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NEWS - week of 06-24-07 to 06-30-07 Social Concerns A Long Overdue Remembrance and Thank You to Jim Serrille In many ways, we are what we are and who we are today because of those who have gone before. Today I would like to present a long overdue recognition of one of the early leaders of charitable activities within the parish, Jim Serrille, who passed away almost one year ago. Jim and his wife, Pat weren't among the "founders" of the parish, but they certainly were among the "early settlers". Jim was involved in starting St. Vincent de Paul in the early 60's. When persons in need came to the rectory, Jim or any of the other seven people involved would go to the rectory to see what needed to be done immediately, and if long-term help was needed, they went in pairs to interview and assess the situation at home and verify the need. Jim was involved in St. Vincent for twenty-five years and was Chairperson for ten of those years. Ann and I met Jim and Pat in the mid 80's as part of the Parish Council. The Council formed "sub-teams" to address various issues and we all were on a sub-team termed "Caring and Sharing". The Nights at the Armory, started in the late 80's through a vigorous Young Adults group, transferred to Caring and Sharing as the Young Adults grew older, got married, or moved away. I vividly remember feeding the homeless with Jim and Pat; Pat simply took over the kitchen and things just worked while Jim handed out blankets. It was an amazing and satisfying time! Caring and Sharing merged with St. Vincent in the early 90's in an effort to streamline St. Vincent's services. Nights at the Armory continued through an independent ad hoc group that included Jim and Pat. It is quite fair to say that the St. Vincent de Paul group of the 70's and 80's, the Caring and Sharing Group, and the Nights at the Armory were key charity components already in place when the Social Concerns Group was formed 3-4 years ago. Many thanks to Jim Serrille who will be long remembered for his charitable activities at St. Lawrence. Catechetical Ministry Increase the power of your prayers. In church, you get to pray directly to Jesus. "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20). Claim your right. As a baptized Catholic, you have the right to ask for guidance from Jesus and to offer your gifts to the Creator. Find something new. You can always find at least one idea within the Mass that makes sense, seems possible, practical, intriguing, or worth thinking about in terms of your own life. Look for it in the readings, the Gospel, the homily, the intercessions, the Eucharistic prayers or even in the person next to you. It's easy evangelization.Your presence in church tells others that you consider your faith important. Pray like the best. Most of the words of the Mass address God in tones and phrases that are more beautiful than we could come up with on our own. Tune in to the words, especially the Eucharistic prayer, and make them your own. Registering in a parish is a declaration of your desire to be part of a Catholic community and a commitment to the life of the parish family. To so clearly state your Catholic commitment in all its dimensions brings you advantages, recognition, and responsibilities of many kinds. Being a registered parishioner makes things much easier when it is time for infant baptism, school registration, weddings, when asked to be a baptismal or confirmation sponsor, and even funerals. We are often asked to provide affidavits for baptismal and confirmation sponsors. We can only do this if a person is a registered, active, and contributing member in our parish. How do you know if you are already registered? A registered parishioner receives all parish mailings. So, are you a registered parishioner? If not, please consider registering. Registration forms are always available in the hospitality room near the front entrance of the church. Please complete one today and return it this week if you would like to join our community!
In May and June 2007, the following families registered with our parish. Please introduce yourselves to them and make them feel welcomed!
5:00pm - $2,520.00 Thank you for your continued support! 2nd Collection for the Maintenance fund $1,127.13
Other offerings: $342.60
Back by popular demand! Our water aerobic sessions begin this week! Sessions are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 7pm 8pm. Suggested donation: $3.00 per session. Join Sara and her group at the pool for some really great (and easy on the joints!) exercise! Showers and changing areas are available.
- week of 06-17-07 to 06-23-07 Social Concerns
How important is it to speak up and get involved?
One answer comes from a German Lutheran Pastor - Martin Niemoller - who was imprisoned from 1937 to 1945 in the Sachenshausen and Dachau concentration camps for anti-Nazi activities. Here he reflects on his actions from 1933 to 1937.
