St. Catherine of Siena Martinez, California

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 David 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 begin Director Religious Education (K-8) September 22, 2019. A parent orientation will fol-

low after the 8:30 Mass in the Parish Hall .The First Paul & Jennifer Holland Ext 8 [email protected] Co-coordinators, Confirmation Program / Youth Group Holy Communion program is a two year program.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ All other classes are one year (K-8). CHURCH LOCATION: 606 Mellus Street, Martinez, CA - [email protected] or Andrea at Ext 5 PARISH OFFICE AND 1125 Ferry Street ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ MAILING ADDRESS: Martinez, CA 94553-1720 CONFIRMATION: TELEPHONE / FAX: 925-228-2230 / 925-228-1318 Youth Confirmation Program Registration continues PARISH WEBSITE: www.stcmtz.org and classes begin in September 29th. It is a one year PARISH EMAIL: [email protected] program for all incoming Freshmen or above. Please ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - OFFICE HOURS: contact: Paul or Jenny Holland at Ext 8 or email them Mon-Thur. 8:30 AM - 1 PM at [email protected] for more Information. 2:00 PM - 5 PM ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Friday: 8:30 AM - 1 PM MARRIAGES: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Jessica Griswold, Principal [email protected] Arrangements and mandatory preparation need to ST. CATHERINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL be arranged at least eight months prior to a wed- SCHOOL K-8: 604 Mellus Street, Martinez, CA ding date. No dates can be set prior to an initial TELEPHONE / FAX: 925-228-4140 / 925-228-0697 OFFICE HOURS: 9AM –2 PM meeting with a priest. No exceptions.

SCHOOL WEBSITE: http://school.stcatherinemartinez.com/ www.stcmtz.org or Sylvia at Ext 2 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - Mea Auld, Pre-School Director RECONCILIATION: St. Catherine Pre-School Confession times are weekly on Saturdays from [email protected] 3:00 - 4:00 PM and/or by appointment. (925) 229-2255 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ANOINTING OF THE SICK: PRE SCHOOL LOCATION:1125 Ferry Street, Martinez, CA The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is the TELEPHONE / FAX: 925-229-2255 / 925-229-2474 continuation of the Lord’s compassion for the sick. [email protected] ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is one of SAFE ENVIRONMENT: www.virtusonline.org two sacraments which heals and saves the baptized Before serving or continuing in your ministry, please complete person from sin. The other sacrament of healing is the Diocesan required Safe Environment for Children Project Penance. For an anointing during working hours, Training @ www.virtusonline.org . Thank you. please call the Parish office. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ RCIA: “Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults” FUNERALS: We recommend using Catholic Funeral and Ceme- Are you interested in becoming Catholic? tery Services at 925-932-0900. A representative will Do you need Adult Baptism? Holy Eucharist (Communion)? Confirmation? contact the parish office to coordinate your ar- rangements. St. Catherine offers a friendly and supportive [email protected] or Sylvia at Ext 2 program. Please call the office or Karen at ext. 4 for more information.

FACILITIES To assure that our Church and facilities testify to the greater honor and Tom Greerty glory of God. The pews are back! The pews are back and they don’t look quite the same! They look better! WEEK-AT-A-GLANCE They have been refurbished and it shows. They shine

