The month of November is a good time to remember to thank God for his many blessings. God continues to bless us individually, bless our families and our world. If we reflect prayerfully and honestly, we can almost be overwhelmed by all the blessings and gifts that are ours. The challenge is to use them wisely, unlike one of the persons in today’s gospel who evidently just wasted the gift and did nothing about it. Jesus’ parable is about something far more valuable than money. He expects us, like the master in the parable, to take risks to invest what has been given us in loving service for others. It is by living that we discover our talent and it is by using them that they grow. Sooner or later the harvest time comes for every one and the question will be

"What have we done with our talents, with our lives"?

This Thursday, November 21st, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation. Nano Nagle, our Foundress, was a courageous and dedicated woman who used her gifts and talents in service to the poor. She founded our Congregation Christmas Eve, 1775, in Cork, Ireland. This foundation was the result of more than twenty years of loving service to the poor. Every year at this time we renew our vows as Presentation Sisters. In doing so we will be united in spirit with the two thousand other sisters of the Congregation world-wide in a communal renewal of commitment to the Lord. Our sincere thanks to the wonderful people of St. Robert’s for their inspiration and support to us over the years.

"Changes Ahead!"

For the past two years, from time to time, I have written about the revised General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM). It is a universal Church document which contains norms and directives for how we celebrate Eucharist. It was revised in the year 2000, and we have been awaiting an official English translation and Archbishop Levada’s decisions for implementing some of the liturgical norms in the GIRM. THAT TIME HAS COME!!

We pray for the ill: Sharon Aiello, Marilyn Arancibia, Robert Bacci, Nina Baldonado, Bastiaan Blumenthal, Marcia Bourne, Ann Burns, Maricris Candelaria, Arthur Candia, Josie Clarke, Nan Connolly, Zenaida Cortez, Ana Cosgaya, Imelda Daly, Walton & June Dickhoff, Sandra & William Dill, Carl Edwards, Joyce Flax, Adela Florez, Henry Fosson, Fred Gaedeke, Jesse Grube, Gladys Haff, Denise Hawald, Joanne Johnson, Koret Koelman, Muriel Krause, Abelardo Landin, Josephine Lavoie, Greg Lille, Marky, Daniel McHale, Rosemary McHale, Jeanne McHugh, Terry McLeod, Josefina Mercado, Sal Milizio, Catherine Murtagh, Thomas O’Brien, Louis Ricardo, Bill Reilly, Doris Ross, Pauline Speranza, William Wegman & Don Vickery .

As has been the tradition of our St. Robert’s family for many years, during the month of November food baskets are placed on our altar steps. In thanksgiving for the many gifts God has blessed us with, we share what we have with our brothers and sisters who are not as fortunate. Please bring NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS ONLY and place them in the baskets. Also

PLEASE NO TURKEYS!!!

presents

CATHOLIC FAQ’s
(Frequently Asked Questions)

A look at questions about worship, liturgy, and the sacraments.

The Adult Choir singing at the 9:30 Mass is seeking those interested in raising voices in praise. We are rehearsing music for Christmas and would love to invite new members to help make it truly joyous! Rehearsals are on Wednesday from 7:00-9:00PM and we gather at 9:00 AM on Sunday to warm-up.

From the nominating statement:

"Sister Ita is a very spiritual, positive and compassionate Vincentian. In her own quiet way, she is very good at getting people to donate their time and/or money to Saint Vincent de Paul. With her can-do attitude, Sister Ita is ready to assist whether it’s delivering Easter baskets to children or listening to a parent in need. While the rest of us are finishing our parish function meal, Sister Ita is loading her trunk with left-over food to deliver to families. She has been helping those less fortunate on a daily basis since 1970.

She has been very good about visiting people in their homes and as a result of her daily outreach, she has not only assisted with food and clothing, but also has brought people back to the faith. She is "the Gospel in action."

to Pat Vallez-Kelly on the completion of his Recital portion of his graduate degree program at Santa Clara University. Last Thursday a number of St. Robert’s community witnessed a wonderful and spirited musical program.

Catholic Campaign for Human Development

CCHD supports local groups as they create jobs, improve neighborhoods, train adults for employment at a living wage, keep schools safe and enriching for children, and raise leaders for the future.

Performances will be:

December 11th at 7:30 p.m
at St. Paul Church
29th and Church
San Francisco

December 13th at 7:30 p.m.
at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
3 Oakdale
Mill Valley

December 22nd at 4:00 p.m.
at St. Catherine of Siena Church
1310 Bayswater Ave.
Burlingame

Frederica von Stade
in concert with
The Chamber Orchestra of St. Catherine of Siena

Sunday, December 15th, at 5:00 p.m.

St. Catherine of Siena Chruch
1310 Bayswater Aveune
Burlingame

We welcome you into our Parish!

Michael & Paulina Frush

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.

The following parishioners have left our parish:

Mr. & Mrs. John Zaro

Marriage of East & West - Nov. 24th, 11:00 am-5:00 pm
Asha and Russill Paul

Advent Awakenings - Dec. 1, 1:30pm to 5:00pm
Carla DeSola and Suzanne Toolan, RSM

Advent Day of Prayer - Dec. 7, 10:00am to 2:00pm
Suzanne Toolan

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

Advent Day of Prayer - Dec. 4, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Toni Longo ASC

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

How to Pray: Petition, Thanksgiving, Praise-Service - Nov. 22-24
Silent Retreat on Prayer for Men/Women

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

Advent Day of Renewal - Dec. 3
Oh, Come all Ye Faithful
Barry Brunsman, OFM

Silent Advent Retreat - Dec. 13-15
Calling All Faithful
Barry Brunsman, OFM

SANTA SABINA CENTER
25 Magnolia Ave.
San Rafael, Ca 94901
(415) 457-7727