. While we cannot eliminate all risk, each of us can do our best to protect ourselves and others.

Livestream of Public Masses | YouTube

  • Daily Mass | Monday – Saturday at 8 am

  • Sunday Mass* | Saturday at 5 pm and Sunday at 9:15 am

Livestream Mass with Full Music (no public attendees) | YouTube

  • Sunday at 7:30 am (Please note: Holy Communion available after 9:15 am Mass)

*Communion is offered for one hour immediately following the livestream of the 5 pm Mass on Saturday and 9:15 am Mass on Sunday, with the same safety precautions stated above in place. Worship aids are available with livestreams in the description box below the video.

For online Sunday giving , click here . Thank you!
Father's Day is June 21!
On Father's Day, we will remember, pray, and give thanks for our fathers who have given us life and love. As a loving father generously provides for his children, so does God watch over us. To help us recognize and honor our fathers that day, all are invited to send photographs of their fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and stepfathers to norbert@thecasa.org . We will create a slideshow to be shown at the Sunday Masses (public and livestreamed).
Faith in Action at the Casa
Explore how Pope Francis’ groundbreaking encyclical “ Laudato Si’ ” can lead you to new ways of thinking and acting. See the recorded educational session presented by Casa friars and members of the Care for Creation ministry.

The Here Comes the Sun Solar Initiative donor wall is installed in the Community Life Center — thank you for supporting the Casa's use of renewable energy! Click here to view .

Be part of the Just Scripture Virtual Discussion session on SATURDAY, June 13, 10 – 11:30 am.   Click here  to register by June 12.    Details can be found on the  Just Scripture web page . These traditionally in-person sessions have welcomed new online participants!

Emergency Food Drive b enefiting Vista del Camino Food Bank this Saturday and Sunday (June 6 & 7), 10 am -2 pm. Drive through and drop items in bins.
Two locations: First Baptist Church of Scottsdale (7025 E. Osborn Road, 85251) and Shepherd of the Desert Church (9590 E. Shea Blvd, 85260).
Immediate need:  Bottled water, Tuna pouches, Small pop-top canned meat ( Beanee Weene’s baked beans & hotdogs 7.75 oz, Vienna Sausage 4.6 oz) ,  Cereal (individual bowls) ,  Peanut butter To Go,  Boxed meals (Hamburger Helper), Gatorade, Socks, Wash cloths, Umbrellas, Dental hygiene products (Toothpaste and toothbrush), Bar soap, Hand sanitizers. Only non-perishable food items. No citrus. 
Family Faith Formation News
As we enter into what is shaping up to be a very hot summer, our Family Faith Formation team is already gearing up for the fall! But even more exciting is all of the Sacraments that have been taking place! We have celebrated Infant Baptisms and the Sacraments of Initiation for RCIA & RCIA for Children. This week, our Sacrament Preparation students will be celebrating their First Reconciliation. Then we will celebrate Confirmation and First Eucharist with the class of 2020 on Sunday, June 14!  For more Family News & Updates, click here.  
Be well and stay connected with us at TheCasaFRC on Facebook and YouTube.

Peace and good,

The Casa friars and staff


Thank You for Your Support!
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