"The Baptism of the Lord - January 13, 2019

Transcription

1 "The Baptism of the Lord - January 13, Addison Street, Berkeley, CA Phone (510) Fax (510) info@stjosephtheworkerchurch.org STAFF Rev. Kenneth Nobrega Deacon José Manuel Pérez, Permanent Deacon Gloria Maldonado, Parish Secretary, Safe Environment Coordinator Elizabeth Oishi Comly, Parish Events Coordinator MONDAY-SATURDAY Mass: 9:00 am SUNDAY Mass: 8:00 am Confessions: 9:45 am Mass: 10:00 am Mass: (Spanish) 11:30 am WEDNESDAY EVENING Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: 6:00 pm 7:00 pm Confessions: 6:00 pm 6:45 pm MINISTRIES Baptism/Bautismos Deacon José Manuel Pérez Platicas: Los domingos. Para otro dia llamar a la oficina. Lectors/Lectores Chris Notti (English) Erika Guerrero (Español) Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Tita Brodt (English) Ruben Araujo (Español) PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday thru Friday 9:00 am 5:00 pm (Closed 12 Noon 1:00 pm for lunch)

2 + + St. Joseph the Worker Beautiful Liturgy - Reconciliation - Healing THIS WEEK AT ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER SUNDAY MASSES - January 13, :00 am Fr. John Gribowich 10:00 am Fr. Kenneth Nobrega 11:30 am (Spanish) Fr. Hugo Franca ON WEDNESDAY EVENINGS Holy Hour, Confessions and Rosary Prayer Group Every Wednesday evening we have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 6:00 7:00 pm with Confessions available from 6:00 6:45 pm. The Rosary & Devotion Prayer Group meets at 7:00 pm, following the Holy Hour. All are welcome. Sant Egidio Community The Community of Sant Egidio meets every Thursday at 7:00 pm for prayer in our church chapel. All are invited to join for prayer and for some Christian fellowship. Sunday 8:00 am 10:00 am 11:30 am Monday 9:00 am MASS INTENTIONS January 13th Letty W. Pua Myrna Gregory + Familia Sandoval Perez January 14th Maria Elena Jimenez-Muñoz Tuesday 9:00 am Wednesday 9:00 am January 15th Ron January 16th David Gregory Thursday 9:00 am Friday 9:00 am Saturday 9:00 am January 17th Marci Dugan + January 18th Giuseppe Cillutto + January 19th Citas de Guzman

3 Would you like to have a Mass offered in honor or memory of someone? A Sacred time for Holy Preparation It is easy, stop by our parish office or Gloria Maldonado, our parish secretary at: gloria@stjosephtheworkerchurch.org If you have a particular date in mind, let us know and we will try and accommodate you. The suggested donation is $ Dear Visitors and Guests: If you have been blessed by your visit to St. Joseph, please consider blessing our parish with a gift. Through generous donations by faithful people like yourself, we intend on restoring this historic church back to its former glory, little by little. You can make a safe, fast and easy one (1) time donation or a recurring donation with the ease of your smart phone through PUSHPAY. Follow these steps below: From personal experience, I find it crucial to arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of Mass in order to decompress from the busyness of life and to quiet down the mind from worldly cares in order to properly focus on God and the Sacred Mysteries we are about to enter. Please do not arrive late to Mass. Thank you. - Fr. Kenneth Nobrega Step 1) Enter the number: Step 2) Enter the letters SJW in the message section. Parish Office Hours Gloria Maldonado, our office secretary is ready to welcome and assist our parishioners and visitors. St. Joseph the Worker Parish Office Hours are from Monday thru Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm (closed noon to 1:00pm for lunch).

4 "The Baptism of the Lord" If Jesus Had No Sin, Then Why Was He Baptized? Here s the Radical Answer - By ChurchPOP Editor It s a scene you hopefully know well: At the beginning of Jesus ministry, Jesus has St. John the Baptist baptize him, after which the Holy Spirit comes down on Jesus like a dove and the Father s voice is heard. (cf. Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3) Which may have left you confused. Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins, but Jesus never sinned so why was he getting baptized? contact. Holy things need to be kept separate so as to not be defiled. Christ, of course, has no need for sanctification. Rather, it is he who sanctifies others. So when Christ received the baptism of John, instead of Jesus being sanctified, the waters of baptism were sanctified and given power to affect the forgiveness of sins. The first thing to know is that Jesus did not receive the Sacrament of Baptism. The baptism of St. John the Baptist was only symbolic for repentance, whereas Christian baptism actually affects the grace of forgiveness. Still, Jesus did not need to repent of anything. So what was he doing? The answer shows the radical nature of Christ s ministry: He was turning baptism into a Sacrament. (ST III ) Normally, in the Old Testament unclean things make other things unclean when they come into This is exactly what St. Ambrose says on this subject: Our Lord was baptized because He wished, not to be cleansed, but to cleanse the waters, that, being purified by the flesh of Christ that knew no sin, they might have the virtue of baptism. Christ, as God himself, is so holy, so powerful, so amazing, that the normal process is reversed. Christ was ushering in a new era in which the grace of God has broken into the world and is reversing the process of sin and corruption. Isn t that incredible?

