Parish eBulletin - Volume 12, No. 20 - May 118, 2018
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Chris Lundin
May 18, 2018, 7:48:55 AM5/18/18
to paloaltocatho...@googlegroups.com
St. Thomas Aquinas Parish
The Catholic Community of Palo Alto, California
St. Thomas Aquinas parish is a Roman Catholic community of disciples
working together for the glory of God and our spiritual growth in Jesus, the Christ.
With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we live and share the Gospel
through worship, education and service.
Parish eBulletin -
Volume 12, No. 20 - May 19, 2018
Pentecost!
Confirmation This Saturday Night!
Table of Contents:
1. TONIGHT: Friday, May 18: Friday Fish Fest
2. THIS Weekend: The Feast of Pentecost
3. To Those Who Are To Be Confirmed Saturday Night: Your Mission Awaits!
4. Monday, May 21: Mary, Mother of the Church: New Feast for 2018 Dating Back To Vatican II
5. Tuesday, May 22: Visitation of the Pilgrim Statue Immaculate Heart of Our Lady of Fatima
6. Tuesday, May 22: You're Invited to Tea
7. Pastoral Stewardship Council: Membership Changes
8. STA Kids Faith Formation News
9. Sing God’s Praises! Dance for Joy!
10. Next Weekend: 2nd Collection for Catholic Home Missions
12. Free To Good Home: OLR Hall Piano
13. Each Thursday: Mothers’ Prayers After 8:30 A.M. OLR Daily Mass
14.
Human Concerns: Change A Life: Help Send A Kid To CYO Summer Camp
15. Facility Requests: Need Your 2018-2019 Requested Dates
16. Volunteer Opportunity: Altar Servers At 5:00 p.m. Saturday Mass
17. Volunteer Opportunity: Spiritual Care At Stanford
18. Weekly Stewardship Report: Thank You For Sharing God’s Gifts!
19. New Documentary: Pope Francis - A Man of His Word
20. Save The Dates!!
21. Saturday, May 19: Detention Ministry Training
22. June 2-3: Feast of Corpus Christi — All Night Adoration
23. The Joy of The Gospel (Incrementally)
24. Human Concerns: Catholics Make a Clear Impact Toward Death Penalty’s End
25. Featured Quote from Pope Francis
26. Green Corner: Faithful Citizenship
27. On Or Before June 5: Vote In Election: Guide to Propositions
28. Room For Rent?
29. Housing Inquiry
30. TOMORROW: Saturday, May 19: National River Cleanup Day
31. Readings for Feast of Pentecost and Presider Schedules
Bonus Content: Flyers! Pictures!
—————————————————————————————————————————————————
1. TONIGHT: Friday, May 18: Friday Fish Fest
We start at 6:00 p.m. and finish by 8:00, and in between there is camaraderie, laughter, sharing, learning about folks whose faces may be familiar but whose stories are not. Sponsored by the STA Site Committee, the Fish Fest draws folks from all the STA Mass communities--there are 6 distinct groups, each clustered around a particular daily or Sunday Mass--as well as from our other parish churches. This is a chance to cross-pollinate!
We ask for a $5 donation for the meal, and $2 each for a glass of wine or a beer. You are free to bring a dessert to share, but otherwise, the fare is simply fish and chips with coleslaw on the side. An RSVP is necessary, to be sure we have enough fish! This month, respond to Vicki Sullivan, (650) 740-0124, or 327-6339, vickis...@comcast.net.
2. THIS Weekend: The Feast of Pentecost
The main sign of Pentecost in the West is the color red. It symbolizes joy and the fire of the Holy Spirit. Priests or ministers, and choirs wear red vestments, and in modern times, the custom has extended to the lay people of the congregation wearing red clothing in celebration as well. Plan on wearing red to Mass this weekend!
The main sign of Pentecost in the West is the color red. It symbolizes joy and the fire of the Holy Spirit. Priests or ministers, and choirs wear red vestments, and in modern times, the custom has extended to the lay people of the congregation wearing red clothing in celebration as well. Plan on wearing red to Mass this weekend!
3. To Those Who Are To Be Confirmed Saturday Night: Your Mission Awaits!
Dear Youth,
The leadership team and I wish to congratulate you for making it this far in your faith journey as a Catholic! All of your effort toward growing in wisdom, knowledge and relationship with Christ has led to this very special moment of your life—the day of your Confirmation. In receiving this Sacrament, you have been sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit, receiving special strength and graces that will allow Christ to use you in tremendous new ways if you only allow Him to do so. From this point onwards you are declared a fully initiated Catholic in the eyes of the Church, so what comes next?
The Lord now sends you forth to share your gifts and talents with the world to build up the Kingdom on Earth! It all begins right here, right now. This is your mission: to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). In addition, our parish community now looks to you to take part in leadership roles in its many ministries. As youth minister, I look forward to helping you continue to grow in faith, community and service as you now transition to St. Thomas Aquinas Life Teen, our faith community for high school teens. Finally, don’t forget that you will always have support from your Church and the sponsors who have promised to journey together with you on the road toward Heaven. Seek Him always.
In Christ, Chris Mardesich, Director Youth & Young Adults
Dear Youth,
The leadership team and I wish to congratulate you for making it this far in your faith journey as a Catholic! All of your effort toward growing in wisdom, knowledge and relationship with Christ has led to this very special moment of your life—the day of your Confirmation. In receiving this Sacrament, you have been sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit, receiving special strength and graces that will allow Christ to use you in tremendous new ways if you only allow Him to do so. From this point onwards you are declared a fully initiated Catholic in the eyes of the Church, so what comes next?
