St. Robert's Catholic Church Bulletin, February 3, 2002

St. Robert's Catholic Church

1380 Crystal Springs Road, San Bruno, CA 94066

Tel: (650) 589-2800

PARISH BULLETIN
February 3, 2002
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

    

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Though it slipped by quietly, yesterday was the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, commemorating the day that Mary and Joseph brought their newborn baby Jesus to the temple, to present Him to the Lord. "Led by the Spirit, Simeon and Anna [two holy people] came to the temple, recognized Christ as their Lord, and proclaimed Him with joy." (words from the processional rite for this day.)

In many churches, candles are blessed on this Feast.

Do you realize that, if you were baptized as a child, then you were also "presented" to the Lord! And if you were baptized as an adult, then you presented yourself to the Lord. At our baptism, since we receive the light of Christ, we are presented with a candle, lit from the Easter candle which symbolizes Christ the light of the world. We are also anointed with Sacred Chrism, and are made temples of the Holy Spirit. We actually become "Christs" ("anointed ones") and become members of Our Lord’s body.

Do you believe this? Or do you think that you are too ordinary to be so special? Well, the Christmas which we celebrated not long ago tells us that God shared in our ordinary life, too! He shared our humanity to let us know that each and every one of us is extra-ordinary. You, too!

And when we were presented in the Church at our baptism, God actually presented us with far, far more gifts than we could every dream of! Next time you light a candle, may it remind you that "You are the light of the world," as Jesus said to His disciples. —Fr. Mark Taheny

    
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Please join us in celebrating
Fr. Marini’s 50th Anniversary as a Priest

February 10th 12:00 Noon Mass
Bishops Wester and Cummins presiding
Reception following in Hennessy Hall
All are invited to attend

no gifts please

    

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WEEKLY MASS INTENTIONS

2/04 Monday 6:30
8:30
Rich Crispi †
In Thanksgiving
2/05 Tuesday 6:30
8:30
Elisabeth Ann Williams †
Kathleen Costa †
2/06 Wednesday 6:30
8:30
Thomas McKeon †
Joseph McKeever †
2/07 Thursday 6:30
8:30
Tony Mallamo †
Agnes Heneghan †
2/08 Friday 6:30
8:30
Mary Ann Gilbrech †
Pete Boncich †
2/09 Saturday 8:30
4:30
Father Marini
Ann Hanlon †
2/10 Sunday 7:30
9:00
10:30
12:00
5:30
John Mocelin †
People of St. Robert's
Fortino Gomez †
Father Marini
Maria Giordano †
    

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY

Isaiah 58:7-10
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Matthew 5:13-16

    

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I Have Called You By Name

I was baptized by my uncle, Fr. Norbert Mersinger, a priest for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, MO. I think Fr. Norb baptized five of the six kids in my family. At each baptism, my dad stood very close to Fr. Norb as he called us by name, "Patrick Gerard, I baptize you in the name of the Father, . . ." Apparently, during pre-baptism discussions Fr. Norb always insinuated that he might add his own name to the names given to us by our parents. My official Christian name might have been "Patrick Norbert Gerard," or my sister could have ended up, "Mary Norberta."

Our names become a living symbol of our very selves. When we are called by our names at our baptisms, it reminds us that God knows and loves each of us personally. When we are confirmed, we are called by our name. It’s not only the bishop, priest, or deacon who calls us by name, but Jesus Christ himself.

Lent begins soon; Ash Wednesday is February 13th. During Lent, the Liturgy Committee invites you to reflect upon this phrase:

"I Have Called You By Name"

The love and grace poured out upon us at baptism, when Christ called us by name, is a deeply intense and personal love that God has for each of us. Are we aware of how that love is still affecting our lives? If we have strayed from that loving relationship, Jesus is calling us now, by name, to repent of our sins and to return to our Creator’s embrace. In the name of Christ, we will be calling several candidates and catechumens by name through the RCIA to Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. This personal call to follow Christ is fundamental to our membership in Church. Is it happening for you now, or is it only a thing of the past? Pat Vallez-Kelly

    

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As a Parish Community, we Pray...

For a world of frail promises and ready violence...May all people return to God with their whole heart...Together may we bring about a just and lasting peace.

    

A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on.

    

WE CONGRATULATE THE NEWLY BAPTIZED

Taylor Rachele Butler,
Nicole Marie Zimmerman,
Jack Edward Schwenderlauf,
Rosalind Castillo,
Jordan Michele Chase,
Zoe Kiely,
Delilah Nicole Jimenez,
Catherine Grace Attard,
Jakob Andrew Hanks,
Cassius Benicio Rodriguez-Hayes,
Samantha Veronica Ryan

    

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, Pauline Speranza, Kari Stellino, Don Vickery, George Jones, Henry Fosson, & 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
Dean Douglas Wright,
Al Jensen,
Claire McGee,
Anne Hedgecock,
and Harvey Pitts

who died recently.