a dark brown color that speaks of poverty in a rich Sunday, 9/22 Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time way. We are so lucky to have St.Catherine’s as our Faith Formation Classes Begin place of worship. It billows beauty with oxygen for 8:00 AM PH Hospitality - Thank you Hospitality the soul. Our basic color is a very sleek white. It is 2:00 PM CH Baptisms Team 2:00 PM PCL Guadalupe Society Mtg. everywhere except on our objects of art. Those are 6:00 PM CH San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena usually done in bright blues, reds, yellows, purples, Monday, 9/23 violets and a gold that has to be seen to be believed. 7:30 AM CH Rosary It is all good. Our Church is something to see now 6:00 PM CH San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena that it has been renovated by Father Anthony Le. 6:30 PM PCL San Lorenzo Ruiz Meeting Our Church was built in 1940 when we were still Tuesday, 9/24 under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Archdio- 7:30 AM CH Rosary 9:00 AM CH School Practice cese. I remember when the Archbishop came to 5:15 PM CH San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena Martinez and anointed me and my school friends 6:00 PM CH Choir Rehearsal with the oil of Confirmation. We were confirmed in 7:00 PM PC Scripture Reflection with Clergy 7:30 PM CH Spanish Choir Rehearsal 1958. In 1962 our Church was made part of the Wednesday, 9/25 newly formed Oakland Diocese. Our Church had 7:30 AM CH Rosary been originally constructed under the Supervision of 2:30 PM CH Children’s Choir Arnold Constable an English designer of great re- 6:00 PM CH San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena nown. He was from England and an Anglican by 6:15 PM CH Ignite Bible Study 6:30 PM PCL Legion of Mary practice. He studied the Neo Gothic revival style of 7:00 PM PC RCIA Class Rm #210 the mid 19th Century. At St. Catherine’s though he Thursday, 9/26 kept the Roman Catholic features of building the 7:30 AM CH Rosary Church in the form of a cross while facing east with 9:00 AM CH School Practice seven Arch’s across the middle of the Church with 12:00 PM CH Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 6:00 PM CH San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena pillars on both sides and a high wooden Altar piece 6:30 PM PCL Italian Catholic Federation Meeting which is very Roman Catholic. That is to say, our Friday, 9/27 Crucifixion scene is very upfront and center. Con- 7:30 AM CH Rosary stable who moved from England to Seattle, Wash- 6:00 PM CH San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena ington in the early 20th century, always left no doubt Saturday, 9/28 where he was from. The beautiful Church arches 7:30 AM CH Rosary 12:00 PM PH Ignite Bible Study he .framed are done in the classic English Tudor 3:00 PM CH Reconciliation style. They are in brown and white with royal em- 5:30 PM CH/PH San Lorenzo Ruiz Procession to blems. 6:00 PM PH Lite Reception Hall The whole thing is a masterpiece of art set in a par- Sunday, 9/29 Confirmation Classes Begin ish Church with old world charm. There is nothing 8:00 AM PH Hospitality - NEEDED like it. Now let’s go back to our pews because I love “Come and Join Us” them. They are soft looking but strong with excel- San Lorenzo Ruiz Novena lent red kneelers. We need kneelers at St. Cathe- rine’s. because that’s what we do during Mass. We September 19th through kneel during the Eucharistic prayers . That’s when September 27th in the the whole thing gets quiet except for the Priest who Church at 6PM talks to God on our behalf and asks Him to forgive (Tuesday, 9/24 at 5:15PM) our sins and transform our offering of bread and Light Reception on 9/28 wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. I go following the with my wife on Sundays. Afterwards we go to hospi- 4:30PM Vigil Mass. tality and shoot the bull. It’s all good!

All are Welcome!

WORSHIP

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

St. Bernard of Clairvaux gives a detailed litany of benefits of approaching Jesus through Mary.

While it is true that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Philippians 2:10), God also endowed upon the name of Mary a deep spiritual power.

Being the “queen mother,” Mary has a special role in salvation history and continues to come to the aid of God’s people whenever they call upon her. It is a great mystery, but countless saints have reinforced over the centuries that the closer one gets to Mary, the closer one is brought to her Son. Pope Benedict XVI similarly promoted this reality and pointed to a quote from St. Bernard of Clairvaux when visiting Heiligenkreuz in Austria. The quote is a summary of Catholic belief when it comes to Marian intercession, and reassures us that whenever we invoke the name of Mary, we will be brought closer to Jesus. In the words of Saint Bernard, I invite everyone to become a trusting child before Mary, even as the Son of God did. Saint Bernard says, and we say with him: “Look to the star of the sea, call upon Mary … in danger, in distress, in doubt, think of Mary, call upon Mary. May her name never be far from your lips, or far from your heart If you follow her, you will not stray; if you pray to her, you will not despair; if you turn your thoughts to her, you will not err. If she holds you, you will not fall; if she protects you, you need not fear; if she is your guide, you will not tire; if she is gracious to you, you will surely reach your destination”.

