Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - SEPTEMBER 23, 2018 1640 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94703 Phone (510) 843-2244 Fax (510) 843-2730 Email: info@stjosephtheworkerchurch.org www.stjosephtheworkerchurch.org STAFF Rev. Kenneth Nobrega Deacon José Manuel Pérez, Permanent Deacon 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 Monday thru Friday 9:00 am 5:00 pm (Closed 12 Noon 1:00 pm for lunch)
+ + St. Joseph the Worker Beautiful Liturgy - Reconciliation - Healing THIS WEEK AT ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER On Wednesday Evenings Holy Hour, Confessions and Rosary Prayer Group Every Wednesday evening we have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 6:00 7:00 pm with Confessions available from 6:00 6:45 pm. The Rosary & Devotion Prayer Group meets at 7:00 pm, following the Holy Hour. All are welcome. Sant Egidio Community The Community of Sant Egidio meets every Thursday at 7:00pm for prayer in our church chapel. All are invited to join for prayer and for some Christian fellowship. St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina May 25, 1887 September 23, 1968 Dear Visitors and Guests: "Every Holy Mass, heard with devotion, produces in our souls marvelous effects, abundant spiritual and material graces which we ourselves, do not know." - Padre Pio St. Pio, Pray for Us. If you have been blessed by your visit to St. Joseph, please consider blessing our parish with a gift. SUNDAY MASSES - September 23, 2018 8:00 am Fr. Laurent Okitaktashi 10:00 am Fr. Kenneth Nobrega 11:30 am (Spanish) TBA Sunday 8:00 am 10:00 am 11:30 am Monday 9:00 am Tuesday 9:00 am Friday 9:00 am MASS INTENTIONS September 23rd Kerry Olivier + Alan Yoc Ministerio del Vinedo de Raquel September 24th Colin Tan September 25th Ryan Tan September 28th Joevanni J. Brown Would you like to have a Mass offered in honor or memory of someone? It is easy, stop by our parish office or email 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. Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Archangels. 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: 77977 Step 2) Enter the letters SJW in the message section. Saturday, September 29th
Swim Against the Tide of Uur Me-first Culture. How Much Should I give? Many people recommend that Catholics consider working toward biblical tithing: 10% of your gross income. Fr. Kenneth Nobrega supports and recommends the venerable practice of tithing 5% to the parish church and 5% to worthy charities. This week s readings shed further light on the contrast between the worldly wisdom that Jesus rebuked in Peter last week, and the wisdom of God, modeled perfectly for us by Christ. They teach us that living as Christian stewards requires us to swim against the tide of our me-first culture and stake out a path for our lives that may be quite different from of that of our neighbors, friends or co-workers. In contrast, when we seek to live as Christ lived and think as He thinks, our minds and hearts will be pure. Our lives will become peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruit. What an inspiring way of life. Certainly worth the risk of being labeled obnoxious by some from time to time. So how do we fight our tendency toward egotism and selfishness? How can we live not as the world advises but in the wisdom from above? What can we do to lead a Christ-like life? Please Contribute as much as possible to the material needs of St. Joseph the Worker so that we can continue to keep our doors open and be a refuge for those seeking spiritual help and healing. Your help in needed and important - Together we can restore our beautiful church to its original glory. Jesus shows us one way in today s Gospel. Taking a child, He placed it in their midst, and putting His arms around it, He said to them, Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me. Illuminate our church with devotion and prayers. In this context Christ is speaking not only of youngsters, but all little ones, those who are vulnerable or needy in any way through poverty, physical or mental illness, advanced age, difficult family situations the brothers and sisters St. Teresa of Calcutta would call Jesus in distressing disguise. They are all around us if we open our eyes. Like Jesus, we can put our arms around the little ones in our world and channel some of our energy, ambition and talent towards them. 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) 843-2244 or email gloria@stjosephtheworkerchurch.org 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. TEXT: 77977 Your prayerful votive offerings are "lighting up" our church with beauty and prayer. Thank you, and may God bless you. Parish Office Hours Gloria Maldonado, our office secretary is ready to welcome and assist our parishioners and visitors. St. Joseph the Worker Parish Office Hours are from Monday thru Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed noon to 1:00 pm for lunch).
