DECEMBER 2023 34 Arcadia News reached out to Becky Biciolis-Pace, communications manager at UPS, to learn more about the when, what, where and how of shipping during the busiest time of the year for deliveries. To ensure your cards and packages arrive on time and in excellent condition, here are a few tips: Know the last day to ship Check the delivery company’s website to ensure your packages arrive before Christmas Eve. UPS also has a holiday calendar to help plan ahead. • Ground shipping depends on where you’re shipping from. • UPS 3 Day Select – December 19 • UPS 2nd Day Air services – December 20 (or the 21st with Saturday Delivery) • UPS Next Day Air services – December 21 (or the 22nd with Saturday Delivery) Make sure your item is shippable. Below are a few prohibited and restricted items: • Fireworks • CBD products • Vape products • Postage stamps • Alcoholic beverages • Golds • Furs • Biological substances Adequately label and securely pack for transportation. Not all boxes are created equal! Find a rigid box and check the burst strength. Make sure all its flaps are intact, and you’re using strong shipping tape. Avoid string or wrapping paper, and remove old labels or shipment markings. What’s inside counts. Take the time to wrap all items separately and make sure they won’t move while in transit by using plenty of cushioning materials to protect your precious cargo. The label is the most important item. Make sure you’re using a label with clear and concise delivery information and return details. Always leave a duplicate address label inside the package for safe measure. Download the app. Major retailers send emails or text messages to alert you of your delivery, but there’s always the risk of hackers. UPS and other shippers have apps that help you safely track your packages and adjust delivery details without concern that you’ll become the victim of a phishing attack. ups.com Holiday shipping tips JOIN US THIS ADVENT SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH 2312 E. CAMPBELL AVE • PHOENIX, AZ 85016 www.staphx.org (602) 954-9089 FIRST WEEK of ADVENT SECOND WEEK of ADVENT THIRD WEEK of ADVENT Candlelight Mass: 5:00pm Sunday, December 3rd Christ In Our Neighborhood Bible Study: Thursdays at 6:00pm and Fridays at 9:00am in the Gift Shop Advent Concert: December 4th at 7:00pm Immaculate Conception of Mary: Holy Day of Obligation December 8th with Mass times at 6:30am, 8:30am, Noon, 6:00pm Parish Mission: Equipped to Serve - Finding Strength and Joy through the Gifts of the Holy Spirit with Fr. Klockeman December 6th, 6:00pm-8:00pm Called and Gifted Workshop: Discern your spiritual gifts in this day-long wqorkshop. December 9th, 9:00am-3:30pm Register at staphx.org Candlelight Masses: 5:00pm Sunday, December 10th Christ In Our Neighborhood Bible Study: Thursdays at 6:00pm and Fridays at 9:00am in the Gift Shop Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass and Reception: Join us after Mass for light refreshments, crafts and music. December 12th at 6:00pm Candlelight Masses: 5:00pm Sunday, December 17th Christ In Our Neighborhood Bible Study: Thursdays at 6:00pm and Fridays at 9:00am in the Gift Shop Penance Service: December 20th, 6:00pm-8:00pm CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE Sunday, December 24th, 4:00pm, 7:00pm, Midnight (music starts at 11:30pm) Monday, December 25th, 9:00am and 11:00am *Christmas Vigil Mass times do not fulfill the Sunday obligation. *Sunday Mass times do not fulfill the Christmas obligation. VISIT OUR NEWLY REIMAGINED GIFT SHOP! Catholic books, devotionals, and gifts... just in time for Christmas! Stocking Stuffers Advent Calendars & Wreaths • Journals • Rosaries • Medals • Ornaments • Candles Children’s Nook Home Goods Hostess Gifts