St. Catherine of Martinez, California

LITURGY SCHEDULE

SATURDAY: 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM ADORATION: Thursdays from 12:00 - 8:00 PM SUNDAY: 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM HOLY DAYS: VIGIL 7:00 PM ; 8:00 AM , 7:00 PM 1:00 PM (Spanish) RECONCILIATION: Saturdays from 3:00 to 4:00 PM

PARISH & SCHOOL STAFF SACRAMENTAL INFORMATION

Fr. Anthony Huong Le, Parochial Administrator BAPTISMS: (925) 228 -2230 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Registration is mandatory two months prior to the Deacon Albert Dizon Ext. 7 Baptism month. Please call the office to make an

Deacon Holland Ext. 7 appointment once you have your documents ready.

Parents & Godparents are required to attend a Sylvia Lloren Ext. 2 Office Administrator/ Sacramental Coordinator mandatory Baptism preparation class one month before reception of the Sacrament. Troy Killorn Ext. 3 All information regarding requirements and Director of Music Ministry / Maintenance Manager schedules, can be found on the website at

Karen Glen Ext. 4 www.stcmtz.org ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Bookkeeper / Safe Environment Coordinator FIRST EUCHARIST: The Religious Education ministry begins in Septem- Andrea Watkins Ext. 5 Director Religious Education (K-8) ber and ends in May. The First Holy Communion Family Sunday Faith Formation Ministry program is a two year program. In the 2nd year,

nine First Communion “Parent Only Classes” are Paul & Jennifer Holland Ext. 8 Co-coordinators, Confirmation Ministry conducted on Monday’s (Oct — May) See faith for-

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ mation calendar posted on the website for dates. CHURCH LOCATION: 606 Mellus Street, Martinez, CA - [email protected] or contact Andrea at Ext 5 PARISH OFFICE AND 1125 Ferry Street ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ MAILING ADDRESS: Martinez, CA 94553-1720 CONFIRMATION: TELEPHONE / FAX: 925-228-2230 / 925-228-1318 Youth Confirmation ministry begins on September PARISH WEBSITE: www.stcmtz.org 29th. It is a one year program for all incoming Fresh- PARISH EMAIL: [email protected] men or above. Please contact: Paul or Jenny Holland

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - OFFICE HOURS: at Ext 8 or email them at [email protected] for Mon-Thur. 8:30 AM - 1PM more Information. 2:00 PM - 5 PM ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Friday: 8:30 AM - 1 PM MARRIAGES: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Jessica Griswold, Principal [email protected] Arrangements and mandatory preparation need to ST. CATHERINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL be arranged at least eight months prior to a wed- SCHOOL K-8: 604 Mellus Street, Martinez, CA ding date. No dates can be set prior to an initial TELEPHONE / FAX: 925-228-4140 / 925-228-0697 meeting with a priest. No exceptions. OFFICE HOURS: 9AM – 2 PM www.stcmtz.org SCHOOL WEBSITE: http://school.stcatherinemartinez.com ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - RECONCILIATION: Mea Auld, Pre-School Director Confession times are weekly on Saturdays from ST. CATHERINE PRE-SCHOOL [email protected] 3:00 - 4:00 PM and/or by appointment. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

PRE SCHOOL LOCATION:1125 Ferry Street, Martinez, CA ANOINTING OF THE SICK: TELEPHONE / FAX: 925-229-2255 / 925-229-2474 The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is the [email protected] continuation of the Lord’s compassion for the sick. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is one of Before serving or continuing in your ministry or organization, two sacraments which heals and saves the baptized please complete the Diocesan required Safe Environment for Children Project Training @ www.virtusonline.org person from sin. The other sacrament of healing is ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - Penance. For an anointing during working hours, SAFE ENVIRONMENT: www.virtusonline.org ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - please call the Parish office. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ RCIA: “Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults” FUNERALS: Are you interested in becoming Catholic? We recommend using Catholic Funeral and Ceme- Do you need Adult Baptism? tery Services at 925-932-0900. A representative will Holy Eucharist (Communion)? Confirmation? contact the parish office to coordinate your ar- St. Catherine offers a friendly and supportive program. rangements. Please call the office for more information or Karen at ext. 4 By Jeff Roubal Today is the second Sunday in and our second weekly reflection on the topic of “Looking Back.”

