FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1515 W. Ben Holt Dr. | Stockton, CA 95207

SCHEDULE OF MASS MESSAGE FROM FR. MARK From Slave to Saint SUNDAY MASS Vigil on Saturday - 5:00 pm, 7:00pm Today’s Gospel reading is one of my favorites. It is a “typical day (Spanish) Sunday: 7:00am, 8:45am, in the life of Jesus”. In the first chapter of the brief and busy Gos- 10:30am, 12:15pm, 2:15 pm (Spanish), pel of Mark, we see all the busy activities of Jesus in a typical day. It says what he did during the day, then “when it was evening, 4:00pm (Distribution of Communion), after sunset” and then “very early before dawn.” Jesus made 5:00pm time in his schedule for prayer and for people. He rejected no one who came to him, but rather welcomed and helped every- one who was afflicted by illness or by evil spirits. DAILY MASS Monday-Friday: 7:00am, 12:15pm The Catholic Church is the “Body of Christ” and rejects no one. Saturday: 8:00am Tomorrow, February 8, is the Feast day of a saint whose life is a perfect example of how the Catholic Church is a refuge for people of every race.

St. Josephine Bakhita was one of the last slaves to be kidnapped from Africa, about 125 WEEKDAY SPANISH MASS years ago. She was born in 1869 in what is now southern Sudan, East Africa. When she 5:30pm - Tuesday was six years old, she went for a walk a little outside of her village and was kidnapped 7:00pm - First Friday by slave traders. By that same year, 1875, the trade-in black slaves had been largely phased out in African law. Egypt, which then exercised political control over Sudan, had lately signed a treaty declaring slavery illegal. But abuses die hard, and "bootleg" en- slavement still continued. To the little six-year-old, the experience of kidnapping was so ADORATION traumatic that she forgot her own name. The kidnappers, therefore, gave her the name 5:45pm - Thursday "Bakhita." They did not know how well they chose: "Bakhita" is Arabic for "the lucky one."

CONFESSION Bakhita was sold several times to different owners, who were mostly Muslims. One of her purchasers, a general in the Turkish army, had her "branded" like his other slaves. 5:00pm: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday The branding was entrusted to a woman expert in the procedure. She inflicted 114 9:00am - Saturday razor cuts on the breasts, arms, and abdomen of the 13-year-old. Then she rubbed salt and flour into the wounds so that they healed into a permanent seal of ownership.

MINISTRY CENTER Throughout her early life, however, this black pagan girl demonstrated inborn goodness and gentility that protected her virtue. Although she exemplified the enslaved at their OFFICE most voiceless, she possessed what could only be called a "naturally Christian" soul. p. 209-472-2150 The last couple that owned her made no mistake in appointing her "nanny" to their f. 209-472-0541 little daughter. Having moved to Venice, Italy, they enrolled the daughter in a course of religious instruction conducted by the Canossian Sisters, a branch of the Sisters of e. [email protected] Charity. Bakhita accompanied the child to each catechism class. Bakhita was very im- a. 6715 Leesburg Pl., Stockton, CA 95207 pressed by Catholic doctrine and by the Catholic nuns. Then her master and mistress w. presentationchurch.net decided to return to Sudan and gave her the choice of accompanying them. An Italian tribunal had analyzed her legal status and had declared that since Sudan had enacted a PRESENTATION law forbidding slavery not long before her birth, Bakhita had actually never been a legal slave. PARISH SCHOOL p. 209-472-2140 Bakhita decided to remain in Italy, be baptized a Catholic, to be baptized f. 209-320-1515 “Giuseppina" (Josephine), and to become a sister in the Order of the Canossian Sisters. e. [email protected] For the next half-century, Sister Bakhita proved herself a model religious, ever humble, a. 1635 Ben Holt Dr., Stockton, CA 95207 ever grateful. Pope John Paul II canonized Sister Josephine in Great Jubilee Year 2000. At that time, Sudan was suffering greatly because of the persecution of Catholics by the w. presentationschool.org Islamic government.

