sign in sign up
<<
Home , Saint Stephen

St. Parish SaintStephenSF.org | 451 Eucalyptus Dr., San Francisco CA 94132 | Church 415 681-2444 StStephenSchoolSF.org | 401 Eucalyptus Dr., San Francisco 94132 | School 415 664-8331

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.

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 message through preaching, through the education and formation of our people, young and old, and through caring ser- vice and sensitive outreach to those in need Rev. Tony P. LaTorre, Pastor

Baptism of the Lord Three of the four recall the Baptism of the Lord, each one in its own way. The version we heard today, from Mat- thew, is unique in recalling that when Jesus came to the Jor- dan, at first tried to prevent him, saying that he was the one who needed to be baptized by Jesus. But Jesus replies, Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness. Here, Matthew is keen to emphasize that Jesus is the fulfillment of the promises made to – as found in the first reading – and the one whose sandals John is unfit to carry (Cf., Matthew 3:11). John acqui- esced to Jesus’ request, and upon coming up from the water, Jesus is revealed as my beloved Son through a voice from heaven, while the Spirit descends upon him in the form of a dove. As we hear this proclaimed, we note this revelation/divine action occurs after Jesus comes up from the waters of the Jordan. We, too, have emerged from the waters of baptism, and been anointed with the same Spirit. The words of the Father are words meant for us, too, for we also are God’s beloved. If anything, this feast has as much to say about us as it does about Jesus and his identity. Yes, by going down into the waters of the Jordan, Jesus demonstrates his solidarity with our broken world, but we know that he was without sin and so his baptism is different from ours. Unlike Christ who embodied perfection, we have to choose whether or not to live up to that baptismal identity, and to continue his divine work in our world to- day. We who gather here have made this choice, it seems. We may not do it perfectly, but by our profession of faith and openness to the grace available at this Mass we are, at the very least, committed to trying our best. May God bless us in our efforts, and may the Eucharist continue to transform us for the sake of the world. May God’s blessings be with all of you this day and always. Father Tony LaTorre

LITURGY AND LIFE • Where do you notice God’s majesty? • In a time as short as an elevator ride, could you explain your reason for belief? • What responsibilities come with your Baptism?

THE DIGNITY OF BAPTISM

When the season officially ends with a of a moment in the life of the adult Jesus, it reminds all of us that Christmas is not simply about a baby. The incarnation is more than just a beautiful manger scene. Christmas recalls the inau- guration of Christ’s mission to the world, a mission that will require of Jesus, and of us, to make difficult choices for the sake of God’s kingdom. In Jesus’ life, and in our as his followers, that mission began with baptism. Today’s feast is an opportune moment for all of us to recall the dignity of our baptism. Baptism is the sacramental beginning of a life of missionary discipleship and the doorway to all the sacra- ments. It is what makes us full and complete members of Christ’s body. Let us be aware of anything we do or say that may lessen the dignity of the baptized or communicate that one needs something more than baptism to be recognized as members of God’s holy priesthood: “By Baptism they share in the priesthood of Christ, in his prophetic and royal mission . . .Baptism gives us a share in the common priesthood of all believers.” (CCC 1268) ADDITONAL THOUGHTS FROM TODAY’S THEME OF BAPTISM

