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St. Justin Parish
What work of justice could you do this
week to bring someone joy?
Weekend Masses
Saturday Vigil 5:00 p.m. Sunday
7:30, 9:00, 10:30 a.m., 12:15 and 7:00 p.m.
Weekday Masses
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m.
Holy Days of Obligation 8:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m.
and 7:00 p.m.
Reconciliation Saturdays 3:30 p.m.– 4:15 p.m.
Or by appointment
Parish Office Phone 408-296-1193 ext. 100
Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed for lunch 12:00 - 1:15 p.m.
2655 HOMESTEAD ROAD SANTA CLARA, CA 95051
Page 2 Third Sunday of Advent December 17, 2017
PASTORAL STAFF Rev. Christopher Bransfield, Pastor 408-296-1193, x 107, [email protected]
Rev. Gerald Nwafor, Parochial Vicar 408-296-1193, x 113, [email protected]
Ms. Karen Suty, Principal 408-248-1094, x 232, [email protected]
Mr. Joe Bauer, Pastoral Associate, Facilities, Community Ministry 408-296-1193 x 109, [email protected]
Mrs. Mary Kane, Director of Faith Formation 408-296-1193 x 104, [email protected]
Mr. Clement Cano, Music Director 408-296-1193 x 112, [email protected]
Ms. Laura Ortiz, Office Manager 408-296-1193 x 102, [email protected]
Ms. Diane Serrianne, Receptionist 408-296-1193 x 100, [email protected]
Rev. James Okafor, In Residence
PHONE NUMBERS
Parish Offices: 408-296-1193 Monday-Friday, 9:00-5:00 p.m.
closed 12:00-1:15 p.m. Fax: 408-244-9437
Website: www.st-justin.org
Catechetical Ministry Ext. 102
Ministry to the Sick Ext. 113
Youth Ministry Ext. 104
Liturgical Ministry Ext. 107
Upcoming Second Offerings Your generosity is appreciated. *Denotes Parish Second Collection.
12/17 Wild Fire Relief
Southern CA
1/7 Ethnic Minorities &
Latin America
1/14 Mentasti Scholarship
Who am I? Who are You? This question was submitted to John the Baptist 2000 years ago and the scripture said, he did not lie but speak the truth. I am wondering what the situation would have been today where we claim what we are not, in order to be politically correct? Or deny what we are to avoid ire of the society?
It was my first experience outside Nigeria and we were in a group. There was already a stigma that goes with the Nigerian green passport: if you are from Nigeria the world will see you as a Muslim terrorist or a drug peddler or a con artist. So these are the codified identity crises, the preconceptions, we were facing as Nigerians. But from the start we were advised to behave civilly and responsibly, since we were representing the country.
When we landed in Rome, the immigration checking-in was thorough and sometimes abusive, but we kept our calm. After some days we discovered that the locals respect some Africans (South Africans and Moroccans), because of their economic power. Some of us were bitter about that, while some didn’t bother about it. We visited a lot of places as tourists. In some cases you will be asked to show your ID, while other places didn’t care to ask.
After a week, someone said that he had a bad experience in Assisi where the South Africans were allowed to go into the shrine while he was not allowed because he said he is a Nigerian. We all were very sad and depressed for the guy. Some people started advising us to say that we are from South Africa so that we can get an easy pass in some places.
Three days before our return to Nigeria, the immigration security invaded our hotel rooms. There was a systematic search of everyone; we did not know the reason until one person spoke up in fury. The immigration officer told him that one of us was asked where he came from and he said South Africa. And looking at his passport “we discovered he is Nigerian.” So he failed the simple test of “Who are you?”
Therefore, I will ask myself today, who am I? A Christian in hiding, a Christian not practicing, a Christian forgotten? May we speak the truth like John in action and in words.
Fr. Gerald Nwafor
WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP REPORT
DECEMBER 10, 2017
Goal $12,500.00
1st Collection $8,848.00
Online $1,083.00
Direct Deposit $1,808.00
Variance -$761.00
Parish Office will be closed Monday, December 25th and will re-open Tuesday, January 2nd.
The School Office will be closed Friday, December 22nd at 12:30 p.m. and will re-open Tuesday, January 2nd.
Our Second Collection for the Retired Religious Fund was
$2,194.00
Thank you for your continued generosity!
Page 3 Third Sunday of Advent December 17, 2017
ORGANIZATIONS
PARISH COUNCIL Thai Tran 408-296-1193
FINANCE COUNCIL Mary Sparacino 408-296-1193
STABLEMATES (Men’s Club) Jim Newton 408-296-1193
LADIES GUILD Julia Cardoza 408-296-1193
GUADALUPE SOCIETY Maria Marquez 408-985-1088
ALTAR SERVERS Stephen Russell 408-472-1931
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, COUNCIL #3523 Lary James 408-772-2779 [email protected]
FIL-AM ORGANIZATION Noreen Helvie 408-296-1193
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Monday 8:30 a.m.
Mike Zuniga + Martin Fernandez +
Sat., 5:00 p.m.
Reinaldo da Silva + Joe Lima +
Tuesday 8:30 a.m.
Blessings Received - Ma Cecilia Orana & Family
Teofisto Pacete + Luzciminda Santos Nacion +
Sunday 7:30 a.m.
Hector Aspillera, Jr. +
Wednesday 8:30 a.m.
April Lyle Roberts Manny Balce +
Sunday 9:00 a.m.
Mary Ann Sumpter +
Thursday 8:30 a.m.
Anthony Chuong Nguyen Deanna Estrada
Sunday 10:30a.m.
FOR ALL PARISHIONERS
Friday 8:30 a.m.
Silver Ancheta + Sabrina Ancheta +
Sunday 12:15 p.m.
Beatriz Velazquez +
Saturday 8:00 a.m.
Arsenia, Marcial, and Rodrigo Mendez +
Sunday 7:00 p.m.
No Mass
Mass Dedications for the Week of December 18 – December 24, 2017 + notes deceased
We pray for those who are ill or suffering from loneliness, sadness, or depression. We pray for those who care for them. We pray for our deceased family and friends. We pray for our men and women who are serving in the military. This week we pray especially for those who are ill or preparing for surgery: Sara Anderson, Renee Bayard, Carolina DeGuzman, Val Feliciano, Carmen Herrera, Greg Lamug, Pam Manquen, Larry Meacham, Norma Meacham, Peggie Mueller Gonyea, Kathleen Muraco, Maria Armas-Pham, Lorenzo Pacheco, Myra Stein, Larry Straight, Barbara Shaw, Jean Soper, Sabrina Tafoya, Jack Varty, Jesse Villegas, William Wysocki And for those who have died: Esther Beltran, Elizabeth Murray
St. Justin School Christmas Program Tuesday, December 19th 6:30 p.m. Pre-K - 2nd Grade (Church) Wednesday, December 20th 6:30 p.m. 3rd Grade-8th Grade (Large Hall)
December 16 - 24 6:00 a.m. Simbang Gabi Novena Masses
4th Sunday of Advent Saturday, December 23rd
5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 24th
7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
CHRISTMAS
Sunday, December 24th Christmas Eve
4:00 p.m. Family Mass 6:00 p.m. Mass
10:30 p.m. Christmas Concert 11:00 p.m. Mass
Monday, December 25th Christmas Day
7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. 12:15 p.m.
Monday, January 1st Solemnity of Mary,
The Holy Mother of God 8:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
Mass Dedications for December 24th and December 25th
4:00 p.m. For All Parishioners 7:30 a.m. Lauren Haugh +
6:00 p.m. Manny Balce + 9:00 a.m. Hector Lopez + Lupe Lopez +
11:00 p.m. Mr. & Mrs. John Flexen + 10:30 a.m. Paul Kennelly + Perry Demorest +
Tadeusz & Yolanda Slowikowski
12:15 p.m. Louis Silveria Gomes +
Page 4 Third Sunday of Advent December 17, 2017
CATECHETICAL MINISTRY NEWS Call or email Laura Ortiz, (408)296-1193 ext. 100, [email protected] for registration information.
If you have any questions about our programs, contact Mary Kane at (408) 296-1193 ext. 104
Faith Formation is more than just religious education. It is a life long journey towards a
deeper relationship with Christ.
Ongoing Faith Formation Program Classes for Pre-K3 through 1st Grade: 9:00 -10:00am. 2nd Grade through 8th Grade: 10:15-11:30am
Sacramental Preparation Program A gentle reminder to all who have not completed their registration and paid their fees, please do so. Letter for First Eucharist Mass selection will be not be mailed until registration is complete.
High School Confirmation Program
Session: 12
“Who is the Holy Spirit?”
5:30-7:00 p.m.
Parish Ministry Center
Please bring a gift card for homeless teens. RCIA (adapted for children) Session at 9:30 a.m. in PMC Attend Mass, Dismissal to PMC after homily. Sunday, December 24th Attend Mass with Family, No Dismissal
GENERAL INFORMATION
(Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Our next meeting is Tuesday, December 19th at 7:00-8:30pm
in the PMC. Come with any questions that you may have about faith, religion, and the
Catholic Church. This program is for adults who are seeking baptism, or were baptized
Catholic but have not celebrated the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. This is a process marked by liturgical rites that are celebrated with the community. This process is centered on the Sunday readings and includes
attending Mass. For those who are spiritually prepared, they will
receive the Sacraments of Initiation, (Baptism,
Confirmation, and Eucharist) during the Easter Vigil.
