St. John Vianney

To know and love and follow Christ in compassionate service.

December 18, 2016 Fourth Sunday of

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

One of my favorite things about being a Catholic priest is that I can openly talk about us being “at the same time - saint and sinner." This doesn't mean that sometimes we are good and sometimes bad. It has nothing to do with whether choices we make are holy or evil. It doesn't even divide us into part saint and part sinner. No, we Catholics talk about everything we are--and therefore everything we do--is at the same time absolutely broken and yet completely redeemable. The God who sends his Son Jesus into the world as one of us and can raise Him from the pit of death is the same God who brings life and hope and newness out of my most deeply dark places.

I like that. It makes so much sense and explains so much about our life experience. I ponder this aspect of Catholic theology and find it truly grounding and helpful. No matter how much of a scoundrel I am, Welcome God's goodness and love can bring something new and beautiful out of me. And no matter how wonderful Saint John Vianney Parish is a community of faith, hope and and delightful I am, my brokenness gets in the way. love. We strive to foster our spiritual growth and share the

Consider that next time your best efforts fail miserably. gifts God has given to us all.

Watch for God to bring something life-giving out of it. And when you are being praised for a job well done, You are invited to join Saint John Vianney Parish, registration don't you always know deep down that you've forms are in the back or church, on our website somehow kept your inadequacies covered up--at least www.sjvianney.org or stop by the Parish Office. You can com- this time? plete a form and drop it off in the collection baskets in church.

Christmas is fast approaching, and we Christians You are invited to share your gifts with our St. John Vianney celebrate our God who comes to us in our weakness, community. How is God calling you to become a part of this our brokenness and our sinfulness. He comes as a important work of the people of God? newness springing forth in the midst of hopelessness. He comes to save us from our sins. This , I plan to re-emphasize my confidence in the God of life, 1650 Ygnacio Valley Road (Continued on page 2) Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (925) 939-7911 ext. 0

All are Welcome Join Us Visit our website: www.sjvianney.org December 18, 2016 Page 2

(Continued from page 1) Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ

Mass Schedule of hope, of mercy in my life, and in the life of this congregation. Our church is, after all, a “broken and divided” community that Monday–Saturday: 8:30am, reveals God's love and grace in the world in ways that are Saturday Evening: 5:00pm, beautiful beyond description. And you know what? What is your Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, and plan? 11:00am, and 5:00pm

Holydays: 8:30am, Noon, 7:00pm Why not come and avail yourself of the Communal Sacrament of Reconciliation on Monday 12/19 at 7pm? At least 10 priests Reconciliation will be here to assist our Parish Community to be reconciled Saturday: 4:00pm with God and with one another. Every pencil has an eraser because all of us make mistakes. Our God is a God of the Parish Office Hours second chance. He is merciful and kind; slow to anger, rich in Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm Closed for lunch 12:00pm - 1:00pm graciousness and ready to relent. He forgives. Come with your family to celebrate the mercies of the Lord and be forgiven by Parish and Faith Formation Offices: (925) 939-7911 Him. Fax: (925) 939-0450

With prayers, wishes and blessings, Website: www.sjvianney.org

Fr. William Rosario Parish Staff Pastor: Rev. William Rosario (Ext. 105) Be Reconciled before Christmas  [email protected]

Our parish reconciliation service is Monday, Parochial Vicar: Rev. Luke December 19th at 7pm in the church. Ssemakula (Ext. 109) Reconciliation will not be held on Saturday,  [email protected]

December 24th due to Masses. Pastor Emeritus: Rev. James McGee (Ext. 0)  [email protected] Christmas Donations

As you prepare your Holiday Budget please remember Priest in Residence: Rev. Padraig Greene (Ext. 120)  [email protected] SJV and give generously. Your support is much appreciated. You may also donate online. Deacon: Rev. Mr. Herb Casey (Ext. 0)  [email protected]

Pastoral Associate for Administration: Debbie Mellin (Ext. 103) Pray for our Sick  [email protected] May those who are in need of our prayers, place their trust and faith in the comforting presence of the Lord. Please pray for: Director of Music and Liturgy: Therese Gorman (Ext. 110)  [email protected]

Mary Jean Alexander Norm & Mark Jokerst Eleanor Ripalda Secretary: Karalee Keefer, Maryanne Richards (Ext. 100/101) Larry Balbierz Gloria Lum Mary Schaub  [email protected][email protected] Marianna Bechold Bob Mason Carolyn Servidio  [email protected]

