Dear OLMC,

As I come to the middle of my summer assignment here at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, I have had the opportunity to reflect on my experiences, which I would like to share with you in this short article.

Under the mentorship of Father Robert Aliunzi, our Pastor, it has been so far a grace-filled time of learning how Jesus reveals His pastoral heart in a living, vibrant parish community, and I have enjoyed every bit of it.

Since the beginning of my assignment on June 2nd, I have had the opportunity to assist at many weekday and weekend Masses and to serve at two weddings, one funeral, and one baptism. Early on, I attended the Catholic Youth Ministry Convention, where I encountered passionate disciples from all across Arizona, the United States, and even the world.

At the parish, I’ve participated in staff meetings and attended the Finance Council, the Pastoral Advisory Council, the St. Vincent de Paul business meeting, and the Knights of Columbus. I also had the opportunity to serve as a front desk receptionist, which gave me a window into the daily life and needs of the parish. With the guidance of the parish’s dedicated youth ministers, I’ve been leading Evening Prayer with the youth on Wednesdays and joining their group gatherings after Mass. I also join a small but faithful community each morning in praying the Liturgy of the Hours.

One of the highlights of this summer has been helping prepare the rectory to welcome the new vicar, Father Paul while practicing the ministry of hospitality. I have seen that the Lord uses all my gifts in ways that I never expected, and all for His Glory. Living with Father Robert has been a great blessing, as we’ve shared the Liturgy of the Hours, good conversations, a profound learning experience into the Ugandan Culture and priesthood, and meals prepared by an excellent cook—a true taste of priestly fraternity.

Throughout these weeks, I have also met countless wonderful people: I have met many priests, including Father Aaron, who recently returned to his homeland but spent several years helping out at the parish, the joyful parishioners at Sunday coffee, the committed adorers for the New Perpetual Adoration Chapel, the children and caretakers of the summer camp, the women’s study group, the young adults at the swing dancing event, high schoolers at Bible study, and the ever-dedicated maintenance team.

I even joined the staff on a pilgrimage to Sedona, where I served alongside Fr. Robert and Fr. Ignatius at the Chapel of the Holy Cross and was introduced to the new staff members. I’ve cleaned, served, practiced flexibility in scheduling, and—perhaps unexpectedly—was even called to dog-sit, which I enjoyed very much.

Every encounter has been a reminder of Christ’s presence in the people He gathers. I am deeply grateful for this summer of formation at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, where I have seen firsthand what it means to be a shepherd after the heart of Jesus. John Paul II once said that a “Man Cannot Fully Find Himself, Except Through A Sincere Gift Of Himself.” This, I have experienced in just one month of being here at OLMC.

And as I enter into July, I can only imagine the blessings yet to unfold. Jesus is truly showing me what it means to shepherd. So, stay tuned for the sharing of the second and last phase of my summer experience.

Thank You,
Steven Gutierrez

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