Home
Bulletins
Mass Times & Confession
Calendar
Staff Directory
Catholic Education
Sacramental Prep
Ministry Directory
Parish Registration
Gift Shop
Tongue Control - Part 1
from Rev. Albert Francis Hoorman on January 29, 2012
"I tell you that men will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken" (Matthew 12:36).
Controlling the tongue is self-restraint with words, having the wisdom to know what to say—and saying it—but equally knowing when not to speak and saying nothing. "Those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way" (James 3:2).
One of the greatest challenges we face is to master our tongues. What we say reveals the heart: "Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34). "You therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself because you who pass judgment do the same things" (Romans 2:1). Pointing the finger at others means we have lost control of our tongue. "By your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:37).
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14). "Do not be quick with your mouth" (Ecclesiastes 5:2) How many of us would like a recording of our words played to the public?
It is our words that make the difference. It is what other people hear that affects them. We may have thoughts—which may or may not be true—but when we utter them the damage is done.
Every mistake we have ever made, every sin we have ever committed, and every sense of guilt that continues to gives us grief and pain can be traced to our tongue. "Save me, O Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. What will he do to you, and what more besides, O deceitful tongue?" (Psalm 120:2-3). "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds the tongue is wise" (Proverbs 10:19). "If anyone can control his tongue, it proves that he has perfect control over himself every other way" (James 3:2).
The word TONGUE is found in the Bible no fewer than 130 times. Except where it means language, the TONGUE is seen as largely negative or potentially damaging in most places. "You will be protected from the lash of the tongue" (Job 5:21). Saint James' letter (3:3-8) elaborates on the danger of the uncontrolled tongue. As a forest fire is started by a small spark, the tongue "also is a fire" and spreads evil to all parts of the body—and I could add, the Body of Christ. It corrupts the "whole person," but equally spreads rapidly through the people of God and causes disruption, disunity, degradation, defeat, and despair. Saint James' point is that it is a wake-up call to take responsibility for our words (tongue). The "tongue also is a fire...and is itself set on fire by hell" (James 3:6).
"With their tongue they speak deceit" (Psalm 5:9)." Trouble and evil are under his tongue" (Psalm 10:7). "Keep your tongue from evil" (Psalm 34:13). "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin" (Psalm 39:1). "Your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor" (Psalm 52:2). "A lying tongue hates those it hurts" (Proverbs 26:28).
Our tongues can become instruments for a lot of good. Our tongues can praise God and sing to His Glory: "His praise was on my tongue" (Psalm 66:17). "My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long (Psalm 71:24). "May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous" (Psalm 119:172). "Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy" (Psalm 126:2). By our tongues we can spread the Word of God: "My tongue will spread your righteousness" (Psalm 35:28). Our tongues can become instruments of good teaching: "My tongue is the pen of a skillful writer" (Psalm 45:1). "The sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary" (Isaiah 50:4). It is our tongue that will one day proclaim the glory of Jesus Christ throughout the universe, because "every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:11).
Something to think about until next week: Is my tongue a weapon of war or an instrument of peace?
CDA 2012
Because of You, the Charity and Development Appeal (CDA) is able to support over 70 educational, charitable and spiritual organizations which counsel, feed, clothe, house, educate, and comfort those in need throughout the four Arizona counties (Mohave, Maricopa, Coconino and Yavapai) within our Diocese.[ Catholic Education ]
12th Annual Baby Item Collection for 1st Way
Jan 1, 2012 to Jan 29, 2012
To show our commitment to God's gift of life, we are collecting baby items in to be donated to mothers who have courageously chosen life for their babies, even in the face of difficult circumstances. Please bring the items to the vestibule of the church by Jan 29. There is especially a great need for diapers of all sizes, formula, and maternity clothes. Other items needed include receiving blankets and baby clothes. New or gently used cribs, swings, high chairs, and bassinets are also gladly accepted.
All items will be donated to 1st Way of Maricopa County, Inc. 1st Way is a pregnancy support center serving South Central Phoenix for over 20 years. It is funded entirely by donations and is staffed by volunteers. They provide free pregnancy testing and loving, non-judgmental counseling and practical support to any woman or girl who is pregnant or thinks she might be.