The Lord now sends you forth to share your gifts and talents with the world to build up the Kingdom on Earth! It all begins right here, right now. This is your mission: to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). In addition, our parish community now looks to you to take part in leadership roles in its many ministries. As youth minister, I look forward to helping you continue to grow in faith, community and service as you now transition to St. Thomas Aquinas Life Teen, our faith community for high school teens. Finally, don’t forget that you will always have support from your Church and the sponsors who have promised to journey together with you on the road toward Heaven. Seek Him always.
In Christ, Chris Mardesich, Director Youth & Young Adults
4. Monday, May 21: Mary, Mother of the Church: New Feast for 2018 Dating Back To Vatican II
This year marks the first official celebration of the feast day, “Mary, Mother of the Church,” established by Pope Francis. It is a title given to the Blessed Mother that dates all the way back to the Second Vatican Council.
MSGR. ARTHUR ROCHE
Secretary, Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
“It is an important feast because really the title, 'Our Lady, Mother of the Church' was given by Pope Blessed Paul VI at the end of the Second Vatican Council, reminding people that we had a very great intercessor with us in our Lady; but not only that. From the theological point of view, pointing to the fact that Our Lady is an image of what the Church should be in its perfection.”
The Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments says Pope Francis decreed this feast to particularly remember the Blessed Mother's maternal role, not only to Jesus, but to the whole Church.
This year marks the first official celebration of the feast day, “Mary, Mother of the Church,” established by Pope Francis. It is a title given to the Blessed Mother that dates all the way back to the Second Vatican Council.
MSGR. ARTHUR ROCHE
Secretary, Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
“It is an important feast because really the title, 'Our Lady, Mother of the Church' was given by Pope Blessed Paul VI at the end of the Second Vatican Council, reminding people that we had a very great intercessor with us in our Lady; but not only that. From the theological point of view, pointing to the fact that Our Lady is an image of what the Church should be in its perfection.”
The Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments says Pope Francis decreed this feast to particularly remember the Blessed Mother's maternal role, not only to Jesus, but to the whole Church.
Read more (and see the video) at: https://www.romereports.com/en/2018/05/17/mary-mother-of-the-church-new-feast-for-2018-dating-back-to-vatican-ii/
5. Tuesday, May 22: Visitation of the Pilgrim Statue Immaculate Heart of Our Lady of Fatima
3233 Cowper Street
Palo Alto, Ca 94306
The Church will be open all day between Masses for Veneration
La iglesia estará abierta todo el día.
Virgin Statue will arrive at 8:00am
(Llegada de la Estatua de la Virgen Peregrina)
Holy Mass at 8:30am & Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary
For those who can stay after Mass, the statue’s custodian will give short talk about the image
**
Angelus and Daytime Prayer: 12:00pm
**
Divine Mercy Chaplet / Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia: 3:00pm
**
Luminous Mysteries of the Holy Rosary: 5:00pm
**
Confessions/ Confesiones: 6:00pm
**
Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary: 6:00pm
**
Holy Mass (Spanish) / Santa Misa en español - 7:00pm / Farewell- Despedida
**Time for personal prayer & veneration / Tiempo para oración personal y veneración
Schedule a visit, and take advantage of this opportunity to express your devotion and love to Our Lady.
Programa una visita y aprovecha esta oportunidad para expresar tu devoción y amor a la Nuestra Señora.
6. Tuesday, May 22: You're Invited to Tea!
The St. Elizabeth Seton School Student Council would like to do an 'End of Year Thank You' for parishioners and our school volunteers. It will just be a tea and cookie reception in the St. Albert the Great Hospitality Center that the students will organize themselves - and it's open to all! Please RSVP so they know how many are coming! Thanks! The tea will be held at 3:30 p.m.
See the flyer at the end of the eBulletin!
The St. Elizabeth Seton School Student Council would like to do an 'End of Year Thank You' for parishioners and our school volunteers. It will just be a tea and cookie reception in the St. Albert the Great Hospitality Center that the students will organize themselves - and it's open to all! Please RSVP so they know how many are coming! Thanks! The tea will be held at 3:30 p.m.
See the flyer at the end of the eBulletin!
7. Pastoral Stewardship Council: Membership Changes
At this month’s meeting of the Pastoral Stewardship Council, five new parish members were installed. This is part of our parish’s regular rotation of parish leadership through our ministry boards onto the PSC, the advisory council to Fr. Matt (and incoming pastor Fr. Stasys on July 1).
Outgoing Chair Anne Morrison was pleased to welcome the new PSC members: Mary Valentine is replacing Deacon Daniel as representative from the Adult Spirituality ministry; Ted Baer is replacing Bill Morrison from the Building, Equipment and Maintenance ministry; Vickie Sullivan is replacing Bob March from the St. Thomas Aquinas Church Site Committee; Carol Lozano is replacing Bernadette Kameni from Faith Formation Committee, and Chris Mardesich (staff) is temporarily replacing Francesco Poggesi from the STAY Youth Ministry. The Community Life ministry was unable to nominate a replacement for Anne Morrison, so that ministry is temporarily unrepresented.
Anne and Bill Morrison, Bob March, Deacon Daniel and Francesco Poggesi completed their terms of service. Thank you for your dedication to our parish.
There were also elections for the PSC Executive Committee, and the following were elected for a one- year term - Chair: Chris Lundin; Vice Chair: Vicki Sullivan; Secretary: Ted Baer. The PSC meets monthly (except during August) on the 2nd Wednesday of each month (adjusted as needed). The June meeting will be in the OLR Hall, and then the July 2018 meeting (and September going forward through June 2019) will be at the St. Albert the Great Hospitality Center.
