The Church of the Nativity

Transcription

1 Photographs by Charlene Dorman 210 Oak Grove Avenue Menlo Park, CA tel: (650) fax: (650) The Church of the Nativity MASSES Sundays 08:00, 09:30, 11:30 AM and 05:00 PM Saturdays 08:00 AM and 05:00 PM (Vigil) Weekdays and Holy Days, 05:30 and 07:30 PM SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturdays 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Opus Dei priest) 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM (parish priest) (also by appointment) BAPTISMS 1 st, 3 rd and 5 th Sundays of the month (contact rectory 2 months in advance) WEDDINGS Saturdays 11:00 AM and 02:00 PM (contact rectory at least 6 months in advance) PASTOR Rev. Msgr. Steven D. Otellini PAROCHIAL VICAR Rev. John Mary Chung PASTOR EMERITUS Rev. Clement Davenport PERMANENT DEACON Rev. Mr. Dominick Peloso Rev. Mr. Thomas Kelly WEEKEND ASSISTANTS Rev. Kevin Gaffey Rev. Paul Maillet, S.S. Rev. Gladstone Stevens, S.S. SCHOOL OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Mrs. Monica Hickam (650) hour Eucharistic Adoration

2 FIRST READING I pleaded, and the spirit of wisdom came to me. Wisdom 7: 7-11 PSALM Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. Psalms 90 SECOND READING Everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to Whom we must render an account. Hebrews 4: GOSPEL It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle. Mark 10: SCHEDULE OF MASSES AND INTENTIONS WEEK OF OCT SAT 05:00 PM Priest s intentions SUN Masses Priest s intentions MON Megan Claudette Jolly Barbara Widmer TUE WED THU FRI In thanksgiving Special intention Soni and Mekkay Haunga Barbara and Joseph Wynne Margaret McCartney Dot Connelly Noel Moran Benefactors of the parish SAT 08:00 AM Olga Silvestri; Rita Siebert; Kenneth Hahn; Frances Galea Please pray for those in need of physical or spiritual healing 2 nd Parish Office Hours 09:00 AM-04:00 PM Monday-Friday SPECIAL COLLECTION There will be a second collection at all Masses next week for World Mission Sunday. HOLY COMMUNION FOR THE GLUTEN-INTOLERANT We now have available low-gluten altar bread for those who are gluten-intolerant. These hosts contain less than 0.01% gluten and are approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. If you wish to receive Holy Communion with this special host please get at the end of the Communion line and let the priest know that you would like to receive the low-gluten host. If you have any questions please call the parish office, 650/ Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time MON-FRI MON-FRI SAT 07:10 AM 05:10 PM 07:40 AM Morning Prayer Evening Prayer Morning Prayer 14 OCT (Sunday) 07:30 PM Holy Hour for Priests 15 OCT (Monday) 09:00 AM 07:30 PM 07:30 PM 16 OCT (Tuesday) 09:30 AM 06:00 PM 07:00 PM 17 OCT (Wednesday) 01:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:30 PM 18 OCT (Thursday) 11:00 AM 06:00 PM 19 OCT (Friday) 20 OCT (Saturday) 06:15 AM 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM 14 October 2012 For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God. Annual Appeal Progress: 2012 Appeal Goal: Bible Group RCIA Legion of Mary Bible Study: Psalms Cenacles of Life Rosary Bible Study: Psalms Infant Jesus of Prague Society CCD Confirmation Class Opus Dei Men s Group The Thursday Group Perpetual Help Novena Mark 10: 27 Calendar Men s Spirituality and Prayer Group Confessions (Opus Dei priest) Confessions (parish priest) PARISH OFFERINGS WEEK OF SEP TOTAL: $10,714 $53,148 $117,100

