St. Veronica Church Established 1951 A Stewardship Parish - Grateful Living through Faith, Fellowship, Service, & Giving 434 Alida Way South San Francisco, CA 94080 Phone: 650-588-1455 www.stveronicassf.com Fax: 650-588-1481 www.catholicstand.com Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time September 2, 2018 O Lord, you are good and forgiving, full of mercy to all who call to you. - Entrance Antiphon
St. Veronica Parish Parish Office Hours Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed for lunch from 12:30-1:30 p.m. (unless otherwise posted) Phone: 650-588-1455 Fax: 650-588-1481 Parish Staff Fr. Charles Puthota, Ph.D., Pastor Fr. Don Sharp, S.J., Weekend Assistant Deacon Roger Beaudry Mary Martin, Administrative Assistant, Ext.301 Silvia Reyes, Bookkeeper, Ext.304 Karen Guglielmoni, Faith Formation & Wedding Coordinator, Ext.305 Christopher Lindstrom, Music Director, Ext. 308 Jim Rodriguez, Custodian/Maintenance St. Veronica Catholic School www.saintveronicassf.org Phone: 650-589-3909 Mrs. Mary Boland Mrs. Pam Cavagnaro Principal Vice Principal SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION Sacrament of Baptism Baptisms are to be arranged through the Parish Office. Baptisms in English are typically held on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month. Baptisms in Spanish are typically held on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Baptismal Preparation classes are held once a month. Call the Parish Office at 650-588-1455 Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) Call the Parish Office to register 650-588-1455 Ext.309 Faith Formation: 650-588-1455 Ext. 305 Catechetical instructions (1st to 8th grades) Confirmation Classes: 650-588-1455 Mass Intentions for the Week of September 2, 2018 Sun 09/02 7:00 Leandro Mercado 8:30 Carlos Ortiz Sr. 10:00 Pedro Zarate 11:30 Ines Bueno 6:00 Violeta Stelmak Mon 09/03 Tue 09/04 Wed 09/05 Thu 09/06 8:30 Natividad & Gaudencio Aurellano Vijayakumari Mallavarapu 8:30 Gianfranco Andreazzi Natividad & Gaudencio Aurellano 8:30 Vicente & Luz David Vilma Parise 8:30 Patrocinio G. Nazareno Carlos Santos Fri 09/07 8:30 Christopher Lindstrand Devin Villamajor Sat 09/08 8:30 Natividad & Gaudencio Aurellano Ettore Vedovini 5:00 Stephen Lozar Sun 09/09 7:00 John & Mary Ghiorso 8:30 Catie Mullins 10:00 Carolyn Damonte 11:30 Veronica Mullins 6:00 Laura & Jose Gonzales St. Veronica Parish Mission Statement St. Veronica Church is a multicultural community of believers who treasure Jesus Christ at the center of their profession of faith & practice. They worship & work together to build up a community of family & friends according to the mind & heart of Christ. Out of the abundance of joy & gratitude, they live & share the good news of faith & hope, striving to stand up for peace & justice, to spread love & compassion, to care for those who are in need, and to make our nation & the world a better place for all. Parish Office email: churchoffice@stveronicassf.com
Mass Schedule Saturdays: 8:30 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. Sundays: 7:00, 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30 a.m. Spanish Mass: Sundays at 6:00 p.m. Holy Days: 6:30, 8:30 a.m., 6:30 p.m. (English) Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. First Fridays: 6:30 a.m. & 8:30 a.m. Confessions Saturdays: 4:00-5:00 p.m. Liturgy of the Hours Monday - Friday: Morning Prayer at 6:00 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday except as posted for holidays and parish events Parish Registration Please complete and return form to the parish office, or simply drop it in the collection basket. Kindly print all information. Name(s): Name(s): Address: City & Zip: Phone: E-mail: Primary language spoken at home: Updating Current Parish Registration Moving / Please remove from mailing list. This is a new registration Please call me. On the Horizon Parish Center repair work continues until at least mid-september: Floor replacement in the Parish Center; hospitality will be in Falcon Hall (the cafeteria) - see page 5 for an update Mon, Sept. 3: Labor Day Holiday, Parish Office closed; NO Eucharistic Adoration Sat., Sept. 8: Spanish Ministry vigil, 7:00 p.m. - midnight in the Church Sun., Sept. 9: Fall sports Mass, 10:00 a.m. Sun., Sept. 16: Catechetical Sunday Mass and commissioning of the catechists and teachers, 10:00 a.m. Sat.