Baptism of School-Age Children If your child is seven years or older and unbaptized, we provide the Rite of Christian Initiation adapted for children. Please email Mary Kane at [email protected] for more information.
Last Sunday, the Rite of Christian Initiation Adults, or RCIA sponsored the Community Outreach Dinner. We were directed by our fearless and capable leader, Louise Sumpter, and we served a hot meal of lasagna, Italian salad, garlic french bread, and ice cream to fifty of our seniors. This biweekly lunch for many is the only hot meal that some of our seniors may have for a week. Lunch was lovingly served by Bill Catambay, one of our RCIA candidates, and by Vivian and Bob Armenta. (No one can ever be hungry when Vivian is around!) Our Community Dinners are also a time to nourish relationships, socialize, and of course play bingo. Bingo was called out by St Justin graduate Johan Seisollahi who is now at Bellarmine. He was assisted by Michael Catambay who is in our Sacramental Preparation program. We thank the generosity of our parish and our Community Ministry for this opportunity to humbly serve others. - Mary Kane
Page 5 Third Sunday of Advent December 17, 2017
MINISTRY NEWS
Christmas Food & Gift Project – Help Needed This weekend, we will be distributing Christmas Food and Gifts to all the families requesting our assistance. We are still in need of 5 pound canned Hams and $10 Grocery Store Gift cards. They can be brought to the Parish Hall after all morning Masses. This is a great opportunity for Students who need Community Service Hours. We are distributing from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 17 and finishing up on Monday, December 18 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Please join us if you are available.
Outreach Dinner Thank you to our RCIA group who sponsored last week’s Outreach Dinner. Our next Outreach Dinner will be taking place on Sunday, January 7, It will begin at 1:30 p.m. in our Parish Small Hall. All Senior Citizen members of our Parish are invited, along with a guest, to this meal followed by BINGO
Financial Assistance for Parishioners St. Justin Community Ministry has set aside some funds to provide Parishioners with limited Financial Assistance when facing unexpected issues. If you find yourself in need, contact Joe Bauer at 408-296-1193 extension 109 or [email protected]
Food & Diaper Collection Most of you are aware of the Community Ministry Collection Barrels that are
located in our Church. During the month of December, we will continue to request canned Soup, Pork & Beans, Chili, Macaroni & Cheese and Tomato Sauce. We are also in need of Baby Food (Fruits and Vegetables) as well as Baby Diapers (Size 4 – 5). These are items that we do not receive often from the Second Harvest Food Bank. Please feel free to drop donations in the barrels in the Church, the barrel in the Foyer of the School or bring items to the Parish Office.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Needed For those of you who have back yard fruit trees with an over abundance of fruit and/or gardens with vegetables please consider donating what you can to Community Ministry. The fruit and vegetables are a welcome addition to the food that we distribute to those seeking assistance.
COMMUNITY MINISTRY TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Last week, we looked at a form of nativity scene called a presipio, characterized by framing the crèche of Jesus with a vast array of personalities and a rich geographical context. The tradition was carried to the New World, and finds very rich expression in Latin America today. While in Europe the presepio was reserved mostly to the homes of wealthy nobles and great churches, in Latin America it was claimed by the poor and expressed the skills of native artisans. In Mexico, you can still find clay figures in every village market. In a way, the native people took the religion of Spanish rule and baptized it with their Indian culture by surrounding the crib of Jesus with local geography and people. In Brazil, where Christmas falls in summer, the figure of the baby Jesus is wrapped in gold and gems, and set on a hillside surrounded by flowers and animals of all kinds. Sometimes there is a double presepio, presenting both Nativity and Crucifixion. In some places in Latin America, even non-religious people take care to have a presepio in the home, sometimes dedicating one whole room in the house or apartment to the scene. Some cities have markets where people from the countryside sell plants and figurines. In Cuzco, churches and families provide hot chocolate for the children of the poor who come down to help create the nativity scenes. In Paraguay, the baby Jesus grows—the small infant who arrives on Christmas Eve is replaced at New Year with a toddler Jesus who holds in one hand the globe and in the other a cross. Few Christmas traditions have the vitality and variety of presepios and crèches honoring the Nativity. —Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
"May God keep them all safe and put an end to these fires!" the archbishop said in a message sent via social media channels and posted on the archdiocesan news site, angelusnews.com. On Twitter, Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop Robert E. Barron said the fires in Ventura County, which is in his pastoral region, had alone forced 30,000 people to evacuate. "Join me in praying for all the evacuees, firefighters, officials, and everyone helping to subdue the flames," he tweeted. About 1,000 firefighters were working to contain the wind-driven flames. Called the Thomas Fire, it is the biggest of the wildfires being stoked by dry conditions and high winds. Among the evacuees in Ventura County were students
and faculty at Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula. In a message posted on its website and on Twitter, the Catholic college expressed "deep gratitude for the prayers of its many friends and for the heroic firefighters who battled all of Monday night (Dec. 4) to protect the Santa Paula campus." The college canceled classes for the rest of the week as roads had been closed and power was out in some communities. "The college is hopeful that it will reopen in time for final exams next week," the college said in a Dec. 5 statement. Students from California who had transportation were considering returning home for the time being; others planned to remain at the homes of local friends and faculty.
