Bishop’s Golf Classic and Bishop’s Beef Raffle
Join us for the annual “Bishop’s Golf Classic” on September 22, 2023, at Pinon Hills Golf Course in Farmington, NM.
Proceeds from this year’s tournament will be used by the Catholic People’s Foundation of the Diocese of Gallup to support Catholic education and the work of the 11 Catholic Schools within our diocese.
In addition, this year the Catholic Peoples Foundation is proud to announce their biggest beef raffle yet:
• GRAND Prize: One Full Beef with your choice of a ‘Custom Cut’ PLUS a Frigidaire 20.0 cu. ft. upright freezer
• 2nd Prize: One Half Beef PLUS a Frigidaire 16.0 cu. ft. upright freezer
• 3rd Prize: One Half Beef
Ask a Canon Lawyer: Marriage and Annulments
Flute and Health Presentation, September 23
Obituary for Sister Jeanette Jabour, OP
Sister Jeanette Jabour, formerly known as Sister Anesa Marie, died on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 91 years of age and in the 73rd year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.
Sister Jeanette was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Kalil and Anesa (Michael) Jabour. She graduated from Dominican High School in Detroit and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and a Master of Science degree in Mixed Science, both from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian. She later earned a Diploma in Spiritual Theology from Regis College in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and a Master of Arts degree in Religion from The Athenaeum of Ohio, Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary of the West School of Theology in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was also certified as a nursing home administrator by the State of Ohio.
Sister Jeanette spent over 24 years ministering in education in Chicago, Illinois; Winslow, Arizona; Cleveland, Ohio; and Detroit. This included several years of service at two sponsored institutions of the Congregation: 10 years at Dominican High School in Detroit and four years at Hoban Dominican High School in Cleveland. She also served the Congregation as executive director of Central Services and as assistant to the Congregation administrator.
She served as administrator of St. Theresa Home for the Aged in Cincinnati for seven years; as a social worker for the Cincinnati Archdiocese for eight years; and as director of community relations and a consultant for community outreach services at Bayley Place in Cincinnati a total of 15 years. She was the author of several articles and the 2007 book “Visiting the Elderly: An Essential Parish Ministry,” published by Twenty-Third Publications. Sister became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in 2012.
Sister Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Joe, Nick, Hank, Sam, Nell, Sister Sabina Jabour (also an Adrian Dominican Sister), and two brothers in early childhood. She is survived by other loving family and her Adrian Dominican sisters.
Sister ministered in Arizona 5 years, at St. Joseph, Winslow, from 1955-1960 as an Elementary Teacher.
Arizona Catholic Conference 2023 Legislative Wrap-up
Session Overview
After spending 204 days in session, the Arizona Legislature adjourned sine die on July 31st, making it the longest session in history. In total, nearly 1,800 pieces of legislation were introduced with 205 bills signed into law and 143 of them vetoed which set a state record.
Despite the politically divided situation at the Capitol, several significant items supported by the Arizona Catholic Conference (ACC) were thankfully passed into law, while the most problematic bills again failed to pass.
School Choice Preserved
The ACC was particularly pleased that last year’s historic law to allow every student the ability to obtain an Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) scholarship to attend the school that best fits their needs was preserved. Several efforts were made to curtail this program, especially during the budget process, but they were ultimately unsuccessful. Accordingly, Arizona remains the leading school choice state in the country.
Meanwhile, although no new bills to expand or improve the successful tuition tax credit programs supporting needy students were passed, all of the various attempts to undermine this program were fortunately blocked by legislative leadership.
Vulnerable Populations Protected
The large and growing problem of homelessness was addressed in the budget with $150 million being added to the Housing Trust Fund and another $60 million being added for homeless shelters and other services (SB 1720). There are multiple factors contributing to the homelessness crisis across Arizona, but it is hoped that this additional funding for eviction prevention, shelters, and affordable housing will help.
Low-income children also will benefit from the recently signed budget which increases the Children’s Health Income Program (CHIP) eligibility by 25 percent. By doing so, an additional 12,000 children will be able to receive health insurance.
With regard to gun violence, the ACC Bishops were grateful that bills relating to prohibited weapons (SB 1109) and allowing more guns on school campuses (SB 1331) were vetoed, as noted in an earlier joint statement. Similarly, the ACC was pleased that no harmful laws relating to predatory lending or immigration were passed this session.
Human Life and Religious Freedom Supported
Regrettably, an attempt to provide basic medical care to all infants born alive (SB 1600) was approved by the Legislature following testimony from the ACC, but ultimately vetoed. Additionally, funding for pregnant homeless women was unfortunately not included in this year’s budget because the recipients would not make abortion referrals.
There were several pieces of legislation to repeal the many great pro-life laws relating to abortion and religious freedom that are already on the books in Arizona, but they were all thankfully defeated. Similarly, efforts to provide state funding for abortions in the budget and to legalize assisted suicide (HB 2583 and SB 1646) were also attempted, but they all failed to move.
Finally, it is worth noting that for the first time in many years, an informational hearing on legislation to repeal the death penalty (SB 1475) was held in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The ACC, along with others, provided testimony in support of this bill and was glad that the issue received thoughtful discussion.
Conclusion
The Arizona Catholic Conference is grateful to all the elected officials and groups we worked with this past session to pass legislation promoting the common good and to defeat harmful bills. We are also appreciative for your support, and especially your prayers.
The Friday news roundup presents a quick overview of Catholic stories and events from around the Diocese of Gallup, United States, and world. Have a news tip or event to promote? Email [email protected], call 505-863-4406 or mail us at PO Box 1338, Gallup NM 87305.