ST. JUSTIN PARISH COMMUNITY

Transcription

1 ST. JUSTIN PARISH COMMUNITY 2655 Homestead Road, Santa Clara, CA (408) ~ Stumbling Block & Foolishness: For Who? Masses Saturday 8:00 a.m., 5 p.m. (Vigil) Sunday 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 a.m., 12:15 & 7:00 p.m. Daily Mass 8:30 a.m., Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m., Saturday Holy Days of Obligation 8:30 a.m., 12:15, 7:00 p.m. Reconciliation Saturday 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. or by appointment Initiation If interested in exploring the Catholic Faith or completing the Sacraments of Initiation as an adult or youth, contact Catechetical Ministry at x 104. Marriage Couples registered within the parish are required to make arrangements at least six months prior to the date of marriage by calling and must complete a Marriage Preparation Program. Sacrament of the Sick If you know of any parishioner who is ill, at home, or in the hospital, please notify the Parish Office so our Eucharistic Ministers of the Sick may bring communion or anointing can be arranged. Baptism Infant baptism is celebrated following completion of our parish Baptism Preparation Program. New and expectant parents are invited to call the Parish Office at Youth Confirmation High School Youth Confirmation is celebrated during the Easter Season. Registration occurs in the summer. I remember with love and affection the deeds of my classmate and childhood friend, John. In the 80 s, we were teens going to class for our First Holy Communion. We excelled in the exams and passed with flying colors. It was the happiest day of my life. At communion time I was not sure what to expect, though our RCIA teacher had said earlier that communion is the sweetest thing in the world. I remember vividly how I felt when I received it, I was expecting a honey tasting substance, but it was flat. I was really disappointed taste wise. I remember asking my friend John, if his own was sweet. He never answered me. He dashed out of the church immediately and ran away. After mass, we started taking pictures with our families and friends. John reappeared in the Church. I tried to ask him what happened, to find out if everything was alright. He didn t say a word to me. He was so anxious to take his own picture. The atmosphere was exciting and holy; we were dressed in white shirts, pants, gowns and veils. There was food and drinks of all kinds, music, and a lot of people who enjoyed the whole day with us. We were mandated to attend the daily morning mass for the whole week afterwards, as the law demands from new communicants in my diocese. From the first day (Monday), I discovered that John would walkout from the church immediately after he received the communion. I kept asking him why he walks out of the church whenever he received the Holy Communion, but he would not say a word to me. On the last day of the week (Saturday), while we were at mass, John received the communion and dashed out as he is accustomed to do. I was still contemplating why he was leaving the church at that moment since we were told during the catechetical instructions to stay in our pews praying whenever we received communion. It was said to be the precious moments in our life because we were with Christ in our mouth. It was a source of worry to me that John never kept to this rule. When the mass was over, while walking out of the church, I saw John with the catechist and two other men standing side by side. He had been terribly beaten and was crying profusely. I looked at John and I could not fathom why he was beaten so badly. I stood and watched in dismay. They took him to the sacristy and started narrating to the priest what happened. John had been taking communion to his terminally ill grandmother, who was an Anglican, in the hope that it would cure her. The priest asked why he was doing that. He said that he overheard their neighbors saying that the Catholic communion cures the sick. He started asking people how to get it for his grandmother who is terminally ill. A friend told him to enroll in the catechism classes after which he will be given the communion for his grandmother. I too was surprised to discover that he was not a Catholic. He only joined us in the catechism classes to get the communion for his Grandma. The priest was so furious that he gave him some lashes, expelled him from the church compound, and cancelled his baptismal card, citing that his intention from the start was wrong. John left the place crying and weeping. Please who is correct? Who is foolish and whose stumbling block is it? Fr. Gerald March 8, 2015 Third Sunday of Lent Page 1

