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St. Parish May 3, 2015 Fifth Sunday of Easter

esus said to his disciples: “I am the true J vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own un- less it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do noth- ing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; peo- ple will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.” 1John 3:18 - 24

Our Mission Statement We are a Catholic Community that is called by God to follow . We believe that we are called to worship God together, to lead God's people along the path of hope laid down by Jesus, to share his mes- sage through preaching, through the education and formation of our people, young and old, and through car- ing service and sensitive outreach to those in need Rev. Paul F. Warren - Pastor

Weekday : 8:00 a.m. Reconciliation: Saturday 3:30 p.m. or by appt. Vigil Mass: (Saturday) 4:30 p.m. | Sunday Mass: 8:00, 9:30, 11:30 a.m. & 6:45 p.m.

SaintStephenSF.org | 451 Eucalyptus Dr., San Francisco CA 94132 | Church 681-2444 Fax 681-7843 School 664-8331 Our Liturgical Week St Stephen Events Calendar

Monday, May 4 Monday 8:00 a.m. Fr. Strange:†Enes Grego 3:00 p.m. Musical Practice/Hall Tuesday, May 5 3:30 p.m. Faith Formation/Parish Office 8:00 a.m. Fr. Warren:†Raymond Moore 7:00 p.m. Meeting/Parish Office Wednesday May 6 7:00 p.m. Men’s Club/Hall 8:00 a.m. Fr. Warren:†Ray Aguirre Tuesday Thursday, May 7 6:00 p.m. Women’s Guild/Off Site 8:00 a.m. Fr Strange:†Consolacion O. Narvaez Wednesday Friday, May 8 11:30 a.m. School Lunch/Hall 8:00 a.m. Strange:†Leonardo Rocamora 3:00 p.m. Musical Practice/Hall

Saturday, May 9 7:00 p.m. On Eagle’s Wings/EC

8:00 a.m. Fr. Strange:†Beverly D’Angelo Thursday 3:30 p.m. Fr. Strange: Reconciliation 3:00 p.m. Musical Practice/Hall 4:30 p.m. Fr. Strange:†Denis O’Connor 3:00 p.m. Jr Choir Practice/Church

6:30 p.m. Youth Group/Parish Office Sunday, May 10 8:00 a.m. Fr. Warren :†Paddy Langan Friday

7:00 p.m. GA Meeting/Parish Office & EC 9:30 a.m. Fr. Warren:†Malvina K. Farrell 11:30 a.m. Fr. Grosskop:†Nancy McGarvey Saturday 6:45 p.m. Fr. Strange:McDonaugh Family Sp. Int. 9:00 a.m. Book Club/Marian Room

Sunday Bold Indicates Mass Intentions 5:00 p.m. Youth Group/Gym 7:00 p.m. Adult Volleyball/Gym Fifth Sunday of Easter May 3, 2015 (contact our office for more information) Let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES — 1 John 3:18 Sunday: Fifth Sunday of Easter Tuesday: Cinco de Mayo TODAY’S READINGS Thursday: National Day of Prayer First Reading — reported to the how Saul had seen the Lord on the way (:26- 31). GRACE IS EVERYWHERE Psalm — I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of Grace is everywhere. People of faith act on this belief. As your people (Psalm 22). Christians we are called to reach deeply into ourselves and find God’s presence there. We are called to reach out- Second Reading — This is God’s commandment: side ourselves and find God there, too... that we may believe and love (1 John 3:18-24). Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co. — I am the true vine; whoever remains in me will bear much fruit (John 15:1-8). The English translation of the Psalm Responses from the Lectionary for Mass Please pray for the sick and © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy homebound of our community Corporation. All rights reserved. and for all those written in our book of the sick. May they know the healing touch

Special Collection of Jesus. Next Weekend Larry Barbiere, Eden Finn, Paz Diaz Dierks, A second collection will Carol Dominguez, Al Gragnani, Helen Hart, be taken at all masses next weekend, May 9 and 10 Emma Hock, Honora Lowe, Maria Matthews, for: Albert Chris Magie, Juan Pablo Grover-Paez, Dorothy Medlin, Patricia Sullivan and New Building Loan Payment Robert Xavier.

Dear Parishioners of St. Stephen;

Happy Easter! Yep, it's still the Easter Season. It's like the continuing reverber- ations of a huge bell rung three weeks ago and is still echoing through our pray- ers and celebrations. He is Risen and among us. Our challenge is to identify his presence, to name the experience, and to believe.

I recognized the Risen Lord in the breaking of the bread last Saturday. The Ris- en Christ was easily evident as we celebrated First Communion. 51 young sec- ond-graders received Jesus in the Eucharist for the very first time. A packed church of proud parents, aunts and uncles, grandmothers and grandfathers....all so lovingly focused on their beloved children. The Risen Christ was there, in the parents' love for their children. Of course, Christ was present in the consecrated bread and wine. But also and clearly evident in the depths of a love that only a parent can know. Con- gratulations to all our children, both of our school and of our parish Faith Formation program. Congratulations to the children. Special congratulations and thanks to their families as well. Kudos to the teachers and the leaders of the programs, especially, Mrs. Joy Marriott-B and Mrs. Veronica Wong.

On the very different note: congratulations and kudos to our former Pastor, Bishop John Wester, who has been appointed the 12th Archbishop of Santa Fe, New Mexico. He will be leaving his post as bishop of Salt Lake City, a position he has held for the past 8 years, and be installed in his new Archdiocese on June 4. Bishop Wester has been chair of the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) committee on communications as well as a member of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People.

Again, on a different note: a week ago Wednesday, April 22, was the 45th Anniversary of Earth Day. Our Holy Father, Francis, cares deeply about care for the earth. In fact, many are awaiting one of the most important documents forthcoming from his papacy (perhaps in June). It will address needed attention to ecology including climate change. On this past anni- versary of Earth Day the Pope wrote: "I urge you all to see the world with eyes of God the cre- ator. The earth is our environment to protect and the garden to tend to. Man's relationship with nature should not be guided by greed. We must not manipulate or exploit it but treasure the divine harmony between creatures and the creation with respect and care and keep it for our brothers (and sisters) for future generations."

In this regard as well as in many others, the Pope is truly imitating his namesake, .

Wishing you and your family God’s continued blessings, I am sincerely yours in Christ,

Your pastor

Father Paul F. Warren

* * * * * * * * A simple and convenient way to give Consider signing up for electronic giving. St. Stephen relies on the financial support of the congregation and electronic giving offers an easy way to give on a recurring basis. To give electronically, visit saintstephenSF.org. and lo- cate the link to the electronic giving page. Thank you!

SCHOOL BOARD UPDATE

In past bulletins we have invited nominations for our St. Stephen School Board as we are in need of filling two vacant seats. Since only two names surfaced in nominations, there is no need for an election as out- lined in our school board by-laws. Both of these nominations were accepted by our Pastor, Fr. Paul. Matt Stecher, parent of a 3rd grader, a 2nd grad- er, and two kindergarteners will be filling the perma- nent spot he has held since being named an interim member last year. Deepak Patankar, parent of a 5th grader and a 7th grader, will also be joining the Board. These gentlemen have a variety of skills and experience that will help the School Board in the future. Welcome!

Catholic Divorce Ministry

Here at St. Stephen’s Church, and in the Archdio- cese of San Francisco, we have a special ministry for those men and women who have experienced the HOSPITALITY MINISTERS pain of separation and divorce. We believe that the for our 9:30 a.m. Mass Church has a rich treasury of people, Holy Scripture, Today - Women’s Guild tradition, and pastoral ministry on which it can draw Sunday, May 10 - Faith Formation to serve its members whose marriages end in di- Sunday, May 17 - Parish Council vorce. We strive to lay open this wealth and make known Christ’s abundant healing love so that all A WEEKEND OF DISCOVERY. . . who suffer from separation and divorce might expe- A LIFETIME OF LOVE. rience healing, reconciliation, and new life. We also

Like in the gospel today, sometimes our minds need recognize that separated and divorced people, to be opened to know what God has done for us and through their vulnerability, suffering, courage, faith- what He wants for us in our marriage. Deepen your fulness, and patient endurance bear witness to Christ communication, strengthen your relationship, rekin- and his redeeming grace in the world. They are not dle your romance and renew your sacrament by at- mere recipients of the Church’s compassion; they are tending the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter as well, ministers of that compassion. weekend For more information, go to We have a support group that meets twice a month here at St. Stephen’s. Please call me, Father Al www.sanfranciscowwme.org Grosskopf, S.J., 415 422-6698. or call Paul & Yvonne at 650.366.7093. BEARING FRUIT TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