Catechetical Ministry By reason of our baptism we are all called to ministry. We are baptized into Christ and share in His ministry as priest, prophet and shepherd. What does that mean and how should we respond to that call in our everyday lives? I believe it means exactly what it says: we are the People of God with the mandate to bring forth the Kingdom of God by responding to the ministry in which we can best use the gifts God has given us. In November 2005, the Bishops of the United States officially accepted a major document on the role and function of lay ecclesial ministry in the Church. The document, "Co-workers in the Vineyard of the Lord," was approved by a two-thirds majority of the membership of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The document goes on to set out "guidelines for the appropriate human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation of those who are entrusted with such ministries. It also addresses the role of Church authorities in certifying, authorizing and appointing lay ecclesial ministers. It spells out the theology of lay ministry and the differences between ministry arising out of ordination and ministry arising out of the sacraments of initiation" (Valley Catholic, December 2005.) The document does not describe a new type of ministry in the Church; rather, it is a term for a number and variety of ministerial positions held by lay people who assume leadership roles in a range of ministries. Often these lay ministers work in close collaboration with the clergy and various pastoral staff members. At other times they may work as directors and coordinators of a specific ministry in a parish. Here at St. Lawrence, the Martyr Parish we are blessed to have some very dedicated parishioners who have been active in many ministries. Some of them have assumed leadership roles including but not limited to Sacramental Preparation, Liturgical Ministry, and Pastoral Ministry. This dedication to ministry is called "lay ecclesial ministry". Following the guidelines of the Diocese of San Jose, Fr. Andy has named seven lay-ecclesial ministers for our parish: Linda Daily, Ray Crisologo, Jim Balquist, Steve Varnau, Marianne Farag, Sheila Dahlberg and Sr. Kathleen. The Installation of these seven lay-ecclesial ministers will take place here at St. Lawrence next Sunday, June 24th, at the 10:00am Mass. Please join us in celebrating their installation and for a reception in the Parish Hall, following Mass.
5:00pm - $1,934.00 Thank you for your continued support! 2nd Collection for the Catholic Communications $788.00 Other offerings: $204.00
Back by popular demand! Our water aerobic sessions begin this week! Sessions are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 7pm 8pm. Suggested donation: $3.00 per session. Join Sara and her group at the pool for some really great (and easy on the joints!) exercise! Showers and changing areas are available.
- week of 06-10-07 to 06-16-07 Social Concerns Shared Housing through Catholic Charities: Did you know that Catholic Charities works for affordable housing by matching up families and individuals in need with persons with one-or-more rooms available for rent? They provide help with identifying and promoting available rooms, assessing applicants thoroughly, and other services. including formalizing a shared housing rental agreement. They can also help arrange "Service Exchanges" where rent is lowered in exchange for help around the house, the yard, etc. For additional information on this program, please contact Tim Andonian (Catholic Charities) at 408 325-5246 or 408 325-5277, or by e-mail at tandonian@ccsj.org. Faithful Citizenship: For those who have not yet started to read or listen to the issues and candidates for next year's presidential (and other) elections, it would be good to remember that Catholic Social Teaching strongly urges us to both vote - and make every effort to become responsibly informed before we vote. The debates of the past week remind us that - - if we haven't started yet - - its time to really start paying attention. Help Wanted in the Immigration Area - - There are many important activities revolving around Immigration issues in the Diocese, and the Social Concerns group is unable to keep up with them all. We could use help from volunteers who would be interested in this area as their time permits. Perhaps you are just curious, interested, or maybe you or someone you know, has personally experienced injustice from the immigration process. If any or all of these apply, and you would like to discuss this further, please call Jim at 241-0265.
5:00pm - $3,122.00 Thank you for your continued support! 2nd Collection for the Education Center $871.00 Other offerings: $206.10 Mass Cards for the Father's Day Novena are available in the Hospitality Room. Please return the envelope with the name(s) of the fathers you would like to have included in the novena. Thank you!
For many years, Mr. Charlie Armstrong was active in developing and coordinating the Altar Server program here at St. Lawrence. To honor and recognize his years of service, we have created an annual award to give to one Altar Server, who shows outstanding dedication and has four years of service in this ministry. Last Thursday, June 7th, at the Baccalaureate Mass for the graduating class of the middle school, the 2007 Charlie Armstrong Achievement Award was presented to 8th grader, Matthew Cervantes. Congratulations!
- week of 06-03-07 to 06-09-07 Social Concerns Volunteer at Sacred Heart Community Service: Sacred Heart Community Service has needs for volunteers in a variety of areas including working with small groups on ESL, helping mentor families, helping with job searches and employment counseling, working with students on homework and computer skills, helping to collect, sort/package and deliver lunches to local shelters, and many many more. A representative from Sacred Heart will be available outside church at all Masses this weekend with more information and to discuss volunteer opportunies with you. If you are interested and have the time, you can get a "head start" at www.shcstheheart.org/volunteers/opps.html. Help Wanted in the Immigration Area - - There are many important activities revolving around Immigration issues in the Diocese, and the Social Concerns group is unable to keep up with them all. We could use help from people who would be interested in this area to help as time permits. Perhaps you are just curious, interested, or you have personally or know someone who has experienced injustice from the immigration process. If any or all of these apply, we would love to hear from you. Please call Jim at 241-0265. Catechetical Ministry We thought this would be a nice letter to share with our community. Enjoy!
