EFT $ 420.00

TOTAL $ 1,247.75

Thank you and God Bless You!

12 Days ITALY Pilgrimage visiting Venice*Padua*Florence*Assisi*Rome* Hosted by Father Eugenio Aramburo April 20, 2015 – May 1, 2015 * only a deposit will secure a seat. Limited number of seats available

During November, we are called in a special way to remember “our brothers and sisters who fallen asleep in the hope of all resurrection. Envelopes might be made available in which the faithful could inscribe the names of their beloved dead who would be remembered in prayer during this month.

Mountain Bible and Christ Child Catholic Churches

Youth Camo-Night

On Saturday, October 25, from 4 to 9 p.m., Phil and Barbara Mason welcome the youth of the mountain, in grades six through twelve, on their enchanted forest on Stetson Road. The two Churches sponsor this evening in the woods with a barbecue, camouflage game, and campfire program. Parents are encouraged to join in the fun and be spotters for the game, bring your flashlights to try to see the youth in their camouflage gear. We will meet at the Mountain Bible Church parking at 4 p.m. to sign in and carpool to the forest. We will return to the parking lot by 9 p.m. with candy and prizes. There’s a $5 cost for youth participants.

For more information, call Pastor John Haak 408.353.2302 or email [email protected]

We’re starting a Women’s Club!

After an initial exploratory meeting to discuss what the focus of our women’s club would be, it was agreed that the focus would be spiritual and social, which means there will be prayer, sharing and time to find out what’s going on in your lives, meeting on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Our next meeting then is this Wednesday October 22nd from 708 p.m. in the community center and all the women of the parish are invited. You are also welcome to bring along a friend you’d like to encourage to join the parish. If you’d like to bring a light refreshment to share that’s fine, but not obligatory. Feel free to contact Norma Hammons, 353.3326, Jeanette Roberts, 353-1880 or Gina Boisvert, 656.7877

Christ Child Coat Drive Has Begun!!!

ASK friends and neighbors if they have gently used coats, jackets, and parkas (all sizes) for donation. The donation box is in the church foyer. Thank you.

Questions? Contact Joe or Andrea Bruna 353-3101

g Garment

An inner-city mother had a four-year-old son. She used to leave him at a day-care center in the morning and pick him up again at night when she returned home from work.

A week before her son’s fifth birthday, she decided to have a party for him. So she invited five of his playmates from the day-care center to be his guests.

When the time came for the party, not one of the five children showed up. The mother was crushed, because she knew how much the party meant to her little son. He had never had a birthday party before.

The mother hurried across the hallway to the apartment of an elderly couple and asked them to come. Then she called a friend she worked with and asked her to come, too. And so she had the party for her son.

At first, the little boy cried when he learned his friends couldn’t come. But after a while he began to jump around and have fun.

That never-tragic story resembles the parable that Jesus tells in today’s gospel. It, too, concerns guests who failed to show up for a party and had to be replaced at the last minute.

It’s what Jesus intended to teach the people through his story.

For example, what did Jesus intend the wedding feast to stand for? Who did he intend the king to stand for? Who are the invited guests who didn’t show up? Who are the substitute guests who replaced them?

After we study the parable, closely, we see that the king stands for God. The wedding feast stands for the kingdom of God. The invited guests stand for the Chose People, who made a covenant with God.

Finally, the substitute guests stand for the sinners and the Gentiles of Jesus’ time. They are the people who accepted Jesus after God’s Chosen People rejected him.

And so the second level of meaning is what Jesus intended to teach the people through the parable.

And one of his teachings is this: The kingdom of God is now open to all people, just the Chosen People.

No one is excluded, not even Gentiles. This was a revolutionary idea to the Jews of Jesus’ time.

Lord, open our eyes that we may see your face in the face of the needy. Open our hearts that we may reach out our hands to feed you when we find you hungry, to clothe you when we find you naked, to house you when find you homeless. Then, when life is over and we stand face-to-face before you, you will reach out your hand to us and say, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Amen.

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

Prayer Group in the Parish

Every Tuesday at 8:15 a.m. all Women

And All Men!

MASS INTENTIONS October 11 - 17

Saturday 5:00 p.m. Anne Fialho

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Cecily Olsen

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. + Wilma P. Welch

Thursday 8:00 a.m. Spence Family

Friday 8:00 a.m. + Clair Mullen

Stewardship of Treasure

Report Sunday October 4 & 5, 2014

Total Plate $ 953.50

EFT $ 420.00

TOTAL $1,373.50

Second Collection for Respect Life & Birthright: $657.01

Mountain Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Become a volunteer or contribute

[email protected]

Patricia Wood 316-2938

Today

Food for the Poor

A ministry built on faith and trust.

With help from caring friends like you, Food for the Poor helps hundreds of thousands of people every day in 17 countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.

ATTENTION FAITH

FORMATION CHILDREN AND YOUTH

We would like to remind you that Faith Formation classes began last Sunday.

Please bring your children!

The classes for Grades 1 to 8 are every Sunday @ 9:00 a.m.

Grades 9 -11

Formation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Please contact Fr. Eugenio at

408-353-2210

“Kid’s Club” – Free After-Scholl Program

Classes on Wednesdays @ 1:30-3:00 Loma Prieta Community Room, Grades K-5 For info: Pastor John Haak at 353-2302 or Father Eugenio at 353-2210.

Games, songs, crafts, Bible stories and character lessons!

Are you an Adult? And would you like to be Catholic, confirmed or receive the Eucharist? Please call 408. 353.2210. We will be very happy to help you! Fr. Eugenio

Men’s Club Meeting

We will be having the meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of the month which is November 12th. We will have main dish, salad and beverages. Gather at 6:30… Eat at 7 pm. Community Center.

We have very good support for one another.

Yes!.... The 6th Annual Child Coat Drive has been set in motion. A Collection Container is in place in anticipation of being stuffed with your donated new and used coats, jackets, and sweaters (All Sizes). Ask your family and friends to make a coat donation. Every coat, jacket, and sweater helps our friends at Holy Trinity Church, Greenfield, CA. Need additional information? Contact Joe or Andrea Bruna at 408 353-3101.

TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

October 5, 2014

I’ll have the ecumenical salad, please

Seated in the very last row at St. James Episcopal Cathedral in Chicago, I was able to hide my tears while watching my former colleague and good friend join the procession for his ordination to the diaconate. In January, he will become a priest in the U.S. branch of the Anglican Church.

Yes, they were tears of happiness for him, and I was bursting with pride. Bryan is a brilliant scholar, a deeply spiritual person with the self-awareness and humility needed to be a good pastor, and the organizational skills to be a good administrator. He had worked hard to get to this moment, and I’m confident will continue to work hard to serve God and the church.

Bu my tears were also ones of sadness, because Bryan also attended a Catholic seminary earlier in his life and worked for a number of Catholic publications and organizations. For all the reasons he will make an excellent Episcopal priest, he could have been a great Catholic one.

“The Episcopal Church’s gain is the Catholic Church’s loss,” I wrote on my congratulatory card to him.

I realize now that not only were my words trite, they are not necessarily true. Christianity does not have to be a zero-sum game, in which denominations compete for people’s bodies or hearts. For many Catholic, ecumenism is rather theoretical, until it becomes personal. In theory, it may seem obvious that fragmentation in Christianity is problematic. Christ founded one church, and we Christians should work to restore that unity. As the catechism says, “Christ bestowed unity on His Church from the beginning… The desire to recover the unity of all Christians is a gift of Christ and a call of the Holy Spirit.”

Much of the ecumenical work of the church since the Second Vatican Council has been aimed at encouraging dialogue to repair damage from the suspicious pre-Vatican II attitude in which Catholic saw other Christian as heretics who needed to return to the one, true church.

Dialogue is all well and good, but where ecumenism really hits most Catholic is when they – or someone close to them – falls in love with someone who is not Catholic. Or perhaps someone close to them leaves Catholicism for another church. Then the pain of disunity becomes personal, as individuals and families struggle with where to worship, how to raise their children and who can receive Communion where.

But what if these “divisions” were seen not as disunity but as diversity – a positive, not a negative? As part of an interracial family who values diversity in our neighborhood, schools and workplaces, I’m beginning to think diversity in Christianity could be a good thing.

When I teach a course on intercultural communication, one thing students learn is the problem with the “melting pot” metaphor. It’s no longer desirable – and most likely was never even true – that immigrant group should assimilate and lose their distinctiveness by melting together into one homogeneous soup that is American culture.

Instead, today the preferred metaphor is a salad: all the ingredients come together in one bowl, but without losing their distinctiveness. The result is still a delicious dish, but without the forced melting. Couldn’t the same metaphor apply to Christianity?

(Heidi Schlumpf teacher communication at Aurora University outside of Chicago)

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

MASS INTENTIONS October 4 -10

Saturday 5:00 p.m. +Kathleen Stacey

Sunday 10:00 a.m. +Leslie R. Olsen

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. Communion Services

Thursday 8:00 a.m. Communion Services

Friday 8:00 a.m. Communion Services

Stewardship of Treasure

Report Sunday September 27 & 28, 2014

Total Plate $ 967.00

EFT $ 367.50

TOTAL $1,334.50

Second Collection of Maintenances of the Parish $ 474.00

It’s STARTING NEXT WEEK!....the Collection Container will be in the church foyer next week (Oct 11) for the star of 6th Annual Christ Child’s Coat Drive. Please bring in your beautiful unneeded coats, jackets, and sweaters (all sizes) for deposit into the collection containers. Our brothers, sisters and the children at the Holy Trinity Church, Greenfield, CA. will appreciate this kind deed. For additional information please contact Joe or Andrea Bruna 408 353-3101 Thank you for your kind donations.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES

You may register your child or children for religious education.

CONFIRMATION

All adults and children invited to our program for the Sacrament of Confirmation, and to learn more about the person of Jesus Christ, the Bible and the Church.

Parents please bring your children to prepare for their future of the Christian faith and the Sacrament of Confirmation. Please contact with Fr. Eugenio at 353-2210

Men’s Club Meeting This Wednesday October 8 at 6:30 p.m. In the Community Center. We have very good support for one another. All men welcome!!!

Mountain Bible and Christ Child Catholic Churches

Youth Camo-Night

On Saturday, October 25, from 4 to 9 p.m., Phil and Barbara Mason welcome the youth of the mountain, in grades six through twelve, on their enchanted forest on Stetson Road. The two Churches sponsor this evening in the woods with a barbecue, camouflage game, and campfire program. Parents are encouraged to join in the fun and be spotters for the game, bring your flashlights to try to see the youth in their camouflage gear. We will meet at the Mountain Bible Church parking at 4 p.m. to sign in and carpool to the forest. We will return to the parking lot by 9 p.m. with candy and prizes. There’s a $5 cost for youth participants. For more information, call Pastor John Haak 408.353.2302 or email [email protected].

TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

September 7, 2014

“Fraulein, will you forgive me?”

Corrie ten Boom often thought back over the horrors of the Ravensbruck concentration camp. How could she ever forgive the former Nazis who had been her jailers? Where were love, acceptance, and forgiveness in a horror camp where more than 95,000 women died? How could she ever forget the horrible cruelty of the guards and the smoke constantly coming from the chimney of the crematorium? Then in 1947 Corrie was speaking in a church in Munich, and when the meeting was over she saw one of the cruelest male guards of Ravensbruck coming forward to speak to her. He had his hand outstretched. “I have become a Christian,” he explained. “I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well. Fraulein, will you forgive me?” A conflict raged in Corrie’s heart. The Spirit of God urged her to forgive. The spirit of bitterness and coldness urged her to turn away. “Jesus, help me.” She prayed. Then she knew what she must do. “I can lift my hand,” she thought to herself. “I can do that much.” As their hands met it was as if warmth and healing broken forth with tears and joy. “I forgive you, brother, with all my heart,” she said. Later Corrie testified that “it was the power of the Holy Spirit” who had poured the love of God into her heart that day” (Garrie F. Williams, “Welcome, Holy Spirit.” Copyright © 1994) I don’t know any other way true forgiveness can take place. We turn our hurt over to God. We ask God for the ability to forgive.

Today’s readings challenge us to the true Christian discipleship of total commitment to the will of God, putting God first in our lives.

TWENTIETH-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

September 28, 2014

Apps for phones, tablets aid in mental and spiritual health

Tracy Dereszynski is a busy woman. As the ministry and outreach coordinator for Volunteers of American of Wisconsin, she is often on the road, making pastoral visits to clients with disabilities or mental illness. That’s when she’s not teaching Catholic school teachers in the Milwaukee archdiocese as part of its sustaining the Mission catechetical program. Or serving on the archdiocese’s technology and Faith Formation committee.

Yet she still finds time for prayer and spiritual practices – thanks to her phone!

Yes, her phone. Dereszynski is an avid user of spiritual apps, not only for her own personal practice, but in her ministry and work.

With divineooffice.org she can do Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours while walking her dogs. In the car, she may listen to the 3-Minute Retreat or use Pray as You God, both Jesuit prayer apps. She ends her day with Compline or evening prayer, again via the Divine Office app.

“Its wonderful way to relax and be in God’s presence,” says Dereszynski, a member of St. Joseph Parish in Grafton, Wis.

Although some still see gadgets as distractions from spiritual or mental well-being, more and more people – including Catholics – are using their phones, tablets and others devices to aid them in contemplation and prayer.

Dereszynski finds most of her students and clients are open to the use of spiritual apps. In a recent class she taught, Catholic school teachers loved the idea of using the 3-Minute Retreat app as a prayer before faculty meetings. “It’s just long enough to breathe,” said Dereszynski, who also uses it to help clients relax and center themselves.

“All I have to do is press play,” Dereszynski said, adding that the app’s reflection questions help prime her discussions with clients. And when she wants to pray the rosary with them? There’s an app for that too –actually more than one. “I’m not sure I would know how to pray the rosary otherwise,” she said. Dereszynski may be more tech-savvy than most, but she’s part of a growing trend of spiritually minded folks who see technology and spirituality as compatible and even beneficial, rather than archenemies.

Tens of thousands of people have downloaded the 3-Minute retreat app and receive the Scripture reading, music and reflection questions each day, according to Judine O’Shea, director of marketing at Loyola Press.

Stressed? Need a break from work? “Regardless of the circumstances, it’s always there.”

Fit bits for your soul

Counting your steps may be the latest technology-aided fitness phenomenon, but apps also can help with spiritual and mental health. Below is just a sampling:

Rosary apps

Rosary: Available in Polish, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Japanese (android, free).

