St. Robert's Catholic Church Bulletin, October 7, 2001

St. Robert's Catholic Church

1380 Crystal Springs Road, San Bruno, CA 94066

Tel: (650) 589-2800

PARISH BULLETIN
October 7, 2001
Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Parishioners:

The Parish Festival was a great success. The crowds were large, the children had a great time and the profits will be able to help our Parish school and Religious Education maintain their excellence. As soon as the final financial figures are available, I will let you know the good news. It would be impossible to list all the names that helped bring about the success. They were old and they were young; grandparents, parents and singles; they were a true crosscut of our Parish; they were the family of St. Robert’s. On behalf of the children of the Parish, I thank each and every one of them.

In an address to the priests of England and Wales, the Archbishop of Westminster said a few things that I believe are worth meditating upon as we face our "new world":

We are all stewards of this world. People are slowly coming to realize that the world has been given to us as a gift, so the old questions about how we are to care for God,s world are again brought to the fore. Or, again, take the extraordinary technological advance of the last couple of centuries, especially over the last 50 years. Yes, wonderful things have happened, but is it not extraordinary and tragic that a situation has arisen where the rich get richer and the poor become more numerous and even poorer? It is highly regrettable that we, with all our technical knowledge, should now be living in a world where millions are starving, while we seem to accumulate more and more and get into more personal debt in the process.

So we in the West become richer, able to possess what we want when we want, and in doing so we do not necessarily become happier. Why is it that so many in our society seek transient happiness through alcohol, drugs, pornography and recreational sex? I remember going to South America on numerous occasions when priests from my former diocese were working there. On my return I would contrast the simplicity of life, relative contentment and yes even the joy of the people in Peru with the lack of so many of these qualities in our own society, which seems to blind us with a surplus of all that glitters.

This week we were able to send an additional $500 to the American Red Cross and $513 to Catholic Charities USA. That means we have now sent $6500 to the American Red Cross and $6513 to Catholic Charities USA. Keep up the prayers.

Father Ring

"Eucharist and Social Justice"

Two weeks ago, I wrote here that if we truly desire to transform the ourselves and the world to make it a better place—a place that reflects the love, tolerance, justice, and peace of God—then our celebration of the Eucharist is an act which will empower us, in the Spirit of God, to do what needs to be done. For the next few weeks, I’ll share with you some excerpts from an article entitled "How the Eucharist Proclaims Social Justice" by Fr. John A. Coleman, S.J., a professor at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He begins:

It would be wrong to think of Eucharist and social justice as belonging to two disparate or disjointed domains. For at its very heart the Eucharist is a proclamation of social justice. Therefore Eucharist must engage the genuine transformation of the world. To keep from being false or trivialized, our eucharistic worship should embody justice at its very core. As the Vatican II Constitution on the Liturgy puts it: "The Eucharist is the peak or summit of our lives from which everything is directed and from which everything flows." For Catholics, social justice finds its deepest roots in and is fed by a profoundly eucharistic imagination. Both the Eucharist and action for social justice flow from the selfsame metaphor for Christ: the body of Christ and Christ’s concomitant close identification with his people, especially any who suffer.

Correction: Last week’s column incorrectly named Catherine Bendick as an alternate representative for Environment and Art on the Liturgy Committee. Currently, the sole representative for Environment and Art is Una Uniacke. Anyone interested in assisting the Environment and Art team should contact either Una Uniacke or me. - Pat Kelly

WEEKLY MASS INTENTIONS

10/08 Monday	8:30	Carol Callicotte †
10/09 Tuesday	6:30 8:30	Bill Corden † Eugene J. Martin †
10/10 Wednesday	6:30 8:30	Louise Lemieux † Liliana Grenno †
10/11 Thursday	6:30 8:30	Alice Reid † Deacon Jack Bourne †
10/12 Friday	6:30 8:30	Ray Pappert † Ana Kovacevic †
10/13 Saturday	8:30 4:30	Tom Ponzel † Andrew Galea †
10/14 Sunday	7:30 9:00 10:30 12:00 5:30	People of St. Robert's Bill Wilson † Spadaro/Aliotti Families † Marie Rodriguez † James D. Young, Sr. †

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY

2 Kings 5: 14-17
2 Timothy 2: 8-13
Luke 17: 11-19

WEEKLY INTENTION

As a parish community we pray....

