St. Justin Parish. When have you followed the example of Mary and said, Let it be done to me as you say? 2655 HOMESTEAD ROAD SANTA CLARA, CA 95051

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1 St. Justin Parish 2655 HOMESTEAD ROAD SANTA CLARA, CA Weekend Masses Saturday Vigil 5:00 p.m. 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 a.m., 12:15 and 7:00 p.m. Weekday Masses Monday-Friday Saturday 8:00 a.m. Holy Days of Obligation, 12:15 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Reconciliation Saturdays 3:30 p.m. 4:15 p.m. Or by appointment When have you followed the example of Mary and said, Let it be done to me as you say? Parish Office Phone ext. 100 Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed for lunch 12:00-1:15 p.m.

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 , x 232, ksuty@dsj.org Mr. Joe Bauer, Pastoral Associate, Facilities, Community Ministry x 109, jbauer@dsj.org Mrs. Mary Kane, Director of Faith Formation x 104, mykane@dsj.org Mr. Clement Cano, Music Director x 112, ccano2@dsj.org Ms. Laura Ortiz, Office Manager x 102, lortiz@dsj.org Ms. Diane Serrianne, Receptionist x 100, dserrianne@dsj.org Rev. James Okafor, In Residence PHONE NUMBERS Parish Offices: Monday-Friday, 9:00-5:00 p.m. closed 12:00-1:15 p.m. Fax: Website: Catechetical Ministry Ext. 102 Ministry to the Sick Ext. 113 Youth Ministry Ext. 104 Liturgical Ministry Ext. 107 Community Ministry School Office Thrift Store Current Hours: Monday-Friday 9-2:30 p.m. Saturday 9-3:00 p.m. 10-3:00 p.m. Fourth of Advent On this fourth of Advent, the liturgy shifts our attention from John the Baptist to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Today we hear the story of the angel announcement to Mary about the birth of Jesus. This is found only in Luke s Gospel. Both John the Baptist and Mary serve as important figures for our reflection during the season of Advent; they both played instrumental roles in preparing the way for Jesus. The story of the Annunciation calls to our attention Gods wondrous action in human history. God chose a human to give birth to his Son so that all humanity would know God s salvation. Mary, already full of God s grace, was able to cooperate in this great plan for our salvation. Thus Jesus was born as one of us. This is the mystery we prepare to celebrate at Christmas, the mystery of the Incarnation that we believe in a God who became one of us, so we would become more like Him. What if an angel came to us and told us we had found favor with God? Would we believe? How would we react? The words of the angel were kind. They were also a great challenge. Mary said, May it be done to me according to your word. With those words Mary admitted her dependence and reliance upon God. She gave up her own will and embraced God s will. As Christmas dawns, may we welcome our God with open hearts and open arms. May His kingdom grow and thrive as we allow Him to work in our lives. May we be ready to echo Mary s words, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. Have a good week! Peace, Fr. Chris Upcoming Second Offerings Your generosity is appreciated. *Denotes Parish Second Collection. 1/7 Ethnic Minorities & Latin America 1/14 Mentasti Scholarship WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP REPORT DECEMBER 17, 2017 Goal $12, st Collection NOT IN TIME FOR PUBLICATION Parish Office will be closed Monday, December 25th and will re-open Tuesday, January 2nd. The School Office will be closed Friday, December 22nd at 12:30 p.m. and will re-open Monday, January 8th. Page 2 Fourth of Advent December 24, 2017

3 Monday, January 1st Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God and 12:15 p.m. Registering in a parish is a declaration of your desire to be part of a Catholic community and a commitment in all its dimensions brings you advantages, recognition, and responsibilities of many kinds. Being a registered parishioner makes things much easier when it is time for infant Baptism, weddings, when asked to be a Baptismal or Confirmation Sponsor and even funerals. St. Justin Thrift Store Holiday Hours The Thrift Store will be closed Thursday, December 21st at 11:30 a.m. and will re-open Monday, January 8th. Please consider the St. Justin Thrift Store as an alternative to donating your household items and clothes. We hope to see you soon!!! Thank you for your patronage. We are often asked to provide affidavits for Baptismal and Confirmation Sponsors. We can only do this if a person is a registered, active and contributing member. So, are you a registered parishioner? If not, please consider registering. Registration forms are available in the Parish Ministry Center or online at ORGANIZATIONS PARISH COUNCIL Thai Tran FINANCE COUNCIL Mary Sparacino STABLEMATES (Men s Club) Jim Newton LADIES GUILD Julia Cardoza GUADALUPE SOCIETY Maria Marquez ALTAR SERVERS Stephen Russell KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, COUNCIL #3523 Lary James gk@kofc3523.org FIL-AM ORGANIZATION Noreen Helvie 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. Mass Dedications for the Week of December 26 December 31, notes deceased Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 8:00 a.m. Mike Zuniga + Martin Fernandez + Lyle April Roberts Alberto & Anastacia Siccuan + Theodore Nguyen Heidi Dandridge + All Souls Filoteo D. Agbay + Manny Balce + Joseph and Camille Serrianne + Sat., 5:00 p.m. 7:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:30a.m. 12:15 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Joseph Tri Dinh + William Hauck, Sr. + William Hauck, Jr. + Don DeGroot + FOR ALL PARISHIONERS Mike Imai + Manny Balce + This week we pray especially for those who are ill or preparing for surgery: Sara Anderson, Renee Bayard, Diane Cribari, Carolina DeGuzman, Val Feliciano, Carmen Herrera, Greg Lamug, Pam Manquen, Larry Meacham, Norma Meacham, Peggie Mueller Gonyea, Kathleen Muraco, Jared Ng, Maria Armas-Pham, Lorenzo Pacheco, Jean Sulgit, Myra Stein, Larry Straight, Barbara Shaw, Jean Soper, Sabrina Tafoya, Jack Varty, Jesse Villegas, William Wysocki And for those who have died: Monica Arzadon, Sally Burke, Frank Sulgit Page 3 Fourth of Advent December 24, 2017

