We are a welcoming inter-generational community bonded together through our faith in Jesus Christ, striving to live by the Word, demonstrating our love to others through service and charity St. Philip the Apostle Church A refuge to renew your spirit and heal your brokenness

info@saintphilipparish org www.saintphilipparish.org December 25, 2016 The Nativity of the Lord

The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us PASTORAL STAFF LITURGIES DEVOTIONS

Rev. Stephen Howell, Sunday: 8:00 a.m. Rosary - Monday - Saturday 10:30 a.m. after 8:00 a.m. Saturday: Vigil 5:00 p.m. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. - Chapel Tuesday after 8:00 a.m. Mass Rev. Brendan McBride Holy Days: 8:00 a.m. In residence 9:00 a.m. Irish Pastoral Center 7:00 p.m. Confessions: 4:15 p.m. (Saturday)

725 Diamond Street, San Francisco, CA 94114 Phone 415-282-0141 Fax: 415-282-8962 The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas Day)

Isaiah 52:7-10; Hebrews 1:1-6;John 1:1-18

December 25, 2016

The Word of God comes to us through the Scriptures. May the Holy Spirit enlighten our minds and hearts to respond to the gospel teachings.

Reflecting on the Gospel and Living the Paschal Mystery Dear Parishioners and Guests, so that I can fully take on their humanity. I will empty myself to make room in myself for temptation, for mis- Before the beginning there was only God: a communion understanding and ridicule, yes, even for death itself. All of perfect love, a refulgence of “grace and truth,” a full- their human condition I willingly embrace so that my ness of Life. Father, Son, and their loving Spirit: this words, the words of the Word made flesh, may become communion of Persons spilled over in a triple self- the “glad tidings. . . announcing salvation”. giving. First, the world came into being. Then the Spirit impregnated a young maiden. Then the very Son of God My human heart burns with love, overflows with com- took on the flesh of humanity. Now heaven and earth are mitment to my mission, brims with eagerness to reveal reunited in the Mystery of perfect love. again and again to all of humanity the deep and abiding love of us, their God. I have come with only one clear To ponder and pray: Oh, how I love my Father! I was word to speak: be as self-giving as we are. As I empty present in “the beginning” when my Father spoke, and myself to become one with them, please help them let go things came to be. I was present in “the beginning” when so they can be purified by my words, by my self-giving, all things were good. Very good. But not for long. by my love-made-visible. Let me come into their hearts so that their darkness can be dispelled, so that our light I was present, too, when humankinds' first parents turned might shine forth through them. Let our holiness pulse from us, their Creator. I was present when they were ex- within them so that our glory can be visible in the self- pelled from Paradise and began lives of toil and dark- giving life they live. Let me draw them to myself so that ness, temptation and broken relationships, refused grace what you, my Father, have given to me as an eternal in- and compromised truth. I was present when we sent heritance may also belong to them. prophets to teach our divine way of living in “grace and truth,” when we sent prophets to draw our beloved peo- I willingly say yes to you, my Father. I willingly take on ple back to the covenant we made with them, when we flesh and make my dwelling among our beloved people. showed them a path out of darkness into the radiant light I do this out of the same love we three Persons share, a of our Life. I was there when they rejected our messages love so bursting with Life that nothing can diminish it. A of “grace and truth,” when they killed our prophets. Yet love I now know in a new way: a mother’s love. A love we never failed to meet our beloved people’s infidelity so Self-giving that a new Mystery of Life is born. with fidelity, their callousness with tenderness, their an- ger and hatred with mercy and forgiveness. But they wouldn’t, couldn’t, didn’t learn. We had to find a new P R way so “all the ends of the earth will behold the salva- tion” we desire for our beloved people. L uminous God, Ah, my loving Father has a new plan. This time they You took on our flesh in the Word, Jesus Christ, so that will hear. They will learn. we might know your nearness in concrete ways. Help us They will change. This live in ways that testify to the power of your light so that time my Father sends me, others can see your face today and come to believe that the very Word of God. no darkness can overcome it. Yes, Father, I will go. Yes, Amen Father, I will empty myself

