Photographs by Charlene Dorman 210 Oak Grove Avenue Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel: (650) 323-7914 fax: (650) 323-3231 www.nativitymenlo.org The Church of the Nativity MASSES Sundays 08:00, 09:30, 11:30 AM and 05:00 PM Saturdays 08:00 AM and 05:00 PM (Vigil) Weekdays and Holy Days, 05:30 and 07:30 PM SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturdays 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Opus Dei priest) 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM (parish priest) (also by appointment) BAPTISMS 1 st, 3 rd and 5 th Sundays of the month (contact rectory 2 months in advance) PASTOR Rev. Msgr. Steven D. Otellini PAROCHIAL VICAR Rev. Mark G. Mazza PERMANENT DEACONS Rev. Mr. Dominick Peloso Rev. Mr. Thomas Kelly WEEKEND ASSISTANTS Rev. Paul Maillet, P.S.S. Rev. Gladstone Stevens, P.S.S. SCHOOL OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Mrs. Monica Hickam (650) 853-1009 WEDDINGS Saturdays 11:00 AM and 02:00 PM (contact rectory at least 6 months in advance) 24-hour Eucharistic Adoration HEARING LOOP ENABLED
FIRST READING From you shall come forth for Me One Who is to be ruler in Israel. Micah 5: 1-4 RESPONSORIAL PSALM Let us see Your face and we shall be saved. Psalms 80 SECOND READING He says, Behold, I come to do Your will. Hebrews 10: 5-10 GOSPEL How does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Luke 1: 39-45 SCHEDULE OF MASSES AND INTENTIONS WEEK OF 20-26 DEC 05:00 PM Priest s intentions SUN Masses Priest s intentions MON TUE WED Fr. Clement Davenport Henry Rowen The Peloso and Munk families Axcel Cazzalli Elizabeth Silva Frances Galea THU The Firenzi family FRI Masses Priest s intentions 08:00 AM Kim Rains; Michael Patrick Madded; Col. Ronald Nitzsche Please pray for those in need of physical or spiritual healing New Windows for Nativity This past Wednesday two new windows were installed in the arches over the side doors to the church. The window on the Sacred heart side is in memory of Fr. Davenport, and the window on the Blessed Mother side is in memory of Mary Riviello. Wesley Hogan, the stained glass artist who restored the church windows, designed and executed the new windows in the style of the existing ones. I am deeply grateful to the donors who generously contributed to this project to memorialize two very beloved members of the parish. Kindly keep them all in your prayers. Msgr. Otellini SUN MON-FRI MON-FRI TUE THU The Fourth Sunday of Advent 07:00 PM 07:10 AM 05:10 PM 06:00 PM 06:00 PM 06:15 AM 07:40 AM 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM 20 DEC (Sunday) 21 DEC (Monday) 07:30 PM 07:30 PM 22 DEC (Tuesday) 09:30 AM 07:00 PM 08:00 PM 23 DEC (Wednesday) Holy Hour for Priests Morning Prayer Evening Prayer Cenacles of Life Rosary Perpetual Help Novena Men s Prayer Group Morning Prayer Confessions (Opus Dei priest) Confessions (parish priest) Advent Penance Service Legion of Mary Bible Study: The Prophets Simbang Gabi Mass H 4 24 DEC (Thursday) Altar Society: Church Decorating 25 DEC (Friday) The Nativity of Our Lord 26 DEC (Saturday) 20 December 2015 Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Luke 1: 42 Calendar Adoration of the Shepherds (Giovanni Girolamo Savoldo) Bequests Recently Nativity Parish was remembered in two bequests: The Estate of Margaret Howarth, and the Estate of Andy Lebeau. These very generous legacies continue the support of two faithful parishioners even beyond their lifetimes. Please remember Margaret and Andy in your prayers. Msgr. Otellini Parish OfferINGS WEEK OF 05-06 DEC TOTAL: $11,997 Retired Religious: $5,048 ADA Progress: 2015 ADA Goal: $87,941 $121,400