The Blessed Mother was named "Mary," a significant name in the ancient world.

After her birth (celebrated liturgically on September 8) the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary decided to name their newborn child, “Mary” (her naming is celebrated on September 12). They did so cooperating in God’s divine plan, giving her a name that would be invoked for all eternity. Similar to other biblical names, the name “Mary” is not without meaning and has a host of spiritual connections. First of all the Hebrew form of Mary is miryam and some biblical scholars have seen in it the Hebrew words mar (bitter) and yam (sea). This first meaning can refer to Mary’s bitter suffering at the cross and her many tears of sorrow. Another interpretation of the word mar renders Mary’s name to mean “drop of the sea” and St. Jerome rendered it in as stilla maris, which was later changed to stella (star) maris. This accounts for a popular title for Mary as “Star of the Sea.” Mariners at the time were accustomed to looking at the stars to find guidance and to discern which direction they were going and so calling Mary stella maris referred to Mary’s ability to guide sinners along the path to Eternal Shores. Yet another rendering of miryam focuses on the Hebrew word mari and sees in it the word “mistress” or “lady,” thus making Mary “Lady of the Sea.” St. Bonaventure took all of these meanings and combined their symbolism, giving each one its own spiritual meaning. This most holy, sweet and worthy name was eminently fitted to so holy, sweet and worthy a virgin. For Mary means a bitter sea, star of the sea, the illuminated or illuminatrix. Mary is interpreted [as] Lady. Mary is a bitter sea to the de- mons; to men she is the Star of the sea; to the Angels she is illuminatrix, and to all creatures she is Lady. St. Thomas Aquinas also related similar symbolism, “Mary means Star of the Sea, for as mariners are guided to port by the ocean star, so Christians attain to glory DISCIPLESHIP through Mary’s maternal intercession.” To empower a community While the exact etymology is still debated among schol- ars, the Church has traditionally accepted these saintly of Christian people interpretations and regards Mary as the “Star of the Sea,” walking together as to whom we all look up, and strive to follow during the tempest here below. disciples of Jesus in order Below is an ancient hymn to Mary called Ave Maris Stel- la dating back to the 8th century — a perfect summation of Mary’s role according to the meaning of her name. INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK Hail bright star of ocean God’s own Mother blest, Ever sinless Virgin, Gate of Heavenly rest. SAT 9/21 4:30 Crispina & Rodolfo Salgado† SUN 9/22 7:00 Pearl Balestrieri & Fr. Pio† Taking that sweet Ave, 8:30 Int. Adela Gabriel - Birthday Blessing Which from Gabriel came, 11:00 Int. Joy & Logan Myrick - Birthday Peace confirm within us, Blessing Changing Eva’s name. 1:00 Int. People of the Parish Break the captive’s fetters, MON 9/23 8:00 Kirk & Brydie Kuykendall† Light on blindness pour; TUE 9/24 8:00 Int. Karla Trujillo All our ills expelling, WED 9/25 8:00 Int. St. Catherine School Children and Every bliss implore. their Families Show thyself a Mother; THU 9/26 8:00 Special Intention May the Word Divine, FRI 9/27 8:00 Todd Sintie† Born for us thine Infant, Hear our prayers through thine. SAT 9/28 8:00 Olga Maria Araujo† 4:30 Eleida del Portal† Virgin all excelling, SUN 9/29 7:00 Vincent Lucido† Mildest of the mild; Freed from guilt, preserve us 8:30 Deceased members of the ICF† Pure and undefiled. 11:00 Erlinda & Agapito Bonifacio† 1:00 Int. People of the Parish Keep our life all spotless, Make our way secure, Till we find in Jesus, Joy for evermore. Support & celebrate Through the highest Heaven To the almighty Three, your child’s faith Father, Son and Spirit journey as family One same glory be. Amen. Ignite Sunday Faith Formation for Adults

Welcome all parents to join in conversation as we create a community that celebrates, learns, and experiences our growing faith in Christ together.