2 PASTORAL STAFF Rev. Christopher Bransfield, Pastor , x 107, cbransfield@dsj.org Rev. Gerald Nwafor, Parochial Vicar , x 113, gnwafor@dsj.org Ms. Karen Suty, Principal , ksuty@dsj.org Mass Dedications for the Week of March 9, 2015 March 15, notes deceased Mon., 8:30 a.m. John Boyd + Sat., 5:00 p.m. Fabian Borda + Vicenta Borda + Tues., 8:30 a.m. Joseph Hai Nguyen + Sun., 7:30 a.m. TJ and Luz Ungson + Wed., 8:30 a.m. Aureo PeBenito + Sun., 9:00 a.m. Dick Benenato + Mr. Joe Bauer, Pastoral Associate, Facilities, Community Ministry x 109, joeb@st-justin.org Ms. Tracy Sevigny, Pastoral Associate, DRE, RCIA, RCIC, Confirmation x 104, tracy@st-justin.org Mrs. Lillian Kwiatkowski, Music Director x 112, lillian@st-justin.org Ms. Laura Ortiz, Administrative Assistant x 102, lortiz@st-justin.org Ms. Diane Serrianne, Receptionist x 100 Rev. James Okafor, In Residence PHONE NUMBERS Parish Offices: Monday-Friday, 9:00-5:00 p.m. FAX: Website: Catechetical Ministry Ext. 102 Ministry to the Sick Ext. 113 Youth Ministry Ext. 102 WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP Liturgical Ministry Ext. 107 REPORT Community Ministry School Office MAY 27, Goal Thrift Store $12, st Collection Current Hours: Monday-Friday 9-2:30 p.m. Variance Saturday 9-3:00 p.m. Sunday 10-3:00 p.m. Thank you to the many parishioners who have signed up for Online Giving! It s safe and secure, and you decide exactly when your gift is made and where it goes. View your giving history anytime. Visit our website at for the link. Thurs., 8:30 a.m. Francisco Casano + Sun., 10:30a.m. For All Parishioners Fri., 8:30 a.m. Warren Voith + Sun., 12:15 p.m. Rodney Hatcher + Sat., 8:00 a.m. In Thanksgiving- Renato-Mateo Family We pray for those who are ill or suffering from loneliness, sadness, or depression. We pray for those who care for them. We pray for our deceased family and friends. We pray for our men and women who are serving in the military. This week we pray especially for those who are ill or preparing for surgery: Jas Arandia, Steven Bell, Joseph Broda, Carmen Cordina, Alex Cuevas, Rosario Diaz, Gordon Franco, Jennifer Navarro, Rosemarie Oliver, Aida Olivo,Virginia Remo, Adeline Reyes, Patricia Sanchez, Chummy Sevilla, Herminia Solanzo, Ludy Wilbert And for those who have died: Josephine Harris, Winifred Visage To have a person added to the Prayer Request, please call the Parish Office at ext. 100 WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP REPORT MARCH 1, 2015 Goal $12, st Collection $12, Online $1, Direct Deposit $1, Variance $3, Upcoming Second Offerings Your generosity is appreciated. *Denotes Parish Second Collection. 3/8 Catholic Relief Services 3/22 Building Fund* Sun., 7:00 p.m. In Thanksgiving READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 9- MARCH 15, 2015 Monday 2 Kgs 5:1-15b; Ps 42:2, 3; 43:3, 4; Lk 4:24-30 Tuesday Dn 3:25, 34-43; Ps 25:4-5ab, 6-7bc, 8-9; Mt. 18:21-35 Wednesday Dt 4:1, 5-9; Ps 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20; Mt 5:17-19 Thursday Jer 7:23-28; Ps 95:1-2, 6-9; Lk 11:14-23 Page 2 Third Sunday of Lent March 8, 2015 Friday Saturday Hos 14:2-10; Ps 81:6c-11ab, 14, 17; Mk 12:28-34 Hos 6:1-6; Ps 51:3-4, 18-21ab; Lk 18:9-14 Sunday 2 Chr 36:14-16, 19-23; Ps 137:1-6; Eph 2:4-10; Jn 3:14-21

