St. Martinez,

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 MASS 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 Deacon Albert Dizon Ext. 7 [email protected]

Baptism month. Please call the office to make an Deacon Holland Ext. 7 [email protected] appointment once you have your documents ready.

Sylvia Lloren Ext 2 [email protected] Parents & Godparents are required to attend a Office Administrator/ Sacramental Coordinator mandatory Baptism preparation class one month before reception of the Sacrament. Troy Killorn Ext 3 [email protected] All information regarding requirements and Director of Music Ministry / Maintenance Manager schedules, can be found on the website at Karen Glen Ext 4 [email protected] www.stcmtz.org or Sylvia at Ext 2 Bookkeeper / Safe Environment Coordinator ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ FIRST EUCHARIST: Andrea Watkins Ext 5 [email protected] The Religious Education Program classes start Director Religious Education (K-8) September 22, 2019. The First Holy Communion

program is a two year program. All other classes Paul & Jennifer Holland Ext 8 [email protected] Co-coordinators, Confirmation Program / Youth Group are one year (K-8).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ [email protected] or Andrea at Ext 5 CHURCH LOCATION: 606 Mellus Street, Martinez, CA ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - CONFIRMATION: PARISH OFFICE AND 1125 Ferry Street, MAILING ADDRESS: Martinez, CA 94553-1720 Youth Confirmation Program Registration continues TELEPHONE / FAX: 925-228-2230 / 925-228-1318 and classes begin in September 29th. It is a one year PARISH WEBSITE: www.stcmtz.org program for all incoming Freshmen or above. Please PARISH EMAIL: [email protected] contact: Paul or Jenny Holland Ext 8 or at ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - OFFICE HOURS: [email protected] for more Information. Mon-Thur. 8:30 AM - 1 PM For Adult Confirmation, please call 2:00 PM - 5 PM Karen Glen at the parish office Ext 4 . Friday: 8:30 AM - 1 PM ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Jessica Griswold, Principal [email protected] MARRIAGES: ST. CATHERINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Arrangements and mandatory preparation need to SCHOOL K-8: 604 Mellus Street, Martinez, CA be arranged at least eight months prior to the wed- TELEPHONE / FAX: 925-228-4140 / 925-228-0697 ding. No dates can be set prior to an initial meet- OFFICE HOURS: 9AM –2 PM ing with a . No exceptions. SCHOOL WEBSITE: http://school.stcatherinemartinez.com/ www.stcmtz.org or Sylvia at Ext 2 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Mea Auld, Pre-School Director - St. Catherine Pre-School RECONCILIATION: [email protected] Confession times are weekly on Saturday’s from (925) 229-2255 3:00 - 4:00 PM and 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. SAFE ENVIRONMENT: www.virtusonline.org The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is one Before serving or continuing in your ministry, complete the of two sacraments which heals and saves the bap- Diocesan required Safe Environment for Children Project tized person from sin. The other sacrament of heal- Training @ www.virtusonline.org . Thank you. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - ing is Penance. For an anointing during working

hours, please call the Parish office. RCIA: “Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults” or Sylvia at Ext 2 Are you interested in becoming Catholic? ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Do you need Adult Baptism? FUNERALS: Holy Eucharist (Communion)? Confirmation? We recommend using Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Ser- vices at 925-932-0900. A representative will contact the par- St. Catherine offers a friendly and supportive program. Please ish office to coordinate your arrangements. call the office (925) 228-2230 ext. 4 or Karen for more information. www.stcmtz.org or Sylvia at Ext 2

FACILITIES WEEK-AT-A-GLANCE To assure that our Church Sunday, 9/15 Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time and facilities testify to the Catechetical Sunday greater honor and 8:00 AM PH Hospitality Pancake Breakfast glory of God. Thank you! Monday, 9/16 7:30 AM CH 7:00 PM PH Guadalupe Society Mtg Tuesday, 9/17 7:30 AM CH Rosary 9:00 AM CH School Practice 6:00 PM CH Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM PH YLI Meeting 7:00 PM PC Scripture Reflection with Clergy 7:30 PM CH Spanish Choir Rehearsal Wednesday, 9/18 7:30 AM CH Rosary 2:30 PM CH Children’s Choir 6:15 PM CH Ignite Bible Study 6:30 PM PCL 7:00 PM PC RCIA Class Rm #210

