PETER S CATCH OF FISH

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PETER S CATCH OF FISH Peter knew all about catching fish, For a good catch he would daily wish. A homely meal with fish, he would relish, With a prayer day s work he would finish.

1 PETER S CATCH OF FISH Peter knew all about catching fish, For a good catch he would daily wish. A homely meal with fish, he would relish, With a prayer day s work he would finish. His family depended on the sea, Even at deep waters fish he could see. If the sea failed, his children would starve, In rain or shine he would daily brave Once his luck failed and he caught nothing, Heartbroken, he couldn t think of anything. When he heard from behind a gentle voice: Cast your net deeper and he made the choice. He humbly followed Jesus, his Master, Who, he knew, was only a carpenter- With no expertise in fishing skill. He caught fish enough to cook and grill. Jesus is an expert, we can follow, He alone can guide us today and morrow. With His help, we can never go wrong, Rooted on prayer our life will be strong. There is no shortcut to eternal life, We ve to follow Jesus the Way of Life. It takes faith to throw nets at His command, There s nothing else better to recommend. Questions: 1. Which line of this poem moves you most deeply? 2. What need inside you is addressed by Peter s experience? 3. What action do you think is required on your part to cooperate with God s plan? Reflections: Being an expert fisherman, it was not easy for Peter to listen to Jesus when he cast the nets as Jesus directed. He could have told Jesus something like this: Please do not teach the Holy Father how to make the sign of the cross. Peter knew all about fishing, as he was a born fisherman and sustained his family by selling fish. For him, fishing was not a hobby, but a means of livelihood. The same is true with Jesus, who was the son of a carpenter and had adopted carpentry as his profession. He did not have practical fishing experience, and by normal accounts should not have been able to advise Peter on where to throw the nets. One day, Peter cast his nets but caught no fish. Apparently Jesus suggestion to cast the nets deeper made no sense, because Peter and his companions had been fishing the whole night in the same area. Jesus advised Peter to throw the nets at a moment when he was both physically exhausted and emotionally drained and discouraged. Despite all of this, Peter did not hesitate to follow Jesus suggestion, and did not even attempt to argue. He threw the nets at the location Jesus specified. Peter could not explain the amazing catch of fish that resulted by following Jesus advice. He caught so many fish that he had to enlist the help of his companions just to haul the nets. (Continued on page 2) This week at St. James the Apostle Fremont Blvd Fremont, CA office@sjapostle.net

Message from Father Antony (Continued from page 1 Peter s act of obedience is a living testimony to what we can achieve if we lead a life centered on Jesus.

It takes courage and faith to trust Jesus, especially when everything seems hopeless and we see only darkness instead of light at the end of the tunnel.

In Peter s sadness and frustration, which blinded him to the hope standing in front of him, he was ready to give up.

Peter let go of his ego and pride, which led him to surrender into the powerful hands of Jesus. It only takes an act of faith to realize that Jesus can work miracles for us.

After trying very hard for a long time without success in finding jobs, many of us are on the verge of losing our homes due to foreclosure.