    

SILK FICUS TREES AVAILABLE

The Church Environment Committee is giving away the silk ficus trees which have decorated our church for many years. Call Pat Vallez-Kelly at 589-2800 if interested.

    

AIDS LUNCH
February 13, 2002

We are scheduled for the 2nd Wednesday of each month. If you can prepare a favorite cookie, snack or lunch items for 10 to 12 people, please drop it off at the Children’s Chapel, in the back of Church, by 9:00 am on Feb. 13th.

Please pack the items in a non-returnable container. Frozen items can be donated. We appreciate all your help.

    

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GOOD FRIDAY "PASSION PLAY" NEWS

Calling all teen actors, singers and musicians of the parish! The Passion Play needs you! We will hold a general meeting on Monday evening, Feb. 4th, in the Church, starting at 7:30 and ending at 8:45 p.m. The Passion Play is an annual celebration performed by the teen youth of St. Robert’s parish on Good Friday Night. Any questions? Call: Ben Baldonado or Bob Baker.

    

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).

    

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We welcome you into our parish!

Jairo & Maria Patiņo and family
Rafael & Maria Arevalo and family
Art & Alicia Robinson and family

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.

    

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Monday, February 4th
1:30 - 3 pm, Cheerleading.....Hall
3:30 - 5 pm, 8th Gr. Practice.....Hall
6:30 - 10 pm, Men’s Club.....Hall

Ttuesday, February 5th
3:30 - 8:15 pm, Religious Education.....Hall
6:30 - 8 pm, Legion of Mary.....Library
7 - 8:30 pm, Religious Ed.....Church
7 - 9 pm, Building Campaign.....Convent Chapel

Wednesday, February 6th
4:30 - 6 pm, Cheerleading.....Hall|
7 - 8:30 pm, 8th Gr. Practice.....Hall
7:30 - 9 pm, Bible Study.....Convent Chapel

Thursday, February 7th
3:30 - 4:30 pm, Religious Education.....Hall
5 - 7 pm, 8th Gr. Practice.....Hall
7 - 9 pm, RCIA.....Convent Chapel
7 - 9 pm, Parish Planning Committee.....Library
7:30 - 9 pm, Youth.....Hall

Friday, February 8th
3:30 - 4:45 pm, Cheerleading.....Hall
7 - 8:30 pm, 8th Gr. Practice.....Hall

Sunday, February 10th
12 Noon Mass, Fr. Marini’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
Reception following in Hennessy Hall

    

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Begin Lent
Friday, February 15th, 7:00pm, Here in St. Robert's Church

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A spectacular and dramatic presentation of scripture, light, and movement when Michael Reardon and Patrick Lane bring THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW to our community. This is a profoundly moving and totally captivating work of faith, making the Scripture come alive in a fresh way. A great way to begin Lent!!

Michael and Patrick have traveled around the world with this powerful ministry of proclamation.

www.gospels.org

    

St. Robert's Adult Education - 2002

An Introduction to
World Religions
(Video Series)

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

Hennessy Hall

Light Meal Served with Soda / Coffee

February 10, 2002 Buddhism
February 17, 2002 Hinduism

This video series is an invitation to marvel at and learn from the various religions of the world. Religions center their power where cultures are most distinct - places like Rome, Benares, Jerusalem and Mecca. We invite you to join us on Sunday evenings for a light meal, video and short discussion led my Mary Shpertt, PH.D..

    

CARIBBEAN ZONE
St. Robert's Women's Guild
Dinner/Dance March 2, 2002

  • The Caribbean Zone is coming to the Marriott
    Hotel in Burlingame
  • 8th grade entertainment
  • Live art auction
  • Raffle prizes, and much more!
  • Don't miss the fun
  • 589-2800
  • Admission $75.00 per person/$65.00 senior
  • No host cocktails 6pm
  • Dinner 7pm
  • Dancing 10pm to 1am
  • Menu choices are swordfish or filet mignon
    

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St. Robert’s web site is: www.saintroberts.org.

A Catholic Site for Seekers: A new internet ministry from the Franciscans (sponsors of St. Anthony Messenger Press) seeks to help inactive Catholics reconnect with a local Catholic faith community. This site, www.oncecatholic.org, offers a special place where inactive Catholics can ask questions, interact with on-line companions, find resources and reconnect with a local parish. This website may also be beneficial for those you are practicing Catholics.