21 DEC (Monday): SAINT PETER CANISIUS, Doctor of the Church (1521-1597) He was an excellent student, and received a master s degree by age 19; his closest friends at university were monks and clerics. Joined the Jesuits in 1543 after attending a retreat conducted by Blessed Peter Faber. He travelled and worked with Saint Ignatius of Loyola who was his spiritual director in Rome. In his later years, his advice was sought by Saint Francis de Sales, and by his friend Saint Charles Borromeo. He was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1925 by Pope Pius XI. 23 DEC (Wednesday): SAINT JOHN OF KANTY, Priest (1390-1473) John was a serious, humble man, generous to a fault with the poor, sleeping little, eating no meat and little of anything else. He was a Professor of Theology at the University of Cracow. He was declared patron of Poland and Lithuania in 1737 by Pope Clement XII, thirty years before his final canonization. Saints and Observances SOLEMNITY, FEAST, MEMORIAL OPTIONAL MEMORIAL OTHER 25 DEC (Friday) THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD The actual date of Christ s birth is unknown. The Gospels do not record it and there is not any early tradition to identify it. Scholars identify the approximate year as sometime between 8-5 BC. The feast day was likely placed where it was to supplant the practice of the winter solstice festival among pagan converts by pointing to Christ as the true light Who comes into the world. 26 DEC (Saturday) SAINT STEPHEN, First Martyr (d. ~33) Stephen was in charge of the original set of deacons appointed by the apostles to carry out works of charity. He was stoned to death on false charges of blasphemy. Among the approving bystanders at his martyrdom was Saul (the future St. Paul). In imitation of Jesus, Stephen s final words were that God not hold against his murderers their sin. Ministry and Group News SIGN-UPS: FREE BUS TO WALK FOR LIFE On Saturday, 23 JAN 2016 the Walk for Life West Coast will be held in San Francisco. A free bus will leave Nativity for the rally and walk and return that afternoon. Please call Mary Ellen Peloso to reserve a seat on the bus at 650/269-7794. NATIVITY MOMS AND DADS OF YESTERYEAR Renew past friendships and make new ones. Join the Nativity Moms and Dads of Yesteryear at Harry s Hofbrau, 1909 El Camino Real, Redwood City, on Tuesday, 12 JAN 2016 at 06:00 PM. For information only call Bonnie Neylan at 650/322-8645. H4: HOLY HOUR-HAPPY HOUR Young adults in their 20s and 30s are encouraged join us for a Holy Hour at the Church of the Nativity on Tuesdays from 08:00-09:00 PM, followed by drinks at 09:00 PM at a nearby pub or café. If you have any questions, please e-mail holyhourhappyhour@gmail.com. CHURCH DECORATION DURING ADVENT Advent is a time of waiting, of expectation, of reflection on what is to come. We try to keep all decoration in the church to a minimum during this time, with the focus on the Advent Wreath. We are purposely not putting flowers on the side altars. Thank you for helping with this. The Altar Society EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Nativity Church is open 24/7. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed for adoration and there is always someone present in prayer. Won t you join us by signing up for your weekly Holy Hour? When you sign up, you and your intentions share in the grace of everyone who comes to visit. Come and experience the dramatic presence of God in our lives. Please consider the following hours as there is no one currently assigned to them (or pick an hour that works for you): Monday: 03:00 AM Wednesday: Saturday: 02:00 PM 11:00 PM (every other week) Thank you in advance for your generosity. The God who is not outdone in generosity will certainly bless you and your intentions. Call Mary Ellen Peloso (650/269-7794) to sign up. Birth of Christ (Mariotto Albertinelli) 1503 You have never strayed too far for the Father s forgiveness and grace. Pregnant? Need Help? Please contact the Juan Diego Society (408/258-2008), the Gabriel Project (800/910-0191) or Community Pregnancy Center (650/964-8093).