3 ORGANIZATIONS The ADA Team passed third and on our way to home! As of Monday, March 2 we have received: Pledges: $132,381 Donors: 341 Please be as generous as you can. Parish Goal: $175, ADA Goal: $133, Goal: $175,000 PARISH COUNCIL Thomas Viano Thai Tran FINANCE COUNCIL Mary Sparacino STABLEMATES (Men s Club) Jim Newton LADIES GUILD Diane Serrianne GUADALUPE SOCIETY Maria Marquez ALTAR SERVERS Stephen Russell ST. JUSTIN CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP: Frank Zuniga Theresa Huether KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, COUNCIL #3523 Robert E. Carvalho gk@kofc3523.org FIL-AM ORGANIZATION Chito De Quinto VOCATIONS COMMITTEE LENT AND HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Church Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. Bible Study: Parish Ministry Center Fridays, 11:00 a.m. Lenten Stations of the Cross: Church Fridays, 7:00 p.m. Parish Lenten Reconciliation Service: Church March 25, 6:00 p.m. Palm Sunday Passion of the Lord Saturday, March 28-5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 29-7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:15 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Holy Thursday, April 2 Mass of the Lord s Supper 7:00 p.m. Altar of Repose until 11:00 p.m. Good Friday, April 3 12:00 p.m. Choral Concert, by the St. Justin Choir followed by the Celebration of the Lord s Passion, Veneration of the Cross, Communion 7:00 p.m.- Celebration of the Lord s Passion, Veneration of the Cross, Communion Holy Saturday, April 4 Easter Vigil, 8:30 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 5 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 a.m. 12:15 p.m. NEW RECONCILIATION OPPORTUNITIES DURING LENT The Diocese of San Jose is launching an evangelization campaign this Lent called The Light is On for You. All the Catholic Churches in the County of Santa Clara will be open on Wednesdays 6-8 p.m. for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Light is On for You is part of our effort to reach out to Catholics who have been away from the Church. Consider inviting your friends and family to this sacrament of healing. Consider the sacrament for yourself. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 THROUGH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 6:00 TO 8:00 P.M. PARISH MINISTRY CENTER ADORATION CHAPEL Please give some prayerful thought to this opportunity. You are welcome on any of these Wednesday evenings. No appointment needed. Confession also offered in the Church as regularly scheduled: SATURDAYS 3:30 P.M. 4:15 P.M. March 8, 2015 Third Sunday of Lent Page 3

4 MINISTRY NEWS CATECHETICAL MINISTRY NEWS Call or Laura Ortiz, (408) , ext. 0, for registration information. If you have any questions about our programs, contact Tracy Sevigny at Youth Faith Formation General Information Our Early Childhood Education Program (ages three through First Grade) meets Sunday, 9-10 a.m., while our Elementary Program (2nd grade through Junior High) meets Sunday, 10:15-11:30 a.m. If you are new to Catechetical Ministry, please print out a registration packet from our website or complete one in Room 2 next Sunday. How is Your 3-Year Old Enjoying Mass? During the 9 a.m. Mass, we offer an Early Childhood Program. Though our Kindergarten classes are to capacity, our Three-year and Four-year old classes still have plenty of room. Our program provides a developmentally appropriate faith-based experience for the youngest members of our community. High School Confirmation What would Jesus do? The Beatitudes as a Path to True Happiness Please keep our candidates in your prayers, as they continue the catechetical portion of their formation. JW House Thanks St. Justin Generosity We are proud of our Junior High Youth Ministry! On February 8th, St. Justin Junior High Youth Ministry conducted a Bake Sale fundraiser after the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses. We raised a total of $ to support JW House, The picture above shows JW House s representative, April, attending a Sunday session to accept the donation. The Executive Director also sent a letter of appreciation. We are very gratitude to our amazing youth & their parents! Also, a huge thank you to Hani Ajus, Noel Balce, Irene Pham! (Our Junior High Youth Ministry Team) Page 4 Third Sunday of Lent Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults When the RCIA was resurrected after the Second Vatican Council, the ancient Lenten rites were one of the treasures unearthed. The rites, called the Scrutinies, are designed to prepare the Elect for baptism by healing all that is weak and strengthening all that is upright within them. Hence, they consist of both an exorcism and a blessing. One of the unique aspects of these Scrutinies is that though the Church celebrates a three year cycle of Sunday scripture readings, the Rite calls for specific gospels when these Scrutinies take place. In order for more members of our community to experience these powerful Scrutinies, they are scheduled at various Mass times. This Sunday, at the 12:15 p.m. Mass, we celebrate the First Scrutiny. During this Scrutiny, we will hear proclaimed the Gospel in which Jesus speaks with the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-42). In response, we pray: Lord Jesus, in your merciful wisdom you touched the heart of the Samaritan Woman and taught her to worship the Father in spirit and in truth. Now, by your power, free these elect from sin, as they draw near the fountain of living water. The Second Scrutiny will be March 15, at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. The Third Scrutiny will be March 22 at the 9 a.m. Mass. Are you being called? As our Lenten rites take place over the weeks of Lent, culminating in the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, & Eucharist at Easter Vigil, you or someone you know may be interested in finding out more about our faith. Any inquiries about the process may be directed to Tracy, tracy@stjustin.org. March 8, 2015

