Friday Flash
February 5, 2021
THE LORD HAS DONE IT AGAIN!
Dear St. Andrew,
WHAT? Well……. amidst the perennial bad news characteristic of this pandemic atmosphere, the Lord continues to bless our parish, St. Andrew, in many wonderful ways. The latest of this blessing came in the form of Deacon Ramon “Chito” Zamora whom Bishop Olmsted has assigned to serve in our parish a few days ago. Deacon “Chito,” as he is commonly known, and his lovely wife Yolanda “Bea” Zamora, have recently relocated from the archdiocese of San Francisco, California. This wonderful couple, whom you will soon fall in love with, when you meet them, bring to our parish so may blessings and talents. Chito is an engineer by profession and prior to joining the diaconate he worked in the electronic industry for several years. He is a man of many talents which includes playing several musical instruments, among others. He and his wife who is no less talented have served in several parish ministries such as RCIA, Eucharistic Ministry, Marriage Preparation, Charismatic Renewal and Healing Ministries. The two enjoy doing ministry together.
However, this is their story in Chito’s own words:
Bea and I have become very accustomed to receiving wonderful surprises from God. From the time when we first met in California while serving in the Music Ministry, to our moving to Arizona in 2019, we continue to find that God’s plans are always better than ours. And there is so much more joy in our marriage and our life together because of it.
Even as we prayed about applying for the Permanent Diaconate many years ago, we knew that the best thing for us to do was to leave everything in God’s hands. We were definitely stepping out of our comfort zone, as we felt called, but not necessarily qualified. But we also knew that the Holy Spirit would close that door to us, if we were not meant to follow that path. Thankfully, the door remained open, and I was ordained in 2005 as a Deacon for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. That was certainly a very special grace and a tremendous blessing for us, but not because we accomplished anything on our own. God simply wanted to surprise us one more time.
The next major step for us started a couple of years ago, when Bea and I began to discern that we were being called out once again. We were happy in California. We were close to our families and our jobs, and we were comfortable with the various ministries that we were already serving in. And we really thought we would just stay there for the rest of our years. But God’s ways are not our ways. “See, I am doing something new!” God says. “Do you not perceive it?”
And so, here we are. We don’t exactly know what God has in store for us here in Arizona, but we are ready to say “yes” without hesitation. After many years of serving together, Bea and I already know that our Heavenly Father always knows best; and we are ready for God to surprise us once again.
And so, please, join me in welcoming to our wonderful parish, “Chito” and “Bea,” as they prefer to be called.
On another positive note, I am excited to inform you that we are now in the process of finally updating our over thirty-year-old sound system in the Church. This is especially so, after listening to many of you expressing to me your difficulties in hearing what is being said from the pulpit and altar due to the state of our speakers and sound system generally. When upgraded, I am confident that we will be able to have a great audio experience in our Church during worship. However, we are able to do this because of your generous contribution towards the support of our parish. For this, I would like to sincerely thank you. Thank you, St. Andrew!
-Fr. Robert
Our new Winter/Spring Edition of Good News is out now! Click the banner above or visit stndrw.cc/goodnewsspring21!
Baby Bottle Drive
Please Return Bottles by February 21
Inside the Narthex
All proceeds go to support the
Aid to Women Center
The Aid to Women Center is also in need of diaper bags, diapers, and wipes. Donations can be placed in the wagons inside the Narthex.
The Aid to Women Center is also in need of diaper bags, diapers, and wipes. Donations can be placed in the wagons inside the Narthex.
Sunday, February 21
After the 7:00am and 10:00am Masses
Donations Accepted
Reserve the number of breakfast meals you'd like to pick up by Friday, February 19, then on Sunday, February 21, drive up or walk by the Northside of Hennessey Hall between 8:00am and 11:30am to pick up your breakfast! Reservations are “Not Required” but will help with the amount of food to prepare.
Reserve the number of breakfast meals you'd like to pick up by Friday, February 19, then on Sunday, February 21, drive up or walk by the Northside of Hennessey Hall between 8:00am and 11:30am to pick up your breakfast! Reservations are “Not Required” but will help with the amount of food to prepare.
Ash Wednesday Schedule
February 17, 2021
Mass with Distribution of Ashes:
Mass with Distribution of Ashes:
6:30am, 8:30am, 12:00pm, 6:30pm
Liturgy of the Word with Distribution of Ashes:
4:00pm
Public Masses are now offered with limited capacity and strict social distancing protocols
Monday - Saturday | 8:30am
Wednesday | 6:30pm
Saturday | 5:00pm
Sunday | 7:00am, 10:00am & 2:00pm
Daily Mass on Tuesday and Thursday, as well as Sunday Masses at 10:00am and 2:00pm are also streamed on Facebook
We are in great need of your continued support. Please consider making a gift to support continued ministry at Saint Andrew the Apostle. Please visit Faith Direct: https://membership.faithdirect.net/AZ973 or click the banner above.
Thank you for your Generosity!
Upcoming Mass Intentions
February 5
8:30am | Peter Liepe
January 6
8:30am | +Paul Hoa
5:00pm | Alyssa & Kevin Bauman
January 7
7:00am | +Scott Carmichael
10:00am | Augustino Thomas Nguyen
2:00pm | +Dorothy Ghoshal
February 8
8:30am | Cy Goldhair
February 9
8:30am | +Van Vu
February 10
8:30am | +Joseph Tran
6:30pm | Yoches Family
February 11
8:30am | Julia
3450 W. Ray Rd. Chandler, AZ 85226 | 480-899-1990 church@standrewchandler.com