From the Gospel of Luke 15:1-3, 11-32. God’s love story reveals itself in our stories, experiences, and aspirations. We are all prodigal sons and daughters. There are many times in our lives when we would “sell our souls” in order to pursue our passions. We pursued what we wanted without regard for others or God. We have sowed our oats, thrown ourselves into careless pleasures, spent what we know we ought to have saved, turned our backs on those we love and abused gifts we have been given. We even hit bottom and realized the silliness and self-destruction of it all. We needed to come home. We knew we erred and needed a gentle presence to show us God’s unconditional love. This wayward journey home changed us.
Our Lady of Fatima parishioner, Theresa Irvin presented recently ordained Rev. Franklin Iwuagwu with a 4th degree Knights of Columbus chalice in memory of Theresa’s husband, Richard Charles Irvin who was a 4th degree Knight of the Lamy Council. Rev. Franklin Iwuagwu was ordained as a priest of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe on December 18, 2021 and is currently assigned as Parochial Vicar at Sacred Heart Parish in Clovis, New Mexico.
From the Gospel of John 4:5-42. Deserts can be lonely, isolated, and treacherous places. When a person wanders in a desert, they can easily get disoriented, dehydrated, confused, lost, and vulnerable. Temptation is at its peak, especially when confronted with something that may offer some respite or relief, even a mirage. Deserts can bring us to our weakest moment and tempt our faith. The Christian journey can be described as a desert experience as we vacillate back and forth, falling victim to the mirages of our lives versus the true, life-giving water offered by God. We need a burning bush experience in our lives that convinces us of the power of God and reveals Him as the “I am” of all existence.
Do you love coffee? Do you love donuts? Do you love people? Then you will love volunteering for this ministry! All interested Parishioners are invited to attend an organizational meeting on March 27, 2022 in Room 1 of Fatima-Gallagher Hall. All ministry participants must have a current VIRTUS certificate on file in the Parish Office.
Our Lady of Fatima Church has been asked to pray outside of Planned Parenthood on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. Join us for peaceful prayer between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM daily at the Planned Parenthood abortion facility at 701 San Mateo Blvd. NE in Albuquerque, NM.
Donations are now being accepted for the purchase of flowers for our sanctuary area for special occasions and weekly celebrations. Donations can be made through the Parish Office Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM and Friday 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM.
From the Gospel of Luke 9:28b-36. There is so much wisdom in the first commandment. The daily demands of life, current political ideologies and dynamics, social expectations, corporate philosophies, and even technology can easily become lesser gods. We can find ourselves beholden to and held captive by these secular constructs and systems. Even for those who profess a faith in the one true God, these lesser, attractive but false gods are a temptation. Being overly preoccupied and even obsessed with the state of our present lives, we lose sight of our real destiny and purpose.
From the Gospel of Luke 4:1-13. One of the greatest temptations human beings face is leaving the truth of who they are, where they came from and who created them in pursuit of more personal satisfactions. When we consider all that desires our attention in a given day, there are many lures that attract us to illusions about ourselves. We can easily find ourselves distracted or tired, preoccupied with preserving our status in life, social relationships, current trends, and corporate demands, and intrigued by pursuing what we perceive to be the “path of least resistance.” The daily concerns of life can quickly take our eyes off of our truth, making the empty promises of worldly accomplishments and ideologies seem so attractive. What is at risk in giving into this temptation?
Our Lady of Fatima’s Holy Name Society invites Men of the Parish to attend the 8th Annual Men’s Retreat. Saturday, March 19, 2022 starting with Mass at 7:30 AM in Our Lady of Fatima Church and ending at 12:30 PM in Fatima-Gallagher Hall. Cost is $25.00 per person (lunch included). Call the Parish Office at 505-265-5868 to RSVP by Wednesday, March 16, 2022. You can drop off payment at the Parish Office as well.
Fr. Edward Azibapu Okpu, pronounced Okbu, has been named as Fr. Anthony’s replacement as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Fatima Parish. Fr. Okpu was born in Nigeria on April 28, 1974. He was ordained a priest in the Bomadi Diocese by Bishop Hyacinth Egbebo (MSP) on July 23, 2011. In Nigeria he served as pastor for 9 years. During that time, he spent 3 years as Chancellor and Director of Pontifical Missions. We are pleased to have him here at Our Lady of Fatima Parish. Welcome Fr. Okpu!
Fr. Ezeaputa has been appointed as pastor to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Pena Blanca, NM and will begin his ministry there effective immediately. Fr. Ezeaputa came to Our Lady of Fatima Parish as a transitional Deacon in June of 2020. He was ordained as a priest on December 19, 2020 at the hands of Archbishop John Wester and has served as the Parochial Vicar to Our Lady of Fatima Parish. We wish him well in his new assignment. Fr. Anthony received very little notice of his move and was not able to say goodbye publicly. He may be contacted at: PO BOX 1270, Pena Blanca, NM 87041. Congratulations Fr. Anthony Ezeaputa!
Saturdays from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM (except April 16, 2022). Fridays during Lent from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM during Stations of the Cross (except April 15, 2022).