The reminds us of our crate our bodies (the temples of the Holy Spirit and mem- identity and mission. First, it reminds bers of Jesus' Body) by impurity, injustice, intolerance, us of who we are and Whose we jealousy or hatred; d) to accept both the good and the bad experiences of life as the gifts of a loving Heavenly Father are. By Baptism we become the adop- for our growth in holiness; e) to grow daily in intimacy tive sons and daughters of God, brothers with God by personal and family prayers, by reading the and sisters of Jesus, members of his Word of God, by participating in the Holy Mass, and by Church, heirs of Heaven and temples of frequenting the Sacrament of Reconciliation; f) to be co- the Holy Spirit. We become incorporated creators with God in building up the “Kingdom of God” on into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in earth, a Kingdom of compassion, justice and love, and to the priesthood of Christ [CCC 1279]. Hence, "Baptism is be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in This is the day for us to remember the graces we the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other Sac- have received in Baptism and to renew our Baptismal raments" (Catechism of the , #1213). Most promises: On the day of our baptism, as John of us dipped the fingers of our right hands into the holy Paul II explains, "We were anointed with the Oil of Cate- water font and blessed ourselves when we came into church chumens, the sign of Christ's gentle strength, to fight today. Why? This blessing is supposed to remind us of our against evil. Blessed water was poured over us, an effec- tive sign of interior purification through the gift of the Holy Baptism. And so when I bless myself with Holy Water, I Spirit. We were then anointed with Chrism to show should be thinking of the fact that I am a child of God; that we were thus consecrated in the image of Jesus, the that I have been redeemed by the Cross of Christ; that I Father's Anointed One. The candle lighted from the Pas- have been made a member of God’s family and that I chal Candle was a symbol of the light of faith which our have been washed, forgiven, cleansed and purified by the parents and godparents must have continually safeguarded Blood of the Lamb. and nourished with the life-giving grace of the Spir- it." This is also a day for us to renew our Baptismal prom- Jesus’ baptism reminds us of our mission: a) to ex- ises, consecrating ourselves to the Holy Trinity and perience the presence of God within us, to acknowledge our “rejecting and all his empty promises," which our own dignity as God’s children, and to appreciate the Divine profane world is constantly offering us through its mass- Presence in others by honoring them, loving them and serv- media of communication. Let us ask Our Lord today to ing them in all humility; b) to live as the children of God in make us faithful to our Baptismal promises. Let us thank thought, word and action so that our Heavenly Father may Him for the privilege of being joined to His mission of say to each one of us what He said to Jesus: "You are my preaching the "Good News" by our transparent Christian beloved son/daughter with whom I am well pleased"; c) to lives of love, mercy, service and forgiveness. lead a holy and transparent Christian life and not to dese-

LIVING STEWARDSHIP NOW Who’s In? Who’s Out?

The book of Leviticus in the Old Testament contains a long list of rules for Jewish people to become “pure” and to main- tain that purity. This purity has nothing to do with simple cleanliness. The rituals to ensure purity guaranteed a worthiness to be in contact with sacred things. The code for the priests who officiated in the temple ceremonies required the highest degree of purity. The would only eat with others who were keeping those strict laws of purity. Social exclusion was the Jewish norm. The elite mixed only with the elite and the pure with the pure. Some Jews, the Essenes, took themselves off to a desert settlement to be even more pure and exclusive. So, along comes John the Baptist. He walks around in animal skins, eats grasshoppers, and doesn’t seem to care all that much about the laws of . He knows the Messiah, the Savior, is at hand and he says that all must repent and be baptized—men and women alike, and regardless of social status. No wonder the Phari- sees, , and other elite people are shocked and enraged. Jesus appears and insists on being baptized, just like every- body else in the crowd attracted by John. John reluctantly agrees, knowing that Jesus is the expected Savior. Jesus breaks even more rules: he heals on the Sabbath, forgives sins, and invites all sorts of people to his table. He shares meals with tax collec- tors and prostitutes, as well as respectable, even wealthy, citizens. Is it any wonder that people were shocked? Jesus was a scandal. He was inclusive of all people without any limits or preconditions whatsoever. Jesus not only loved them, he made them feel wanted, cared for, and included. Should we not do the same? Remember, Jesus did say to follow him.

How inclusive are you? Join our parish hospitality committee or the ushers, greeters. Invite a new neighbor or parishioner to dinner. Offer to buy lunch for someone living on the street. Monday, Jan. 13 Monday, Jan. 13 8:00 a.m. Rhonda Smith Sp. Int. (By: Parish Staff & Volunteers) 12:00 p.m. 50+ Club/Hall Tuesday, Jan. 14 4:00 p.m. Faith Formation/Office 8:00 a.m. Tommy Kennedy Sp. Int. 5:00 p.m. BCSFYAO Basketball/Gym (By: Mary Moylan) Tuesday, Jan. 14

Wednesday, Jan. 15 12:00 p.m. School Lunch/Hall 8:00 a.m. Adele Caunan Sp. Int. 6:00 p.m. Sponsor Night/Hall (By: Rosary Prayer Group) 7:00 p.m. Choir Practice/Church

