St. Mary Catholic Church 2039 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek, CA 94596 www.stmary-wc.org MASS TIMES Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. & 12:05 p.m. Saturday 8:30 a.m. Saturday Vigil Mass 4:30 p.m. Sundays 6:30 a.m. * 8:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. * 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Spanish-new time 6:00 p.m. Sacrament of Penance Saturdays 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. DEVOTIONS Eucharistic Adoration Thursdays 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (First Fridays all night) Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fatima Devotion First Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Saturdays 9:00 a.m. (at the end of 8:30 Mass) PARISH OFFICE 2051 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Walnut Creek, CA 94596 OFFICE HOURS 8:30 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday
THIS WEEK S CALENDAR January 19-25 MONDAY, JANUARY 19 7:00 PM Movie Night/FF TUESDAY, JANUARY 20 6:30 PM Hispanic Prayer Group/CR 7:00 PM Middle School Session/Gym WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21 7:00 AM Men s Scripture Study/OS 9:00 AM Women s Scripture Study/FF 9:30 AM Adult Faith Formation/FF 10:00 AM Charismatic Prayer/CR 7:00 PM Adult Faith Formation/FF 7:30 PM Choir Practice/Church THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 7:00 AM Eucharistic Adoration/FF 12:45 PM Walking with Purpose/FF 7:00 PM Hispanic Prayer Group/CR 7:00 PM Young Adults/OS FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 7:00 AM Eucharistic Adoration/FF 7:00 PM Hispanic Young Adults/OS 7:00 PM Hisp. Choir Practice/Church SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 8:00 AM Men s Prayer Group/OS 9:00 AM Eucharistic Adoration/FF 5:30 PM Crab Feed SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 9:00 AM Sacrament Prep. Prog./FF 11:00 AM Hispanic Faith Form./FF 10:30 AM RCIA/FF 4:00 PM Band Practice/Church FF = Faith Formation Center CR = Parish Hall Conference Room OS = Our Space There is a Second Collection this weekend for our diocesan seminary. Thank you for your support of our future priests! We would appreciate your cooperation in sending all correspondence to our new mailing address: 2051 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek, CA 94596. The post office will soon be returning to the sender any mail with the wrong address. If your donations come directly from your bank, please notify your bank of our new address. Thank you! Parish offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dear Friends, It has been quite a few weeks around here. Father Hugo s mom and sister were visiting last week from Brazil, and have left to do more traveling. Father Hugo will be on vacation with them until February 5. I wish him a restful vacation, with special time with his family. This week I am excited to welcome my friend, Father Darryl Pepin, who will be visiting us for the next couple weeks from Bark River (near the booming metropolis of Escanaba) in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Father Darryl and I have been friends since 1983 when we both became Vocation Directors together and met at the Orientation Meeting in St. Paul, MN. Why he likes leaving the U.P. in January to come to California is beyond me. Maybe it s just to relax after the busy-ness of Christmas. Perhaps it s to visit an old friend. Or perhaps it s to head to the Wine Country to soak up some local color. Whatever the reason, I am always glad to have my friend here for a visit. Welcome to St. Mary, Father Darryl!!! Today is our first Sunday of the Ordinary Time cycle: it is the Second Sunday. But there is nothing ordinary about these days. The name of this season comes from the ordinal or counting numbers, and it is our time between now and Lent (starting on Feb. 18) to celebrate ourselves as Church and as the followers of Christ. Today we also begin the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Let us join with those Christians from many different churches who are celebrating this same week of prayer, and may we always work to see what is common among us, and put aside our differences. Have a blessed week! Father Fred St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception School in Walnut Creek is currently accepting applications for the 2015-16 school year. Applications are available in our school office and our website (www.st-mary.net). All are welcome at our Open House, Sunday, January 25. Join us at the 9:30 am Mass followed by visits to our classrooms from 10:30-12:00. If you are considering a Catholic education for your child (grades PK through 8), this is a wonderful opportunity to join our