ABOUT OUR PARISH 2 CHURCH OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY | STOCKTON, CA

Clergy PASTOR

Rev. Fr. Mark Wagner

PAROCHIAL VICARS Rev. Fr. José Maghinay Rev. Fr. Matthew O’Donnell

DEACONS Rev. Dr. Bill Brennan Rev. Mr. Scott A Johnson Rev. Mr. Mike Navarec, Sr. Rev. Mr. Francisco Lopez

Ministry Information ADULT FORMATION MUSIC RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (K-8) Contact | Maria Chadburn Contact | Robert Hull (Music Accompanist) Contact | Nancy Gomez [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Baptism (infant to 7 years old) Contact | Errol Respicio (Choir) Children’s Liturgy of the Word Bible Study [email protected] RCIC Landings Contemporary Music Group Toddler Time Legion of Mary Instrumentalists Marriage Enrichment Course Music Ministry Cantors YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT Rite of Christian Initiation Adult (RCIA) Presentation Choir Contact | Servants of Divine Mercy Spanish Music Ministry [email protected] Weddings High School - 24 years old PASTORAL & SOCIAL Youth Group

LITURGY SERVICES HOLY GROUNDS CAFÉ Contact | Katherine Andrews, PhD Contact | Susan Dobson Contact | Ron Hoverstad [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Altar Servers 5th Sunday Fund Altar Society | Altar Linens Communion to the Sick & Homebound OTHER MINISTRIES Church Environment | Decorating Food Pantry Charismatic Prayer Group Extraordinary Ministers of Communion Giving Tree CYO Funeral Ministry Hospitality Daughters of Isabella Greeters | Ushers Ministry of Bereavement & Consolation Filipino Ministry Lectors Prayer Shawl Ministry Hispanic Ministry Presentation Seniors Group Italian Catholic Federation Respect Life Ministry Knights of Columbus

Social Justice Ministry Our Mother of Perpetual Help

Serra Club

Vocations

Mission Statement As disciples of Jesus Christ and good stewards, we are all called to use our gifts for the Kingdom of God.

Como discípulos de Jesucristo y buenos corresponsales, todos somos llamados a usar nuestros dones para la obra del Reino de Dios.

CONTACTS FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | FEBRUARY 7, 2021 3

My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle. . . . - Job 7:6

[The Lord] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. - Psalm 147:3

All this I do for the sake of the gospel, so that I too may have a share in it. - 1 Corinthians 9:23

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. - Mark 1:35

Our days go by so fast and when we look back, we can hardly believe how quickly the time has passed. During this time of pandemic when more and more people are losing loved ones, we may be more attuned to the shortness and preciousness of life.

As we continue to pray for an end to the pandemic, let us recommit ourselves to living the gospel fully. Let us deepen our relationship with God by spending time in prayer each day.

"6.Mis días han sido más raudos que la lanzadera" Job, 7 - Bíblia Católica Online

"3.él sana a los de roto corazón, y venda sus heridas" Salmos, 147 - Bíblia Católica Online

"23.Y todo esto lo hago por el Evangelio para ser partícipe del mismo" I Corintios, 9 - Bíblia Católica Online

"35.De madrugada, cuando todavía estaba muy oscuro, se levantó, salió y fue a un lugar solitario y allí se puso a hacer oración." Marcos, 1 - Bíblia Católica Online

Nuestros días pasan tan rápido y cuando vemos hacia atrás, apenas podemos creer lo rápido que ha pasado el tiem- po. Durante esta época de pandemia, cuando más y más personas pierden a sus seres queridos, es posible que es- temos más en sintonía con la brevedad y el valor de la vida.

Mientras continuamos orando por el fin de la pandemia, volvamos a comprometernos a vivir el Evangelio plenamente. Profundicemos nuestra relación con Dios, pasando tiempo en oración todos los días.