4 CATECHETICAL MINISTRY NEWS Call or Laura Ortiz, (408) ext. 100, for registration information. If you have any questions about our programs, contact Mary Kane at (408) ext. 104 GENERAL INFORMATION Faith Formation is more than just religious education. It is a life long journey towards a deeper relationship with Christ. Merry Christmas! We hope you are enjoying the Christmas season! The next two s there will be no Catechetical Sessions, in celebration of Christmas & New Year s. We will see you on, January 7th! Ongoing Faith Formation Program Classes for Pre-K3 through 1 st Grade: 9:00-10:00am. 2 nd Grade through 8 th Grade: 10:15-11:30am Did You Know We Have a Program for Your 3 and 4-year olds? We offer an Early Childhood Program during the 9 a.m. Mass, from Fall until April. Our three and four-year old classes still has plenty of room. Feel free to drop by ANY to see if it might be a good fit for your child. You may obtain registration forms in room 2 or download them from our parish website. Sacramental Preparation Program A gentle reminder to all who have not completed their registration and paid their fees, please do so. Letter for First Eucharist Mass selection will be not be mailed until registration is complete. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Our next meeting is Tuesday, January 9th at 7:00-8:30pm in the PMC. Come with any questions that you may have about faith, religion, and the Catholic Church. This program is for adults who are seeking baptism, or were baptized Catholic but have not celebrated the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. This is a process marked by liturgical rites that are celebrated with the community. This process is centered on the readings and includes attending Mass. For those who are spiritually prepared, they will receive the Sacraments of Initiation, (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) during the Easter Vigil. High School Confirmation Program There is no session today. We will resume on, January 7th. RCIA (adapted for children), December 24th Attend Mass with Family, No Dismissal CLOW (Children s Liturgy of the Word) During the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses, children are dismissed to the Parish Ministry Center Chapel for an age appropriate Liturgy of the Word. The children return to church during the Presentation of the Gifts. Baptism of School-Age Children If your child is seven years or older and unbaptized, we provide the Rite of Christian Initiation adapted for children. Please Mary Kane at mykane@dsj.org for more information. Page 4 Fourth of Advent December 24, 2017

5 COMMUNITY MINISTRY Christmas Food & Gift Project Last weekend we distributed Christmas food and gifts to all the families requesting our assistance. While I do not have the final total of the number of people we served, I can guarantee you that all those who came to us appreciated what we were able to provide for them. Thank you for your continued support and Merry Christmas. Outreach Dinner Our next Outreach Dinner will be taking place on, January 7. It will begin 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 Financial Assistance for Parishioners St. Justin Community Ministry has set aside some funds to provide Parishioners with limited Financial Assistance when facing unexpected issues. If you find yourself in need, contact Joe Bauer at extension 109 or jbauer@dsj.org MINISTRY NEWS Food & Diaper Collection Most of you are aware of the Community Ministry Collection Barrels that are located in our Church. During the month of December, we will continue to request canned Soup, Pork & Beans, Chili, Macaroni & Cheese and Tomato Sauce. We are also in need of Baby Food (Fruits and Vegetables) as well as Baby Diapers (Size 4 5). 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. Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Needed For those of you who have back yard fruit trees with an over abundance of fruit and/or gardens with vegetables please consider donating what you can to Community Ministry. The fruit and vegetables are a welcome addition to the food that we distribute to those seeking assistance. TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Children of the parish are somewhat focused on Santa Claus these days, who is keeping an eye on who s naughty and who s nice. Santa Claus, with his heavenly patron Saint Nicholas, has been more or less in charge of gift-giving to American children for a hundred years or so. In other places, perhaps more attentive to our Christian tradition, there are different giftbearers. In Greece, Saint Basil delivers the presents on his feast day, December 31, and makes sure everyone is sprinkled with holy water. The Baby Jesus is in charge elsewhere, called the Christkind in Austria and Belgium, El Niño Jesús in Columbia, and Le Petit Jesus in France, where he shares his duties with Père Noël. In the Czech Republic almost everyone is atheist, but Ježíšek, the infant Jesus, brings gifts to one and all. In Poland the Star Man is said to bring the gifts, although often he turns out to be the village priest in disguise. Saint Nicholas, not his Americanized cousin, is the giver in Holland, where he wears a bishop s miter, and in Russia, where he wears a bishop s crown. Soviet Russia tried to dethrone Saint Nicholas and promote Grandfather Frost, but no one was much fooled by this attempt to squeeze religion out of Christ s birth. One country has a saintly woman in charge of the gifts, Saint Lucy, honored in Sweden on December 13, when children serve their parents breakfast in bed, and others awake to news that they have been nominated for a Nobel Prize. Some children have a second round of gifts on Epiphany, when the magi assume the gift-giving duties. In general, the gifts of Christmas are simple pleasures, not great heaps of treasures. Once upon a time, a new pair of socks or an orange was enough for us. No matter what gifts we receive, all of them are to point us to the true gift, and the true giver. Rev. James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. Page 5 Fourth of Advent December 24, 2017

