Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time — September 8, 2013 “And thus were the paths of those on earth made straight.” Wisdom 9:18 REFLECTION CATECHETICAL SUNDAY 2013 FEAST OF SAN LORENZO RUIZ REFLECCIÓN DOMINICAL As we gather today, the school year is in full swing and the parish schedule is full. With so much to give thanks and praise to God for, we are reminded in our readings today that God desires our full commitment to the task of discipleship. Perhaps our prayer today can be for a renewal of commitment in all our parish ministries, and for renewed hearts for each of us as well. This year, the Church will celebrate Catechetical Sunday on September 15, and will focus on the theme "Open the Door of Faith." Those whom the community has designated to serve as catechists will be called forth to be commissioned for their ministry. Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel and for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith. In addition, there will be a second collection to support the Faith Formation program. Please join Bishop Jaime Soto in celebrating the 2nd Annual Diocesan-wide Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 2700 Dover Avenue, Fairfield on Saturday, September 28 at 9:45 a.m. Procession, entertainment and food will follow immediately after the Mass. Lunch tickets are available for $6. Novena and Masses will be held at selected parishes starting September 19. For further information please call Wally or Suki LaForga at 4506298. Venimos hoy a nuestra celebración conscientes de que el año escolar ya está a toda marcha y que el horario de la parroquia está lleno. Hay mucho por lo que dar gracias y alabanzas a Dios, y las lecturas de hoy nos recuerdan que Dios desea un compromiso total con la tarea del discipulado. Tal vez debamos orar hoy por un compromiso renovado en todos los ministerios de nuestra parroquia y también por un corazón renovado en cada uno de nosotros. FAITH FORMATION FORMACIÓN DE FE HERE’S THE SCOOP! Back to school also means “Back to Religious Education.” It's still not too late to register before classes get filled! The deadline to register is September 15. Stop by the office on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday of this week or by appointment to register. Parent meetings for children receiving the sacraments will take place on September 18 (First Communion) and September 25 (Confirmation), both at 5:30 p.m. All classes begin on Wednesday, October 2 at the scheduled time of your class. Please meet in the church. Call the office at 447-2354 if you have any questions. Regreso a la escuela también significa regreso a la educación religiosa. ¿Ha inscrito usted para las clases del año escolar 2013-2014? Todavía queda tiempo antes de que las clases se llenan. La fecha límite de registración es el 15 de septiembre. Venga a la oficina martes, miércoles o jueves para inscribirse. Las reuniones para padres de niños recibiendo sus sacramentos sucederán el 18 de septiembre (Primera Comunión) y el 25 de septiembre (Confirmación), las dos a las 5:30 de la tarde. Las clases son en inglés, con la opción de hacer la Primera Comunión en español. Todas las clases empiezan miércoles, el 2 de octubre a la hora de su clase. Por favor reúnase en la iglesia. Llame a la oficina a 447-2354 si tiene preguntas. OUR WEEKLY COLLECTION Report for Sunday, September 1, 2013: Our Sunday Offering Average Weekly Expenses: 7/1/13thru 9/1/13 Budgeted Income: 7/1/13 thru 9/1/13 Actual Income: $ $ $ $ 11,565 13,000 117,000 95,011 Thank you for your generous offering. May your love and sacrifices be greatly rewarded. QUESTION OF THE WEEK Twenty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time Week of September 8, 2013 Theme: Commitment is required to follow Jesus. Question for Adults: Today's Gospel is demanding. How do you as a modern man or woman "denounce your possessions?" What does this mean for you? Question for Children: Jesus says that in order to be one of his followers, we must be close to him. When do you feel closest to Jesus? FLOWER DONATION Thanks to Fil and Donald Oda, who donated flowers this weekend in celebration of their 50th anniversary. We appreciate your contribution to the beauty of our Masses. May the Lord continue to bless your marriage in the years to come. MAINTENANCE FUND COLLECTION Thank you for your generous contributions to last week’s collection. Together we raised $2,452, which will be used for major repairs and maintenance projects in the parish. DIOCESAN TECH POSITION The Diocese is looking for a technical savvy individual