With Burning Hearts, We Proclaim the Good News. Served by the Eudist Fathers of the North American Province. Christmas Day December 25, 2016

Transcription

1 With Burning Hearts, We Proclaim the Good News St. John Eudes Catholic community Served by the Eudist Fathers of the North American Province Christmas Day December 25, 2016 Try Alpha! (see page 4 for details)

2 Page 2 December 25, 2016 FR. GÉRARD S CORNER Vigil: Far from merely a lengthy list of obscure names, the Bible speak in Matthew s genealogy intones the Church s Christmas tidings of comfort and joy, announcing just how unconditional is God s love, how inclusive God s plan! Casting ancient patriarchy aside, Matthew singles out women as honored partners in this surprising Messiah s identity, their identity a comfort to all sinners and outsiders: deceitful Tamar, Rahab the prostitute, Ruth the Gentile, and David s consort and mother of Solomon, who had been the wife of Uriah (Matthew 1:6). Thus, in the first part of the Vigil Gospel, God acts decisively, daringly to demolish boundaries that exclude anyone from amazing grace. In the Gospel s second part, Joseph, trusting in God and in Mary, acts just as decisively, daringly to bring to fruition for us a plan that doubtless devastated his plans. Night/Day: It begins this Christmas night/day, that selfemptying that will lead Jesus to ascend the cross, as God s eternal Word descends to dwell (literally, pitch his tent ) among us. In the feeding trough of animals too helpless to care for themselves lies heavenly Bread for helpless sinners, wrapped in swaddling clothes that already prefigure this Child s burial shroud, for the wood of the manger must become the wood of the cross. Caesar registers a subjugated people for taxes and compulsory military service; but Christ s peaceful Kingdom, outliving Caesar s, will belong preferentially to the poor and powerless. Thus, God s gift of self in Jesus reveals the best gift, love, and the way that gift is shared, in self-sacrifice. Dawn: Go out of the sanctuary! Bring Jesus to the fringe! So Pope Francis mission call in almost every homily. Thus Christmas night and dawn feature society s edge in the shepherds. From the dawn of life, Jesus favored audience is the marginalized and despised, empty in the world s eyes, ready both to receive God s Gift and share Jesus with others. PRAYER FOR PRIESTS Please pray for the following priests this week: Dec 25 Rev. Vivian Benedict Lima, St. Mel Catholic Church, Woodland Hills Dec 26 Rev. John Mark Matthews, O.S.B., St. Andrew s Abbey & Retreat House, Valyermo Dec 27 Rev. Francis Mendoza, St. Finbar Catholic Church Dec 28 Rev. Msgr. Richard Hayes Murray, St. Bernardine of Siena Catholic Church, Woodland Hills Dec 29 Rev. Msgr. Peter Nugent, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, North Hollywood Dec 30 Rev. Marvin Ajic, C.S., Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Sun Valley Dec 31 Rev. Msgr. Peter Amy, St. Didacus Catholic Church, Sun Valley BAPTISMS English: 3 rd Saturday of the month at 12:00 p.m. By appointment: Please call or visit the Parish Office. Baptism Seminar Classes are held the 3 rd Sunday of every month In Room A/B of Grill Hall from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. (No need to pre-register) Any Questions? Baptism@stjohneudes.org For those baptizing at another parish and taking the class here, the fee is $25 per person. NO BAPTISM SEMINAR IN DECEMBER QUESTION OF THE WEEK J.S. Paluch Fr. Gerard For whom and how can I prepare a manger, by offering Christ s own welcoming and nourishing love this Christmas season? PASTOR S OFFICE Rev. Gérard Lecomte, CJM, Pastor Marty Bowden, Pastor Secretary For appointments with pastor: Phone: , Ext mypastor@stjohneudes.org PARISH CLERGY Rev. Gérard Lecomte, CJM, Pastor Rev. Carlos Valencia, CJM, Assoc. Pastor Rev. Lawrence Goodwin, CJM, Assoc. Pastor Deacon Son Hoang, Pastoral Administrator

