Announcements for Week Ending April 22nd, 2007

FROM NOW THROUGH THE FEAST OF PENTECOST, June 4, there is no fast or abstinence, even on Fridays. So, we can eat meat, drink, and be merry as we celebrate the Great Fifty Days of the Easter Feast!

A SINCERE AND SPECIAL THANK YOU from the parish of St. Michael and All Angels to the Altar Guild and those many individuals who shared their time, energy, and love preparing our church for Eastertide; to Jane Haman, the members of the choir, and the Tucson Skyline Brass Quintet for the splendid music program for Holy Week and Easter services, to all acolytes and readers, and to those who helped in any way to make this Easter so memorable. Also another special thank you to all who helped with the Children’s Easter Egg Hunt. A fun time was had by all.

COMMUNION TO THE SICK AND SHUT-IN can be arranged through the parish office. Easter Communion may be made through Pentecost, May 27.

THE ALTAR GUILD INVITES YOU TO BRING YOUR OLD “BLESSED PALMS” to the back of the Church and place them in the marked basket. Bob Howe will burn these palms which will be used for next year’s Ash Wednesday.

MASS FOR CHURCH UNITY CONTINUES EVERY FRIDAY AT 12:10 PM with celebrant the Rev. Carey Womble. All are encouraged to attend as we pray for the General Convention in June dealing with the very divisive forces at work in our Church.

THE BISHOP HAS DESIGNATED APRIL 22 TO BE ALLELUIA FUND SUNDAY, as we celebrate the work of the new church plants and new growth initiatives in existing churches, all funded through the Arizona Alleluia Fund. Everyone on the diocesan mailing list should have received in the mail a brochure describing the Fund. With the brochure is an offering envelope to bring to church on April 22 or to mail directly to the Bishop’s office. Thanks to your vision and generosity, more churches (maybe yours!) will be able to receive a new growth imitative grant and new churches can be planted.

We are preparing and serving lunch at POZ Café on April 19. This is TIHAN’s (Tucson Interfaith HV/AIDS Network) monthly lunch for people living with HIV. After lunch there is time to socialize and play bingo. If you would like to volunteer to help, there is a sign up sheet at the ushers’ table in the back of church. We also will be collecting personal care items for the HIV clients. Suggested items are: skin lotion, bar and bath soap, toothpaste, tooth brushes, shaving cream and Ensure.

After Lent, the Parish Life commission has social events planned each month. At 6:30 PM on Thursday, April 26, we will meet for dinner at Viros on 22nd. Street. In May we will go to a Sidewinders (minor league baseball team) game. In June we are organizing a movie night complete with popcorn. In addition, a men’s group is being formed. Look for dates and more details soon.

ST. MICHAEL’S DAY SCHOOL
Run for the Roses
April 21, 2007 at 6PM.

Our Kentucky Derby party will have horse racing, auctions, and great food.

We are asking for a donation of goods or services to be auctioned or, if you prefer, be an event sponsor with a cash donation.

Donation forms are available at the school office. All donation forms are due by April 11th. Any questions, please call Lila Duffy, Director of Development at 722-8478.

Thank you for helping. This important fund raiser will benefit every child at St. Michael's Day School and support a foundation for life-long academic successes.

Update: Guatemala Visitors

Dear Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, Congressman Grijalva, Consul General Padilla, Denver Justice and Peace, UA contacts, NAU contact, Guatemala Project friends, Samaritans, Latin America Network - Tucson, St. Michael's Social Concerns, reporters, and various involved NGO's:

With great reluctance, St. Michael's Guatemala Project has had to cancel the planned visit of three Maya leaders from the CPR-Sierra, scheduled for April 17 - May 5. We will plan to reschedule for September or October and will work in-country this summer to avoid the problems the applicants experienced at the U.S. Embassy this week.

As I indicated in an earlier note, key Health Promoter Pedro Bernal and elected Consejo General leader Baltazar Solano were denied visas April 11, despite strong support from Congressman Grijalva's office and other supports from the Project. Congressman Grijalva's Washington office followed up this morning to try for a "special interview," but the best advice was that this was going to be impossible at this time.

Nazaria Tum Sanic, who has a multiple-entry visa, suffered a broken foot last December and is still having difficulty walking and experiencing swelling when she travels -- even, as Consejo leader Jacinto Vicente told me today, on a trip they made to Nebaj yesterday. The Consejo General (highest elected CPR body) is very reluctant for her to attempt the trip alone, and she sensibly points out that, as the only experienced traveler of the three, she will probably be needed for the fall visit. She goes to the doctor today or Monday and will attempt to get a letter that MIGHT let us switch her air travel dates without penalty.