Parish Staff | School Administration

OFFICE MANAGER Norma Rodriguez | [email protected]

MEDIA COORDINATOR Eren Bongcaron | [email protected]

FACILITIES DIRECTOR Mark Gaff | [email protected]

SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

Maria Amen | [email protected]

SCHOOL VICE PRINCIPAL Nicole Wright | [email protected] National Marriage Week is February 7-14! This is a wonderful opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and SCHOOL OFFICE MANAGER promoting marriage and the family. Jeana Saccomagno | [email protected] ¡La Semana Nacional del Matrimonio es del 7 al 14 SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT de febrero! Ésta es una magnífica oportunidad Clariza Bermudez | [email protected] para enfocarse en la edificación de una cultura de vida y de amor que se inicia apoyando y promoviendo el matrimonio y la familia.

PRAYER AND WORSHIP 4 CHURCH OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY | STOCKTON, CA

Saint of the Week ST. SAINT JOSEPHINE BAKHITA | DATES: 1869-1947 | FEAST DAY: FEBRUARY 8

St. Josephine Bakhita was born in Sudan in 1869 and enslaved as a child. Eventually she was sold to an Italian diplomat and taken to Italy, where she was later brought to freedom through the help of the Canossian Daughters of Charity. Through their guidance, she learned about God and served him faithfully until her death in 1947. In October 2000, Josephine Bakhita was canonized by St. John Paul II, at which point he noted that “in St. Josephine Bakhita we find a shining advocate of genuine emancipation. The history of her life inspires not passive acceptance but the firm resolve to work effectively to free girls and women from oppression and violence, and to return them to their dignity in the full exercise of their rights” (St. Bakhita’s Canonization Mass, October 1, 2000). In the movie St. Bakhita, St. Josephine Bakhita is bought by an Italian white merchant named Federico Marin after years of being beaten and abused as an enslaved child. The cinematic depiction of the saint’s life shows that once in the Marin household, the daughter of the master, Aurora, takes a strong liking to Bakhita and chooses her as her nanny. Bakhita is treated like an outsider and accused of being wicked by other servants because of her black skin. Despite this, Bakhita proves to be generous to everyone she encounters even if they have wronged her. Copyright © 2021, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington DC. All rights reserved. Quotes from St. John Paul II, copyright © 2000, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Vatican City State. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Image: CNS photo

Readings Live the Liturgy - Inspiration for the Week Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you could see the future and SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7 know how things turn out? While it’s intriguing to ponder what life would be like Jb 7:1-4, 6-7/1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23/Mk if we possessed this knowledge, actually knowing could easily rob us of the thrill, 1:29-39 adventure, and soul-searching graces of our journey. Like Job, life does not always MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 leave us on a happy note. Life experience can bring us face-to-face with our Gn 1:1-19/Mk 6:53-56 mortality and leave us with a profound sense of helplessness. We do not see the TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9 wholeness and fulfillment that will one day come and cannot grasp the certainty Gn 1:20—2:4a/Mk 7:1-13 that a resolution to our plight will come our way. We need to learn how to reach WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 for Jesus’ hand and let him help us to our feet. Living a life of faith means realizing Gn 2:4b-9, 15-17/Mk 7:14-23 that we are not here to figure out life on our own. In order to drink deeply of what THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11 life presents us, we have to wrestle in the depths of our souls, agonize and search, Gn 2:18-25/Mk 7:24-30 possibly reach the lowest point of desperation, and cry out for the Divine healing FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 we need to restore our faith, hope, and love. It is no wonder that those who are Gn 3:1-8/Mk 7:31-37 touched by God’s healing power want to then serve others and show them the SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13 deeper waters that can be explored. Knowing too much can rob us of joyful Gn 3:9-24/Mk 8:1-10 surprises. ©LPi NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Lv 13:1-2, 44-46/1 Cor 10:31—11:1/Mk Vivir la Liturgia - Inspiración de la Semana 1:40-45 ¿Te has preguntado alguna vez cómo sería la vida si pudieras ver el futuro y saber cómo van a suceder las cosas? Si bien es intrigante reflexionar sobre cómo sería la IN REMEMBERANCE vida si tuviéramos este conocimiento, el conocimiento real podría fácilmente Gwendolyn Addie privarnos de la emoción, la aventura y las gracias de la búsqueda de nuestra alma Christine Burdick de nuestro viaje. Como Job, la vida no siempre nos deja felices. La experiencia de la Guadalupe Gonzales vida puede ponernos cara a cara con nuestra mortalidad y dejarnos con una Ryan Gabato profunda sensación de impotencia. No vemos la plenitud y cumplimiento que Joe Moya vendrá un día y no podemos comprender la certeza de que llegará una resolución a Claro Dimayuga nuestra plegaria. Necesitamos aprender a tomar la mano de Jesús y dejar que nos Eugene Sbragia ayude a ponernos de pie. Vivir una vida de fe significa darnos cuenta de que no Lucila Romano estamos aquí para descubrir la vida por nuestra propia cuenta. Para beber Christina Manaloto profundamente de lo que la vida nos presenta, tenemos que luchar en lo más Esmerna Manaloto profundo de nuestra alma, agonizar y buscar, posiblemente llegar al punto más Domingo Manaloto bajo de la desesperación y clamar por la sanación Divina que necesitamos para Al Acio restaurar nuestra fe, esperanza, y amor. No es de extrañar que aquellos que son Natalia Montes Nava tocados por el poder sanador de Dios quieran luego servir a los demás y mostrarles las aguas más profundas que se pueden explorar. Saber demasiado puede Danilo Mendoza privarnos de sorpresas gozosas. ©LPi

