The events have of the past months have brought all of us to a greater realization of the gift of life, of family and of community. This Christmas we join as a Parish family in giving thanks to God our Father for these great gifts. We thank Him in a special way for the gift of the Incarnation by which Jesus became one with us. As individuals, we show our gratitude to God by our efforts here on earth to build up God’s Kingdom by the charity and the forgiveness we show for one another. As a Parish family, we show our gratitude by coming together at Mass to give thanks to God and share in His passion, death and resurrection. Christmas is a time when we should truly rejoice because the fear of death is no more and the promise of eternal life is ours.

As we come to a New Year, we face new challenges. As members of God’s family, we are called to help bring peace and justice to our world. Pope John Paul has pointed out that in order to have peace and justice there must be forgiveness. This is true not only between countries but between individuals. We must begin with ourselves. As a Church, we face the reality of the decline in vocations to Religious life and to the priesthood. The practical implications of the growing shortage have already become evident in other parts of our world and in parts of our own country. We will soon face the reality of fewer Masses and fewer priests, sisters and brothers dedicated to Christian service. We need to foster vocations by prayer and by calling young people to a life of service. It begins with each one of us showing that service of others is important in our own lives. As a Parish, we face the challenge of providing for the educational needs of our Parish by the construction of an Educational Center. This will involve financial sacrifice for each one of us as we begin our fund-raising campaign to raise one million dollars.

On behalf of the priests and the Parish staff, I pray that you and your family have Christmas season filled with joy and peace.

Today’s first reading from the prophet Isaiah says:

Emmanuel means "God is with us." It was a promise God made to the king of Judah, Ahaz, that his wife would bear a son to continue the line of David on the throne. Isaiah was trying to convince King Ahaz to put his trust in God rather than in the Assyrian army to defend Judah. His wife’s pregnancy would be a sign to confirm that Isaiah’s word was worth listening to. God’s word can be trusted.

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.

ST. ROBERT'S PARISH
ADVENT / CHRISTMAS 200i
COMMUNAL CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE

Tuesday, December 18th 7 30 p.m.
Saturday, December 22nd 3:00 p.m.

CHRISTMAS MASSES
Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24th
4:30 p.m., Children’s Choir
8:00 p.m., Adult / Teen Ensemble
12:00 a.m., Midnight Mass, Adult Choir

Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25th
7:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
12:00 Noon
NO MASS at 5:30 p.m.

New Year’s Day
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Tuesday, January 1, 2001
9:00 a.m. Only

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.

Confirmation Preparation for Baptized Catholic Adults
(18 years or older who have received First communion)

will be offered
at Serra High School in San Mateo,
7:30-9:30 p.m. Tues, 2/19/02 - 4/30/02;
or at Riordan High School in San Francisco,
7:30-9:30 p.m. Tues, 2/20/02 - 5/1/02;

An Introduction to
World Religions
(Video Series)

Sunday Eves 6:30pm - 8:30pm
(Following 5:30pm Mass)

Hennessey Hall

Light Meal Served with Soda / Coffee

January 13, 2002 Islam
January 20, 2002 Protestantism
January 27, 2002 Judaism
February 10, 2002 Buddhism
February 17, 2002 Hinduism

MONDAY, December 24th
Christmas Eve
Masses at 4:30 pm, 8 pm & 12 Midnight

TUESDAY, December 25th
Christmas Day
Masses at 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 & 12 Noon

THURSDAY, December 27th
7 - 9 pm, RCIA.....Convent Chapel

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

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.

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