Thursday, Jan. 16 Wednesday, Jan. 15 8:00 a.m. † Catherine Soo 12:00 p.m. School Lunch/Hall (By: Carol St. John) 6:00 p.m. Women’s Guild Mtg./Art Room & Hall

Friday, Jan. 17 Thursday Jan. 16 8:00 a.m. † Jorge Illenberger 12:00 p.m. School Lunch/Hall (By: Marylin Illenberger) 7:00 p.m. GA Meeting/EC Saturday, Jan. 18 Saturday, Jan. 18

8:00 a.m. † Roberto Salera Sunday, Jan 19 (By: Becky) 12:30 p.m. Fundamentals First Acad./Gym 4:30 p.m. † Lei Anne Cagalingan (By: Philip, Joy & Cedric) Sunday, Jan. 19 Second Collection Next Weekend 8:00 a.m. † Alfred Barzoloski Second collections will be taken at all masses January (By: Maria Barzoloski) 18 & 19 for our: Parish Subsidy 9:30 a.m. † Maria Teresa Ngo Chua (By: Family) AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES 11:30 a.m. † Gragnani Sunday: The Baptism of the Lord (By: Diane Gragnani) 6:45 p.m. † Harry Over. Monday: First Week in Ordinary Time; (By: Dorothy Over) St. Hilary Friday: St. Anthony The Baptism of the Lord Saturday: Blessed Mary; January 12, 2020 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity A voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my be- begins loved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” — Matthew 3:17 HOSPITALITY MINISTERS TODAY’S READINGS for our 9:30 a.m. Mass First Reading — speaks of the Servant whom the LORD upholds; he shall bring forth justice to the nations Today, Jan 12 - Women’s Guild (Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7). Sunday, Jan. 19 - Women’s Guild Psalm — The Lord will bless his people with peace Sunday, Jan. 26 - Women’s Guild (Psalm 29). Second Reading — Jesus was anointed by God with the lease pray for the sick and Holy Spirit; he went out healing and doing good P homebound of our communi- ty and for all those written in our (:34-38). book of the sick. May they know Gospel — A voice comes from heaven proclaiming Je- the healing touch of Jesus. sus as the beloved Son, with whom God is well pleased Larry Teshara, Vaughn Jones, Leanna Mossi, (Matthew 3:13-17). Peter Dalton, Elena Amaya, Eden Finn, Thank you to all who took an ornament from the Edileide Jose Barbosa, Kenneth Fambrini, giving tree and made Christmas brighter for many Larry Barbiere, Carol Dominguez, unfortunate people at St. Martin’s de Porres, Marc Gutierres, Kevin King, Marla Moso, Dolores Shelter or the Good Shepard Grace Cen- Juan Pablo Grover-Paez, Betty Rodriguez, ter. Your kindness and generosity was fantastic Rivera, Nenita Sangalang, Tren, and the staff at the facilities very much appreciat- Anna M Thompson, Gwendolyn Walsh ed the gifts. Happy New Year to you and your families. Jovita & Richard Thompson, Please call the office to add or remove names SOME “BAPTISM” HUMOR 2019 Annual Appeal Johnny's Mother looked out the window and I am happy to report that as of De- noticed him "playing church" with their cat. He cember 31, you, through your gener- had the cat sitting quietly and he was preaching osity, have succeeded in making our to it. She smiled and went about her work. A while later she heard loud meowing and hissing and ran back to the open win- annual appeal tax of $92,685.00. You dow to see Johnny baptizing the cat in a tub of water. She should be very proud of yourselves as called out, "Johnny, stop that! The cat is afraid of water!" that is a big undertaking and as pas- Johnny looked up at her and said, "He should have thought tor, I am so very proud as well as grateful to each of about that before he joined my church." you. My thanks to all of you. (Fr. Tony) Three times: Too many people come to Church three times primarily. They're baptized, they get married, and they CROSS CATHOLIC have their funeral service at the Church. The first time they throw water on you, the second time rice, the third time dirt! OUTREACH This weekend we welcome Father Baptized in luxury: When our church was renovated, add- Bryan O’Rourke of Cross Catholic ing a Baptismal pool, we were pleased. So was our daughter. Outreach who is speaking this weekend at all our Masses on While riding in the car with my daughter and her friend, we behalf of the poor in developing countries. Cross Catholic went past a pond. My daughter's friend proudly declared, "I Outreach was founded to create a meaningful link between was baptized in that pond." My daughter responded with no parishes in America and the priests and nuns working in the less pride: "Oh, I was baptized in a Jacuzzi at our church." Church overseas in the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Central and A keg of beer and a case of whiskey: Before performing a South America. We look forward to Father’s visit and presen- baptism, the priest approached the young father and said sol- tation. emnly, "Baptism is a serious step. Are you prepared for it?" "I think so," the man replied. "My wife has made appetizers and 5th Annual Clericus Classic we have a caterer coming to provide plenty of cookies and The Office of Vocations is proud to an- cakes for all of our guests." "I don't mean that," the priest re- nounce its 5th Annual Clericus Classic Bas- sponded. "I mean, are you prepared spiritually?" "Oh, sure," ketball Game featuring priests and seminar- came