At the end of the year, television, newspapers, and magazines publish their “Year in Review” retrospective. We remem- ber major news stories of the last 12 months -- famous people who died, new movies and songs that debuted, and mile- stones passed. These events captivated us as they happened, united us as co-witnesses, and shaped us as a society.

Vivian and I publish a smaller “Year in Review” with our annual Roubal family letter. This has five great benefits:

The letter encapsulates our year on a single piece of paper. Originally, we kept it to one page to save money because copies were ten cents a page. With new technology we could make it longer, but that would defeat the point. If people want more details, we encourage them to call.

The letter causes us to reflect on things that went well and things that did not. Things that went well, we schedule again. Things that did not go well, we either modify or avoid doing again. Vivian and I have already filled half of the days on our 2020 calendar to repeat things that went well in 2019.

The letter helps correct misunderstandings As Vivian and I edit, we sometimes remember an event differently. Through conversation, research, and consultation with the kids, we discover the truth to put permanently to paper.

The letters preserve and perpetuate our adventures and stories. The first copies go to our kids. Each child has a paper and electronic copy of every letter to read now and after Vivian and I are gone.

Each letter is a snapshot on the road of life. As we get older, the years blend together. Television commentator Andy Rooney once said, “I've learned that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.” There are more things to remember as Vivian and I get older. When did we get the cat? What year did each kid graduate college? Have we purchased three Honda vans or four? We keep a binder with copies of our Christmas letters back to the first one in 1989. Anyone can quickly check the binder of Christmas letter for answers.

For these five reasons, I recommend that everyone write an annual Christmas letter, even if it never gets mailed. Time in annual reflection and communication is well spent.

Our daughter went one step further. Marion writes her Christmas letter in December for the following year and posts it on her refrigerator. In December 2018, she wrote her letter for 2019. She wrote about attending Weight Watchers meetings to lose 10 pounds, running in a marathon race, cantoring in church every Sunday, reading five new books, vis- iting her sister in Seattle, and hiking in the wilderness.

As 2019 progressed, Marion checked off completed actions. She is already drafting her 2020 Christmas letter. What a great idea.

“Write your obituary now then strive to live up to it,” a colleague once challenged me, “It will change your life.” Con- sider Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite. He was reading his newspaper one morning and, to his shock, discovered his own obituary. In truth, Alfred’s brother Ludvig had died the previous day while visiting Cannes. A French newspa- per erroneously published Alfred's obituary. It began, “The Merchant of Death is Dead.” and went on to say, “Dr. Al- fred Nobel, who became rich by finding ways to kill more people faster than ever before, died yesterday.”

Nobel was horrified by the way the world would remember him after his death. He decided to donate his estate to estab- lish the Nobel Foundation, which annually bestows international awards in recognition of cultural and scientific advanc- es. Today, Alfred Nobel is remembered not as the merchant of death, but as the creator of the Nobel Prizes, and a great humanitarian. Having read his obituary while he was still alive gave Nobel the opportunity to change his legacy.

Writing an obituary can be a helpful exercise for examining one’s life. Writing a Christmas letter can be helpful for re- viewing the last year and planning the next. These both help the writer set priorities, and identify ways to improve in faith, hope, and charity. We each want to live as good Christians, and have the best intentions, but without reflection and deliberate action it is easy to drift along not living up to our potential.

What have you done this year? What would you like to do differently next year? What will be your legacy?

St. Parish follows by welcoming all, sharing our gifts, and giving glory to God.

FACILITIES

To assure that our Church and facilities testify to the greater honor and glory of God. WEEK-AT-A-GLANCE

Sunday, 12/8 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT SAT DEC 7 Vigil Mass 4:30PM 8:00 AM PH NO Hospitality SUN DEC 8 Second Sunday of Advent 8:30 AM CH/SC Faith Formation Mass/Class 7:00AM, 8:30AM, 11:00AM, 11:00 AM CH/PC Confirmation Mass /Class begins at Susanna Park 12:45PM 2:00 PM PH Celebration

Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass 1:00PM Monday, 12/9 MON DEC 9 Immaculate Conception 8:00AM 7:30 AM CH Pray the Rosary 10:00AM CH Funeral 5:30 PM CH Pageant rehearsal WED DEC 11 Advent Evening Prayer 8:00 PM Tuesday, 12/10 7:30 AM CH Pray the Rosary THUR DEC 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe 9:00 AM CH School Practice Mañanitas 6 -7 AM 10:30 AM CH SC Reconciliation 6:00 PM CH Choir Rehearsal FRI DEC 13 All Choirs Concert - 7 -8:15PM 6:00 PM SC School Board Mtg 7:00 PM PC Scripture Reflection with Clergy 7:30 PM CH Spanish Choir Rehearsal SAT DEC 14 Advent Communal Penance Service Wednesday, 12/11 10:00AM 7:30 AM CH Pray the Rosary 3:15 PM CH Children’s Choir SAT DEC 14 Vigil Mass 4:30 pm 6:30 PM PCL Legion of Mary SUN DEC 15 Third Sunday of Advent 7:00 PM PC RCIA Class Rm #210 7:00AM, 8:30AM, 11:00AM,1:00PM 8:00 PM CH Advent Evening Prayer Thursday, 12/12 Our Lady of Guadalupe SUN DEC 15,16, 17, 18, 19 ,20, 21, 22, 23 6:00 AM CH Mañanitas / 7:00PM 7:30 AM CH Pray the Rosary 10:30 AM CH SC School Prayer Service 12:00 PM CH Adoration WED DEC 18 Advent Evening Prayer 8:00 PM 7:00 PM PH Knights of Columbus Friday, 12/13 SAT DEC 21 Vigil Mass 4:30PM 7:30 AM CH Pray the Rosary SUN DEC 22 Fourth Sunday of Advent 7:00 PM CH Christmas Choir Concert 7:00AM, 8:30AM, 11:00AM,1:00PM Saturday, 12/14 7:30 AM CH Pray the Rosary ~ Nativity of the Lord 10:00 AM CH Communal Penance Service MON DEC 24 4:00PM Children/Youth 1:00 PM CH Quinceneara 8:00PM Spanish Mass Sunday, 12/15 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 11:45PM Prelude 8:00 AM PH K of C Pancake Hospitality Breakfast 12:00AM 8:30 AM CH/PH/SC Faith Formation Mass/Class Christmas Day ~ Nativity of the Lord 11:00 AM CH/PH/PC Confirmation Mass /Class TUE DEC 25 7:00 AM, 8:30AM, 11:00AM

SAT DEC 28 Vigil Mass 4:30PM SUN DEC 29 Feast of the Holy Family 7:00AM, 8:30AM, 11:00AM,1:00PM

TUE DEC 31 New Year’s Eve Vigil Mass 7:00PM

WED JAN 1 New Years Day Mass 11:00AM Memorial Votive Candles are

WORSHIP available to honor the deceased. They are located in the Sacred To facilitate a transforming Heart of Jesus alcove in the encounter with God church and can be reserved for as we come one year, renewable thereafter. Forms are available at the alcove together in worship. and parish website. Thirty-seven volunteers helped with the St. Vincent de Paul annual Thanksgiving distribution for our neighbors in need. DISCIPLESHIP SCS Vincentians and friends, school families, Martinez Boy Scout Troop 1351 under the direction of Scoutmaster Carlota To empower a community of Canari, and youth group members Emma, Angela, Vanessa and Christian people Desie successfully served 105 families with turkeys and all the walking together as fixings for a complete holiday dinner. While waiting, everyone disciples of Jesus in order to was treated to hospitality of breakfast refreshments on this crisp and sunny morning. Thanks to all volunteers and donors, with- share His good news. out whom this would not be possible. The next regular pantry distribution opens on Saturday, December 7 @ 9:30 AM at the parish center on Ferry Street.

CHRISTMAS GIFT GIVING TREE

The Advent Tree is located in the vestibule (front of the church).

ST.VINCENT DE PAUL You’re invited to donate a child’s unwrapped toy and/or a gift of a sweatshirt or gift card for our adult neigh- bors. Select a YELLOW tag and tape it to the gift packages only. Please leave all presents unwrapped or placed in an opened ended gift bags. Presents will be collected up until Sunday, Dec. 15 and distributed to the neighbors on the weekend.

SKILLED NURSING HOMES You’re invited to bring a unwrapped gift for our local rest home residents. Please clearly label your un- wrapped gift WOMAN or MAN and place in the marked box under the tree no later than Sunday, Dec. 15. Possible gift ideas include hats, slippers, socks, scarves, etc. Please NO lotions, NO soaps, and NO perfumes. These items will be removed from the gifts.

MOUNTAIN VIEW SHELTER You’re invited to select GREEN and/or RED tag bearing the names of current shelter residents. The age and gift ideas are indicated on each tag. You can return gifts up to Sunday, Dec 22nd. The gifts will then be dis- tributed to the Shelter families after Masses.