3-Minute Retreat: Music, Scripture, meditation and reflection questions (iPhone, free). And more….

From Heidi Schlumpf teacher communication at Aurora University outside Chicago. She is the author of “While we wait: Spiritual and Practice advice for Those Trying to Adopt.”

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

Prayer Group in the Parish

Every Tuesday at 8:15 a.m. all Women

And All Men!

Stewardship of Treasure

Report Sunday September 20 & 21, 2014

TOTAL $ 756.00

EFT $ 420.00

TOTAL $ 1,176.00

KISS ME KATE

If you haven’t purchased your play tickets yet, we will be selling them after Mass today.

If you cannot be with us on October 2nd you can still support Birthright of San Jose and have a chance at winning a beautiful prize basket. Come by our table and find out more. God bless!

Men’s Club Meeting This Wednesday October 8 at 6:30 p.m. in theCommunity Center. We have very good support for one another.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES

You may register your child or children for religious education.

Mrs. Nanette G. Thomas will be our coordinator.

CONFIRMATION PROGRAM BEGINNING

All adults and children are invited to our program for the Sacrament of Confirmation. You will learn more about the person of Jesus Christ, the Bible and the Church. Parents, please bring your children for this sacrament and prepare your children for their future in the Christian faith.

KID’s CLUB of LOMA PRIETA

All local elementary students are eligible to join a weekly after school program. “Kid’s Club” will be held on the “Early Release” Wednesday from 1:30 to 3:00 in the Community Room. The club time will center on activities such as sports, gardening, music and crafts to learn character qualities through the stories of the Bible. “Kid’s Club” is offered at no cost to participants. Mountain Bible and we Christ Child Church sponsor it. Local volunteers will follow a successful format already being used in more thirty schools around Santa Clara County.

The program is highly praised by the administrators for C.T. English students to volunteer and gain community service hours Questions can be directed to Pastor John Haak at the Mountain Bible church office, 408-353-2302 or Fr. Eugenio at Christ Child Church office, 408-353-2210

Are you an Adult? And would you like to be Catholic or be confirmed or receive the Eucharist. Please call at 408. 353.2210. We will be very happy to help you! Fr. Eugenio

TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

September 21, 2014

Today’s readings are all about the sense of justice and the extravagant grace of a merciful God.

While God is both just and merciful, God’s mercy often overrides His justice and, hence, God pardons us unconditionally and rewards us generously by opening for the Gentiles and the Jews.

“That’s not fair!”

How many times, in the course of a given day, have you heard someone protest, “That’s not fair!” Children on a playground shout when they detect a foul play: “That’s not fair!” Siblings doing household chores may complain, “I’m doing more work!” or “My chores are more difficult; that’s not fair!” Students at school may resent the extra attention given to a classmate… “She’s the teacher’s favorite; that’s not fair!” A brother thinks his place of pie appears to be smaller than his sister’s… “That’s not fair!” Someone at work receives a raise in salary when another person thinks he/she is more deserving” “I have seniority. I’ve been here longer; that’s not fair!” The coach of the Little League baseball team always puts her child in as starting pitcher; other players are annoyed… “That’s not fair!” Taxpayers bristle at the fact that increasing numbers of people are applying for and receive welfare from the government… “I have to work hard to make a living for me and my family. So should everyone else… that’s not fair!” In each of these several examples, human sensibilities regarding fairness and patience have been offended, precisely because of the fact that they are human. Most of us think that good work, seniority and experience should be rewarded, that all should be subject to the same rules, like “First come, first served,” that everyone should be treated impartially and that there should be no exceptions and no favorites! Therefore, when confronted with a situation such as that put before us in today’s Gospel parable of identical wages for different numbers of hours of work, our sense of fairness in provoked.

(Patricia Datchuck Sánchez)

We need to follow God’s example and show grace to our neighbor.

When someone else is more successful than we are, let us assume he or she needs it.

When someone who does wrong fails to get caught, let us remember the many times we have done wrong and gotten off free.

Envy should have no place in our lives.

We cannot control the way God blesses others.

We need to express our gratitude to God in our daily lives.

God personally calls each of us to our own ministry and shows us His care by giving us His grace and eternal salvation.

To God, we are more than just numbers on a payroll…

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

Prayer Groups in the Parish

Every Tuesday at 8:15 a.m. all Women and All Men

MASS INTENTIONS September 20 - 26

Saturday 5:00 p.m. + Margaret Louise

Smith

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Wilma P. Welch

+ Giovanni Navarini

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. + Wilma P. Welch

Thursday 8:00 a.m. Spence Family

Friday 8:00 a.m. + Clair Mullen

Stewardship of Treasure

Report Sunday September 13 & 14, 2014

Total Plate $1,578.00

EFT $ 420.00

TOTAL $1,998.00

The Second Collection for retirement fund for aged and infirm priests was $350.00

Please help us, we need you!!!

God bless you.

A LIFELINE FOR MARRIAGE

Retrouvaille helps couples through difficult times in the marriage.

For confidential information about, or to register for the September program beginning with a weekend on September 26 – 28, 2014 call 831-479-1260 or email: Monterey@RetroCA or visit the web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.com

4th ANNUAL PARISH HARVEST PARTY & DANCE

September 13, 2014 was the forth time Christ Child Parish sponsored this event open to the public. I want to thank members of the Men’s Club and Don & Gina Boisvert.

We were able to work together as a community of believers to clean the church/rectory/community center grounds, to publicize this event (and the Parish) in many different places, and to demonstrate we believe God’s blessing on all people and things.

I also want to thank all those members of the Parish who contributed their time.

I am very proud of you all and the Parish blesses you.

With love and prayers,

Fr. Eugenio

Let’s never forget the magical area we live in.

See you next year…!

The Harvest’s Party & Dance Committee.

KISS ME KATE

If you haven’t purchased your play tickets yet, we will be selling them after Mass today.

If you cannot be with us on October 2nd, you can still support Birthright of San Jose and have a chance at winning a beautiful prize basket.

Come by our table and find out more.

God bless!

The Windom of Eucharist

The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.”

By this sacrament of Eucharist we unite ourselves to Christ, who makes us shares in his Body and Blood to form a single body…

In Loving Memory of Larry Neil Duncan

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

enry’s second marriage to Anne, and he coulsd

You are invited to attend:

Christ Child Women’s & Men’s Prayer Group:

Every Tuesday at 8:15 am.

MASS INTENTIONS September 6 – 12

Saturday 5:00 p.m. + Kathleen Stacey

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Leslie R. Olsen

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. + Wilma P. Welch

Thursday 8:00 a.m.

Friday 8:00 a.m.

Religion Education Program

Time for Registration for all children for the Sacrament of First Communion and grades after First Communion!!!

Stewardship of Treasure

Report Sunday August 30 & 31, 2014

Total Plate $ 1,297.00

EFT $ 420.00

TOTAL $ 1,817.00

Second Collection for the Maintenance

Was $425.00

Thank you and God bless you and your family!

Christ Child Men’s Club meeting, Wednesday September 10 starting

At 6:30 pm. Dinner is served around 7 pm.

All men Welcome!

Listen to Immaculate Heart radio 1260 AM

Wonderful Women’s Weekend! Enjoy a wonderful women’s weekend at St. Clare’s Retreat! A silent retreat will be held on September 19th – 21st. The guest speaker will be Father Serge Propst O.P. The retreat stars with Friday dinner and ends with Sunday lunch.

The cost for all three days is $120.00; single rooms are available on request is $130.00

For reservations & more information, contact Jeanette Roberts at 353-1880

The Window of Baptism: In Baptism we use your gift of water, which you have made a rich symbol of the grace you give us in this sacrament.

In Honor of the Franchino Family and Harold Ries.

4th Annual Parish Harvest

Saturday September 13th at 6:00 pm.

Dinner, Drinks, Music and More

This is a Fun/d Raiser and all donations will go to help the Parish’s Projected 2014/2015 Budget Deficit

Tickets will go on Sale Today!

Information Don Boisvert 408.828.2035

Please Support

Only 2 Weeks Left to Sign up for Retrouuvaille

Retrouvaille is a program for married couples that feel bored, disillusioned, frustrated, or angry in their marriage. Some experience coldness. Other experience conflict in their relationship. Most don’t know how to change the situation or even communicate with their spouse about it. This program has helped 10’s of 1000’s of couples experiencing difficulties in their marriage.

For confidential information about, or to register for the September program beginning with a weekend on Sep. 26 – 28, 2014

Call 831-479-1260 or email: [email protected] or visit the web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.com

The South Bay Musical Theatre Presents

COLE PORTER’S – KISS ME KATE

October 2, 2014 @ 8:00 pm

Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres & Champagne @ 6:15 pm

And don’t miss out on our Four Fantastic Silent Auction…

A Benefit Performance for BIRTHRIGHT OF SAN JOSE

Tickets $40.00 per person

NINETEE

TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

August 31, 2014

The reading for this Sunday remind us that Christian discipleship demands self-control (“Deny yourself”), the willingness to suffer (“take up your cross”), generosity (“to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice to God”), and readiness to follow Jesus by obeying his commandment of love.

We need to be extremophiles for Christ

True disciples of Christ are: a) extremely compassionate; they are: willing to visit the infected and the sick in hospitals, the incontinent elderly in nursing homes, and AIDS patients in hospices; b) extremely humble; they are able to see that every good gift comes from God alone, and that His gifts to us of personal talents and resources should inspire gratitude, not pride; c) extremely patient; they are committed to working with challenging children, adolescents with problems, young adults who are struggling with their faith, with the intellectually challenged and with those suffering dementia; d) extremely forgiving; they are willing to forgive ant just once, or twice, but again and again, because they know that God has forgiven them again and again; e) extremely loving; they willingly visit people in prisons, in retirement homes, and in homeless shelters; f) extremely faithful, they are living out a committed, trusting relationship with God, with spouse, with family and friends.

Here is the story of one Christian who accepted the challenge of Christian discipleship given in today’s Gospel, by denying themselves, taking up their crosses and following Jesus.

Don Helder Camara

Was an Archbishop of the poorest and least developed Archdiocese of Brazil. But he has been described as “one of the shapers of the Catholic Church in the second half of the twentieth century.” Early in his life, he was part of a conservative political movement inspired by Italian Fascism. But as he became more and more involved in pastoral work in Rio de Janeiro, he became underwent a radical conversion which finally reached the point where he himself was labeled a Communist and called “the red bishop.” His was an outspoken witness for peace and social justice in a land ruled by a brutal military dictatorship. Dom Helder’s message was reflected in his style of leadership. Instead of a pectoral cross of gold or silver, he wore a simple wooden cross. He moved out of the bishop’s palace and lived in a much poorer house. He encouraged the training of lay catechists and opened the seminary doors to lay people and women. His own door was always open to any who sought him, and he presented himself as truly the servant of the people.

He died on 27 August 1999, aged 90. But his spirit lives on.

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

You are invited to attend:

Christ Child Women’s Prayer and Men’s Prayer Group

Every Tuesday at 8:15 am.

MASS INTENTIONS August 30 – Sept 5

Saturday 5:00 p.m. + John J. Hanley

+ Ruby O’ Makar + Ruby Burback

+ Peter Burbach

Sunday 10:00 a.m. Caralie Olsen

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. + Joan Tronco

Thursday 8:00 a.m. Parishioners

Friday 8:00 a.m. + Wilma P. Welch

Stewardship of Treasure

Report Sunday August 23 & 24, 2014

Total Plate $1,388.50

EFT $ 420.00

TOTAL $1,808.50

Today the Second Collection is for Maintenance!!!

Thank you and God bless you!

WONDERFUL WOMEN’S WEEKEND The St. Clare Retreat Center is putting on a special silent retreat September 19th – 21st The guest speaker being Father Serge Propst, O.P. The retreat starts with Friday dinner and ends with Sunday lunch. The Cost for this three day retreat is $120 and single rooms are available.

Please consider attending this wonderful weekend. For reservation and/or questions, please contact Jeanette Roberts 353-1880. Thank you.

Men’s Club Meeting

We meet on the Second Wednesday on the month, September 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Parish’s Community Center. Good Dinner and Drinks. We have very good support for one another. All men welcome!

4th ANNUAL PARISH HERVEST

PARTY & DANCE

LIVE BAND – DANCING, FOOD & DRINKS!!!

NEXT SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13th 2014 STARTS AT 6 O’CLOK

Information: Don Boisvert

408.828.2035

KIDS CLUB

We want to appeal to ALL our members to consider helping in this creative way to connect with many young families outside of our church.

Pray also for the workers who will come from Mountain Bible Church as we partner with them for this.

The South Bay Musical Theatre

Presents:

Kiss Me Kate

A Benefit Performance for

BIRTHRIGHT OF SAN JOSE

Thursday October 2, 2014

At 8:00 pm

$40 per person for this exciting evening!

Contact:

Bernie Genetti (408) 268-2615 or Germaine Zenk (408) 997-0766

NTH SUND

TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

August 24, 2014

Faith, prayer sources of strength for slain U.S. journalist and his family

ROCHESTER, N.H. – In April 2013, the parents of slain U.S. journalist James Foley attended a prayer vigil at Marquette University in Milwaukee to pray for their son, who at that time had disappeared in Syria.

Before Diane and John Foley had confirmation that spring that their son was missing. Diane said she just felt it – he had missed one of his usual phone calls home – and once they knew for sure, the couple said they were relying on their Catholic faith to cope and leaning on prayer to bring him home.

“Faith has been part of family life, but this has deepened my faith because there is our hope. Our hope is that God will take care of Jim,” she told the Catholic Herald in Milwaukee at the time.

That strong faith will likely help the couple, who are members of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Rochester, get through the fact that their 40-year-old son was beheaded by militants with the Islamic State extremist group.

According to a story from The Associated Press, U.S. officials confirmed a graphic video released Tuesday that showed Islamic State fighters beheading Foley, a 1996 graduate of Marquette who had been a freelance journalist for the past several years, mostly in the world’s trouble spots. In 2011, he was kidnapped on a Libyan battlefield and held captive in Tripoli for 45 days.

Sometime in late 2012, he went missing in Syria. The last time the Foley family heard from him was before Thanksgiving that year.

A statement about his death attributed to Diane Foley was posted on a Facebook page originally set up to urge James’ release. Family members “have never been prouder of him,” it said.

“He gave his life trying to expose the suffering of the Syrian people,” the statement said, which also urged the militants to release other they are holding hostage. “Like Jim, they are innocents. They have no control over American policy in Iraq, Syria or anywhere in the world.”