to operate our video conferencing system for events. This paid position will be up to 10-20 hours per month. Candidates must have flexible schedule for days, nights, and weekend events. The video conferencing technician will act as a point person assisting event coordinators and provide the trouble shooting if necessary. Please submit a resume and cover letter to Arnell J. Ignacio at aignacio@scd.org. Please join the Youth Group on 9/8 for an ice cream social in the Church Meeting Room following the noon Mass. Bring your parents and younger siblings; this event is open for all parishioners young and old! CHRISTIAN LIFE PROGRAM We in the ministry of the Couples for Christ would like to invite you to our Christian Life Program, which starts on September 8 at 1:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Couples for Christ (CFC) is a movement intended for the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life. CFC is a work of Christ which raises up Christian couples and establishes Christian families committed to the work of evangelization, winning the world for Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. If you need more information, please contact Dennis or Edith at (707) 455-8202. STATUE DONATION Thank you to the Chapital Family for their donation of a statue of the Virgin Mary. The statue is currently located in the parish office. We appreciate your generous gift to our Parish. ST. MARY’S BUNCO FUNDRAISER St. Mary’s Women’s Social Club will be hosting a Bunco fundraiser on Saturday, September 14 from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. in St. Mary’s Church Hall. Proceeds will benefit church charitable needs. Donation $20 (nonrefundable). Must be 18 years or older to attend. Tickets are limited. All are welcome. There will be lots of fun, laughs, prizes, snacks, beverages, desserts and a 50/50 opportunity drawing will be held. Tickets and information are available by calling (707) 447-1833. JOB OPPORTUNITY St. Francis High School has positions open for Campus Minister for Retreats and Campus Ministry Assistant. Full job descriptions and applications are on the St. Francis website www.stfrancishs.org (About Us/Employment). VIRGIN OF GUADALUPE The Parish is seeking members for a committee that will plan the Virgin of Guadalupe festivities to be held on December 12. The group will be meeting on Tuesdays from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in PCMR1, with the first meeting to be held on September 24. No experience is necessary; all you need is gratitude toward the Virgin of Guadalupe and a warm heart with a desire to help. This year there should be a great celebration, with mariachi, flowers, tamales, atole and much, much more. Please contact Victor Gonzalez at (707) 761-1303 and leave a message. FOOD DRIVE The monthly Food Drive for St. Mary’s Food Locker is next weekend (September 14-15). Food items needed include: boxed cereals, individual packaged instant oatmeal, canned soups, peanut butter, etc. FALL 40 DAYS FOR LIFE The Fall 2013 40 Days for Life begins Wednesday, September 25 in hundreds of cities around the world, including several in our Diocese. Christians will pray and offer assistance on the sidewalk, Monday-Friday, from September 25 to November 3. Bishop Jaime Soto will celebrate our Diocese’s Opening Mass for the 40 Days vigil on Monday, September 23 at St. Philomene’s Parish in Sacramento, beginning with a Rosary at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Mass at 6:00 p.m. Everyone is invited! LA VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE La Parroquia busca miembros para un comité que planeará las festividades de la Virgen de Guadalupe el 12 de diciembre de este año. El grupo se reunirá a las 6:00-7:00 de la tarde, antes de las prácticas del coro, en PCMR1, con la primera reunión programada en el 24 de septiembre. Experiencia no es necesaria; solo se necesita gratitud hacia la Virgen, un corazón cariñoso y un deseo de ayudar. Este año habrá una gran celebración, con mariachi, flores, tamales, atole y mucho, mucho más. Por favor llame a Victor Gonzalez a (707) 761-1303 y deje un mensaje. COLECTA DE COMIDA La colecta mensual de comida para la iglesia St. Mary’s será el próximo fin de semana (14-15 de septiembre). Comidas deseadas incluyen: cereales, avena en paquetes individuales, sopa enlatada, crema de cacahuate, etc. FONDO DEL MANTENIMIENTO Gracias por sus contribuciones generosas al fondo para el mantenimiento de la iglesia el fin de semana pasado. Juntos recogimos $2,452 que será usado por reparaciones grandes en la parroquia.