5 Things you need to know about Archangels - Philip Kosloski Who are these mysterious beings that God created? September 29 is the feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, the only archangels mentioned by name in the canon of scripture. Originally this day, instituted by the Church in memory of a Roman basilica that was dedicated in 530, only mentioned Michael. At one point in history this day was a holy day of obligation for Catholics. Whatever may be the case behind the origin of this feast, why do we dedicate an entire day in the liturgical calendar to archangels? Who are they in the first place? How do they affect my life today? Do they still exist? To help you understand more about these mysterious beings that God created, here are five things you need to know about archangels: 1) Archangels are the second lowest rank of angels Traditionally, angels are divided into what is called nine choirs. This hierarchy is based on nine names of ranks of angels that are found in Sacred Scripture. Saint Gregory the Great listed these choirs in a homily: We know on the authority of Scripture that there are nine orders of angels, viz., Angels, Archangels, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Dominations, Throne, Cherubim and Seraphim (Hom. 34, In Evang.) 2) Archangels are entrusted with delivering important messages to humans The lowest ranks of angels are the ones we are most familiar with as they are the ones who communicate or interact with us. Saint Michael is believed to be the angel who delivered God s divine inspiration to St. John in the Book of Revelation and is known as the protector of the Church, guarding her from evil. Saint Michael is most widely known for his role in expelling the rebel angel Lucifer from heaven. Saint Gabriel is first mentioned in the Book of Daniel and helps Daniel in his mission on earth. Later on Gabriel appears to Zachariah and the Blessed Virgin Mary, delivering the greatest message ever, that God meant to Incarnate and set his tent with us. Saint Raphael is mentioned in the Book of Tobit, to heal Tobit and deliver Sarah from a demon. Raphael accomplished both acts, disguised as a human, guiding Tobias along the way and instructing him on what to do. 3) Archangels do not have wings, bodies or swords Unlike us, angels are pure spirits and do not possess anything material. On occasion they can look like a human, but it is only a façade. Dr. Peter Kreeft gives an excellent description in his book, Angels and Demons: Because of their lack of bodies, angels do not occupy space like we do and move within our world without taking up space. The closest analogy to how angels move is like electrons or in quantum leaps. Angels move instantaneously from one place to another without passing through any space or time in between. On the other hand, even though they do not have material bodies, they can impact and influence the material world. They are pure spirits (like God) and have such intelligence and mental power that they can move material things or assume the appearance of a body. How exactly that all transpires is a bit of a mystery. Saint Thomas Aquinas goes in more depth in the Summa.. Continued >>
(Continued from previous page) Wings and swords are simply artistic representations of their roles and actions in our world, as messengers and protectors. 4) Archangels can protect us from evil If Saint Michael and the heavenly host can expel Satan and his minions out of heaven, the archangels can certainly fight against demons tormenting our world and us and protect us from their influence. One of the greatest prayers is the Saint Michael prayer, which for many years was routinely said at the closing of Mass: St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. 5) Archangels still exist today Thankfully, angels do not depend on our belief of them for their existence. God created their immortal spirits at the beginning of time and they will never cease existing for all eternity. We may not see them, hear them, or feel their presence, but they are as real as the screen in front of you. Sometimes they let us know they are here, but most of the time they are busy protecting us from harm without us knowing. Just think what would happen if they weren t here! Children get it. They understand that angels exist and trust completely that they are present and will pray to them without hesitation. Maybe we need some of that child-like simplicity of heart to renew our belief in these celestial creatures. Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3). Five Ways to Increase Patience - Fr. Ed Broom, OMV None of us can claim to have mastered perfectly the virtue of patience. We think we have made a major victory in acquiring patience, and then, out of the blue and taken by surprise, we explode! Our illusion of being the most patient person in the world went up in smoke! Patience is so important that Jesus Christ, our model in all virtues, said: By your patience you will save your souls. One pious soul prayed in desperation: Lord, give me patience and right now! Maybe this has been your prayer for the last few years. Our patience can be tested by various times and circumstances, in season and out of season. The failure of health, economic set-backs, family members that could put the holy Job to the test, weather extremes, failed and broken relationships, and even God. Sometimes it seems as if God is extremely distant, does not seem to hear my prayers, or at least seems to be uninterested or indifferent to my pleadings. All of the above can try my patience. What then are ways that we can acquire the all-important virtue of patience, that as Jesus reminds us, is necessary for the salvation of our immortal souls? We will offer five concrete ways that we can attain patience. 1. Prayer St. Ignatius insists that we must beg for grace. St. Augustine humbly reminds us that we are all beggars before God. God is willing to give if we simply persevere in asking Him. Remember the persistent widow who gained the favor of the callous and cold-hearted judge for the simple reason that she kept begging for his help. Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Mt. 7:7) Continued >>
