The Church of the Nativity

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) WEDDINGS Saturdays 11:00 AM and 02:00 PM (contact rectory at least 6 months in advance) PASTOR Rev. Msgr. Steven D. Otellini PAROCHIAL VICAR Rev. John Mary Chung PASTOR EMERITUS Rev. Clement Davenport PERMANENT DEACONS Rev. Mr. Dominick Peloso Rev. Mr. Thomas Kelly WEEKEND ASSISTANTS Rev. Kevin Gaffey Rev. Paul Maillet, S.S. Rev. Gladstone Stevens, S.S. IN RESIDENCE Rev. Gregory Haake, C.S.C. SCHOOL OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Mrs. Monica Hickam (650) 804-2390 24-hour Eucharistic Adoration 210 Oak Grove Avenue v Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel: (650) 323-7914 v fax: (650) 323-3231 www.nativitymenlo.org

FIRST READING Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Exodus 17: 8-13 PSALM The Lord will guard your coming and your going, both now and forever. Psalms 121 SECOND READING If we persevere we shall also reign with Him. 2 Timothy 3: 14-4: 2 GOSPEL When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth? Luke 18: 1-8 SCHEDULE OF MASSES AND INTENTIONS WEEK OF 20-26 OCT 05:00 PM Priest s intentions SUN Masses Priest s intentions MON David and Alison Kalin Betty Whelan TUE WED THU FRI John Lucanic Paul Soares Josephine Higgins Mollie Irene Huff Special intention The Robinson family, living and deceased Benefactors of the parish Bernard Pfrunder 08:00 AM George Lippi; Armando Beltran; Luke Powers; Marie Firenzi Please pray for those in need of physical or spiritual healing 2 nd Special Collection There will be a second collection at all Masses this week for World Mission Sunday. Electronic giving is offered through our website www.nativitymenlo.org or call the parish office for a paper form NEW PARISH DIRECTORY NEWS We have just heard from the LifeTouch Company (which is producing our new parish directory) that the directory is ready for printing and should be here by the middle of November. Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time SUN MON-FRI MON-FRI TUE THU 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 OCT (Sunday) 21 OCT (Monday) 09:00 AM 07:30 PM 07:30 PM 22 OCT (Tuesday) 09:30 AM 07:00 PM 20 October 2013 Will not God then secure the rights of His chosen ones who call out to Him day and night? Luke 18: 7 Calendar 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) Bible Group Legion of Mary RCIA Bible Study: Evangelization Bible Study: Evangelization 23 OCT (Wednesday) 07:00 PM Confirmation Class (2nd year) 24 OCT (Thursday) 11:00 AM The Thursday Group 25 OCT (Friday) 26 OCT (Saturday) Parish Office Hours 09:00 AM-04:00 PM Monday-Friday Parish OfferINGS Annual Appeal Progress: 2013 Appeal Goal: WEEK OF 05-06 OCT TOTAL: $11,467 $34,612 $127,900

23 OCT (Wednesday) SAINT JOHN OF CAPISTRANO, Priest (1386-1456) John was governor of Perugia under King Landislas of Naples. When war broke out between Perugia and Malatesta in 1416, John tried to broker a peace, but instead his opponents ignored the truce, and John became a prisoner of war. During his imprisonment he came to the decision to change vocations, and became a Franciscan. He was reported to heal by making the Sign of the Cross over a sick person. After the fall of Constantinople, he preached a Crusade against the Muslim Turks. At age 70 he was commissioned by Pope Callistus II to lead it, and marched off at the head of 70,000 Christian soldiers. He won the great battle of Belgrade in the summer of 1456, then died in the field a few months later. PRE-K PLANS AT NATIVITY SCHOOL Plans for our new Pre-Kindergarten class are now being completed (coming in the 2014-2015 school year). Students must be 4 years old on or before 01 June 2014, preceding the August start of school. Nativity School will begin to accept applications for our NEW Pre-Kindergarten in November. The purpose of the Pre-K is to jump-start your preschooler s transition to Kindergarten. Your child will have the advantage in Kindergarten through increased social, academic, and skill development. Our daily curriculum explores phonics, math, science, social studies, nature, body movement and Spanish. Valuable self-esteem building while meeting recommended academic and age appropriate benchmarks will be an important part of Nativity s Program. Our Catholic Identity will plant the seeds of our religion. There will be an information meeting in November at Nativity School. Please call Mary Castle at 650/325-7304 for more information. EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Please come to visit our Lord during the week, as the church is open 24x7 and He awaits you. Also, everyone is encouraged to sign up for one hour. This will ensure your weekly meeting with Jesus. You may sign up for any hour. Please consider the following hours which currently have no one assigned. Our Lord wishes to speak with you, and you have much to say and ask of Him: TUE: WED: THU: 03:00 PM, 04:00 PM 10:00 AM 04:00 PM Please call 650/269-7794 for more information or to sign up. You have never strayed too far for the Father s forgiveness and grace. Saints and Observances SOLEMNITY, FEAST, MEMORIAL