Please contact Anne Crisp with any questions or details at (925) 356-8822

St. Catherine of Siena School Mission Statement

Saint Catherine of Siena School answers the call to nurture each child – spirit, mind and body – in a safe, caring environment by providing Christ-centered, challenging curriculum preparing each child for a future as people of faith, service, respect, and responsibility. 2019 Christmas Eve Nativity Mass

We are having our There will be a Christmas Eve Children’s Mass on December 24, Adopt -A-Family tree 2019 at 4:00 PM. At this mass we will need children to reenact set up in the school the nativity during the Gospel. The children will sit and sing with office with a brief the choir during mass as well. description of a gift on a tag. If you would like your child to participate, he/she must attend all All members of the rehearsals. The rehearsals are on Mondays: community are invited December 9th at 5:30 PM to participate. Please December 16th at 5:30 PM turn in gifts to the December 23rd at 5:30 PM. school office by 12/11. Please pick up a flyer on Sunday, November 24th, and return the For more info: permission slip directly to Andrea Watkins on (925) 228-4140 Sunday, December 8th

A message from the Organ Console, I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to those members of our parish, and those not of our parish who graciously made offerings of prayer and financial support for the purchase and installation of our beautiful Rodgers Organ. This instrument will bless the lives of all those who enter Catherine of Siena Parish for years to come. From the Gam- ba Celeste to the Festival Trompette, our Rodgers Organ will help to elevate our souls as we join in singing with the Choirs of Angels. I would invite each of you to come over and see the instrument close up, play a few notes, and pull out a few stops, and ask questions you may have about our recently installed organ. Peace in Christ, Troy Killorn Director of Music

STEWARDSHIP HOSPITALITY

To create a culture To form a joyful in the parish rooted family community that in gratitude and reaches out and receives generosity. one another as Christ reaches out and receives us.

November 24, 2019 Hospitality Calendar WEEKLY CONTRIBUTIONS DECEMBER Sunday Collection $ 4,794.00 08 No Hospitality— Human Development $ 1,111.00 Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration - Bingo $ 714.00 All are welcome Hospitality $ 26.00 Youth Ministry $ 300.00 15 Pancake Breakfast-K of C 22 Webb Family & Friends On-line Donations: 29 Guadalupe Society November

Sunday Collection: $ 5,930.00 Education: $ 625.00 Fulfilling the Promise $ 425.00 Parish Maintenance: $ 505.00 St. Vincent de Paul: $ 390.00 Christmas $ 500.00

December 1, 2019 Christmas Songs of the Season Concert Sunday Collection $ 5,996.00 Thanksgiving $ 1,058.00 Christmas Flowers $ 734.00 Won’t you join us for an evening listening to Wine Fest $ 70.00 our wonderful St. Catherine of Siena Parish Choirs Youth Ministry $ 1,185.00 Friday December 13th at 7PM in the church. Thank you for your continued generosity.

The YLI sends a big thank you to all who made our fes- tive Holiday Lane on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 a great suc- INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK cess. We thank the parishioners for their support, the organizations for their participation. Thanks to the SAT 12/7 8:00 Norberto Dimaano† Guadalupanos and La Communidad Latino for their 4:30 Eleida Del Portal† tasty warm food item and the Boy Scouts and Youth SUN 12/8 7:00 Aida Pajeta† Group for their help with set-up and take down. We 8:30 Int. People fo the Parish wish you a holy Advent as we prepare for Christ’s birth- day. Thank you, thank you for your support. 11:00 Mario Rose † 1:00 Delores & Joe Cardenas† MON 12/9 8:00 Int. Salomae Trujillo

Retirement Fund for Religious TUE 12/10 8:00 Kirk & Brydie Kuykendall† Support aging religious. WED 12/11 8:00 Int. St. Catherine School Children and Our second collection is for the Retirement Fund for Re- their Families ligious, Mary senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and reli- THU 12/12 8:00 Special Intention gious order priests served for little or no pay. Today, FRI 12/13 8:00 Jennie Samuels† religious communities offer communities often do not SAT 12/14 8:00 Rita Martin† have enough savings to meet retirement needs. Your gift 4:30 Crispina & Rodolfo Salgado† helps provide medications, nursing care, an more for SUN 12/15 7:00 Int. People of the Parish tens of thousands of elderly religious. It also helps en- 8:30 Ruth & Glenn McFarland† sure younger members can continue the good works of 11:00 Maria Cerri† their elders. Please be generous. 1:00 Roberto Sanchez†