3 Saints and Observances 15 OCT (Monday) SAINT TERESA OF AVILA, Doctor of the Church ( ) Born to the Spanish nobility, Teresa was cured of a crippling childhood disease after prayer to St. Joseph. Teresa became a Carmelite nun at 17. Stricken with ill health shortly after taking her vows, she nevertheless founded several convents. SOLEMNITY, FEAST, MEMORIAL OPTIONAL MEMORIAL OTHER 18 OCT (Thursday) SAINT LUKE, Evangelist Doctor and companion of St. Paul, Luke is a patron to both physicians and artists. In addition to his Gospel, Luke authored a history of the early Church in the Acts of the Apostles. 17 OCT (Wednesday) SAINT IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH, Bishop and Martyr (c c. 107) Ignatius was a pagan convert to Christianity, who succeeded Peter as bishop of Antioch, Syria. He served during the persecution of Domitian, and during the persecution of Trajan, he was ordered taken to Rome to be killed by wild animals. On the way, a journey which took months, he wrote a series of encouraging letters to the churches under his care. He was the first writer to use the term the catholic Church. -- No earthly pleasures, no kingdoms of this world can benefit me in any way. I prefer death in Christ Jesus to power over the farthest limits of the earth. He who died in place of us is the one object of my quest. He who rose for our sakes is my one desire. 19 OCT (Friday): SAINTS ISAAC JOGUES, JOHN DE BRÉBEUF and COMPANIONS, Martyrs Missionaries to the Mohawks and Iroquois, who were brutally tortured and martyred for the faith in New France. 20 OCT (Saturday) SAINT PAUL OF THE CROSS, Priest ( ) After receiving a vision, and while still a layman, Paul founded the Congregation of Discalced Clerks of the Most Holy Cross and Passion (the Passionists) in 1721 to preach about Jesus Crucified. Paul was a preacher of such power that hardened soldiers and bandits were seen to weep. Ministry and Group News SPECIAL PRAYER FOR OUR COUNTRY AND THE ELECTION: THE 2000 HAIL, MARY VIGIL We will pray another one thousand Hail, Mary s on Sunday, 04 November 2012 starting at 02:00 PM. Please join us in praying that voters in our nation will have wisdom in choosing the candidates who will govern us. SIXTH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT Save the date for the Schola Seraphica Christmas Concert. Rehearsals are underway for Schola Seraphica s 6th Annual Christmas Concert on 02 December 2012 at 02:30 PM. The concert will once again be at the beautiful St. Patrick s Seminary Chapel, 320 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park. Go and make disciples of all nations. MOVIE NIGHT: 27 OCT 2012 The Nativity Men s Prayer Group is sponsoring another movie on Saturday 27 October 2012 at 06:00 PM in the O Hare Center. The movie is For Greater Glory. From approximately 1917 to 1929, the Mexican Government gradually attacked the Catholic Church in that country. In 1927, there was open warfare between the secular atheistic government and armed Catholics when government became bold enough to start killing the priests and closing churches. This movie is about those last years. It is a very well-made movie starring Academy Award nominee Andy Garcia, Peter O Toole, and actors from such films as Bella and The Nativity Story. It hightlights some of the saintly martyrs (there were many) during that time. Everyone is encouraged to attend. As an added bonus, Roberto Lujan, a member of the Men s Group, who is from Mexico and had a relative involved in the struggle, will give a 15-minute introduction to this civil war. For questions, call Deacon Dominick Peloso: 650/ Viva Cristo Rey! NATIVITY MOMS AND DADS OF YESTERYEAR Renew past friendships and make new ones. Join the Nativity Moms and Dads of Yesteryear at Harry s Hofbrau, 1909 El Camino Real, Redwood City, on Tuesday, 06 November 2012, at 06:00 PM. For information only call Bonnie Neylan at 650/ EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Please come to visit our Lord during the week, as the church is open 24x7 and He awaits you. Also, everyone is encouraged to sign up for one hour. This will ensure your weekly meeting with Jesus. You may sign up for any hour. Our Lord wishes to speak with you, and you have much to say and ask of Him. Please call 650/ for more information or to sign up. Pregnant? Need Help? Please contact the Juan Diego Society (408/ ), the Gabriel Project (800/ ) or Community Pregnancy Center (650/ ). You have never strayed too far for the Father s forgiveness and grace.

