DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016

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1 DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY APRIL 3, 2016 Divine Mercy Sunday Please Join us at 3PM Sunday Afternoon. The Chaplet will be recited at 3PM in Spanish and 3:30PM in English. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for Adoration at 3PM with benediction at 4 PM, Confession will be available from 3Pm until 4PM, and Benediction will be at 4PM. Come and finish the Octave of Easter by adoring the Lord and encountering his Divine Mercy. Peace, Fr. Tom What is Divine Mercy Sunday? Among all of the elements of devotion to The Divine Mercy requested by our Lord through St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, the Feast of Mercy holds first place. The Lord's will with regard to its establishment was already made known in His first revelation to the saint, as recorded in her Diary. In all, there were 14 revelations concerning the desired feast. Our Lord's explicit desire is that this feast be celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. This Sunday is designated in "The Liturgy of the Hours and the Celebration of the Eucharist" as the "Octave Day of Easter." It was officially called the Second Sunday of Easter after the liturgical reform of Vatican II. Now, by the Decree of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, the name of this liturgical day has been changed to: "Second Sunday of Easter, or Divine Mercy Sunday." 'Now On Throughout the Church' Pope John Paul II made the surprise announcement of this change in his homily at the canonization of St. Faustina on April 30, There, he declared: "It is important then that we accept the whole message that comes to us from the word of God on this Second Sunday of Easter, which from now on throughout the Church, will be called Divine Mercy Sunday.' " By the words "the whole message," Pope John Paul II was referring to the connection between the "Easter Mystery of the Redemption" in other words, the suffering, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, followed by the sending of the Holy Spirit and this Feast of Divine Mercy, the Octave Day of Easter, which fulfills the grace of atonement as lived through by Christ Jesus and offered to all who come to Him with trust. This connection is evident from the scripture readings appointed for this Sunday. As John Paul said, citing the Responsorial Psalm of the Liturgy, "The Church sings as if receiving from Christ's lips these words of the Psalm." "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His steadfast love (= mercy) endures forever" (Ps 118:1). And then, Pope John Paul II developed the connection further: "[This comes] from the lips of the risen Christ, who bears the great message of Divine Mercy and entrusts its ministry to the Apostles in the Upper Room: Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you. Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained" (Jn 20:21-23). Planning the Youth Pilgrimage this Summer As Part of our Year of Mercy Celebration we are having a Youth Pilgrimage August 2 to August 4. I need your help to plan this event for our Youth Please contact me by if you can help. Contact me at: Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Easter (April 10th) John 21:1-14 At that time, Jesus revealed himself to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee s sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, am going fishing. They said to him, We also will come with you. So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, Children, have you caught anything to eat? They answered him, No. So he said to them, Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something. So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, It is the Lord. When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish.when they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, Bring some of the fish you just caught. So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, Come, have breakfast. And none of the disciples dared to ask him, Who are you? because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead. 1

2 OLG ONE COMMUNITY MINISTRY FAIR LIGHT IN THIS YEAR OF MERCY APRIL 10th "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." Come to the Ministry Fair and meet the many faces of those in the community who are putting their faith into action. Everyone has something to offer from the God given gifts we all have. The OLG One Community Ministry Fair in Stack Center is next Sunday, April 10th following the 9:00 and 11:00am Masses. Come see the variety of opportunities available to serve. "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine." Come enjoy our OLG School Faith Families Ministry Fair Art Show in Stack Center during the One Community Ministry Fair. Our Lady of Grace Mother s Day High Tea Saturday, April 30, 2016 Join us as we celebrate Mother s Day with a traditional English High Tea. We know you won t be able to resist tiny sandwiches and tasty scones. Sample sweet and savory delights while sipping your choice of teas. Reserving a table for 4 or more? Decorate it with your own linens, china, silverware and teapot. Signing up individually? Bring your teacup and meet some new friends. The Faith Formation Center will provide the tea and delicious treats! Reservations required choice of two seatings. Make your reservations by April 24th for either the 11:00am seating Adults $15, children $10. Children s tea service available at 11:00 seating only; or 2:00pm seating $15. There will also be raffles for exciting prizes! Call or for reservations and information , ffc@olgcv.org 2 The Parish Community of Our Lady of Grace Church and School gratefully acknowledges the generosity of each person who has made a gift in support of our Year of Mercy events. ST. FAUSTINA Tier Friends of Our Lady of Grace Linda Pasqual Marisa Gonzalez, Arbonne Independent Consultant Walsh Property Management ST. MAXIMILLIAN KOLBE Tier Lowe & Huizar Family Italian Catholic Federation Conventual Franciscans ST. JOHN PAUL II Tier Friend of Our Lady of Grace John Schultheis Mary Lou Vincent Alice RV Storage POPE FRANCIS Tier Friends of Our Lady of Grace Robert Darnell EASTER MEMORIAL FLOWERS All those remembered by friends and family through the Easter Flower Offering envelopes are listed in the Easter Flower Memorial leaflet at the entrances of the church. Please remember them in thought and prayer and join us in celebrating the lives of these Saints of God. It is through a gift of love in their memory that we have so many beautiful flowers decorating our worship space. The beautiful plants, and cut flowers that will decorate the church all throughout Easter season are memorial gifts honoring our living and deceased loved ones. GRAPHIC ARTIST NEEDED Are you a professional graphic artist or a creative amateur with desk top publishing software who is looking to use your gifts for the glory of God? The Maximillian Kolbe Communications Committee has just the place for you! On occasion, we will need help with outreach materials. If you can give a little of your time and talent to the parish, please contact Colleen Lindberg at the parish office