3 Page 3 December 25, 2016 Universal: End to Child-Soldiers: That the scandal of child-soldiers may be eliminated the world over. Evangelization: Europe: POPE S INTENTIONS FOR DECEMBER That the peoples of Europe may the beauty, goodness, and truth of the Gospel which gives joy and hope to life. DID YOU KNOW? Prepare holiday babysitters thoroughly The holidays come with lots of nights out for adults office Christmas parties, last-minute trips to the mall for gifts, neighborhood gift exchanges, etc. and you may need to call upon a babysitter to watch your kids for adults-only events. Think through the policies at your house that you will ask a sitter to follow. These could include basic childcare rules (for example: limits on television viewing, bedtime) as well as safety rules (for example: don t let the kids play with knives or matches). For a copy of the VIRTUS article Preventing Abuse When Selecting and Using a Babysitter, jvienna@la-archdiocese.org or call Sun: Vigil: Is 62:1-5 Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, Acts 13:16-17, Mt 1:1-25 [18-25] Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14 Mon: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17 Mt 10:17-22 Tues: 1 Jn 1:1-4 Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Wed: 1 Jn 1:5 2:2 Ps 124:2-5, 7b-8 Mt 2:13-18 Thurs: 1 Jn 2:3-11 Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6 Lk 2:36-40 Fri: Mal 3:1-4, 23-34; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14 Lk 1:57-66 Sat: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Lk 1:67-79 Dec 25 Nativity of the Lord - Christmas 4:00pm Luke Gaines, Angela Abbene Bill Cody 6:00pm People of the Parish 8:00pm People of the Parish 11:00pm People of the Parish 7:30am Peace in the World For our Nation For an Increase in Vocations to the Priesthood & Religious Life 9:00am Ang Luy & Ramona Fong Duiane Crick Jerome Paulo C. Bautista 11:00am People of the Parish 12:45pm Robert Pendleton Nellie P Barroga, Noelle Ann Wong - Birthday 2:15pm Jorge Humberto Perez, Sr. Teresa Ocampo Cortez 5:30 pm No Mass Mon. 12/26 - St. Stephen 9:00am Maria Reynolds Mildred Esteban People of the Parish Tues. 12/27 - St. John 6:30am Mary Spratley Linda & David Becker - SI Allen Schuster - Healing 8:15am Allan Iler, Fe Medalia Dr. J. Antonio Martinez Michelle Perez Wed. 12/28 - The Holy Innocents 6:30am Jean-Philipe Jomphe - SI 8:15am Julie Joseph Bertha McClure - Birthday Dr. Jose J. Antonio Martinez Thurs. 12/29 St. Thomas Becket 6:30am Anita & Josephine Sandzimer Rolando Sebastian 8:15am Filomena & Miguel Pastoral Manuel Velasquez Josephine, Anita & Frank Sandzimer Fri. 12/30 - The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph 6:30am Simon Nunez 8:15am Fatouh Zada, Nani Zada Florenda Castel Sat. 12/31- St. Sylvester 8:15am Angeles Paras Tioseco Faye Guillen, Howard Deere

4 Page 4 December 25, 2016 ALPHA ALPHA IS COMING TO St. John Eudes this January 10 Saturdays, starting Jan. 21st 7 8:30 a.m. or 10 Monday evenings starting, Jan. 23rd 6:30 8:30 p.m. Registration will be available by flyer online For more information contact Tim Dawson at getdaw@hotmail.com or at ALPHA gives everyone the opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting. Sessions begin with a meal, followed by a short talk and time to discuss what s been taught. Topics include: Is There More to Life Than This? Who is Jesus? Why Did Jesus Die? Why and How Do I Pray? The best part about it: ALPHA is for everyone; no question is out of bounds and you are free to discuss as much or as little as you wish. We don t assume any background knowledge of or belief in Christianity and everyone is welcome. Over 30 million people worldwide have attended ALPHA, in over 100 countries. It is a great place to bring those who God has brought into your life where you have thought 'I wish there was someplace...' Want a head start? Search YouTube for "Alpha Seriespromotion videos" Who are bringing to ALPHA? # Try Alpha YOUTH MINSITRY Second Year Confirmation January 20th 4:00 to 7:30pm First Year Confirmation February 19th 4:00 to 7:30 pm Grill Hall The next class will be January 10 at 6:30 p.m. in Amelia Workshop behind the rectory office. For further information, please call Or Korie.barbato@gmail.com BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT Bereavement Ministry will begin two new Support Groups, one on Thursday evenings starting January 5th at 7:00pm and the other on Saturday mornings starting January 7th at 9:15 am. Please call Leila, , or John, , for information Liturgical 2017 Calendars are now available, for a donation, in the Gift Shop

