St. Stephen 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 Mass: 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 Jesus Christ. 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
PRESENTATION OF THE LORD At first this celebration may seem rather strange and out of sequence. We have long since taken down the Christmas decorations and put away the crèches. Indeed, two Sundays of Ordinary Time have passed during which the adult Jesus has been baptized, begun his public ministry and called his first disciples. This is where knowledge of Jewish custom and history helps us understand this momentary shift out of Ordinary Time and back to a feast. The Gospel, says, When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Jo- seph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. Mosaic Law set this time of purification as 40 days after the birth of a male child – and today is 40 days, inclusive, after Christmas. What occurred on this holy day took place for countless other Jewish mothers and their sons. The rite of puri- fication included a burnt offering to the Lord – for the wealthy the sacrifice of a one-year old lamb or goat; for the poor, two turtle doves or young pigeons, as Mary does here. As her firstborn son, Jesus is also consecrated to the Lord, and while this does not have to take place in a temple, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem for this purpose. The symbolism of this ought not to be lost on us. In bringing Jesus to the Temple, his parents are giving back the very gift that God has given them. This gesture of whole-hearted thanksgiving to God, therefore, becomes the pattern of salvation and the way of all Christian living. This newborn child, the Father’s gift to creation, will in turn offer his whole life back to God in another act of sacrificial self-giving at Calvary. The child who is presented in the Temple of Jerusalem will one day die in this same city, destroying this Temple and raising a new one. Simeon and Anna, just and pious people, were also present in the Temple. Their hearts were full of expectant hope in the fulfillment of the promises God had made to Israel about her redemption. Together, they represent all who ever longed for the coming of the Messiah and for the redemption of humanity. As Simeon says, this child is the revelation of God’s glory. Jesus fulfills the title given to him in an earlier part of Luke’s Gospel, where he is described as Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father (1:32). He is the very gift of God to us, long promised through the words of Malachi: the one who will fill the Temple with the very presence of God. But this is not just any divine revelation, for Jesus shares with us our human condition, with all its trials and temptations, making him a true light and hope for all humanity. While Christians are no longer dedicated ac- cording to the Law of Moses, we are presented at baptism by name, and, through the grace of that sacrament, conformed to the very identity and sacrifice of Christ. The life we have been given by God is therefore best lived by our own loving, thankful and obedient service to him. With God’s help, may we always do so. As we continue this week, may we always walk sharing the light of Christ with those we meet. Blessings to you all. Father Tony LaTorre
LITURGY AND LIFE ♦ How do you see God revealed in the actions during the Mass? ♦ Through what things and beings is God revealed in your daily life? ♦ How did the Mass celebrate Christ as the King of glory, as the Responsorial Psalm proclaims? The Rooster Didn’t Crow ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
Bruce and Darlene Marie Wilkinson in Every Holy Mass in which we participate is our their book The Dream Giver for Parents presentation. Although we were officially presented to tell about a teenager who noticed that his God on the day of our Baptism, we present ourselves father worried himself nearly to death, try- and our dear ones on the altar before God our Father ing unsuccessfully to be everywhere and through our Savior Jesus Christ at every Holy Mass. do everything to protect his child from Hence, we need to live our daily lives with the aware- life’s difficulties. This young man wrote his father the ness both that we are dedicated people consecrated to following note: “I am sure you remember, Dad, how you God and that we are obliged to lead holy lives. used to tell me stories when I was young and was afraid We need the assistance of the Holy Spirit to recognize or insecure. Well, I have noticed that you are often wor- the presence of Jesus in ourselves and in others: All ried about what might become of me when you’re not those who, like Simeon and Anna, persevere in piety and there to