Thursday, 9/19 7:30 AM CH Rosary 9:00 AM CH School Practice 12:00 PM CH Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 6:00 PM CH San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena Begins Friday, 9/20 7:30 AM CH Rosary 6:00 PM CH San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena Saturday, 9/21 Olivewood Handcrafts 7:30 AM CH Rosary 12:00 PM PH Ignite Bible Study 3:00 PM CH Reconciliation 6:00 PM CH San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena Sunday, 9/22 Olivewood Handcrafts Faith Formation Classes Begin 8:00 AM PH Hospitality - Hospitality Team 2:00 PM CH Baptisms 6:00 PM CH San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena

CH = Church RC = Rectory SC = School PH = Parish Hall YD = School Yard PC = Parish Center PCL: Parish Center Library

There will be a blessing of all Families and Catechists at the 8:30 am Mass. This special Mass will be followed by the Pancake Break- fast, courtesy of the Knights of Columbus. All are Welcome!

WORSHIP

To facilitate a transforming encounter with God as we come together in worship.

5 Tips on how to receive the Eucharist The eternal debate: receive the Eucharist on the tongue or in the hands? The great debates Catholics get into can be rather heated (and honestly quite entertaining at times), but let’s start with this – Receiv- ing the Eucharist on your tongue vs. in your hands isn’t the determining factor of reverence. That’s right. When discussing how to receive the Eucharist, I’m not just talking about the physical reception (which I will get to), but the spiritual preparation too.

Here are 5 key points to keep in mind when preparing to receive the Eucharist: 1.Receive the Eucharist in a state of grace This first key point isn’t only a good recommendation, but actually a requirement. The Code of Canon Law gives us some insight into this. Canon 916 “A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to celebrate Mass or to receive the Body of the Lord without prior sacramental confession unless a grave reason is present and there is no opportunity of confessing…” In summary: If you have committed a mortal sin, walk right on over to the confessional, be reconciled with the Lord, and then go receive Him in the Eucharist.

2. Observe the 1 hour eucharistic fast Again, this one is also a requirement…Canon 919: One who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain from any food or drink, with the exception only of water and medicine, for at least the period of one hour before Holy Communion. This doesn’t apply to those who are sick or elderly. It’s great to know the requirements, but why does the Church require us to do this? There are two main reasons. First, mortification is good and helps us grow in spiritual discipline. Second, the physical hunger we feel should remind us of the hunger and thirst we should have for the Eucharist. And really, one hour isn’t that long, the fast used to begin the midnight preceding receiving the Eucharist.

3. Arrive at Mass a few minutes early Attending Mass and receiving Jesus Christ in the Eucharist is the most significant thing we could ever do. If you were going to an important dinner, say with diplomats or bishops, would you just walk right in, seat yourself at the dinner table, and start eating? Probably not. You would get dressed and ready, arrive early to speak with people, seat yourself when called to dinner, and follow the “protocol” for such an event. There is a certain sense of preparation. If we put this much attention into a formal dinner, how much more should we prepare for the eternal wedding banquet? Take a few minutes before Mass to prepare your heart to receive Christ, pray, and be intentional.

4. Make an act of reverence before receiving the Eucharist You are going to receive the body, blood, soul, and divinity of the King of the universe, how could you possibly show the respect and reverence due in this moment? Honestly, we can probably never show the amount of respect that our Savior deserves, but we can do what we can! How? This can be done by genuflecting or making a deep bow before receiving the Eucharist. In this reverential act, we acknowledge who we are before God and humble ourselves to receive Him.

5. Make a prayer of thanksgiving after Mass Let’s return to the fancy dinner scenario (remember the bishops and diplomats). Once you have finished eating, would you get up and walk out of the room? No! Especially if other people were still eating dinner and there was more to come. After we receive Communion, we are the most united with Jesus we can be on this side of heaven. This is our chance to open our hearts to Him without reserve. To pour out our love, and ask for whatever grace we need. By staying a few minutes after Mass we are telling Jesus that He is important to us, that our relationship with Him matters and war- rants our love and attention.