2 Message from Father Antony (Continued from page 1 Peter s act of obedience is a living testimony to what we can achieve if we lead a life centered on Jesus. We need to be humble as we prepare to take on any risks. It takes courage and faith to trust Jesus, especially when everything seems hopeless and we see only darkness instead of light at the end of the tunnel. It is an act of faith to place ourselves into the hands of Jesus our Savior, especially at such moments. In Peter s sadness and frustration, which blinded him to the hope standing in front of him, he was ready to give up. Jesus suddenly changed everything to Peter s advantage as he reaped a rich harvest beyond his comprehension. Peter let go of his ego and pride, which led him to surrender into the powerful hands of Jesus. It only takes an act of faith to realize that Jesus can work miracles for us. Like Peter, we go through similar experiences when problems come our way, leading to failures, which become the order of the day. There are many of us like Peter, who are on the brink of giving up. After trying very hard for a long time without success in finding jobs, many of us are on the verge of losing our homes due to foreclosure. Many parents, who have pinned all their hopes on their children and spent all their hard earned money for their education, now live in sorrow, as their children were transformed into their biggest disappointments. In the present consumer society where everything is measured in terms of money, families fail to live according to their means and find themselves in hot water. Today, the vast majority of people experience constant stress. The resultant strain affects their spiritual, emotional, and social lives, making it difficult to maintain their family as a haven of peace and joy. Unfortunately, many of them are so focused on worldly concerns that they can t hear the gentle voice of Jesus telling them, Cast your nets deeper and go for a good catch. We often fail to admit that most of our problems exist because we rely on our own strengths, power, and abilities. If Peter were not able to catch fish his wife and children would have gone hungry. If he had pretended to know everything about fishing and refused to listen to Jesus, he would have missed a great catch of fish. We fail to rely on the supernatural powers. Secularism creeps into every fiber of our society, which increases our separation from God day by day. Like Peter, we have to come to the realization that we do not have all the capabilities to control everything. Even with all our technological advancements, we should admit that there is no superman who is in control of everything. A mother whose 48- year-old daughter is dying of cancer knows that life is not in her hands. Our own limitations and powerlessness in difficult situations should help us to be aware of our dependence on God, our Creator. The day of salvation comes to us when we discern and accept that we are nothing without God. He can do everything for us. Whatever is humanly impossible can suddenly become divinely possible, if we are able to welcome God into our spiritual life. My Dear Parishioners, Many of us have the painful experience of losing some of our dear ones from their faith and the Church. We want them back and will do our best through prayers and the grace of the Holy Spirit. We started a Prayer Warriors led by Percy and Minna Verdeflor. If you have someone to be prayed for, please let them know. When opportunity presents itself, they will be happy to talk to them if need be. We may say, Am I my brother s keeper? As we are accountable to the Lord, yes we are their keepers and have a responsibility for them in Christ Jesus. Join the Prayer Warriors Rosary Monday through Saturday right after the 8:30am Mass. Please feel free to be part of the prayer group and make a commitment to pray for those in need. This is one way of responding to the Lord s calling to extend our hand to those in need. Father Antony 14 DAY PILGRIMAGE Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Croatia & Medjugorje Sunday April 28 - Saturday May 11 San Francisco/San Francisco (Airline taxes included) Insurance $ (Optional) For more information and reservation, please contact: Tessie Ricafort, , tessricafort@yahoo.com COLLECTIONS FEBRUARY 2/3 $ CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT $ Donation Envelope Users: Please put the amount of your donation in the space provided. It really helps reduce the time spent in counting. Your not folding your cash donations is much appreciated by the counters on Monday. Thank you! PARISH CALENDAR Feb 11 St. Vincent de Paul Meeting 7:00pm Feb 16 St. James Crab Feed at Holy Spirit Gym Feb 18 KofC Business Meeting 7:30pm Feb 26 Pastoral Council Mtg. 7:00pm Feb 28 Bishop Begin Assembly 354 Bus. Mtg 7:30pm Mar 4 KofC Officer s Meeting 7:30pm Mar 6 Ash Wednesday Mar 8 Friday, Stations of the Cross through April 12, Soup and Fellowship following Mar 9-10 Bake Sale - Mary Our Mother Ministry Mar 11 St. Vincent de Paul Meeting 7:00pm Mar 18 KofC Business Meeting 7:30pm Mar 26 Pastoral Council Mtg. 7:00pm Mar 28 Bishop Begin Assembly 3546 Bus. Mtg 7:30pm Apr 15 Holy Week Begins Apr 21 Easter Sunday Apr 28 Divine Mercy Sunday Aug Oct 25 Oct 26 Dec 8 St. James Festival International Rosary Dinner Dance Christmas Party Then I heard the voice the Lord saying, Whom shall I send?

Tickets on sale $60 STOP BY THE BAKE SALE THIS WEEKEND AND SUPPORT FUNDRAISING EFFORTS TO OFFSET COSTS OF THE CRAB FEED!

Many popular television shows exploit an unattractive side of human nature by pitting contestants against one another, even to the point of performing dangerous stunts or devious schemes, to gain

In response to Christ s total gift, we offer bread and wine as the emblems of our lives, our hopes, our joys and sorrows.

On Sundays, this selfgiving is often accompanied by a collection and procession of gifts for the poor and money for the upkeep of the parish.