Ignite will host and facilitate small groups in the Parish Hall while Faith Formation and Confirmation classes are being taught. Join us in a relaxed and inspiring setting after hospitality.

We all experience God and our faith in individual ways AND there are many ways in which we are connected by shared life experiences. Renew your connection with our Catholic identity.

JOIN US on Sunday Sept. 29th AND RECEIVE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY GIFT Parents of Faith Formation – JOIN US after 8:30am Mass, meets at 9:30am in Parish Hall Parents of Confirmation – JOIN US after 11:00am Mass, meets at 12pm in Parish Hall

Blessed be God who filled my soul with fire! adapted from Psalm 66 Why do we celebrate Catechetical Sunday? In 1935, the Vatican published On the Better Care and Promotion of Catechetical Education, a document that asks every country to acknowledge the importance of the Church’s teaching ministry and to honor those who serve the Christian community as catechists. For the first few years after Catechetical Sunday was established, national catechetical congresses were held in conjunction with the celebration. Beginning in 1971, the USCCB’s Department of Education began producing materials to help parishes celebrate the event at the local level. When the Committee on Catechesis, now named the Committee of Evangelization and Catechesis, was named by the Conference as a standing Committee, it continued to publish Catechetical Sunday materials each year. The Conference of Catholic Bishops has designated the third Sunday in September as Catechetical Sunday. GOD IS ON THE SIDE OF THE POOR

Two of today’s readings make it quite clear that God is on the side of the poor. Amos describes in detail the ex- ploitation of the poor and needy. The psalm repeats that God acts to benefit the poor and lowly. But Luke turns things upside down, telling a tale of a conflicted steward, about to be fired, who demonstrates his cleverness and is rewarded. Like the community to whom Paul writes in Timothy, these readings are personal, directed to be- lievers, members of the Jewish and Christian communities, who struggle to deal with personal choices about how to conduct their lives. They offer “God Bless our St. Catherine Catechists as they begin a New Year” an outline for how God wishes us to live in a world as complicated and as confusing as our own. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

October is the month dedicated to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary.

We pray the Rosary because it is a powerful prayer to God, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Holy Rosary is an enor- mous source of grace and spiritual protection, and one of the most pow- erful sacramentals (not Sacrament) of the Catholic Church. In order to spread this devotion to parish community, we will be praying the Holy Rosary at half hour before the beginning of each of the Mass every weekend, starting the first weekend of October and the following months. Hence, starting Oct. 5th before the 4:30pm Mass, we will be praying the Rosary at 4pm, which will end around 4:20pm, to give everyone enough time to get ready for the Mass. Similarly, on all the Sunday Masses, Rosary will start at 6:30am, then at 8am; then at 10:30am; and then at 12:30pm. This devotional practice starts in October and continues indefinitely. Also, during the month of October, there will be a “weeknight block rosary”, a devotion in which the image of the Virgin Mary visits the home of a host family and the community gathers and prays the rosary every weeknight. This devotion is open to all parishioners, their family and friends, and therefore all are welcome to join.

On Oct. 7, there will be a special Mass at 7pm to commemorate the Memorial of our Lady of the Rosary. Please contact Fr. Anthony or the deacons for more information.

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 15, 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

The Hospitality Team will be having a meeting Monday, Sunday Collection $5,505.00 th Fulfilling the Promise $ 405.00 September 30 at 6PM in the Parish Center. Mem- Priests Retirement $ 90.00 bers will be directed to the appropriate room upon arrival. The purpose of the meeting is to get feedback on how our Team is doing and if we need to make any ad- justments/changes as we go forward into October. Any- one interested in knowing what our Team is all about is welcome to attend. There is always room for more mem- bers! Once again, we thank all the clubs/ministries/families that are making sacrificial offerings when they participate in our joyful Sunday hospitality. God bless you all! 2019 Bishop’s Appeal

SCS Goal Summary: Shepherds Field from the Holy Land Parish Goal: $23,000.00 Olivewood Handcrafts Funds Raised: $20,748.00 will be selling religious articles % of Goal Raised: 90.21% after all masses