At this month’s meeting of the Pastoral Stewardship Council, five new parish members were installed. This is part of our parish’s regular rotation of parish leadership through our ministry boards onto the PSC, the advisory council to Fr. Matt (and incoming pastor Fr. Stasys on July 1).
Outgoing Chair Anne Morrison was pleased to welcome the new PSC members: Mary Valentine is replacing Deacon Daniel as representative from the Adult Spirituality ministry; Ted Baer is replacing Bill Morrison from the Building, Equipment and Maintenance ministry; Vickie Sullivan is replacing Bob March from the St. Thomas Aquinas Church Site Committee; Carol Lozano is replacing Bernadette Kameni from Faith Formation Committee, and Chris Mardesich (staff) is temporarily replacing Francesco Poggesi from the STAY Youth Ministry. The Community Life ministry was unable to nominate a replacement for Anne Morrison, so that ministry is temporarily unrepresented.
Anne and Bill Morrison, Bob March, Deacon Daniel and Francesco Poggesi completed their terms of service. Thank you for your dedication to our parish.
There were also elections for the PSC Executive Committee, and the following were elected for a one- year term - Chair: Chris Lundin; Vice Chair: Vicki Sullivan; Secretary: Ted Baer. The PSC meets monthly (except during August) on the 2nd Wednesday of each month (adjusted as needed). The June meeting will be in the OLR Hall, and then the July 2018 meeting (and September going forward through June 2019) will be at the St. Albert the Great Hospitality Center.
8. STA Kids Faith Formation News
This weekend we celebrate the “graduation” of our 5th graders from our STA-Kids formation process. We have been blessed to have many of them for most of their elementary faith formation from Pre-Kindergarten through the 5th Grade and, of course, have celebrated the sacraments with them. As we come to the end of this year of faith formation we offer a blessing for these young people. We thank them and their parents for being faithful to the process of formation for these many years and invite them to move forward to The Edge, our Middle School Program, in the Fall.
Registration for next year’s classes (including preparation for reception of the sacraments) begins now. Registration forms are available in the vestibule at all churches and on-line. And please consider helping us out as a catechist for these classes. There is always a need for people willing to share their faith with our children. Questions? Contact Susan in the Pastoral Center (650-494-2496, ext. 25).
This weekend we celebrate the “graduation” of our 5th graders from our STA-Kids formation process. We have been blessed to have many of them for most of their elementary faith formation from Pre-Kindergarten through the 5th Grade and, of course, have celebrated the sacraments with them. As we come to the end of this year of faith formation we offer a blessing for these young people. We thank them and their parents for being faithful to the process of formation for these many years and invite them to move forward to The Edge, our Middle School Program, in the Fall.
Registration for next year’s classes (including preparation for reception of the sacraments) begins now. Registration forms are available in the vestibule at all churches and on-line. And please consider helping us out as a catechist for these classes. There is always a need for people willing to share their faith with our children. Questions? Contact Susan in the Pastoral Center (650-494-2496, ext. 25).
9. Sing God’s Praises! Dance for Joy!
Meet Daniel in Babylon! A summer camp for children ages 5 through13 will be offered July 30 - August 3 and August 6 - August 10 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon in the Hall at Our Lady of the Rosary.
Susan Olsen, Director of Catechetical Ministries, will direct this camp which will give children a chance to sing, dance and explore Bible stories in dramatic form. Participants will get to know about Daniel and others from the Old Testament while they explore the arts. Children may attend one or both weeks.
Meet Daniel in Babylon! A summer camp for children ages 5 through13 will be offered July 30 - August 3 and August 6 - August 10 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon in the Hall at Our Lady of the Rosary.
Susan Olsen, Director of Catechetical Ministries, will direct this camp which will give children a chance to sing, dance and explore Bible stories in dramatic form. Participants will get to know about Daniel and others from the Old Testament while they explore the arts. Children may attend one or both weeks.
The cost for this camp is $50 per child per week. Registration forms are available in the vestibule of the churches and on our website. If you would like to help or have questions about this camp, contact Susan at suo...@dsj.org or in the Pastoral Center at 650-494-2496, ext. 25.
10. Next Weekend: 2nd Collection for Catholic Home Missions
Strengthening the Church at Home - Next weekend, we will take up the Catholic Home Missions Appeal. Right now, over 40 percent of dioceses in the United States are considered home mission territory because they are unable to fund the essential pastoral work needed in their communities. Your support of this appeal helps ease the struggle of these dioceses. More information can be found at www.usccb.org/home-missions.
Strengthening the Church at Home - Next weekend, we will take up the Catholic Home Missions Appeal. Right now, over 40 percent of dioceses in the United States are considered home mission territory because they are unable to fund the essential pastoral work needed in their communities. Your support of this appeal helps ease the struggle of these dioceses. More information can be found at www.usccb.org/home-missions.
11. Are You Aware? Our Parish Pastoral Home Ministry
Jesus has a special compassion for the sick and suffering. He wants us to look out for them. If you are ill or homebound, or in a retirement home or a care facility or if you know a parishioner who needs pastoral care, please contact the Pastoral Home Ministry. We will visit them, bring them Holy Communion and, if needed, offer them the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick by one of our priests.
Mary Fong
Coordinator of Pastoral Home Ministry
650-494-2496 X22 or 650-494-1660
e-mail: fon...@hotmail.com
Jesus has a special compassion for the sick and suffering. He wants us to look out for them. If you are ill or homebound, or in a retirement home or a care facility or if you know a parishioner who needs pastoral care, please contact the Pastoral Home Ministry. We will visit them, bring them Holy Communion and, if needed, offer them the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick by one of our priests.