Joe Bennett Bob Matula Patti Stauch Faith Formation Ronald Boggs Jr. Richard Moxley Marie Symington Pastoral Associate for Parish Faith Formation, Liz Rogers Patrick Casey Ann Narloch Karen Thiess (Ext. 125)  [email protected] Nicole Daisa Betty Nicolini Lucille Whalen Joyce Fellows Breana Paladino Pastoral Associate for Children, Youth & Family Faith Angelyn Flosi Daisy Pedersen Formation: (Baptism, 1st , Confirmation) Marie Walton Pray for our Deceased (Ext. 106)  [email protected]

Pray for our beloved deceased and those who mourn them. Director of Children’s Faith Formation: Betsy Messman (Ext. 107)  [email protected]

Vince Aiello Thomas Harezlak Director of Middle School Faith Formation: Myrna Aiello Taras Bursztynsky Jim Mckenna (Ext. 124)  [email protected]

Jennie Catalano Vincent Mungo Director of High School Faith Formation: Alicia Lang John Godar Carmelita Payongayong Ext. 108)  [email protected] Barbara Teutschel Like us on Facebook: St. John Vianney Catholic Church Page 3

Mass Schedule Weekly Meeting Schedule

Monday ~ December 19 Monday ~ December 19 Daily Mass: 8:30am In Memory of William Radding 8:00 am Daily Rosary Church Tuesday ~ December 20 St. Peter Canisius 9:30 am Yoga Commons Vista Daily Mass: 8:30am In Memory of Sean Michael Alexander 7:00 pm Advent Reconciliation Church

7:00 pm RCIA Inquiry Commons Conf. Rm. 1 Wednesday ~ December 21 St. John of Kanty Daily Mass: 8:30am In Memory of Frank & Elaine Mellin Tuesday ~ December 20

8:00 am Daily Rosary Church Thursday ~ December 22 † 8:30am In Memory of Courtney Borrecco 10:00 am Contemplative Prayer Rectory Parlor 4:30 pm Tableau Rehearsal Church Friday ~ December 23 † 7:00 pm MSFF NO SESSION FF Hall Daily Mass: 8:30am In Memory of Milagros Ching Wednesday ~ December 21 Saturday ~ December 24† 8:00 am Daily Rosary Church Daily Mass: 8:30am 9:00 am Bridge Club Commons Vista 3:00pm Children’s Christmas Mass 3:30 pm Children’s Choir FF Hall 5:00pm Family Christmas Mass 6:00 pm Bell Choir Church 8:00pm Christmas Candlelight Mass 6:00 pm Music Ministry Commons Vista Sun. Liturgy 7:00 pm Lectors of the Week Office Conf. Room Sunday ~ December 25† The Nativity of the Lord 7:30 pm Adult Choir Church

Sun. Masses: 12:00am Christmas Candlelight Midnight Mass Thursday ~ December 22 9:00am, 11:00am Christmas Masses 8:00 am Daily Rosary Church 1:00 pm Liturgy Committee Office Conf. Room 4:30 pm Tableau Rehearsal Church Pray, Always Pray 7:00 pm Knights of Columbus Commons Library

Your prayers are needed. Friday ~ December 23 The Rosary is said daily, Mon.-Sat. 8:00 am Daily Rosary Church 8:00 am in the Church before Mass. 8:30 am Parish Office Closed Please join us! 11:30 am AA FF Rooms ABC 4:00 pm Environment Church

This week’s intention is for Fr. Jim. Saturday ~ December 24 8:00 am Daily Rosary Church All masses Special Collections Christmas Church St. John Vianney Intentional Giving Sunday ~ December 25 When he discovered that Mary was with child, Joseph resolved All Masses Special Collections Christmas Church to end their engagement with as little disgrace as possible. But 9:00 am Pre-Sch./Kinder. No Session Comm. Conf. R.1,2,3 obedient to the voice of God, he changed those plans and 1:00 pm Grief Ministry Commons Library became instead the protector of the child Jesus and His mother, Mary. God grant that I may be as open to the leading of the Holy Spirit!

Collection on December 10 and 11, 2016 Plate Collections including mailed in checks $ 17,289.00 Corrections $ (542.00) Online Donations: $ 4,437.00 Total Collection: $ 21,184.00 Weekly Goal: $ 19,000.00 Excess/(Shortfall): $ 2,184.00 YTD Excess/(Shortfall): $ 10,756.50

December 18 , 2016 Page 4

THE “O ANTIPHONS” OF ADVENT Check out the Google calendar on our website www.sjvianney.org Page 5