“Children, let us love not in word or speech but in Over time, the crisis of last illness and the way the deed and truth.” John’s words come to us on this day faithful met death changed. In earliest times, a sick- when the Gospel passage presents us with the great bed vigil was an occasion for the community to image of the vine and the branches. Jesus uses the gather and strengthen the dying person with assur- image as a warning to those who have begun to dis- ances of love. A thousand years ago, in part because tance themselves from the way of the Lord. One of of massive upheavals in society, a new emphasis on the ways this happens is when we love God and oth- individual repentance captured the imagination of ers “in word or speech” instead of “in deed and millions. Death was to be feared, because it was truth.” What does it mean for us to “remain in about judgment. The delights of heaven’s banquet Christ”? In an extension of the metaphor, the Lord dimmed, since most people saw God’s just judgment gives us an example. If we remain in him, we will and inevitable punishment intervening. If a commu- bear much fruit. As the branches, we draw strength nity gathered at all, it was not to express faith in the from Christ who is the vine. This strength enables us Resurrection, but to seek forgiveness for those who to bear fruit—to do the work of true discipleship. were powerless to help themselves. The dead could- n’t improve their situation, but their loved ones, by Should You Get Sick expressing sorrow for sin, could. Better yet, the cler- Should you or a family member become seriously gy could, if they intervened in a timely fashion, pro- ill, please let us know. We will be happy to pray for vide the absolution needed for everyone to relax. you - either privately during Mass or publicly in the Ministry to the sick shifted away from a ministry of Prayers of the Faithful. Should the sick person wish consolation toward a challenge to repent before it to see a priest or Eucharistic minister, we will be was too late. happy to go and offer the Sacrament of the Sick. As the sense grew that most people died with their The reception of this sacrament is an encounter with work of repentance incomplete, the color black was Christ the physician and healer. Please do not be reintroduced to funerals. It was the old pagan way of shy about requesting this sacramental experience. expressing despair. No wonder they call this time in history the “Dark Ages.” Many layers have had to be Bulletin Announcements peeled away to reveal the deepest, most positive ex- Send your St. Stephen bulletin announcements via pressions of our tradition of care for the dying. e-mail to our new address: [email protected]. —Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Share news of your anniversary, committee activity, fund raisers, etc.

St. Stephen Altar Servers Our special “thanks” to our student Altar Servers who faithfully continue to volunteer their time and talent to our parish. Our Altar Servers for April 20 thru 26 were:

— Weekday Masses —

William Newhoff, Mikel Villamayorn, Zachary Ferdon, Frankie Ryan, Mericel Tao, Micherice Tao, Caroline Wong, Lauren Schneider, Claire Patankar and William Newhoff.

— Weekend Masses —

Isabella Ritchie, Claire Curry, Chiara Franco, Giovanna Franco, Esmeralda Ramirez, Gino Andrini, Antonio Maffei, Aaron Chen, Grace Scheg, Erin Scheg, Davey, Lauren Schneider, Dagny Wallace, Christopher Bautista, Antonio Anastasio and Shea McGrillen.

Thank You!

We Tee-off Friday - May 15th! Catholic Charities Sunday, May 16-17 MEN’S CLUB 20th ANNUAL How will you love your neighbor? “COUGAR CLASSIC” GOLF TOURNAMENT & DINNER We are called to love one another. Supporting Cath-