We are especially disappointed to lose this visit at a time when immigration legislation is pending in this country, and when there is curiosity here about the election year in Guatemala.

We regret everyone's time, labor, and frustrated anticipation. Please get in touch with me if you need to (or just want to).

Later I will be sending a strategy for complaining about the visa process, and particularly about Section 214(b) of the immigration law, which states that the presumption is that every non-immigrant visa applicant wants to immigrate and gives the interviewer discretion to deny anyone who has not proved the contrary to the interviewer's satisfaction. Clearly, our two applicants were not a terrorist or immigration threat; their rejection amounts to an entirely legal abuse of power. The financial proofs of close ties to Guatemala alone are draconian; poor people are routinely denied, no matter what the reason for the visit.

We are thinking that strong but not inflammatory letters to the Embassy are in order. An NGO with people on the ground in Guatemala says institutions are talking about trying to schedule a meeting with the ambassador, because the problem is so pervasive for groups who have relationships with communities in Guatemala. If you want to know how bad the situation is, check below.

Again, thank you for your continuing support. La lucha sigue!

Ila

ILA ABERNATHY

How hard is it to get a visitor's visa?

Harder than we thought, obviously, as I though the support from Raul Grijalva's office would be sufficient for our group, with their other evidences.

UA professors tell me that Latin American academic professionals are so regularly denied visas to attend conferences in the U.S. that one prominent association will no longer schedule meetings in this country.

An NGO reports that a Parish invited 4 people from a sister community in Guatemala to a celebration of 25 years of their relationship, and all four were rejected (one was a 70-year-old man).

The same NGO sends its visitors in with every economic and other proof of ties to Guatemala that they can secure -- right down to their children's school registration and inventories of pigs and chickens. They still have had problems from time to time. They recommend not one congressional letter, but a slew of them (I dislike this costly redundancy, when congressional offices are dealing with multiple global concerns).

A few years ago youth from the Episcopal Church in Guatemala were invited to a structured Episcopal youth convocation in the U.S. The Bishop was to accompany them. Half (the rural Maya, naturally) were denied visas.

How hard is it for an institution to communicate directly with the Visa Section of the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala prior to interviews?

You can't. In the past, e-mails were answered by a person with a name. It was possible to telephone and fax support. Now, the ONLY mode of making an inquiry is through a general e-mail. I e-mailed March 14, the day after Pedro Bernal got his passport. When I received no reply, I telephoned the consular section to ask for a number or a name. They told me there was no way to call directly. My March 14 e-mail received a response April 2, but most of the response seemed to be formulaic and didn't apply to the situation. Pedro and Baltazar went to their interview with a memo from me stating I would be waiting by my telephone and for the interviewer to call collect if there were any questions or needs for clarification.

Visa process for applicants: Buy a special phone card that costs Q100 (about $13.50) for 6-minute call. Use the card to schedule your interview. Find a computer that will suffice and DOWNLOAD and complete an application (you will receive a printout and barcode). Go to Banco Uno and pay $100 (a bit more if you use quetzales, the national currency) for the application. Bring the receipt, the application, and all your supporting documents to the Embassy for your very brief interview (the interviewer is not required to review all your evidence). Turned down? Most are. Think you have new evidence that may convince? Begin the process anew, repeating all the expenses.

A Few Announcements

Casa Maria this Friday, April 13th -- Without the usual announcement, folks may forget. Remember, we are now starting at 6 p.m. Bring those eggs!

Social Concerns Meeting Sunday, after 10 a.m. Mass, Womble Library -- Planning for Guatemalan Visitor(s), complicated by the bad visa news this morning. Plans for TIHAN. What more? Send Agenda items to Peggy Van Norman.

ILA ABERNATHY

Guatemala Visitors Update

St. Michael’s Guatemala Project

April 11, 2007

To: Congressional offices, Episcopal Diocese, University of Arizona programs, involved groups

Re: Mayan Visitors from the CPR-Sierra, scheduled April 17 – May 5 – VISAS DENIED TO 2

At their visa interview this morning, despite a superb personal letter from Congressman Raul Grijalva, a letter and other supports from Guatemala Project on St. Michael’s letterhead, and copies of their already-paid round trip air travel information, health promoter Pedro Bernal and elected CPR-Sierra leader Baltazar Solano were denied visas by the interviewer at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala, who invoked section 214b of the immigration laws. The section states in part that each applicant for a non-immigrant visa will be presumed to want to immigrate and must prove otherwise to the satisfaction of the interviewer [emphasis mine].