READINGS & REFLECTIONS Join in the Weekly Scripture Reflection with the Clergy Tuesdays (Parish Center) 7:00 –8:15 PM

Sunday, Dec 08, 2019 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT the veneraon of Chrisan martyrs, the denunciaon of cer- Back to the garden tain heresies, and the primacy of the bishop of Rome as . Among the cards arriving daily are the usual crèche scenes, His acons laid down some of the first stones of a church that angels, wise men, shepherds, and stars like search- Vacan II saw as having an "eternal foundaon” based on lights against the night. Truth be told, there are plenty of San- Christ. TODAY'S READINGS: 40:25-31; Mahew 11:28-30 (183). tas and reindeer, snowfolk, and cute animals too. But some- “Have you not heard? The Lord is the eternal God.” where is the odd pairing of a lion and a lamb snuggling togeth- er—which never happens in Isaiah’s prophecy, by the way. The Thursday, Dec 12, 2019 FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE lamb hosts the wolf, and the calf dines with the lion, but no Of the people and for the people maer. The idea is that the world’s original harmony is achiev- Our Lady of Guadalupe is probably the most iconic image and able–if we all retract our claws and keep our teeth to our- story of Mary in North America. One reason for this selves. Be a peacemaker! TODAY'S READINGS: Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans overwhelming devoon is that she appeared in the form of an 15:4-9; Mahew 3:1-12 (4). “The calf and the young lion shall browse indigenous woman to an indigenous man—Indians being the together, with a liƩle child to lead them.” lowest er of Mexican society both then and now. That God’s own mother could be of the poor and for the poor connues Monday, Dec 09, 2019 to be a powerful message with strong implicaons about how SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED we treat one another. In your prayer today, reflect on whose MARY [PATRONAL FEAST OF THE U.S.A.] image Mary might take on if she were to appear in your com- Mary was no angel munity today. What would her face look like? And what might Since her very concepon, Mary of Nazareth has been named she ask of us? TODAY'S READINGS: Zechariah 2:14-17 or Revelaon “immaculate,” “pure,” “unblemished.” And righully so for she 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Luke 1:26-38 or 1:39-47 (690A). “A great sign was born without sin and remained so throughout her life. Yet appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon because of this prisneness, we somemes think Mary was under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” untouched by the messiness of everyday life. But Mary was a flesh-and-blood human and a strong, loving woman. She expe- Friday, Dec 13, 2019 MEMORIAL OF LUCY, VIRGIN, MARTYR rienced the beauty and struggles of family and village life. She See with new eyes faced poverty and a refugee’s life, persecuon and heart- The music of Lucinda Williams is beauful, simple, and chal- breaking sorrow when her son was tortured and killed. With lenging. In 2011, she released the song “Blessed,” a litany to Mary as your companion, take me this Advent to peer into remind us that even in the challenges of life, we are blessed. your heart and see what beauful, messy, tender, and broken She sings, for example, “We were blessed by the blind man / things you are holding. TODAY'S READINGS: Genesis 3:9-15, 20; Ephe- Who could see for miles and miles.” We have a for sians 1:3-6, 11-12; Luke 1:26-38 (689). “God chose us to be holy and people who are blind, Saint Lucy. Though tortured, blinded, unblemished.” and martyred, she is remembered as a woman of great vision Tuesday, Dec 10, 2019 HUMAN RIGHTS DAY for her love of Christ and poor people. How can you see “miles Embrace the lost sheep and miles” through a challenge you face? In today’s gospel, Jesus elevates the importance of the single TODAY'S READINGS: Isaiah 48:17-19; Mahew 11:16-19 (185). “I, the “lost sheep.” It’s worth leaving the 99 on their own for a me LORD, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on because the lost one has enormous value. Catholic social the way you should go.” teaching hinges on the idea that every single human being has infinite worth, including our own lost sheep. Today those who Saturday, Dec 14, 2019 are “outside the fold” include addicts, the homeless, prisoners, MEMORIAL OF , PRIEST, refugees, the mentally ill—even our most unlovable relave. The change we need Who are the lost sheep in your community? Can you take one Here’s a simple truth: People resist change. The greater the small step today to affirm their dignity and worth? change, the greater the resistance, generally speaking—even TODAY'S READINGS: Isaiah 40:1-11; Mahew 18:12-14 (182). “Will he when the change is long overdue and much for the beer. not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray?” John of the Cross embraced the Carmelite reform iniated by his spiritual sister, the visionary Carmelite Saint Teresa of Avila. Wednesday, Dec 11, 2019 MEMORIAL OF DAMASUS I, POPE However, a group of his fellow Carmelites strongly opposed SƟck with a church that sƟcks around the reform and went so far as to imprison John and treat him If you love singing “Adeste Fideles” and “Gloria in Excelsis harshly. He persevered, and even wrote most of his famous Deo” at this me of year, you can probably thank Pope Dama- Spiritual CanƟcle while jailed. Try to see unfair treatment or sus I for that. As the bishop of Rome during the fourth century, setbacks that come your way as an opportunity for spiritual he championed many aspects of the faith that persist to this growth. TODAY'S READINGS: Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11; Mahew 17:9a, 10-13 day— aspects that have helped ensure the cohesiveness and (186). “I tell you that has already come, and they did not recog- longevity of Catholic pracce. These include: a common lan- nize him but did to him whatever they pleased.” , your faith will deep- en and grow—a day at a Ɵme guage (Lan) for worship, an official list of books for the Bible, ©2019 UPCOMING EVENTS