    

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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;

For information call Father Ring at 650-589-2800 or the Archdiocesan Office of Religious Education and Youth Ministry: 415-614-5652

    

INFORMATION EVENING FOR THE PERMANENT DIACONATE

The Office of Formation for the Permanent Diaconate Office is sponsoring an Informational Evening for men considering the possibility of serving the Church as Permanent Deacons. If you have ever considered the possibility of a vocation to the Permanent Diaconate, you and your wife are invited to attend the meeting being held on Wed, Feb. 20th, from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm in the lower level of St. Mary’s Cathedral. Questions may be directed to the Formation Office at St. Patrick’s Seminary, 320 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025-3563, phone (650) 323-1703.

    

POPE JOHN PAUL II

Pope John Paul has continued to call for all people to pray for peace. On the occasion of the "World Day for Peace" on January 1st, he wrote:

It is precisely peace born of justice and forgiveness that is under assault today by international terrorism. In recent years, especially since the end of the Cold War, terrorism has developed into a sophisticated network of political, economic and technical collusion which goes beyond national borders to embrace the whole world. Well-organized terrorist groups can count on huge financial resources and develop wide-ranging strategies, striking innocent people who have nothing to do with the aims pursued by the terrorists.

When terrorist organizations use their own followers as weapons to be launched against defenseless and unsuspecting people, they show clearly the death wish that feeds them. Terrorism springs from hatred, and it generates isolation, mistrust and closure. Violence is added to violence in a tragic sequence that exasperates successive generations, each one inheriting the hatred which divided those that went before. Terrorism is built on contempt for human life. For this reason, not only does it commit intolerable crimes, but because it resorts to terror as a political and military means it is itself a true crime against humanity.

There exists therefore a right to defend human reasoning; and this, in the first place, on the basis of what people experience when they do wrong. They experience their human weakness, and they want others to deal leniently with them. Why not therefore do toward others what we want them to do toward us? All human beings cherish the hope of being able to start all over again and not remain forever shut up in their own mistakes and guilt. They all want to raise their eyes to the future and to discover new possibilities of trust and commitment.

Forgiveness therefore, as a fully human act, is above all a personal initiative. But individuals are essentially social beings, situated within a pattern of relationships through which they express themselves in ways both good and bad. Consequently, society too is absolutely in need of forgiveness. Families, groups, societies, states and the international community itself need forgiveness in order to renew ties that have been sundered, go beyond sterile situations of mutual condemnation and overcome the temptation to discriminate against others without appeal. The ability to forgive lies at the very basis of the idea of a future society marked by justice and solidarity.

By contrast, the failure to forgive, especially when it serves to prolong conflict, is extremely costly in terms of human development. Resources are used for weapons rather than for development, peace and justice. What sufferings are inflicted on humanity because of the failure to reconcile! What delays in progress because of the failure to forgive! Peace is essential for development, but true peace is made possible only through forgiveness.

Forgiveness, the High Road

Forgiveness is not a proposal that can be immediately understood or easily accepted; in many ways it is a paradoxical message. Forgiveness in fact always involves an apparent short term loss for a real long-term gain. Violence is the exact opposite; opting as it does for an apparent short-term gain, it involves a real and permanent loss. Forgiveness may seem like weakness, but it demands great spiritual strength and moral courage, both in granting it and in accepting it. It may seem in some way to diminish us, but in fact it leads us to a fuller and richer humanity, more radiant with the splendor of the Creator.

My ministry at the service of the Gospel obliges me, and at the same time gives me the strength, to insist upon the necessity of forgiveness. I do so again today in the hope of stirring serious and mature thinking on this theme, with a view to a far-reaching resurgence of the human spirit in individual hearts and in relations between the peoples of the world.

Reflecting on forgiveness, our minds turn naturally to certain situations of conflict which endlessly feed deep and divisive hatreds and a seemingly unstoppable sequence of personal and collective tragedies. I refer especially to what is happening in the Holy Land, that blessed place of God’s encounter with man, where Jesus, the Prince of Peace, lived, died and rose from the dead.

The present troubled international situation prompts a more intense call to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict, which has now been going on for more than 50 years, which alternate phases of greater or lesser tension. The continuous recourse to acts of terror and war which aggravate the situation and diminish hope on all sides must finally give way to a negotiated solution. The rights and demands of each party can be taken into proper account and balanced in an equitable way, if and when there is a will to let justice and renconciliation prevail. Once more I urge the beloved peoples of the Holy Land to work for a new era of mutual respect and constructive accord.

    

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CASH FOR CLASS

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

If you are 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.

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