[ Respect Life 1st Way Collection ]
St. Gerard Circle - January Events
Jan 1, 2012 to Jan 31, 2012
Wed, Jan 4 - Kids activities--Crafts in nursery; 9:00a
Fri, Jan 6 - SGC Meeting in Parish Center; 9:00a
Fri, Jan 20 - Kids Activity: Zoo Trip; Kids Activity: Moving Mommies
Fri, Jan 27 - MTO: Zumba in Parish Center; 6:30p,
$10/person
For more information visit www.saintgerardcircle.org.
[ St. Gerard Circle ]
Memory Training Series
Jan 17, 2012 to Feb 7, 2012 (10:00a - 12:00p)
Memory Training Series - Interactive Class Boosts Memory. Improve your memory in just two hours per week!
Tue, Jan 17, 24, 31, & Feb 7 from 10:00a - 12:00p, Rooms 3 & 4
Are you over age 50? Do you have trouble remembering names, dates and other information...but otherwise in good mental and physical
health? If you answered "yes," then our four week Memory Training class is for you. By devoting just two hours per week for four weeks,
you will have fun and improve your memory. This
program is based on research by Gary Small MD,
author of The Memory Bible.
Registration: 602-230-CARE (2273). Class is only $25 per person. Seating is limited, call today!
[ Memory Training ]
Women of the Old Testament
Jan 18, 2012 to Mar 28, 2012 (9:15a - 11:30a)
Join us as we study Women in the Old Testament in 10 sessions. These women have rich stories that are vital to God’s relationship with the covenant people. This study introduces readers to women whose stories offer courage and insight.
Welcome Registration and Introduction begins Wed, Jan 18 at 9:15-11:30a in Rooms 7,8,9. Book Fee: $15.00. Child care is provided free of charge. Pre-registration for childcare is required.
Please contact Loraine Pellegrino at CoffeBreakMin@aol.com or the Catholic Education Office at 480-893-1160 for additional information and to RSVP.
[ Coffee Break Women's Ministry ]
KofC Annual Priest Appreciation Dinner
Jan 27, 2012
The Knights of Columbus annual Priest Appreciation Dinner is Fri, Jan 27 at Ss. Simon and Jude’s parish center. The Dinner is a special time to mingle socially with the bishops and priests of our diocese in a relaxed and informal setting. The Corpus Christi Knights of Columbus will host six priests: our own parish priests as well as those who frequently celebrate Mass in our parish.
For additional information, please contact Grand Knight Tom Kato at 480-907-4581.
[ Knights of Columbus ]
St. Gerard Circle - February Events
Feb 1, 2012 to Feb 29, 2012
Fri, Feb 3 - SGC Monthly Meeting & Mass of Remembrance, 9:00a
Sat, Feb 4 - Family & Kids Activity: Flag Football & Picnic ; 11:00a at Pecos Park
Wed, Feb 8 - Kids Activity: Craft Day
Fri, Feb 10 - MTO/Couples Activity: Trivia Night in the Parish center, 5:30p
Tue, Feb 14 - Kids Activity: Circle Time, 9:15a
For more information visit www.saintgerardcircle.org.
[ St. Gerard Circle ]
Next KofC Council Meeting is Thu, Feb 2 at 7:00p in rooms 5 & 6.
Feb 2, 2012 (7:00p)
[ Knights of Columbus ]
Respect Life Meeting
Feb 2, 2012 (6:00p)
The Respect Life Ministry will hold its next meeting on Thu, Feb 2 at 6:00p in the Parish Library. There is much work to be done to support God’s plan for this wonderful ministry at Corpus Christi. Please plan on joining us and sharing your ideas and talents for a blessed 2012. If you have any questions, regarding the ministry, please leave a message for Sue Wilson at the Parish Office.
[ Respect Life ]
U.S. Air Force Academy Catholic Cadet Choir
Feb 4, 2012 to Feb 5, 2012
CANCELLATION NOTICE: Unfortunately, the U.S. Air Force Academy Catholic Cadet Choir will NOT be able to perform due to Academy budget cuts.
The Catholic Cadet Choir will be performing a FREE concert on Sat, Feb 4 at 7:00p. Additionally, the choir will be singing at the 4:00p Mass on Sat, Feb 4 and at the 10:30a Mass on Sun, Feb 5.
[ Special Mass/Event ]
Blessing of Throats
Feb 4, 2012 to Feb 5, 2012
In honor of the feast of St. Blaise, there will be blessing of throats at all the Masses the weekend of Feb 4/5.