6 FAITH Beyond 2000 Part I A dynamic formation program for catechists and others interested in gaining a better understanding of their faith. The Chancery 1150 N. First Street San Jose, CA Mondays, 6:45 p.m.-9:00 p.m. January 22: The Creed February 26: Introduction to the Scriptures Plan now to attend FAITH beyond 2000 and give your ministry and your spirituality a boost! Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Celebration Bishop Patrick J. McGrath would like to invite all couples who are celebrating their 1st-5th, 25th, 40th and 50th + Wedding Anniversaries in 2017 to participate in our Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass on February 3 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph. The couples will be invited to renew their wedding vows and will receive a blessing from Bishop Patrick McGrath who will preside over the celebration. Each couple will also receive a certificate signed by the Bishop. A short reception will follow. 3 Ways to Register Online registration ( Fill out a registration form found in the Valley Catholic Newspaper Fill out a copy of the registration form from your parish office. You can submit filled out registration forms via fax at OR mail to: Diocese of San Jose 1150 North First Street #100 San Jose, CA ATTN: Wedding Anniversary Mass Dear Brothers and Sisters, During Advent, we celebrate the in-breaking of the Lord into human history anticipating His Coming at the end of time as we reflect upon His Birth long ago. As we approach Christmas, we remain watchful that, while looking to the events of Bethlehem long ago, we may not overlook the many ways God is present today in our world and in our lives. When the Word became flesh, when God became human in the Person of Jesus, a great reconciliation began. In Jesus, humanity was once again able to draw near to God, just as God has always been with His people. Indeed, Jesus was called Emmanuel, for in Him God is with us. At Christmas, we celebrate not only a holy Birth, but all that this Birth made possible. Indeed, God becoming one of us has opened the path for all humanity to be one with God. This is why we continue to celebrate, to recount the details, to hearken back to Mary and Joseph at the manger, the shepherds and the song of the angels: Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to people of good will! Bishop McGrath s Christmas Message 2017 In Jesus, God has a human face; in Jesus, God knew suffering and death; in Jesus, God is forever bound to all who suffer in any way. As 2017 draws to a close, we entrust ourselves and all peoples to the Lord, knowing that He is particularly close to those who continue to seek refuge from 21st Century Herods. The mass migrations caused by persecution, civil war and terrorism challenge us to be the Lord s light and salvation to those who have lost hope. May our annual celebration of the Lord s Birth renew you in God s love and may you, your families and your loved ones walk always in the light of the Lord. God bless you all. With every best wish and kind regard, I remain, Sincerely yours, Patrick J. McGrath Bishop of San Jose If you suspect abuse in your parish, school or in the Diocese of San Jose, please contact: Child Protective Services ; Call 911; or The Diocesan Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults, or protection@dsj.org. If you suspect financial mismanagement in your parish, school or in the Diocese of San Jose, please contact: EthicsPoint: dsj.ethicspoint.com. Page 6 Fourth of Advent December 24, 2017

7 ADS

8 Bob and Gloria Rohrig December 26, 1950 Marriage Anniversaries You are cordially invited to attend St. Justin School Open House, January 28, :00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. St. Justin School is a nurturing community that is truly Living Our Faith. The school offers a curriculum of challenging academic course work as well as physical education, technology skills, art and music instruction for children in grades Preschool 8 th. For More Information Contact Us At St. Justin School 2655 Homestead Rd Santa Clara, CA Phone: schooloffice@stjustinschool.org Website: Catholic Values Technology Full Athletic Program Extended Care 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. If your anniversary is coming up, please let us know! Laura Ortiz at ext. 102 or lortiz@dsj.org Want to give a gift that keeps on giving? Register for the next Marriage Encounter Week it s the best gift you ll ever give to each other and your marriage! February 9-11, 2018 San Jose, CA For more information visit our website at: sanjosewwme.org or contact Ken & Claranne at applications@sanjosewwme.org

9 CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS St. Justin Church # Homestead Road Santa Clara, CA TELEPHONE CONTACT PERSON Laura Ortiz SOFTWARE MSPublisher 2007 Adobe Acrobat X Windows 10 TRANSMISSION TIME Tuesday 11:00 SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION December 24, 2017 NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 8 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS