The readings this weekend should give us great relief: all of them speak of God’s graciousness to sinners! The Israelites worship the golden calf; Paul approved of Stephen’s stoning to death and imprisoned Christians. A lectors’ commentary says the word translated as “arrogant” more properly means “thug” which Paul admits he was, acting “out of ignorance in my unbelief.” Jesus’ examples are lovely: the woman who loses a coin from her wedding necklace; the shepherd who has lost one adventuresome sheep; the father who welcomes back his wild son. If we think God can’t forgive us for something we’ve done or not done, we’ve missed the point. Everyone is welcome at the table of God. [Jesus’ unbelievable inclusivity probably prompted the Pharisees to get rid of him. If everyone was welcome, where did that leave them and their claim to special places in the kingdom of God?] Difficult as it is to believe, as Paul says, “Nothing that exists…can ever come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8.29) If you know someone who believes he or she has fallen so far from God as to not be able to ever come back, perhaps you can share this passage from Romans or Luke 15.1-32 which we hear today.

Peace, S. Sheral

As a Parish Community we pray …for those who teach our faith to children in school, confirmation and religious education programs and for our R.C.I.A. team. May God bless and strengthen them.

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.

Our sincere sympathy to the families of
Cosme Larios,
Gary Manno and
Edna DelDebbio
who died recently

MARRIED COUPLES

You can celebrate your Marriage by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend, November 9th-11th in Burlingame. It’s a positive, simple, common sense, private experience between husband and wife that revitalizes marriage. A weekend renews the romance and excitement you experienced during your dating days. For more information, go to sf.lovemoredeeply.org. or call Paul and Yvonne at (650) 366-7093.

IN SUPPORT OF CAREGIVERS

Our quarterly gathering for anyone who cares for a parent, spouse, relative or special needs child – part-time or full-time – will take place Saturday, October 6 from 8:30 am to 1 pm in the convent chapel. We’ll pray, share the challenges and blessings of caregiving and enjoy lunch together. Please look for a flier at the one of the church entrances. If you have questions or to register, please call S. Patricia at 589-0204 or S. Sheral at 589-2800.

The Islamic Faith- The Tuesday morning class on Islam will begin Sept. 18 at 9:15 a.m. in Mary’s Chapel. We’re a pretty casual group, so even if you can’t commit to every Tuesday, you’re most welcome. If there are 4 or 5 of you who cannot come during the day, but would be available for evening sessions, please call me or email ssheral@saintroberts.org, and I’ll be happy to set up a weekly evening class.

Why Islam?
Some folks might be wondering why the Tuesday morning groupbeginIslam. Actually, one of the Vatican II documents, Nostra Aetate (In Our Time, in English) promulgated by Pope Paul VI suggested as much in 1965:

In our time, when day by day mankind is being drawn closer together, and the ties between different peoples are becoming stronger, the Church examines more closely her relationship to non-Christian religions…Since in the course of centuries not a few quarrels and hostilities have arisen between Christians and Moslems, this sacred synod urges all to forget the past and to work sincerely for mutual understanding and to preserve as well as to promote together for the benefit of all mankind social justice and moral welfare, as well as peace and freedom. (#3)

Our hope is to understand the reality of Islam and the differences between our faith as Catholics and theirs as Muslims.

1958◄▬►2008
"JOURNEY THROUGH THE YEARS"
It's Here!!!!....Next Weekend!!!! Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Bring your friends and family to enjoy the festival entertainment all weekend long. Rides and games for the kids, an ice cream social on Friday night, delicious food, including a sit down dinner on Saturday night in Hennessy Hall, raffle and bingo on Sunday afternoon. It all begins on Friday at 6p.m.-11 p.m. Saturday from 12 noon-11pm and Sunday from 12:30 p.m.-6 p.m.

HIGH ROLLER RAFFLE
Sept. 23rd
Only 200 tickets to be sold.
ACT NOW
Call Steve Belluomini. Get your ticket today!

Maureen Huntington won $200 as our
Early Bird Raffle Winner

FRANK AND FRIENDS DINNER SHOW
Saturday, Sept. 22nd
2 seatings
5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Only 150 tickets per show

THIS IS A POPULAR SHOW-A GUARANTEED SELL OUT
Get your tickets now!!!

Tickets will be sold after all Masses THIS WEEKEND only while they last. Adults-$17, Seniors and Children (12 and under)-$15

Price includes Mexican dinner, desert and show
Call Joanne Pino for information and tickets.

BBQ AND FOOD BOOTH

BBQ and Food Booth needs your help. Please call the Downs Family at (650) 588-1927 or email them at: noniepapadowns@aol.com. IT'S NEXT WEEKEND and your help is urgently needed.

BOOK DONATIONS NEEDED

BOOK DONATIONS WANTED St. Robert’s will be collecting books, videos (VHS or DVD) and age appropriate video games. These items will be sold at our first ever Book Booth during the Parish Festival. All donated items should be in good condition. Movies should be in good playing condition and rated G or PG. Please no unlicensed copies. Computer games should be age appropriate (no M or AO ratings). Donations can be dropped off in the Church vestibule, only. DO NOT DROP OFF AT SCHOOL OR RECTORY! If you have questions or to make arrangements to drop off a donation please call Michael Salazar.

FESTIVAL AND 50TH ANNIVERSARY T-SHIRTS

Festival and 50th Anniversary T-shirts will be on sale TODAY, after ALL MASSES.

SUNDAY COLLECTION

ANNUAL APPEAL

As of 9-12-2007 350 parishioners have donated $84,187.80

    
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