Announcements OUR PARISH FAMILY Please keep all of our newest members in your prayers, as well as those who have preceded us to the Father. BAPTISMS MARRIAGES PARISHIONERS DEATHS Blaise William, son of Peter and Katherine Dallas Marcia Guadalupe, daughter of Osvaldo and Nadia Zamora Hilary Joslyn Gloria and Kenneth DeAlba James Goss The parish office will close at noon Thursday, 24 Dec 2015 for the Christmas break and will re-open Monday, 28 Dec 2015. ADORATION: 20-YEAR CELEBRATION On Epiphany Sunday, 03 JAN 2016, the parish marks 20 years of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. This has been a huge grace for all involved, the parish, and indeed the world. To mark this anniversary, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone will be here to celebrate the 11:30 AM Mass that day. It will include a Eucharistic Procession and a parish-sponsored reception in the O Hare Center immediately following. We ask that all parishioners and friends of the parish, especially the adorers, join us for this festive day. We have much to be thankful for and much to pray for. For questions, contact Mary Ellen Peloso, 650/269-7794. LOST AND FOUND FOUND: Gray wool cap Kangol brand, left at the concert on 06 DEC at St. Patrick s Seminary Call 650/323-7914. Glasses not reclaimed are donated to the Lions Club and all other items are donated to St. Francis Center, St. Anthony s or St. Vincent de Paul Society. CORPUS CHRISTI MONASTERY DISCERNMENT DAY Have you ever wondered what life is like as a nun? Are you drawn to a life of prayer for the world, for our Mother Church and for souls? The Dominican Nuns of Corpus Christi Monastery located at 215 Oak Grove Avenue in Menlo Park, CA will host a Discernment Day for single Catholic women ages 18-40 on 16 JAN 2016. RSVP by 11 JAN 2016 or for more information contact Sr. Joseph Marie, O.P. at vocations@nunsmenlo.org or www. nunsmenlo.org/discernment-days/. The day begins with Mass at 08:00 AM followed by Divine Office, Adoration, Rosary, conferences, vocation stories, and more given by our Dominican nuns and friars. There will be other Discerment Day on 16 July and 15 October 2016. ATTENTION SHOPPERS! Help support our Nativity School effortlessly. escrip is an easy way to help the Nativity School. 1. Sign up at www.escrip.com referencing Nativity School Code: 137104734 2. Install ForgetMeNot This amazing tool has all of the vendors that participate in the program. Once you have signed up you don t have to do anything else. 3. Shop, Shop, Shop ever time you shop online with one of the escrip vendors a percentage of what you spend is donated to Nativity School. There are hundreds of vendors, including Macy s Nordstroms, L.L.Bean, Lands End, Draeger s, and Best Buy. It only takes two minutes to register and all purchases are recorded and submitted to the school. If you are a parent of a Nativity student the amount is applied to your Scrip commitment. Easy!!! Please contact Scott Anderson with any questions at sanderson@nativityschool.com. In The Community ST. PATRICKS DISCERNMENT RETREAT WEEKEND Many Catholic men have asked themselves, Should I consider the priesthood? St. Patrick s Seminary and University is having a discernment retreat weekend 15-17 JAN 2016, which may help answer that question. It is open to single men 21 years and older and is free with no commitment required. This retreat is an extremely helpful and grace-filled weekend for men to spend time asking the Lord if they are being chosen for this sacred calling. There will be opportunities to learn about seminarian formation and priestly life, interact with priests and current seminarians, participate in the Liturgy of the Hours and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and much more. All meals and lodging are provided. To register for the retreat contact Fr. David Schunk, Archdiocese of San Francisco Vocations Director, 415/614-5684 or vocations@sfarch.org. For more information visit www.stpsu.org or email discernment.retreat@stpsu.org. NATIVITY BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE We have several books which are available in the parish office. Nativity Illuminated: A Celebration of Our Church and the Symbols Within $10.00 Father Lucky: Trust in Jesus -- A collection of the stories of Fr. Clement A. Davenport, pastor emeritus $10.00 The Spirit of Nativity: Celebrating Christ on the Peninsula for 140 Years $6.00 paperback in black and white; $140.00 for 12 x 12 hardback in full color If you are interested in purchasing one or all of these books they are available between 09:00 AM-04:00 PM Monday through Friday. 650/323-7914