PRAYER AND WORSHIP FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | FEBRUARY 7, 2021 5

We Pray For... | Oramos Por... Many people are suffering from ailments of some form or another. Not to mention those who are affected by the global pandemic: COVID-19. Please join us as we pray for the sick, their families, and caregivers. Quincy Vaughn Vidal Castro Barbosa Ilene Lao Rualizo Silvestre Ramirez Tina Mills Manuel Almendarez, Sr. Jodi Raper Josie Yeaman Shirley Benecke Gayle Elesante Ariel Sandoval Erlene Raspo Jorge Fernandez Mary Oliva Miguel Aguilar Rachel Rossiter Kathleen Smith Connie Spielman Pam Makelke Tim Yun Janet Kavanaugh Dolores Dominguez Mary Anderson Rita Hersom Dolores Chaparro Russell Smith Terri Lomeli Vanessa Jara Momoh Lahai Karen Essner Lori Mock Lydia Quintana Jim Essner Jodi Harden Jill Choate Damon Barkley David Smith Carl Wilner Stan Flott Liz Waddle Michael Relloque Michael Copeland Gilberto Rios Sevilla Joyce Gabato Julie Nguyen Stephanie Delira Anne Bernadette Castro Tuason Shirley Torlai Rita Zanck Ellie Bender Savannah Torlai Jaime Carranza Jeophrey Sulit Jason Fleming Virginia Gurat Dinora Morales Nicholas Mills Julie Lagesse Andrew Cisneros Melody Martinez Kathy Ramirez Luis Lopez Maria Luisa Ramirez Castro Karl Feist Jacob Barrows