“The brutality of this act is itself evidence of an unspeakable evil that is rampant and inhuman,” said Bishop Peter Libasci of Manchester, N.H. “To the prayers that have been offered since his captivity almost two years ago, we now add our prayers for James’ eternal rest and, in Christ Jesus Our Lord, James’s future resurrection to eternal life.”

In her statement on Facebook, Diane Foley said: “We thank Jim for all the joy he gave us. He was an extraordinary son, brother, journalist and person. Please respect our privacy in the days ahead as we mourn and cherish Jim.’

James’ sister, Kelly, took to twitter asking not to watch the video that shows his beheading: “Please honor James Foley… Don’t watch the video. Don’t share it. That’s not how life should be.”

In 2011, after he was let go by his kidnappers in Libya, James Foley wrote an article for Marquette magazine on how prayer, specifically the rosary, got him through captivity in a military detention center in Tripoli… Foley began to pray the rosary…

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

You are invited to attend:

Christ Child Women’s Prayer Group and Men’s Prayer Group

Every Tuesday at 8:15 AM.

MASS INTENTIONS August 23 - 29

Saturday 5:00 p.m. + Martin P. Hanley

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Abel Campos

+ Eugene Vargas

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. + Wilma P. Welch

Thursday 8:00 a.m. + Eugenio Alonso Ruiz

Friday 8:00 a.m. + Patricia Ailleen Rapp

Stewardship of Treasure:

Report Sunday August 16 & 17, 2014

Was $1,117.00

Thank you and God bless you!

Men’s Club Meeting. We meet on the second Wednesday of the month, September 10- at 6:30 pm at the Parish’s Community Center. Dinner and Drinks!

All men welcome!

Wonderful Women’s Weekend!

Enjoy a wonderful women’s weekend at St. Clare’s Retreat! A silent retreat will be held on September 19th – 21st. The guest speaker will be Father Serge Propst O.P. The retreat stars with Friday dinner and ends with Sunday dinner. The cost for all three days is $120.00; single rooms are available on request for $130. For reservations & more information, contact Jeanette Roberts at 353-1880

The South Bay Musical Theatre

Presents

Kiss Me Kate

A Benefit Performance for Birthright of San Jose

Thursday October 2, 2014 Location: The Saratoga Civic theatre, Corner of Allendale & Fruitvale Avenues, across from West Valley College

$40.00 per person

Doors Open: 6:15 pm

Hors d’oeuvres & Champagne Reception: 6:15 pm

Performance Begins Promptly: 8:00 pm Contact: Bernie (408) 268-2615 OR

Olive (408) 997-0766

4th ANNUAL Parish Harvest Festival

Saturday, September 13th 6:00 p.m.

Dinner, Drinks, Music and More

This is a Fun/d Raiser and

All donations will go to help the Parish’s Projected 2014/2015 Budget Deficit

TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE TODAY!

Information: Don Boisvert 408.828.2035

PLEASE SUPPORT!!!

AY IN ORDINARY TIME

August 10, 2014

TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

August 17, 2014

All peoples are invited to worship the Lord and to know his ways.

God’s gifts and his call are to Jew and Gentile alike.

Jesus comes to recognize the universality of God’s call in granting the request of the Canaanite woman.

******************

Dear Parishioners:

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the whirlwind of everyday living we sometimes forget the important things in life, the simple things in life. Here is a little food for the soul compliments of one of our parishioners.

“Forget the day’s troubles. Remember the day’s blessings.”

“You are confined only by the walls you build yourself.’

“Life in not the way it’s supposed to be…It’s the way it is… The way we cope with it, is what make difference.”

“Worrying doesn’t take away tomorrow’s troubles. It takes away today’s peace.”

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”

“Laugh until your belly hurts and just a little bit more!”

“It’s Sunday night already?!? No fair… I want a weekend do-over.”

“Your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds. You can grow flowers or you can grow weeds!”

“Happiness is always an inside job.”

And finally, home and safe: Thank you to all the veterans who make that possible.

Have a great week!!!

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

You are invited to attend: Prayer Group

Every Tuesday at 8:15 AM. All Women and Men in different groups.

However great may be the temptation, if we know how to use the weapon of prayer well, we shall come off conquerors at last, for prayer is more powerful than all the devils. He who is attacked by the spirits of darkness needs only to apply himself vigorously to prayer, and he will beat them back with great success.

St Bernard of Clairvaux

MASS INTENTIONS August 17 - 23

Saturday 5:00 p.m. + Carmen Hench

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Danna Gustafson

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. + Donald Wilder

Thursday 8:00 a.m. + Kate N. Radonich

Friday 8:00 a.m. + Wilma P. Welch

COLLECTION for August 9 & 10, 2014

$ 1,820.00

Thank You for your Generosity!

Back to the School

We as a Catholic Community wish to all the children, youth administrators, workers and teachers a very good year 2014 - 2015. May God our Father be with you, protect you, and give you His wisdom and love.

We pray for you every day; we promise.

Have a Good year!

Men’ Club Meeting

We meet on the Second Wednesday of the month, September 10 – at 6:30 p.m. at the Parish’s Community Center.

Dinner and Drinks!

We have very good support for one another. All men welcome!

Please visit owner web page at

www.christchild.org

Coming Soon….

Parish Harvest Party & Dance

Steak Dinner, Drinks, Dancing to a Live Band

Saturday, September 13, 2014

6:00 PM

Tickets available after Mass

Or Contact Don Boisvert

408 828-2035

Donation of $35 Requested.

KIDS CLUB

Another ‘thank you’ to all who donated, prayed, or staffed this outreach to our local elementary school this past year. We want to appeal to all our members to consider helping in this creative way to connect with many young families outside of our church.

This coming year, we are upgrading our curriculum, doing more training in classroom management and adding room space over at the Community Center. We think we can improve a lot on our efforts from last year by doing this. Pray also for the workers who will come from Mountain Bible Church as we partner with them for his.

Married Singles Lifestyle – The Married Singles Lifestyle describes couples that may have lost a sense of closeness they once had as marriage partners and are living more like roommates. Retrouvaille teach couples how to survive times like these in their marriages. This program has helped 10’s of 100’s of couples experiencing difficulty at all levels of marital distress from disillusionment to deep misery. For confidential information about, or to register for the September program beginning with a weekend on Sept 26-28 call 831.479.1260 or email: [email protected] or visit the web site at www.HelpourMarriage.com

In the midst of our trials and tribulation, the LORD extends his hands to us and saves us. He calms our frightened hearts through his quiet presence. May our faith in the LORD draw God’s chosen people to the new covenant in CHRIST.

*************************

In latest interview, Pope Francis reveals top 10 secrets to happiness.

6. Find innovative to create dignified jobs for young people. “We need to be creative with young people. If they have no opportunities they get into drugs” and be more vulnerable to suicide, he said.

“It’s not enough to give them food.” He said. “Dignity is given to you when you can bring food home” from one’s own labor.

7. Respect and take care of nature. Environmental degradation “is one of the biggest challenges we have,” he said. “I think a question that we’re not asking ourselves is: ‘Isn’t humanity committing suicide with this indiscriminate and tyrannical use of nature?”

8. Stop being negative. “Needing to talk badly about others indicates low-self-esteem. That means, “I feel so low that instead of picking myself up I have to cut others down,’ the pope said. “Letting go of negative things quickly is healthy.”

9. Don’t proselytize; respect others’ beliefs. “We can inspire others through witness so that one grows together in communicating. But the worst thing of all is religious proselytism, which paralyzes: ‘I am talking with you in order to persuade you,’ No. Each person dialogues, starting with his and her own identity. The church grows by attraction, not proselytizing,” the pope said.

10. Work for peace. “We are living in a time of many wars,” he said, and “the call for peace must be shouted. Peace sometimes gives the impression of being of being quiet, but it is never quiet, peace is always proactive” and dynamic.

Pope Francis also talked about the importance of helping immigrants, praising Sweden’s generosity in opening its doors to so many people, while noting anti-immigration policies show the rest of Europe “is afraid.”

From Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service.

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

MASS INTENTIONS August 9 - 15

Saturday 5:00 p.m. + Wilma P. Welch

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Cecily Olsen

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. + Joan Tronco

Thursday 8:00 a.m. + Jayne Brannan

Friday 8:00 a.m. + Claire Muller

STEWARDSHIP

“For where your treasure is, there also will be your heart.” Luke 12:32-48

Stewardship of Treasure

Report Sunday August 2 & 3, 2014

Total Plate $ 1,407.50

EFT $ 420.00

TOTAL $ 1,827.50

Men’s Club Meeting

This Wednesday August 13 at 6:30 p.m. Community Center.

We have very good support for one another.

Rediscover Your Marriage – Retrouvaille simply means ‘rediscovery’. The program offers the chance to rediscover yourself, your spouse, and a loving relationship in your marriage. For confidential information about or to register for the program beginning with a weekend on Sep. 26 -28, 2014 call 831-479-1260 or email: [email protected] or visit the web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.com

Are you an Adult? And would you like to be Catholic, confirmed, or receive the Eucharist? Please call at 408. 353.2210. We will be very happy to help you! Fr. Eugenio

4nd Annual

PARISH HARVEST

LIVE BAND – DANCING, FOOD, & DRINKS!!!

SATURDAY-SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

STARTS AT 6 O’CLOCK

Christ Child Church

23230 Summit Road – Los Gatos

Take the Summit Rd exit off Highway 17, then 1.8 miles east

Information: Don Boisvert

408.828.2035

The South Bay Musical Theatre Presents

Cole Porter’s – Kiss Me Kate

October 2, 2014 @ 8:00 pm

Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres & Champagne @ 6:15 pm

And don’t miss out on our Four Fantastic Silent Auction…

A Benefit Performance for BIRTHRIGHT OF SAN JOSE

Tickets $40.00 per person

********************************

Prayer Group in the Parish

Every Tuesday at 8:15 am. All Women and All Men.

Can’t Sleep?

Don’t Count Sheep

Talk to the Shepherd!

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

August 3, 2014

JESUS has pity on the crowd and miraculously feeds them.

In his compassion, the LORD answers all our needs, thus renewing his covenant of love with us.

Nothing can ever separate us from the love of CHRIS.

**************

In latest interview, Pope Francis reveals top 10 secrets to happiness.

Slowing down, being generous and fighting for peaces are part of Pope Francis’ secret recipe for happiness.

In an interview published Sunday in part in the Argentine weekly Viva, the pope listed his Top 10 tips for bringing greater joy to one’s life:

1. “Live and let live.” Everyone should be guided by this principle, he said, which has a similar expression in Rome with the saying, “Move forward and let others do the same.”

2. “Be giving of yourself to others.” People need to be open and generous toward others, he said, because “if you withdraw into yourself, you run the risk of becoming egocentric. And stagnant water becomes putrid.”

3. “Proceed calmly’ in life. The pope, who used to teach high school literature, used an image from an Argentine novel by Ricardo Guiraldes, in which the protagonist – gaucho Don Segundo Sombra – looks back on how he lived his life. “He says that in his youth he was a stream full of rocks that he carried with him; as an adult, a rushing river; and in old age, he was still moving, but slowly, like a pool” of water, the pope said. He said he likes this latter image of a pool of water – to have “the ability to move with kindness and humility, calmness in life.”

4. “A healthy sense of leisure.” The pleasures of art, literature and playing together with children have been lost, he said.

“Consumerism, has brought us anxiety” and stress, causing people to lose a “healthy culture of leisure.” Their time is “swallowed up” so people can’t share it with anyone. Even through many parents work long hours, they must set aside time to play with their children; work schedules make it “complicated, but you must do it,” he said. Family must also turn off the TV when they sit down to eat because, even though television is useful for keeping up with the news, having it on during mealtime “doesn’t let you communicate” with each other, the pope said.

5. Sundays should be holidays. Workers should have Sunday off because “Sunday is for family,” he said.

(Next Bulletin continue)

Carol Glatz Catholic News Service.

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

Prayer Group in the Parish

Every Tuesday at 8:15 am. All Women and All Men.

MASS INTENTIONS August 2 - 8

Saturday 5:00 p.m. + Kathleen Stacey

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Leslie R. Olsen

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. + Angelina Franchino

Thursday 8:00 a.m. Parishioners

Friday 8:00 a.m. + Bettie Miller

Stewardship of Treasure

Report Sunday July 12 & 13, 2014

Total $ 2,004.00

Report Sunday July 19 & 20, 2014

Total $ 1,631.00

Report Sunday July 26 & 27, 2014

Total $ 1,406.00

Second Collection for Maintenance Fund

$308.00

Thank you and God bless you!

4th ANNUAL PARISH HARVEST

PARTY & DANCE

LIVE BAND – DANCING FOOD & DRINKS!!!

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2014 STARTS AT 6 O’CLOCK

Information: Don Boisvert 408.828.2035

Choir Call If you’d like to sing or play an instrument in the choir, please give us your ideas. We need you! Questions? Call Norma Hammons @ 353.3326

Are you an Adult? And would you like to be Catholic, confirmed or receive the Eucharist? Please call at 408. 353.2210. We will be very happy to help you! Fr. Eugenio

Men’s Club Meeting

The Second Wednesday of the month, August 13

At 6:30 p.m. at the Parish’s Community Center. We have very good support for one another.

August 6 and 9th are the anniversaries of the atomic explosions over Hiroshima and Nagasaki (1945).

As these events are recalled, all are urged to continue to pray for world peace and for increased “efforts in favor of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament”

Window Blessing and Dedication

Sunday August 10 at 10 a.m. Mass. Bishop Richard Garcia will preside the Eucharist, and bless and dedicate the stained glass windows. Please save this date!!!

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

July 27, 2014

The parables of the treasure, the pearls, and the net thrown into the sea…

Matthew 13: 44-52

Uncovering the golden Buddha

In 1957, a new highway was being constructed near Bangkok, Thailand. In order to complete the road, an enormous clay statue had to be moved. As the statue was being rigged up to be relocated, workers accidentally cracked the clay. A week of steady rain – not unusual in Southeast Asia – washed away the clay to reveal a statue of Buddha made of gold. Scholars believe the giant Buddha was covered in mud to hide it from Burmese invaders centuries ago; in all probability, the invaders murdered the Thai monks who covered the statue. Their secret remained hidden until the public works project in 1957. The priceless Gold Buddha – weighing over 5,000 pounds – was installed in a specially-built temple where it is revered today.