5 3 Powerful sacramentals to have in your home - Philip Kosloski sacramentals can protect us from spiritual harm or inspire us to live a holy life dedicated to God. Here are three such sacramentals that, if used properly, can provide a spiritual boost to the home as well as keep away spiritual enemies that are lurking in the shadows. Holy water These small religious items pack a big spiritual punch that can protect your family. The use of sacramentals is one of the most misunderstood practices in the Catholic Church. They have been part of the Church s life from the very beginning, but are commonly viewed as some sort of superstition. This is largely due to the fact that many Catholics over the centuries have used sacramentals in a superstitious way as they were not taught how to use them properly. Instead of using them with faith, some Catholics used them as magic charms rather than instruments of grace. This is unfortunate, as sacramentals are meant to enrich our spiritual lives, not hinder them. They have been instituted by the Church to draw us into a deeper relationship with Christ and are focused on sanctifying every part of our lives. Sacramentals are extensions of the seven sacraments and bring the grace of God into everything that we do. One place where sacramentals are especially powerful is in the home. If used in a spirit of faith, Holy water has a double meaning of reminding us of our baptism as well as a symbol of spiritual cleansing. Holy water is said to have great power over the devil as the devil cannot stand this clean water, since he is entirely unclean for all eternity. It is a reminder of the water that flowed out of Christ s side, which is a symbol of Baptism, and brings to mind the day of the devil s defeat (Christ s crucifixion). It is an ancient custom to have what are called holy water stoups or holy water fonts on the walls of a home. They are elaborate or simple cups that hold holy water, which can then be used to bless oneself throughout the day. It is especially helpful to have them at the doors that lead outside the house as well as in the bedrooms of family members. That way we keep ourselves always fixed on Christ and remind ourselves to remain pure. It also keeps the holy water handy when needed to ward off any influence of the Evil One. Blessed salt If possible, it is also good to have a small container of blessed salt in your home. You would

6 have to specifically ask your parish priest to provide that for you and odds are likely that your parish priest would not be familiar with it. This is one sacramental that is often neglected and is not typically used in parishes. However, it is a powerful weapon against evil as can be seen by the following portion of the blessing said by the priest found in the Roman Ritual. Almighty and everlasting God, we humbly implore you, in your immeasurable kindness and love, to bless (+) this salt which you created and gave to the use of mankind, so that it may become a source of health for the minds and bodies of all who make use of it. May it rid whatever it touches or sprinkles of all uncleanness, and protect it from every assault of evil spirits. Through Christ our Lord. Crucifix Another very powerful sacramental that is more typically found in our homes is the crucifix. Not only does a crucifix remind us of the great love that God had for us, but it also is a strong deterrent to spiritual enemies. The crucifix is the bane of Satan s existence and is the sign of everything that he despises. It is beneficial to have a crucifix in every room in your house (or apartment) so that you can frequently meditate on Jesus great sacrifice of love as well as have an image to remind you what you need to focus on during times of temptation. Holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, be pleased to bless + this cross, that it may be a saving help to mankind. Let it be the support of faith, an encouragement to good works, the redemption of souls; and let it be consolation, protection, and a shield against the cruel darts of the enemy; through Christ our Lord. Lord Jesus Christ, bless + this cross by which you snatched the world from Satan s grasp, and on which you overcame by your suffering the tempter to sin, who rejoiced in the first man s fall in eating of the forbidden tree. Here it is sprinkled with holy water. May this cross be hallowed in the name of the Father, + and of the Son, + and of the Holy + Spirit; and may all who kneel and pray before this cross in honor of our Lord find health in body and soul; through Christ our Lord. Donate to St. Joseph the Worker TEXT: Here are two prayers of blessing a crucifix in the Roman Ritual which sum up all the reasons we need them in our homes. Safe, Fast, Easy. Thank you!