Nazaria Tum Sanic, already an international spokesperson for the CPR-Sierra, has a multiple-entry visa and should still be able to complete the visit. There is always a remote possibility that she could be rejected by Immigration at the airport in Houston.

Apart from the insult to Congressman Grijalva’s offices, we are disappointed. Because of the health focus of the Project, Pedro’s presence was very important. He has given most of his adult life to the health of his communities, as well as accompanying us in the mountains in Guatemala. Baltazar, as an elected leader from a major resettlement community, was to observe border conditions firsthand here, and also to talk about the effects of massive immigration on indigenous communities in Guatemala.

We are in process of deciding what would be an appropriate, visible, and effective public response. I will keep you informed. Peaceful suggestions are welcomed.

Meanwhile, we plan to continue with programs and meetings already established, modifying as necessary. Nazaria Tum, whom I have known for 14 years, is a leader of tremendous stature (except for physical stature – I tower over her), and has visited on behalf of the CPR-Sierra throughout Europe and the Canary Islands.. We are fortunate that she has agreed to come, and I think you will find her information and presence compelling.

Should the situation change, I will let you know. Pedro and Baltazar's tickets are valid for one year. If no miracle happens now, we will work on alternate plans for the fall.

Again, thank you for your support. Expect updates within a day or so.

Sincerely,

Ila Abernathy, Coordinator

St. Michael’s Guatemala Project

ILA ABERNATHY

Announcemnts for Week ending April 8, 2007

HOLY WEEK BEGINS WITH PALM SUNDAY - the calendar on the reverse side of this sheet lists the complete schedule of services. You are urged to make every effort to attend these most solemn services of the Christian year. These services have a wonderful cathartic effect and will truly make your Easter very joyful and special.

LAST CALL FOR EASTER FLOWER DONATIONS - please include your donation in the envelope from your pledge card box or make certain your donation is clearly marked for “flowers” ~ also everyone is invited to bring flowers to the Altar of Repose anytime during the Watch Before the Altar which in turn will be used to decorate the Church during Easter.

THIS MAUNDY THURSDAY’S SERVICE begins in the Parish Center with a Seder Meal representing the Lord’s Supper, Washing of the Feet, then to the Church for the remainder of the High Mass with the procession to the Altar of Repose and the Stripping of the Altars. Please sign up on the dinner sign-up sheet located on the ushers’ cabinet.

ALTAR OF REPOSE - the schedule for a Watch before the Altar of Repose still has blank spaces. Be sure to sign up to spend some time with Our Lord in prayer and meditation between Holy Thursday and the Good Friday liturgy.

EASTER CONFESSIONS - your preparation for Easter communion should include an examination of conscience and making your confession. This is a traditional and good way to get yourself ready to greet the Resurrection. An introduction and help sheet is available in the rear of the church, and the times of confession are listed within Holy Week Calendar. Please prayerfully consider this excellent spiritual exercise for your life.

BRING AND RING YOUR BELLS - participate in ringing your very own bells throughout the Gloria (along with a great organ fanfare and singing) at the Easter Vigil service.

EASTER VIGIL BREAK-FAST - everyone is invited to the Parish Center to break the fast and welcome the newly baptized after the Easter Vigil service. Special dishes of eggs, fruit, and hot cross buns will be served. Sign-up sheet located on the ushers’ cabinet.

RISE AND SHINE!!! Please note that due to the Easter Vigil service, we will not have Sunday School, Maturing in Faith, or the 5:00 PM Mass on the Sunday of the Resurrection: Easter Day.

PARISH OFFICE CLOSED

Good Friday and Easter Monday

MIF SERIES - ADULT FORUM - CONTINUES IN THE SCHOOL MUSIC ROOM from 9:00 to 9:45 AM. (There will be NO MIF Series - Adult Forum on Easter Sunday.)

MASS FOR CHURCH UNITY CONTINUES EVERY FRIDAY AT 12:10 PM with celebrant the Rev. Carey Womble.

AN EASTER EGG HUNT IS BEING PLANNED FOR 9:00 AM EASTER MORNING. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER TO HELP WITH THE PREPARATIONS, PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH OFFICE - 886-7292 OR ANGELA!!

COLLECTION FOR EASTER FLOWERS - please include your donation in the envelope in your pledge card box or make certain your donation is clearly marked for “flowers” and place in the offering basket.