the reply. "I've got a keg of beer and a case of whiskey." ians. Archbishop Cordileone will be the Baptism Catholic, Baptist & Jewish style: A Catholic official host and honoree tipoff referee. The Priest, a Baptist Preacher and a Rabbi were sitting around Classic will be held at Junipero Serra High drinking coffee. Someone made the comment that preaching to School (main) Gymnasium, located at 451 people isn't really all that hard, a real challenge would be to West 20th Avenue, San Mateo, California 94403 on Saturday, preach to a bear. One thing led to another, and they decided January 18. Doors will open at 6:00. Tickets will be available that each would find a bear and attempt to convert it to their at the door. Credit card and/or cash will be accepted. religion. Seven days later, they all came together to discuss their experiences. Father Flannery, who had his arm in a sling and had various bandages on his body and limbs, went first. 16th Anniversary Walk of Life 'Well,' he said, 'I went into the woods to find me a bear. And when I found him, I began to read to him from the Catechism. Walk for Life will take place on January25. Well, that bear came after me and began to slap me around. So America’s second largest pro-life event! I quickly grabbed my holy water, sprinkled him and, Holy Save the date! The Walk begins at Civic Mary Mother of God, he became as gentle as a lamb.' Rever- Center Plaza at 12:30 pm and after the ral- end Billy Bob the Baptist spoke next. He was in a wheelchair ly, the walk will proceed down Market and had an IV drip. 'I went out and found me a bear. And then Street to Justin Herman Plaza. I began to read to my bear from the ! But that bear came after me. We wrestled down one hill, until we came to a creek. So I quickly dunked him and baptized his hairy soul. And just St Stephen Church provides Online like you said, he became as gentle as a lamb. The Priest and Giving -- a convenient and safe way to the Reverend both looked down at the Rabbi, who was lying in make a one-time or recurring dona- a hospital bed. He was in a body cast and traction with IV's tion. Getting started is easy. and monitors running in and out of him. The Rabbi looked up Visit www.saintstephensf.org, click on and said: Donation link. When you participate, "Looking your gift will be securely transferred back on it, circumcision directly into the parish. may not have been If the only prayer you said in your entire life is the best way ‘thank you’ - That would suffice to start? St. Stephen Parish Presents SAINT HILARY (c. 315-367) January 13 Born in Poitiers, France, whose populace would later elect him bishop, A Church & School Community Event Hilary, married and a father, was con- verted from paganism to Saturday, February 1, 2020 through his reading of scripture. The 5:30pm – 9:30pm focus of his prayerful study was the Prologue to the St. Stephen Donworth Hall Gospel according to John, which portrays Jesus as the divine Logos, eternally begotten of the Father. As a re- sult, Hilary became in the words of the biblical scholar $65 per person , “the Latin Trumpet against the Arians,” heretics (includes appetizers, who believed Jesus to be merely human, not divine. In 3-course dinner & dessert) defense of Christ’s divinity, Hilary was not only elo- Table of 10 - $585.00 quent in debate but utterly fearless in the face of relent- ======less persecution and even exile. Thus by the witness of his own discipleship, Hilary taught that faith in Jesus as Please reserve _____ seats for me! the divine Son of God has consequences. Reflecting on Jesus’ challenge to his disciples, “You are the salt of the I have enclosed the amount of $ ______Cash/ earth” (Matthew 5:13), Hilary notes that, as salt both Check # ______for the following: preserves from corruption and adds savor to food, so must the faithful bear a witness that, by word ______and example, leads others to immortality and virtuous living.—Peter Scagnelli, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co. ______St. Stephen Catholic Book Club ______The St Stephen’s Book Club is currently reading “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption” by Bryan Steven- son. This book is based on real life events and is being made ______into a movie. Read the book then join us for a movie adven- ture when we will see the movie together then gather to dis- ______cuss afterwards. Contact Mary Molly if you want to join the email list for the movie screening announcements. [email protected] About “Just Mercy” - The true measure of our character is ______how we treat the poor, the disfavored, the accused, the incar- cerated, and the condemned. Simply punishing the broken ______only ensures that they remain broken and we do, too. Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done. ______This Week’s Schedule ______Mon. 1/13: Diego Ramirez, Joshua Usi You may submit or mail to Parish Office or drop in bas- Tues. 1/14 Bridget Stecher, Elyse Hallinan ket with your payment during mass. For more infor- Wed. 1/15: Julie Alcantara, Madison Pashby maon: St. Stephen Parish Center, (415) 681-2444 Thur. 1/16: Santiago Dyer, Lucas Guzman Fri. 1/17: Erin Ritchie, Aisling Landers

