St. Robert's Catholic Church Bulletin, December 16, 2001

St. Robert's Catholic Church

1380 Crystal Springs Road, San Bruno, CA 94066

Tel: (650) 589-2800

PARISH BULLETIN
December 16, 2001
Third Sunday of Advent

    

but_pacm.gif (4092 bytes)

Dear Parishioners,

Hopes and dreams and visions . . .

Many youngsters had their hopes fulfilled this past Saturday morning when they had Breakfast with Santa. And the way Hennessey Hall was decorated . . . it could have been Breakfast with Santa at Tiffany’s! When I start feeling grinchy or abominable during these busy weeks leading up to Christmas, I try to remember the excitement and dreams I had as a child. This season is one of those times when kids give us older folks a great gift, simply through their "kid-ness." They have high hopes, beautiful dreams, and broad visions of happy times. Ultimately, Advent and Christmas are a time to be very, very excited about the possibilities for good things to happen.

Our hopes, dreams, and visions mature over the years. Adults hope for healing and security. We dream about loved ones past. We envision a world at peace. Sometimes our own heavy baggage keeps us from still believing in and still pursuing these dreams—from living life to the full. We have two communal celebrations of the Sacrament of Reconciliation this week (Tuesday at 7:30pm and Saturday at 3pm). These are great opportunities to allow God to help us let go of the things we can no longer afford to cling to and to embrace the people and activities that give us healing, security, love, and peace—things everlasting that we hope for.

Many years ago, I told a friend that I couldn’t really hope to get married before I had my student loans paid off. Well, I was a little bit off. I have a final loan payment of forty something dollars to make in February, but I’m getting married at the end of this month on December 29th at 10:00am here at St. Robert’s. I ask your prayers for my fiancé, Theresa Vallez, and me as we enter into a lifetime of marriage. You are welcome to come celebrate Mass and a light reception with us. We’re dreaming of a beautiful wedding celebration with many friends.

Pat Kelly

P.S. I am changing my name to Patrick Vallez-Kelly. I hope you’ll remember!

    

but_wors.gif (2716 bytes)

   

WEEKLY MASS INTENTIONS

12/17 Monday 6:30
8:30
Cesar Muñoz-Plaza †
John P. Murphy †
12/18 Tuesday 6:30
8:30
In Thanksgiving
Pasquale Aloise †
12/19 Wednesday 6:30
8:30
Dr. Urswula Dietrich †
Carol Callicotte †
12/20 Thursday 6:30
8:30
Jean Muñoz-Plaza †
Mary Kuczka †
12/21 Friday 6:30
8:30
Steve Tonegato †
Albert Spadaro †
12/22 Saturday 8:30
4:30
Timothy Leahy †
Abraham Josephine Vella †
12/23 Sunday 7:30
9:00
10:30
12:00
5:30
John A. Mocelin †
Bill Wilson †
Charles Muscat †
People of St. Robert's
Wally Semeniuk †
    

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
Fourth Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 7:10-14
Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 1:18-24

    

but_inhs.gif (3665 bytes)

ADVENT 2001
Practice the Presence of God
Be Patient

This week’s second reading from the Letter of Saint James says,

Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord.
See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.
You too must be patient.
Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.

There’s the old refrigerator magnet slogan that says, "God, grant me patience, and I want it right now!" Patience is demanding and rewarding. It demands peace of heart, trust in God and the promise of growth, and hope for something better. It rewards with accomplishment, fruit, more peace, more trust, and more hope.

As we practice the presence of God, we do so fruitfully in times of waiting and trusting. For some of us, we need to be most patient with ourselves and with God. As another magnet says, "Please be patient with me. God’s not done with me yet!" Jesus Christ has planted the seed of God’s immense love in our hearts, and it is watered in early and late rains by the Holy Spirit. Nurture God’s presence in your life, and you will know the coming of the Lord. - Pat Kelly

    

ADVENT

The events of history were controlled for my coming to this world no less than for the coming of the Savior. The time had to be ripe, the place just right, the circumstances ready, before I could be born.

God chose the parents of his Son and endowed them with the personality they needed for the child that would be born. I speak to God about the man and woman that he chose to be my parents until I see that they had to be the kind of human beings they were if I was to become what God meant me to be.