Friday, May 15th at TPC Harding Park olic Charities is a concrete way to put your faith into Golf Course is the date and time for action as we reach out to our neighbors in need with the Twentieth Annual St. Stephen Men’s Club compassion and respect for human life and dignity. “Cougar Classic.” Golf Tournament. Catholic Charities serves more than 35,000 children, There will be a 12:00 Noon Shotgun Start with din- families, and individuals who need your help to ner and cocktails to follow. Round up your four- move toward self-sufficiency. We are on the front- somes and plan to be there. Entry forms are available lines of service to our poor and vulnerable neighbors at the school and parish office. who are homeless, aged, troubled, or seeking refuge. Tournament Chairs We also provide a positive outlet for more than John Bankovitch phone 415 850-5560 23,000 children and youth and believe in welcoming all, without judgment. Rich Rovetti, phone 415 297-3112 We can’t do this work without you. You can help by for Life (OLG4Life) is looking for our envelopes during the second collec- hosting an upcoming conference at tion, or simply place your donation directly in the Sacred Heart Saratoga. second collection basket at your parish on May 16 – 17. Don’t forget to join the social media conversa- OLG4Life Conference: tion and tell us how much you love your neighbor! Do You Want to be Healed? #CatholicCharitiesSunday Thank you for your sup- May 9 @ 9:30 am - 2:30 pm port! (Registration at 8:30am) Sacred Heart Parish -- 13716 Saratoga Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070 STRUCK BY GOD: HOLY SPIRIT

Father Barry, SS. CC. will be guest speaker. An important reality today is our hunger to be ac- Irish born Fr. Mike now resides in Southern Califor- cepted, to be appreciated. What if God said yes to nia. He is active in retreat work, teaching on healing, that? – ” I love you, I accept you, I deeply appreciate and charismatic spirituality and has a special gift for you.” inner healing the person. Early registration cost $20/ In this program, Fr. Mike traces God’s acceptance of adult and $10/youth. No mail registration accept us through the writings of St. Paul and the workings after 5/2. Walk-in registration will be at $25/adult of the Holy Spirit. He speaks of us as temples of the and $15/youth. To register: call Monica at 408-710- Holy Spirit. What is our hospitality of that gift? Do 5825 or email to [email protected]. we acknowledge it or ignore it?

Fr. Mike speaks of all the gifts of the Holy Spirit that Visiting Incarcerated youth we enjoy, both in ourselves and in others. What hap- in San Francisco pens if we can’t pray or even don’t want to pray? St. Juvenile Justice Center Paul says that the Holy Spirit pleads for us to the Fa-

Training for New Volunteers ther and the Son. He is our Advocate. Fr. Mike ex- Saturday, May 23 & May 30, 2015 plains what he thinks Paul means when he speaks of 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. spirit, soul, and body. At the end, there are questions for discussion. St. Brendan Parish Hall 29 Rockaway Avenue, SF, CA 94127 Don’t miss Struck By God: Holy Spirit on 1) TBN Wednesday, April 29 at 8:30 a.m. PT. Must call to schedule an interview; 2) The Church Channel (TCC) Tuesday, April 28 at 415 244-5594 8:30 a.m. PT. 3) and Friday, May 1 at (6:30a.m.PT),and later 24/7 on our website www.wordnet.tv. AD PAGE

ST STEPHEN PARISH 2014-2015 PASTORAL STAFF

Rev. Paul F. Warren ORGANIZATION/MINISTRY CONTACT PERSON

Pastor • Altar Servers Giovanna Hrvatin

Rev. J. Michael Strange • Altar Society Helen Perlite S.S. • Bridge Group Helen Perlite Retired - In Residence • Caritas Nellie Hizon

Rev. Mr. Gary West • Church Hospitality Veronica Wong Rev. Mr. Rory Desmond • Communion Ministers Janelle O’Malley Permanent • Faith Formation Veronica Wong

• Fifty Plus Club Helga D’Arcy Veronica Wong • Faith Formation Coordina- Finance Council Laura Birsinger • tor Grief Support Clergy • Lectors Janelle O’Malley Janelle O’Malley • Liturgy Committee Janelle O’Malley Coordinator of Liturgy & • Music Marriage Preparation Clergy • Men’s Club Bill Chiang Mrs. Sharon McCarthy Al- • Music Janelle O’Malley len • Parish Council Margie Curran School Principal • RCIA Veronica Wong

Jim Cook • St. Stephen Book Club Veronica Wong Parish Manager • St. Vincent de Paul Julie O’Callaghan • Shay Ingelfinger Ushers Bob Anthony Event Center Coordinator • Women’s Guild Sylvia Flores- Komarmy Christian Fernandez • Youth Group Christian Fernandez

Our warmest welcome to all who celebrate with us.

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