3 SAVE THE DATE WE HOPE TO MEET YOU IN PARIS Saturday, May 21st At the OLG Spring Auction! Enjoy a Silent and Live Auction, catered dinner, Dessert Dash & Dancing! 6pm--10:30pm-- More information and ticket sales to come. You don t want to miss this fun adult evening out. Childcare for a nominal donation is provided by Team Dawson. Come hang out with old friends and make some new ones! GOT AN AUCTION ITEM? 100% of our auction items are donated. Do you have a vacation cabin? Connections with a local sports team? Frequent Flyer miles? In the past we have received donations for vacation rentals, automobiles, hosted dinner, fine wines, and spirits, spa days and sports and concert tickets. Please be creative and consider what you can donate. Please contact Liz Huizar-- lizhuizar79@gmail.com or Colleen Lindberg in the parish office, with your donation items. EASTER OFFERING Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Easter Collection. $ 18,793 has been collected in Easter envelopes as well as cash and checks made in the offering on Easter Sunday. The Good Friday collection for the Holy Land totaled $1,329. SAINTS OF MERCY PILGRIMAGE TO POLAND September 30 to October 8, 2016 $3, per person Spiritual Director: Fr. Thomas Czeck, OFM Conv. Information Night--Saturday, April 16th at 6:30pm in Stack Center. 3 Larry Bronzini Virginia Cabardo Dennis Cande Kathleen Denning Julie Dillon Estela Enriquez Juanita Estrellas Mary Franks Pat Geiger As we pray for an end to war and violence in our world, let us remember in prayer those family members of our parish community serving on active duty, including: DAVID SANCHEZ SUNDAY COLLECTION Stewardship of treasure involves trust in God. You have to really believe in God s Providence and trust that if you give ten percent of your income to the Church and charity for example, God will help you live on the rest. Offerings of March 27th: Sunday Plate: $ 2, Last Year this week $11, Weekly Budgeted Goal: $ 8, Year-to-date this year: $107, Year-to-date last year: $110, May God bless your continuing generosity. Your Prayers Are Requested Please lift up in your prayer those many among us who are ill and those who have asked for our prayerful remembrance: Byron Griffith Elaine Jordan Richard Martin Mike Roth Florence Sharp Iwan Tunggal James Van Wert Yvonne Wheeler MICHAEL SANCHEZ Please remember in your prayers the recently deceased in our parish families and all who mourn the loss of a loved one. JOHN BERNARD FURTADO NANCY SWINYER