OPTIONAL MEMORIAL OTHER 24 OCT (Thursday) SAINT ANTHONY MARY CLARET, Bishop (1807-1870) He founded the Congregation of Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (the Claretians). Anthony became the Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba on 20 May 1850. He also founded the Teaching Sisters of Mary Immaculate. Following his work in the Caribbean, Blessed Pope Pius IX ordered Anthony back to Spain, where he became confessor to Queen Isabella II, and was exiled with her. He had the gifts of prophecy and miracles, and was reported to have preached 10,000 sermons and published 200 works. Anthony spread devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Ministry & Group News INFORMATIONAL EVENING ON THE DIACONATE The Archdiocesan Office of Formation for the Permanent Diaconate is sponsoring Informational Evenings for men considering the possibility of serving the Church as Permanent Deacons. If you have ever considered a vocation to the Permanent Diaconate, you (and your wife, if you are married) are invited to attend one of these meetings: Monday, 28 October 2013 from 07:30-09:00 PM (St. Isabella, San Rafael) Monday, 18 November 2013 from 07:30-09:00 PM (St. Mary s Cathedral) Monday, 25 November 2013 from 07:30-09:00 PM (St. Gregory, San Mateo) Please see the f1yers posted on the bulletin boards for further details. Questions may be directed to the Formation Office at 415/614-5531. 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 November 2013, at 06:00 PM. For information only call Bonnie Neylan at 650/322-8645. NATIVITY RESPECT LIFE Pray to end abortion - Prayer groups will be praying outside the old Chevy s at 2907 El Camino Real in Redwood City on Saturdays as that is the site of a new Planned Parenthood. 1st Saturday, 09:00 AM; 2nd Saturday 10:00 AM; 3rd Saturday 12:00 PM; 4th Saturday 02:00 PM. Call Eileen at 650/799-4722 for more information. 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 Joseph Armando, son of Joshua and Isabelita Anderson Connor William, son of Gregory and Angela Stern Evan Camila, daughter of Todd and Lizeth Wilson MARRIAGES Scott Kent and Kristine Phillips NEW PARISHIONERS Brenda and Charles Schembri (Marco, Nicolas, Gianna) DEATHS LOST AND FOUND LOST: There are several tables that are missing from the O Hare Center. If you might have borrowed them please return them as soon as possible. They are used on a regular basis. Thanks. Call 650/323-7914. Glasses not collected 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. SPECIAL COLLECTION This weekend is World Mission Sunday and there will be a second collection. Fr. Art Willie, M.M., of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, will be speaking at all Masses. We are called to this Eucharistic Celebration and invited to do good on earth, to be missionary by putting our faith into action in support of the work of missionaries like Sister Clara who rescues girls from human trafficking in India, giving them a loving home. Your prayers and generous gifts to the Society for the propagation of the faith on World Mission Sunday supports the tireless work of so many priests, religious and lay leaders around the world as they offer practical, emotional and spiritual care to communities, children and families in desperate need, bring the light of Christ to the darkest of circumstances. For more information visit: www. iamamissionary.org. Thank you for your generosity to the Missions. Checks for all special collections should be made out to the Church of the Nativity. In the memo line write the appropriate reference for your donation, for example: World Mission Sunday. SAVE THE DATE: SCHOLA SERAPHICA CONCERT Rehearsals are underway for Schola Seraphica s 7th Annual Christmas Concert on 08 December 2013 at 02:30 PM. The concert will once again be at the beautiful St. Patrick s Seminary Chapel, 320 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park. OPEN HOUSE SAINT FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL Located at 1885 Miramonte Avenue in Mountain View, our annual Open House will be held Sunday, 20 October 2013. You and your family are welcome to visit any time between 09:00 AM and 01:00 PM. Please join us to see our campus and learn more about our academic, extracurricular and Campus Ministry programs. You do not need to register in order to attend. DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that the old location for the Chevy s Mexican Restaurant located on the El Camino Real on the border of Atherton and Redwood City is quietly getting ready to open as a Planned Parenthood office? Did you know that your daughter or granddaughter can get an abortion there without your knowledge, with the help of a school nurse, counselor, boyfriend, or abuser? Please contact the Mayor and City Council of Redwood City and let them know your concerns about putting Planned Parenthood in this neighborhood. Apparently this property is in an unincorporated area of San Mateo County and it is responsible for what goes into this property. Please contact Warren Slocum, who is the San Mateo Country District 4 Supervisor. His phone number