That the Holy Spirit will give to God’s people courage to speak out in defense of all human life from the first moment of conception till the final breath is drawn.

SICK RELATIVES AND FRIENDS

We pray for the ill: Sharon Aiello, Marilyn Arancibia, Bastiaan Blumenthal, Marcia Bourne, Ann Burns, Arthur Candia, Josie Clarke, Nan Connolly, Ana Cosgaya, Imelda Daly, Adela Florez, Elsie Grech, Randall Guerro, Denise Hawald, Joanne Johnson, Koret Koelman, Muriel Krause, Josephine Lavoie, Marky, Rosemary McHale, Jeanne McHugh, Terry McLeod, Catherine Okulove, Mary Shick, Cyndy Smerdel, Kari Stellino, Don Vickery, Walton and June Dickhoff, Daniel McHale, Ilaria Belluomini, Lee Shick, Joseph Calleja, Sandra and William Dill, Leo Pieretti, Carl Edwards, Sal Milizio & Bernie Voight.

RESPECT LIFE BANNER

To the left of our sanctuary, you will see a banner with a red rose imprinted upon it. The rose symbolizes God’s gift of life to us. It is a reminder that human life, at all its stages, is precious and deserves respect. October is designated as Respect Life Month. For these 31 days, our banner will help us to affirm the goodness of God’s creation by valuing the unborn; providing for the poor; rooting out the cause of violence and war; ending the death penalty and protecting the elderly, infirmed and terminally ill. We pray that God will give us the strength and wisdom to love life.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

Today, at the Noon Mass, the Sacrament of the Sick will be celebrated. all who are seriously ill in body, mind or spirit and all who are experiencing the affects of the aging process are invited to come before the priest as he lays hands on them. The congregation will pray silently for their recovery as the priest anoints each with oil. The grace from this Sacrament brings us faith, trust and hope.

****Please advise the Rectory if you have a friend or family member who is ill or in the hospital and would like a visit from our Clergy.

CHOIRS A-PLENTY!

St. Robert’s Children’s Choir has begun a new season. All St. Robert’s youth from 2nd grade up are invited to participate in the Children’s Choir. For more information, call Ms. Baldomero or Mr. Kelly at 589-2800.

The adult choirs for 10:30, Noon, and 5:30 masses have begun rehearsals for the Fall, Advent, and Christmas seasons. (We have the shopping malls beat for earliest Christmas music!) Come join the fun—all voices welcome! Call Pat Kelly for the 10:30 and 5:30 choirs and Manny Ortiz for the Noon choir at 589-2800.

AIDS LUNCH
October 10th

We are scheduled for the 2nd Wednesday of each month. If you can prepare a favorite cookie, snack or lunch item for 10 to 12 people, please drop it off at the Children’s Chapel, in the back of Church, by 9:00 am on Oct. 10th. Please pack the items in a non-returnable container. Frozen items can be donated. We appreciate all your help.

Our sincere sympathy to the families of
Joseph McKeever,
John Abersturi,
Alfredo Caverro,
Jennie Hargens,
Ruby Baker &
Lillian Bidinost

GRIEF SUPPORT DROP-IN

People grieve for many reasons:

the death of a loved one
loss of a friend
loss of a job
loss of health
divorce

Drop-In program will be this October, 22nd, at 7:30 p.m. in the Convent Chapel . For more information please call Joanne Johnson or Sr. Ita at 589-2800

YOUR EMERGENCY PRAYER NETWORK IS HERE

The "Emergency Prayer Network" will pray for your specific intentions whenever some crisis arises in your life. If you call, our group will pray fervently for three days for you and your special intention. Call Michele Pipinich. We simply ask that you let us know how things turn out so that we can praise God for His faithfulness.

