Catholic Diocese Tucson

16 CATHOLIC OUTLOOK JANUARY 2020 AWARDS continued from page 11 diocesan chapter of Movimiento Familiar Cristiano, along with his wife Rosalba. He also owns ED2, which focuses on next generation wireless products. The Spirit of Philanthropy award recognizes “those who exemplify philanthropy through their contribu- tions of time, talent, and/or treasures. Formal praise of those who demonstrate extraordinary leadership and vision in support of your organization’s goals not only confirms their efforts but also inspires others in SouthernArizona to become more involved in our community,” according to the afpsoaz.org website. Editor’s note: Catholic Foundation Executive Director Ernie Nedder is listed as vice president and chairman of the advisory board of ED2, according to the company’s website ed2corp.com/our-team/. REPORTS continued from page 11 “There were practical ideas,” he added, “showing us ways to reach out to our people.” Instead of telling parishioners they have to pray more, the lessons from the retreat directed him to join the people in prayer and help them develop their own prayer habits, he said. “We need to pray with them, to make room in our lives to pray with them and to teach them to pray.” Father Richard explained that the people he ministers to live in areas of vast acres of farmland. While there are still smaller family farms, the area has become home to extremely large farms being op- erated byArab companies. Appar- ently, it is easier to farm in La Paz County and ship produce to their nation than to farm overseas. “The conference was very informative, especially about ways to recognize farmers more,” Father Richard said, adding later, “It is very easy for people to think ‘God doesn’t love me because I lost my ranch’ (or) ‘God doesn’t love me because I lost my dairy farm.’” Recent media reports say that farm foreclosures reached a three- year high in the last quarter of 2019. In addition, Father Richard said the retreat also zeroed-in on Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical on the environment , Laudato Si (“Care for our Common Home”), and how there is a strong connection between farmers, ranchers and the earth, and the need to protect their environment and their work to provide food to others. “What farmers do is a continu- ation of God’s creation,” he said. “There is a whole spirituality to that that I didn’t see until this.” He said that he returned from the retreat hoping to develop ways to encourage more men in the area to come together. He said he had heard about one priest that started a rosary group, short and simple, lasting just 30 minutes. So far, the group has grown from 15 to 70 men. “All the women in the parish, they make their husbands go,” Fa- ther Richard said. “I am so going to start that in my parish.” Father Martin has begun a group in his parish to gather for morning prayer, helping partici- pants learn how to offer the liturgy of the hours on their own. “We need to encourage them not to depend on a priest or a dea- con or nun to lead them in prayer,” he said. RETREAT continued from page 11 mine if a new church needs to be built to accom- modate the growth. Or if the demographics of the population re- flect a stronger Hispanic presence than previously recorded, a parish report could trigger a visit from diocesan Hispanic Ministry Coordinator and Dominican Sister Gladys Echenique to help get Spanish-speaking parish leaders into catechetical training to assist in meeting the people’s pastoral needs. Also, parishes with schools provide informa- tion that tracks enrollment and facilitates avenues for student assistance through the Catholic Tuition Support Organization. The October Mass count revealing attendance helps the bishop determine which parishes might need another priest or similar personnel resources. The pastoral report, the Mass count and the Catholic Directory are not the only requests that parishes receive from the Diocese. Throughout the year, they receive requests for information from Deacon Greg Henderson, diocesan chief finance officer, for financial reviews and in preparation for annual corporate board meetings. Child, Ado- lescent &Adult Protection Safe Environment Program Manager Rachel Guzman collects data in the spring for the annual audit mandated under the Dallas Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Photos courtesy of Lucy Lopez Pesqueira/NOTICIAS Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger celebrated the annual Farm- workers Mass Dec. 6 at Amistad Park in San Luis. Nearly 150 laborers and parishioners attended the annual pre-dawn Mass, which began in 2009.