3 Tickets on sale $60 STOP BY THE BAKE SALE THIS WEEKEND AND SUPPORT FUNDRAISING EFFORTS TO OFFSET COSTS OF THE CRAB FEED! February 16, 6:00pm TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION The Reign of God comes about because people commit to reversing their lives completely, to embracing new vision, new values. Many popular television shows exploit an unattractive side of human nature by pitting contestants against one another, even to the point of performing dangerous stunts or devious schemes, to gain money or favor. At the liturgy, we counter that impulse by committing ourselves to live generously. In response to Christ s total gift, we offer bread and wine as the emblems of our lives, our hopes, our joys and sorrows. The bread and wine carried to the altar contain our lives, and by offering our lives to God, we prepare to receive the gift of God s own life. We are to become what we receive: the body of Christ. On Sundays, this selfgiving is often accompanied by a collection and procession of gifts for the poor and money for the upkeep of the parish. There are certainly other methods of collecting money, some perhaps more efficient. Yet the act of giving from our abundance, and attending to the needs of the poor, opens us up to participation in the changes the Reign of God requires. James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. St. James Bulletin and Website since 2007 Submission deadline is two weeks before publication date. E- mail articles to: bulletin@sjapostle.net. Send information for the webpage to: webmaster@sjapostle.net. Carolyn Fiori Editor Facebook: Search St. James the Apostle Church, Like the page. IF posting pictures, you must get consent from the people in the photo (per Oakland diocese Safe Environment). Please, NO tagging pictures. WORSHIP SCHEDULE Monday-Saturday Mass: Rosary 8:10am, Mass 8:30am Saturday Mass: 5:00pm Sunday Masses: 8:30am, 10:00am, 12:00noon Holy Days of Obligation: Masses 8:30am & 7:30pm Confessions: Saturday 4:00pm or by appt. Every Friday Adoration: 9:00-10:00am First Fridays: Adoration 9:00 am-6:30pm Sacred Heart Novena 6:30pm Benediction 7:15pm Healing Mass 7:30pm Our Mother of Mass & Novena, Perpetual Help: Wednesdays, 7:30pm DEVOTIONS Prayer Warriors Weekly: Bible Study Divine Mercy Chaplet: In the Small Chapel: Legion of Mary Eternal Life Bible Study Charismatic Prayer Meeting Rosary after 8:30am Mass Monday thru Saturday Wed. 9:30 am (Kitchen) Thurs, after morning Mass Tues 9:30am Thurs. 7:30pm 2nd & 3rd Fridays 7:00pm Monthly: Divine Mercy Cenacle 7:00pm, 2nd and 4th Prayer Meeting Mondays (Small Chapel) Our Lady of Vailankanni First Saturday 7:00pm Respect for Life Rosary Second Sunday 11:00am Grotto Sacred Heart 6:30pm 1st Friday Enthronement (formal ceremony to make the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus as the King of the house), please contact: Cora Surla (510) ; or Tessie Ricafort (510) Please remember those in the Armed Services: Spec. Tara Mueller, Spec. Christopher Mueller, Brian Christopher Carreiro, Sgt. Kristan Jofel T. Carado, Greg Savella, Major Jenny Ryan, Captain David Evans And Parishioners and friends who need our prayers or who are ill Cody Maisono, John DiPaola, Evelyn Reyes, Frank Smith, Concha Garcia, Todd Wetherwax, Deacon Ernie Dandan, Joel Rivera, Melanie O Connor, Katherine Gomes, Lydia DeGraf, Judy McKenney, Tomás Sandoval Klassen, Laura Skaff, Alice Ferreira, Agnes Harris, Ray Ballin, Bob Nehls, Dawn Barker, Martha Torres, Tammy Bumgarner, Margarete Matulich Please send an to bulletin@sjapostle.net to update this list. You can also leave a message in the Bulletin box in the parish office or call KNIGHT S CORNER Would you like to join the Men in Blue Blazers? The Knights of Columbus of St. James the Apostle Council No is accepting applicants. A prospective candidate must be a practicing Catholic and at least 18 years of age. This is a great opportunity for single and married men to serve God and the parish s community activities, set an example for its youth and make families closer to God. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Willie Lagos, jwblagos@yahoo.com, Or ask a Knight! Thank you. We are men of faith & men of action. Who will go for us? Here I am, I said, send me! Isaiah 6:8

4 ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE PARISH OFFICE HOURS M-F 9:00AM TO NOON REGISTRATION IN THE PARISH Warmest welcome to all who worship in our Community. If you are not registered in the Parish, please complete a registration form available at church entrance or at the Parish Office or drop the form below in the collection basket. ANOINTING OF THE SICK Please call the Parish Office when a parishioner is home-bound or hospitalized to arrange for Holy Communion and Anointing of the Sick. MARRIAGES AND BAPTISMS Please contact the Parish Office at least 6 months in advance for weddings and 3 months in advance for Baptisms. BAPTISMS To have your child baptized, please make an appointment with Father Antony. Come to the St. James Parish office or call the Parish Office at For more details, please go to the Church website (Parish Info) or contact Marcial Vasco Baptism Preparation/Training class: First Saturday of the month from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm in the Small Chapel. Baptism Celebration: Last Saturday of the month 11:30am-12:30pm in the church FUNERALS We recommend using Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services / Holy Sepulchre Cemetery and Holy Angels Funeral and Cremation Services. You may contact Shirley X 133. MOTHER TERESA CENTER RESERVATIONS. Call , MTC@sjapostle.net, or leave a message at the Parish Office at (No prices or quotes are given over the phone or in an .) Fr. Antony Vazhappilly, Pastor Ernie Dandan, Deacon Welcome, New Members! We encourage you to register in the parish so that you can receive communication via or regular mail. Registration information is essential for the office to respond to requests, send important parish and diocesan information and verify donations for tax purposes. If you need a letter of good standing to be a sponsor or Godparent for a baptism or marriage, registration is very important. Please fill out this form and place it in the collection basket and we will mail you a Parish Registration form. You can also find a registration form on the website (sjapostle.net) - Parish Info - Parish Membership. Name Address Phone

Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary.

101 DVD and is the author of the soon-to-be released

You. He also hosts the online Divine Mercy Matters

5 Featured Speaker: Fr. Chris M. Alar, MIC, is a priest with the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. Fr. Chris wrote and produced the popular Divine Mercy 101 DVD and is the author of the soon-to-be released book After Suicide: There is Still Hope for Them and You. He also hosts the online Divine Mercy Matters series at DivineMercyMatters.org. Fr. Chris will preach at all weekend Masses.

January 27, 2019 Open Mind Open Heart Open Door JESUS IN HIS NATIVE VILLAGE PARISH CALENDAR

January 27, 2019 Open Mind Open Heart Open Door JESUS IN HIS NATIVE VILLAGE Jesus came to be known far and wide, He became a name no one could hide. He grew in people s admiration. People came without