[ Blessing of Throats ]
St. Gerard Circle - Trivia Night
Feb 10, 2012 (5:30p)
Join us for SGC's first Trivia Night on Fri, Feb 10 from 5:30-9:00p in the Parish Center. Cost is $20/person or $40/couple. Join in the fun by putting together a team of eight players. A $500 cash prize will be awarded to the winning team. Players do not need to be SGC members. If you would like to play, but are unable to put together a table, let us know, we will add you to a team.
StContact Christin at christin@twinaz.com for more information.
[ St. Gerard Circle ]
St. Gerard Circle - February Charity
Feb 12, 2012
St. Gerard Circle will be preparing and serving a meal at the Ronald McDonald Cambridge House on Feb 12. We are looking for monetary donations to help off set the cost of the dinner. If you would like to make a donations please make your check out to Saint Gerard Circle, remember no amount is to small. We still have space for two more volunteers to help prepare the meal, please contact Chris Kumnick at pkumnick@cox.net if you are interested.
[ St. Gerard Circle ]
Tears Speak...But Spirits Soar
Feb 14, 2012 (7:00p)
If you are a woman who has lost a child or children to abortion and wish to heal the pain, please join us in a support group, on Tue, Feb 14 at 7:00p at the Mount Claret Retreat Center, 4633 N. 54th Street, Phoenix 85018 — room located in the Pope John Paul Center.
For confidential discussion, please call 480-838-7474 and ask for Patty/Tears Speak.
[ Abortion Support Group ]
Next KofC Assembly Meeting is Thu, Feb 23 at 7:00p in rooms 5 & 6.
Feb 23, 2012 (7:00p)
[ Knights of Columbus ]
Catholic Men's Fellowship Phoenix 2012 Conference
Feb 25, 2012 (8:45a)
Catholic Men's Fellowship is here to serve the men of the Diocese of Phoenix. We envision Catholic men linked as brothers, sharing the love of Jesus Christ. We believe that all Catholic men need to take their rightful place in their families, Church, and communities as men of God.
The 2012 Men’s Conference will be held on Sat, Feb 25 at 8:45a at Grand Canyon University Arena (3300 W. Camelback). Visit our website at www.cmfp.org/events for information on tickets and speakers. For additional information: Peter J. Hofmann at 602-531-7487 or pjh@hofmann84.com.
[ Mens Conference ]
3rd Annual Nun Run
Mar 10, 2012
The Poor Clare Nuns invite you to participate in their 3rd Annual Nun Run. Registration for the 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk and 1-mile walk is $25.00 (until Feb 25) and includes a T-shirt and post race refreshments. The race is on Sat, Mar 10 at 8:00a at Kiwanis Park located at 95 W. Baseline Rd. in Tempe.
The Poor Clares are Roman Catholic Nuns who moved to Arizona in 2005 at the invitation of Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted. They are raising funds to build a monastery for 28 nuns near their chapel in Tonapah, Arizona. The Our Lady of Solitude Chapel is open to the public for Adoration and daily Mass. To learn more about the Poor Clare Nuns and to register/donate, please visit their website at www.desertnuns.com. Thank you!
[ Poor Clares Fundraiser ]
Morning of Discernment
Mar 24, 2012 (8:30a - 12:30p)
For Single Women & Men interested in learning more about Consecrated Religious Life
Come let us journey with you—join us in the discernment process. Sat, Mar 24 from 8:30a - 12:30p at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 400 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
Sponsored by the Diocese of Phoenix Intercommunity, Vocation Committee and the Office of Religious. For more information or to register, please call Sr. Jean Steffes, CSA at 602-354-2006 or email jsteffes@diocesephoenix.org or contact 602-3542005 or mgonzal@diocesephoenix.org.
[ Discernment ]
Sonrise National Park VBS
Jun 4, 2012 to Jun 8, 2012
Save-the-Date! June 4-8, 2012 - SONRISE National Park Vacation Bible School is coming!
As your kids explore this awesome wilderness adventure park, they’ll learn to depend on Jesus as their all-powerful Guide and Savior. Get ready for exciting wilderness thrills as you head out to beautiful SONRISE National Park!
Registration will take place in Mid-March.
VBS is for children ages 4 years old through the 6th grade. The 6th graders participate in service projects in the local community.
[ Vacation Bible School ]