$$ Up! Sat. 1/18 8:00 a.m.: Karl Uthman

4:30 p.m. Caitlin Daly, Rosella Franco, Niamh Concannon, Sunday 1/19: 8:00 a.m. Martin Aquino, Evan O’Driscoll 9:30 a.m. Bridget & Megan Stecher, Beatriz Taylor 11:30 a.m. Joshua Usi, Karl Uthman Our 20,000 Square Foot Parish Center 6:45 p.m. Beckett Anderson, Niles Wallace is Available to Rent for Special Occasions Our special “thanks” to our student Altar Servers who faith- Call Shay Ingelfinger at 415 681-2444 ext.7 fully volunteer their time and talent to our parish. Web site: www.sfeventcenter.org AD PAGE

PASTORAL STAFF ST STEPHEN PARISH 2019-2020

Rev. Tony P. LaTorre ORGANIZATION/MINISTRY CONTACT PERSON Pastor, ext.1 [email protected] • Altar Servers Giovanna Hrvatin • Altar Society Joan Leehane Mrs. Sharon McCarthy Allen • School Principal Bridge Group Helen Perlite • Caritas Nellie Hizon Carol P Cagalingan • Parish Manager, ext. 3 Church Hospitality Mary Molly Mullaney [email protected] • Communion Ministers Mary Molly Mullaney • Faith Formation Mary Molly Mullaney Rev. Mr. Olet Abad Permanent • Fifty Plus Club Helga D’Arcy • Finance Council Laura Birsinger Mary Molly Mullaney Faith Formation Coordinator, ext. 4 • Grief Support Clergy [email protected] • Lectors Mary Molly Mullaney • Liturgy Committee Fr. Tony Shay Ingelfinger • Event Center Coordinator, ext.7 Marriage Preparation Clergy [email protected] • Men’s Club Andrew Hazard • Parish Council Vicky Francisco Rev. Tony P. LaTorre Liturgy Director (Temp). ext. 1 • RCIA Mary Molly Mullaney [email protected] • St. Stephen Book Club Mary Molly Mullaney

Teresa Devincenzi • St. Vincent de Paul Julie O’Callaghan Bookkeeper, ext.5 • Ushers Bob Anthony [email protected] • Women’s Guild Courtney Kilroy Ed Prete Rose O’Driscoll Bulletin Editor, ext. 6 [email protected]

Our warmest welcome to all who celebrate with us.

You can sign up or update your information by completing this form & placing it in the collection basket, by mailing it to the Parish Office, by phone at 681-2444 or online at www.saintstephensf.org Name ______

Complete Address ______City/Zip ______

Phone ______Email ______

I am interested in assisting with the Parish in the following way(s): Acolyte/Altar Service, Altar Society, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, Greeter/Usher, Hospitality after Mass/Special Events, Holy Communion Ministers to the Homebound, Music/Choir, Lector/Holy Communion Ministers, Parish Front Office Volunteer. Weekly Sunday envelopes , circle one: Yes No, but commit to participate thru Online Giving