New Rectory Business Hours
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday

We welcome you into our parish!

Filomena Guerrero
Terrence and Linda Baillargeon and family
Josepito Santos, Jr.

If you’re new to St. Robert’s, we ask that you complete a registration form (found in the vestibule of the church). Drop it either in the collection basket, the mail, or at the parish office. We will send you a New Parishioner Packet with information about the parish, its organizations and groups.

A MEDITATION

Dear Parishioners,

On this Respect Life Sunday, I’d like to share with you my journal entry of a few days ago:

"It is 6:10 am. I’ve been awake since 4 praying for and reflecting upon the life of my 94 year old Dad, Joe McKeever. His life here on earth is slowly ebbing away. He looks into my eyes and wordlessly tells me: ‘It’s OK, Anna May, I’m still here - I’m still me and I love you.’

Then I read Paul’s letter to Timothy and realize it is of my Dad that Paul speaks: ‘Joe McKeever has stirred into flame and gift of life - the gift of love from God. He has borne his share of hardships for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. He has guarded the rich trust of faith and love that are in Christ Jesus, with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within him.’

Dad loves life and rejoiced at the birth of his 5 children , 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. By example and by his love, he was our image of God Our Father. He received Jesus every Sunday and as often as possible. When our daughter Shirley was 4 and I told her the story of ‘The Good Shepherd’, she said, ‘That Shepherd is just like Grandpa!’

Dad is now dying with the dignity that everyone who is ill and experiencing the affects of aging deserves. Last night, their Nurse Barbara tucked Mom and Dad into their bed. Dad laid his head on Mom’s shoulder and reached for her hand. Together they prayed. Tears welled up in Barbara’s eyes. Mom gently told her, ‘Barbara don’t cry. We’ve been doing this for 70 years.’

The sun is now rising on a new day - a day in which I can once more hold Dad’s hand and tell him what his life has meant to me - how very much I love him. And so I say, ‘Thank You, O Lord, for the precious gift of Dad’s life. May he live with You soon for all eternity."

(Dad was welcomed into Jesus’ Kingdom at 3:45 am, September 27, 2001).

Thank you and love,
Anna May

RESPECT LIFE MONTH

Today, in parishes through the United States, Catholics are celebrating Life...Life from the first moment of conception till its natural end. Our Liturgy today reflects that our faith calls us to open our hearts to hear God’s Word and to act upon it. Faith is God’s gift—-so also is Life! All of us are called to pray for the protection of all life and to speak out in favor of life with God’s help, all thing’s are possible.

There will be a a FREE Family Life Respect Life Conference featuring 12 nationally known speakers October 20th, St. Mary’s Cathedral San Francisco 1111 Gough (at Gough and Geary). Event is free but you must register. Box Lunches will be made avaiable for purchase. Mail in or fax your name address and phone number. Fax to: (415) 614-5658 Mail to: One Peter Yorke Way San Francisco, Ca 94109-6602.

EL RETIRO
300 Manresa Way
Los Altos, Ca 94022-4646
(650) 948-4491

Your Marriage: The Time of Your Lives
Retreat for Married Couples
Nov. 9-11
Fr. Robert Fabing, S.J. and the Jesuit Institute for Family Life Staff

What Shall I Give the Lord For All He Has Given to Me?
Thanksgiving Retreat for Men/Women
Nov. 16-18
Fr. Jerry McCourt, S.J.

Picking Up the Pieces
A day of recollection for separated and divorced Men and Women
Nov. 17
Judy Zolezzi

VALLOMBROSA CENTER
250 Oak Grove Ave.
Menlo Park, Ca 94025-3218
(650) 325-5614

Parable of the Lost Coin
Oct. 14
Elizabeth Lily

SAN DAMIANO RETREAT
P.O. Box 767
Danville, Ca 94526
(925) 837-9141

Day of Dialogue
Oct 21
Victoria MacDonald, M.A.