Mary Fong
Coordinator of Pastoral Home Ministry
650-494-2496 X22 or 650-494-1660
e-mail: fon...@hotmail.com
12. Free To Good Home: OLR Hall Piano
Due to a generous donation of a Steinway grand piano the Yamaha piano in the OLR Hall has been deemed superfluous. (We seem to have pianos in every gathering place in the parish). Therefore, it is free* to a good home. (*No charge for the piano,
but the person/family who takes it will need to hire a piano mover to move it. The parish has recommendations. It costs about $275-$300 to move.)
Please contact Chris Lundin (clu...@stanford.edu) if interested.
While the piano has not been appraised, it looks like this one: https://www.wellspianos.com/pianos/yamaha-continental-style-upright-new (see picture
of ours at the end of the eBulletin)
13. Each Thursday: Mothers’ Prayers After 8:30 A.M. OLR Daily Mass
Mothers Prayers was formed to help those mothers who wished to pray together for their children and grandchildren and to find the support they need.
We pray together at Our Lady of the Rosary, every THURSDAY morning, at 9:00 am, after morning mass.
Any question, contact Isabelle Peltier isa.u...@gmail.com
We pray together at Our Lady of the Rosary, every THURSDAY morning, at 9:00 am, after morning mass.
Any question, contact Isabelle Peltier isa.u...@gmail.com
14. Human Concerns: Change A Life: Help Send A
Kid To CYO Summer Camp
Hard to believe, but summer is just around the corner.
For sisters, Gwenn Connolly and Karen Vetter that means finding the funds to send 30 kids from St. Elizabeth Seton kids to CYO Summer Camp. These kids have big dreams and talents — but few resources.
Funds Needed: $300 per camper
The total cost for camp is $825 per person for seven days. Each child’s family pays a portion and campership funds cover the remaining 65%. Your contribution, big or small, will make a difference. Donations are tax deductible.
Make checks payable to: CYO Camp Scholarships Memo Line: Please write St. Elizabeth Seton School students
Mail to:
Attn: Nancy Gutierrez
Catholic Charities
990 Eddy Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
To learn more about the project or make an online donation please visit: sendakidtocyocamp.com
CYO Camp is a program of Catholic Charities, SF
15. Facility Requests: Need Your 2018-2019 Requested Dates
Attention: All Parish groups who use our facilities. We need your calendar request forms for 2018-2019. If you have any questions, contact Nora Lundin (nlu...@dsj.org). Requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Attention: All Parish groups who use our facilities. We need your calendar request forms for 2018-2019. If you have any questions, contact Nora Lundin (nlu...@dsj.org). Requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
16. Volunteer Opportunity: Altar Servers At 5:00 p.m. Saturday Mass
Our two Altar servers who have faithfully served at 5 pm Mass over the past 5 years are going off to college this summer. Also, our third server is moving away in June. We are in real need of new servers at the 5:00 p.m. Saturday Mass at St. Albert the Great Church. Please call Nora Lundin at ext. 14 or nlu...@dsj.org if you are interested in being trained for this ministry.
Our two Altar servers who have faithfully served at 5 pm Mass over the past 5 years are going off to college this summer. Also, our third server is moving away in June. We are in real need of new servers at the 5:00 p.m. Saturday Mass at St. Albert the Great Church. Please call Nora Lundin at ext. 14 or nlu...@dsj.org if you are interested in being trained for this ministry.
17. Volunteer Opportunity: Spiritual Care At Stanford
If you are interested, please contact Raksha Patel at spirit...@stanfordhealthcare.org or (650) 723-5101 for more information.
18. Weekly Stewardship Report: Thank You For Sharing God’s Gifts!
May 13 (Week 46)
Offertory by Mass
Sat 5:00pm (SAG): $664
Offertory by Mass
Sat 5:00pm (SAG): $664
Sun 9:00am (SAG): $1,273
Sun 9:00am (OLR): $1,092
Sun 10:30am (OLR): $1,643
Sun 7:30am (STA): $883
Sun 8:45am (STA): $769
Sun 10:30am (STA): $412
Sun 12:00pm (STA): $894
Mail: $660
Online Giving : $2,951
Total: $11,241 (Goal:$12,000)
April 2018 Averages
Offertory by Mass (per week)
Sat 5:00pm (SAG): $644
April 2018 Averages
Offertory by Mass (per week)
Sat 5:00pm (SAG): $644
Sun 9:00am (SAG): $1,987
Sun 9:00am (OLR): $1,217
Sun 10:30am (OLR): $2,149
Sun 7:30am (STA): $875
Sun 8:45am (STA): $532
Sun 10:30am (STA): $502
Sun 12:00pm (STA): $362
Mail: $1,387
Online Giving: $2,334
Total: $11,989 (Goal: $12,000)
Total 2nd Collection $19,056
Total April: $16,753 (weekly)
19. New Documentary: Pope Francis - A Man of His Word
Pope Francis - A Man of His Word is a personal journey with Pope Francis. The pope's ideas and his message are central to this documentary, which sets out to present his work of reform and his answers to today's global questions. From his deep concern for the poor and wealth inequality, to his involvement in environmental issues and social justice, Pope Francis engages the audience face-to-face and calls for peace. Watch the official trailer here.
In theaters, Friday, May 18. In Palo Alto, at the Aquarias Theatre:
Pope Francis - A Man of His Word is a personal journey with Pope Francis. The pope's ideas and his message are central to this documentary, which sets out to present his work of reform and his answers to today's global questions. From his deep concern for the poor and wealth inequality, to his involvement in environmental issues and social justice, Pope Francis engages the audience face-to-face and calls for peace. Watch the official trailer here.