Every family has their Christmas Schedule - Rejoice!! own traditions for Christmas Eve - Saturday, December 24th Christmas Day, but 3:00pm Children’s Christmas Mass here are some more 5:00pm Family Christmas Mass you might want to 8:00pm Christmas Candlelight Mass consider: 12:00am Christmas Candlelight Midnight Mass Musical Preludes/Sing-Along before every Mass

ie a ribbon at Christmas Day - Sunday, December 25th T the top of your stairs (or end of the hallway) that the 9:00am, and 11:00am, (no 7:30am or 5:00pm Mass) kids may not cross until everyone is awake. You cut Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God, the ribbon, and sing “” as everyone December 31 and January 1 heads to the living room together! Saturday: 5:00pm; Sunday: 7:30am, 9:00am, 11:00am, 5:00pm P ut up extra Christmas decorations while your kids are asleep. It will really feel like Christmas when they Feast of the - January 7th & 8th wake up, and reinforce the idea that we were truly Saturday ë 5:00pm; “waiting” during the Advent season! Sunday: 7:30am, 9:00am, 11:00am, 5:00pm

Baptism of the Lord - Monday, January 9th  8:30am ang a stocking for Jesus. Fill it with things for the Hneedy, as well as the scripture passage Matthew Unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given. ~ Isaiah 9:6 25:40 “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of my brethren, you did for me.”

ake the time to read the actual Christmas story to T your children from the Bible. You can provide props for dressing up as the characters! L et the stockings hang all day and don’t open them until after dinner. This makes the fun last all day long! S ing Christmas carols together! L ight your Christ Candle in the middle of your , and/or replace your pink and purple candles (Filipino for Night Mass), with red ones. is a devotional 9-day series of masses practiced by Filipino lace Baby Jesus in the of your nativity set. Catholics in anticipation of the birth of Christ, and to honor the P Blessed Virgin Mary.

tart the wise men on their journey to your stable St Francis of Assisi Church along with St Agnes, St Sscene. Bonaventure, St Catherine, Queen of All Saints, St John Vianney parishes, with Corpus Christi Cursillo Team and Marian east, because your time of waiting is over. Movement for Priests, are hosting this year. F The 9-day Novena Masses is Dec.16th at 5:30 AM to Dec. 24th.

St Francis of Assisi Church 860 Oak Grove Rd., Concord, CA

Free breakfast after each mass will be served. St John Vianney Parish will be host for the novena and hospitality on Thursday, Dec.22, with Fr William as the mass celebrant. All are invited to attend this Filipino tradition. Yuletide Choirs Nativity Tableau

Christmas is a time to celebrate and what better way than to New this year! join Music Ministry in helping to lead our worship. We have Children ages several opportunities for involvement at all levels: preschool through 5th Special Occasion grade are Children's Choir invited to For the Christmas Eve 3 pm Mass. reenact the Rehearsal is Wednesday, birth of Christ in December 21st, 3:30-5 pm. a tableau at the 3:00pm Christmas Eve Mass. There are two mandatory rehearsals: Yuletide Youth Choir Tuesday, December 20th and Thursday December 22nd in Sixth Grade and up for the Christmas Eve 5pm Mass. the church 4:30-5:30pm Rehearsal is Sunday, Please contact our Director of Music and Liturgy, December 18th at 3:30pm [email protected] or 939-7911 ext. 110 to sign up or for

more information. Yuletide Adult Choir

For Christmas Eve 8 pm Greeters, Ushers , EME for and Midnight Mass or Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 11am Christmas Day. We are inviting you to make your plans with Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings. your Church Family for the Christmas Feast. All Ages Family Choir for 9am Christmas Day Mass. As with any family gathering, there is a need to Rehearsal is Saturday, December 17th, 10am-noon. know who can help out in various capacities. Please help us by signing up for your ministry Sign up today! Come, bring friends, and get ready to share the today. EME’s contact Peggy Casey, best of who and what we are at St. John Vianney. Contact Tree [email protected]. Greeters contact after Masses at the piano, email [email protected], or Betsy Noga, [email protected] or signup call 939-7911 x 110 if you have any questions or would like to online through our website. Ushers, contact sign-up.

Tree Gorman, [email protected]

or signup online through our website.

Winter Nights Volunteers Needed

We are hosting Winter Nights families January 16th – 22nd in Mullen Commons Vista. There are many opportunities to help from cooking meals to tutoring. Advent Hospitality in the glow of Christmas There is more information on our parish website; www.sjvianney.org or contact Remember the PEACE of the : Darlene Babcock; [email protected]. Come early, be patient

Remember the HOPE of the Christ Child: Remember that each face we do not recognize is an opportunity for relationship

Remember the JOY of the Christ Child: Let us show our joy on our faces, with our voices, and in our demeanor

Remember the LOVE of the Christ Child: Love came as vulnerable, open, unassuming, and in need as a newborn Baby Thank you.