Join us for Night Prayer during Advent. The Ignite Team is inviting all to come and experience a Sacred Space for contemplative prayer. Each Wednesday at 8 pm, during The Hispanic/Latino Community and the San Advent (December 11th & 18th), we will gather for quiet Community of the Parish and School prayer and reflection, with beautiful music. For more send with joy an invitation to everyone in the joint cele- information please email Cindy Buscaglia at: bration of Las Posadas and Simbang Gabi. [email protected] Las Posadas. This tradition was brought to Mexico from Our Lady of Guadalupe by Catholic missionaries in the 1500s. It commem- orates the journey that Mary and made to Bethle- 1:00 PM Mass and Celebration hem in search of a safe place where Mary could give December 8, 2019 birth to the baby Jesus. Posada means inn or dwelling in Procession starts at 12:45 Spanish. Traditional Las Posadas celebration has several pm at Susana Street Park components: prayer (rosary), caminata (walking/ to the church. Mass begins procession), food, and the 7-point piñata (which repre- at 1:00 pm accompanied sents the seven deadly sins). The piñata is broken to sym- by a Mariachi band. bolize destroying the sins. Las Posadas celebrations start 9 days before Christmas. Reception following in the parish hall. There will be Simbang Gabi is a devotional nine-day series of dawn Mexican food, raffle and masses on the days leading up to Christmas. It starts on music. Everyone is invit- December 15 through December 23. This tradition was ed. This event is FREE. introduced in the by the Spanish friars in the Join us and celebrate! 1600s. It allows farmers to celebrate Mass before going to work. Masses can start as early as 4:00 o’clock in the Save the Date: Saturday January 25, 2020 morning. Simbang Gabi is also known by its Spanish The 16th Annual Walk for Life West Coast is Saturday name or "Rooster’s Mass.'' Over the January 25, 2020. We have a 55-seat chartered bus years, Filipino communities have made adjustments to ready to take us to this Respect Life event in San Fran- when it is celebrated. Some parishes now cele- cisco. As usual, we will attend Mass at the Cathedral of brate Simbang Gabi around 6:00 or 7:00 o’clock in the Saint Mary of the Assumption and then walk down to evening, to accommodate different schedules of commu- Civic Center for the program. The sign-up sheet will be available starting Saturday nity members. November 30th at Holiday Lane in the parish hall after the 4:30PM Mass and then again on Sunday December Las Posadas and Simbang Gabi are not just traditions 1st in the parish hall. The sign-up sheet will be availa- but are spiritual preparations for Christmas, the birth of ble for the entire month of December, but why wait? our Lord Jesus Christ. You can reserve your seat now by calling or texting Debbie Pelizzari at 925-286-1207. We’d like to order specially designed St. Catherine of Siena hats or tee Come one, come all! shirts to commemorate the Walk. We need your head As one family at St. Catherine’s Parish and School, let count so don’t delay your reservation. us all join in this 9-day celebration. This is a wonderful experience to show the world that we believe all life is precious and a beautiful gift from God. If you have any questions about the trip intinery December 15th through December 23rd and the cost, please contact Debbie Pelizzari who will at 7PM in the church be your bus captain.