So, back to the opening click-bait question: Receive Jesus on your tongue or in your hands? Both are allowed by the Conference of Catholic Bishops. When receiving in your hand, St. offers some further instruction: “When you approach, take care not to do so with your hand stretched out and your fingers open or apart, but rather place your left hand as a throne beneath your right, as befits one who is about to receive the King. Then receive him, taking care that nothing is lost.” Why is there stained Glass in churches? The Christian Religion’s Relationship With Light In the Christian religion, there has always been a special relationship with light. Stained glass in churches clearly represents this. In fact, it allows for the use of light in a particularly ethereal way. It is understandable then, that churches from Method- ists to Catholic appreciate the play of light combined with the iconography so important to them. In Genesis, God’s first words were “‘Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3-4) With this type of reference to light so early in such a sacred book, it is easy to see why Christian churches would embrace light through stained glass. And accordingly, spend much time and energy developing a church feature that perfectly embodies God first to man. Stained glass windows in churches shine light into an otherwise dark interior, it casts out shadows and brings relief. Not unlike the God of Genesis. There is no doubt that early architects wanted light through the lovely ornate windows of old to play out much like it did in the Bible. They saw stained glass as a perfect way to highlight the spiritual truth of light while at the same time being functional. Ostensibly this happened over 1000 years ago, as, the oldest surviving stained glass window is found in the Augsburg Cathedral in Germany and was built in the 11th century. Since those days stained glass windows in churches have changed significantly. However, embracing the prover- bial light of God has not. In fact, stained glass windows evolved in their relationship with the church over time to become more than just spiritually significant but practical as well. Eventually, these windows began to not only served as a representa- tion of the light of God but as a critical teaching tool as well. Csgradmin(2019, Aug 29,Why is there Stained Glass in Churches.retrievved from //churchstainedglassrestoration.com

“There are two other types of stained glass at St. Catherine’s with the oldest ones in the Sanctuary area near the Altar and the Tabernacle. They are very old school and come to us from the original Church which once stood on the corner of Mellus and Castro Sts.’ That Church was torn down in 1940 by Contractor Al Rangel to make room for the present Church which is now being renovated and returned to its original glory some eighty years later.” Tom Greerty

Support & celebrate DISCIPLESHIP your child’s faith To empower a community journey as family of Christian people and community walking together as disciples of Jesus in order to share His good news.

Ignite Sunday Faith Formation for Adults INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK

Welcome all parents to join in conversation as we SAT 9/14 4:30 Louie & Rose Delchini.† SUN 9/15 7:00 Int. People of the Parish create a community that celebrates, learns, and 8:30 Swieszcz & Bratten Family† experiences our growing faith in Christ together. 11:00 Int. Kenny Mack 1:00 Cardenas & Polina Families .† Ignite will host and facilitate small groups in the MON 9/16 8:00 Dolores Ulrich† Parish Hall while Faith Formation and Confirma- TUE 9/17 8:00 Caces† tion classes are being taught. Join us in a relaxed WED 9/18 8:00 Int. St. Catherine School Children & their Families and inspiring setting after hospitality. THU 9/19 8:00 Special Intention FRI 9/20 8:00 Int. Sal Trujillo We all experience God and our faith in individual SAT 9/21 8:00 Trinidad & Gustavo Cardenas† ways AND there are many ways in which we are 4:30 Crispina & Rodolfo Cardenas† connected by shared life experiences. Renew your SUN 9/22 7:00 Pearl Balestrieri & Fr. Pio† connection with our Catholic identity. 8:30 Int. Israel Gabrial-Birthday Blessing 11:00 Int. Joy & Logan Myrick—Birthday 1:00 Int. People of the Parish JOIN US on Sunday Sept. 29th AND RECEIVE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY GIFT

Parents of Faith Formation – JOIN US after Faith Formation Classes (PreK-8th) 8:30am Mass, meets at 9:30am in Parish Hall begin September 22nd 8:30 Mass /Class and Required Parents Orientation *** Confirmation Classes (9th-12th) Begin September 29th 11:00 Mass /Class and Required Parent Orientation

ALL CURRENT EXTRA-ORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION DURING MASS, AND THOSE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE MINISTRY. THERE WILL BE A MANDATORY MEETING ON SEPT. 18 (WEDNESDAY) FROM 6:30PM TO 8PM AT THE CHURCH. FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT ATTEND THIS MEETING, THERE IS ANOTHER ONE ON SEPT. 21 (SATURDAY) FROM 9AM TO 10:30AM AT THE CHURCH. YOU ONLY NEED TO ATTEND ONE OF THE MEETINGS. FOR QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT JOY BELLEZA ([email protected]) OR DEACON ALBERT ([email protected]).