is 650-363-4000. The address for the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors is Hall of Justice, 400 County Center, Redwood City, California 94064. In The Community HOW WILL YOU RESPOND? Would you like to make a difference in your community, the country, or the world? Do you want to serve those in need and work for social justice? With more than 200 programs and thousands of opportunities, RESPONSE 2014, the most comprehensive guide of faith-based service opportunities is now available and it s free. Volunteers serve full-time for periods of one week to one year or more across the United States and in more than 100 countries worldwide. Summer and school break opportunities are also available. Contact Catholic Volunteer Network to receive your free copy/copies of RESPONSE 2014. Call toll-free at 800/543-5046 or email info@catholicvolunteernetwork. org. You can also search RESPONSE 2014 on-line at www. catholicvolunteernetwork.org. HELP NEEDED St. Francis Center in Redwood City has several openings for volunteers to help in the Clothing Store (help take in, sort and hang and organize donated clothing/household items), the Food Room (pack bags with canned, dry and fresh, & baked products as well as distributing bags with the addition of perishable products), and the tutoring (ESL) program. For more information, please call Kristin Bright at the Center at 650/365-7829. Thank you. www.stfrancisrwc.org.

THE HOLY FATHER S PRAYER INTENTIONS From the Holy See Each month His Holiness asks for general and missionary prayer intentions. For October 2013, the Holy Father s prayer intentions are: General: People in Despair That those feeling so crushed by life that they wish to end it may sense the nearness of God s love. Missionary: World Mission Day That the celebration of World Mission Day may help all Christians realize that we are not only receivers but proclaimers of God s word. www.youtube.com/user/vatican www.facebook.com/vaticancom @news_va_en POPE FRANCIS CONSECRATES THE WORLD TO MARY 2013-10-13 Vatican Radio The Pope celebrated mass in St Peter s square this morning in honour of the Marian Day, an event organised as part of the Year of Faith on the anniversary of the final apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima (13th of October 1917). He also consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Please find below the full text of Pope Francis homily in English translation: In the Psalm we said: Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous things (Ps 98:1). Today we consider one of the marvellous things which the Lord has done: Mary! A lowly and weak creature like ourselves, she was chosen to be the Mother of God, the Mother of her Creator. Considering Mary in the light of the readings we have just heard, I would like to reflect with you on three things: first, God surprises us, second, God asks us to be faithful, and third, God is our strength. First: God surprises us. The story of Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, is remarkable. In order to be healed of leprosy, he turns to the prophet of God, Elisha, who does not perform magic or demand anything unusual of him, but asks him simply to trust in God and to wash in the waters of the river. Not, however, in one of the great rivers of Damascus, but in the little stream of the Jordan. Naaman is left surprised, even taken aback. What kind of God is this who asks for something so simple? He wants to turn back, but then he goes ahead, he immerses himself in the Jordan and is immediately healed (cf. 2 Kg 5:1-4). There it is: God surprises us. It is precisely in poverty, in weakness and in humility that he reveals himself and grants us his love, which saves us, heals us and gives us strength. He asks us only to obey his word and to trust in him. This was the experience of the Virgin Mary. At the message of the angel, she does not hide her surprise. It is the astonishment of realizing that God, to become man, had chosen her, a simple maid of Nazareth. Not someone who lived in a palace amid power and riches, or one who had done extraordinary things, but simply someone who was open to God and put her trust in him, even without understanding everything: Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word (Lk 1:38). That was her answer. God constantly surprises us, he bursts our categories, he wreaks havoc with our plans. And he tells us: trust me, do not be afraid, let yourself be surprised, leave yourself behind and follow me! Today let us all ask ourselves whether we are afraid of what God might ask, or of what he does ask. Do I let myself be surprised by God, as Mary was, or do I remain caught up in my own safety zone: in forms of material, intellectual or ideological security, taking refuge in my own projects and plans? Do I truly let God into my life? How do I answer him? In the passage from Saint Paul which we have heard, the Apostle tells his disciple Timothy: remember Jesus Christ. If we persevere with him, we will also reign with him (cf. 2 Tim 2:8-13). This is the second thing: to remember Christ always to be mindful of Jesus Christ and thus to