In theaters, Friday, May 18. In Palo Alto, at the Aquarias Theatre:
20. Save The Dates!!
Fr. Matt’s Farewell Mass and Reception at Our Lady of the Rosary on will be on Sunday June 17 (after the 10:30 am Mass) and St. Albert the Great on Sunday, June 24 (after the 9:00 am Mass).
Fr. Matt’s Farewell Mass and Reception at Our Lady of the Rosary on will be on Sunday June 17 (after the 10:30 am Mass) and St. Albert the Great on Sunday, June 24 (after the 9:00 am Mass).
21. Saturday, May 19: Detention Ministry Training
The next training session for Detention Ministry in the Santa Clara County Correctional Facilities will be held onSaturday, May 19, 2018 at the Chancery Office: 1150 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95112 from 9:00 until about 11:00 am. This training will be primarily for brand new volunteers.
You are needed to direct prayer services and bible studies and possibly to accompany individual inmates through the RCIA process.
If you think you are interested in serving incarcerated persons and would like further information, please contact Sister Maryann Cantlon at (408) 983-0131 or at mcan...@dsj.org.
Sincerely,
Sister Maryann Cantlon, CSJ
Coordinator of Restorative Justice
Diocese of San Jose
1150 North First Street
Suite 100
San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 983-0131
mcan...@dsj.org
The next training session for Detention Ministry in the Santa Clara County Correctional Facilities will be held onSaturday, May 19, 2018 at the Chancery Office: 1150 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95112 from 9:00 until about 11:00 am. This training will be primarily for brand new volunteers.
You are needed to direct prayer services and bible studies and possibly to accompany individual inmates through the RCIA process.
If you think you are interested in serving incarcerated persons and would like further information, please contact Sister Maryann Cantlon at (408) 983-0131 or at mcan...@dsj.org.
Sincerely,
Sister Maryann Cantlon, CSJ
Coordinator of Restorative Justice
Diocese of San Jose
1150 North First Street
Suite 100
San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 983-0131
mcan...@dsj.org
(If you have any questions, please direct them to Sr. Maryann or Hong-Ha Vuong (Frei), our parishioner who is actively involved in this ministry (hongha...@sbcglobal.net)
22. June 2-3: Feast of Corpus Christi — All Night Adoration
Beginning at 6:00pm on Saturday, June 2 through 8:00 am on Sunday, June 3, we will continue our tradition of an all-night adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Albert the Great Church. It would be a won- derful time of grace if you could spend at least one hour with our Lord on this great feast of the Body and Blood of Christ.
Beginning at 6:00pm on Saturday, June 2 through 8:00 am on Sunday, June 3, we will continue our tradition of an all-night adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Albert the Great Church. It would be a won- derful time of grace if you could spend at least one hour with our Lord on this great feast of the Body and Blood of Christ.
Please email Chris Lundin at
clu...@stanford.edu or use the link below to sign up for your holy hour:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TDYaGNYcT8qEOUJksX3GbqGOAlcyZDdj02FyRlO0g5M/edit#gid=0
23. The Joy of The Gospel (Incrementally)
As we did with the Papal proclamation on care for the earth (“Laudato Si”), the eBulletin will publish “The Joy of The Gospel” incrementally in the coming weeks and months. The 24th installment:
CHAPTER TWO (continued)
AMID THE CRISIS OF COMMUNAL COMMITMENT
AMID THE CRISIS OF COMMUNAL COMMITMENT
II. Temptations faced by pastoral workers (conclusion)
Other ecclesial challenges
102. Lay people are, put simply, the vast majority of the people of God. The minority – ordained ministers – are at their service. There has been a growing awareness of the identity and mission of the laity in the Church. We can count on many lay persons, although still not nearly enough, who have a deeply-rooted sense of community and great fidelity to the tasks of charity, catechesis and the celebration of the faith. At the same time, a clear awareness of this responsibility of the laity, grounded in their baptism and confirmation, does not appear in the same way in all places. In some cases, it is because lay persons have not been given the formation needed to take on important responsibilities. In others, it is because in their particular Churches room has not been made for them to speak and to act, due to an excessive clericalism which keeps them away from decision-making. Even if many are now involved in the lay ministries, this involvement is not reflected in a greater penetration of Christian values in the social, political and economic sectors. It often remains tied to tasks within the Church, without a real commitment to applying the Gospel to the transformation of society. The formation of the laity and the evangelization of professional and intellectual life represent a significant pastoral challenge.
103. The Church acknowledges the indispensable contribution which women make to society through the sensitivity, intuition and other distinctive skill sets which they, more than men, tend to possess. I think, for example, of the special concern which women show to others, which finds a particular, even if not exclusive, expression in motherhood. I readily acknowledge that many women share pastoral responsibilities with priests, helping to guide people, families and groups and offering new contributions to theological reflection. But we need to create still broader opportunities for a more incisive female presence in the Church. Because “the feminine genius is needed in all expressions in the life of society, the presence of women must also be guaranteed in the workplace”[72] and in the various other settings where important decisions are made, both in the Church and in social structures.