To add or remove names, please contact the Media Coordinator at 209-320-5719 or [email protected]. El Santo de la Semana SANTA JOSEFINA BAKHITA | 1869-1947 | DÍA DE FIESTA: 8 DE FEBRERO Santa Josefina Bakhita nació en Sudan en 1869 y, cuando niña, fue esclava. Con el tiempo, ella fue vendida a un diplomático italiano y llevada a Italia en donde más adelante fue liberada mediante la ayuda de las Canosianas Hijas de la Caridad. Bajo su guía, ella aprendió sobre Dios y lo sirvió fielmente hasta su fallecimiento en 1947. En octubre del 2000, Josefina Bakhita fue canonizada por san Juan Pablo II quien en esa ocasión dijo: “en santa Josefina Bakhita encontramos una abogada brillante de la auténtica emancipación. La historia de su vida no inspira una aceptación pasiva, sino más bien una firme decisión de trabajar efectivamente por librar a niñas y mujeres de la opresión y la violencia, y devolverles su dignidad en el ejercicio pleno de sus derechos” (Misa de Canonización de santa Bakhita, 1ro de octubre del 2000). En la película Santa Bakhita, santa Josefina Bakhita es comprada por un comerciante italiano de raza blanca llamado Federico Marín luego de haber sufrido golpes y abuso como esclava cuando era niña. La representación cinematográfica de la vida de la santa muestra que una vez que estuvo en el hogar de los Marín, Aurora, la hija de su patrón, le toma cariño a Bakhita y la escoge para que sea su nana. Los demás sirvientes tratan a Bakhita como si fuera una intrusa y la acusan de ser malvada solo por su piel negra. A pesar de esto, Bakhita demuestra ser generosa con todas las demás personas incluso con aquellas que la habían agraviado. Copyright © 2020, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington DC. Todos los derechos reservados. Las citas de san Juan Pablo II, copyright © 2000, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Vatican City State. Usadas con permiso. Todos los derechos reservados. Imagen: Foto CNS

PRAYER AND WORSHIP 6 CHURCH OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY | STOCKTON, CA

Stewardship Reflections / Reflexiones de Corresponsabilidad “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there “Vámonos a los pueblecitos vecinos, para predicar también

also. For this purpose have I come.” - Mark 1:38 allí, pues para esto he salido” - Marcos 1:38

Our readings today remind us that Christ came to serve. Nuestras lecturas de hoy nos recuerdan que Cristo vino a He came to fulfill His Father’s mission — the salvation of servir. Vino a cumplir la misión de su Padre: la salvación mankind. He labored for this mission by becoming the de la humanidad. Trabajó para esta misión convirtiéndose humblest of servants. How might we live in awareness of en el más humilde de los siervos. ¿Cómo podemos vivir our Father’s mission? We are called to spend time in conscientes de la misión de nuestro Padre? Estamos daily prayer — we will then become aware of the llamados a pasar tiempo en oración diaria; entonces nos opportunities to serve the Lord. We will also recognize daremos cuenta de las oportunidades para servir al Señor. that it is He Who gives us the strength as a steward — También reconoceremos que es Él quien nos da la fuerza therefore, He should receive every ounce of gratitude. como mayordomos; por lo tanto, debe recibir cada gramo de gratitud. Ash Wednesday February 17, 2021

Guidelines from the Vatican and the Diocese of Stockton have been updated to keep our clergy, ministers, staff, and parishioners safe dur- ing the Imposition of Ashes.

The priest says the prayer for blessing the ashes. He sprinkles the ashes with holy water, without saying anything. Then he address- es all those present and only once says the formula as it appears in the Roman Missal, applying it to all in general: “Repent, and be- lieve in the Gospel,” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

The priest and/or minister then sanitizes his hands, puts on a face mask, and distributes the ashes to those who come to him or, if appropriate, he goes to those who are standing in their places. The priest and/or minister takes the blessed ashes and sprinkles them on the head of each one without saying anything.

We understand that some of the faithful may be unfamiliar with this mode of imposing ashes, but it is a very common practice around the world.

In the gospel reading on Ash Wednesday, we are warned against doing good just to be seen doing so. The warning highlights how the imposition of ashes by sprinkling on the head emphasizes the theme of the Gospel of the day: doing penance and good works in secret. “[But] take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them. . . .” - Matthew 6:1

Ash Wednesday – Mass and Service Times 7:00 am - Mass 5:30 pm - Mass 10:30 am - Service 7:30 pm - Mass (Sp) 12:15 pm - Mass 8:45 pm - Service 4:00 pm - Service

PRAYER AND WORSHIP FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | FEBRUARY 7, 2021 7

Children’s Prayer (all content for Children’s Prayer page provided by LPi) Simon Peter's mother-in-law was GROWING WITH THE GOSPEL sick in bed with a fever. Jesus went to her. He took hold of her hand and helped her up. The fever left her. She felt so good, she cooked them a nice meal to celebrate. Neighbors brought all of their sick loved ones to be cured. When we pray today, Jesus still comes to those who are sick and heals them. He cures through doctors, nurses, medicines, and machines.