7 CATHOLIC CHURCH LITURGICAL CALENDAR The Paschal Triduum begins on Holy Thursday with the Evening Mass of the Lord s Supper (April 18, 2019) and ends with Evening Prayer on Easter Sunday (April 21, 2019). The Easter Season begins on Easter Sunday (April 21, 2019) and ends with Evening Prayer on the Solemnity of Pentecost (June 9, 2019). Have you ever wondered when Ordinary Time or Lent or Advent starts or ends? Listed below is the entire Liturgical Calendar of seasons. As defined by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Liturgical Year is "The celebration throughout the year of the mysteries of the Lord's birth, life, death, and Resurrection in such a way that the entire year becomes a 'year of the Lord's grace.'" Ordinary Time begins after Evening Prayer on the Solemnity of Pentecost (June 9, 2019) and continues until Evening Prayer of the First Sunday of Advent (December 1, 2019). Why Light a Votive Candle? The Season of Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas (December 2, 2018) and ends after the mid-afternoon prayer on Christmas Eve (December 24, 2018). Ordinary Time begins after Evening Prayer on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (January 13, 2019) until Ash Wednesday (March 6, 2019). The Season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (March 6, 2019) and ends with the Celebration of the Evening Mass of the Lord s Supper on Holy Thursday (April 18, 2019). A Votive Light is a "silent sentinel" and can burn for your special intentions or for someone who is in need of prayers. This is a thoughtful expression of your sentiments and best wishes for any occasion. Your Votive Light can be an act of faith and charity - the light is a symbol of the sacrifice you have made in behalf of someone else - and it is a silent reminder of your prayers for them. Unlike a regular purchase, a votive candle donation is an "offering" made to God through the intercession of the Saints which also helps support our St. Joseph the Worker Church's mission of beautiful liturgies, reconciliation and healing.

8 Asking Our Blessed Mother for help. Do you ever feel like you could use some help approaching God in your prayers? The Memorare is a prayer that reminds us that we have a wonderful advocate and protector in the mother of our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. In our prayers to her we honor and worship her Son, who is more than happy to listen to His mother s pleas on our behalf. The Memorare, printed below, invites us to ask the Blessed Mother for her assistance and her grace, especially when we feel most troubled in our daily lives. joinfortify.com Need A New Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation or Marriage Certificate? Sacramental certificates from St. Joseph the Worker can be obtained from our parish office usually within one or two business days. Memorare REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen. We kindly ask for a $25 donation for each requested certificate which will go towards the support of St. Joseph the Worker Church. Please contact Gloria Maldonado our parish secretary at (510) or gloria@stjosephtheworkerchurch.org

9 St. Raphael, a powerful healer for anyone suffering right now. - Philip Kosloski The archangel's name in Hebrew means "Divine Healer." Among the three archangels named in the Bible, St. Raphael is probably the least known. This is likely due to the fact that St. Raphael is only found in the Old Testament (and there only in a book not considered canonical by Jews or Protestant Christians), while Gabriel and Michael feature prominently in the New Testament. Traditionally, Raphael had a separate feast celebrated on October 24, though recently his feast was combined with those of the other two archangels on September 29. St. Raphael is a powerful intercessor whom we should not forget, especially during times when we are most in need of healing. Raphael is found in the Book of Tobit, where he reveals himself as a healer of mind, body and spirit. The first part of the biblical story narrates the life of Tobit, a righteous Jewish man who took upon himself the burial of the dead even when it was forbidden by his Assyrian captors. Tobit became blind after bird droppings fell into his eyes. The blindness lasted for several years and sent Tobit into a deep anguish, creating in him a desire to die. St. Raphael was sent to both. He brought about their healing by accompanying Tobit s son, Tobias, on a journey to find a special kind of fish liver with healing properties. Raphael was disguised as Tobias travel guide, and in this tradition he is often invoked by pilgrims. On the way back home, Raphael and Tobias stopped at the home of Tobit s kinsmen the parents of Sarah. Tobias and Sarah fell in love, and on their wedding night Tobias pledge of chaste love, stirred by Raphael s angelic power, defeated the demon. Returning home with his bride, Tobias laid the fish liver on Tobit s eyes and his blindness was healed. At the marriage feast of Tobias and Sarah, the family turned to thank Raphael, who only then revealed himself as an archangel. The word Raphael in Hebrew can be rendered as, God heals, Divine Healer, or Remedy of God. His angelic mission on earth is to heal, which is very important for those suffering in any way. Below is a prayer to St. Raphael for any intention you may have, especially for anyone you know who may be hurting right now. In light of recent events, all of us should pray for the healing of our country, and all those suffering in mind, body or

