St. Felicitas Catholic Church 1662 Manor Blvd. San Leandro Tel.No. (510) Fax (510)

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1 St. Felicitas Catholic Church 1662 Manor Blvd. San Leandro Tel.No. (510) Fax (510) Dec. 29, 2013 HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, and JOSEPH Parish Staff Rev. Augustine Joseph 286 Parochial Administrator Rev. Thomas Khue Parochial Vicar 297 Rev Tran T Dinh, (In Residence) Vietnamese Ministry Jose Prado Deacon (Retired) Mercey Zamora, Pastoral Assoc. Spanish Ministry Sr. Bernadette Nguyen Vietnamese Community Sr. Ancilla Marie Pastoral Care Sr. Magdalena Duong, Ministry Sister Cecilia Chuong-Phan, Altar Servers Sharon Clancey 281 Office Secretary/Receptionist Clare Zipp, Bulletin 284 Religious Education Office Sandi Walton DRE Fax: stlfelicitasccd@comcast.net Convent St. Vincent DePaul Mass Schedule: Sunday 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am 12:15(Spanish) 4:30pm(Vietnamese) Saturday 8:15am, 4:30pm (Vigil) Daily (Mon-Fri) 7:00am, 8:15am Holy Days 7:00am, 8:15am, 7:00pm 1st Friday Exposition 12:30-4:45pm Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday, 3:15 to 4:00pm or by appointment Baptism 4th Sunday of every month 2:00pm Contact Parish Office for information. Marriage Arrangements to be made 6 months prior to the wedding Parish Office Hours Mon-Thurs 9:00am-4:30 pm Fri.8:30am - 12:30pm Sun. 8:30am - 12:00 pm Parish School Meghan Anne Jorgensen Principal 1650 Manor Blvd. Fax: Emergency (during non-office hours)

2 Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph December 29, 2013 Over all [other virtues] put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. -Colossians 3:14 -Mother of God A graffiti was written on the wall of a church which said, "Catholics, God has no mother," obviously referring to Mary's title as "Mother of God." How does one respond to such an objection? As Catholics, we firmly believe in the incarnation of our Lord: Mary conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Lk 1:26-38 and Mt 1:18-25) Mary did not create the divine person of Jesus, who existed with the Father from all eternity. "In fact, the One whom she conceived as man by the Holy Spirit, who truly became her Son according to the flesh, was none other than the Father's eternal Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Hence the Church confesses that Mary is truly 'Mother of God' (Theotokos)" (CCC, No. 495). As St. John wrote, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we have seen His glory: The glory of an only Son coming from the Father filled with enduring love" (Jn 1:14). For this reason, sometime in the early history of the Church, our Blessed Mother was given the title "Mother of God." St. John Chrysostom (d. 407), for example, composed in his Eucharistic Prayer for the Mass an anthem in honor of her: "It is truly just to proclaim you blessed, O Mother of God, who are most blessed, all pure and Mother of our God. However, objection to the title "Mother of God" arose in the fifth century, due to confusion concerning the mystery of the incarnation. Nestorius, Bishop of Constantinople ( ), incited a major controversy. He stated that Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ, a regular human person, period. To this human person was united the person of the Word of God (the divine Jesus). This union of two persons--the human Christ and the divine Word-- was "sublime and unique" but merely accidental. The divine person dwelt in the human person "as in a temple." Following his own reasoning, Nestorius asserted that the human Jesus died on the cross, not the divine Jesus. As such, Mary is not "Mother of God," but simply "Mother of Christ"--the human Jesus. Sound confusing? It is, but the result is the splitting of Christ into two persons and the denial of the incarnation. St. Cyril, Bishop of Alexandria (d. 440) refuted Nestorius, asserting, "It was not that an ordinary man was born first of the Holy Virgin, on whom afterwards the Word descended; what we say is that, being united with the flesh from the womb, (the Word) has undergone birth in the flesh, making the birth in the flesh His own..." This statement affirms the belief asserted in the first paragraph. On June 22, 431, the Council of Ephesus convened to settle this argument. The Council declared, "If anyone does not confess that the Emmanuel is truly God and therefore that the holy Virgin is the Mother of God (Theotokos) (since she begot according to the flesh the Word of God made flesh), anathema sit." Therefore, the Council officially recognized that Jesus is one person, with two natures--human and divine--united in a true union. Second, Ephesus affirmed that our Blessed Mother can rightfully be called the Mother of God. Mary is not Mother of God, the Father, or Mother of God, the Holy Spirit; rather, she is Mother of God, the Son--Jesus Christ. The Council of Ephesus declared Nestorius a heretic, and the Emperor Theodosius ordered him deposed and exiled. (Interestingly, a small Nestorian Church still exists in Iraq, Iran and Syria.) The incarnation is indeed a profound mystery. The Church uses very precise--albeit philosophical--language to prevent confusion and error. Nevertheless, as we celebrate Christmas, we must ponder this great mystery of how our divine Savior entered this world, taking on our human flesh, to free us from sin. We must also ponder and emulate the great example of our Blessed Mother, who said, "I am the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to Thy word." May we turn to her always as our own Mother, pleading, "Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen." Taken from Father William Saunders writings. This year January 1 st, Mary Mother of God, is a holy day of obligation in our diocese. We have Holy Masses at 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM.

3 MON 12/30 TUES 12/31 WED. 1/1 THURS 1/2 Events of the Week Dec. 30 thru Jan. 4, :30 pm Masses At 8:00am And 9:30m FRI. 1/3 12:30 SAT. 1/4 HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY and JOSEPH December 29, 2013 Children s Liturgy of the Word 8:00 am Knights of Columbus in Hall 1:30 pm Men s Volleyball Team 7:30 pm 7:30 pm Parent Faith Share RCIA Spanish Catechist Mtg/ HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION OFFICE CLOSED Spanish Youth Group Spanish Small Faith Communities FIRST FRIDAY Adoration Spanish Children s Choir Vietnamese Choir SMC SMC AE Rm Hall AE Rm Church Hall AE Rm 3:15 Confessions Church LOVE For generations, various cultures regarded family life merely as a utilitarian necessity. Sirach introduces honor and respect. For Jews and Christians alike, the value of family goes even further. The family is seen as the indispensable school where love is learned. Paul addresses the Colossians and offers a list of virtues that make for a solid and happy church. These values also make for a happy family at ease with itself and its members: mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness. As a capstone, Paul urges love, which brings all of these domestic virtues to perfection. Paul seems to be on a roll as he lauds the virtues of the church at Colossae. With such heartfelt virtues, it is no wonder Paul bursts into song. Who wouldn t? It s clear that the center of the church is love. It is clear that no matter how far from home the members travel, the heart remains and all the members are connected by the gravitational pull of mutual love, a love first learned in family life. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. GREETERS New Greeters schedule for January/ February are in the vestibule office unless you receive your schedule by . STEWARDSHIP Last Week s Stewardship went to: Alameda County Food Bank This week s Stewardship will go to: George Mark Home READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 96:7-10; Lk 2:36-40 Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 11-13; Jn 1:1-18 Wednesday: Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21 Thursday: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 1:19-28 Friday: 1 Jn 2:29 3:6; Ps 98:1, 3cd-6; Jn 1:29-34 Saturday: 1 Jn 3:7-10; Ps 98:1, 7-9; Jn 1:35-42 Sunday: Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

4 Mass Intentions Dec. 29 thru Jan 5 Sun.12/29 7:30 am Parishioners 9:00 am Marciana Villanueva 10:30 am Ramoncito Asistin (Living) 12:15 pm Mon. 12/30 7:00 am John & Elaine Davis 8:15 am Manul Escobar Tues 12/31 Teresa Nguyen 8:15 pm Estelita Argallon Wed 1/1 8:00 am Fr. Augustine s Intention 9:30 am Luningning Hobb(Birthday) Thrs. 1/ 2 7:00 am Alfonso Jose Alegado 8:15 am Eulogio Gumataotao Fri. 1/3 7:00 am Corozon&Leonora Beroya 8:15 am Bill&Barbara O Conner (50th Wedding Anniversary) Sat 1/4 8:15 am Anna Bernadine 4:30 pm Dominic & Martha Le Sun 1/5 7:30 am Parishioners 9:00 am Yvonne Ryan 10:30 am Mike Folse 1 2:15 pm Guerra Karina Pray for : The Sick and Homebound Anne Tran (Mother of Fr.Tom), Julie Chin, Peggy Miller, David Silva Jr., Jim Lachemeyer, Sheila Bickerton, LuuTienNguyen, Michael & Lora Babik, Maria Nguyen, Angellita Mangahas, John Thao Ha,. Sheila Bickerton, Daniel & Raymond Bautista, Maria Garcia, Dan & Raymond Bautista, Connie and Joyce Guaraglia,, Remedios Mangila, Pearle Cezair, Joseph Vinh Ha, Maria Vargas, Leticia Delapena, Mary Helen, AndyDuarte, Yen Ngoc Dinh, Ed Fletcher, Susan Pulido, Mia Vicedo, Joseph Tinh Tran, Diane Nielson, Alfred Caires, Gerry Toro, Virgilio Labilles, Phil Erlwein, Joseph Hoang, Gary Cordano Jr., Christina Cayabyab, Lam Dinh, Trinh Nguyen, Joseph Dinh, Joe Carson, `Lory Stark, Hazel Soares, Ronald Bennet, Sara Le Fargo, Ailene Basila, Teresa Tran, Juanita Estrellas, Maureen Nolan, Jim Lachemeyer, Maria Silva, Louis Valenzuela, Fr. James Nguyen Pray for the Deceased: (If any person in this list passes away to eternity, please inform the Parish Office so that we can update the list. Thank you.) TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Tuesday, January 7, 2014 Doors open at 11:00 Lunch served at Noon MENU Salad Meat Balls / Pasta with Red Sauce Green Beans / Garlic Bread Assorted Puddings Tickets ($6.00) are now on sale in the Parish Office. HAPPY NEW YEAR We are in the season of the Incarnation, the mystery of God s love poured out in Christ s birth. The word derives from the Latin carnis meaning flesh. Throughout history, some Christians have distrusted the flesh, and stressed a hatred of this world and its pleasures. Perhaps they have not paid enough attention to how embodied the sacraments are. One third-century author put it plainly in an image that may alarm diet conscious Americans, explaining that we wash the body so the soul can be cleansed, that we anoint the body so the soul can be strengthened, and that we eat the body and blood of Christ so that the soul can fatten on God. Catholics get that God is revealed in this world. The sacraments use the stuff of creation: water and oil; the senses of the body, touch and taste and smell. We use the things of this world rightly. After all, God s love poured out into human flesh means the world has eternal value. Why else would Jesus describe the kingdom to come as a teeming city or a marriage banquet? Catholics are realists, and nowhere is that more evident than when we gather for a sacrament. Rev. James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co.