Prayer Something to Draw Mission for the Week Lord, heal my family and Draw a sick person lying I will make get well cards friends who are sick in bed. Then draw him or for three sick people today. her cooking supper when in our church. cured.

COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS 8 CHURCH OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY | STOCKTON, CA

Registration for the 2021-2022 School Year is Open!

Now until April 30, 2021 for students currently enrolled at Presentation. Registration forms and all fees must be complete by April 30th, 2021 in or- der to secure your child's seat.

The Parish Participation Form for Catholic Tuition are available for fami- lies requesting Catholic Tuition for the upcoming school year. Have you turned in your purple form? Please complete and return forms no later than March 5th t be considered for Catholic Tuition.

2021-2022 Tuition Assistance Diocesan SEEDS Scholarship

Tuition Assistance Applications are open for the 2021-2022 school year. Applications are now being accepted for the diocesan SEEDS scholarship. An application is considered complete and eligible for consideration when all the required documentation has been verified by March 15th.

See our website for additional information at www.presentationschool.org.

You are instrumental to our parish and our Church! Thank Men's Ministry Group you for continuing to support our parish and for helping us to Begins February 13, 2021 and concludes March 27, 2021. reach the community, especially during these unprecedented times. If you can, please consider a gift to the This 7-week video series will take us through Lent and pre- PRESENTATION PANDEMIC EMERGENCY FUND pare us for Easter and for Life! The program is entitled, to help offset some of these expenses and reduced income “The Search.” It is produced by the Augustine Institute and and keep our parish functioning. You can give easily online or hosted by Chris Stefanick. The video can be streamed for visit our website for all of the options to donate. You may also free if you download the app FORMED (the parish has support our parish by spreading the word, offering prayers paid for this service.) and service to our community.

We will meet each Saturday at 6:30 am by Guadalupe Hall Get Formed Today! for coffee and the video will begin at 6:45 am. Please make Scan the QR Code with your smartphone. sure to wear a mask. Social distancing will be maintained. • Use your phone camera to take a picture of the QR code Small groups will then meet for half an hour. A Participant • Click the pop up when it appears on your cell phone Guidebook will be used for the discussion. These books can screen (Tap here to go to "qr.w69b.com" in your browser be purchased for $15. (If money is an issue please talk to • Enter our parish zip (95207) or name Fr. Matthew.) • Select "Church of the Presentation of the

BVM" when it appears Mass and confession are available after each meeting. Don’t • Click "Next" forget to bring a friend! • Enter your name and email • Click Sign Up

COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME | FEBRUARY 7, 2021 9

Miércoles de Ceniza zas benditas y las esparce 17 de Febrero de 2021 sobre la cabeza de cada uno sin decir nada.

Este año, la imposición de cenizas el Miércoles de Ceniza se Entendemos que algunos hará de forma diferente como de costumbre. fieles pueden no estar famil- Las pautas del Vaticano y la Diócesis de Stockton se han iarizados con esta forma de actualizado para mantener seguros a nuestro clero, min- imponer cenizas, pero es istros, personal y feligreses durante la Imposición de Ceni- una práctica muy común en todo el mundo. zas. En la lectura del Evangelio del Miércoles de Ceniza, se nos El sacerdote dice la oración para bendecir las cenizas. Rocía advierte que no hagamos el bien solo para que se nos vea las cenizas con agua bendita, sin decir nada. Luego se dirige haciéndolo. La advertencia destaca cómo la imposición de a todos los presentes y sólo una vez dice la fórmula tal co- cenizas rociadas en la cabeza enfatiza el tema del Evangelio mo aparece en el Misal Romano, aplicándola a todos en del día: hacer penitencia y buenas obras en secreto. general: “Arrepentíos y creed en el Evangelio”, o “Recuerda “Guárdense de las buenas acciones hechas a la vista de to- que eres polvo y al polvo regresas." dos, a fin de que todos las aprecien." - Mateo 6: 1