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.

Gluten-Free Hosts now available SEPTEMBER 8, 2019 Please inform Fr. Anthony or one of the Deacons of your request before the mass so they can prepare for the communion. WEEKLY CONTRIBUTIONS

Sunday Collection $4,867.00 Sunday Faith Formation Diocesan Retirement $1,744.00 Meet & Greet ~ Organ $ 100.00 Sunday, September 22nd Beginning with 11 am Mass followed by Hospitality in the Parish Hall Join us for a special hospitality in the Parish hall. Do not miss this opportunity meet members of the Ignite Team, Youth & Confirmation Leaders, Faith For- mation Catechists, School Teachers and Hospitality Team Members.

Shepherds Field Olive Wood Handcrafts

“A group from the Holy Land (Bethlehem & Jerusalem) will be selling religious articles after masses on September 21st and 22nd to support the Catholic Christian minorities in Bethlehem. As a tradition, many of the Catholic families in the Holy Land work in small workshops to produce religious articles from olive wood. These articles represent the Christian art of the Holy Land. In the past, they used to sell their artwork to pilgrims who visit the Holy Land. However, these days they are facing an economic hardship as very few tourists visit the Holy Land due to security issues. Many of the Catholic families immigrated and left the Holy Land. The percentage of Christians in the Holy Land has dropped from 20% to less than 1%. Therefore, if this hardship continues as it is now, we believe that in a few years, there will be no Catholics in Bethlehem or Jerusalem. The struggle to preserve the Catholic identity of the birthplace of our savior; Jesus Christ is a serious concern for Cath- olics around the world. Sales will be used to help and support the Catholics in the Holy Land and to encourage them not to immigrate.” May God be with you and may God richly bless his people for now and forever. Amen.

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.

“Grandparents make the world a little softer, a little kinder, and little warmer.” Our Annual Grandparents Day was celebrated with a prayer service, lunch and activities following. It was a special event for all Grandparents or a VIP in lieu of a grandparent..

Students at St. Catherine of Siena School are having a great time learning!

The sisters of St. of Carondelet opened the doors of St. Catherine of Siena School in the Fall of 1949 Under the direction of Monsignor Robert I Flavry. Seventy years later, the school community has seen many changes, but one thing that has held strong over time and the heart of St. Catherine of Siena School is the community and our Catholic Identity. As our 70th Anniversary is approaching, we would like to extend a warm invitation to celebrate and connect with friends, classmates, and be a part of what St. Catherine of Siena is today. On October 5th, we are going back in me to 1949 to celebrate our 70th Birthday with a SockHop.