help. Now I want to remind you of one of the in the service of God, no matter how insignificant their stories we read together when I was little. It’s the story lives seem in men's eyes, become instruments the Holy of the rooster who got up before dawn every day to sit Spirit uses to make Christ known to others. In His plan on the roof of the farmhouse and crow so that the sun of redemption, God makes use of these simple souls to would rise. Because that’s what he really believed: that it do much good for all mankind. In other words, The Holy was his responsibility to make the sun come up. He was Spirit employs ordinary men and women with simple always afraid that if he didn’t crow, everything would go faith as His instruments to bear witness to Christ, His wrong. He kept worrying: "What would happen if I fell ideals and teachings, just as He used Simeon and Anna. ill, or even died? How would the crops grow, and the The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of the Lord to us children wake up in time for school, and the frost melt, when we are receptive and eager to receive Him. Let us and the flowers blossom if I weren’t there to make the be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit within us to sun rise? The world would become cold and dark; all the recognize the indwelling presence of the Lord with us grass and the trees would die and the people too eventu- and in others. ally . . ." Then one evening, Rooster attended a party and overslept the next morning. The other animals realized A “New’ Born Bundle that he was not there to make the sun come up and were Every day, new parents bring their just about to panic when they saw a glimmer of light on precious bundle home from its the horizon . . . It was the sun rising without Rooster! birthing place, convinced that their Rooster was miserable when he found out that he had child is the most precious baby in nothing to do with the sun’s rising every morning. And the world, and they begin imaging embarrassed! But he was also extremely relieved. "What all the great things this child will a weight off my shoulders," he thought, "that I don’t accomplish. As they share their have to. I can’t make the sun come up! Yet, every morn- dreams for their child with family ing, there it is. There must be Someone Else taking care and friends, there is always some- of all this." one ready to throw cold water on their expectations. One Dad, you light up my life, but it really isn’t your respon- couple recounting this experience when they had their sibility to “make the sun rise for me.” I know that you first child spoke of how indignant they became when know Someone Else is taking care of me. That was a anyone would suggest that, first of all, the child would lesson that Mary and Joseph had to learn. And it’s a les- someday make an independent decision about life choic- son I hope you and I have learned as well. God will take es and in addition to that, there undoubtedly would be care of those we love, and God will take care of us. limitations to what the child might accomplish. Then one Mary and Joseph went on day a visiting friend raved about how wonderful the baby with their lives following was and how lucky they were to have this precious bun- Christmas, and so shall dle. The friend then offered them this bit of advice, we. They faced life’s many “Love your child with all your heart and soul and present challenges, but they did it him or her to God every day, asking His blessings. Give with love and with faith in the child encouragement in whatever interests he dis- God. It was not easy, but plays. If you do that, you will know that you have been they knew God was with good parents. But if you try to live out your dreams them, just as God is with through what you child does, through what he accom- us. It’s good to know. In- plishes, you will only be frustrated when your child deed, it’s the best Good makes his or her own life choices, especially if they are News in the world. not the ones you had hoped to see.” Monday, Feb. 3 Monday, Feb. 3 8:00 a.m. † Pietro & Irene Zanzi (By: Barbara Stephens) 4:00 p.m. Faith Formation/Offices Tuesday, Feb. 4 5:00 p.m. Bay City Basketball/Gym 8:00 a.m. † Eleanor LaTorre 7:00 p.m. Liturgy Comm. Mtg./Rectory (By: Fr. Tony) Tuesday, Feb. 4 Wednesday, Feb. 5 12:00 p.m. School Lunch/Hall 8:00 a.m. † Irene Federoff 7:00 p.m. Choir Practice/Church Anna Casaratto (By: Giovanna Hrvatin) Wednesday, Feb. 5