faith-filled family. For Pre-Kindergarten, children must be 4 years of age by September 1, 2015. Classes are Monday Friday from 8:15 am 12:15 pm. For Kindergarten, children must be 5 years of age by September 1, 2015. Classes are Monday - Friday from 8:00 am 3:00 pm. If you have questions, please contact the school at 935-5054, or visit our website at www.st-mary.net. ORGANIZATIONS CYO, Jerry Florence stmarycyo.wc@gmail.com 510-504-5954 Charismatic Prayer Group, Jim Crowley 944-0359 Catholic Divorced, Widowed & Separated, Char Buckman 932-5054 Eucharistic Adoration, Mary Johnstone 954-7205 Finance Council, Brian Mulligan 210-1031 Gabriel Project-Hotline 1-800-910-0191 Homebound Ministry, Helene Vizcarra 891-8936 Hospital Ministry, Angeles Ron 640-8146 Immaculata Guild, Arlene Verdugo 933-6215 Knights of Columbus, Will Roberts 210-1330 Pastoral Council, Chris Watson 314-1355 Respect Life Ministry, Jim Crowley 944-0359 Rosary Makers, Ana Lau 256-4428 St. Vincent de Paul, Brian Kavanagh 937-2817
CONTACTS Parish Office 891-8900 Fr. Fred Riccio, Pastor 891-8900 Email: fr.fred.stmary@gmail.com Fr. Hugo França, Hispanic Ministry 891-8900 Msgr. Ted Kraus, in-residence 891-8900 Email: msgr.ted.stmary@gmail.com Ana Lau, Parish Office Manager Email: alau@stmary-wc.org 891-8908 Philip Atkinson, Director of Parish Staff & Facilities, Email: philip.st.mary@gmail.com 891-8910 Mariana Salas, Baptism Registration 891-8937 FAITH FORMATION Austin Pisciotto, Administrative Assistant 891-8939 Tim Mannix, RCIA & Liturgy Coordinator 891-8921 Email: tim.stmarywc@gmail.com Doug Talmadge, Director of Youth Ministries 962-5806 and Faith Formation Email: lifeteen.stmarywc@gmail.com Phil Battaglia, Youth Ministry Director (Volunteer) 932-5504 SCHOOL Office 935-5054 Email: stmary@st-mary.net Website: www.st-mary.net Alumni: stmaryalumni@st-mary.net Suzanne Edwards, Principal 935-5054 Advisory Council Christine Olinger, President 838-5202 Parents Club Kshama Perera, Co-President 838-2779 Teresa Cademartori, Co-President 939-6465 Kids Club Vicki Schwartz 938-5114 PRAY FOR THE SICK: Katherine Hall, Mayra and Norma Jiron, Eduardo Benitez, Cheryl Mannix, Christian Schelley, Elizabeth Cox, Pat Roland, Claudia Linch, Joseph Mallon, Fr. Bill Marshall, Minda Valencia, Edward Tracey, Marilyn & James Brennan, Felipe Dimalanta, Elino Fortades, Russ Spencer, Francisco Garcia, Sheila Deignan, Mirna Salazar, Karra Sievers-Wada, Mayra Chavez, Carlos Maticorena, Kelly Green, Clark Quartaroli, Mei-Mei Lopez- Chua, Yoshihiko Moriya, Ron Connolly, Alfredo Duarte, Christopher & Daniel Moradi, Isabel Castillo, Julia Rodriguez, Judy Ryan, Juan Javier Corrales, Amber Luehe, Ken McTaggart, Jeanne Vaccaro, Andrea Morse, Sally Mancino. God of love, ever caring, ever strong, stand by your children in their time of need. Look after them and grant them Your healing and Your peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen. For prayer requests, please call the rectory at 891-8900. MASS SCHEDULE DATE TIME MASS INTENTION 01/17 4:30 pm Salvadora Padilla 01/18 6:30 am Bob Norment 8:00 am Catherine Armstrong 9:30 am St. Mary Parishioners 11:00 am Antonetta Caravolli 1:00 pm Khalil Mokalla 6:00 pm Maria Espinosa 01/19 6:30 am Henry Segalas, Sr. 12:05 pm Marie Tower 01/20 6:30 am Virtudes Sparvoli 12:05 pm Peggy Dettmer (L) B D 01/21 6:30 am Our active & retired military 12:05 pm James Mallamo 01/22 6:30 am Martha Nau (L) 12:05 pm Stephen Cox 01/23 6:30 am Donna McGill 8:15 am St. Mary School Community 12:05 pm Bianca Garibaldi 01/24 8:30 am Margie Horan (L) B B Saint Agnes (died 304) January 21 Writing about Saint Agnes in the year 377, Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, declared: This is a virgin s birthday into heaven: let us imitate her chastity! And a martyr s heavenly birthday: let us offer ourselves in sacrifice! Chastity: mastery of oneself in order to give of oneself whether in the priestly, religious, married, or single state. Sacrifice: to make holy, to set someone or something apart for service. Ambrose knew these virtues indispensable for discipleship, but challenging to practice in his world or our own. Barely a teenager, Agnes faced gruesome tortures bravely and, when ordered to worship pagan gods, boldly made the Sign of the Cross instead. Thus, her youthful courage strengthened adult believers who wavered under persecution or grew indifferent when persecutions passed. To bestow on Agnes its highest honor and keep her witness fresh in believers hearts, the Church inscribed her name at the heart of the Eucharistic liturgy, in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I), until Vatican II the Roman Church s only Eucharistic Prayer. Peter Scagnelli, Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.