READINGS & REFLECTIONS Join in the Weekly Scripture Reflection with the Clergy Tuesdays 7:00 –8:15 PM Sunday, Sep 15, 2019 that is. And that project starts inside ourselves— not by TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME beang ourselves up for what we did wrong, but by presenng We’re all in the story our wrongs honestly to God and turning that same spirit of A foolish, reckless kid. His heartbroken parent. An indignant understanding outward to others. older sibling. We find ourselves at various points of this family TODAY'S READINGS: 1 Timothy 3:14-16; Luke 7:31-35 (445). triangle over the years. First we’re the brazen, half-hatched “Wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” adult, trying everything at once just because we can. Later we may exchange roles more than once between the grieving el- Thursday, Sep 19, 2019 der— hoping against hope for a loved one causing all the trou- Reach out to the untouchables ble—and the aggrieved one, who thinks any show of compas- Are we aware of the ways in which our society creates and sion is outrageous and unearned. No maer who we are right perpetuates divisions and privileges based on gender, color, now, the table is set, and the party is starng. Can we afford orientaon, ability, income, religion? Jesus broke through such not to be barriers, especially when interacng with women, but religious there? TODAY'S READINGS: Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; leaders preferred to see his acons as audacious and rebel- Luke 15:1-32 (132). “This son of mine was dead, and has come to life lious, while Jesus was instead modeling reciprocity and inclu- again.” sivity. Wherever social constructs divide people, we are called to bridge the gap. TODAY'S READINGS: 1 Timothy 4:12-16; Luke 7:36- Monday, Sep 16, 2019 50 (446). “ ‘If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what MEMORIAL OF CORNELIUS, , AND , BISHOP, MARTYRS sort of woman this is who is touching him.’ ” Measure for measure Cornelius was elected pope in 251 during the persecu- Friday, Sep 20, 2019 MEMORIAL OF ANDREW KIM TAE-GŎN, PRIEST, AND ons of the Emperor Decius. Saint Cyprian of Carthage was a PAUL CHŎNG HA-SANG AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS close friend. They and other church leaders faced a difficult Take nothing for granted queson— should those who denied their faith to avoid mar- Never underesmate the power of books. Books smuggled out tyrdom during the persecuon be forgiven and received back of brought Chrisanity to Korea. The new community of into the church community? Under no circumstances, some faith was not welcomed by authories, but that did not stop argued. But Cornelius and Cyprian, both of whom would even- faithful Korean laymen and women from living their Catholic tually face the martyrdom others fled, believed that if repent- faith. Courageous and persistent, these 18th- and 19th-century ant, apostates, as they were called, should be welcomed back lay leaders were persecuted, tortured, and beheaded. The to the faith community. Show mercy to others so that mercy church today honors the first Korean Catholic priest, Saint An- may be shown to you. TODAY'S READINGS: 1 Timothy 2:1-8; Luke 7:1- drew Kim Tae-gŏn, one of the many lay leaders, Saint Paul 10 (443). “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have Chŏng Ha-sang, you enter under my roof.” and their martyred companions. Take me today to pick up the Holy Book and consider what folks have sacrificed to Tuesday, Sep 17, 2019 spread the Good News within. TODAY'S READINGS: 1 Timothy 6:2c- MEMORIAL OF , BISHOP, 12; Luke 8:1-3 (447). “Jesus journeyed . . . proclaiming the Good News As the world turns of the kingdom of God.” The widely respected and deeply learned Robert Bellarmine, who holds the rarified tle of a doctor of the church, ended up Saturday, Sep 21, 2019 on the erroneous side of a major controversy, that which sur- FEAST OF MATTHEW, APOSTLE, EVANGELIST rounded Copernicus’ “heliocentric theory” that the earth re- Who do you see? volved around the sun instead of the sun around the earth. He We are always sizing up other people, making judgements delivered a sancon to his friend Galileo in 1616 that eventual- about them. This is normal. But somemes, we end up pung ly resulted in the great scienst being silenced and held under people in boxes—and leaving them there. Not so with Jesus. house arrest. Don’t confuse religious faith with scienfic fact. Jesus saw through boxes, categories, and stereotypes. He saw God works through nature, and has nothing to hide, so don’t the person. be afraid of new scienfic informaon that challenges long- Look at Mahew. Lumped into the distasteful category of “tax held misconcepons. God can handle the truth—God created collectors and sinners,” Mahew wasn’t exactly considered a it! TODAY'S READINGS: 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Luke 7:11-17 (444). “Beloved, shining example of discipleship by the community. Yet, Jesus this saying is trustworthy: whoever aspires to the office of bishop de- saw more than that. He saw Mahew and was open to him— sires a noble task. Therefore, a bishop must be irreproachable.” and not just to “minister to” or “convert” Mahew. Jesus drew close, inving Mahew into his home to become a close com- Wednesday, Sep 18, 2019 panion and vital part of proclaiming the Good News. What Drop the cricism happens when you truly see people? One of the worst faults of folks in general is the tendency to TODAY'S READINGS: Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13; Mahew 9:9-13 (643). regularly find fault in others. There are plenty of reasons we do “Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And Mahew got up and followed

Rose Cable, a longtime Vincentian will be walking at the St. Agnes location. Join us that morning to support her, or learn how you can contribute to her cause by logging on the official website.