4 Sharing God s Mercy The Bishop s Annual Appeal Following is the status of our Annual Bishops Appeal Our Goal for 2016: $25, # of Registered Families 980 # of Acknowledged Donors to date: 42 Funds Raised (includes pledges) $18, We are currently at 76% of our goal for this years Bishop s Appeal. We are most grateful to all those who have contributed and look forward to completing this appeal. If you have not yet made your contribution consider doing so today. RCIA INQUIRY RCIA Inquiry Group meets Tuesdays at 7:00pm in Our Lady of Grace Room in Stack Center. You may join at anytime. This group is offered for those exploring membership in the Catholic Church. The next meeting will be April 5th and the topic is Places in the Catholic Church. FRANCISCAN FRIAR COME AND SEE WEEKEND Visit the Conventual Franciscans April 29 -May1, 2016 to see: What the life of a Priest or Brother is like The Spirituality of St. Francis What Friars do This is a discernment weekend at our Arroyo Grande, CA Friary for men ages considering Religious Life. For more information call Fr. Paul at VIVA FRANCIS FOUNDATION The mission of the Viva Francis Foundation is to promote the vision of Saint Francis by devoting their time to the growth and development of the Franciscan mission in today s world, especially by assisting the Conventual Franciscan Friars who live and minister in the Pacific Rim. The Viva Francis Foundation has offered to Match Gifts up to $40,000 in support of the 2016/2017 Academic Year for 4 student Friars. The Matching deadline is May 31st, The Conventual Franciscan Friars are extremely grateful for any help you can provide to the future of the ministries of our Order. Fr. Tom Sunday, April 3rd: Coffee & Donuts After All Masses Children s Liturgy 9:00am--Mass Religious Education Classes 10:30am--Stack Center Youth Ministry In the Gym after 9:00am Mass Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 3:30pm Church Monday, April 4th: PARISH OFFICE CLOSED Men of Faith Meeting Tuesday, April 5th: Bible Study 9:30am--Parish Office Baptismal Class Men s Bible Study RCIA Inquiry: Places in the Catholic Church 7:00pm--Stack Center Thursday, April 7th: St. Vincent de Paul Meeting 7:00pm--Stack Center Serenity Group 7:30pm--Stack Center Sunday, April 10th: Coffee & Donuts After All Masses Children s Liturgy 9:00am--Mass Religious Education Classes 10:30am--Stack Center Youth Ministry In the Gym after 9:00am Mass Year of Mercy Ministry Fair 9:00am--Stack Center Parish Registration 9:00am--Stack Center FESCO Shuffle Sign-Ups 9:00am--Gathering Area 4

5 Please note: All weekday masses will be celebrated in the Church until further notice. MONDAY, April 4th THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD 8:30am Helen Maes (D) TUESDAY, April 5th St. Vincent Ferrer, Priest 7:00am Gloria Maravella (D) WEDNESDAY, April 6th 7:00am Marcelino Perdido (D) THURSDAY, April 7th St. John Baptist de la Salle, Priest 7:00am Rudy & Augie Enriquez (D) FRIDAY, April 8th 7:00am Helen Maes (D) SATURDAY, April 9th 8:30am Anty Zaldivar (D) SUNDAY, April 10th 9:00am Jerry Fain (D) ICF ANNIVERSARY DINNER DANCE Time to shine those shoes and practice your dance steps! The ICF will celebrate their 37th Anniversary on Saturday, April 23rd, beginning with a hosted bar at 6 P.M. Dinner is at 7 and "In Full Swing" begins playing from 8 to 10:30. And of course there will be a raffle during the evening. For reservations please call, Roz Crudo at or Pat Grasso at The cost is $40.00 each and the deadline is April 16th. Let's Dance the night away! WINGS WINGS is a faith enhancement group that encourages Spiritual growth through prayer, scripture study, catechesis, life sharing and community. We meet at Transfiguration Church Next Meeting: April 7th, 9:15 to 11:15 am Speaker: Sr. Joann Heinritz Topic: Opening Doors of Mercy 5 READINGS FOR THE WEEK: April 4th through April 10th Monday: Isaiah 7:10-14;8:10; Hebrews 10:4-10; Luke 1:26-38 Tuesday: Acts 4:32-37; John 3:7b-15 Wednesday Acts 5:17-26; John 3:16-21 Thursday Acts 5:27-33; John 3:31-36 Friday Acts 5:34-42; John 6:1-15 Saturday Acts 6:1-7; John 6:16-21 Sunday Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19 REGISTER FOR FESCO S 19th ANNUAL SHUFFLE WALKATHON San Leandro Marina-- --April 30th As coalition members of FESCO Our Lady of Grace is grateful to support FESCO in their 19th Annual Shuffle Walkathon. FESCO continues to provide homeless families with shelter, nutritious meals and a hand up in becoming self-sufficient. With your help and support, FESCO can continue to help homeless families. Register for the annual walk-a-thon Saturday, April 30th, this is a family, pet friendly event. OLG Team Captain s, Chris Ippolito and Colleen Lindberg are asking for your help in support of FESCO, you can walk, be a benchwarmer cheerleader or make a donation to Team OLG. Please send a message to our community that you are committed to ending family homelessness in Alameda County by pledging your support as a donor to FESCO s 19th Annual Shuffle Walkathon. Registration materials are available in the parish office or contact Colleen at olgcv@sbcglobal.net. Chris Ippolito and Colleen will be outside mass on Sunday, April 10th, if you would like to stop by and offer your support. THANK THEM WITH YOUR SUPPORT Please support our advertisers who make our weekly bulletin possible and so generously support our parish. We are grateful to them! This week we extend our gratitude to: PETE S HARDWARE