Our lives are meant to be a time of discovering the holy and meaningful in the mud and clay of the roads we trod. Israel’s King Solomon understands that when he asks God in today’s first reading for wisdom and “an understanding heart.”

Jesus invites us to seek the “treasures” and “pearls” of lasting value that are the things of God: the love of family and friends, the support given and received in being part of a family and community, the sense of joy and fulfillment found in serving and giving for the sake of others. To find God means to live our lives with eyes of faith and perseverance of spirit to realize God’s presence in every moment God gives us.

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

Prayer Group for Women and Men

Please come every Tuesday to the Church at 8:15 a.m.

“How much better to acquire wisdom than gold!

To acquire understanding is more desirable than silver.”

Proverb. 16:16

In comparing the reign of God to the merchant, Jesus shows us God’s priorities. In comparing it to the buried treasure, he asks us what our priorities are. Solomon, choosing wisdom over wealth, models a truly biblical scale of values.

MASS INTENTIONS July 26 – August 1

Saturday 5:00 p.m. Patricia Bricco

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Danna Gustafson

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. Parishioners

Thursday 8:00 a.m. + Bettie Miller

Friday 8:00 a.m. + Guillermina Garcia

Are you an Adult? And would you like to be Catholic, confirmed, or receive the Eucharist? Please call at 408. 353.2210. We will be very happy to help you! Fr. Eugenio

Men’s Club Meeting: Wednesday, August 13th at 6:30 p.m. In the Community Center. We have very good support for one another.

4th ANNUAL PARISH HARVEST

PARTY & DANCE

LIVE BAND - DANCING

FOOD & DRINKS!!!

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

STARTS AT 6 O’CLOK

$35 Donation Requested

For more information contact: Don Boisvert

408.828.2035

Preschool Gospel during 10 am. Mass!

The first Sunday every month after Mass! Young Family Social!

Contact Molly Slone 408 455.8745 or Ann Robbeloth 408 230.4639

PEACE AND SOLITUDE

New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur is a Catholic monastic community rooted in the ancient tradition of Saint Benedict. It is a restorative place of healing through monastic silence and solitude, set as a jewel in the natural beauty of a coast of Big Sur. We offer the option for our retreatants to participate in beautiful liturgical celebration. Please come visit us for a day trip or stay in our private guest rooms to get away from it all. You can make reservation Online at www.contemplation.com and click on “Retreats” or call us at 831-667-2456 ext. 100

OUR OFFERING TO GOD

The parish asks each family to contribute only one hour of weekly wage.

The import thing is that it should be given as a Prayer.

Thank you for your generosity!

Widow Blessing and Dedication

Sunday, August 10 at the 10 a.m. Mass Bishop Richard Garcia will preside the Eucharist, and bless and dedicate the new stained glass windows.

Please save this date!

Pope Francis

What is the most important thing?

JESUS!

If we forge ahead with our own arrangements, with other things, with beautiful but without Jesus, we make no headway, it does not work. Jesus is more important…

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

July 20, 2014

What’s the manna?

According to the Bible, around 1200 B.C., God began enabling dependency. In one 40-year episode, God sent a substance called manna to a people wandering in the desert. Had God let them be self-sufficient, they might have found their own food, or eaten less, or just gone back home and gotten jobs. Well, maybe not back to Egypt exactly, but somewhere they could find employment. On the other hands, self-sufficiency may not have been what God was after.

Manna had a strange effect on the wandering people. It helped organize them. They had to figure out a way to collect and distribute and consume this daily edible event, and do so before the day’s end, for the manna would not last overnight. The next day the same process would begin all over again.

So manna fed the people not just physically but socially and economically, too. And, of course, the experience day after day of this good gift, beyond anything deserved, hoped for or imagined; this experience of being loved and cared for – it formed them, too. It meant they didn’t have to be self-sufficient any more.

Years later, Moses told his people, as they sat on the stony ground at the border of the Promised Land, to consider self-sufficiency. “Remember how for 40 years,” he said, “the Lord, our God, directed all your journeying in the desert.”

The form of the word translated in this passage as “your” is not individual but communal. It may have taken 40 years, but a community now existed, with all its riches and limits, its brokenness and grandeur, its need for rules and rituals. Where there used to be a gathering of individuals, there was now a community, a people with the capacity for the Promised Land…

Centuries later, Jesus pushed the same dependency theme further. He also used food, materially and symbolically, to build community that was pointed toward the Promised Land.

His message was this. After walking in our own wilderness of loss and limits, broken bones and broken hearts, of tears and defeat—after all our mistakes and missteps, we can still depend on the sufficiency of love come down to save us. “Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that came down from heaven, that one may eat it and not die” (John 6:49-50). To eat is to acknowledge our dependence both on food and on each other.

We are participants in Christ. We have merged; we ourselves have been transubstantiated. And part of the process is that eating from the one loaf makes us one body. We don’t have to be self-sufficient anymore. Unlike the people who see themselves, first and foremost, as self-sufficient individuals, we who share this bread see ourselves, first and foremost, as a community caring for one another… It denies community and in so doing destroys part of what makes us human…

(Angie O’Gorman is a freelance writer and human right worker living in St. Louis, Missouri)

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

Prayer Group in the Parish

Every Tuesday at 8:15 a.m. All Women

And All Men

MASS INTENTIONS July 19 - 25

Saturday 5:00 p.m. Parker Family

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Joe Segrest

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. + Fr. John Murphy

Thursday 8:00 a.m. Communion Services

Friday 8:00 a.m. Communion Services

Stewardship of Treasure

Report Sunday we give you next bulletin!

ST. FRANCIS SOUP KITCHEN

St. Francis Soup Kitchen thanks everyone for their recent donations of men’s clothing items. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 12 to 1 p.m. If you would like to volunteer for this ministry please call 831-459-6712 for more information. Thank you for your support!

4th ANNUAL PARISH HARVEST PARTY & DANCE

LIVE BAND – DANCING,

FOOD & DRINKS!!!

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

STARTS AT 6 O’CLOCK

$35 Donation Requested

For more information contact:

Don Boisvert

408.828.2035

PEACE AND SOLITUDE

New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur is a Catholic monastic community rooted in the ancient tradition of Saint Benedict. It is a restorative place of healing through monastic silence and solitude, set as a jewel in the natural beauty of the coast of Big Sur. We offer the option for our retreatants to participate in beautiful liturgical celebration. Please come visit us for a day trip or stay in our private guest rooms to get away from it all. You can make reservations Online at www.contemplation.com and click on “Retreats” or call us at 831-667-2456 ext. 100

Preschool Gospel During 10am Mass 1st Sunday every month August 3rd and 11a.m. Young Family Social.

Contact Molly Slone 408 455.8745 or Ann Robbeloth 408 230.4639 with questions.

Men’s Club

Wednesday August 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Center.

Dinner will be served. We have good support for one another.

Please come – we need you!!!

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

July 13, 2014

Who are the members of your motley crew?

Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales reminds us of our identity as pilgrims. We are all on a journey. And a motley crew we are: saints and sinners, clowns and CEOs, the beautiful and the ugly. We do well to remember William James’ assertion: “The sanest and best of us are of one clay with lunatics and prison inmates, and death finally runs the robustness of us down.”

Who are some of the confidantes in your motley crew, the companions on your particular pilgrimage? Who are the ones offering guidance as you journey toward Canterbury or Camelot or God’s kingdom, and what wisdom do they share? Answering these questions might bring forth gratitude, perhaps even reform.

I have been on the road now for 75 years. Time and time again, I am joined for a mile or two by a politician, a poet, a prophet, a philosopher, a psalmist. Time and time again, I’ve dialogued about the big and little questions of life.

Recently I “traveled” with Dag Hammarskjold (1905-61), that great international civil servant who served as secretary-general of the United Nations for eight years. Here is what he had to say (via Roger Lipsey’s Hammarskjold: A Life): “Each day the first day. Each day a life. Each morning we must hold out the chalice of our being to receive, to carry, and give back.”

Ancient wisdom here, the old carpe diem advice. By seizing the day and making the most of each moment, the art of living. It is a call to attentiveness; it is a call to live in the moment, yes, the sacrament of the moment. Hammarskjold gave primacy to the present moment while simultaneously saying a resounding yes to the past and the future.

In our troupe were several philosophers, Socrates, Kant, and Husserl just to name a few. But it was Soren Kierkegaard (1813-55) who shared this prayer with us pilgrims: “So may Thou give to the intellect, wisdom to comprehend that one thing; to the heart, sincerity to receive this understanding; to the will, purity that wills only one thing.” Long into the night, we discover that one thing that Unum necessarium and we all agreed it is the ability to receive and give love.

King David came up from the rear, singing his psalms. One of his favorites (and ours) was the one we know as Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd…” David told us the whole story: his anointing, his murder, his adultery, his guilt. Then he told us the rest of the story: God’s overwhelming mercy and love. We all slept well that evening.

In between the conversation and meals, we had some down time, some silence and solitude. It was in these moments that we processed our experience, knowing full well that experience unreflected upon can be so dehumanizing.

At last, just over the horizon we saw our destination. Through the mist we saw something that looked like a cross and over to the left an empty tomb. We hurried on.

(Bishop Robert Morneau served as an auxiliary bishop of the diocese of Green Bay, Wis., from 1978 to his retirement in 2013. He is the author of many books, including The Color of Gratitude.)

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

Prayer Group in the Parish

Every Tuesday at 8:15 am. All Women

Every Thursday at 7:15 am. All Men

MASS INTENTIONS July 12 - 18

Saturday 5:00 p.m. Devlin’s Family

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Cecily Olsen

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. Parishioners

Thursday 8:00 a.m. Communion Services

Friday 8:00 a.m. Communion Services

STEWARDSHIP

So do not worry and say, “What are we to eat?” or “What are we to drink?” or “what are we to wear?” (Matthew 6:31)

God did not create the world only to abandon it to its own devices. He cares day by day for all that he has made, though we do not always recognize his hand at work.

Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?

Stewardship of Treasure

Report Sunday July 5 & 6, 2014

Total Plate $ 1,221.00

EFT $ 420.00

TOTAL $ 1,641.00

Thank you for your support and generosity.

God bless you!

4rd ANNUAL PARISH HARVEST

PARTY WITH DANCE

LIVE BAND, FOOD, DRINKS, & DANCING!

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

FROM 6 O’CLOCK to 10 PM

Information: Don Boisvert

408. 828.2035

Men’s Club

Wednesday, August 13th at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Center.

Dinner we be served!

We have very good support for one another.

Please come, we need you!!!

PARENTS…

Please continue to help your children to continue in union with JESUS CHRIST in the Eucharist. Every Sunday…

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

JULY 6, 2014

“Lord, I’ve done the best I can.”

Pope Saint John XXIII during the Second Vatican Council days used to submit all his anxieties to God by this prayer every night: “Lord, Jesus, I’m going to bed. It’s your Church. Take care of it!”

The President Dwight Eisenhower knew about that inner rest derived from submitting daily lives to God. He had it even while he was the leader of armed forces in World War II. His every decision during that awful conflict had monumental consequences.

How did he deal with the pressure? Ike shared with his former pastor, Dean Miller that he didn’t try to carry his burden alone.

Some nights when the strain became too great, Eisenhower would simply pray, “Lord, with your grace I’ve done the best I can. You take over until morning.” And he understood very well Jesus’ advice in today’s Gospel” “Come to me, all who labor and heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

“If I keep my bow always stretched, it will break.”

Once, Saint Anthony the hermit was relaxing with his disciples outside his hut when a hunter came by. The hunter was surprised and mildly shocked to see the saint taking it easy. This was not his idea of what a monk should be doing, and he rebuked the saint.

But Anthony said, “Bend your bow and shoot an arrow.” The hunter did so. “Bend it again and shoot another,” said Anthony. The hunter did so—again and again. At last the hunter said, “Father Anthony, if I keep my bow always stretched, it will break.” “So it is with a monk,” replied Anthony. “If we push ourselves beyond measure, we will break; it is right from time to time to relax our efforts.”

Jesus gives us the same message in today’s Gospel.

During the U. S. Independence Day celebrations you will hear all or part of the poem inscribed on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…

Send these, the homeless tempest-tossed to me.”

Today’s readings, especially the Gospel, give the same message in a more powerful way: “Take my yoke… and you will find rest.”

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

MASS INTENTIONS JULY 5-11

Saturday 5:00 p.m. + Kathleen Stacey

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Leslie R. Olsen

Lola Hammons

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. Lola Hammons

Thursday 8:00 a.m. + Matthew Doseph

Friday 8:00 a.m. Parishioners

Treasury Report Sunday June 28 & 29, 2014

Plate $ 894.00

EFT $ 420.00

TOTAL $ 1,314.00

Second Collection for Maintenance was

$ 780.00

GOD BLESS YOU AND THANKS!

************************************

Parish harvest party & dance

LIVE BAND, GREAT MUSIC!

FANTASTIC FOOD!

ADULT BEVERAGES…

SEPT 13, 2014

6 PM TO 10 PM

Christ Child Church invites you!

For Information & Tickets: Don Boisvert 408 828.2035

Prayer is the raising of the mind to God.

We must always remember this.

The actual words matter less.

Saint John XXIII

RETROUVAILLE

A lifeline for marriages MARRIAGE HELPS – Retrouvaille has helped tens of thousands of couples at all stages of disillusionment or misery in their marriage. This program can help you, or someone you know too. For confidential information or to register for the next program beginning with a Weekend on September 26-28, 2014 call 831 479-1260 or email: [email protected] or visit the web site at: www.HelpourMarriage.com

Men’s Club Meeting

Our July meeting will be at 6:30 p.m.

On Wednesday July 9th

Drinks and Dinner in the Community Center.

We have very good support for one another.

Every man is WELCOME!!!

Prayer Group in the Parish

Every Tuesday at 8:15 a.m. All Women

Every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. All Men

PARENTS…

Please continue to help your children to continue in union with JESUS CHRIST in the Eucharist!

Every Sunday…

Summer Envelopes

We sincerely thank our parishioners who mail or deliver their weekly envelopes or donation to the parish office while on vacation or out-of-town. As many of you understand our parish expenses and obligations do not take a vacation when you do, so it is very helpful to be able to rely on your continued support even when you cannot personally attend Mass here.

God bless your summer and we pray for your family! -Fr. Eugenio

SAINTS PETERS AND PAUL, APOSTLES

June 29, 2014

Quo Vadis Domine?

