St. Robert's Catholic Church

1380 Crystal Springs Road, San Bruno, CA 94066

Tel: (650) 589-2800

PARISH BULLETIN
July 22 2007
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today’s Gospel says in part:

Martha burdened with much serving, came to him and said “Lord do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.”

Oh, I can hear the whining in her voice. Only I think I would of said “Why do I have to do everything?” Thereby letting the “Poor Me” syndrome set in.

I remember some years ago coming home from work on a warm summer day. My husband and kids had been home all day. (Oh yes, that does happen when you are married to a school teacher and it’s summer time).

I walked into the house startled by all the messes that have been left through the day. My mind and body went right to resentment but it was shortly changed to anger when my darling husband said to me with a big smile, “Matt, and the family are coming over in about 1/2 an hour to hang out and have dinner.” Oh...did I want to punch a wall. However, I took that energy and used it to clean up and cook dinner. Any closet near by was stuffed with a toy or anything else that was laying around. No time to mop, I just whipped out the vacuum and got to it. I then started tearing up the kitchen looking for the makings of that perfect dinner.

By the time Matt and his family arrived I was in no mood to entertain and I am sure they sensed my emotions. I don’t recall if they ever came back after that evening, would you?

There is only one child at home now and there are no more awful messes. I am still married to that same school teacher, who is still off all summer, but I have learned how to ask for help so that I too, can spend time with those that come to visit. What a surprise-they don’t come to see my house they come to see myself and my family, wow what a concept, that’s right, I don’t have to worry what people think-no need to impress. It might be that they come over and the floor isn’t mopped or there are dishes in the sink and that is ok, today. It is more important for me to spend time with my family and friends, and listen to what is going on in their lives. The dirty ole floor or those darn dishes will be taken care of when they leave.

“Mary has chosen the best part and it will not be taken from her.”

Today, I have chosen the best part, and will ask for help so that it will not be taken from me.

Carpe diem….Seize the Day!
Kathy Hanley

Check www.masstimes.org for Mass schedules in other cities.

As a Parish Community we pray …We pray for women waiting longingly for the blessing of a child...for all pregnant women. May they cherish and protect the life that grows within them.

WE CONGRATULATE THE NEWLY BAPTIZED

Taj Hill, Lucas Michael Zayac
Ava Maria Solorio
Avery Lyn Motroni
Gabriella Lawrie Caruso
Mia Rose Inferrera
Hannah Mary Healy

We continue to ask each week that parishioners pray for the chronically ill of our parish. If you have a friend or loved one in need of our parish prayers please call the Rectory at 589-2800.

This week we pray for Kay Marshal

Our sincere sympathy to the family of
Anna Delucchi
who died recently

If you are 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. If you chose, you can register online at: www.saintroberts.org.

The Gift of Hospitality
The readings all summer are wonderful! Perhaps, a slightly slower pace enables us to take them in and hear their message more deeply. The three ”men,” one is the Lord, the other two are elsewhere referred to as angels, receive typical Middle Eastern hospitality, a necessity to keep travelers from dying of heat and dehydration. In return for Abraham and Sarah’s graciousness, they are promised a son, though they are advanced in years. You might want to read the next few lines in your bible (Genesis 18. 10b-15) to hear the very amusing “rest of the story.” The gospel is that very familiar Mary and Martha episode with Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet listening and Martha doing all the work. Any of us who have been in charge of a potluck or a major family gathering can sympathize with Martha! Yet Mary is the one Jesus praises, because she has her priorities straight: the guest is more important than what is served. A lesson for the rest of us: plan a simpler meal, perhaps, so that we can enjoy the company instead of “being anxious and worried about many things.” And another lesson perhaps, how well do we listen? It is surely one of the greatest gifts we can give anyone during this high-tech, low-touch era.

Legislative Updates
Many important bills are being discussed while the rest of us are on vacation and not paying too much attention. Please go to www.networklobby.org and Weekly Legislative Hot News to read about the Labor and HHS bill which includes nutrition programs for the elderly, subsidies for child care, and energy assistance for poor families; the Farm Bill; the DREAM act, helping undocumented children go to college and begin a path towards citizenship; and efforts to cut funding for SCHIP which provides healthcare for low-income children. Then express your opinion to Representative Tom Lantos.

St. Robert's Church
1380 Crystal Springs Road
San Bruno, CA 94066-4794
Phone: 650.589-2800 Fax: 650.589.9628

Become a Festival Sponsor at this year's "Journey Through the Years" Festival on September 21-23, 2007. Promote your business and any new product or service by becoming a Game Booth and Lounge Sponsor. Here are your options:

1) Game Booth or Lounge Sponsorship:

a) Platinum $325 - Tax deductible gift, your business name displayed within our Lounge and Game Booths on a 2 x 6 sign provided by St. Robert's Church

b) Gold $200 - Tax deductible gift, your business name will be displayed in our Lounge and Game Booths

c) Silver $100 - Tax deductible gift, your business name will be displayed in our game booths

2) Donate Merchandise or Service

a) Item will be used as a raffle or door prize throughout our Festival Weekend. Your business name will be displayed at our Fri. Night Ice Cream Social, Sat. Night Dinner and at the Raffle Sale Ticket Booth

3) Make a Monetary Donation - All donations are tax deductible

Complete the bottom portion and return to the Rectory A.S.A.P.

Yes, I/we want to help!!!! Here is my/our donation of:

___$100      ___$200     __$325        _____Other $___      ___Product/Service
       Silver            Gold          Platinum

Name:_________________________

Address:_____________________________________________________

___My check is enclosed (please make checks payable to St. Robert's Church)

___My employer will match my gift (please enclose your employers matching gift form)

Employer:____________________________________________________

Address:_____________________________________________________

Your business name and key contact information will be displayed and announced throughout the festival weekend.

Gifts are tax deductible!!
Your donation is greatly appreciated - Tax ID# 94-1437729

SUNDAY COLLECTION

    
SIGN UP FOR E-CONTRIBUTIONS

Go to www.saintroberts.org and click on the e-contributions button. The first page explains the details. There is a button to take you to the e-paluch registration page. You can register online using either your checking account or credit card.

There is no cost to you for this service.

2007 CENTERPLATE SIGN UP

Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Mass

Sunday, 7:30 a.m. Mass

Sunday, 5:00 p.m. Mass