Page 6 Third Sunday of Advent December 17, 2017
Fundraising starts to aid victims of Southern CA fires
Catholic News Service 12/8/2017
LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- The Arch- diocese of Los Angeles has started a fund for victims of the wildfires that have raced through the archdiocese and were threatening to spread to locations in the nearby Orange and San Diego dioceses. "Friends, as the wildfires continue, the needs of our neighbors continue to increase," said Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles on the archdioce-san webpage that hosts the fundraising campaign, https://tinyurl.com/yaa4qlu2. "In this season of giving, let us open our heart to our brothers and sisters in need," he added. "Let us keep praying for an end to the fires and let us keep praying for the safety of our police, fire and emergency workers -- and all those who are in harm's way." In a Dec. 8 statement from Washington, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, asked prayers for all those in danger, "both those whose homes are in the fire's path and those courageous first responders and firefighters who are putting their lives at risk." The wildfires, which have stubbornly resisted most efforts to be reined in by firefighters, have hit Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties in the archdiocese. This is the second set of wildfires to have hit California this fall. Wildfires burned thousands of acres in the Sonoma and Napa areas in the northern part of the state in October, killing 31, scorching more than 128,000 acres and causing an estimated $3 billion-$6 billion in damage. The Southern California series of wildfires had passed the 150,000-acre mark within four days of their starting Dec. 4. As of the morning of Dec. 8 local time, no fatalities had been reported despite the density of population in the region. Four counties have already declared a state of emergency. Archbishop Gomez on Dec. 5 called for prayers for the well-being of families, firefighters and rescue workers "facing devastating fires and high winds" in the wildfires.
ADS
Henry & Shirley Goldenberg
December 18, 1965
Warner and Patricia Nash
December 15, 1957
Christmas Eve 4 p.m. Family Liturgy The Christmas Eve afternoon Mass has been a family-oriented celebration. Once again our traditional Nativity Gospel re-enactment will be taking place at 4 p.m. The roles of readers, Mary, Joseph and the Angel Gabriel have been assigned, however, if your child is interested in taking part as an angel, shepherd or banner carrier, you are welcome to come to rehearsal on Saturday, December 23rd at 10:00 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. in the church.
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February 9-11, 2018 San Jose, CA
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Due to the support that we received from many of you, we are able to assist almost 500 families with their Thanksgiving Dinner. In less than a month we hope to feed those same families and more. We also want to provide them with Christmas presents for their children and grandchildren.
The entire parish community is invited to help by providing the needed food items for these Christmas meals. The families requesting food are given a choice of a Ham or $10 Grocery Store Gift Card.
The menu is as follows: A Ham (5 pound canned) or
$10 Grocery Store Card
Pork Gravy, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce Yams, Corn, Green Beans, Fruit Cocktail Community Ministry will be purchasing fresh potatoes, carrots, apples, oranges, and onions to include in the Christmas parcels. Here is how you can help….. Food: Please help us to collect the needed food items by bringing them to Church or the Parish Ministry Center before Thursday, December 14. Gifts: We are once again allowing the parents and grandparents of the children receiving our gifts to pick out presents, so we need the gifts to be donated unwrapped. There is a Gift tag tree located in the
front entrance of the Church or you can pick up gift tags in the Parish Ministry Center during the week. We would appreciate presents begin dropped off by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 15. Wrapping Paper, bows, ribbon, gift tags and boxes are welcome. Packing the food and organizing the gift tables will take place beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 15. You are more than welcome to join the fun. A light dinner will be served. Distribution to families will take place:
Saturday, December 16 from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 17 from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Monday, December 18 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
and you are once again invited to take part. Most importantly, if you know any family who would benefit from our Christmas Meal and Gifts or if you need more information about our Christmas project, please contact Joe Bauer at 296-1193 or [email protected] Financial contributions to St. Justin Community Ministry are most welcome. God Bless you and your family during this season of giving.
Just a reminder to check all parish activities, go to our website at www.st-justin.org. Click on the CALENDAR link, and you will find where it is being held and the times.
CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS St. Justin Church #488800 2655 Homestead Road Santa Clara, CA 95051 TELEPHONE 408 296-1193 CONTACT PERSON Laura Ortiz EMAIL: [email protected] SOFTWARE MSPublisher 2007 Adobe Acrobat X Windows 10 TRANSMISSION TIME Tuesday 11:00 SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION December 17, 2017 NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 8 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