Today s Gospel story of John and his disciples seeing and following Jesus sounds so simple and casual, it s easy to miss the significant acts of faith that are made. John points to Jesus: Look, he says, there is the Lamb of God. John s faith in Jesus is evident, so evident that John s disciples immediately leave his side to follow this Jesus. The two disciples make their own act of faith. They follow Jesus, spend time with him, and are quick to spread the good news of their discovery: We have found the Messiah. It is easy to forget that the expectations of generations, the hopes of many ages of faithful people were being fulfilled in these simple acts of faith. The Lamb of God, the Messiah, foretold by the prophets, had finally come. Nearly everyone among the Jewish people was watching for the Messiah back then; who in our own society watches for signs of the presence of the Messiah today? Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. The Crab Feed is this coming Saturday, January 24. Have you reserved your place yet? This is something you won t want to miss! Come, join the fun and enjoy a delicious dinner with family and friends in a festive atmosphere. Reservation forms are available on our website (stmary-wc.org), in the church vestibule, and in the parish office. If you can volunteer to help, please call Phil Atkinson at 925-891-8900. Treasures from our Tradition Old customs fade slowly, and in 1560 the Council of Trent tried for significant change in pastoral care of the sick. People resisted, thinking that the last breath was the right time for the sacrament. Although physical improvement was often noted after anointing, it was seen as a kind of bonus, rather than an expected outcome of a prayer for good health, strength, patience, and even healing. More than 400 years later, many people still do not ask for anointing until it is literally too late for the person to have reasonable hope of healing, or at least be aware enough to participate in the ritual. By then, it may even be too late for viaticum, the true last rite. We have a treasure in our tradition that we seem reluctant to use. We visit the sick, we anoint those who are in the first crisis of illness, we give Communion to those who are dying, and we keep vigil and pray for those close to death. When anointing is celebrated early enough, optimally when the sick person is still at Sunday Mass, it can be a source of courage, faith, and hope for a difficult road ahead. When we anoint our sick, we remind them that they belong to Christ and a community of faith. We bring them into the presence of Christ to reconcile, heal, and give strength and hope. We resist forces that isolate and alienate the sick; the symbol of touch is a powerful act of acceptance. Why wait until the crisis of illness is dire before we apply such a rich remedy to body and soul? Rev. James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. WALK FOR LIFE - Sat., January 24 Join us to celebrate the beauty, dignity and sacredness of life from conception until natural death. Info Faire: 11:00 am Rally: 12:30 pm Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco Info: Jim Crowley, 925-944-0359 Monday Night at the Movies Theme for 2015: The Reel World and New Evangelization Movie for Monday, January 19: Meet John Doe - There are three things that REALLY make this a classic movie: N 3, Gary Cooper; N 2, Frank Capra; and last, but not least, N 1, Barbara Stanwyck. Great performances from the supporting cast as well, including some wonderful humorous moments with Walter Brennan. All films are presented in the Conference Room, Building #1, of the new Faith Formation facility. The movie begins at 7:00 p.m. Sodas and light refreshments are provided. There is Adult Faith Formation 2015 Theme: Part 1 The Jesus of Scripture January 14-April 15 Presenter: Fr. Donald Senior, CP Facilitator: Msgr. Ted Kraus Description: This study is about Jesus of Nazareth. It is taught by one of the world s leading Catholic New Testament experts. Discover the truly life-giving Jesus, the one alive in the Church and in the world today: the Jesus of Scripture. All sessions are held in Building #1 of the new Faith Formation Center on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 11:00 am and repeated the same day from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Participants can come to the session that best accommodates their schedules. There is no fee. Wednesday, January 21 Session: The Gospels as Portraits of Jesus Please bring your Bible with you. Birthright of Concord Annual Volunteer Training Friday, February 7 7:00 to 9:00 pm Saturday, February 7 10:00 am to 3 pm 3106 Clayton Rd., Concord Birthright offers confidential, personal and loving help to any pregnant woman or one suspecting pregnancy. Please prayerfully consider volunteering and join us for our annual training. Bring your lunch for Saturday s session. For questions or to reserve a spot, contact Libby Field at 925-798-7227.