El sacerdote y/o ministro luego se higieniza las manos, se Miércoles de Ceniza - Misas y horario de Servicios pone una mascarilla y distribuye las cenizas a los que se 7:00 am: Misa, 10:30 am: Servicio, 12:15 pm: Misa, 4:00 pm: acercan a él o, si corresponde, se dirige a los que están para- Servicio, 5:30 pm: Misa, 7:30 pm: Misa (Español), dos en sus lugares. El sacerdote y/o ministro toma las ceni- 8:45 pm: Servicio

MENSAJE DE PADRE MARK: La Esclava que se Hizo una Santa

Me encanta la evangelio de hoy (Marcos 1:29-39) Es un “día típico en la vida de Jesús.” Es del primer capítulo del Evangelio de Marcos, el cual es un evangelio muy breve y ajetreado. En el primer capítulo, vemos toda la actividad frenética de Jesús en un día típico. Vemos lo que hizo durante el día, y en la tarde, y luego "al anochecer, después del atardecer" y luego "muy temprano antes del amanecer". Jesús dio tiempo para la oración y para la gente. Jesús no rechazó a nadie que acudiera a él, sino que acogió y ayudó a todos los que padecían enfermedades o de malos espíritus.

La Iglesia Católica es el "Cuerpo de Cristo" y tampoco rechaza a nadie. Mañana, 8 de febrero, es la fiesta de un santo cuya vida es un buen ejemplo de esta realidad que la Iglesia católica es un refugio para personas de todas las razas. Santa Josephina Bakhita fue una de las últimas esclavas secuestradas de África. Nació en 1869 en lo que hoy es Sudán, en África Oriental. Cuando tenía seis años, salió a caminar un poco fuera de su pueblo y fue secuestrada por traficantes de esclavos. En ese mismo año, 1875, el comercio de esclavos negros fue prohibida por ley en África. Egipto, que entonces ejercía control político sobre el Sudán, había firmado recientemente un tratado por el que se declaraba ilegal la esclavitud. Pero los abusos continuaban y la esclavitud "ilegal" aún continúa. Para la niña de seis años, la experiencia del secuestro fue tan traumática que olvidó su propio nombre. Por lo tanto, los secuestradores le dieron el nombre de "Bakhita." Es una palabra en árabe que significa "el afortunado".

Bakhita fue vendida varias veces a diferentes propietarios, en su mayoría musulmanes. Uno de sus compradores, un general del ejército turco, la "marcó" igual como sus otros esclavos. Fue tatuada por una mujer experta en el procedimiento de marcar esclavos con tatuajes. Hizo 114 cortes de navaja en los senos, brazos y abdomen de la niña de 13 años. Luego, frotó sal y harina en las heridas para que sanasen y se convirtieran en un sello permanente de propiedad.