persevere in faith. God surprises us with his love, but he demands that we be faithful in following him. We can be unfaithful, but he cannot: he is the faithful one and he demands of us that same fidelity. Think of all the times when we were excited about something or other, some initiative, some task, but afterwards, at the first sign of difficulty, we threw in the towel. Sadly, this also happens in the case of fundamental decisions, such as marriage. It is the difficulty of remaining steadfast, faithful to decisions we have made and to commitments we have made. Often it is easy enough to say yes, but then we fail to repeat this yes each and every day. We fail to be faithful. Mary said her yes to God: a yes which threw her simple life in Nazareth into turmoil, and not only once. Any number of times she had to utter a heartfelt yes at moments of joy and sorrow, culminating in the yes she spoke at the foot of the Cross. Here today there are many mothers present; think of the full extent of Mary s faithfulness to God: seeing her only Son hanging on the Cross. The faithful woman, still standing, utterly heartbroken, yet faithful and strong. And I ask myself: am I a Christian by fits and starts, or am I a Christian full-time? Our culture of the ephemeral, the relative, also takes its toll on the way we live our faith. God asks us to be faithful to him, daily, in our everyday life. He goes on to say that, even if we are sometimes unfaithful to him, he remains faithful. (cont d. next week)

ALL ABOUT INDULGENCES (Part Two) THESE ARE JUST A VERY FEW OF THE INDULGENCES THAT HAVE BEEN GRANTED BY THE CHURCH: THE THREE GENERAL GRANTS A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful, who: in the performance of their duties and in bearing the trials of life, raise their mind with humble confidence to God, adding - even if only mentally - some pious invocation (a prayer, even silently). in a spirit of faith and mercy give of themselves or of their goods to serve their brothers in need. in a spirit of penance voluntarily deprive themselves of what is licit and pleasing to them. INDULGENCED PRAYERS A partial indulgence may be gained by reciting: the Magnificat; Hail, Holy Queen; Angelus; Apostles Creed; Nicene Creed; Angel of God (guardian angel prayer); Anima Christi; Memorare INDULGENCED WORKS A partial indulgence may be gained by the faithful who: devoutly use a crucifix or cross, rosary, scapular or medal recite at least five decades of the Marian Rosary (privately) make the Sign of the Cross visit the Blessed Sacrament teach or learn Christian Doctrine WORKS THAT GAIN A PLENARY INDULGENCE A plenary indulgence is attached to the following works: recitation of at least five decades of the Marian Rosary in a church or public oratory, a family group, or pious Association visit to and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for at least 30 minutes devout spiritual reading from Sacred Scripture for at least 30 minutes the pious exercise of the Way of the Cross participation in Good Friday liturgical rites, especially veneration and kissing of the Cross a devout visit to a cemetery, with a prayer for departed souls, between the 1st and 8th of November receiving the Papal Blessing (even live by radio or TV), when imparted to Rome and the World ( Urbi et Orbi ) receiving Holy Communion for the first time, or assisting in the ceremonies of a First Communion renewal of Baptismal promises in the celebration of the Easter Vigil or on Young Believers WANT TO SEE THE LONGER LIST? Search on-line for the Enchiridion of Indulgences THE USUAL CONDITIONS A plenary indulgence is typically granted under the usual conditions, which are three: 1. Sacramental Confession 2. Eucharistic Communion 3. Prayers for the Holy Father s intentions (satisfied by reciting one Our Father and one Hail, Mary) The three conditions can be satisfied several days before or after performance of the work that gains the plenary indulgence. To gain a daily plenary indulgence, one should go to confession at least once every two weeks. the anniversary of one s baptism a devout visit to a parish church on that church s titular feast day (yes, visiting Nativity on Christmas...) a devout visit to a Marian shrine on a Marian feast day (Our Lady of Peace in Santa Clara is a Marian shrine) OMG With the ever-increasing use of email and texting, the abbreviation OMG has come into widespread and common use (even appearing in current advertisements for the California lottery!). While many people may regard this as simply an expression, it is in fact a blasphemy: you are taking the Lord s name in vain, in violation of the Second Commandment. Are you willing to be a strong Catholic and obey the Commandments that our Creator gave us? Don t use this phrase, and encourage others to follow your good example (it s a small sacrifice: offer it up for the souls in Purgatory!). The Church also offers us a partial indulgence if we say Blessed be God whenever we hear God s name taken in vain. So the next time someone texts you OMG, text them back BBG. And when they ask you what it means, explain this whole situation to them!