10 spirit. lasted for several years and sent Tobit into a deep anguish, creating in him a desire to die. Illuminate our church with devotion and prayers. St. Raphael was sent to both. He brought about their healing by accompanying Tobit s son, Tobias, on a journey to find a special kind of fish liver with healing properties. Raphael was disguised as Tobias travel guide, and in this tradition he is often invoked by pilgrims. On the way back home, Raphael and Tobias stopped at the home of Tobit s kinsmen the parents of Sarah. Glorious Archangel St. Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. Your votive candle is a silent but visible sign of prayer and devotion. I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the medicine of God I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favor (here mention your special intention), and the great grace of purity to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

11 Thank God for faithful priests, who, like St. Joseph, are often quiet heroes. -Claire Chretien St. Joseph is often depicted in art or nativity scenes as an old, rather frail-looking man. Regardless of his actual age, though, he was anything but weak. St. Joseph was a carpenter, which means he was likely physically strong. More importantly, he had the strength to remain with Mary even when she became pregnant, but not with his child, and to listen to God and protect the family unit through which the Savior came into and learned about the world. Many of the priests and bishops representatives of Jesus Christ who dominated headlines in 2018 may have been powerful and connected, but they certainly didn t embody authentic masculinity, like St. Joseph did. Some of these newsmakers preyed on those whom they should have guided and protected. Some lied about their actions. Some were found out to have covered up their and their friends filthy deeds for decades. When finally exposed, some bloviated about policies and issued apologies that can hardly even be called apologies. The real strong men of our time are less noticed than the crooks in cassocks and the menaces in mitres whose actions seem aimed at reducing Holy Mother Church to a smoldering pile of ruins. The real men of strength aren t acknowledged in commercials or movies, which usually mock them as helpless dunces. The strong men of our time the St. Josephs, if you will are priests who face persecution from without and within the Church for being faithful to Christ, yet who quietly live out their vocation to preach the truth for the salvation of souls. Faithful priests are true fathers, like St. Joseph, who often quietly sacrifice themselves for their families. They are the ones, who, like St. Joseph, are unafraid to follow God s will in their lives, no matter where the road leads and what the cost might be. It is the example of such priests that teach younger men what it means to be a man to protect, provide, and lead those for whom one is responsible in a culture that is determined to emasculate them. This Christmas, I am thanking God for the men who are what they were created to be, especially faithful priests, who lay down their lives for those around them and who emulate St. Joseph s fortitude and selflessness. In a time when there is so much confusion about what it means to be a man or a woman, and, when so many of the men leading the Church have disfigured the Bride of Christ, those men who embrace real masculinity while answering the call to be faithful shepherds couldn t be more important.

12 Want to sleep peacefully? Pray this prayer of the night. - Elizabeth Scalia The best way for a good night's sleep is to reclaim your inner peace and rest with a heart united to God. God in heaven, O Creator, O One who loved me into being Now that the voices are silenced and the crowded world of projects and overwhelming noise is hushed, here, at my bed, I seek your consolation. My spirit roots for you, as an infant seeks out the breast, seeks you as a child seeks the succor and embrace of a father the parent who will whisper, Shh, I am with you, and bring solace to the soul with an unconditional love. I believe in your love, and I hope in you, and I pray you will grace me with the gift of faith, unfailing, the gift of wisdom, beyond my instincts, the gift of trust, which is so hard. I give glory and thanks to you for this day as it ends, and beg that you will give me eyes to see that in all things, you have been with me: in what was difficult, and what was easy, in what was anxious and what was peaceful. In those times I sought you out, or forgot to, You were with me, still, and I thank you. Today, I failed in love; you know this. I beg you to forgive me. Today, I lost my temper; you know this. I beg you to forgive me. Today, I was selfish; you know this. I beg you to forgive me. Today, I felt desolate, unsure, and afraid; I beg you to reach me, and to teach me again that you love me, and are near. That you are, O God, the safest of safe places, the wayside resting place, where I may catch my breath, and seek you out, before going on. Before I rest tonight, I must thank you for your love, beg your pardon for my failings, and your shelter from my interior storms. O my Lord, at this moment, all is calm, and sleep beckons me. It is your world! I place all of my concerns into your hands, and all of my fears into your Sacred Heart, the Selfimmolating gift that is never consumed. I believe in you. Although I cannot understand all that is before me, I know all things work toward the purposes of your mysterious plans for my own good. And I trust in this. And I beg for the gift and grace to trust you even further, day by day. I ask this in the name of Christ Jesus, seeking the prayers of Mary, his Mother, and of my guardian angel and patron saint (Name). I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:9) Amen Addison Street, Berkeley, CA Phone: (510) Fax: (510) info@stjosephtheworkerchurch.org