THE HOLY FATHER S PRAYER INTENTIONS From the Holy See Each month His Holiness asks for general and missionary prayer intentions. For December 2015, the Holy Father s prayer intentions are: Universal: God s Mercy That all may experience the mercy of God, who never tires of forgiving. Missionary: Hope for Families That families, especially those who suffer, may find in the birth of Jesus a sign of certain hope. www.im.va Calendar of Novenas 20 DEC (SUN) FIFTH DAY: Christmas Novena 21 DEC (MON) SIXTH DAY: Christmas Novena 22 DEC (TUE) SEVENTH DAY: Christmas Novena 23 DEC (WED) EIGHTH DAY: Christmas Novena 24 DEC (THU) NINTH DAY: Christmas Novena 25 DEC (FRI) Christmas Day FIRST DAY: Epiphany Novena 26 DEC () SECOND DAY: Epiphany Novena 27 DEC (SUN) THIRD DAY: Epiphany Novena 28 DEC (MON) FOURTH DAY: Epiphany Novena 29 DEC (TUE) FIFTH DAY: Epiphany Novena 30 DEC (WED) SIXTH DAY: Epiphany Novena 31 DEC (THU) SEVENTH DAY: Epiphany Novena 01 JAN (FRI) EIGHTH DAY: Epiphany Novena 02 JAN () NINTH DAY: Epiphany Novena Schedule of Christmas and New Year Services 21 DEC (Monday) 07:30 PM Advent Penance Service 24 DEC (Thursday) 06:00 PM 10:00 PM 10:45 PM 11:00 PM 25 DEC (Friday) 08:00 AM 09:30 AM 11:30 AM 26 DEC (Saturday) 08:00 AM 05:00 PM 31 DEC (Thursday) 05:00 PM 01 JAN (Friday) 09:00 AM 12:00 PM Christmas Eve Vigil Mass of Christmas Choral Prelude to Christmas Mass Christmas Proclamation and Procession to the Crib Christmas Mass Christmas Day Christmas Day Mass Christmas Day Mass Christmas Day Mass (no 05:00 PM Mass) Feast of St. Stephen (one Mass only) Vigil Mass for Sunday, December 27th Vigil: Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God Holy Day of Obligation 02 JAN (Saturday) Regular Mass schedule FIND THE NOVENA PRAYERS Christmas Novena: www.ewtn.com/devotionals/novena/christmas.htm Epiphany Novena: www.catholicdoors.com/prayers/novenas/p00073.htm OTHER NOVENA PRAYERS Infant Jesus of Prague (nine-hour): www.ewtn.com/library/prayer/pragnov.txt St. Therese 24 Glory Be s Novena: www.ewtn.com/devotionals/novena/24_glory.htm Novena for Priests: www.ewtn.com/devotionals/novena/priests.htm Effecacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: www.ewtn.com/devotionals/heart/sh_novena.htm The Nativity -- C. W. E. Dietrich The Nativity -- Esteban Bartolome Murillo
The Census at Bethlehem -- Pieter Bruegel the Elder SIMBANG GABI FOR DEANERY 11 What is Simbang Gabi (meaning Masses at Night )? It is a longtreasured Filipino spiritual tradition. In the Philippines, it was celebrated as a series of nine dawn Masses right before Christmas, each Mass followed by a reception and fellowship. Beginning on December 15th and ending on December 23rd, these daily novena Masses are now also celebrated in the evening. Set within Advent, Simbang Gabi invites participants to heighten their preparation for the birth of Jesus, as well as honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. The most popular symbol for Simbang Gabi is the parol, or star lantern, with represents the star of Bethlehem. A parol is usually brought up during the processional to remind us of the guiding light that led many to the manger. Through Simbang Gabi, the deanery hopes to offer a deeper spiritual experience leading to a more meaningful Christmas season for all. This celebration of faith also hopes to strengthen the bonds between cultures and between parishes, thereby strengthening fellowship and family life in our community and deanery. The following Churches in Deanery 11 will be having Masses for Simbang Gabi: 20 DEC (SUN) 05:00 PM St. Charles, San Carlos 21 DEC (MON) 07:00 PM St. Matthias, Redwood City 22 DEC (TUE) 07:00 PM Church of the Nativity, Menlo Park * 23 DEC (WED) 07:00 PM St. Pius, Redwood City * Reception following at Vallombrosa Center And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased!