EASTER SUNDAY - APRIL 1, 2018

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1 EASTER SUNDAY - APRIL 1, Addison Street, Berkeley, CA Phone (510) Fax (510) info@stjosephtheworkerchurch.org STAFF Rev. Kenneth Nobrega In Residence: Rev. Raphael Okitafumba Deacon José Manuel Pérez, Permanent Deacon Eddie Valladao, Sacristan 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 Tuesday thru Friday 9:00 am 6:00 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 Important Announcement Holy Hour and Confessions will not be held on Easter Wednesday, April 4th. We will resume our normal schedule on Wednesday, April 11th. BEEN AWAY FOR A LITTLE WHILE? EASTER MASSES 8:00 pm Easter Vigil - Fr. Kenneth Nobrega 8:00 am Fr. Raphael Okitafumba 10:00 am Fr. Kenneth Nobrega 11:30 am (Spanish) Fr. Rafael Chavez MASS INTENTIONS Monday April 2nd 9:00 am Michael Solorzano Tuesday April 3rd 9:00 am Ryan Tan Wednesday April 4th 9:00 am Katrina Williams Thursday April 5th 9:00 am Ryan Tan Friday April 6th 9:00 am Holy Souls in Purgatory EXPERIENCE LOVE & ACCEPTANCE BY COMING HOME TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. There s an old saying that goes, Once a Catholic, always a Catholic. Maybe you have been away from the Church for a little while or for quite some time, but now you feel a tug at your heart calling you back to the Catholic Church. Listen to that tug. It s your Heavenly Father reaching his arms out to you, the Holy Spirit whispering in your ear, hoping to draw you home. We hope you accept this as your invitation to rediscover the truth, wonder and mystery of the Catholic faith. As your brothers and sisters in our worldwide Catholic family, we want you back. We ve missed you, and our Church is not the same without you. Regardless of why you left or got out of the habit of going to Mass, you can always come home and return to the practice of the sacraments and the fullness of relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church he founded. We are Catholic. Welcome home. For more info visit: Saturday April 7th 9:00 am Teresa Lopez 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: Step 1) Enter the number: Step 2) Enter the letters SJW in the message section. Would you like to have a Mass offered in honor or memory of someone? 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 $10.00.

3 Easter, our Greatest Feast Day Easter is the greatest feast in our Catholic calendar. On this Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. For Catholics, Easter Sunday comes at the end of 40 days of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving known as Lent. Through spiritual struggle and self-denial, we have prepared ourselves to die spiritually with Christ on Good Friday, the day of His Crucifixion, so that we can rise again with Him in new life on Easter. to untold numbers of people. It is important coming from Peter because he was a personal witness to Jesus ministry and especially His Resurrection. In today s reading Peter also says, This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible to us, the witnesses chosen by God in advance. Personal and firsthand witness is the most powerful way to evangelize. Each of us is called to evangelize through our Baptism and by how we live our lives. The Easter Vigil celebrated on Holy Saturday night is called by our US Bishops the Mother of All Vigils. Easter Sunday, then, is the greatest of all Sundays, and Easter Time is the most important of all liturgical times. Easter culminates with Christ s Ascension to the Father and sending of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. There are 50 days of Easter from today to Pentecost. It should be characterized, above all, by the joy of glorified life and the victory over death, expressed most fully in the great resounding cry of Christians: Alleluia! All faith flows from faith in the resurrection. It is most appropriate on this Day of Resurrection that the First Reading comes from the Acts of the Apostles and recounts part of a sermon made by St. Peter. Hippolytus of Rome, a Third Century theologian, gave Peter the title of Apostle of Apostles. We recognize Peter as the first Pope. Peter was one of the first Apostles and was present and witnessed events with Jesus, including the Transfiguration. Not only did he play a role on this Easter Sunday (as recounted in today s Gospel), but he initially was the foremost evangelist revealing to people the divinity and resurrection of Jesus. Peter opens his sermon today by saying, You know what happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John (the Baptist) preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. Peter no doubt gave this sermon scores of times Our Gospel last week was the powerful reading of the Passion of Christ. Although the Gospel this week is not as long or as comprehensive, it is equally powerful, especially for what it means to us as Christians. It is the retelling of the Resurrection of Christ and the finding of the empty tomb. St. John s perspective is important to us for he is most likely the other disciple in today s Gospel Reading. As was the case with the Passion, there is so much in this reading on which we might focus. Having indicated that nonetheless, it might be of value to concentrate on a couple things. We may not always find humor in the Word, but it is there. For example, John is humble enough not to mention he is the other disciple, but at the same time he is competitive enough to make it clear that he outran Peter. Yet when it came to entering the tomb, he was hesitant and waited for Peter to enter first. The combination of these two decisions tells us a lot about both Peter and John. Throughout Holy Scripture St. Peter is somewhat spontaneous and often acts and thinks before thinking. St. John, on the other hand tends to stop and think; this may have been one of those occasions. Many Apostles were not convinced of the resurrection until they experienced Jesus in reality. John saw and believed. The word translated as saw is the Greek word eiden. That means much more than saw. It means to understand and to perceive the significance of something. Do we share John s understanding and belief? We should; this is Easter.

