Last week I talked to you at Mass about the Annual Appeal of the Archbishop. Our goal for 2000 is $79,000 ($400 more than last year). This is a campaign that I believe in. I believe that we should support the priest’s retirement fund, the permanent diaconate, the training of lay leaders, programs for the hearing impaired, RENEW, Ecumenical programs, inner city school subsidies (perhaps, like you, I admit there are a few programs I do not like elements of Communication, especially the CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO, although it is mostly paid by advertisements.) No matter what, the overall cause is so worthwhile and, therefore, I will contribute.

I also believe in many of the people involved in the programs. They are people of Faith and dedication, for instance, Bishop Wester in his duty as Vicar of Clergy, Sister Celeste Arbuckle in Religious Education, Angie Espinoza and Rich Hannon in Finance, Sister Antonio in RENEW, Sister Nancy Reynolds in Marriage law, Jack Hammel in legal services and Carl File in Human Resources. My list could go on and on about the many people who are managing the programs we are financing through the Annual Appeal. I know most of them personally. They are good people. Show them your confidence and help our Parish and our Archdiocese by giving generously.

Jubilee celebration of the Permanent Diaconate

On next Sunday, February 20th, a handful of deacons from the Archdiocese of San Francisco will join the families of other permanent deacons from around the world for the Permanent Diaconate Jubilee Celebration with Pope John Paul II in Rome. The rest of the local deacons and their wives will be celebrating together in San Juan Bautista as part of our annual retreat weekend.

This June, I will celebrate the tenth anniversary of my ordination. I have been deeply blessed in my assignment to St. Roberts. I, however, was not the first permanent deacon assigned here. That honor went to Deacon Jack Bourne, Mary’s husband. Deacon Jack, prior to his death, was ordained with the first diaconate class in 1979. Please remember all deacons and their families in your prayers next weekend.

The Archdiocese is preparing and accepting applications for the next diaconate class. If you know of someone who might be interested please have them contact either myself or the Diaconate office in S.F.

JUBILEE BLESSINGS THIS WEEK TO:
ALL ARTISTS

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
Isaiah 43:18-25; 2 Cor 1:18-22; Mark 2:1-12

IN THE HOUSE OF GOD
"The Communion Procession"

A couple of years ago I heard the St. Olaf College Choir sing at St. Ignatius Church in San Francisco. They are an extremely accomplished choir. But as impressive as their music making was, what struck me most about them was that they joined hands during every song. That gesture really said something about their togetherness and their values. That action spoke as loudly as their music.

In liturgy, our actions speak as loudly as our words. With the approval of the Liturgy Committee and the Parish Staff, beginning Sunday, March 5, we will no longer distribute Communion in the middle of church at the 4:30, 9:00, and 10:30 masses. We will have a single, unified Communion Procession at all masses. We hope that a single procession and the way we receive Communion together will be a vivid expression of our unity. A more detailed explanation of the change in practice will be given in the upcoming weeks. - Pat Kelly

*We pray for the ill: Tony Coogan, Koret Koelman, Terry McLeod, Adela Florez, Ana Cosgaya, Peter Capodonicco, Rosemary McHale, Arthur Candia, Bastiaan Blumenthal, Muriel Krause, Sister Cabrini, Don Vickery, Jeanne McHugh, Catherine Cook, Ann Burns, Imelda Daly, Margarita Velez, Marky, Marlyn Arancibia, Marcia Bourne, Sandra Dill, Millie Blazina, Randall Guerro, Denise Hawald & Cyndy Smerdel.

*We pray for the repose of the souls of: Salud Atencio , Leo Martinez and Linda Tilson.

As a Parish Community, We Pray

We welcome you into St. Robert’s Family

SCRIP order forms are available in the vestibule, rectory or school office. Support our school!
Developing funds for Developing minds.

Congratulations to the following couples who were among 150 couples who celebrated special anniversaries of marriage at St. Mary’s Cathedral yesterday:

SAN FRANCISCO FILIPINO CURSILLO

The San Francisco Filipino Cursilllo announces the 3-day Cursillo Weekends for the Year 2000. The place is St. Thomas Moore Parish:

Men’s Weekend - March 23-26
Women’s Weekend - April 27-30

WOMEN’S GUILD....Mystery Dinner Mtg. Tomorrow, night, Feb 14th come join us and see who will be honored. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Dinner at 7:00 p.m. and the cost is $11. Make your reservations by calling Angie Mullady to save your spot.

GROWNUPS....The grownups annual champagne Communion breakfast will be held in Hennessy hall on Sunday, February the 27th after 10:30 Mass. The price is $7 per person. Please call Lillian Fazio, Dolores Moynihan or Dorothy Branch. Tickets will also be available after the weekend Masses. No tickets sold at the door.

SOCIABLES....Our next get-together will be on March 12th at El Torito Restaurant. The address is 1590 Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame. This will be a Sunday brunch. The price per person is $16. Please call Bunny Moniz for reservations.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH
6:30-10PM, Women’s Guild..... Hall
7:30-9PM, St. Vincent de Paul.....Library

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH
6:30-8PM, Legion of Mary.....Library
6:45-8PM, Religious Education .....Hall

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH
6-9PM, Fashion Show Rehearsals.....Hall