104. Demands that the legitimate rights of women be respected, based on the firm conviction that men and women are equal in dignity, present the Church with profound and challenging questions which cannot be lightly evaded. The reservation of the priesthood to males, as a sign of Christ the Spouse who gives himself in the Eucharist, is not a question open to discussion, but it can prove especially divisive if sacramental power is too closely identified with power in general. It must be remembered that when we speak of sacramental power “we are in the realm of function, not that of dignity or holiness”.[73] The ministerial priesthood is one means employed by Jesus for the service of his people, yet our great dignity derives from baptism, which is accessible to all. The configuration of the priest to Christ the head – namely, as the principal source of grace – does not imply an exaltation which would set him above others. In the Church, functions “do not favour the superiority of some vis-à-vis the others”.[74] Indeed, a woman, Mary, is more important than the bishops. Even when the function of ministerial priesthood is considered “hierarchical”, it must be remembered that “it is totally ordered to the holiness of Christ’s members”.[75] Its key and axis is not power understood as domination, but the power to administer the sacrament of the Eucharist; this is the origin of its authority, which is always a service to God’s people. This presents a great challenge for pastors and theologians, who are in a position to recognize more fully what this entails with regard to the possible role of women in decision-making in different areas of the Church’s life.
105. Youth ministry, as traditionally organized, has also suffered the impact of social changes. Young people often fail to find responses to their concerns, needs, problems and hurts in the usual structures. As adults, we find it hard to listen patiently to them, to appreciate their concerns and demands, and to speak to them in a language they can understand. For the same reason, our efforts in the field of education do not produce the results expected. The rise and growth of associations and movements mostly made up of young people can be seen as the work of the Holy Spirit, who blazes new trails to meet their expectations and their search for a deep spirituality and a more real sense of belonging. There remains a need, however, to ensure that these associations actively participate in the Church’s overall pastoral efforts.[76]
106. Even if it is not always easy to approach young people, progress has been made in two
areas: the awareness that the entire community is called to evangelize and educate the young, and the urgent need for the young to exercise greater leadership. We should recognize that despite the present crisis of commitment and communal relationships, many young people are making common cause before the problems of our world and are taking up various forms of activism and volunteer work. Some take part in the life of the Church as members of service groups and various missionary initiatives in their own dioceses and in other places. How beautiful it is to see that young people are “street preachers” (callejeros de la fe), joyfully bringing Jesus to every street, every town square and every corner of the earth!
107. Many places are experiencing a dearth of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. This is often due to a lack of contagious apostolic fervour in communities which results in a cooling of enthusiasm and attractiveness. Wherever there is life, fervour and a desire to bring Christ to others, genuine vocations will arise. Even in parishes where priests are not particularly committed or joyful, the fraternal life and fervour of the community can awaken in the young a desire to consecrate themselves completely to God and to the preaching of the Gospel. This is particularly true if such a living community prays insistently for vocations and courageously proposes to its young people the path of special consecration. On the other hand, despite the scarcity of vocations, today we are increasingly aware of the need for a better process of selecting candidates to the priesthood. Seminaries cannot accept candidates on the basis of any motivation whatsoever, especially if those motivations have to do with affective insecurity or the pursuit of power, human glory or economic well-being.
108. As I mentioned above, I have not sought to offer a complete diagnosis, but I invite communities to complete and enrich these perspectives on the basis of their awareness of the challenges facing them and their neighbours. It is my hope that, in doing so, they will realize that whenever we attempt to read the signs of the times it is helpful to listen to young people and the elderly. Both represent a source of hope for every people. The elderly bring with them memory and the wisdom of experience, which warns us not to foolishly repeat our past mistakes. Young people call us to renewed and expansive hope, for they represent new directions for humanity and open us up to the future, lest we cling to a nostalgia for structures and customs which are no longer life-giving in today’s world.
109. Challenges exist to be overcome! Let us be realists, but without losing our joy, our boldness and our hope-filled commitment. Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of missionary vigour!
NEXT WEEK: Beginning of Chapter 3
24. Human Concerns: Catholics Make a Clear Impact Toward Death Penalty’s End
Ending capital punishment in the United States is within reach. We are living in a moment in history when it is possible to both glimpse the death penalty’s downfall and experience its cruel grip at the same time. The movement to end the death penalty is steadily growing and Catholics have the power to significantly embolden it in the United States.
Glimpses of hope can be seen in the five people exonerated and released from death row in 2017, bringing the total number of exonerations to 161. Last year for the first time since 1974, Harris County, Texas–the country’s most egregious user of the death penalty–neither executed nor sentenced anyone to death. Public support for the death penalty is on the decline and measuring at its lowest level in 45 years. Death sentences and executions are among lowest in history. The death penalty is on its way out.
Ending capital punishment in the United States is within reach. We are living in a moment in history when it is possible to both glimpse the death penalty’s downfall and experience its cruel grip at the same time. The movement to end the death penalty is steadily growing and Catholics have the power to significantly embolden it in the United States.
Glimpses of hope can be seen in the five people exonerated and released from death row in 2017, bringing the total number of exonerations to 161. Last year for the first time since 1974, Harris County, Texas–the country’s most egregious user of the death penalty–neither executed nor sentenced anyone to death. Public support for the death penalty is on the decline and measuring at its lowest level in 45 years. Death sentences and executions are among lowest in history. The death penalty is on its way out.
Read more at: https://togoforth.org/2018/04/25/catholics-make-a-clear-impact-toward-death-penaltys-end/ (APRIL 25, 2018)
25. Featured Quote from Pope Francis
- Pope Francis, Gaudete et Exsultate (no. 95)
“Holiness, then, is not about swooning in mystic rapture. As Saint John Paul II said: ‘If we truly start out anew from the contemplation of Christ, we must learn to see him especially in the faces of those with whom he himself wished to be identified.’ The text of Matthew 25:35-36 is ‘not a simple invitation to charity: it is a page of Christology which sheds a ray of light on the mystery of Christ.’ In this call to recognize him in the poor and the suffering, we see revealed the very heart of Christ, his deepest feelings and choices, which every saint seeks to imitate.”