-Sun., Sept. 22-23: Annual Spanish retreat in Church, Falcon Hall Fri.-Sun., Sept. 28-30: Annual Parish Festival Sat., Oct. 27: Annual Santini Gold Tournament and Dinner Pray for our Beloved Deceased In your prayers this week, please remember the repose of the souls of our deceased parishioners, especially: Dennis Pierotti died August 18, 2018 Eternal Rest Grant Unto Them, O Lord... Envelopes received in the First Collection: August 11 & 12: 284 August 18 & 19: 331 August 25 & 26: 304 If you currently receive envelopes but do not use them, please prayerfully consider including your donation in the collection basket. Thank you for your generosity in support of St. Veronica Parish and its works. Day Mass Time 1st Collection Maintenance Totals Saturday 08/25/18 5:00PM 1462.000 348.00 1810.00 Sunday 08/26/18 7:00AM 1307.00 255.00 1562.00 8:30AM 1118.00 253.00 1371.00 10:00AM 1344.00 206.00 1550.00 11:30AM 1051.00 209.00 1260.00 6:00PM 456.50 159.00 615.50 TOTAL IN-PEW DONATIONS: $6,738.50 $1,430.00 $8,168.50 Other Contributions 817.00 n/a 817.00
Rejoice and Be Glad - Gaudete et Exsultate The Call to Holiness in Today s World On March 19, 2018, the feast of St. Joseph, Pope Francis signed the apostolic exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate. The pope reminds us, We need to recognize and combat our aggressive and selfish inclinations, and not let them take root (no. 114). The five chapters of Pope Francis exhortation will be presented in their entirety. CHAPTER THREE (cont d): GOING AGAINST THE FLOW (cont d) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God 83. This Beatitude speaks of those whose hearts are simple, pure and undefiled, for a heart capable of love admits nothing that might harm, weaken or endanger that love. The Bible uses the heart to describe our real intentions, the things we truly seek and desire, apart from all appearances. Man sees the appearance, but the Lord looks into the heart (1Sam 16:7). God wants to speak to our hearts (cf. Hos 2:16); there he desires to write his law (cf. Jer 31:33). In a word, he wants to give us a new heart (cf. Ezek 36:26). 84. Guard your heart with all vigilance (Prov 4:23). Nothing stained by falsehood has any real worth in the Lord s eyes. He flees from deceit, and rises and departs from foolish thoughts (Wis 1:5). The Father, who sees in secret (Mt 6:6), recognizes what is impure and insincere, mere display or appearance, as does the Son, who knows what is in man (cf. Jn 2:25). 85. Certainly there can be no love without works of love, but this Beatitude reminds us that the Lord expects a commitment to our brothers and sisters that comes from the heart. For if I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have no love, I gain nothing (1 Cor 13:3). In Matthew s Gospel too, we see that what proceeds from the heart is what defiles a person (cf. 15:18), for from the heart come murder, theft, false witness, and other evil deeds (cf. 15:19). From the heart s intentions come the desires and the deepest decisions that determine our actions. 86. A heart that loves God and neighbour (cf. Mt 22:36-40), genuinely and not merely in words, is a pure heart; it can see God. In his hymn to charity, Saint Paul says that now we see in a mirror, dimly (1 Cor 13:12), but to the extent that truth and love prevail, we will then be able to see face to face. Jesus promises that those who are pure in heart will see God. Keeping a heart free of all that tarnishes love: that is holiness. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God 87. This Beatitude makes us think of the many endless situations of war in our world. Yet we ourselves are often a cause of conflict or at least of misunderstanding. For example, I may hear something about someone and I go off and repeat it. I may even embellish it the second time around and keep spreading it And the more harm it does, the more satisfaction I seem to derive from it. The world of gossip, inhabited by negative and destructive people, does not bring peace. Such people are really the enemies of peace; in no way are they blessed. 