4 Announcements OUR PARISH FAMILY Please keep all of our newest members in your prayers, as well as those who have preceded us to the Father. BAPTISMS Vivian Kate, daughter of Gerardo Contreras and Olivia Magana Alexander Christian, son of Alejandro and Caroline Goyen Anabella Marie, daughter of Miguel and Amber Leyva Maxine Grace, daughter of Art Tubera and Andreana Rapadas MARRIAGES Ferdinand Casido and Mary Cao NEW PARISHIONERS DEATHS Elsie Baiata Fr. Robert Cipriano SPECIAL COLLECTION Next weekend, Pope Benedict XVI calls every Catholic in the world to celebrate our vocation to be missionaries. October 21st is World Mission Sunday! As Catholics around the world here at home and in the Missions gathering at the Eucharist around the table of the Lord, we are to pray for the Church s worldwide missionary work. Please consider making a donation for your brothers and sisters around the world. Father Kainikunnel George, S.D.B. will be speaking at all Masses. MEMORIAL MASS: FATHER STEVE DAVIES There will be a memorial Mass for Fr. Steve Davies on Saturday, 03 November 2012 at 01:30 PM. This memorial will be at St. Agnes Church, 1025 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco. There is a parking lot at 1639 Oak Street. All are welcome to attend. In The Community RESTLESS HEART: CONFESSIONS OF AUGUSTINE The screenplay for Restless Heart is based on St. Augustine s landmark work The Confessions and is the first full-length feature on Augustine, one of the most influential Doctors of the Church. Tickets are on sale now for the showing on Friday, 19 October 2012 at 06:30 PM. The film will be shown at the Cinemark 485 Theatre at 825 Middlefield Road, Redwood City. Tickets are $40 each and group rate tickets are $25 each. All proceeds benefit St. Patrick s Seminary. Seating is limited so get your tickets today. To purchase the tickets, or for more information, contact Tim Donovan by phone: 714/ or tdonovan06@gmail.com. For more information about the film, and to watch the trailer, visit RALLY FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM It is not too late to make your voices heard and your presence felt. This rally will be held on Saturday, 20 October 2012 at 01:00 PM at Seventh Street Plaza, San Francisco U.S. Federal Building. It is about 2 blocks away from Civic Center BART Station. Special guest speaker will be Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone. The list of speakers include Fr. Frank Pavone from Priests for Life, Abby Johnson from And Then There Were None!, Walter Hoye from Civil Rights Foundation and many other great speakers. Please stand up and be counted for Religious Freedom. Hope to see you there. For info 510/ ext 3. religiousfreedom@civilrightsfoundation.org NATIVITY SCHOOL ANNUAL AUCTION AND DINNER/DANCE Come get your groove on! Nativity School is hosting its annual auction dinner/dance on Saturday, 20 October 2012 in Sobrato Pavilion at Nativity School. The party will start at 05:00 PM and last until midnight! There are great auctions items to bid on, too! One item is a fabulous trip to Rome and The Holy Land with Monsignor Otellini and Fr. Derek. If you cannot attend, but would still like to bid, you can! Would you like to donate? For further information, contact Christina Umhofer: ctu798@yahoo.com or 650/ FALL REVIVAL St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in East Palo Alto will be having a four-night revival led by Catholic Lay Evangelist Richard Lane beginning Monday, 12 November 2012 through Thursday, 15 November Each evening will begin promptly at 07:00 PM. Mr. Lane is internationally renowned for his inspiring and motivational Revivals and Missions, giving Catholics a new, refreshing, and dynamic approach to their Catholic faith. Come and get fired up. For more information call 650/ of visit Evangelist Lane s website at www. evangelistrichardlane.com. St. Francis is located at 1425 Bay Road, East Palo Alto, Ca YEAR OF FAITH WITH PAULINE BOOKS AND MEDIA Join the Catholic Understanding Book Club at Pauline Books and Media this Year of Faith (Oct 2012-Nov 2013) for a special study of Vatican Council II: 50 Years. We will be studying together a history of the Council as well as its most important documents. Beginning 03 October 2012, this will take place every 1st Wednesday of the month at 07:00-08:30 PM at Pauline Books and Media, 935 Brewster Ave, Redwood City, CA Books will be recommended for reading/studying. If you are interested or for more information about this and other events taking place during the Year of Faith at our book center please redwood@paulinemedia.com or call us at 650/