Our parish will soon offer Online Giving, a web-based electronic contribution application. We are providing this convenient service so that you have the option to manage your contributions online or with your offering envelopes. This service is safe and secure and has been vetted by our Archdiocese. Of course the regular offer- tory envelopes will still be available for those wishing to use them. Stay tuned for actual launch date in Janu- ary, 2017! Remember in your Prayers… MASSES FOR THE WEEK December 25, 2016 Let us remember the sick, homebound and elderly of our Parish that they may find comfort and healing in Christ. 12/24 Saturday 5:00 p.m. Intention of the Celebrant Isabel Juarez Mow, Kain Chiu Mary Crowley 8:30 p.m. For the People of the Parish Patricia Crowley Mary Dekle David Dickey 12/25 Sunday 8:00 a.m. Intention of the Celebrant Laura Garcia Douglas Martin Dolores Martin Agnes Piva Bill Matthews Mary Leung 10:30 a.m. Intention of the Celebrant John Bamber Leo Juarez Gina Wood Fred Jungmann Tom Welch 12/26 Monday Saint Stephen, The Protomartyr

8:00 a.m. † Arthur McGuigan Those Who Have Entered Their Eternal Rest. (by: Helen McGuigan) May the Perpetual Light Shine upon them.

12/27 Tuesday Saint John the Apostle & Evangelist For those preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage 8:00 a.m. † Patrick & Grace Maughan (by: Maughan Family Trust)

12/28 Wednesday Holy Innocents, Martyrs Tuesday’s Choir Practice 8:00 a.m. For the People of the Parish Adults Tuesdays, 7:30PM in the Church Children’s Choir - Tuesdays 4PM in the 12/29 Thursday Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop & Martyr Parish Hall 8:00 a.m. † Peadar & Annie Coughlan (by: The McCarthy Family) 12/24 Christmas Eve Carols before Mass, 8:00 p.m., Church 12/30 Friday The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph 12/24 Christmas Eve Mass 8:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. In Thanksgiving (by: Cagalingan Family) 01/02/17 Parish Office closed in Observance of New Year’s Day 12/31 Saturday Saint Sylvester I, 8:00 a.m. † Pauline O’Sullivan 01/04 Boy Scouts Den #10 Meeting, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., (Willie Tobin) Parish Hall #3 5:00 p.m. † Tony LaTorre, Sr. 01/06 Friday 7th Grade Epiphany Mass, 8:45 a.m.

01/01 Sunday Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God 01/08 School Second Collection 8:00 a.m. † Thomas Hooker 01/08 Mass of the Epiphany Family Mass, 7th Grade 10:30 a.m. For the People of the Parish hosting & hospitality follows the 10:30 a.m. Mass We receive God’s gifts gratefully by giving thanks to God and we express that thanks through prayer and worship.

We are sincerely grateful for your supporting Saint Philip and its ministries

December 18, 2016 $1,939.00 The Annual Walk for Life P D R West Coast, which draws 50,000 participants each year, takes place on January 21, W: Friday through Sunday, January 27-29 2017. begins the day W: St. Patrick’s Seminary, 320 Middlefield with a special Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 9:30 am. Road, Menlo Park The Walk for Life Rally begins at 10:45 am at the start- St. Patrick’s Seminary is hosting its annual discernment ing point of the Walk, at Civic Center Plaza. There the retreat for men who are interested in exploring the voca- archbishop will announce the recipient of this years Saint tion to the priesthood. The retreat includes time to meet Gianna Molla Award for Prolife Heroism. The walk from men already studying to be priests, listen to the experi- Civic Center Plaza to Justin Herman Plaza at the foot of ence of this call to the priesthood, and see what life is Market Street begins at 1:30 p.m. like at the seminary. Fellow parishioner Daniel Roddick is hoping to get a St. The retreat is open to young men over 18 years of age, Philip's group to walk, as other parishes do. Please con- and is free. For more information or to register, please tact him at [email protected] if you're interest- contact the Directory of Vocations, Fr. David Schunk at ed in meeting there and walking as a group. Either way 415-614-5684 or email [email protected] we hope you will attend. See the Walk For Life website for details, speakers, and event schedule. www.walkforlifewc.com