5 MINISTRY NEWS Community Ministry Third Sunday of Lent Psalm Community Ministry Volunteer Meeting Tomorrow morning, Monday, March 9, our Community Ministry Volunteer Meeting will be taking place in our Parish Resource Center (Room 2) beginning at 10:30 a.m. If you are interested in helping to distribute food in our Food Pantry please feel free to attend. The pantry is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Outreach Dinner There is an Outreach Dinner taking place today, Sunday, March 8, beginning at 1:30 p.m. in our Parish Small Hall. All Senior Citizen members of our Parish are invited, along with a guest, to this meal followed by BINGO. Blanket and Sleeping Bags Collection During the Cold Weather we often receive requests for Sleeping Bags and/or Blankets. If you have any that you could donate to Community Ministry please drop them off at the Pantry, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. 12 p.m. or the Parish Office, Monday through Friday from 9 5 p.m. Hungering for a Season of Hope The next stop on our CRS Rice Bowl journey is the African nation, Niger, where we re reminded that life s joys and challenges are often seasonal. This week we pray for people who struggle to feed their families during the hungry season when food is in short supply and we commit to acting for the common good. Food Collection Most of you are aware of the Community Ministry Collection Barrels that are located in our Church. During the month of March, we will continue to request canned Soup, Pork & Beans, Chile, Macaroni & Cheese and Tomato Sauce. These are items that we do not receive often from the Second Harvest Food Bank. Please feel free to drop donations in the barrels in the Church, the barrel in the Foyer of the School or bring items to the Parish Office. March 8, 2015 Third Sunday of Lent Page 5

6 Community Ministry is in the process of organizing our Easter Food and Basket Project. We are planning to accommodate up to 200 families from Santa Clara with an entire Easter Meal and Easter baskets for their children. We will be packing parcels of food on Saturday, March 28, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Please join us in the Parish Small Hall if you are interested in helping. Between now and March 28, we will be collecting all the needed FOOD Needed items: Canned Cranberry Sauce Canned Corn Canned Green Beans Canned Yams Canned Fruit Cocktail Packaged Pork Gravy Boxed Pork or Cornbread Stuffing and Hams (5 pound canned) or $10 Gift Cards Community Ministry will be purchasing fresh potatoes, carrots, apples, oranges, and onions to include in the Easter parcels. We are also collecting items needed to assemble Children s Easter Baskets. Candy, Small Stuffed Animals, Toys and Baskets can also be dropped off between now and March 27. We will distribute the Easter food on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 from 1:00 3:00 p.m. Please join us if you are interested in helping with the distribution. Most importantly, if you know any family who would benefit from our gift of an Easter Meal or if you need more information about our Easter project, please contact Joe Bauer at ext 109 or joeb@st-justin.org. St. Justin School Auction Save the Date! April 25, 2015 will be the annual St. Justin School Spring Auction, "Fantasy Island: Live Your Dream". St. Justin School is currently looking for donations for our silent and live auction items. We are looking for a variety of items: hand-made items, tickets for shows or games, a weekend at a cabin or hotel, restaurant certificates, and much more!! We are also looking for general sponsors for the auction as well as business advertisers for the catalog. If you have questions or can donate, sponsor or advertise, please contact Ginny Orlando at or Ginny_Orlando@yahoo.com. Thank you for all you do for our school! Message from the Office of the Bishop Dioceses throughout the world have been asked to provide input for the Synod on the Family. The Diocese of San Jose has developed a survey to assist in this effort. This is a significant opportunity to express the issues and challenges that confront contemporary Catholic families. Please take some time this week to complete the survey. The survey can be accessed through the diocesan website in English, Spanish and Vietnamese at until March 12, Information from the survey will be compiled and forwarded to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The survey is anonymous and no identifying information will be gathered. The results of the survey will not be published; it will be used only to inform participants of the synod and assist us as we continue develop pastoral ministry and evangelical efforts here in Santa Clara County. THRIFT STORE Daily Store Hours: Monday Friday 9:00 a.m. ~ 2:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m. ~ 3:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. ~ 3:00 p.m. Sunday Just a reminder to check all parish activities, go to our website at Click on the CALENDAR link, and you will find where it is being held and the times. Page 6 Third Sunday of Lent March 8, 2015