![]()
St. Patrick Steps Up for Justa Center After Vandalism (Fr. Eric's Huddle Up)
Posted on: Sep 23, 2026
Dear Friends,
St. Patrick Catholic Community lives the life of stewardship, supporting many causes and having outreach not only within our community but also beyond our walls. Because of the generosity of parishioners and others, we are able to help those who need special support.
Because of the generosity of parishioners and others, we are able to help those who need special support. We recently heard on the news about the serious vandalism that took place at the Justa Center in central Phoenix. They are an outreach center to veteran homeless people and the damage was reported on the news. We have given Justa Center a check for $10,000 toward helping repair what was damaged. Stewardship asks us to be sure we share what we have received through God’s blessings. We share not only from our surplus, but we share as a way of life, no matter if there is surplus or not. For many years St. Patrick has supported some serious needs for other parishes, organizations and special projects, and this is possible through people who give to the parish community and also practice generosity in other places.
MIGRANT AND REFUGEE SUNDAY- will be celebrated this weekend as the Church asks us to remember the people who are forced to migrate and leave their homeland for serious reasons. Pope Francis and now Pope Leo have shared much about the teachings on caring for our brothers and sisters who are in need.
After all the Masses this weekend, a Resource Table will be in the Narthex for parishioners to take home materials explaining the issues of migration, the many stories of people on their journey and what we as Christian Disciples in Mission can do to support those in serious need.
WELCOME BACK FR. SEBASTIAN- as he enjoyed his vacation in his home country of India. Fr. Sebastian is our hospital chaplain for both Honor Health Shea and Honor Health Thompson Peak, as well as serving over 27 care facilities within our boundary. Fr. Sebastian and myself are called to visit the sick, anoint and comfort those in need with health concerns. Please remember our priests are available after any Mass to offer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to anyone who requests this sacrament. Please let the priest know and as soon as he has completed greeting people, we can offer this sacrament. We remind people to never think one needs to be dying to receive this sacrament of healing, or that one needs to wait until the last possible moment. It is a beautiful sacrament that offers many types of healing.
LORD MAKE ME AN INSTRUMENT OF YOUR PEACE is our theme for this year. It honors what Pope Leo has called a jubilee year for St. Francis of Assisi. We are praying the Prayer of St. Francis at all weekend Masses for the year and will receive another 10,000 prayer cards to offer to parishioners early next week. What a great response by those who take many cards to pray and who offer the prayer card to others.
Bishop John Dolan has given permission to celebrate the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi which falls on October 4th, next Sunday. So the prayers and celebration will honor St. Francis.
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS- We remind everyone that on October 3 at 9:00 am we will have the Blessing of the Pets in the courtyard in front of the House of Mercy. Bring your pets and stuffed animals for a blessing that morning.
LAST SUNDAY’S HOMILY- St. Matthew’s Gospel shares the parable about the vineyard owner who hires workers throughout the day right up to the last hour. When they received their pay, those who worked all day expected more, while those who worked fewer hours received a full day’s wage. We know the reaction of many is that it is not fair. What does the parable teach us? It is about envy, which destroys community by turning our eyes away from God and leading us to compare what others are receiving. The problem is the first workers' inability to rejoice in the master's generosity toward everyone. I open the way for Jesus and St. Francis of Assisi to show us how to view this challenging situation. Click below to listen to the homily.
See you this weekend.
Peace in Christ,
Fr. Eric Tellez
Pastor, St. Patrick Catholic Community