5 Page 5 December 25, 2016 ONE LIFE LETS CHOOSE LOVE : You re Invited to join your fellow parishioners for our third year attending OneLife LA. Join Archbishop Gomez and tens of thousands in downtown Los Angeles for the third annual OneLife LA, an event celebrating the beauty and dignity of every human life from conception to natural death. On Saturday, January 21, 2017 beginning at 12:00 noon at La Placita/Olvera St., we will walk to Grand Park for a family-friendly day of inspiring speakers, live music, entertainment, food trucks, and exhibits from community organizations serving those in need. The Requiem Mass for the Unborn at the Cathedral will follow at 5:00pm. We will meet at the North Hollywood Transit station at 10:45 and travel together on the Red Line to Union Station. You can stay for the whole day or just part of it and return to the North Hollywood station when you wish. St. John Eudes Gift Shop ext. 157 Sunday: 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Closed Monday Tuesday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Merry Christmas! Advent wreaths and candles, Ornaments, Nativity sets, Greeting cards, and lots more The Shop is located at the Mason parking lot Church entrance PART-TIME RCIA COORDINATOR NEEDED Do you want to join the team here at St. John Eudes? Well, we are looking for a part-time RCIA coordinator. If you have experience with RCIA and can organize parish RCIA events and retreats and are looking for part-time work, please contact Fr. Lawrence at frlawrencecjm@stjohneudes.org To RSVP please contact Mary Ann Cummins Prager at or via at maprager@stjohneudes.org. SANDWICH SUNDAY St. John Eudes Parish Sandwich Sunday Sunday, January 15th The third Sunday of every month We ll prepare sandwich lunches after 12:45 p.m. Mass. Please bring FRESH, SEALED, AND PACKAGED items of the following: Last Initial: A thru F: TURKEY BOLOGNA G thru L: FRESH APPLES, ORANGES M thru R: WHEAT BREAD OR PEANUT & JELLY S thru Z: COOKIES LOOSELY PACKED OR INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED RAFFLE WINNERS The Hispanic community of Saint John Eudes wish to thank all who participated in the two raffles and other events that allowed us to cover the costs of the beautiful celebration of last December 12th. for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. We are sure Our Lady was pleased with the festivities that honored Her on Her day. We had two winners of the raffle: Ana M. Sanchez and Carlos R. God Bless!! Any questions, call Nellie Newman

6 Dear Good Shepherd Shelter Friend, My name is Maricar and when I was 8 years old, I lived at the Good Shepherd Shelter with my mom and my 7 year-old brother. Eighteen years later, I have completed my undergraduate degree from UC Davis and I recently graduated from law school with honors. I am eternally grateful to the Good Shepherd Shelter. I remember the time leading up to our stay at the Shelter. Shortly after my mom s brain surgery (for her epilepsy), my brother and I heard loud noises coming from our garage. My father was getting violent again. We could hear my dad threatening to hit my mom s newly operated head, and my mom was yelling for us to call 911. I can still remember the ringing in my ears from the sound of my brother crying. After that incident, my mom made a brave decision leave everything to make sure my brother and I had a safe place. That safe place was the Good Shepherd Shelter. While that period in our lives was a scary time, that thought of scary comes second to the thought of normal. That is exactly what the Shelter gave me a normal childhood. While my mom fought chaotic battles with my drug-abusing dad, my bother and I were living a normal childhood. We swam in the swimming pool during the summer, had dinners in our own apartment on the compound, had friends to play with on the playground, went to school in a classroom, went on field trips to the Santa Monica Pier with Sister Regina, celebrated all the holidays (with many gifts to open) -we had everything we needed and more. What I am most grateful for is the love and support the Shelter staff gave to my mom. My mom is a survivor. My hero. While my brother and I were having fun, my mom had a whole team of people at the Shelter supporting, fighting for, loving, and encouraging her. I m talking about stake-outs with Judge Tom when my dad abducted us and Sister Anne receiving threatening phone calls from my dad. No one at the Shelter ever blinked. It has been 18 years since my family left the Shelter. However, the Shelter never left us. They helped us find our very first apartment, furnished that apartment (Judge Tom even carried a refrigerator on his back up a flight of stairs!), connected us with the Gripp family who, for 18 years, sent us Christmas gifts, blessed me with a scholarship during my time at UC Davis, and most recently, attended my graduation ceremony from law school. Even though to the outside world, our childhood may seem grim, the Shelter gave my family hope, faith, and love and paved the way for a happy life with a bright future.

7 Page 7 December 25, 2016 Here is how your generous donation will help the Good Shepherd Shelter: $27 Pays for 2 hours of babysitting care for a child whose mother had to go to court to obtain a restraining order $50 Buys schools supplies for one child every quarter $180 Pays for 2 hours of interpreter services for ESL education $400 Pays for a Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) advocate to attend the legally required DV training $480 Pays for 24/7 staff support in the Shelter $800 Pays for one week of Case Management Services $4,080 Covers the cost of our Adult Learning Center for one month. This holiday season you can made a difference in their lives by visiting: Thanks for your consideration in lending a hand to other survivors like me. It is thanks to our Shelter s generous supporters like you that my life has changed, and I know that other families lives will change too. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your family. Maricar Pascual Please send checks to : P.O. Box 19487, Los Angeles, CA 90010, Phone (323) , Fax (323) Website: 501(c)3 organization, Federal Tax #