Remaining: $ 2,552.00

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

Although June is the month most associated with weddings in the United States, September has become more popular in recent years. Wedding celebrations al- ways require some savvy planning, and people who have a talent for hospitality in the mix. At the wedding feast at St Catherine of Siena Cana, the mother of Jesus was recruited to deal with some Cemetery of the details of the banquet, and when a very understand- able crisis arose, she did what she could to rescue the par- Volunteer Cleanup Day ty. Anyone who has ever run out of ice, dessert, or table settings knows the stress! Saturday Oct 12, 2019 Slowly, the memory of Jesus Christ’s blessing of this 8:30am -12pm marriage feast led the Church to form a way to bless mar- 10 Carquinez Scenic Drive riages. A thousand years ago weddings migrated from the Martinez family home to the doors of the church, where the cele- bration was held in public view. From this practice came Join in making our cemetery a better place. a prayer called the “Nuptial Blessing,” one of the most Opportunities to sweep, prune, weed and paint. solemn prayers in our tradition. It is very much like the prayers by which baptismal water and chrism are conse- Please bring gloves, drinking water, hat, crated, the ordination prayer over a priest, and the Eucha- garden tools, rake, broom ristic Prayers over bread and wine. Four hundred fifty years ago, weddings moved inside the church building. For more information, please contact: All of this gives married couples good reason to celebrate Steve Gallo 510 725-2193 their anniversaries well, especially with the clinking of glasses filled with good wine.

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.

Dear St. Catherine of Siena Community,

Thank you for sharing your grandparents/VIP with us on Friday. There is no greater love than seeing children surrounded with those who love them unconditionally. Having a special day for Grandparents is something that makes St. Catherine of Siena a great place to be. Our Student Leadership Team planned the day from the activi- ties to the tours of the classrooms. A special thank you to our volunteers for their help cooking, serving, selling SCS spirit wear, and helping organize our event.

READINGS & REFLECTIONS Join in the Weekly Scripture Reflection with the Clergy Tuesdays 7:00 –8:15 PM