5 THANK YOU! From Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament Dear Rev. Joseph, Thank you for your contribution to the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. Your continued prayers and generosity enable the Sisters to further the mission of St. Katharine Drexel fostering unity and community while serving in educational, spiritual, and social service ministries throughout the United States and Haiti. Your selfless giving and personal sacrifice truly exemplify the legacy of St. Katharine Drexel. May God reward you and your family with abundant blessings and peace. We are so grateful to your parishioners. Be assured of our prayers for you and your parish. May you have a blessed Christmas Season. Sincerely, Sister Patricia Suchalski, SBS President ST. FELICITAS SCHOOL On Behalf of the Staff of St. Felicitas School we wish you a Happy New Year! As we welcome in the New Year, let us be thankful for all the wonderful blessings that we experienced in We look forward to 2014 and all the blessings that will come into our lives. There will be new and exciting opportunities, along with new challenges. We ask for God s grace and the Holy Spirit to come be with us in all that we do this New Year. We know that if we put our trust in God all things are possible. May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace, as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13) For we know with the miracle that is Jesus Christ - God shall supply all our needs according to his riches and glory. (Philippians 4:19) Blessings to all of you!!! Meghan Jorgensen Reflecting on God s Word Could any period in history have been more difficult than the one in which we live when it comes to raising children, keeping marriages together, or maintaining ties among adult family members? Our whole culture often seems to be working against us. The Christmas season, especially, magnifies the differences between the values that we Catholic Christians hold and the values of the ordinary world. And not all the stresses are external. Many of our troubles arise from the differences among people within our families. Christmas can also exacerbate those internal tensions. Sometimes we just want to run away and hide from the dual struggle with the bad influences of the world and the strains of family life! The feast of the Holy Family gives us much needed encouragement. The Gospel story shows Joseph and Mary fleeing to Egypt to keep Jesus safe, and then returning to Nazareth in Galilee to raise him in their Jewish culture. Jesus was protected by his parents from danger of death. Yet they did not keep him sequestered forever. As a child growing up, he lived out his call to holiness while dwelling in the midst of the Galilean Jewish community, with all its positive and negative influences. The readings from Sirach and Colossians illustrate how our own call to holiness can be lived out in our everyday lives. This feast reminds us that in Christ, the divine and the human, the holy and the ordinary have been forever linked. Whether it is in our nuclear family, our extended family, our parish family, the family of Christians, or the human family, today we celebrate the holiness that is to be found within our ordinary human families and communities. Virginia Stillwell Copyright 2013, World Library Publications. All rights reserved.

6 AMOR Por generaciones, diversas culturas han considerado la vida familiar como una necesidad sumamente útil. El libro de Sirácide introduce el honor y el respeto. Tanto para los judíos como para los cristianos, el valor de la familia da otro audaz y espléndido paso. La familia es vista como la escuela indispensable donde se aprende el amor. Pablo se dirige a los Colosenses y presenta una lista de virtudes que ayudan a crear una Iglesia sólida y feliz. Estas virtudes misericordia, bondad, humildad, docilidad, paciencia, perdón contribuyen también a que una familia feliz se sienta cómoda consigo misma y con sus miembros. Y como pilar, Pablo insta al amor que eleva todas estas virtudes a la perfección. Pablo parece estar muy entusiasmado cuando exalta las virtudes de la Iglesia en Colosas. Con estas virtudes tan sentidas no es de extrañar que Pablo rompa a cantar: Quién no haría lo mismo! Está claro que el centro de su círculo es el amor. Es evidente que no importa cuan lejos sus miembros estén del hogar, el corazón siempre está allí y todos ellos están conectados por la fuerza gravitatoria del amor mutuo. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. TRADICIONES DE NUESTRA FE En Nicaragua y otras naciones latinoamericanas se celebra el final de un año con la quema del año viejo. Construyen grandes muñecos con ropa vieja, pólvora y papel que se encienden a medianoche entre los dos años. Celebrar el comienzo de un año nuevo tiene una larga trayectoria en la historia humana. Hace unos 4000 años el pueblo de Babilonia ya festejaba la llegada de un nuevo año con grandes fiestas de primavera. Los judíos, al igual que otros pueblos agrícolas, también celebraban su año nuevo durante la primavera, el primer día de Nisán (a principios de abril). Fue Julio César quien nos dio la fecha del primero de enero como el inicio de nuestro calendario. En 1582 el Papa Gregorio XIII reformó el calendario para darnos el que actualmente está en uso. No obstante, los cristianos continuaron celebrando el año nuevo en primavera para evitar los excesos del hombre viejo. Hace 400 años la Iglesia comenzó a celebrar el día primero de enero buscando cristianizarlo lo mejor posible. Por eso en el calendario litúrgico este día es dedicado a María, Madre de Dios. Fray Gilberto Cavazos-Glz, OFM, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co.