88. Peacemakers truly make peace; they build peace and friendship in society. To those who sow peace Jesus makes this magnificent promise: They will be called children of God (Mt 5:9). He told his disciples that, wherever they went, they were to say: Peace to this house! (Lk 10:5). The word of God exhorts every believer to work for peace, along with all who call upon the Lord with a pure heart (cf. 2 Tim 2:22), for the harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace (Jas 3:18). And if there are times in our community when we question what ought to be done, let us pursue what makes for peace (Rom 14:19), for unity is preferable to conflict. 89. It is not easy to make this evangelical peace, which excludes no one but embraces even those who are a bit odd, troublesome or difficult, demanding, different, beaten down by life or simply uninterested. It is hard work; it calls for great openness of mind and heart, since it is not about creating a consensus on paper or a transient peace for a contented minority, or a project by a few for the few. Nor can it attempt to ignore or disregard conflict; instead, it must face conflict head on, resolve it and make it a link in the chain of a new process. We need to be artisans of peace, for building peace is a craft that demands serenity, creativity, sensitivity and skill. Sowing peace all around us: that is holiness. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven 90. Jesus himself warns us that the path he proposes goes against the flow, even making us challenge society by the way we live and, as a result, becoming a nuisance. He reminds us how many people have been, and still are, persecuted simply because they struggle for justice, because they take seriously their commitment to God and to others. Unless we wish to sink into an obscure mediocrity, let us not long for an easy life, for whoever would save his life will lose it (Mt 16:25). 91. In living the Gospel, we cannot expect that everything will be easy, for the thirst for power and worldly interests often stands in our way. Saint John Paul II noted that a society is alienated if its forms of social organization, production and consumption make it more difficult to offer this gift of self and to establish this solidarity between people. In such a society, politics, mass communications and economic, cultural and even religious institutions become so entangled as to become an obstacle to authentic human and social development. As a result, the Beatitudes are not easy to live out; any attempt to do so will be viewed negatively, regarded with suspicion, and met with ridicule. 92. Whatever weariness and pain we may experience in living the commandment of love and following the way of justice, the cross remains the source of our growth and sanctification. We must never forget that when the New Testament tells us that we will have to endure suffering for the Gospel s sake, it speaks precisely of persecution (cf. Acts 5:41; Phil 1:29; Col 1:24; 2 Tim 1:12; 1 Pet 2:20, 4:14-16; Rev 2:10). 93. Here we are speaking about inevitable persecution, not the kind of persecution we might bring upon ourselves by our mistreatment of others. The saints are not odd and aloof, unbearable because of their vanity, negativity and bitterness. The Apostles of Christ were not like that. The Book of Acts states repeatedly that they enjoyed favour with all the people (2:47; cf. 4:21.33; 5:13), even as some authorities harassed and persecuted them (cf. 4:1-3, 5:17-18). 94. Persecutions are not a reality of the past, for today too we experience them, whether by the shedding of blood, as is the case with so many contemporary martyrs, or by more subtle means, by slander and lies. Jesus calls us blessed when people utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account (Mt 5:11). At other times, persecution can take the form of gibes that try to caricature our faith and make us seem ridiculous. Accepting daily the path of the Gospel, even though it may cause us problems: that is holiness. (We continue Chapter 3 next week...)