Quo Vadis Domine Church in Rome commemorates the experience which followed St. Peter’s decision to avoid persecution and death by going to another city rather than remaining in Rome.

The spiritual drama of Peter’s decision with its results has been illuminated and immortalized by Henryk Sienkiewicz, in his 1905 masterpiece Quo Vadis, a novel which won for Sienkiewicz the Noble Prize in Literature. At the climactic moment of the novel, Peter was leaving Rome with his friend, Nazarius, during the height of Nero’s persecution of Christians. He met the risen Jesus on the outskirts of the city. Jesus, however, was walking into, not out of Rome. The traveling staff fell out of Peter’s hand. His eyes were fixed immovably ahead. His lips were open, and his face reflected unbelievable surprise, immense joy, and rapturous exaltation. Suddenly he threw himself on his knees, his arms lifted upward and stretched to the light, and his lips cried out: “Christ! O Christ!” His head beat against the dust as if he were kissing the feet of someone only he could see. Then there was silence. “Quo Vadis, Domine?” (“Where are you going, Lord?”) He asked, his voice punctured by his sobbing. Nazarius heard no answer. But a voice of ineffable sweetness and abundant sorrow rang in Peter’s ears, “When you abandon my people,” he heard, “I must go to Rome to be crucified once more.” The apostle lay still and silent with his face pressed into the dust. Nazarius he had either died or fainted, but Peter rose at last, picked up his pilgrim’s staff, and turned again toward the seven hills of the waiting Rome.

Today we celebrate the weakness and heroism of this great pillar of the Church.

Peter, died 64 in Rome under Nero; Galilean fisherman; spokesman for the Twelve who became “Prince of the Apostles”

Paul, according to tradition, was martyred in Rome 67; Pharisee who became the “Apostle of the Gentiles”; his letters may be dates from c. 50-65; patron of the lay apostolate, the Cursillo Movement, and Catholic Action…

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

Prayer Group in the Parish

Every Tuesday at 8:15 a.m. All Women

Every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. All Men

MASS INTENTIONS June 28 – July 4

Saturday 5:00 p.m. + Martin P Hanley

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Fred & Bea Wagner

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. + Patricia Raby

Thursday 8:00 a.m. Don Boisvert

Friday 8:00 a.m.

Treasury Report Sunday June 21 & 22, 2014

Total Plate $ 1,046.00

EFT $ 420.00

TOTAL $ 1,466.00

TODAY The Second Collection is for the Maintenance Fund

July 4th

Independence Day

The Life that gives Life

Holy Spirit, the life that gives life.

You are the cause of all movement;

You are the breath of all creatures;

You are the salve that purifies our souls; You are the fire that warms our hearts; You are the light that guides our feet.

Let the entire world praise you!

Bless and protect our nation Oh Holy Spirit!

HAPPY JULY FOURTH!!!

PARENTS… please continue to help your children to continue in union with JESUS CHRIST in the Eucharist!

Every Sunday…

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PARISH HARVEST PARTY & DANCE

LIVE BAND, GREAT MUSIC! FANTASTIC FOOD, ADULT BEVERAGES…

SEPT 13, 2014

6 PM TO 10 PM

Christ Child Catholic Church invites you!

For information & Tickets: Don Boisvert 408 828.2035

Men’s Club Meeting

Our June meeting will BE at 6:30 p.m.

On Wednesday July 9th. . Drinks and dinner in the Community Center.

We have very good support for one another.

Every man is welcome!

VOLLEYBALL

If you are boy or girl entering 5th through 8th grade and would like to enhance your volleyball skills, assign up for summer VB camp. It run from July 7-11 from 1-4 p.m. in the Loma Prieta gym and is offered through the Home & school Club and taught by mountain. Resident and longtime volleyball coach NORMA HAMMONS

Catholic and Prayer

The Rosary

The rosary is a meditation on events in the life of Jesus and Mary. It uses the Sign of the Cross, the Apostles’ Creed, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be as a framework. It is an excellent everyday prayer.

For those times when we want to pray but find it difficult or impossible in our own words, the rosary gives great consolation. For this reason, it is frequently the prayer said at a Catholic wake service.

THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

June 22, 2014

Theological significance

Center and culmination of Christian life!

Vatican II states that as a sacrifice “the Holy Eucharist is the center and culmination of Christian life” (Lumen Gentium, 11). Why? First because it enables us to participate in Christ’s sacrifice as a present reality and to benefit from its fruits in our own lives. Second because it helps us to worship the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the most perfect way. Third because it strengthens our charity and unity with Jesus and each other in a joint offering of His Body and Blood to the Father. Four because it gives us a lasting memorial of Christ’s suffering, death and Resurrection, reminding us of our obligation to make loving sacrifices for others.

The Eucharist is the Mystery of our Faith, the mystery of our Hope, the mystery of our Charity.

Why do we celebrate the Eucharist some 2,000 years later? We do this because Jesus told us to do so: “Do this in memory of me.”

Saint Augustine in the 5th century said it best when he said: “It is your Mystery, the Mystery of your life that has been placed on the altar.”

The Holy Memorial is known by carious names: “The Eucharist” because Jesus offered Himself to God the Father as an act of thanksgiving;

“The Lord’s Supper” -- or “Breaking of the Bread” – because we celebrate it as a meal; “Holy Communion,” because, we become one with Christ by receiving Him; and “Holy Mass’ (holy sending0, because it gives us a mission: “Go in peace to love and serve others.”

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

MASS INTENTIONS June 21 - 27

Saturday 5:00 p.m. + Kathleen Stacey

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Frank Thomas

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. + Abel Campos

Thursday 8:00 a.m. + Larry Duncan

Friday 8:00 a.m. + Larry Duncan

STEWARDSHIP

I would feed my people with finest wheat and fill them with honey from the rock.

Psalm 81:17

When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we ourselves enter into the Lord’s Passover journey from death to life.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Psalm 34:9

In the body and blood of Jesus Christ offered on the altar of the cross, God establishes a new covenant of peace.

TREASURY REPORT SUNDAY

June 14 & 15, 2014

Plate………………………. $ 1,181.00

EFT……………………….. $ 420.00

Total $ 1,601.00

Next Sunday the Second Collection will be for the Maintenance fund!

Thank you and God Bless you!

The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

June 27 Friday

“The term ‘sacred Heart of Jesus’ denotes the entire mystery of Christ, the totality of his being, and his person… Devotion of the Sacred Heart is a wonderful historical expression of the Church’s piety for Christ: It calls for a fundamental attitude of conversion and reparation, of love and gratitude, apostolic commitment and dedication to Christ and his saving work”

One of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a lance, and at once there flowed out blood and water. John 19:34

Prayer Group Meetings

Every Tuesday at 8:15 a.m. All Women

Every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. All Men

PARISH HARVEST PARTY & DANCE

LIVE BAND, GREAT MUSIC! FANTASTIC FOOD, ADULT BEVERAGES…

SEPT 13, 2014

Christ Child Catholic church invites you!

For information & Tickets: Don Boisvert 408 828.2035

MEN’S CLUB MEETING

Our June meeting will at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday July 9

Drinks and dinner in the Community Center.

We have very good support for one another

Every man is welcome!

Monastery Vocations Retreat Announcement

Attention prayerful single men!

The Holy Trinity Trappist Monastery (for men) in Huntsville, Utah will be hosting a “Live-in Experience” vocational retreat soon. The monks are on a scenic 2000 acre farm. Work and pray with the monks and enjoy the vocational talks. The group Live- in will be held on August 4th -8th. (Individual July dates available at your convenience.) There is no cost.

Call toll free 1-800-221-1807. If you take a bus or plane to Salt Lake City they will pick you up for free.

Are you called to be a monk, nun, or priest? Take a free online test at

www.vocationsplacement.org

(Over 630 persons like you have reported applying and entering religious life or the priesthood.) 1-800-221-1807.

THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

June 15, 2014

The Spirit as midwife

Last Pentecost’s Sunday has often been described as the birthday of the church. Perhaps it might be more accurate to refer to Pentecost as the celebration of the Spirit, who, like a midwife, tends carefully to the birth of the community of believers.

The Spirit is there to assist as the church labors to witness to God’s truth, justice, peace and love. There to encourage when the going becomes difficult. There to comfort and strengthen when weakness sets in and quitting looks tempting. There to remind the community of its commitment to support and protect life, all life, from the womb to the tomb. There to keep all eyes on the goal of preaching the good news to all, without exception and without stinting. There to light a fire in the belly of those who have grown weary and disillusioned. There to heighten the sensitivities of the well-off and worry-free toward the plight of the lost and the wounded. There to shed light in the darkness. There to be the love that empowers all we are, all, we do, all we become.

Like a great and holy enabler, it is the Spirit who aids us in interpreting who JESUS is and who empowers us to follow in Jesus’s ways. Hans Urs von Balthasar once explained that the human mind, on its own, is inadequate to understand Jesus and God (Does Jesus Know Us? Do We Know Him? Ignatius Press, 1983). Jesus’s disciples only understood fully when he breathed this Spirit into them after his resurrection, and the assembled church when it received the Spirit at Pentecost.

With the grace afforded by the Spirit, the church continues to revere the old and ruthlessly revise so as to keep the church pertinent to the world in which it is to be salt, light and leaven. Surely, this was the intent of the Second Vatican Council, whose members were challenged to open the windows of their minds and hearts and allow the Holy Spirit to blow them in the direction already plotted by JESUS.

That same Spirit continues to blow, empowering the church to speak – not in a language long dead, but as it did on that first Pentecost in a language that can be understood by all people, everywhere.

Peace be with you. We are one body. We share one Spirit. Amen. Alleluia.

By Patricia Datchuck Sánchez

“Most Holy Trinity, who lives in me, I praise you, I worship you, I adore you and I love you.”

-St. Francis Xavier

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

MASS INTENTIONS June 14 - 20

Saturday 5:00 p.m. + Kathleen Stacey

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Cecily Olsen

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. + Abel Campos

Thursday 8:00 a.m. + Donal O’Regan

Friday 8:00 a.m. + Sheila O’Regan

TREASURY REPORT

June 7 & 8, 2014

Plate………………………. $1,119.00

EFT……………………….. $ 420.00

Total………………………. $1,539.00

Thank you and God the Father Bless you!

***********

Parents – please continue to help your children to continue in union with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist!

Every Sunday…

***********************

Let us pray…

For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and to consecrated life.

For the protection and preservation of religious freedom in our country.

That those will draw close to those facing extreme hardship, especially the poor, the sick, the hungry, the homeless, those who are unemployed, and those who are alone…

Stained Glass Window Donors

Baptism: Rosanna Kennedy – Jean & Paul Taylor

Confirmation: Corwin Lakin

Eucharist: Leah Duncan & family

Reconciliation: David & Norma Hammons

Anointing of the Sick: Karen & Steve Joesten

Matrimony: Christine & Herb Curran

Holy Orders: Christ Child Parishioners

The Church: The Olsen Children

Thank You!!!

PARISH HARVEST PARTY & DANCE

Live Band, Great Music! Fantastic Food, Adult Beverages…

Sept 13, 2014

6 pm to 10 pm

Christ Child Catholic Church invites you!

For information & Tickets:

Don Boisvert 408 828.2035

*********************

CTE H & SC VOLLEYBALL CAMP

If you are boy or girl entering 5th through 8th grade and would like to enhance your volleyball skills, sign up for summer VB camp. It runs from July 7-11 from 1-4 p.m. in the Loma Prieta gym and is offered through the Home & School Club and taught by mountain. Resident and longtime volleyball coach, Norma Hammons.

To sign up, go to ctehsc.org soon as space is limited and this is a very popular camp.

PENTECOST SUNDAY

June 8, 2014

Fly like an eagle

There is an old fable about a changeling eagle. A tribesman who lived in a forest, one day found an egg of an eagle. He took the egg home and hatched it along with the chicken eggs. This eaglet started growing up with the other chicks. It started eating white ants and little worms, pecking and hopping here and there like the other chicks. But it never learned to fly like an eagle. One day as it was foraging for food from the ground, it saw an eagle majestically soaring high in the sky. As the eaglet was admiring the grandeur of the soaring eagle, the other chicks came and said to the eaglet, “Look that is the eagle – the king of the birds. You and I are chickens. We cannot fly like the eagle.”

Often we lead poor lives without realizing the power of the Holy Spirit residing with us. Let us learn to connect ourselves to this great spiritual powerhouse of the Holy Spirit by daily praying for His anointing.

Come, Holy Spirit, come!

“Did you and grandma ever get into any fights?”

A little girl asked her grandfather, “Did you and grandma ever get into any fights?” The grandfather replied: “We don’t talk about it very often, but there was a time when we were not getting along very well. We seemed to be picking on each a lot and finding all kinds of things to argue about and really getting on one another’s nerves. Well, one day I came in from the garden and I heard a voice upstairs. I went to the stairs and heard your grandmother telling God what she could not bring herself to tell me.” “Well, what did you do?” asked the grand-daughter. “I quietly walked up the stairs,” he replied, “and knelt down beside her and told God my side of the story. And from that day to this, we have never had a problem which we couldn’t resolve by talking it over with each other and with God.”

Do you think the Holy Spirit was active in that couples’ marriage? There can be no doubt. Conflict will always remain part of every relationship. The fruits of the Spirit

– Love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control – will always remain critical for happy relationship with others.

Alleluia!!!

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

MASS INTENTIONS June 7 - 13

Saturday 5:00 p.m. + Nick Ingargolia

Sunday 10:00 a.m. Leslie Ann Olsen

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. Patricia Carrell

Thursday 8:00 a.m.

Friday 8:00 a.m.

Stewardship of Treasure

Report Sunday May 31 & June 1, 2014

Total Plate $ 1,326.00

EFT $ 420.00

TOTAL $ 1,746.00

6th Blessing of the Hot Rods

(Because insurance isn’t always enough!)

Many members of our parish worked very hard!! Thank you for allowing this wonderful event to happen!

Total Income & donations $ 4,934.50

Thank you!

TODAY Christ Child Men’s Club

SUNDAY BRUNCH

In the Community Center after Mass 10:00 a.m.

Information: Don Boisvert

408 828-2035

Prayer Group in the Parish

Every Tuesday at 8:15 a.m. (Women's)

Every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. (Men's)

Men’s Club Meeting

Our June meeting will at 6:30 p.m.

On Wednesday June 11th drinks and dinner in the Community Center.

We have very good support for one another.

