St Kateri Tekakwitha Mission Parish
May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and your family. It is my pleasure to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generous support of the mission for the month of June and July.
The summer has been very hot here in Tucson. So far, the highest temperature has been 109 F.
Since I wrote you last time, a few significant events had happened in the parish.
First, we are blessed to have 32 young men and women confirmed from our parish. Some of those who were confirmed have already taken some leadership roles in the community. Also, one of the young men is interested in becoming a priest. Please keep them in your prayers.
Second, we had a beautiful celebration of St. Antony. Our tribal members and others gathered as one family. We had a beautiful procession of the statue of St. Antony into the streets. After the procession, we had a mass and fellowship. People brought their favorite dishes to share with others. It was an amazing event which brought different ethnic groups together.
Third, Fr. Aro went with a big group of Yaqui tribal members to the villages of Yaquis in Sonora, Mexico to participate in Kamiino Pahko, a ceremony that takes place annually in the Hiaki pueblo of Loma Vahkom to commemorate Mother Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, her cousin.
People from the other villages arrived at their respective homes where the host family provided accommodations for the visiting groups.
Also, the kitchen was set to prepare meals for the visitors.
Four, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Feast was celebrated.
Members of Yaqui Tribe, Tohono O’odham, Navajo, Apache, Mayo, Hispanic, and Anglos joined together. We had a procession on the streets in South Tucson. After the procession, we had a solemn mass and fellowship. It was a wonderful event that brought many tribal members together.
Three women from three different tribes: Yaqui, Navajo, and Tohono O’ odham preparing food for the feast of St, Kateri.
Fifth, the parish had a rummage sale to raise some money to support our Religious Education Programs. This rummage sale brought people together than to bring money.
After a long time, the parish church is being painted. Your contribution helped us to repair the roof of the church and paint the walls outside.
Your prayers, blessings, and contribution have helped us a lot during the month of June and July.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Arokiaraj Varnabas, ST
Pastor