We offer our congratulations and ask for God s continued blessings on Sara A. Rubio and Michael Mullan who were united in Marriage at St. Veronica on Saturday, August 25 Welcome New Parishioners! Our parish continues to be blessed and enriched by the presence of newly registered parishioners: Veronica & Lorenzo Alvarez The Bolante Family - Jeffrey, Valerie, Jameson & Benjamin Joanna Carreon Rose Noriega & Susann Pacheco May St. Veronica Church become a spiritual home where your faith and fellowship may be nourished with inspiration for you to live a life of service and generosity toward God and others. Change in Weekday Mass Schedule St. Veronica will only offer the 8:30 a.m. Mass on weekdays, except as noted below. The 6:30 a.m. Mass WILL still be offered on First Fridays (except if this falls on a parish holiday), Holy Days of Obligation, and Ash Wednesday. Mass intentions already reserved at 6:30 a.m. for the remainder of 2018 and into 2019 will be added to the 8:30 a.m. Mass on the same day. Every effort will be made to contact those who made the intention to communicate the change. Going forward, two separate Mass intentions will be accepted for the 8:30 a.m. Masses Monday through Saturday. Any questions may be directed to the parish office. Choir Practice Begins Thursday, September 6 Both the Angel (children s) Choir and Adult Choir resume practice on Thursday, September 6. The Angel Choir practices from 3:15-4:15 p.m.; the Adult Choir begins practice at 7:00 p.m. All practices are held in the Church. If you would like to add your voice to one of our beautiful choirs, please contact the Parish Office to be put in touch with Music Director Christopher Lindstrom. Parish Center Repair (PCR) Update Repair work to remove and replace the hardwood floor in the Parish Center is on-going, and is now expected to continue well into September. Since removing the old floor and levelling compound down to the original concrete slab, the new hardwood floor has arrived. Test results on core samples taken from the floor have come in and a plan of action has been devised. Bids are being accepted for the part of the project which will protect the new wood floor from moisture coming up through the concrete slab. Some of the additional work around the perimeter of the building has taken place. The sewer system of the entire campus has been inspected and flushed. Still to occur is the removal of two redwood trees which are too close to the Parish Center, and the digging of holes to test the amount of groundwater. Watch the bulletin for additional updates as they become available and kindly keep the PCR project in your prayers. Meanwhile, hospitality will continue in Falcon Hall (the school cafeteria). Upcoming events offered by the Archdiocese of San Francisco Sat., Sept. 15, 8:00 a.m.: Hispanic Day in San Francisco, starting with a procession from Cesar Chavez and South Van Ness, to Saint Mary s Cathedral. Mass at 9:30 a.m. with Archbishop Cordileone. Sat., Sept. 22, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.: Catholic Charismatic Renewal Annual Conference, St. Mary s Cathedral Thurs., Sept. 27, 5:30 p.m.: Red Mass for the Legal Profession, celebrated by Archbishop Cordileone at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 666 Filbert St., SF Fri., Oct. 26, 11:30 a.m.: Annual St. John Vianney Luncheon benefitting the Priests Retirement Fund. For additional information, visit www.sfarch.org
Reflecting on the Word Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time I once lived in Missouri, the Show Me State. Tradition holds that Missourians need clear and concrete proof to be convinced about something. They need someone to show them something is true. Moses told the Israelites to observe carefully the statutes and decrees he taught them. Moses wanted the Israelites to show him the depth of their relationship with the Lord, their God. James tells his hearers to show him their faith by caring for orphans and widows, by living their faith in Jesus. Jesus chides the Pharisees, who were more concerned with interpreting the Law than living its purpose: to take on the mind and heart of God. They gave God lip service, by not lived service. Evil comes from within and so does good. If the mind and heart of God are within a person, others will see the person s faith and God s ways. Living the substance of the Law and not interpreting it to suit one s needs leads to justice, that is, right relationship with God and all creation. Pope Francis 2017 Palm Sunday homily called us to show Jesus through our deeds: He is present in our many brothers and sisters who today endure sufferings like his own: They suffer from slave labor, from family