COURAGE/ENCOURAGE Support for those struggling with Same-Sex Attraction Courage is a worldwide Catholic support group for men and women struggling with same-sex attraction who want to live chaste lives in accord with Scripture and the Church s teachings. It was founded by Fr. John Harvey O.S.F.S. in 1980. Encourage provides support for parents or others who are concerned about a loved one struggling with this issue. These are the only Catholic support groups true to Scripture and the teaching of the Catholic Church. You will hear the voice of Christ in these groups. You are not alone. People care. The Catholic Church welcomes all of her children. Our identity is not our sexual orientation. We are created in the image of God. Christ died so that we ALL may have eternal life in Him. For confidential Catholic help, please contact: grc1254@sbcglobal.net or 650-450-2286 www.couragerc.net Courage is doing the work of God! John Paul II Women of St. Joan present Our Eighth Annual Women's Retreat Models of Faith For the Modern Woman Saturday, February 7, 2015, 8:00am to 4:30pm St. Joan of Arc Gym, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon Our Keynote Speaker, ValLimar Jansen, is a world-renowned musician, singer, and inspirational speaker. Please register in advance; tickets will not be available at the door. Registration options: Register online at: http://tinyurl.com/ WOSJ2015 (Credit cards only) Call 1-800-838-3006 (credit cards only) Pay by check by completing a registration form. Mail or deliver the completed form with check payable to St. Joan of Arc to the Parish Office. (Registration forms are available at St. Joan of Arc Parish Office or church vestibule.) Donation: $40 - Includes the program, continental breakfast, lunch, and afternoon refreshments. Mass will be held mid-day. Please go to www.sjasr.org for more details Questions? Email Kristie Schuchart at schuincal@att.net. "Saturday At St. Mary's" is a new CD of "Music for Reflection." It is now available for purchase from the St. Mary Saturday musicians. The album features Lynn Guidi, vocals; Andrea Morse, piano; Ernie Mansfield, flute; and Pawel Walerowski, cello; playing selections from the music they perform at the Saturday Mass. This professional studio recording will make a great gift for any occasion! All the proceeds from sales will go to the St. Mary's Building Fund. Requested donation is $15 or two for $25. Please see any of the St. Mary's musicians after the 4:30 pm Mass, come to the parish office, or call Ernie at (510) 524-2055. St. Mary School s Book Fair Sunday, February 8, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm On Sunday, February 8, St. Mary School is delighted to present Bay Area author Penny Warner, author of the acclaimed children s book series, The Code Busters Club. She will be signing copies of her books at 12 pm in the Parish Hall Conference Room. Check out her website at www.pennywarner.com. Make a morning of it by attending the 11:00 Mass and then coming to shop for your Valentine at the Book Fair. Mark your calendar now! Catholic Underground Event for Young Adults Saturday, January 24, 7:30 p.m. St. Mary Magdalen Parish, 2005 Berryman St., Berkeley Bay Area Catholic young adults (18-35) are invited to an evening featuring adoration and prayer at 7:30 pm followed by a social and concert with musical performers Celli@Berkeley and HIS Project beginning at 8:45 pm. This is a great opportunity to meet other young adults from around the diocese. We are very grateful for all who contributed to our Capital Campaigns. The Diocese is requiring the repayment of the existing $1.58M loan we have from our recent construction projects and preparation for the Chapel, before starting actual construction of the Chapel. The good news is we have just made our first loan payment to the Diocese! We are enjoying the new buildings and parking lots, but they came at a higher cost than anticipated. We still owe $1.38M. It is crucial that those of you who have pledged continue paying towards your obligation. We are counting on it for the next quarterly loan payments. Thank You and God Bless, Philip Atkinson Director of Staff & Facilities