4 Illuminate our church with devotion and prayers. But as it is written: Your votive candle is a silent but visible sign of prayer and devotion. 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. 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 What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 Give back to God & Help support St. Joseph the Worker. TEXT: Thank You! Celebrate the Gift of Life.

5 First Precept: You Shall Attend Mass - Fr. Richard Heilman GO BEYOND THE MINIMUM! Always remember: the precepts of the Catholic Church are minimum levels of participation in the life of the Church. Out of love for Christ and a desire to advance in the spiritual life, you will normally try to do far more than they require. Many people recommend that Catholics: Attend Mass at least one more time a week. (Most Church parishes celebrate Mass every day of the year!) PRECEPTS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH The Precepts of the Catholic Church are a description of the absolute minimum actions required of Catholics regarding the Church. The Church uses these precepts to remind us that Christian life requires a commitment to prayer and active participation in the liturgy and sacraments. If we fall below this bare-minimum level, we can t rightly consider ourselves to be in full communion with the Catholic Church. Each of these precepts of the Catholic Church is a requirement. Together with the Ten Commandments, they represent the minimum level of moral living. Intentional violation of the precepts or the Commandments is a grave matter, meaning a mortal sin. FIRST PRECEPT: YOU SHALL ATTEND MASS ON SUNDAYS AND ON HOLY DAYS OF OBLI- GATION AND REST FROM SERVILE LABOR. We must sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord (Sunday), as well as the principal feast days, known as Catholic holy days of obligation. This requires attending Mass, and by resting from those works and activities which could impede such a sanctification of these days. In so far as divine love beautifies our souls, and makes us pleasing to His Divine Majesty, it is called grace; in so far as it gives us strength to do good, it is called charity; but when it reaches such a degree of perfection that it makes us not only do the good, but do so carefully, frequently and readily, then it is called devotion. St. Francis de Sales Why Light a Votive Candle? 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. Your prayerful votive offerings are "lighting up" our church with beauty and prayer. Thank you, and may God bless you.