tragedies, from diseases... From wars and terrorism, from interests that are armed and ready to strike. Women and men who are cheated, violated in their dignity, discarded... Jesus is in them, in each of them, and, with marred features and broken voice, he asks to be looked in the eye, to be acknowledged, to be loved. See Jesus in our hurting sisters and brothers. Look him in the eye. Show Jesus through lived service, not lip service, and others will be able to look him in the eye, too! For Prayerful Consideration & Discussion Name concrete ways that your life shows Jesus to others in words and in deeds. How have God s statutes and decrees helped you live God s mind and heart? Living and Praying with the Word Lord, you teach us your ways in the commandments, in the Beatitudes, through Church teaching, and in those who make you known by doing justice. Give us your mind and heart to see you in all people we meet. Help them find Christ s eyes in ours. - Living the Word Baptism Information Registration forms are available from the Pastoral Center during regular office hours, or you may download a form from our website at www.stveronicassf.com. Baptisms are generally celebrated monthly on the 1st and 3rd Saturday in English and on occasional 2nd Saturdays in Spanish. Please call the Parish Office to sign up. Upcoming baptism dates are as follows: September 15 October 6 & 20 (full) November 3 & 17 Preparation classes for parents and godparents are held on the second Tuesday of the month. Classes are conducted in the Pastoral Center from 7:30-9:00 p.m. (Adults only please). Please call the Parish Office at 650-588-1455 for specific dates and to reserve your space for the Baptismal Preparation Classes.
Adult and Youth Faith Formation Registration Open The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program is now accepting registration for 2018-19. Those 16 years of age or older who would like to become Catholic (having never been baptized) or who would like to complete the Sacraments of Initiation (having been baptized into a Christian faith, but not received Communion and/ or been confirmed) are invited to call the Pastoral Center offices at 650-588-1455 and leave their contact information. A member of the RCIA team will follow up with details about the program, which begins in September. Registration forms are available in the Pastoral Center. New and continuing registration is being accepted for the 2018-19 Faith Formation program. Registration forms are on the parish website under the Faith Formation tab, or may be requested by calling the Faith Formation office at 650-588-1455 ext. 305. Even if your child will be a returning student, a 2018-19 registration form is required. Forms are available in Spanish at the parish office. Please register your child/children as soon as possible as class sizes are limited. Classes begin in September. A reminder that preparation for the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation are each two-year programs, beginning no earlier than first grade for Communion and no earlier than 8th grade for Confirmation. Special Needs Faith Formation Program: Let the little children come to me; do not hinder them, for such is the kingdom of God. - Mark 10:14. Implicit in Jesus words is his welcome to all children. We are all children of God; God welcomes us all. Every child may receive the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation. At St. Veronica, we are blessed to offer classes for students with special needs. The children usually begin preparation for Holy Eucharist at age 6 or 7, but there is no upper age limit. Confirmation preparation usually begins around age 12. Preparation for each sacrament is two years. If you have a child with special needs who has not received his or her sacraments, please contact the Parish Office. And please pass along our information to others who may be interested in the program! Classes begin in late September on Saturdays from 10:30-11:45 a.m. We would love to work with your child on his or her faith journey! St. Veronica Parish Festival 2018 September 28, 29, 30 We are going to the Islands! Festival planning is underway! Donations will be taken throughout the summer at the Parish Office for the following booths: Café (bottled water, canned or bottled nonalcoholic beverages in single-serve size, single-serve chips, boxed candy, etc.) Liquor Booth Sports Booth Toy Booth Donations of gift cards/certificates will gladly be accepted for the silent auction. Own a business or know of a business that might like to become a festival sponsor? Leave your contact information with the Parish Office, and it will be passed along to the Festival Planning Team!