LIVE CHRIST, SHARE CHRIST

Looking Forward to Our Five Hundredth

MINISTRIES/ORGANIZATIONS CONTACTS

FIND YOUR GREATNESS

Four habits that will transform your life Altar Servers in or continuing serving Before Jack Watkins.…...……………………………….925-957-0437 Beneath His Cross Apostolate Featuring JONATHAN FANNING Jessica Preciado ………………………………...925-354-1656 Bingo Don Brocca …………………………………….925-858-7330 Looking for a way to improve your life? Tired of trendy Catholic Youth Organization - CYO fads that are difficult to keep up with? Try something Gina Marks………………………….………… 925-817-9429 new, and come to St. Dominic in San Francisco or Communications Benicia for a life-changing event titled Find Your Great- Sylvia Lloren……………………….…..Ext 2 925-228-2230 ness. Rooted in historical best practices, Dynamic Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Catholic events are not just about feeling. They are Mary Elizabeth Cook …………………...…….925-229-2665 Faith Formation - Religious Education (PreK-8th Grades) about doing. They don’t just give you something to think your ministry, complete the Diocesan required Sa Andrea Watkins………………………. Ext 5 925-228-2230 about. They give you a plan. They help you make your Finance Council life work Don Brocca...925-229-4158 and Dennis Koller...925-335-9395 better. The goal is not to just inspire you for a few Grief /Card Ministry hours. At Find Your Greatness, walk away with more Mary Cook………………………………...…….925-229-2665 than just knowledge about four life changing habits. Guadalupe Society You’ll leave with a personalized plan on how to engage Guadalupe Cruz………………………………... 925-997-2432 these habits in your normal, ordinary, everyday life. Hospital/Sick/Homebound Dave Holland ………………………………... 925-413-9240 The event is on Friday, September 27. (San Francisco) Hospitality Tickets can be purchased by visiting DynamicCatho- Debbie Pelizzari………………………………...925-370-3874 lic.com/San Francisco. Or Saturday, September 28th Ignite at St. Dominics Catholic Church in Benicia. Tickets can Cindy Buscaglia……………….………………... 925-787-8396 be purchased by visiting DynamicCatholic.com or call Italian Catholic Federation - ICF Tom Cook……………………………………... 925-229-2665 (859)980-7900 Knights of Columbus - K of C Rik Silva………………………………………….925-334-2429 La Communidad Latina Lucia Cruz……………………………………… 925-348-2620 Lectors Carlos Melendez……………………….………... 510-385-0506 fe Environment for Children Project Training @ Legion of Mary Bobby Kiefer…………………….……………. 925-658-1442 Loaves & Fishes Denice Silva…………………………………….. 925-372-0740 Maintenance Troy Killorn.……………………….…………... 925-228-2230 Mary Help of Christians - MHC Margarita Flores……………………………….. 925-812-1279 Music Ministry—Choir Troy Killorn …………………………Ext 3 925-228-2230 Pastoral Advisory Council “Come and Join Us” Karen Glen….925-788-7716 & Karen Sandri….925-370-7997 Respect Life San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena Linda Easterday ……………………….……….. 925-372-3845 Beginning Thursday, September 19th - through Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults - RCIA September 24th in the Church at 6PM Karen Glen……………………………Ext 4 925-228-2230 Safe Environment for Children Project - SECP (Tuesday, 9/25 at 5:15PM) Karen Glen…………………………...Ext 4 925-228-2230 Light Reception on 9/28 following the San Lorenzo Ruiz Community - SLRC 4:30PM Vigil Mass. Esther Concepcion….………………………… 925-381-1835 www.virtusonline.org . Thank you. Social Awareness Anne Crisp …………………………………... 925-356-8822 BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS DEADLINES: Stewardship Karen Glen……………………………………..925-788-7716 All requests must be submitted no later than September 20th by noon for the September 28th bulletin. Sociedade Portuguesa Rainha Santa Isabel - SPRSI Please direct your inquiries to: [email protected] Annette Liberty……………………… ……… 925-228-8428 All submissions must be submitted via email and copy/camera/paste ready. St. Vincent de Paul Society - SVdP Please reference Bulletin Submission in the Karen Glen ………………………… ..Ext 4 925-788-7716 subject note. Thank you. Ushers James McLaughlin………………………………. 925-228-1051 Our Parish has a Facebook Page! Young Ladies Institute - YLI Rori Polvorosa …………………………………510-734-4907 Like Us! Confirmation /Yoth Group (High School 9 to12 Grades) https://www.facebook.com Paul & Jenny Holland………………….Ext 8 925-228-2230 OfficialStCatherineofSienaChurch $500 Donated to Chuck Barberini St. Catherine of “JUST ASK CHUCK” Siena for every REALTOR - CalBRE #01324660 completed transaction

2099 Reliez Valley Rd., Lafayette, CA 94549

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