MINISTRIES/ORGANIZATIONS CONTACTS

Altar Servers in or continuing serving Before Jack Watkins.…...……………………………….925-957-0437 Art & Environment Troy Killorn.…...……………………… Ext 3 925-228-2230 Beneath His Cross Apostolate Jessica Preciado ………………………………...925-354-1656 Bingo Don Brocca …………………………………….925-858-7330 Catholic Youth Organization - CYO Gina Marks………………………….………… 925-817-9429 Communications Sylvia Lloren……………………….….. 925-228-2230 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Mary Cook …………………...……………....925-229-2665 your ministry, complete the Diocesan required Sa Faith Formation - Religious Education (PreK-8th Grades) Andrea Watkins………………………. Ext 5 925-228-2230 Finance Council Don Brocca.………………………………… 925-229-4158 Grief /Card Ministry Mary Cook………………………………...…….925-229-2665 Guadalupe Society Guadalupe Cruz………………………………... 925-997-2432 Are you Downsizing? Hispanic Choir Are you Cleaning Your Closets in Prep for the Holidays? Carolina ………………………………... 925-437-4074 St. Vincent de Paul Would be Grateful for Your Items! Hispanic Liturgy Fernando Nunez………………………………... 925-348-2178 Repurpose, Reuse and Recycle with St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Hospital/Sick/Homebound Costa County! Dave Holland ………………………………... 925-413-9240 The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores in Pleasant Hill, Pittsburg and Hospitality Brentwood support all our safety-net programs including the Free Dining Room, Free Food Pantries, Free Medical Clinic, Free Dental Debbie Pelizzari………………………………...925-370-3874 Program, Daytime Homeless Shelter, Auto Assistance Program and Ignite MORE! Cindy Buscaglia……………….………………... 925-787-8396 Italian Catholic Federation - ICF Tom Cook……………………………………... 925-229-2665 fe Environment for Children Project Training @ Drop your Donations to: Knights of Columbus - K of C Pittsburg Thrift Store Rik Silva………………………………………….925-334-2429 2210 Gladstone Dr. La Communidad Latina Pittsburg, CA 94565 Lucia Cruz……………………………………… 925-348-2620 Mon. – Sat: 9 AM – 5 PM Lectors

Pleasant Hill Thrift Store Carlos Melendez……………………….………... 510-385-0506 2815 Contra Costa Blvd. Legion of Mary Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Bobby Kiefer…………………….……………. 925-658-1442 7 days a week: 9 AM – 5 PM Maintenance Troy Killorn.……………………….…………... 925-228-2230 Brentwood Help & Hope Thrift Center Music Ministry—Choir 8890 Brentwood Blvd. Troy Killorn …………………………Ext 3 925-228-2230 Brentwood, CA 94513 Pastoral Advisory Council 7 days a week: 10 AM – 6 PM Karen Glen….925-788-7716 & Karen Sandri….925-370-7997 Furniture will be Picked up! Respect Life Call (925) 439-5060 for arrangements Linda Easterday ……………………….……….. 925-372-3845 Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults - RCIA Our Parish has a Facebook Page! Karen Glen……………………………Ext 4 925-228-2230 Safe Environment for Children Project - SECP https://www.facebook.com Karen Glen…………………………...Ext 4 925-228-2230 www.virtusonline.org . Thank you. OfficialStCatherineofSienaChurch San Lorenzo Ruiz Community - SLRC Esther Concepcion….………………………… 925-381-1835 Social Awareness OFFICE HOURS: Anne Crisp …………………………………... 925-356-8822 Mon-Thur. 8:30 AM - 1 PM Stewardship 2:00 PM - 5 PM Karen Glen……………………………………..925-788-7716 Friday: 8:30 AM - 1 PM St. Vincent de Paul Society - SVdP Karen Glen ………………………… ..Ext 4 925-788-7716 BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS DEADLINES: Ushers Rob Saucedo………………………………. 925-250-4007 Due to early deadlines by the publisher, the following deadlines are in effect: All requests must be submitted no later than: Young Ladies Institute - YLI December 9th for the December 22nd Rori Polvorosa …………………………………510-734-4907 Decmeber 16th for the December 29th Confirmation /Youth Ministry (High School 9 -12 grades) December 22nd for January 5th Paul & Jenny Holland………………….Ext 8 925-228-2230

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