5 From the Holy See THE HOLY FATHER S PRAYER INTENTIONS Each month His Holiness Benedict XVI asks for general and missionary prayer intentions. For October 2012, the Holy Father s prayer intentions are: General: New Evangelization That the New Evangelization may progress in the oldest Christian countries. Missionary: World Mission Day That the celebration of World Mission Day may result in a renewed commitment to evangelization. They called the church together and reported what God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith (Acts 14:27) 11 October 2012 marks the beginning of a Year of Faith proclaimed by our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI. During this important time, the Holy Father invites us to open the Porta Fidei, door of faith, and rediscover a taste for feeding ourselves on the word of God. Through the Word, we encounter the face of Christ and are transformed by the love that gazes back. This upcoming Year of Faith serves as both a summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord through the Gospel, as well as an opportunity to arouse in every believer the aspiration to profess the faith in fullness and with renewed conviction. (Apostolic Letter Motu Proprio Data, Porta Fidei, October 11, 2011, 3, 6, 10). THE NEWEST DOCTORS OF THE CHURCH Vatican City, 07 OCT 2012 / 10:31 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Benedict XVI has named two new Doctors of the Church: the 16th century Spanish priest St. John of Avila and the 12th century German nun St. Hildegard of Bingen. St. John of Avila was a profound expert on the sacred scriptures, he was gifted with an ardent missionary spirit, said the Pope Oct. 7, he knew how to penetrate in a uniquely profound way the mysteries of the redemption worked by Christ for humanity. St. John of Avila was a priest, mystic, preacher and scholar. Pope Benedict announced his intention to name him a Doctor of the Church at World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid last August, much to the delight of Spanish Catholics. Today s declaration took place in a brief ceremony prior to Mass in St. Peter s Square in Rome. The Pope said St. John was a man of God who united constant prayer to apostolic action. He dedicated himself to preaching and to the more frequent practice of the sacraments, concentrating his commitment on improving the formation of candidates for the priesthood, of religious and of lay people, with a view to a fruitful reform of the Church. Turning to St. Hildegard of Bingen, Pope Benedict called her an important female figure of the 12th century who offered her precious contribution to the growth of the Church of her time by employing the gifts received from God and showing herself to be a woman of brilliant intelligence, deep sensitivity and recognized spiritual authority. Among her vast array of talents, St. Hildegard was a writer, composer, philosopher and mystic, as well as an abbess and founder of several monasteries. In May 2012 Pope Benedict formally added her to the Church s roster of saints, extending her liturgical feast throughout the world. The Lord granted her a prophetic spirit and fervent capacity to discern the signs of the times, explained the Pope to pilgrims in St. Peter s Square. St. Hildegard, he said, nurtured an evident love of creation, and was learned in medicine, poetry and music but above all she maintained a great and faithful love for Christ and the Church. The title of Doctor of the Church is bestowed upon a saint whose writings are deemed to be of universal importance to the Church. The Pope must also declare the individual to be of eminent learning and great sanctity. Other Doctors of the Church include St. Augustine, St. John Chrysostom, St. Francis de Sales, and St. Catherine of Siena.

6 RELIGIOUS FREEDOM USCCB Nationwide Bulletin Insert September-October 2012 PRAYER AND ACTION ARE NECESSARY TO KEEP OUR FIRST FREEDOM FIRST When Pope Benedict visited the United States in 2008, he asked the U.S. bishops a question: Is it consistent to profess our beliefs in church on Sunday, and then during the week to promote business practices or medical procedures contrary to those beliefs? The Holy Father then answered his own question: Any tendency to treat religion as a private matter must be resisted. Only when their faith permeates every aspect of their lives do Christians become truly open to the transforming power of the Gospel. Although the full impact of the Holy Father s words might not have been understood then, they have since proven prophetic. The Pope was challenging Catholics in the United States to resist the growing pressure to confine religious beliefs to houses of worship and to prevent the Church and individual believers from living out their faith in their day-today work and care for others. The U.S. bishops have since raised numerous concerns over the increasing threats to religious freedom, especially the now-finalized rule of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which would force virtually all private health plans nationwide to provide coverage of sterilization and contraception including abortifacient drugs. While there is an exemption for certain religious employers, it only covers employers that serve people of their own faith. Jesus and his apostles would not qualify. Mother Teresa would not qualify. As the bishops noted in their statement, United for Religious Freedom, this is an extremely narrow and unprecedented federal definition of religion, resulting in coercion to act against our teachings and the violation of civil rights. Federal law has long been generous in protecting the rights of individuals and institutions to not to act against their religious beliefs or moral convictions. Is that now changing? Are we entering a time when the federal government may now force the Church consisting of its faithful and all but a few of its institutions to act against Church teachings? While we seek remedies from the White House, Congress, and the courts, the U.S. bishops have called upon the Catholic faithful, and all people of faith, throughout our country to join in prayer and penance for our political leaders, and for the complete protection of our first freedom religious liberty. Prayer is the ultimate source of our strength for without God, we can do nothing;; but with God, all things are possible. What can you do to help protect religious freedom? To get breaking news and opportunities for action, text the word Freedom to on your cell phone. To learn more about our first freedom, and to send your message to Congress urging them to stand up for conscience rights in health care, go to To join in the Rosary Novena for Life and Liberty, October 14-22, or to sponsor a Marian Pilgrimage or other prayer efforts for religious freedom and conscience rights, go to