Christmas Message from Archbishop Cordileone

Brothers and Sisters, The fourth Advent candle has been lit. The Birth of Our Lord is almost upon us. My best wishes to all in the archdiocese for a happy and holy Christmas. I thank God for the gatherings of families, reconnections of friendships, generosity to the less fortunate, and actions filled with love in this holy season. Persis in loving your families, loving your neighbor, and loving your Church! This Christmas be sure to spend a few minutes kneeling in silent prayer before the crèche in our par- ish church, in thanksgiving. May God bless your celebrations and grant us all a joyous and peaceful new year.

Most Reverend Salvatore J. Cordileone Archbishop of San Francisco Christmas 2016

Christmas Telecasts from the Vatican

Saturday, December 24, 12:30 p.m. Midnight Mass, EWTN Channel 229 Sunday, December 25, 3:00 a.m. Urbi et Orbi Blessing, EWTN Channel 229 .com ctv.va/content/ctv/it/worldtelecast

Worldwide telecasts of Christmas events in with have been announced. Saturday, December 24, Christmas Eve: a two-hour broadcast of his Christmas Mass at night, from St. Peter’s Basilica. Sunday, December 25, Christmas Day: a thirty-minute broadcast of the pope’s Christmas Message and his “Urbi et Orbi” message of blessing (“To the City and the World”).

Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), cable Channel 229 in the Bay Area, will broadcast these events live. The Christmas Eve Mass on December 24 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time; the Christmas Day message on December 25 from 3:00 to 3:30 a.m. Pacific Standard Time.

Update on Archbishop John R. Quinn: As we advised previously Archbishop Emeritus John R. Quinn became quite ill while in Rome last month and remains in the hospital in Rome with complication from his emer- gency surgery. His excellent medical team is actively engaged in his care, and he has a priest from California with him daily along with other personal support. Your prayers for his recovery and comfort have been wel- comed. He continues to express his gratitude for your ongoing support. Please keep him in your prayers. The archbishop emeritus, 87, was Archbishop of S.F. from 1977-1995. Asking for the Grace We Desire tures of peace and love and reconcil- iation, where they are needed today. Sometimes we come up to Christmas eve  Help me chew the message of your and Christmas day, as well as the days coming today: into poverty, to enter my own experience, to be truly with after, with little or no time for formal me. prayer at all. Every moment, it seems, is  Prepare my heart today, O Lord, that filled with some preparation, some tradi- I may be open to the graces you of- tion, having people over to our house or fer, particularly in the struggles, the going to others' homes. Even those of us dryness, the sadness and the conflict. who are home bound or those of us who  Only you know how serious this might be alone these days sometimes illness is, my Lord. With the grace have difficulty “getting to” the heart of of your coming this Christmas, pre- the Gift offered us these days. pare my soul to begin to surrender to you, that I might live in this world more and more with my heart set on This year, let's ask for the grace or grac- the banquet you have prepared for es we desire. We may have many de- me, when you come to bring me sires swirling around inside, or we may home to you for ever. feel so fragmented that we don't know  Lord, I so want to be a source of what we desire. Following are words light and peace for my family and you may consider that might help with friends. Keep me centered on the words to name your own desires. mercy and peace you offer me, that I may love them with great joy and  Lord, let me experience your com- tenderness. ing into my heart today.  Lord, you know my heart, with all  Lord, I want to embrace the gift of its mystery and complexity. Please peace you are offering me. let me know my desires, let me  Please, Lord, slow me down. know what I need, let me humbly ask you for your graces these pre-  Forgive me my impatience, my judgements, my jealousies, my cious days ahead. greed and any way I make strained relationships even worse.  Help me be sensitive to the needs, struggles, pain of others today.  Give me the courage to offer ges-