- Pope Francis, Gaudete et Exsultate (no. 95)
26. Green Corner: Faithful Citizenship
The California Catholic Conference of Bishops statement on Faithful Citizenship includes the right and duty to participate in civil policy including the issue of: "The excessive consumption of material goods and the destruction of natural resources, which harm both the environment and the poor.”
Exercise the power of your vote at the June 5th elections. Four of the five propositions deal with environmental issues.
The Green Committee supports Propositions 68 and 72. It opposes Proposition 70.
27. On Or Before June 5: Vote In Election: Guide to Propositions
The system has its pluses – citizens can address issues their lawmakers cannot – and its minuses – almost any special interest with sufficient financial resources can get something on the ballot.
One of the challenges, however, is that voters must make decisions on complicated public policy issues with a simple yes or no answer. Some initiatives may not have been drafted carefully and result in unintended outcomes. Finally, crafty but misleading campaigns can lead to poor decisions.
Staying informed and understanding Catholic teaching when making policy decisions is critical, but it can also be time-consuming.
That is why the Conference continues to provide a succinct analysis of each of the propositions – along with relevant Catholic teaching – despite the fact that the Conference has not taken any positions on the 2018 primary ballot initiatives. You can find the analysis here along with general resources on Faithful Citizenship, guidelines on approved political activity in parishes and general discussions on important Catholic themes.
California has always been a state to experiment with new and innovative forms of governance and there are two relatively new approaches to keep in mind.
This year, five counties will begin a new system in which every voter will receive a mail-in ballot that they can either drop in the post or bring to a “voting center” that replaces the traditional polling place. The counties are Madera, Napa, Nevada, Sacramento and San Mateo but the change is already causing confusion in some voters. (All counties will be allowed to make the switch by 2020.) The net impact, however, is that if you live in one of the counties with the new system visit your county election official’s website to make sure you understand the new procedure or read the ballot mailed to you carefully. You do not want to be disenfranchised.
Since a 2010 law, California also uses the “top-two primary” system, meaning that the candidate with the highest number of votes in the primary and the runner-up advance to the General Election regardless of their party.
Advocates of the system contend that it drives candidates to the political center and eliminates the extreme right or left. Enacted by voters in the form of Prop 14 (2010) many are not convinced it has had the desired impact.
Please remember to vote on or before June 5!
Read more (and read the Ballot Propositions) at: http://www.cacatholic.org/take-action/primary-election-2018
28. Room For Rent?
I can be reached at: slavchev...@yahoo.com.
Thank you, Daniela.
29. Housing Inquiry
My name is Christopher Kieliszak and I am an Ear Nose and Throat physician who will be moving to the Bay Area in order to complete a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship in Los Altos from July 2018 until July 2019. I am a devout Catholic.
As I begin my search for housing in the area, I am quickly learning that the costs of living in this area greatly exceed the costs that I have been accustomed to paying in Columbus Ohio (Where I completed my residency training). My fellowship will actually pay me less than what I earned in residency, and I have a great deal of student debt from years of Medical School.
I am reaching out to the Catholic Community to see if there is any available housing on the premises of the church, or in the nearby area. If there are any opportunities for affordable housing arrangements, I would greatly appreciate learning about these. I won't require much, just a bed and an area that I can study at. Either furnished or unfurnished. I would be available to volunteer and give back to the church as well. Please let me know if there are any opportunities. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Christopher Kieliszak
585-738-8195
My name is Christopher Kieliszak and I am an Ear Nose and Throat physician who will be moving to the Bay Area in order to complete a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship in Los Altos from July 2018 until July 2019. I am a devout Catholic.
As I begin my search for housing in the area, I am quickly learning that the costs of living in this area greatly exceed the costs that I have been accustomed to paying in Columbus Ohio (Where I completed my residency training). My fellowship will actually pay me less than what I earned in residency, and I have a great deal of student debt from years of Medical School.
I am reaching out to the Catholic Community to see if there is any available housing on the premises of the church, or in the nearby area. If there are any opportunities for affordable housing arrangements, I would greatly appreciate learning about these. I won't require much, just a bed and an area that I can study at. Either furnished or unfurnished. I would be available to volunteer and give back to the church as well. Please let me know if there are any opportunities. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Christopher Kieliszak
585-738-8195
30. TOMORROW: Saturday, May 19: National River Cleanup Day
Come and join your neighbors and friends this coming Saturday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to noon to help clean our waterways during National River Cleanup Day. Did you know that last year volunteers picked up nearly 88,000 lbs. of trash from creeks in Santa Clara County? That’s equivalent to the weight of 33 Honda Civics! Our creeks and rivers need our help.
In addition to the time that our volunteers will spend this Saturday cleaning our rivers and creeks, the Santa Clara Valley Water District continues the trash removal efforts year-round to restore creeks, improve water quality, and foster suitable habitat for fish. Together we are making a difference in our local waterways.