Sunday, Sep 22, 2019 fact, all of Jesus’ ministry would be an invitaon for all kinds of TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME people to come together and rejoin the fold—the healed leper Who’s the boss? could now live with his family again, the woman at the well A parish secretary worked at an urban church with five resi- could be the town hero instead of a pariah. How will you honor dent priests. One priest was rered, two had ministries else- the Good Shepherd, who gathers people together instead of where, and two were acvely engaged in the parish itself. The driving them apart? TODAY'S READINGS: Ezra 9:5-9; Luke 9:1-6 (451). secretary worked for all five men, handling incoming calls and “He summoned the Twelve.” wrien correspondence, craing bullens, running errands, even sewing the occasional loose buon or laundering a Thursday, Sep 26, 2019 stained sweater. No maer whose task she performed first, MEMORIAL OF COSMAS AND DAMIAN, MARTYRS she never escaped the charge of favorism, because anything Have a sterling reputaon more than one boss doesn’t work. If Jesus is our Lord, every- The details of their lives are lost in anquity, but the early mar- thing and everybody else takes a backseat. tyrs and reputed twin brothers Cosmas and Damian apparently TODAY'S READINGS: Amos 8:4-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-8; Luke 16:1-13 were skilled medics and are revered for having offered medical (135). “No servant can serve two masters.” care without charge. They were called the Anargyrio, Greek for “the silverless ones.” Acng in this way, they are said to have Monday, Sep 23, 2019 aracted many to the Chrisan life. You, too, can evangelize MEMORIAL OF PIUS OF PIETRELCINA, PRIEST simply by doing what you are good at with a Chrisan spirit. Mark his words Whatever your calling in life, carry out your dues in such a Padre Pio was a popular but controversial figure during his way as to be an inspiraon to others. That is the best evangeli- lifeme and has remained so since his death in 1968. He is said zaon! to have exhibited signs of the sgmata (visible wounds on his TODAY'S READINGS: Haggai 1:1-8; Luke 9:7-9 (452). “Thus says the Lord of hands echoing Jesus’ wounds on the cross). Some believed hosts: Consider your ways!” they were real, others were skepcal, including several popes who isolated him and had medical examiners weigh in. What- Friday, Sep 27, 2019 ever the case, his advice for living a faithful life rings true: MEMORIAL OF VINCENT DE PAUL, PRIEST “living humbly, being disinterested, prudent, just, paent, kind, From poverty to true wealth chaste, meek, diligent, carrying out one’s dues for no other “Three hots and a cot.” That move, which draws some from reason than that of pleasing God, and receiving from Him poverty into priesthood, applied inially to Saint Vincent. A alone the reward one deserves.” Let that advice be the mark of social climber, his father’s muddy shoes embarrassed him your life. TODAY'S READINGS: Ezra 1:1-6; Luke 8:16-18 (449). “No one when Dad visited the seminary. Consider his transformaon by who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed.” grace: Once he le hobnobbing with the wealthy behind, Vin- cent founded a congregaon to educate priests, as well as hos- Tuesday, Sep 24, 2019 pitals, orphanages, and homes for the mentally ill. He founded May we have a word? the Daughters of Charity with Louise de Marillac and revolu- Church leaders have chosen scripture passages to be read in onized convents, making their cloister the “streets of the private and proclaimed publicly at Mass every day of the year. city.” Pray Vincent’s dying prayer unl it’s yours: “We have A daughter in Illinois, a cousin in England, friends in El Salva- done what you commanded, do now what you have prom- dor, the pope in Rome, and the guest at a Catholic Worker ised.” House— every Catholic involved in a liturgy is reading or hear- TODAY'S READINGS: Haggai 2:1-9; Luke 9:18-22 (453). “Jesus was praying in solitude.” ing these same scripture passages. The church strongly encour- ages us to read from the Bible and promises that the Holy Spir- Saturday, Sep 28, 2019 it will give a “spiritual understanding of the word to those who MEMORIAL OF WENCESLAUS, MARTYR read it.” Read today’s scripture passages and ask for the grace Stand up for what is right of one small insight. The upbeat tune to the Christmas carol “Good King Wences- TODAY'S READINGS: Ezra 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20; Luke 8:19-21 (450). “My laus” belies the violent tragedy of the life of Wenceslaus I, mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on duke of Bohemia. His mother murdered his grandmother to it.” seize control, and Wenceslaus was then murdered by his

brother. Both vicms died defending the Chrisan faith. Poli- Wednesday, Sep 25, 2019 cal unrest has always been a reality, and Wenceslaus is a role Gather us in model for taking a public stand for what’s right even when It’s no accident that Jesus chose 12 apostles. Calling together under enormous threat. Find in him the courage to take the his first 12 followers symbolized the reuning of the 12 tribes high road in our tumultuous mes. of Israel that God chose to be a light to the world, the 12 tribes TODAY'S READINGS: Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15a; Luke 9:43b-45 (454). “The that had camped in the wilderness with the Tabernacle at the Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” center, the 12 tribes that had then disastrously dispersed. In

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

Altar Servers in or continuing serving Before Jack Watkins.…...……………………………….925-957-0437 Alt & Environment Troy Killorn.…...……………………… Ext 3 925-228-2230 Our September Cleanup was a big success Beneath His Cross Apostolate Jessica Preciado ………………………………...925-354-1656 We recycled 4000 lbs of leaves and tree trimmings. Bingo Prime painted the entrance gate columns. We swept Don Brocca …………………………………….925-858-7330 monuments, raked leaves and walkways and trimmed Catholic Youth Organization - CYO Gina Marks………………………….………… 925-817-9429 weeds. We Cleaned off gravesites. Trimmed the en- Communications trance bushes. All in one morning. Sylvia Lloren……………………….…..Ext 2 925-228-2230 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