CTE H & SC VOLLEYBALL CAMP

If you are a boy or girl entering 5th through 8th grade and would like to enhance your volleyball skills, sign up for summer VB camp. It runs from July 7-11 from 1-4 p.m. in the Loma Prieta gym and is offered through the Home & School Club and taught by mountain.

Resident and longtime volleyball coach,

Norma Hammons.

We have fun while learning good techniques of passing, serving, setting spiking and digging. Advanced players cover blocking. Cost is $125 and includes final day of a mini tourney with camp awards for everyone.

To sign up, go to ctehsc.org soon as space is limited and this is a very popular camp.

From the Bishop Richard:

As our school let out for the summer, we wish our children a beautiful summer.

May it be a time to spend with families, to rest and to be reinvigorated by God’s love.

I wish our graduates at every level a sincere congratulation at every level and I wish you God’s blessings for all you will do in the future.

May we trust and serve our God with humility and love. Also, in this month of June we honor our fathers and grandfathers and all of those men who fathered us in loving ways. We thank God for our fathers and all who have nurtured us.

It is also an occasion to thanks God for our Godfathers. Let us remember too with love and thanksgiving those of our fathers, grandfathers and Godfathers who have died and gone to their resting place prepared for them by our compassionate God.

May God bless you all,

You’re Bishop Richard Garcia

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

June 1, 2014

Today’s reading describe the Ascension of the Lord Jesus into his heavenly glory after promising his disciples the Holy Spirit as their Source of heavenly power, and after commanding them to bear witness to him by their lives and preaching throughout the world.

Today’s feast is a celebration of Jesus’s glory after his suffering and death – a glory in which we also hope to share.

Each Sunday we profess through the Creed, “He ascended into heaven.” Christ’s Ascension was the culmination of God’s divine plan for Christ Jesus, by his return to his Father with “Mission Accomplished.” Jesus’ Ascension was the grand finale of all his words and works done for us and for our salvation. It was a culmination, but not the conclusion. As he is now with God in glory, he, the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, dwells within us: “Lo, I am with you always.”

The feast of the Ascension celebrates one aspect of the Resurrection, namely Jesus’ exaltation. He did not wait 40 days to be glorified at God’s right hand. That had already happened at his Resurrection. The focus of this feast is the heavenly reign of Christ. Upon his Ascension, Jesus would be “seated at God’s right hand,” meaning that He alone would be in control of the continuing plan of salvation through the Holy Spirit, unrestricted by time, space or culture. Thus the Paschal Mystery of Jesus’ passion, death, resurrection, Ascension and the sending of the Holy Spirit forms one unbroken reality which is to be understood by Faith.

The Ascension account: The Biblical accounts of the Ascension focus not so much on the details of the event as on the mission Jesus gave to his disciples. For Example, in the accounts narrated in Luke and Acts, the Ascension took place in Jerusalem. In Matthew and mark, on the other hand, the event occurred in Galilee. All accounts, however, agree that the Ascension took place on a mountain. In Luke and Acts, the ascension happened forty days after the Resurrection, a period during which Jesus appeared repeatedly to his followers. In Matthew and Mark there is no indication of the time period between the Resurrection and the Ascension. The Gospel writers apparently were not aiming at accuracy of historical detail but were more concerned with transmitting Our Lord’s message.

Go and teach all nations, say the Lord; I am with you always, until the end of the world!

CONFESSIONS

By request or by appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

MASS INTENTIONS May 31 – June 6

Saturday 5:00 p.m. Kathleen Stacey

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Leslie R. Olsen

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. For all sick persons

Thursday 8:00 a.m.

Friday 8:00 a.m. The Parishioners

Stewardship of Treasure Report

May 24 & 25, 2014

Plate…….………………………$ 1,202.20

EFT……………………………..$ 420.00

TOTAL $ 1,622.20

The Second Collection for Maintenance was $ 452.46

Thank you and God bless you!

PLEASE HELP US!

Let us Pray…

For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and to consecrated life.

For the protection and preservation of religious freedom in our country.

That those will draw close to those facing extreme hardship, especially the poor, the sick, the hungry, the homeless, those who are unemployed, and those who are alone…

Men’s Club Meeting

Our June meeting will be at 6:30 p.m.

On Wednesday June 11th at the Community Center.

We have very good support for one another. Every man is welcome!

Please give your support to the

Loma Prieta Firefighters BBQ

Sunday – June 1st at the Gazebo

Today!!!

Thank You!!!

Florence B. Beckmann

Nanette Thomas

Jennifer J. Davis

Herb Curran

You are very good teachers for our children. Thank You!!!

God will reward you with many blessings.

Christ Child Men’s Club

SUNDAY BRUNCH

In the Community Center after Mass

June 8, 2014

Information: Don Boisvert 408 828-2035

CONGRATULATIONS to the children who received their First Communion last Sunday!!!

Bradley Schwarz

Frank Parker

Luke Leonhart

Maya Marie Gomez`

Olivia Frances Lohrer

Rosella Ruth Gomez

Thuan Nguyen

Come receive my Body and my Blood and I will dwell in you.

Alleluia!

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

May 25, 2014

Advice for new graduates: Believe. Jump. Leap. Trust.

If you’re one of the millions of young people who are graduating from high school or college this season, I have one word of advice for you:

Believe

Believe in God. Believe in other people. Believe in yourself. I’m not sure how much your education and upbringing has prepared you for the question of faith. By its nature, faith is a squirrelly sort of concept. It doesn’t lend itself to test scores.

A fact doesn’t require belief. Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States – that’s a fact. Anything that can be proved doesn’t require belief. If you put a cup of water in the freezer and wait a couple hours, you’ll find the cup is full of ice. You can see it with your own eyes.

By contrast, faith isn’t something that’s forced on you by the facts. You have a choice. You can choose to believe or not to believe. You can make the leap of faith. Or stay with your feet firmly planted in the rational world.

Here’s my advice: Jump!

Since the 1940s and on up to today, more than 90 percent of Americans have told pollsters that they believe in God. Yet, many who say they believe aren’t very devout.

In poll after poll, only about 40 to 45 percent of Americans claim to go to religious services weekly. And a good percentage of those may be fibbing. Sociologists who studied the question in greater depth determined that, since the 1990s, actual weekend church attendance in the U.S. has been only about 25 percent.

My advice is this: If you’re going to say you believe in God, then believe in God. And live your life as if you do.

Go to religious services, be part of a faith community that ponders the meaning of life and the relationship of humanity and God. And, even more, live out your faith.

This means doing the right thing. It means taking care to help the other guy. It means having an ethical framework within which you make moral choices. And it means believing in people.

Sure, you can choose the safe route and be distrustful. You can keep friends, family and the person you love at arm’s length so they can’t really hurt you. But this is a wasteful way to go through life. You’re wasting the only life you have.

You can’t really find out who you are and what you can do with your life if you stay hidden inside a fortress. The caterpillar will never become a butterfly if it stays inside its cocoon.

So when it comes to people: Leap!

Trust people. Be open with people. Talk about what you feel, about what you think, about what you believe. Be yourself. Believe in yourself. The more you are yourself, the more those around you will be open with you. And the better you’ll come to understand them and enjoy being with them. The more you are yourself, the more you come to understand who you are and who you are becoming. This will lead you down roads and through experience that you could never dream of. Don’t follow the advice of the bumper sticker: “He who dies with the most toys wins!” It’s the person with the most friends and the most loved ones whose life is richest. Of course, when you do this, you’ll get hurt at times. A business colleague will take advantage of you. Someone you love will cheat on you. A friend will abuse your trust. Yes, bad things can and will happen. And there will be those who tell you that’s it are your fault – for trusting others. Yet, as Gwendolyn Brooks writes in her poem “Speech to the Young: Speech to the Progress-Toward”: Say to them, say to the down-keepers, the sun-slappers, the self-soilers, the harmony-hushers, “Even if you are not ready for day it cannot always be night.” That “night” is part of life. Accept it. Deal with it. And have faith that your “day” will be brighter.

(Patrick T. Reardon, a former Chicago Tribune writer, is the author of the forthcoming Catholic and Starting Out: 5 Challenges and 5 Opportunities)

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

We can never sufficiently recommend the saying of the ROSARY, not simply with the lips but the attention of the soul to the divine truths, with a heart filled with love and gratitude.

Saint John XXIII

MASS INTENTIONS May 24 - 30

Saturday 5:00 p.m. + Kathleen Stacey

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Kathleen Stacey

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. All the mothers

Thursday 8:00 a.m. All the mothers

Friday 8:00 a.m. All the mothers

TREASURY REPORT SUNDAY

May 17 & 18, 2014

Plate………………………. $ 952.00

EFT……………………….. $ 420.00

Total $ 1,372.00

Second Collection for Catholic Charity was $ 646.00

Thank you and God the Father Bless you!

Christ Child Men’s Club

Our next meeting will be a 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday June 11th in the community Center. We are very good support for one another.

Every man welcome!

JUNE 1st SUNDAY

BBQ

Fire department

We need the support!!!

All need protection from fire!!!

MANY THANKS

Many thanks to the Christ Child Community for your assistance, support and participation in the “Blessing of the Hot Rods Event”.

Thanks to all of you, we had a great Community function and everyone worked very hard.

Thanks you again and God Bless.

Christ Child Men’s Club

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

May 18, 2014

“My Father’s house”

When St. John Chrysostom was summoned before the Roman Emperor Arcadius and threayened with banishment, he replied, “You cannot banish me, for the world is my Father’s house.” “Then I will kill you,” exclaimed the Emperor angrily. “No, you cannot,” retorted Chrysostom, “because my life is hidden with Christ in God.” “Your treasure shall be confiscated,” the Emperor replied grimly. “Sir, you can’t do that because my treasures are in heaven as my heart is there.” “I will drive you from your people and you shall have no friends left,” threatened the Emperor. “That you cannot do either, Sir, for I have a Friend in heaven who has said, I will never leave you or forsake you.”

In today’s Gospel Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life, gives us the same assurance. “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.”

Surprises in Heaven

A few years ago, a minister of the United Methodist Church was forced out of his congregation and the ministry because he had the “audacity to preach heresy” during his Sunday sermon: “I’m in a church,” he said, “which acts as if God has a very small house, with only a few rooms and only one door. But thanks be to God, God’s house, according to Jesus, has many rooms, many places to dwell. If it were not so, he would have told us.” To add fuel to the fire, he explained his theory with a story. A good man died and was ushered into heaven, which appeared to be an enormous house. An angel began to escort him down a long hallway past “many rooms.” “What’s in that room?” the man asked, pointing to a very somber-looking group of people chanting a Gregorian Mass. “That’s the Roman Catholic room,” said the angel. “Very high church.” “What’s in that noisy room?” the man asked, pointing to a group of white-clothed people dancing, clapping and singing and occasionally shrieking out loud. “That’s the Pentecostal group,” said the angel. “Very lively.” “What’s in that room?” asked the man, pointing to a group of bald-headed people meditating to the sound of enormous gong.” That’s the Zen group,” said the angel. “Very quiet. You would hardly know they were here.” Then the angel stopped the man, as they were about to round a corner. “Now, when we get to the next room,” said the angel, “I would appreciate it if you would tiptoe past. We mustn’t make any sound.” “Why’s that?” asked the man. “Because in that room there’s a bunch of very fundamentalist Christians; and they think they’re the only ones here.” In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives a true picture of his Father’s house.

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

Prayer Group in the Parish

Every Tuesday at 8:15 am. All Women

Every Thursday at 7:15 am. All Men

MASS INTENTIONS May 17 - 23

Saturday 5:00 p.m. + Kathleen Stacey

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Frank Thomas

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. + Kathleen Stacey

Thursday 8:00 a.m. Curran Family

Friday 8:00 a.m. Hammons Family

TREASURY REPORT SUNDAY

May 10 & 11, 2014

Plate………………………. $ 1,966.00

EFT……………………….. $ 420.00

Total $ 2,386.00

Today the Second Collection Catholic Charity!!!

Thank you and God the Father Bless you!

FOOD FOR GOD’S PEOPLE…

We collect non-perishable food items for food pantry of Santa Cruz every Saturdays and Sundays. Your donations help feed the poor and hungry that come to the parish.

Men’s Club Meeting

Our next meeting will be a 6:30 p.m. on the Wednesday, June 11th in the Community Center. We are very good support for one another.

Every man welcome!

First Communion for the children in Religion Education Program today!!!

I know that you have learned who JESUS is. Your parents and teachers have taught you that He is the Son of God. They have told you that JESUS became a human being just like you and me. JESUS even died for us, so that we can live forever with Him in Heaven.

I pray that you will love JESUS forever, and I pray that you will let Him come into your heart and soul many, many times.

Fr. Eugenio

June 1 Preschool Gospel

During 10 am. Mass!

June 1 Sunday BBQ for the Fire Department at Gazebo!

June 8 Sunday Brunch after Mass!

In the Community Center!

6th Annual BLESSING of the Hot Rods

(Because insurance isn’t always enough)

Free Admission No Vehicle Entry Fee

• HOT RODS

• CLASSIC CARS

• CUSTOM CARS

• MUSCLE CARS

This Saturday May 17th 2014

10 am to 3 pm

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

May 11, 2014

On this Good Shepherd Sunday of prayer for vocations, the Church reminds us of our call to become good shepherds of God’s flock

and good sheep of His parishes, and invites us to pray for vocations to the priesthood, the diaconate and the consecrated life.

Both the Old and New Testaments use the image of a Shepherd and His flock to describe the unique relation of God to Israel and of the Christ to Christians.

Jesus was not talking to his followers. He was addressing the Pharisees. They were accusing him of being from the devil because he had healed a blind man on the Sabbath. His response was that he was the Good Shepherd. He was not like the hired hands who collected their pay for watching the sheep but abandoned them in their time of need because they didn’t really care about the sheep. So the Pharisees knew exactly what Jesus meant – he was claiming to be God. They also knew he was contrasting himself to them – the hired hands entrusted to care for God’s people, but caring only for themselves.

Yahweh the Good Shepherd.

For a long time, the Jewish people had used the Good Shepherd image for God. The usage goes all the way back to Genesis 49:24, which says that Joseph was saved “By the power of the mighty one of Jacob, by the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, and the God of your father…” Such imagery was used by Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Amos, Zechariah, and of course by David in his Psalms. The psalmist addresses Yahweh as his Shepherd. Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my Shepherd; nothing shall I want.” “He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand” (Ps 95:7). “Like a shepherd He feeds His flock; in His arms He gather the lambs, carrying them in His bosom, and leading the ewes with care” (Isaiah 40:11), Ezekiel foretells what the Messiah will do as Good Shepherd. “I myself will tend my sheep… I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak” (Ezekiel 34: 15-16). In short, God is the ultimate Shepherd of the people, providing guidance, sustenance and protection (Psalm 23), and He intended their Kings and other leaders to be their shepherds as well.