We hope to see you all there Saturday morning. Remember to wear long pants and sturdy shoes, and bring your own reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Register today, for any of the sites listed below, by visiting
http://bit.ly/NRCD2018 or http://www.cleanacreek.org/upcomingcleanupevents_NRCD18.aspLocal area: 3805 East Bayshore Road, Palo Alto (Adobe Creek)
Sunday readings in English: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052018-mass-during-day.cfm
Sunday readings en Español:http://www.usccb.org/bible/lecturas/052018-mass-during-day.cfm
5:00 p.m. Saturday: St. Albert the Great: Msgr. Fran Cilia, Fr. Matt and Deacon Daniel (Music: Chris Lundin) - Confirmation
7:30 a.m. St. Thomas Aquinas: Fr. Michael
8:45 a.m. St. Thomas Aquinas: Fr. Larry Percell
9:00 a.m. St. Albert the Great: Fr. Sev Kuupuo and Deacon Daniel (Music: Chris Lundin and SAG Choir)
9:00 a.m. Our Lady of the Rosary: Fr. Stasys (Music: Ramon Perez and Hispanic Coro) - First Communion
10:30 a.m. Our Lady of the Rosary: Fr. Stasys (Music: Chris Lundin and OLR Choir)
10:30 a.m. St. Thomas Aquinas: Fr. Michael and Deacon Daniel (Music: Instrumental Ensemble and Women's Choir directed by Paul Prochaska)
11:00 a.m. St. Albert: (St. Basil the Great Byzantine Catholic Community): Fr. Anthony Hernandez
Noon: St. Thomas Aquinas: TBD. (Music: Gregorian chant and Renaissance motets with St. Ann Choir)
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The eBulletin is an initiative of our parish Communications Board, whose ministry it is to improve communications in our parish.
As of today, our parish eBulletin is sent to 424 parish families! (closed (bouncing) accounts recently removed). Pass the word! Who will be Family No. 425? If you are interested in receiving the eBulletin on a weekly basis, send an email request to clu...@stanford.edu. You will be added to "PaloAltoCatholic-EBulletin@googlegroups.com" which is used to send out the eBulletin each Friday morning.
Always Useful Information:
Parish Online Giving: https://www.myowngiving.com/Default.aspx?cid=357
Parish Elder Care Resources: Call/leave a message at the Pastoral Home Ministry (494-2496, ext. 22) Call a priest at the rectory at 327-8222
St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Online Calendar*: http://www.mychurchevents.com/calendar/calendar.aspx?ci=L6M7J4G1J4H2O9L6I3
Steeple Talk Newsletter: http://www.paloaltocatholic.net/index.cfm?load=page&page=202 (see left sidebar)
Diocese of San Jose: http://www.dsj.org/
The Valley Catholic (Diocesan newspaper: http://tvc.dsj.org
Diocese of San Jose EthicsPoint Hotline (1-888-325-7863) - to report financial misconduct
Diocese of San Jose Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults: (408) 983-0113 or protection@ dsj.org
Vatican YouTube site: http://www.youtube.com/vatican
H20 Catholic News Service: http://www.h2onews.org/english.html
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: http://www.usccb.org/
Daily Scripture reflections: http://www.usccb.org/bible/reflections/
Mass Times While Traveling: http://www.masstimes.org/txt/
Courage (same-sex attraction support group): 650-450-2286 or email grc...@sbcglobal.net
Salt + Light Blog: http://www.saltandlighttv.org/blog
St. Vincent de Paul Auto Donation Phone number: 1-800-322-8284
Trafficking: National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 888-373-7888 (toll-free hotline 24 hours/day)
Trafficking: California Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking at 888-KEY-2FREEDOM. Texts can also be sent to “BE FREE,” or 233733. (toll-free hotline 24 hours/day)
The eBulletin is an initiative of our parish Communications Board, whose ministry it is to improve communications in our parish.
As of today, our parish eBulletin is sent to 424 parish families! (closed (bouncing) accounts recently removed). Pass the word! Who will be Family No. 425? If you are interested in receiving the eBulletin on a weekly basis, send an email request to clu...@stanford.edu. You will be added to "PaloAltoCatholic-EBulletin@googlegroups.com" which is used to send out the eBulletin each Friday morning.
Always Useful Information:
Parish Online Giving: https://www.myowngiving.com/Default.aspx?cid=357
Parish Elder Care Resources: Call/leave a message at the Pastoral Home Ministry (494-2496, ext. 22) Call a priest at the rectory at 327-8222
St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Online Calendar*: http://www.mychurchevents.com/calendar/calendar.aspx?ci=L6M7J4G1J4H2O9L6I3
Steeple Talk Newsletter: http://www.paloaltocatholic.net/index.cfm?load=page&page=202 (see left sidebar)
Diocese of San Jose: http://www.dsj.org/
The Valley Catholic (Diocesan newspaper: http://tvc.dsj.org
Diocese of San Jose EthicsPoint Hotline (1-888-325-7863) - to report financial misconduct
Diocese of San Jose Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults: (408) 983-0113 or protection@ dsj.org
Vatican YouTube site: http://www.youtube.com/vatican
H20 Catholic News Service: http://www.h2onews.org/english.html
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: http://www.usccb.org/
Daily Scripture reflections: http://www.usccb.org/bible/reflections/
Mass Times While Traveling: http://www.masstimes.org/txt/
Courage (same-sex attraction support group): 650-450-2286 or email grc...@sbcglobal.net
Salt + Light Blog: http://www.saltandlighttv.org/blog
St. Vincent de Paul Auto Donation Phone number: 1-800-322-8284
Trafficking: National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 888-373-7888 (toll-free hotline 24 hours/day)
Trafficking: California Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking at 888-KEY-2FREEDOM. Texts can also be sent to “BE FREE,” or 233733. (toll-free hotline 24 hours/day)
Catholic Charities (Diocese of San Jose): Elder Care Line and Homecare: (408) 831-0441
Catholic Charities (Diocese of San Jose): Senior Activity Centers, in San Jose and Sunnyvale (408) 270-4900
Catholic Charities (Diocese of San Jose): Behavior Health Clinic in downtown San Jose (408)-899-7160
Catholic Charities (Diocese of San Jose): Behavior Health Clinic in downtown San Jose (408)-899-7160
* If you know of events or recurring meetings which should be added to the calendar, please send them to clu...@stanford.edu, and we will work to get the calendar updated.
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