6 Our Bishop's Appeal goal for St. Joseph the Worker Church is $11,400 (which is one of the lowest parish Appeal goals set forth by the Diocese of Oakland). Our parish needs to support our Bishop, and so I encourage everyone to prayerfully make a commitment to help meet our Appeal goal. If everyone at St. Joseph the Worker and those who support our spiritual parish direction makes a prayerful commitment, then we should easily make our parish goal for the first time in years. I personally will contribute $1000 towards achieving our parish Bishop Appeal goal. I strongly encourage everyone to prayerfully make a commitment to help meet our Appeal goal. Thank you. - Fr. Kenneth Nobrega The 2018 Bishop s Appeal has begun and Bishop Michael Barber has chosen Lighting the Way" as this year s theme. What is the Bishop s Appeal? The total budget for the Diocese of Oakland in 2018 is approximately $17 million, and of that, the budget for diocesan-wide ministries and services is roughly $7 million. While income is generated to support the budget through parish assessments, rent collection on property, service fees and interest on the diocesan investments, the income does not fully meet the budgetary needs for providing all diocesan level ministries, programs and services. What does the Bishop s Appeal Fund? The Bishop s Appeal is a direct appeal to the people of the Diocese, to ask them to make a pledge or a gift to supplement the ministry budget. Without the financial support of our diocesan family through the Bishop s Appeal, thousands throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties, and beyond, could not be served. The Bishop s Appeal is an opportunity for each and every Catholic household to help further the mission of the Church. It is a chance for all parishes and missions of our Diocese to join together in support of the following vital ministries: Pastoral Ministries & Services Diocesan pastoral ministries and services focus on strengthening our faith, our families, and building up our parish communities by engaging our people in the daily life of the Church as they strive to live as faithful disciples of Christ. Liturgy Respect Life & Justice Programs Vietnamese, Filipino & Latino Ministries Ethnic Pastoral Centers Marriage & Family Life Marriage Preparation Programs Youth Retreat Center Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Operations Catholic Scouting Young Adult Ministries Children & Youth Ministries Religious Education & Formation Gifts to the appeal help support religious education and formation programs for thousands of youth and adults annually. Faith Formation Programs Evangelization and Outreach Efforts Right of Christian Intitiation of Adults (RCIA) Religious Educations Teachers Training Serra Catechetical Institute St. Francis de Sales School for Pastoral Ministry Clergy Formation & Support From initial formation into retirement, the Diocese provides support for our priests. Additionally, continued updating and renewal for priests and deacons who faithfully serve our people is supported by your gift to the Bishop s Appeal. Permanent Diaconate Program Office of Vocations Seminarian Education & Formation Priest Retirement & Long-term Care Continuing Education Programs Support for Catholic Schools & Parishes in Need Each year, the Diocese provides subsidies and grants to assist with operating expenses at our inner-city Catholic schools, and for parishes and their faith communities who are facing extraordinary and immediate financial challenges. Operating Subsidies Capital Expenditure Grants Emergency Funding Support Safe Environment Programs Assisting Local Parishes Every parish has its own needs and plans for growth and new ministries to better serve their parishioners and the local community. The Bishop s Appeal will again return 100% of all monies collected over each individual parish s goal for use at the parish level. Bishop Barber asks all parishioners to pray for the success of this year s Appeal. You can find mor e information on the Appeal by visiting You can also call the Office for Mission Advancement at

7 PRAYERS TO ST. PEREGRINE Patron Saint for those with cancer Are you suffering from cancer? Or do you know someone who is? These prayers to St. Peregrine can give you hope! This first prayer is for those who are afflicted with cancer: St. Peregrine, whom Holy Mother Church has declared Patron of those suffering from Cancer, I confidently turn to you for help in my present sickness. I beg your kind intercession. Ask God to relieve me of this sickness, if it be his Holy Will. Plead with the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Sorrows, whom you loved so tenderly and in union with whom you have suffered the pains of Cancer, that she may help me with her powerful prayers and loving consolation. But if it should be God s Holy Will that I bear this sickness, obtain for me courage and strength to accept these trails from the loving hand of God with patience and resignation, because he knows what is best for the salvation of my soul. St. Peregrine, be my friend and patron. Help me to imitate you in accepting suffering, and to unite myself with Jesus Crucified and the Mother of Sorrows, as you did. I offer my pains to God with all the love of my heart, for his glory and the salvation of souls, especially my own. Amen. The second of these prayers to St. Peregrine is for others intentions. O great St. Peregrine, you have been called "The Mighty," "The Wonder-Worker," because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you. For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fiber of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more. You were favored with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction. Ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you. (Pause here and silently recall the names of the sick for whom you are praying) Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy. Amen. Saint Peregrine was healed of a cancerous ulcer on his leg which was considered beyond saving. The fame of this event in 1325 spread rapidly round the western Church. Christians, and especially the sick, began to invoke his name and seek his intercession for the relief of their suffering and even for a cure from sickness. St. Peregrine, canonized in 1726 is known as the patron saint of cancer patients, AIDS victims and others suffering from serious illnesses. Prayer Invites God Into Your Relationship For a marriage to last and to be happy and fulfilling, three parties need to be involved: the husband, the wife, and the Lord. All marriages have problems because they are made up of two imperfect people. But if you add the presence of a perfect God, then you have unlimited possibilities for drawing closer to what God intended for marriage. Whether that happens is determined by how frequently and how fervently God is invited into your relationship. The more you pray together, the more you will see God do great things. "Confession heals, confession justifies, confession grants pardon of sin. All hope consists in confession. In confession there is a chance for mercy. - St. Isidore YOU ARE PRECIOUS TO GOD.