Thursday, Feb. 6 Ken Fambrini Sp. Int. 12:00 p.m. School Lunch/Hall 8:00 a.m. (By: Parish Staff) Thursday, Feb. 6 12:00 p.m. School Lunch/Hall Friday, Feb. 7 7:00 p.m. Men’s Club/Hall 8:00 a.m. St. Stephen Parishioners Sp. Int. Friday, Feb. 7 (By: Fr. Tony) 12:50 p.m. 8th Grade Social/Hall Saturday, Feb. 8 7:00 p.m. GA Meeting/EC 8:00 a.m. † Alfred Barzoloski Saturday, Feb. 8 (By: Maria Barzoloski) 7:00 p.m. Father Daughter Dance/Hall 4:30 p.m. † Jose Ernie Biscarra (By: Romel & Kathy Solis) Sunday, Feb. 9 Sunday, Feb. 9 9:45 a.m. BCSFAYO/Gym 8:00 a.m. † Guillermo Ramos 12:30 p.m. Fundamentals First Acad./Gym (By: Adele Caunan) 7:00 p.m. Adult Volleyball/Gym 9:30 a.m. † Pat Aherne (By: Gerry & Shirley Costanzo) 11:30 a.m. † Jack Carpentier SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES (By: Gayle Carpentier) 6:45 p.m. † Nenita Carmona Syquia Sunday: The Presentation of the Lord; (By: Ruby & Ed Quan) Blessing of Candles; World Day for Consecrated Life; Boy Scouting Sunday; Groundhog Day May he rest in peace Monday: Fourth Week in Ordinary Time; St. Blaise; St. Ansgar Robert Carlevaris Wednesday: St. Agatha Thursday: St. Paul Miki and Companions Friday: First Friday TODAY’S READINGS Saturday: St. Jerome Emiliani; St. Josephine First Reading — There will come to the temple the Bakhita; International Day of Prayer LORD whom you seek (Malachi 3:1-4). and Awareness against Human Traffick- Psalm — Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord! ing; Blessed Virgin Mary (Psalm 24). Second Reading — Jesus had to become like his broth- lease pray for the sick and ers and sisters in every way to help the descendants of P homebound of our communi- Abraham (Hebrews 2:14-18). ty and for all those written in our Gospel — The just and pious Simeon proclaims the in- book of the sick. May they know fant Jesus to be a revealing light to the Gentiles, the glo- the healing touch of Jesus. ry of the people Israel (Luke 2:22-40 [22-32]). Larry Teshara, Vaughn Jones, Leanna Mossi, Peter Dalton, Elena Amaya, Eden Finn, Edileide Jose Barbosa, Kenneth Fambrini, St Stephen Church provides Online Larry Barbiere, Carol Dominguez, Giving -- a convenient and safe way to Marc Gutierres, Kevin King, Marla Moso, make a one-time or recurring dona- Juan Pablo Grover-Paez, Betty Rodriguez, tion. Getting started is easy. Joel Rivera, Nenita Sangalang, Joseph Tren, Anna M Thompson, Gwendolyn Walsh Visit www.saintstephensf.org, click on Jovita & Richard Thompson, Donation link. Please call the office to add or remove names Sandy MacTavish Sandy MacTavish was one of the town drunks in a small village in Scotland. The local preacher had tried for years without success to get Sandy to go "on the wagon." In a last ditch effort, the priest called a meeting at the church of everyone in town who had trouble with alcohol. He was delighted when he saw Sandy MacTavish show up and sit in the back pew. He was so inspired that he delivered the most eloquent homily of his entire career, telling about the evils of drink and the harmful effects it had on both body and soul. At the end of the sermon, he announced that he was sending around a piece of paper that he wanted people to sign pledging that they would give up drinking. As he watched the list circulate, everyone signed it including Sandy MacTavish. After the service, he was so excited that he snatched up the list without looking at it and ran home to tell his wife about his victory. He unrolled the list before her eyes and sure enough, written across the bottom were the words, "witnessed by Sandy MacTavish." Let Simeon and Anna who witnessed to the Messiah as a Baby, shape your response to the good news of God's love shown to us in Beth- lehem. It is what needs to happen once Christmas is over!
SAVE the DATE! Job Opening Saturday, February 29, 2020 10:00a.m. Director of Music St. Stephen Church (Part-time 19 hours/week | Re- port to Pastor) Morning of Reflection by Job Summary Fr. Dave Pettingill The Director of Music is responsible for the liturgical music needs of the parish community, and for the coordination of a Special Guest Speaker comprehensive musical program for a full liturgical cycle, in- For details, contact Mary Molly Mullaney cluding special events during major seasons. The Director of 415-681-2444 x4 Music shall seek to involve the assembly in active and reverent participation in the liturgy. The Director of Music shall also grow the music ministry presence of the parish both within the The Presentation of the Lord parish and in outreach efforts in the neighborhood and commu- February 2, 2020 nity. He had to become like his brothers and sisters in every Key Duties and Responsibilities (not limited to) way. — Hebrews 2:17a • Plan music for all Masses, with special emphasis on the sea- sons and holidays of the Church calendar. • Play at 3 weekend Masses (three Sunday morning) as well as Stewardship: A Way of Life holy days, special masses, and other liturgical celebrations Sunday Collection: 1/26/20 $ 5,173.00 throughout the year.
We thank our parishioners who return their gifts with a loving • Conduct weekly choir rehearsals for adult volunteer choir and generous increase to God • Oversee maintenance for the Schanz pipe organ and three pianos (Steinway grand, Baldwin grand, spinet). Key Requirements Second Collection Next Weekend • Excellent organ proficiency, solid piano proficiency. Second collections will be taken at all masses February • Solid choral conducting ability, experience building a choral 8 & 9 for our: Building Loan Fund program preferred. • Knowledge of music and liturgy in the Roman Catholic tradi- A Pilgrimage to the tion preferred. ♦ Degree in music preferred Holy Land & Jordan St. Stephen Catholic Church Under the Spiritual Direction of Rev. Kazimierz Abra- 451 Eucalyptus Dr., San Francisco CA 94132 hamczyk. 12 days; May 22 - June 2, 2020. Discount Please email Fr. Tony LaTorre at price $3199, round trip from SFO. For details please call
When we cannot forgive, we break the bridge over which we must pass if we would ever reach heaven; for Today, Feb. 02 - Volunteer Needed everyone has need to be forgiven.—George Herbert Sunday, Feb.09 - Faith Formation Sunday, Feb.16 - Volunteer Needed The Presentation of the Lord SAINT AGATHA (died 251) Today’s feast is both magnificent and mysterious: magnif- Saint of the day - February 5 icent because the very first contemporaries of Jesus begin “Of noble birth and great to recognize him as Christ, the anointed Savior of the beauty,” so the ancient accounts de- world; mysterious, because this King is still a child, an scribe Saint Agatha, martyred during obscure boy obedient to his earthly parents. The prophet an early persecution for refusing a Malachi—living and dying before the coming of Christ— powerful Roman’s offer of marriage, points toward the arrival of the Messiah and encourages since she had consecrated her virginity to Christ. An ear- God’s people to prepare themselves by living generous, ly preacher, Saint Methodius, reflects instead on her holy lives. The Letter to the Hebrews—written after Je- name, noting that, in Greek, Agatha means “good,” sus’ ministry, death, and resurrection—renews the pro- goodness being something we can all strive for, nobly phetic call to holiness, reminding us that the Lord will born or common, blessed with beauty—or not! So brutal always help us: “Because he himself was tested through the tortures that violated her youthful innocence, Agatha, what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being like Agnes and several other women martyrs, was hon- tested.” The Gospel reading overflows with examples of ored from time immemorial by having her name in- joyful men and women living God’s call to holiness. scribed in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I). Long Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and Anna show us, in their own invoked as protector against earthquakes—Mount Etna ways, how to love Christ. erupted as she was being tortured—recent attention has THE LIST GOES ON focused on the particularly cruel torture decreed for Aga- Today’s readings reflect on something close to the heart tha, the cutting off of her breasts. This has inspired can- of every human person: the fulfillment of our deepest de- cer survivors to promote Saint Agatha as patron and in- sires. Without exception, each of us feels unfulfilled in tercessor for women courageously facing breast cancer, some way. Despite advances in law, technology, and med- for their families and the multitude of supporters who icine, every person experiences the frustration of “not yet” participate in fund-raising marches and races, and, of or “not enough.” Our hearts always want more. course, for the dedicated researchers who seek a cure. God plants this desire in our hearts. God knows how we ache. What most of us fail to believe, deep down, is that God alone satisfies all our longing. We know, theoretical- Joke of the Week ly, that the Creator of the universe provides everything we A pig and a chicken were walking need, but we could all use more quality time with God to down the street together. Every restau- consider the question, “What exactly do I need to be hap- rant they passed had signs in the win- py, Lord?” Perhaps we can spend more time in prayer and dow advertising, “Ham and Eggs.” service, asking the Lord to show us what is truly im- “See,” said the chicken, “We’re fa- portant in life. mous.” ALWAYS READY FOR JESUS The pig grunted. “For you,” he said, “a plate of ham and We often think, “Once I get this, or once that happens, eggs is just a cackle, it’s all in a day’s work for you, but then I will be happy.” But the Gospel shows a better way. for me it’s the supreme sacrifice of my life.” All four adults in today’s Gospel long deeply for the Mes- In ancient Rome in the days of Nero some poor Christian siah and “the consolation of Israel” he will bring. Human was being chased around the coliseum by a ferocious temptation might obsess over the promise of future peace lion. The faster he ran, the faster the lion ran. Eventually, and prosperity, leaving only anxiety and resentment for present suffering. But Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and Anna it was obvious that the end was near, so the poor fellow leave the saving of the world to God; for their part, they fell to his knees and prayed aloud, "Dear Lord, make this focus on Jesus. Each of them keeps busy with daily details lion a Christian!" With that, the lion fell to his knees and of the various lifestyles they have chosen. Mary and Jo- began to pray, "Bless us, O Lord, and this Thy gift which seph concern themselves with raising a family, while Sim- I am about to receive..." The end was near! eon and Anna dedicate their lives to prayer in the temple. They find peace enough in fulfilling the obligations of their stations in life, maintaining a lively prayer life to be attentive to God’s action in the world. In today’s Gospel, their focus is literally and spiritually on Jesus. They model for us how to be happy and holy: performing their daily duties peacefully, always ready to recognize Jesus as he reveals himself. Today’s Readings: Mal 3:1–4; Ps 24:7, 8, 9, 10; Heb 2:14–18; Lk 2:22–40 [22–32] Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. 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 Deacon • 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