8 Page 8 December 25, 2016 SCHOOL CORNER Christmas Break - December 19-January 2, School resumes Tuesday, January 3, SAVE THE DATE: SJE School Open House on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at 10:00am-1:00pm ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR What makes one s life successful? Money? Power? Honor? Pleasure? Most philosophies of the well-lived life are based on having something. But the Christian perspective is that it is better to be something. The goal of the Christian life is to grow in loving relationship to Christ, becoming more like him through the immersion of our entire selves into his Church, Christ s Body. But our transformation in Christ will not occur until we recognize him as our ultimate concern. In Conversion: Following the call of Christ, explore the stories of six great biblical figures with Father Barron, using their examples to grow closer to Christ. If you know of a St. John Eudes School alumnus who has impressed and touched you with their accomplishments, you are invited to nominate them for the 2017 St. John Eudes School Alumnus of the Year. Any former student may be nominated (even yourself if you are an alumnus). You may also make more than one nomination if you wish (but please use a separate nomination sheet for each nominee). Fr. Gérard and Mrs. Danowitz will head the committee that chooses the recipient, who will be announced during Catholic Schools Week (January 29 thru February 4). Nomination forms are available through the school website at (look in the News & Events section on the right side of the homepage). Nominations must be received in the school office by January 7. Date, Time & Location: Every Wednesday starting January 11 to February 22, 2017 Grill Hall AB Room 9:00 to 11:00am Cost/Registration: Registration is free! Cost of study materials to be determined when classes start on January 11th Contact: Cristina Kaloustian mcristinak@yahoo.com Cell phone: (818) Adele Vargas adele.vargas1@gmail.com Cell Phone: (805) WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER "When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home." Let us learn to accept each other and Christ in our marriages by participating in a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend March 3-5 or April TBD. Contact Jeanine and Russ Walker at or go online at We help make good marriages better

9 Page 9 25 de deciembre 2016 ORACIÓN PARA ANTES DE LA BENDICIÓN EN LA MISA Nosotros, la comunidad de la parroquia San Juan Eudes somos una diversificada, compasiva y creciente comunidad de fe. Nos empeñamos en atraer al pueblo hacia Cristo y hacia su Madre y por ser nosotros mismo discípulos misioneros. Como tales, somos enviados a transformar el mundo. Invocando la ayuda del Espíritu Santo y enraizados en el carisma de San Juan Eudes, estamos comprometidos a adorar, a crecer, a vincular y a dar con Corazón ardiente. Tradujo del Inglés, Carlos Valencia B., CJM LOS GANADORES DE LA RIFA La comunidad Hispana de San Juan Eudes les agrádese a todos que participaron en las dos rifas y los otros eventos que nos permitió cubrir los gastos de la bella celebración del pasado 12 de diciembre de Nuestra Señora Virgen de Guadalupe. Estamos seguros que ella si disfruto su fiesta Los dos ganadores de la rifa fueron Ana M. Sánchez y Carlos R. (Apellido desconocido) " Se logro de nuevo en honor de Nuestra Virgen de Guadalupe" MINISTERIOS Y GRUPOS Coordinador: Padre Carlos Valencia FrCarlosCJM@StJohnEudes.org Asistente: Ramón Flores (805) Mesa Coordinadora: Jose Schnaider (818) Lectores: Claudia Corbera UnaVida LA Se perdió el evento UnaVida LA el año pasado? No puede perdérselo este año! El 23 de enero 2016, únete al Arzobispo Gómez y decenas de miles de personas en el centro de Los Ángeles para el segun- UnaVida LA do evento anual UnaVida LA, un evento que celebra la belleza y la dignidad de cada ser humano desde la concepción hasta la muerte natural. Comenzando al mediodía en La Placita/Olvera St., caminaremos hacia Grand Park para un día familiar donde habrán conferencistas, música en vivo, entretenimiento, camiones de comida, y puestos de organizaciones comunitarias que sirven a personas necesitadas. Concluiremos con la Misa de Réquiem para los No Nacidos en la catedral a las 5:00pm Nos reuniremos en la estación de transito en North Hollywood después de las 10:45am de la mañana y viajaremos juntos en la Linea Roja a Union Station. Pueden quedarse todo el día o solo parte del día y regresar a la estación de North Hollywood cuando desean. Para hacer reservación por favor contacte a Michelle Hurtado (818) o por medio de correo electrónico licea75@aol.com. Ministros de la Comunión: Nelson & Leticia Jiménez (818) Ujieres: Juan Godoy (818) Carlos Ciprés (818) Ana Zacarías (818) Monaguillos: Belén Rangel (818) Coord. de Coros: Carlos Pérez (818) Catecismo: Madre Guadalupe (818) Grupo de Oración: Jose Soto (818) Semilla del Reino: Vilma Hernández (818) Encuentro Matrimonial: Israel Pedroza (818) Coord. de Liturgia: Ramón Flores (805) Coord. de Bautismos: Gustavo & Gaby Camberos (818) Comunidad San Pablo: Mario España (818) Retrouvaille: Martin & Rosa Baeza (818) Visita a enfermos: Luisa Parada (818)

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