Y I E P D

The Archdiocesan office of Formation for the Permanent Diaconate is sponsoring an infor- mational Evening 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 any of the following meetings: Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Daly City; Thursday, January 12, 2017 at St. Anselm Church in San Anselmo; and Monday, January 17, 2017 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco. All meetings are from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. CELEBRATING OUR SAINTS Archdiocesan Television Show Features Catholic Historian Kevin Starr December 26—Saint Stephen

As the number of disciples continued to grow, the Greek- Sunday, January 1, 2017, 5:00-5:30 a.m. KPIX television Channel 5, CBS Bay Area speaking Christians complained about the Hebrew-speaking Christians, saying that their widows were being neglected in The special guest on the January edition of the monthly archdi- the daily distribution. So the Twelve called together the com- ocesan television program MOSAIC is San Francisco native munity of the disciples and said, “It is not right for us to neglect Kevin Starr, a prize-winning historian and a University Profes- the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among sor of History at USC. He will discuss his new book Continen- you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, tal Ambitions: Roman Catholics in North America: The Colo- whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote nial Experience (from Ignatius Press). ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” The pro- posal was acceptable to the whole community, so they chose The book tells the stories of three Roman Catholic civiliza- Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit… (Acts 6:1 tions—Spanish, French, and Recusant English—as they ex- -5). plored, evangelized, and settled the North American continent. This first volume in a projected series ends just as the Ameri- Acts says that Stephen was a man filled with grace and power, can Revolution is about to begin. The book has been called who worked great wonders among the people. Certain Jews, “notable for its honesty and its synoptic success in comparing members of the Synagogue of Roman Freedmen, debated with and contrasting three disparate civilizations, albeit each of them Stephen but proved no match for the wisdom and spirit with Catholic, with three similar and differing approaches to expan- which he spoke. They persuaded others to make the charge of sion in the New World.” The new show airs on KPIX Channel blasphemy against him. He was seized and carried before the 5 at 5:00-5:30 am on Sunday, January 1. It will later be posted Sanhedrin. for viewing anytime on the KPIX YouTube and on archdioce- In his speech, Stephen recalled God’s guidance through Israel’s san social media. history, as well as Israel’s idolatry and disobedience. He then claimed that his persecutors were showing this same spirit. THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

“[Y]ou always oppose the holy Spirit; you are just like your Are you interested in have your son/daughter baptized at ancestors” (Acts 7:51b). Saint Philip? His speech brought anger from the crowd. “But [Stephen], filled with the holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw Please call the parish office at 415-282-0141 to reserve the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, your spot for any upcoming Tuesday evening preparation and he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of session. Man standing at the right hand of God….’ They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him…. As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit…. Lord, Are you planning a spring or summer wedding? do not hold this sin against them’” (Acts 7:55-56, 58a, 59, 60b). If so, now is the time to contact the church’s rectory office and discuss you December 29, Saint Thomas Becket—(1118-1170) plans with our pastor and reserve the A strong man who wavered for a moment, but then learned one church. cannot come to terms with evil and so became a strong church- man, a martyr and a saint—that was Thomas Becket, archbish- Keep in mind Archdiocese guidelines op of Canterbury, murdered in his cathedral on December 29, require couples contact the parish office 1170. at least six months prior to the wedding His career had been a stormy one. While archdeacon of Canter- date to begin the pre-Cana preparation. bury, he was made chancellor of England at the age of 36 by his friend King Henry II. When Henry felt it advantageous to Feel free to call our parish office to schedule your initial meet- make his chancellor the archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas ing at 415-282-0141 gave him fair warning: he might not accept all of Henry’s intru- sions into Church affairs. Nevertheless, he was made archbish- O R D op (1162), resigned his chancellorship and reformed his whole S C way of life!