“I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me.”

John 10:14

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

MASS INTENTIONS May 10 - 16

Saturday 5:00 p.m. + Salvador Almaraz

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Cecily Olsen

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. + Kathleen Stacey

Thursday 8:00 a.m. Parishioners

Friday 8:00 a.m.

TREASUR REPORT SUNDAY

May 3 & 4, 2014

Plate………………………. $ 1,315.00

EFT……………………….. $ 417.50

Total $ 1,732.50

Thank you and God the Father Bless you!

2014 Catholic Charities Appeal

The 2010 Annual Appeal for our own Catholic Charities is scheduled for the weekend of May 17 & 18, 2014.

The theme for this year is Christ has many Faces… You see Him every day.”

Working together we can help the poor, welcome the stranger, and comfort the hurting.

6th ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE HOT RODS

(Because insurance isn’t always enough)

Free Admission - No Vehicle Entry Fee!

HOT RODS

CLASSIC CARS

CUSTOM CARS

MUSCLE CAR

Saturday May 17th 10 am to 3 pm

For more information contact

Herb Curran 408.353.5550

DIOCESAN VOCATIONS PRAYER

Good and gracious Father, bless our Diocese of Monterey with consecrate men and women to serve the church. Increase the number of priests who announce the Gospel and celebrate the sacraments. Lord, give to your priests a generous heart that they may follow the example of Jesus our Good Shepherd, and through the intercession of your servant St. John Vianney, grant them the grace to love their ministry. We pray also for women that they may be inspired to follow you by serving others in religious life. O Virgin Mary, Lady of Bethlehem, sustain with your grace all those who have been called to serve. Amen.

2014 ANNUAL BISHOP’S APPEAL

Our parish goal this year is $8,000.

AMA Total Pledged $8,405.00

Total paid $ 6,105.00

Fr. Eugenio

Pre-school GOSPEL during 10 am. Mass. The First Sunday of every month!

Join other Catholic Families!!!

A Great Summer Camp for Girls!

Camp Auxilium, a resident and day camp run by the Salesian Sisters in the beautiful Corralitos hills of Northern California, is an excellent place for girls ages 6 to 15 to enjoy a summer experience of wholesome fun, friendship, and formative activities in a safe, happy, faith-filled atmosphere. Camp dates: June 22 to July 19, 2014. Reservation may be made for 1 to 4 weeks, resident or day camp.

For camp details and cost, visit us at www.salesianschool.org – click “Summer Camp”

Or call 831.728.5518 ext. 3. Hurry, while spaces are still available! Early Registration deadline –May 24th!

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

May 4, 2014

Bad news and good news

“I’ve got some good news and some bad news to tell you. Which would you like to hear first?” the farmer asked. “Why don’t you tell me the bad news fist?” the banker replied. “Okay,” said the farmer, “With the bad drought and inflation and all, I won’t be able to pay anything on my mortgage this year, either on the principal or the interest.” “Well, that is pretty bad,” said the banker. “It gets worse,” said the farmer. “I also won’t be able to pay anything on the loan for all that machinery I bought, not on the principal or interest.” “Wow, is that ever bad!” the banker admitted. “It’s worse than that,” the farmer continued. “You remember I also borrowed to buy seed and fertilizer and other supplies. Well, I can’t pay anything on that, either principal or interest.” “That’s awful,” said the banker, “and that’s enough! What’s the good news?” “The good news,” replied the farmer with a smile “is that I intend to keep on doing business with you.”

(John C. Maxwell, “Developing the Leaders around You” (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers), p.71.)

I don’t know if that was good news for the banker or not. Two of the disciples of Jesus were on the road that leads to Emmaus. They were as low as that farmer because their Master had been crucified like a common thief. But now they have heard reports that their Master was not dead at all. Reliable sources have told them that. He appeared to some of their most trusted friends. Was he really alive? The disciples were troubled and afraid. Should they believe the good news or the bad? And that’s our dilemma, isn’t it? DO WE BELIEVE THE GOOD NEWS OR THE BAD? The good news is that Christ is alive. The bad news is how little impact that event is having in the world today.

Lord JESUS, open the Scriptures to us; make our hearts burn while you speak to us!

Luke 24:32

LORD, you will show us the path of life!

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

MASS INTENTIONS May 3 - 9

Saturday 5:00 p.m. The Lucette Family

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Leslie R. Olsen

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. The Lucette family

Thursday 8:00 a.m. Communion Services

Friday 8:00 a.m. + Fr. Angelo Re

2014 ANNUAL BISHOP’S APPEAL

Our parish goal this year is $8,000.

Please with your help it will be achieved.

Fr. Eugenio

TREASUR REPORT SUNDAY

April 26 & 27, 2014

Plate………………………. $ 885.00

EFT……………………….. $ 417.50

Total $ 1,302.50

Second Collection for Maintenance was $397.00

Thank you and God reward you!

Christ Child Men’s Club

Our next meeting and dinner will be a 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14th

We have a great conversation and very good dinner. All men welcome!!!

6th Annual BLESSING OF THE HOT RODS

(Because insurance isn’t always enough)

Free Admission No Vehicle Entry Fee

• HOT RODS

• CLASSIC CARS

• CUSTOM CARS

• MUSCLE CARS

Saturday May 17th, 2013

10 am to 3 pm

For more information contact

Dick Wells @ 408- 3157662

Spirit in the Cave of the Heart

An evening of songs and stories with Father

Cyprian Consiglio, OSB Cam.

Currently, Father Cyprian is prior of New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur.

International dessert buffer to follow

Sunday, May 25th

7:00 pm

Holy Cross Church

126 High Street

Santa Cruz, CA

Tickets available at the door

Sliding scale $20-$50

Students and seniors $15.00

Hosted by Holy Cross Catholic Community

For more information call 408.842.4562

Prayer Group in the Parish

Every Tuesday at 8:15 am.

All Women

Every Thursday at 7:15 am.

All Men

TODAY Preschool GOSPEL during 10 am Mass

The First Sunday of every month!

Join other Catholic Families!!!

YOU see that the CHURCH building is stronger, thank the work of Dan Devlin.

Thank You!

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

April 27th, 2014

Joint canonization encourages politicized Catholics to bridge divides

When Pope Francis canonizes Pope John Paul II and John XXIII on this Sunday in St. Peter’s Basilica, he will do more than honor the lives of towering figures that brought unique gifts to the Catholic Church and the world. He will also send a powerful message of unity. By simultaneously declaring as saints these two men so often deployed as symbols for competing Catholic camps, Pope Francis is reminding us that the Gospel no room for ideology.

As two Catholics sometimes pigeonholed as liberal and conservative but who love our church in equal measure, we’re grateful for this moment. The Catholic Church is diminished by the nasty rhetoric, tribalism and litmus tests that often define the dysfunctional culture of secular politics.

Catholic Democrats and Catholic republicans share a common faith that includes clear teachings about the sanctity of life from conception to natural death as well as a preferential option for the poor. As the world watches the Catholic Church with new eyes, we must strive for something better than internecine battles and gotcha rhetoric. Pope Francis is challenging us to build “a church of encounter” that goes to the margins where people are hurting and broken. A divided church will not meet that transcendent mission. This doesn’t mean Catholic must agree on everything. Indeed, Pope Francis has been clear that a static church is lifeless and fails to inspire.

“Open and fraternal debate makes theological and pastoral thought grow,’ the pope has said. “That doesn’t frighten me. What’s more, I look for it.” When the leader of the church can speak like this, surely Catholics across the ideological spectrum can come out of our bunkers.

Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II are often simplistically viewed as the respective standard-bearers for liberal social justice Catholic and conservative pro-life Catholics locked in a fierce tug-of-war over Catholic identity. This paradigm of perpetual conflict has roots in legitimate disagreements between faithful Catholics, but it also unravels unifying threads of church teaching.

It’s time to reject the assumption built into reductionist labels. Pope Francis challenges us all to confront a “throw-away culture” that tramples human dignity by treating life in the womb, migrants dying in the desert, and the forgotten elderly in nursing homes as expendable. It is challenging this “globalization of indifference,” as the pope describes our culture of comfort and extreme individualism that should unite us in service to the common good. Pope Francis is calling us to renew and deepen our solidarity with the voiceless and vulnerable…

If Catholic who votes differently lower our defenses and learn from each other, we can find common ground when it comes to urgent moral issues like poverty, abortion and immigration. If we speak together as Catholic first, we will offer an important and enriching voice to the American political conversation.

John XXIII, John Paul II and Francis have set a clear vision for social justice Catholicism that builds a culture of life. Let’s reach across the old divides and get to work.

(John Gehring & Kim Daniels )

Thomas believed because he saw the risen Jesus.

Although we have never seen him, we believe in him.

We give thanks to the Lord for his gift of faith, especially when we gather for the breaking of the bread and the prayers.

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

MASS INTENTIONS April 26 – May 2

Saturday 5:00 p.m. Patti Devlin & Family

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Fred & Bea Wagner

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. Parishioners

Thursday 8:00 a.m.

Friday 8:00 a.m. +Rev. Declan Murphy

TREASUR REPORT SUNDAY

April 19 & 20, 2014

Plate………………………. $ 4,340.00

Thank you and God the Father Bless you!

Men’s Club

Wednesday May 14th at 6:30 pm. Gathering and 7:00 pm. Dinner

Please Come!!!

6th Annual

BLESSING OF THE HOT RODS

Antique – Classic – Custom – Muscle Cars Hot Rods – Sports Cars

When: Saturday, May 17th…10-3pm.

Where: Christ Child Catholic Church

23230 Summit Road, Los Gatos

No Registration Fee!!!

Awards at 2:00

For More Information Contact

Dick Wells @ 408-315-7662

FOOD – FUN – CARS

Kids’ Activities

blessingofthehotrods.com

A Lifeline for Marriage

Retrouvaille It is designed to provide the tools to help get your marriage back on track. It will give you the opportunity to rediscover each other and examine your lives together in a new and positive way. This program has helped 10’s of 1000’s of couples experiencing marital difficulty at all levels including disillusionment and deep misery. For confidential information about or to register for the program beginning with a weekend on May 2-4, 2014 call 831-479-1260 or email: [email protected] or visit the web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.com

PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION

April 13, 2014

Jesus enters Jerusalem.

The crowd of disciples accompanies him in festive mood, their garments are stretched out before him, there is talk of the miracles he has accomplished, and loud praise is heard:

“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Crowds, celebrating, and praise, and blessing, peace: joy fills the air. Jesus has awakened great hopes, especially in the hearts of the simple, the humble, the poor, the forgotten, those who do not matter in the eyes of the world. He understands human sufferings, he has shown the face of God’s mercy, and he has bent down to heal body and soul.

This is Jesus. This is his heart which looks to all of us, to our sicknesses, to our sins. The love of Jesus is great. And thus he enters Jerusalem, with his love, and looks at us. It is a beautiful scene, full of light – the light of the love of Jesus, the love of his heart – of joy, of celebration.

At the beginning of Mass, we too repeated it. We waved our palms, our olive branches. We too welcomed Jesus; we too expressed our joy at accompanying him, at knowing him to be close, present in us and among us a friend, a brother, and also as a King; that is, a shining beacon for our lives. Jesus is God, but he lowered himself to walk with us. He is our friend, our brother. He illumines our path here. And in this way we have welcomed him today. And here the first word that I wish to say to you: JOY!

Do not be men and women of sadness: a Christian can never be sad! Never give way to discouragement! Ours is not a joy born of having many possession, but from having encountered a Person: Jesus, in our midst; it is born from knowing that with him we are never alone, even at difficult moments, even when our life’s journey comes up against problems and obstacles that seem insurmountable, and there are so many of them!

Let us follow Jesus! We accompany, we follow Jesus, but above all we know that he accompanies us and carries us on his shoulders. This is our joy, this is the hope that we must bring to this world. Please do not let yourselves be robbed of hope1 Do not let hope be stolen! The hope that Jesus gives us!

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

MASS INTENTIONS April 12 - 18

Saturday 5:00 p.m. + Carolina Fasano

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Cecily Olsen

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. Virginia Stehly

Wednesday 8:00 a.m. + Sally Roche

Thursday 7:00 p.m. Greg Walsh’s Fam.

TREASUR REPORT SUNDAY

April 5 & 6, 2014

Plate………………………. $ 1,969.89

EFT……………………….. $ 417.50

Total $ 2,387.39

Thank you and God the Father Bless you!

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions)

Tuesday of Holy Week April 15th at 7:00 PM & Wednesday of Holy Week April 16th at 7:00 PM.

Station of the Cross

Good Friday, April 18th the Station of the Cross at 12 Noon, we invited the people of the Mountain Bible Church to join us to pray for the Parish if the weather is good.

Good Friday is a day of universal fast and abstinence in the Church

Only 2 Weeks Left to Sign up for Retrouvaille!

Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue or have you just stopped talking to each other? Does talking about it only make it worse? This program has helped 10’s of 1000’s of couples experiencing marital difficulty at all levels including disillusionment and deep misery.

For confidential information or to register for the next program beginning with a Weekend on 2 – 4 May 2014, call: 831-479-1260 or email: [email protected] or visit the web site: www.HelpOurMarriage.com

The 6th Annual Blessing of the Hot Rods

(Because insurance isn’t always enough!)

Free Admission.

Hot Rods – Classic Cars –

Custom Cars – Muscle Cars

Saturday May 17th 2014

10am to 3 pm

For more information contact 408.315.7662

HOLY WEEK & EASTER 2014

Holy Thursday April 17th

Mass of the Lord’s Supper - 7 pm

Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion April 18th at 7:00 pm

Celebration of the Passion of Our Lord

Holy Saturday Night:

The Great Vigil of Easter April 19th at 8 pm

Easter Sunday April 20th

Sunrise Service with Mountain Bible Church at the Gazebo – 7 am

MASS OF RESURRECTION OF THE LORD AT 10 am.

After Mass there will be an Egg Hunt in the Church grounds!

PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION

April 13, 2014

Jesus enters Jerusalem.