(Continued from previous page) 2. Life of Jesus Jesus said, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me. There is a saying: Tell me with whom you associate and I will tell you who you are. If we spend time meditating on the Gospels and the words, gestures, and actions of Jesus, then it will rub off on us. We will start to imitate Jesus more and more and, specifically, in the virtue of patience. 3. Passion of Christ Many saints had a magnetic drawing of their hearts to read and meditate upon the greatest love story in the world. No greater love than to die for the loved ones. A constant meditation on the Passion, suffering, crucifixion, and death of Jesus can prove to be an infinite source of blessings and key to open up the door of patience to the most hardened of hearts. 4. Trials and Opportunities Then when the trials descend upon us like a torrential deluge, call to mind some element of the Passion of Christ, either from the Gospels, or the works of writers such as Anne Catherine Emmerick. The trial will be viewed in a more universal and supernatural perspective. The trial that has visited me indeed is very painful, but, in comparison to what Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has gone through, it is a mere trifle. Also I suffer trials partially as a result of my own sinfulness and sinful past, but Jesus suffered the most excruciating pains being the epitome and essence of Innocence. We can all choose one element or detail of the Passion of Christ that seems to have struck us most and elicit this scene when my patience is put to the bitter test! The love of Jesus can move me to carry patiently the most burdensome crosses! As St. Paul states: The love of Christ compels us. 5. Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows One essential element in Mel Gibson s The Passion of the Christ was the presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary throughout the entire course of the film. Only second to Jesus was Mary in the intensity of suffering. The film portrays Our Lady of Sorrows along the way of Calvary accompanying Jesus in His most bitter trial. Mary stood at the foot of the cross, patience to a heroic degree. Mary practiced patience her whole life: travelling to Bethlehem, fleeing to Egypt, seeking out her lost Son for three long days, losing her beloved husband Saint Joseph, and accompanying her beloved Son Jesus, seeing Him crucified, and staying with Him until He drew His last, dying breath. When our patience is put to the test, then we should lift up our eyes, mind, heart and soul to Our Lady, and she will acquire for us heroic patience. All of us struggle on a daily basis to be patient with others, with ourselves, with circumstances and, at times, even with God. Patience is so essential to our lives that Jesus even said: By your patience you will save your souls. Let us use the arms we have in our arsenal to attain the all-important virtue of patience. Let us pray as beggars to the most generous giver, God. Let us draw close to Jesus the Holy of Holies. Let us meditate on the Passion of Christ and when opportunities to practice patience surface, to call to mind all that Jesus suffered for the world and for me. Finally, may Our Lady of Sorrows attain for me a meek, humble and patient heart! Glorious, St. Joseph Pray for us.
Padre Pio Prayed this Prayer after receiving Holy Communion - Philip Kosloski This beautiful prayer attests to Padre Pio's immense love of Jesus in the Eucharist. Padre Pio loved the celebration of Mass and the reception of Holy Communion. He once said, It would be easier for the world to exist without the sun than without the Holy Mass. He fully believed that Jesus was truly present, body, blood, soul and divinity during the celebration of Mass. This great gift inflamed in his own heart a deep and abiding love of God. He said, At times during the Mass I am consumed by the fire of Divine Love. My face seems to burn. Below is a profound prayer that Padre Pio composed and prayed after receiving Holy Communion. It relates his firm belief in Jesus presence in the Holy Eucharist and his desire for Jesus to remain forever in his heart. Stay with me, Lord, because I am weak and I need Your strength, that I may not fall so often. Stay with me, Lord, for You are my life, and without You, I am without meaning and hope. Stay with me, Lord, for You are my light, and without You, I am in darkness. Stay with me, Lord, to show me Your will. Stay with me, Lord, so that I can hear Your voice and follow you. Stay with me, Lord, for I desire to love You ever more, and to be always in Your company. Stay with me, Lord, if You wish me to be always faithful to You. Stay with me, Lord, for as poor as my soul is, I wish it to be a place of consolation for You, a dwelling of Your love. Stay with me, Jesus, for it is getting late; the days are coming to a close and life is passing. Death, judgement and eternity are drawing near. It is necessary to renew my strength, so that I will not stop along the way, for that I need You. It is getting late and death approaches. I fear the darkness, the temptations, the dryness, the cross, the sorrows. O how I need you, my Jesus, in this night of exile! Stay with me, Jesus, because in the darkness of life, with all its dangers, I need You. Help me to recognize You as Your disciples did at the Breaking of the Bread, so that the Eucharist Communion be the light which disperses darkness, the power which sustains me, the unique joy of my heart. Stay with me, Lord, because at the hour of my death I want to be one with You, and if not by Communion, at least by Your grace and love. Stay with me, Jesus, I do not ask for divine consolations because I do not deserve them, but I only ask for the gift of Your Presence. Oh yes! I ask this of You. Stay with me, Lord, for I seek You alone, Your Love, Your Grace, Your Will, Your Heart, Your Spirit, because I love You and I ask for no other reward but to love You more and more, with a strong active love. Grant that I may love You with all my heart while on earth, so that I can continue to love you perfectly throughout all eternity, dear Jesus. 1640 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94703 Phone: (510) 843-2244 Fax: (510) 843-2730 - Email: info@stjosephtheworkerchurch.org