Troubles began. Henry insisted upon usurping Church rights. Under its Ministry tab for “Marriage and Family” the At one time, supposing some conciliatory action possible, archdiocesan website has many resources and much in- Thomas came close to compromise. He momentarily approved formation. Now it includes a new page title “Divorced the Constitutions of Clarendon, which would have denied the Catholics,” with information about local support groups clergy the right of trial by a Church court and prevented them and links to many other resources. from making direct appeal to Rome. But Thomas rejected the Constitutions, fled to France for safety and remained in exile If you know of additional support groups or resources for seven years. When he returned to England, he suspected it that might be included, please contact Ed Hopfner at would mean certain death. Because Thomas refused to remit censures he had placed upon bishops favored by the king, Hen- 415-614-5547 or by email at: HopfnerEsfarchdiocese.org ry cried out in a rage, “Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest!” Four knights, taking his words as his wish, slew Thom- The new web page is sfarch.org/divorce as in the Canterbury cathedral. Thomas Becket remains a hero- saint down to our own times. Irish Immigration Pastoral Center Seeks Volunteers Looking to make a difference? Become a volunteer with the PARISH RESOURCES Irish Immigration Pastoral Center (IIPC) in San Francisco. Through its range of programs and services, the IIPC is often PARISH OFFICE the first port of call for advice for those who have just arrived Rio Stefanus, Financial/Business Manager from Ireland, as well as those who have been here for years but Email: [email protected] are seeking help in times of stress or difficulty. Being an IIPC Carol Cagalingan, Parish Administrative Assistant volunteer is a rewarding experience. In particular, people are Email: [email protected] needed during business hours to help with office support on a Sandy Kearney, Parish Pastoral/School Administrative regular or semi-regular basis. Please call or e-mail the office, 415-752-6006 or [email protected] Assistant Email: [email protected]

PARISH REGISTRATION MUSIC MINISTRY Our parish is blessed and enriched by the presence of new pa- Carlton White, Music Director rishioners. DEVOTIONS We welcome all new families and individuals. If you are inter- ested in joining the Saint Philip’s parish community, feel free Rosary - Monday - Saturday • After 8:00 a.m. Mass to call our office at 415-282-0141 for a registration form, or go Our Lady of Perpetual Help • Tuesday after 8:00 a.m. Mass online at www.saintphilipparish.org

Our hope is that you will find our parish a supportive and heal- SCHOOL GRADES K-8 ing place, a nurturing spiritual environment and a place to cele- 665 Elizabeth Street, San Francisco, CA 94114 brate the sacraments as you and your families grow in your Phone: (415) - 824-8467 •Fax: (415) 282-0121 journey of faith. Tony LesCallett, Principal www.saintphilipschool.org Who is an Active Parishioner? Email: [email protected]

 Regular attendance at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of PRE-SCHOOL AND CHILDCARE Obligation. (415) 282-0143 www.saintphilippreschool.org  Registered in the Parish, receiving and using weekly enve- Ms. Rachel Williams, Director lopes, supporting the Parish according to the best of one’s Email: [email protected] ability.