St. Michaels is participating in Food for the Poor’s Project Starfish. We ask that you make a small daily sacrifice and donate that money - perhaps 50⊄ a day. There is a basket at the back of the church to receive your donations. Our goal is to raise enough money in this way - about $2,000 to build a house in Haiti.

Mayan visitors from Guatemala arrive April 17, to continue the 14-year relationship. Reception / meal at St. Michael’s Sunday 4-22, following the 10 am Mass. Many other activities in Tucson, Phoenix, Flagstaff and Denver, April 18 - May 3. Please let Coordinator Ila Abernathy know if you can provide housing for one to three persons for a few days (Spanish needed), help plan events, translate, gather health supplies - or visit reciprocally in Guatemala this summer. 623-3063.

The Diocese requires that all clergy, staff, vestry members and volunteers who work with children attend a three-hour workshop SAFEGUARDING GOD’S CHILDREN. The workshop will be presented Saturday, April 14 at Grace St. Paul’s, 10 AM to 2PM. For those who cannot attend this workshop, another workshop will be held here at St. Michael’s on Saturday, April 21^st from 9AM until 1 PM.

THE BISHOP HAS DESIGNATED APRIL 22 TO BE ALLELUIA FUND SUNDAY, as we celebrate the work of the new church plants and new growth initiatives in existing churches, all funded through the Arizona Alleluia Fund. Next week - Easter week - everyone on the diocesan mailing list will receive in the mail a brochure describing the Fund. With the brochure is an offering envelope to bring to church on April 22 or to mail directly to the Bishop’s office. Thanks to your vision and generosity, more churches (maybe yours!) will be able to receive a new growth initiative grant and new churches can be planted.

We are preparing and serving lunch at POZ Cafevon on April 19. This is TIHAN’s (Tucson Interfaith HV/AIDS Network) monthly lunch for people living with HIV. After lunch there is time to socialize and play bingo. If you would like to volunteer to help, there is a sign up sheet at the ushers’ table in the back of church.

We also will be collecting personal care items for the HIV clients. Suggested items are: skin lotion, bar and bath soap, toothpaste, tooth brushes, shaving cream and Ensure.

After Lent, the Parish Life commission has social events planned each month. At 6:30 PM on Thursday, April 26, we will meet for dinner at Viros on 22^nd Street. In May we will go to a Sidewinders (Tucson’s minor league baseball team) game. In June we are organizing a movie night complete with popcorn. In addition, a men’s group is being formed. Look for dates and more details soon.

ST. MICHAEL’S DAY SCHOOL

Run for the Roses
April 21, 2007 at 6PM.
Our Kentucky Derby party will have horse racing,
auctions, and great food.

We are asking for a donation of goods or services to be auctioned or, if you prefer, be an event sponsor with a cash donation.

Donation forms are available at the school office. All donation forms are due by April 11th. Any questions, please call Lila Duffy, Director of Development at 722-8478.

Thank you for helping. This important fund raiser will benefit every child at St. Michael's Parish Day School and support a foundation for life-long academic successes.

Holy Week Calendar

2007 HOLY WEEK CALENDAR

April
2^nd Monday in Holy Week
5:30 PM LOW MASS (for nuclear disarmament)

3^rd Tuesday in Holy Week
7:00 PM EVENING PRAYER

4^th Wednesday in Holy Week
11:45 AM CONFESSIONS
12:10 PM HEALING MASS
7:00 PM TENEBRAE SERVICE - CRESWELL COURT

5^th Maundy Thursday
7:00 PM PARISH CENTER - LITURGY OF THE WORD - INSTITUTION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER, WITH SERMON, PROCESSION TO THE ALTAR OF REPOSE, STRIPPING OF ALTARS AND THE BEGINNING OF THE WATCH AT 9 PM.

6^th GOOD FRIDAY Strict Fast and Abstinence
11:00 AM Confessions
12:00 Noon WAY OF THE CROSS and Homily
7:00 PM SOLEMN LITURGY OF GOOD FRIDAY
Fast until after The Vigil

7^th Holy Saturday Special Devotion & Self-Denial

8:30 AM LITURGY OF THE DAY
7:00 PM THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER,
THE SERVICE OF LIGHT,HOLY BAPTISM
THE FIRST HIGH MASS OF EASTER

LENTEN FAST ENDS

We will break the fast and celebrate with the newly baptized following the Mass.

8^th THE SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION: EASTER DAY

8:00 AM MASS with Homily
9:00 AM CHILDREN’S EASTER EGG HUNT
9:45 AM CHILD CARE
10:00 AM HIGH MASS with Sermon