Sin embargo, esta niña demostró una bondad y una gentileza innata que protegían su virtud. Aunque no era cristiana, su alma tenía muchas cualidades cristianas. Los últimos dueños que la poseía como esclava fueron una pareja casada que confiaban mucho en ella y la nombraran como "niñera" para la educación de su pequeña hija. Tras mudarse a Venecia, Italia, inscribieron a la hija en un curso de instrucción religiosa dirigido por las Hermanas Canossian, una rama de las Hermanas de la Caridad. Bakhita acompañó al niño a cada clase de catecismo. Bakhita quedó muy impresionado por la doctrina católica y por las monjas católicas. Cuando su amo y su ama decidieron regresar a Sudán, le dieron a Bakhita la opción de acompañarlos. Un tribunal italiano analizó su situación jurídica y declaró que nunca fue esclava en realidad. Bakhita fue secostrada DESPUES de que Sudán promulgó una ley que prohibía la esclavitud. Bakhita nunca había sido una esclava legal. Bakhita decidió de quedarse en Italia, de recibir el bautisma católico con el nombre de “Giuseppina” (Josephine) y de entrar en la Orden de las Hermanas Canossianas como hermana religiosa. Durante cincuenta años, la hermana Bakhita fue una religiosa ejemplar, siempre humilde, siempre agradecida. El Papa Juan Pablo II la canonizó durante el Gran Jubileo del año 2000. En aquel tiempo, el país de su nacimiento, Sudán, estaba sufriendo mucho debido a la persecución de los católicos por parte del gobierno islámico.

DIOCESAN NEWS AND EVENTS 10 CHURCH OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY | STOCKTON, CA

SCHOOL OF MINISTRY: Cycle 2 of Faith Formation Courses

The School of Ministry invites everyone to register in Cycle 2 of the University of Dayton’s Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation courses. Cycle 2 runs from February 21 to March 27, 2021. The following are the courses open for registration:

Bible Basics /Los Básicos de la Biblia- recommended for ITM participants New Testament/Nuevo Testamento- recommended for TLM participants

Registration period for Cycle 2 is from Jan 6 to February 17, 2021.

Note: The School of Ministry and University of Dayton VLCFF Partnership is open to ALL in the Diocese of Stockton. Aside from the courses mentioned above, Cycle 2 offers other courses for on-going formation. For more information, please call the School of Ministry office at 209-466-0636 or email at [email protected].

To learn more about Dayton’s VLCFF, visit the following links: https:// youtu.be/VzQQJRHQRIo (English video); https://youtu.be/CYZ1mGmTjW8 (Spanish Video).

LIFE & DIGNITY: Human Trafficking Awareness

St. Josephine Bakhita is the Patron Saint of Human Trafficking Victims. She was a Sudanese Italian Canossian religious sister who lived in Italy for 45 years, after Catholic Engaged Encounter of Stockton has decided to having been kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery in present all its marriage preparation retreats virtually in Sudan. In 2000 she was declared a saint. February 8th is 2021. Their leadership team under the direction of Tom her feast day for which the Pontifical Council for Justice & Mercedes Hollcraft have done a great job in and Peace and the International Union of Superiors converting the traditional retreat weekend into an General has designated this day as an annual day of effective instructional, spiritually formational, and prayer and awareness against human trafficking. emotionally rewarding virtual experience. The next 2021 Engaged Encounter Virtual Weekend is on On February 8, Catholics all over the world are February 20 & 21 (two-day weekend retreat). encouraged to host or attend prayer services to create For more information, visit the Stockton Diocese greater awareness about this phenomenon. For more Engaged Encounter Website at www.stocktonee.org. information on anti-human trafficking visit www.stocktondiocese.org/human-trafficking.

International Day of Prayer Josephine became a Canossian sister. and Awareness Against She dedicated her life to sharing her Human Trafficking testament of deliverance from slavery and comforting the poor and suffering. • Over 70 years ago, St. Bakhita, the In her honor, we recognize February 8 Patron Saint of Sudan and victims of as a Day of Prayer for victims of human trafficking, passed away. Today, we pray trafficking. for those who have been victims of slavery & trafficking. • Many years ago, Josephine Bakhita lived as a slave. Years later, St. Bakhita was • Today, we celebrate a Day of Prayer for canonized and is now known as the victims of human trafficking & slavery as patron Saint of Sudan. She is also we celebrate the incredible life of uplifted as the patron saint of victims of Saint Bakhita. trafficking. On February 8, in her honor, • St. Bakhita survived slavery and we pray for those who have been persevered. Once she gained freedom, victims of modern-day slavery. Contact Gina Shaughnessy to place an ad today! [email protected] or (800) 950-9952 x2487

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