8 Happy Easter Alleluia! He is Risen! Saying those words is like drinking a tall glass of cold water after being out in the desert all day. Lent is over and it is now time to celebrate the great joy of Easter! At the Easter Vigil, the Exsultet is sung as Mass begins in darkness, illumined only by candles throughout the church. The Exsultet is a beautiful hymn of rejoicing in Christ s triumph over sin and death. One part states: O truly necessary sin of Adam, destroyed completely by the Death of Christ! O happy fault that earned for us so great, so glorious a Redeemer! This line stands out because it calls the sin of Adam necessary and refers to it as O happy fault. At first, this may seem strange. Why is it that we refer to the sin of Adam, Original Sin, as necessary and happy. The answer is Easter. It s because God, in His perfect wisdom and love, took sin and the consequence of sin (death) and used them as the means of the salvation of the world. That s what Easter is all about! This may be hard to comprehend so it s worth thinking about more deeply. Without Adam s sin, there would be no Jesus. God would not have had to become one of us. So even though the original sin of Adam, as well as all future sin, is evil and wrong, God in His perfect power and love chose to use it as the very means of the salvation of the world. How? By allowing the sins of the world to persecute Him and crucify Him, and then, by turning that suffering and death into the very means of salvation. Jesus destroyed sin by destroying the consequences of sin which is death. Death loses in the Resurrection! Jesus Resurrection takes away the effects of all sin for those who cling to Him. Easter is a time when we must do just that. We must cling to our resurrected Lord! We must cling to Jesus who is alive and well. We must cling to His Resurrection and strive to share in it. How do we cling to our Resurrected Lord? There are many ways. Here is one. Take joy in everything. Start with whatever it is that burdens you the most. Whatever it is that makes you angry, sad or depressed. Whatever that is, it can potentially become one of your greatest sources of grace and joy. Seriously, it can. If the brutal Crucifixion of Jesus, the Son of God, can turn out to be the greatest event in all of human history, then your personal suffering, your burden, or even your sin can very much become a source of great joy as long as you let God transform it into part of His Resurrection! This is the meaning of Easter! Easter means that nothing can keep us from the joy that God wants to give us. Nothing can steal that joy away. Sure, at times we will struggle just as Jesus did in the Agony of the Garden and the Via Dolorosa (the Way of the Cross), but those sufferings will not win. The Resurrection won with Christ and it will win with us when we cling to Him. Jesus persevered and, in the end, rose victorious. This is Easter! Know that God wants you to experience the joy of Easter in your life. Let Him fill you with hope and with the joy that only the Resurrection can bring. God wants Easter to begin now in our lives! Happy Easter! An Easter Prayer Lord, help me to cling to You in Your Resurrection Help me to let you transform every cross and burden in my life into joy. Lord, may Your joy fill my life and be my strength in all things. Jesus, I trust in You Addison Street, Berkeley, CA Phone: (510) Fax: (510) info@stjosephtheworkerchurch.org