The crowd of disciples accompanies him in festive mood, their garments are stretched out before him, there is talk of the miracles he has accomplished, and loud praise is heard:

“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Crowds, celebrating, and praise, and blessing, peace: joy fills the air. Jesus has awakened great hopes, especially in the hearts of the simple, the humble, the poor, the forgotten, those who do not matter in the eyes of the world. He understands human sufferings, he has shown the face of God’s mercy, and he has bent down to heal body and soul.

This is Jesus. This is his heart which looks to all of us, to our sicknesses, to our sins. The love of Jesus is great. And thus he enters Jerusalem, with his love, and looks at us. It is a beautiful scene, full of light – the light of the love of Jesus, the love of his heart – of joy, of celebration.

At the beginning of Mass, we too repeated it. We waved our palms, our olive branches. We too welcomed Jesus; we too expressed our joy at accompanying him, at knowing him to be close, present in us and among us a friend, a brother, and also as a King; that is, a shining beacon for our lives. Jesus is God, but he lowered himself to walk with us. He is our friend, our brother. He illumines our path here. And in this way we have welcomed him today. And here the first word that I wish to say to you: JOY!

Do not be men and women of sadness: a Christian can never be sad! Never give way to discouragement! Ours is not a joy born of having many possession, but from having encountered a Person: Jesus, in our midst; it is born from knowing that with him we are never alone, even at difficult moments, even when our life’s journey comes up against problems and obstacles that seem insurmountable, and there are so many of them!

Let us follow Jesus! We accompany, we follow Jesus, but above all we know that he accompanies us and carries us on his shoulders. This is our joy, this is the hope that we must bring to this world. Please do not let yourselves be robbed of hope1 Do not let hope be stolen! The hope that Jesus gives us!

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

MASS INTENTIONS April 12 - 18

Saturday 5:00 p.m. + Carolina Fasano

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + Cecily Olsen

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. Virginia Stehly

Wednesday 8:00 a.m. + Sally Roche

Thursday 7:00 p.m. Greg Walsh’s Fam.

TREASUR REPORT SUNDAY

April 5 & 6, 2014

Plate………………………. $ 1,969.89

EFT……………………….. $ 417.50

Total $ 2,387.39

Thank you and God the Father Bless you!

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions)

Tuesday of Holy Week April 15th at 7:00 PM & Wednesday of Holy Week April 16th at 7:00 PM.

Station of the Cross

Good Friday, April 18th the Station of the Cross at 12 Noon, we invited the people of the Mountain Bible Church to join us to pray for the Parish if the weather is good.

Good Friday is a day of universal fast and abstinence in the Church

Only 2 Weeks Left to Sign up for Retrouvaille!

Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue or have you just stopped talking to each other? Does talking about it only make it worse? This program has helped 10’s of 1000’s of couples experiencing marital difficulty at all levels including disillusionment and deep misery.

For confidential information or to register for the next program beginning with a Weekend on 2 – 4 May 2014, call: 831-479-1260 or email: [email protected] or visit the web site: www.HelpOurMarriage.com

The 6th Annual Blessing of the Hot Rods

(Because insurance isn’t always enough!)

Free Admission.

Hot Rods – Classic Cars –

Custom Cars – Muscle Cars

Saturday May 17th 2014

10am to 3 pm

For more information contact 408.315.7662

HOLY WEEK & EASTER 2014

Holy Thursday April 17th

Mass of the Lord’s Supper - 7 pm

Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion April 18th at 7:00 pm

Celebration of the Passion of Our Lord

Holy Saturday Night:

The Great Vigil of Easter April 19th at 8 pm

Easter Sunday April 20th

Sunrise Service with Mountain Bible Church at the Gazebo – 7 am

MASS OF RESURRECTION OF THE LORD AT 10 am.

After Mass there will be an Egg Hunt in the Church grounds!

Fourth Sunday of Lent

March 30, 2014

“Lead kindly Light”

John Henry Cardinal Newman was a professor at the Oxford University. When he was an Anglican priest, along with the other scholars, he started the Oxford movement. When he was thirty-two years old, his health was bad and he took a break from his writing and went to Europe to recuperate. But unfortunately, he contacted a deadly fever. He wanted to return to England, but no transportation was available. As he waited, his life became lonely and tedious; he was experiencing great physical and emotional despair.

It is then that he penned a beautiful hymn asking God for light: “Lead kindly Light, amid th’encircling gloom, Lead Thou me on; The night is dark, and I am far from home; Lead, thou me on; Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see The distant scene-one step enough for me.”

In his confusion and distress, Newman prayed to the God of Light to lead him from darkness to light, from confusion to certainty, and from sickness to health. God heard his prayer and led him home safely.

In 1845, he was converted to the Roman Catholic faith.

(John Rose in John’s Sunday Homilies)

Blinded by prejudice

In the late 1700s the manager of a large hotel in Baltimore refused lodging to a man dressed like a farmer. He turned the farmer away because he thought his fellow’s shabby appearance would discredit the reputation of his distinguished hotel.

The farmer picked up his bag and left without saying a further word to anyone. Late that evening, the innkeeper discovered that he had turned away none other than the Vice President of the United States – Thomas Jefferson!

Immediately, the manager sent a note of apology to the famed patriot, asking him to come back and be his guest in the hotel. Jefferson replied by instructing the messenger as follows, “Tel him I have already reserved a room. I value his good intentions highly, but if he has no room for a common American farmer, then he has no room for the vice-president of the United States of America.”

(Brian Cavanaugh in the Sower’s Seeds)

By the mystery of the Incarnation, he has led the human race that walked in darkness into the radiance of the faith and has brought those born in slavery to ancient sin through the water of regeneration to make them your adopted children.

(Preface: The Man Born Blind)

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

Prayer Group in the Parish

Every Tuesday at 8:15 am. All women

Every Thursday at 7:15 am. All Men

MASS INTENTIONS March 29 – April 4

Saturday 5:00 p.m. Judy Stehly`

Sunday 10:00 a.m. Mullen Family

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. Suzanne Stehly

Thursday 8:00 a.m. Judy Stehly

Friday 8:00 a.m. Virginia Stehly

TREASUR REPORT SUNDAY

March 22 & 23, 2014

Plate………………………. $ 1,125.00

EFT……………………….. $ 417.50

Total $ 1,542.50

God Bless & Thank you for your support!

2014 ANNUAL BISHOP’S APPEAL

Please help all the people of Diocese of Monterey. Please remember that your parish has a diocesan goal to meet and anything raised above that goal goes directly to your parish for its important projects.

Our parish goal this year is $8,000.00. God willing, and with your help it will be achieved.

Station of the Cross

Friday’s of Lent at 6:30 p.m. - Soup and bread - followed by the prayers of the Stations of the Cross.

All Fridays of Lent are a day of Abstinence in the Church

Christ Child Men’s Club

Our next meeting will be a 6:30 pm. next

Wednesday April 9th Great conversation and dinner at the Community Center. All men welcome!

We are to grow in holiness by prayer, reconciliation and sharing during Lent. This week adopting these families in prayer:

Moran, Mullen, Navarini, Olsen, Orcutt, Orlando, O’Regan, Parker, Perry, Pratt, Raby, Rauh, Reilly, Robbeloth, Roberts, Rose, Rudholm, Ryan, Shirley Ryan, Saunders, Scallan, Schaefer, Schmidt, Schuesler, Seltzer, Shore, Sidor, Slone, Smith and Soucy.

SUPPORT THE SANTA CRUZ FOOD BANK

Hunger is epidemic in Santa Cruz County

Please bring food every Saturday and Sunday and we will bring it to the Santa Cruz Soup Kitchen to help the people in need!!!

One can of soup makes a difference and we have the opportunities.

The season of Lent it is the season of service to our neighbors.

Preschool Gospel during 10 a.m. Mass

First Sunday every month, next SUNDAY

Come join other young Catholic Families while we offer a children’s gospel and activity during Mass.

Contact Molly 455-8745 or Ann 230-4639 with questions.

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

March 23, 2014

“No drinking’ and no dancing’ area”

A couple of Catholic young men from the North were visiting a dusty little town in the back country of West Texas. It was a hard-shell Baptism town in the Bible belt of the South: “No drinkin’and no dancing’ area!” “In this town,” said the cowboy, “we use whiskey only for snakebite: to wash the wound as first aid.” Then he added slyly, “If you guys are so thirsty for whiskey, there’s only one poisonous snake in this town and that is in the zoo. So you better get a ticket to the zoo, go to the snake park, get hold of a cobra through the iron bar of its cage and give it a big hug! The zoo keeper will appear immediately with whiskey.”

The woman at the well had a mighty thirst, a thirst likes that of these young guys for whiskey, a thirst so big that it led her through five husbands and who knows what else. And still she was thirsty – a thirst cause by the absence of God in her life.

A meeting with Jesus gave her the living waters of friendship with Jesus and the anointing of the Spirit of God which restored her dignity and changed her life.

“Here comes my friend, Douglass!”

Cart Sandberg describes the firm stand that Abraham Lincoln took against racial prejudice. One particularly stirring drama unfolded on the night of Lincoln’s second Inaugural ball. He had just delivered the blazing address in which he made famous words, “With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work that we are in.

“That evening in a White House reception room, Lincoln stood shaking hands with a long line of well-wishers. Someone informed him that Frederick Douglass was at the door, but security wouldn’t let him in because he was black. Lincoln broke off from high-level protocol and instructed security to bring Douglass!” And then turning to Douglass, Lincoln unashamedly announced, “Here comes my friend, Douglass!” And then turning to Douglass, Lincoln said, “I am glad to see you. I value no opinion more than yours. I want to know what you think of it.” Those who see and respect the rich human qualities in those individuals whom others reject blaze pioneer trails through thick jungles of bigotry. The next generation can walk on the paths made by such giants as Lincoln who drew inspiration from Jesus’ example and teaching!

Today’s Gospel shows us Jesus’ encounter with a Samaritan woman and a social outcast and gives us a model to follow in this world.

“Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.”

The Samaritan woman said to him, “How can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?”

CONFESSIONS:

By request or appointment

BAPTISMS & WEDDINGS:

Call the office for an appointment.

For Pregnancy Support:

Birthright 241-8444 or 800-550-4900

Prayer Group in the Parish

Every Tuesday at 8:15 am. All Women

Every Thursday at 7:15 am. All Men

MASS INTENTIONS – March 22 -28

Saturday 5:00 p.m. + Jay Johnson

Sunday 10:00 a.m. + James Shore

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. + Mari Tere Garcia

Thursday 8:00 a.m. Suzanne Stehly

Friday 8:00 a.m. Mullen Family

TREASURY REPORT SUNDAY

March 15 & 16, 2014

Plate………………………. $ 1,418.04

EFT……………………….. $ 417.50

Total $ 1,835.54

Thank you and God the Father Bless you!

Diocese of Monterey

Annual Ministries Appeal 2014

Pope Francis recently underscored the need to continue the work of evangelization. He said, “No one is excluded from the hope of life and God’s love. The Church is sent to reawaken everywhere this hope… The Church is the house where the doors are always open not only to welcome everyone in to breathe love and hope, but also so we can take this love and hope outside.”

Please help all the people of Diocese of Monterey. Please remember that your parish has a diocesan goal to meet and that anything raised above that goal goes directly to your parish for its important projects. Richard Garcia your Bishop.

We are to grow in holiness by prayer, reconciliation and sharing during Lent.

This week adopting these families in prayer:

Hammond, Kinner, Kinsella, Kirkham, Korb, Kubalski, Kulow, Lacey, Lakin, Lane, Le Gear, LePage, Leonhart, Linn, Lockett, Loughlin, Magnin, Mains, Mantey, Markey, McBeath, McCormick, McCrery, Miller Irene, Miller Laurie, Mills, Moilanen, Montana, Montion David & Concepcion and Montion Efrain & Eloisa.

Station of the Cross

Fridays’ at 6:30 p.m. –Soup and followed by the prayers of the Station of the Cross.

Christ Child Men’s Club

Our next meeting will be a 6:30 pm. on Wednesday, April 9th Great conversation and dinner.

At the Community Center.

We have very good support one and another.

All men welcome!!!

Preschool Gospel during 10 a.m. Mass

First Sunday every month at 11am – a Young Family Social. Come join other young Catholic Families while we offer a children’s gospel and activity during Mass.

Contact Molly 455-8745 or Ann 230-4639 with questions.

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

March 16, 2014

Missing the point

Once upon a time, a man took his new hunting dog on a trial hunt. After a while, he managed to shoot a duck and it fell into the lake. The dog walked on the water, picked up the duck and brought it to his master. The man was stunned. He didn’t know what to think. He shot another duck and again it fell into the lake and, again, the dog walked on the water and brought it back to him. What a fantastic dog – he can walk on water and get nothing but his paws wet. The next day he asked his neighbor to go hunting with him so that he could show off his hunting dog, but he didn’t tell his neighbor anything about the dog’s ability to walk on water. As on the previous day, he shot a duck and it fell into the lake. The dog walked on the water and got it. His neighbor didn’t say a word. Several more ducks were shot that day and each time the dog walked over the water to retrieve them and each time the neighbor said nothing and neither did the owner of the dog. Finally, unable to contain himself any longer, the owner asked his neighbor, “Have you noticed anything strange, anything different about my dog?” “Yes,” replied the neighbor, “come to think of it, I do. Your dog doesn’t know how to swim.” The neighbor missed the point completely. He couldn’t see the wonder of a dog that could walk on water; he could only see that the dog didn’t do what other hunting dogs do to retrieve ducks – that is to swim.

The disciple Peter was good at missing the point at the theophany of transfiguration as it is clear from his declaration: “I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

“O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.”

There is a mysterious story in 2 Kings that can help us understand what is happening in the transfiguration. Israel is at war with Aram, and Elisha the man of God is using his prophetic power to reveal the strategic plans of the Aramean army to the Israelites. At first the King of Aram thinks that one of his officers is playing the spy, but when he learns the truth he dispatches troops to go and capture Elisha who is residing in Dothan. The Aramean troops move in under cover of darkness and surround the city. In the morning Elisha’s servant is the first to discover that they are surrounded and fears for his master’s safety. He run to Elisha and says, “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” The prophet answers “Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” But who would believe that when the surrounding mountainside is covered with advancing enemy troops? So Elisha prays, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.” The Lord opens the servant’s eyes, and he looks and sees the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha (2 Kings 6:8-23).This vision was all that Elisha’s disciple needed to reassure him. At the end of the story, not only was the prophet of God safe but the invading army was totally humiliated.

CONFESSIONS:

By request or by appointment