 Volunteers and participates in Parish activities with time, PARISH OUTREACH talent, and resources as means permit. Baptismal Classes First Tuesday 7:00 p.m.  Trying to live the Catholic Faith as best they can with God’s help and the support of family and friends at home (Rectory) and in the Parish. Belfry Society Adult Choir Tuesday 7:00 p.m. (Church) Year end Tax Contributions Children Choir Tuesday 4:00 p.m. (Hall 1) First Communion Instruction This is the time of year when you may be reflecting on catching up on your Confirmation Instruction charitable contributions for the 2016 Liturgy Committee tax year. Men's Club Parish Council If you plan to add Saint Philip to your list, please make sure Parent Teacher Association (PTA) your donation is dated by December 31, 2016 in order to RCIA (Adult Faith Instruction) Sunday 9:15 (Resource Center) receive credit for 2016. As always, year-end tax contribution letters are available to you by request.. Rosary Makers Second & Third Thursday, 11:30a.m., (Hall 3) 2017 Mass Requests School Board St. Vincent de Paul Jr. Those who wish to have Masses offered Young at Heart (Senior Club) Second & Third Thursday, during 2017 for your friends and family 11:30 a.m., (Hall 3) members our 2017 Mass Intention Book is now open for reservations. Offering a Mass for a dearly departed one COMMUNITY OUTREACH or special intention for a friend is a wonderful gift to present. Please contact the rectory at (415) 282-0141 As a service to the community, we sponsor the following: Masses can bring comfort for those physically or emotional ill Monday A.A. Meeting (Men's) 7:00 p.m. Hall 3 in need of healing and prayers. Masses are also a thoughtful gift to celebrate a birthday or special milestone. Tuesday A.A. Kitchen 6:00 p.m. Hall 3 Drop by the rectory office between the hours of 9-5 on week- Wednesday Alanon 7:30 p.m. Hall 1 days and we will be happy to assist with your request. Saturday A.A. Meeting (Mixed) 8:30 p.m. Hall Small Frys We’re on the spot for you! Duggan’s Funeral Service Clothing, Toys & More! 4066 24th Street San Francisco, CA 94114 The Duggan Welch Family (415) 648-3954 Same family ownership since our founding in 1918 www.smallfrys.com JIM LAUFENBERG Bill, Betty, Steve and Kristen Welch - parishioners 415.269.4997 Largest Funeral Parking in the Mission [email protected] 3434 17th Street Over 20 years experience combining financial knowledge with creativity, enthusiasm and a true love between Guerrero and Valencia of San Francisco and the Bay Area. California Funeral Establishment licenses FD 44 California Funeral Directors licenses FDR 394, 395 and 2055 415-431-4900 SPACE AVAILABLE To Advertise Here... Contact JJ SANTO DOMINGO Call Today! Toll Free 1.877.801.8608 today at (800) 675-5051 “Your Real [email protected] Estate Partner”

Come Sail Away on a 7-night Catholic Exotic Cruise terry lynn marks starting as low as $1045 per couple. Daily Mass and Rosary offered. Deposit of only $350 per person Realtor BRE 01934219 will reserve your cabin. an Official 415.254.8700 Travel Agency of Space is limited. Thanks and God Bless, Apostleship of 4040 24th Street Brian or Sally, coordinators 860.399.1785 the Sea-USA [email protected] CST 2117990-70 www.TerryLynnMarks.com If You Live Alone You Need LIFEWatch! Saint Margaret 24 Hour Protection at HOME and AWAY! Sunday Missal ✔ Ambulance Solutions as Low as ✔Police $1a Day! An ideal companion ✔Fire FREE Shipping • FREE Activation for personal prayer. ✔Friends/Family NO Long Term Contracts SPECIAL OFFER: FREE LIFEWatch In Stock & Ready to Order Today. Peggy O’Dowd 350 Sansome Street, Suite 300 Shoppers Tote with your order CALL OR ORDER ONLINE. $39.95 San Francisco, CA 94104-1307 CALL 415.442.5030 • fax 415.442.5070 NOW! 800.393.9954 Email: [email protected] Certified Specialist, Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization 800-566-6150 • www.wlpmusic.com The Most Complete Online National Directory of Check It Out Today! Catholic Parishes

RIORDAN SYKES McFADDEN, P.C. 500 Westlake Avenue • Daly City ESTATE PLANNING (415) 587-4500 FD1098 Kerry Riordan Sykes Call for a Free Brochure on Pre-Planning Traditional and Cremation Services Maureen S. McFadden Unlimited Parking www.duggansserra.com Certified Specialists in Estate Planning, Se Habla Español Trust & Probate Law by the State Bar Board of Legal Specialization 377 West Portal Ave., San Francisco (415) 661-9050 519116 St Philip Church www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-231-0805