Married Couple Retreat
Oct. 26-28
The two become one
B. Brunsman, OFM & Carol Kaplan, MFT

ADV. Enneagram
Oct. 27
Growing Spiritually
Maurice Monetter, M.Div., Ed. D.

PASTORAL PLAN OF THE ARCHDIOCESE

In 1996, a Pastoral Plan was formulated for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. It was promulgated by Archbishop Quinn, who was retiring, and the newly appointed Archbishop Levada. This document is the basis of many decisions that are made within the Archdiocese and should be a basis of decisions on the Parish level as well. Our Parish Council will review the Pastoral Plan during the coming months. In the bulletin, we will print important sections for your study and cosideration. This year the Chairperson of the Parish Council is Russ Hanley. The members are:

Patrick Byrne, George Horton, Elio Sciacqua, Victoria Sciacqua, Thomas Tullius, Kelela Tuuhetoka, John Carambat, Trish Estelita, Judy Scannell, Donna McMorrow, Encar Sanchez and Steve West.

CASH FOR CLASS
Help our School win $2,000

If you have shopped at Tanforan, please turn in your receipts at the information booth on the 2nd floor at Tanforan, in the vestibule of the Church, or the Rectory. For questions or more information Call Linda Cuddy.

FALL FEST 2001
Saturday, October 27th

A time for young adult Catholics to come together (for singles and couples in their 20’s and 30’s). Held at Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont. For more info call 415-614-5594 or mjansen@sfyam.org.

FIL-AM GROUP

The Filipino-American Group of St. Robert’s is hosting a Holiday Dinner Dance on Saturday, Nov. 3rd, at the Millbrae Clarion Hotel. All parishioners are invited to attend. Ticket prices are $55.00 and $45.00 for seniors (65 years and older). Please contact Lena Reyes or Fe Ortiz for information.

THE GROWNUPS

Grownups Communion Buffet Luncheon will be held in Hennessy Hall Sunday, October 21st, after the 10:30 am Mass. Tickets are $12 each and will be sold after all the Masses this weekend and the weekend of Oct. 13 & 14. Reservations can also be made by calling Lillian (588-5128), Dorothy Branch or Dolores Johnson. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

FESTIVAL RAFLE NEWS

Congratulations to the winners of our Festival Raffle!

$2,000 Chick Dee
$1,000 The Grealish Family
$750 Kevin McEvoy
$500 Arthur and Caroline Mosqueda
$250 Jeanie Munich
$100 each to the Harts, Angela Roberts and Pat Mooney

THE "HIGH ROLLER" WINNERS WERE:

$2000 Florie Vasquez
$1000 Gaby Marshall
$500 Robin & Dan McCarthy
$500 Angelina Viveros
$500 Bob Marshall, Jr.

Thanks to everyone who participated!

MONDAY, October 8th
6 - 10 pm, Women’s Guild.....Hall
7:30 -8:30 pm, St.Vincent de Paul.....Library

TUESDAY, October 9th
3:30 - 8:15 pm, Religious Education....Hall
6:30 - 8 pm, Legion of Mary.....Library
7:30 - 9 pm, Youth.....Kitchen

WEDNESDAY, October 10th
9 am, AIDS Lunch.....Children’s Chapel
9 - 9:30 am, Grief Group.....Mary’s Chapel
4:30 - 6 pm, 7th Gr. Cheerleader Practice.....Hall|
7:30 - 9 pm, Bible Study....Convent Chapel

THURSDAY, October 11th
3:30 - 4:30 pm, Religious Education.....Hall
7 - 9 pm, RCIA....Convent Chapel
7:30 - 9 pm, Fil/Am.....Hall

FRIDAY, October 12th
7:30 - 9 pm, Teen Club.....Hall

SATURDAY, October 13th
11 - 2 pm, Teen Club.....Hall

Sunday, October 14th
10 - 11:30 am, Fil/Am Choir......Hall
3:30 - 5:30 pm, Confirmation Class.....Hall