The Christ child comes, like every other child, to give the world a message. What message have I come to give? I seek guidance from the Lord to express it in a word or image.

Christ comes into this world to walk a certain path, fulfill a certain destiny. He consciously fulfilled what had been "written " for him. As I look back I see in wonder what was "written" and has thus far been fulfilled in my own life, and for each part of that script, however small, I say, "Thanks" to make it holy with my gratitude.

I look with expectation and surrender at all that is to come and, like the Christ, I say, "Yes. Let it be done."

Finally I recall the song the angels sang when Christ was born. They sang of the peace and joy that give God glory.

Have I ever heard the song the angels sang when I was born?

I see with joy what has been done through me to make the world a better place and I join those angels in the song they sang to celebrate my birth.

    

but_parl.gif (3055 bytes)

As a Parish Community, we Pray...
For those who suffer from oppression, violence, terrorism and war ... May they be set free. For our service men and women who have been sent to help them.

    

WE CONGRATULATE THE NEWLY BAPTIZED

Luca Andrew Kinchen

    

SICK RELATIVES AND FRIENDS

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

Please call 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.

    

Our sincere sympathy to the families of
Rodolfo Alfredo Coaquira,
Marie Newberg,
George Ryerson and
Charles Rocco

who died recently.

    

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.

    

ADVENT COMMUNAL PENANCE SERVICES

We have an opportunity to "Practice the Presence of God". Sin also affects our relationship with God, family, neighbor and co-worker. Jesus is present in His Sacraments. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we openly admit our failings to God and receive His pardon and peace through the ministry of the priest. We individually and, as community, are once again united to our God and to one another. Please plan to attend one of our Advent Penance Services, either on Tuesday, December 18th, at 7:30 pm or Saturday, December 22nd at 3:00 pm.

    

Your Attention Please

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS
For Weekends
December 29th-30th and January 5th-6th

Because of the Christmas/New Year Holiday, all bulletin announcements for the weekend of December 29th & 30th, must be submitted to the Parish Office no later than the morning of Wednesday, December 19th.

All Bulletin announcements for January 5th and 6th must be submitted to the office no later than the morning of Thursday, December 27th.

Thank you .

    

GIFTS FOR THE HOMEBOUND

As we do each year, we ask that each of us remember with love those members of our Parish Family who are confined to their homes or to nursing homes. Our Advent theme tells us to "PRACTICE THE PRESENCE OF GOD". Jesus lives within each of these precious people and within every one of us. One way to "PRACTICE HIS PRESENCE" is to bring a Christmas gift to the baskets placed on our altar steps. Some suggestions are: knee socks, lap robes, hand and body lotion, soap, cards and notes of encouragement. The only requisite is that the gifts be new, not used.

    

MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS

Christmas Poinsettias will decorate the Church during the Christmas Season. If you would like to make a donation of $10 (please make check out to St. Robert’s, Poinsettias Fund) toward their purchase in memory of a loved one, fill out the form below and return it to the Parish Office by December 23rd. A memorial list will be published in the bulletin.

My gift is in memory of:______________________

My gift is in honor of: _______________________

Given by: _________________________________

    

MASS TIMES WHEN TRAVELING

If you are planning to be away this Holiday season, you can check with 1-800-Mass Times (1-800-627-7846) or internet at www.Masstihttp://www.Masstimes.orgmes.org to check on Church locations, Mass times and telephone numbers in the area you will be visiting.

    

GIVING TREE

The Children’s Liturgy Group will once again have the Giving Tree near Little Church. The gifts go to needy children. It’s easy to participate. Just pick an ornament off the tree, purchase that gift & return it UNWRAPPED to the box near the tree. Please have the gifts returned by this Sunday, Dec. 16th, so we can get them where they need to go on time. Thank you.

    

but_evnt.gif (2293 bytes)

    

VELLA-DANKWERTH CULTURAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Maltese Cross Foundation is proud to announce its seventh annual Vella-Dankwerth Cultural Scholarship for students of Maltese descent in the San Francisco Bay Area. High school seniors, college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are eligible to apply. Completed applications are due by March 18, 2002. For more information, please contact Janel Dankwerth-Plack (707-591-8878) or Jennifer Dankwerth (650-273-1356).

    

but_yout.gif (2731 bytes)

DISCIPLES NOW:
WEBSITE FOR CATHOLIC YOUTH

Disciples Now is an innovative and faith-filled web-based ministry for Catholic teens. It has been developed by youth ministers, campus ministers, catechetical leaders, and diocesan staff members in partnership with publishers and other youth-serving agencies. It includes a "Since you asked" feature with responses to teen questions of faith and life by Fr. Gary Bagley, Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Buffalo, New York as well as a variety of interactive catechetical and fun features. Nearly 3500 teens visit the site each day. Feel free to check it out on the web at www.DisciplesNow.com.

    

but_sch.gif (1939 bytes)

    

KINDERGARTEN APPLICATION

Applications for St. Robert School Kindergarten for the 2002-2003 school year will be accepted in the School Office Monday - Friday, January 7th through the 11th, from 9 am to 3 pm. The screening fee for each applicant is $25.00.

Please bring copies of your child’s birth and baptismal records, a recent family photograph and your child’s social security number. Screening dates will be assigned on completion of the application.

Requirements for School Registration: Family must be registered and participating members of St. Robert’s Parish. This means that the family is involved in Parish life and the financial support of the Parish. Applications will be accepted for children who are 5 years of age by September 1, 2002. All acceptances will be based on student screenings and parent interviews.

Non-Discrimination Policy: St. Robert School, mindful of its mission to be witness to the love of Christ for all, admits students of any race, color, and national and/or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at this school. St. Robert School does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, and national and/or ethnic origin in administration of educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Open House: St. Robert School will hold its annual Open House on Monday, January 28th. The evening will begin at 7 pm in Church followed by classroom visitations. All are welcome.

    

While Christmas Shopping at Tanforan
You Can Help Our School Win $2,000

If you are doing your Christmas shopping at Tanforan, please turn in your receipts either at the Info Booth on the 2nd floor at Tanforan, in the vestibule of the Church, or to the Rectory. For questions or more info Call Linda Cuddy.

    

but_rtrt.gif (2996 bytes)

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

From Fear to Faith - Jan. 4-16
Recovery Retreat for Women - Msgr. Terry Richey

The Freedom to Respond to God and God’s Grace - Jan. 18-20
Silent Retreat for Men
Fr. Thomas Weston, S.J.

Living in the Presence of God - Jan. 25-27
Silent Ignatian Retreat for Women
Fr. Robert Scholla, S.J.

MERCY CENTER
2300 Adeline Dr., Burlingame, 94010 (650-340-7474)

Epiphany Light - Jan. 13th, 1:30-5:00pm
In dance and music we will honor these and many illuminations
Carla De Sola; Suzanne Toolan, RSM

Earth’s Crammed with Heaven - Jan. 25-27
An invitation to come apart from the busyness which causes numbness and not noticing.
Patricia Ryan, RSM

    

but_cale.gif (2731 bytes)


MONDAY, December 17th
1 - 3 pm, 8th Gr. Cheerleading.....Hall

TUESDAY, December 18th
3:30 - 8:15 pm, Religious Ed.....Hall
6:30 - 8 pm, Legion of Mary.....Library
7:30 pm, Penance Service.....Church
7:30 - 9 pm, Youth.....Kitchen

WEDNESDAY, December 19th
4:30 - 6 pm, 7th Gr. Cheerleading.....Hall
7:30 - 9 pm, Bible Study.....Convent Chapel

THURSDAY, December 20th
3:30 - 4:30 pm, Religious Ed.....Hall
7 - 9 pm, RCIA.....Convent Chapel
7:30 - 9 pm, School Board....6th Gr. Classroom

FRIDAY, December 21st
7 - 8:30 pm, 8th Gr. Practice.....Hall

SATURDAY, December 22nd
3 pm, Penance Service.....Church

SUNDAY, December 22nd
10 - 11:30, Fil/Am Choir.....Hall

but_srhp.gif (2472 bytes)

but_n&p.gif (2093 bytes)

but_tofp.gif (1734 bytes)

but_mail.gif (2258 bytes)

but_s&c.gif (2105 bytes)