WOW! your ministry, complete the Diocesan required Sa Mary Elizabeth Cook …………………...…….925-229-2665 Faith Formation - Religious Education (PreK-8th Grades) Andrea Watkins………………………. Ext 5 925-228-2230 Confirmation Classes Finance Council Don Brocca.………………………………… 925-229-4158 (9th-12th) Grief /Card Ministry Mary Cook………………………………...…….925-229-2665 Begin September 29th Guadalupe Society 11:00 Mass /Class Guadalupe Cruz………………………………... 925-997-2432 Hispanic Choir (Required Parent Orientation following the mass) Carolina Bruno………………………………... 925-437-4074 Hispanic Liturgy Fernando Nunez………………………………... 925- FIND YOUR GREATNESS Hospital/Sick/Homebound Four habits that will transform your life Dave Holland ………………………………... 925-413-9240 Hospitality Debbie Pelizzari………………………………...925-370-3874 Featuring JONATHAN FANNING Ignite Cindy Buscaglia……………….………………... 925-787-8396 Looking for a way to improve your life? Tired of trendy Italian Catholic Federation - ICF fads that are difficult to keep up with? Try something Tom Cook……………………………………... 925-229-2665 fe Environment for Children Project Training @ new, and come to St. Dominic in San Francisco or Beni- Knights of Columbus - K of C cia for a life-changing event titled Find Your Greatness. Rik Silva………………………………………….925-334-2429 Rooted in historical best practices, Dynamic Catholic La Communidad Latina events are not just about feeling. They are about doing. Lucia Cruz……………………………………… 925-348-2620 They don’t just give you something to think about. They Lectors give you a plan. They help you make your life work Carlos Melendez……………………….………... 510-385-0506 better. The goal is not to just inspire you for a few hours. Legion of Mary At Find Your Greatness, walk away with more than just Bobby Kiefer…………………….……………. 925-658-1442 knowledge about four life changing habits. You’ll leave Maintenance Troy Killorn.……………………….…………... 925-228-2230 with a personalized plan on how to engage these habits Music Ministry—Choir in your normal, ordinary, everyday life. Troy Killorn …………………………Ext 3 925-228-2230 Pastoral Advisory Council The event is on Friday, September 27. (San Francisco) Karen Glen….925-788-7716 & Karen Sandri….925-370-7997 Tickets can be purchased by visiting DynamicCatho- Respect Life lic.com/San Francisco. Or Saturday, September 28th Linda Easterday ……………………….……….. 925-372-3845 at St. Dominics Catholic Church in Benicia. Tickets can Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults - RCIA be purchased by visiting DynamicCatholic.com or call Karen Glen……………………………Ext 4 925-228-2230 Safe Environment for Children Project - SECP

(859)980-7900 www.virtusonline.org . Thank you. Karen Glen…………………………...Ext 4 925-228-2230 We can’t wait to see you there! San Lorenzo Ruiz Community - SLRC Esther Concepcion….………………………… 925-381-1835 BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS DEADLINES: Social Awareness Anne Crisp …………………………………... 925-356-8822 All requests must be submitted no later than September 20th by noon for the September 28th bulletin. Stewardship Please direct your inquiries to: [email protected] Karen Glen…………………………………. 925-788-7716 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 Young Ladies Institute - YLI Facebook Page! Rori Polvorosa …………………………………510-734-4907 Confirmation /Youth Group (High School 9 to 12 Grades) Like Us! Paul & Jenny Holland………………….Ext 8 925-228-2230 https://www.facebook.com $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

925-963-6606 925-935-3311 www.ChuckBarberini.com www.oakmontmortuary.com [email protected] FD 875 COA 619 Muir Oaks Veterinary Hospital The Most Complete 1180 MuirRoad, Martinez Online National 372-9200 Directory of Melody Herder-Jimison, D.V.M. Check It Out Today! Catholic Parishes • Companionship • Personal Care • End of Life Care • Meal Preparation 24/7 Care Available • Positive Happy Aging Approach • Homemaking Our Talent is Caring! • Elizabeth & Robert Lobron • Transportation 925.494.1111 • www.nursenextdoor.com Lic. #074700015 • Respite Care DILLON MAGH ADHAIR Grow Your Business, Advertise Here. Irish Dance SCHO O L Support Your Church & Bulletin. 415.205.8090 www.bayareairishdance.com Free professional ad design & my help! 1136 Saranap Ave., Ste D Walnut Creek email: [email protected] www.jspaluch.com Call Marcy Kwiatkowski 925.239.1401

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