El relato del Evangelio de hoy en el que Juan y sus discípulos ven y siguen a Jesús, suena tan sencillo e informal, que fácilmente pasan desapercibidos los importantes actos de fe que ocurren. Juan señala a Jesús: Miren, les dice, éste es el Cordero de Dios. La fe de Juan en Jesús es evidente, tan evidente que los discípulos de Juan inmediatamente se van de su lado y siguen a Jesús. Los dos discípulos a su vez hacen un acto de fe. Ellos siguen a Jesús, pasan tiempo con él, y no demoran en compartir la buena nueva de su descubrimiento: Hemos encontrado al Mesías. Es fácil olvidar que las expectativas de generaciones, las esperanzas de muchos siglos de fieles se estaban cumpliendo en estos sencillos actos de fe. El Cordero de Dios, el Mesías, anunciado por los profetas, finalmente había llegado. Prácticamente todo el mundo en el pueblo judío estaba a la búsqueda del Mesías en esa época; quién de nuestra sociedad busca señales de la presencia del Mesías hoy día? Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. CATEQUESIS San Vicente (Siglo III) 22 de enero S an Vicente nació en Zaragoza, España y, debido a su buen uso de la palabra y formación académica, fue nombrado como coadjutor del obispo Valerio para que lo ayudara en la predicación, pues el obispo era tartamudo. Una vez ordenado diácono, se distinguió por la predicación elocuente y la defensa de la fe. Fue arrestado mientras visitaba a su obispo, preso a causa de la persecución impulsada por el emperador Daciano quien, al saber que visitó a su obispo, mandó que lo apresaran, haciéndolo caminar desde Zaragoza hasta Valencia. Una vez preso se le sometió a la tortura; no obstante, la tortura no lograba nada y el emperador, lleno de ira, mandó que golpearan a los torturadores. Posteriormente lo hizo encerrar en una celda oscura, llena de tiestos filosos para que se cortara sus pies, pero no renunció a su fe cristiana, convirtió al carcelero y cantó himnos de alabanza. Finalmente, puesto que nada lograba contra él, lo encarceló de por vida y ahí, en la soledad de su celda y sus enfermedades encontró la muerte. Miguel Arias, Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co. El Grupo de Oración San Juan Pablo II de la Iglesia St. Mary, Walnut Creek, te invita al R F Febrero 19 al 22, 2015 Youth Retreat Center, Lafayette Qué ofrece este retiro? La oportunidad de un mayor conocimiento de tu fe, del servicio que prestas a tu Iglesia, y de descubrir tus talentos como cristiano y servidor. Para más informes, favor de comunicarse con Ángeles (925) 640-8146 o María (925) 550-3016. Fecha límite para registrarse: Febrero 1, 2015 LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA Tradiciones de Nuestra Fe Uno de los muchos títulos dados a Jesús en los evangelios es el de Agnus Dei (Cordero de Dios). La imagen de un cordero no era extraña en la Palestina del primer siglo cristiano, pues se encontraban ovejas y pastores por todas partes. El cordero es la oveja de menos de un año. Es reconocido como símbolo de mansedumbre e inocencia en muchas culturas. Fue Juan Bautista quien le dio ese extraño título a Jesús (Juan 1:36). La imagen del cordero despertaba en los judíos, incluidos Jesús, Juan Bautista y los discípulos, la memoria de los célebres eventos del Éxodo. Cada año las familias judías escogían un corderito y lo preparaban para sacrificarlo en la Pascua. La mitad de la carne del sacrificio se ofrecía a Dios y la otra mitad se la comía la familia; de esta manera establecían una comunión con Dios. Designar a Jesús como Agnus Dei, era reconocer que él quitaría el pecado y que con su propia carne establecería una comunión entre Dios y la humanidad. Fray Gilberto Cavazos-Glz, OFM, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. La segunda colecta de hoy es para el beneficio de nuestro seminario diocesano. Gracias por apoyar a nuestros futuros sacerdotes. La alegría plena consiste en ver a Dios en todas las cosas. San Julián FECHAS IMPORTANTES Enero 18, 2015 Clase 11:00am Enero 25, 2015 Clase 11:00am REUNION DE PADRES Febrero 1, 2015 NO HAY CLASE Janet Cain, Coordinadora. 925-876-0887 Lunes: Heb 5:1-10; Sal 110 (109):1-4; Mc 2:18-22 Martes: Heb 6:10-20; Sal 111 (110):1-2, 4-5, 9, 10c; Mc 2:23-28 Miércoles: Heb 7:1-3, 15-17; Sal 110 (109):1-4; Mc 3:1-6 Jueves: Heb 7:25 8:6; Sal 40 (39):7-10, 17; Mc 3:7-12, o cualquiera de las lecturas para el Día de Oración Viernes: Heb 8:6-13; Sal 85 (84):8, 10-14; Mc 3:13-19 Sábado: Heb 9:2-3, 11-14; Sal 47 (46):2-3, 6-9; Mc 3:20-21 Domingo: Jon 3:1-5, 10; Sal 25 (24):4-9; 1 Cor 7:29-31; Mc 1:14-20