MAY 1, 2007 I took this step into confirmation and first Eucharist because of my son Matthew. He is twelve years old and for the last couple of years I have wanted him to begin his journey into the life of Christ. Last year, I heard about this program through a friend and thought this was the perfect time for him because of his age. I enrolled him in the program and then began to think, "If Im asking him to do it why shouldnt I be an example of the faith I am trying to instill in him?" I was baptized as an infant but did not continue on to complete the sacraments so I decided I should join in the program too. I did and am so very glad I made that decision. At the start of the program, we thought WOW! Its going to be a long time until Easter Vigil. It went by very fast, and a big part of that was because we both enjoyed coming to classes Tuesday nights and to Mass on Sundays. A huge part of the joy in attending class was due to Linda, Marianne, Steve, and Ron, four very special people we are so glad to have met. A BIG THANKS to all of you. We were both so excited, looking forward to finally being able to join in this beautiful experience. The night of Easter Vigil, I could hardly believe it was finally here. The moment I saw my son get baptized, I felt so much love and emotion; it was like a new birth (as Matthew likes to explain it.) He is very proud of his accomplishments, as am I. I thought that was the most important part of the journey, but now, I also believe that every Sunday is just as important, because we can now join in sharing Eucharist with the entire community. We couldn't have been happier anywhere else than here at St. Lawrence. I want to again thank all of the people involved in this program because without you this journey wouldnt have been possible. GEOVANNA AND MATTHEW ZELAYA
5:00pm - $1,065.00 Thank you for your continued support! Other Offerings: : $141.00
My Dear Parishioners, During my Pastoral Year assignment here, it has been a great delight for me to learn different ministries and work with Fr. Andy Ligot, Sr. Kathleen and the Pastoral Staff. Under the supervision of Fr. Andy, I have been exposed to different ministries by participating and doing different tasks in the parish. All of these have enriched my knowledge and experience. For example, Fr. Andy allowed me to share the Gospel reflections twice a week. I collaborated with team members of RCIA ministry in giving talks on different topics of faith. I visited the Catechetical Ministry and attended meetings for Liturgical and Youth Ministries. I brought the Holy Communion to the sick, helped the poor with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. In addition, I learned how to do the Vigil Service and the Committal Service when Fr. Andy was busy in the parish. I visited students at the Elementary and Middle School and gave talks in the classrooms at the Academy. I attended Administrative and Finance Meetings and took the initiative to contribute ideas in finding a qualified contractor to renovate the Parish Hall as well as maintaining the school facilities. Despite my busy schedule at this Parish, I was able to maintain a well-balanced lifestyle in developing my spiritual growth by attending daily Mass, spending time before the Blessed Sacrament and praying the Holy Rosary. Fr. Andy, Sr. Kathleen, the Parish Staff, and all of the parishioners are in my prayers, and I would like to ask you to remember me in your prayers as well. If everything goes well, I hope to be ordained Deacon by October of next year, and in the following year, in May of 2009, I hope to be ordained as a Priest. I am about to end my Pastoral Year and go back to the Seminary to continue my Priestly Formation. My last working day here will be on June 14th. I will definitely miss all of you. You have been very wonderful people! On June 15th, I will be doing the Catholic Clinical Pastoral Education Program (also known as CPE) at O' Connor Hospital. I will be working full time at O' Connor as a Seminarian Intern for the next two months this summer. Thank you again for your warm hospitality. May Almighty God bless and reward you abundantly in this life and the next life. Amen. - Seminarian Tan D. NguyenMay 30, 2007
Everyone is cordially invited to the Rectory Open House on Friday, June 15th from 5pm to 8pm. Parishioners will have the opportunity to see first hand the front office renovations and repainting. It will also be our celebration of Fr. Andy's 15th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood and our farewell party for our seminarian, Tan Nguyen, as he ends his pastoral year here at Saint Lawrence.
Saint Lawrence the Martyr Parish is seeking a part-time Coordinator of Youth Ministry to organize the core groups of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. This will include coordinating and helping to develop workshops, retreats, social outreach, volunteer recruitment and training, youth liturgy and various other youth activities. Candidates should have taken some studies in theology and/or catechetical/ youth ministry. Good communication and computer skills preferred. Position will begin August 1. Salary determined according to Diocesan Guidelines
We are looking for registered parishioners who want to become more active in our community. There is a need for counters for the weekend collections (Sunday afternoon and Monday morning openings) and scrip sellers for after weekend Masses. If you believe that one of these ministries is right for you, please contact the Rectory Office at 408-296-3000. Archived News Oct2006 Nov2006 Dec2006 Jan2007 Feb2007 Mar2007 Apr2007 May2007 Jul2007 Aug2007 Sep2007 Oct2007 Nov2007 Dec2007 Jan2008 Feb2008 Mar2008 Apr2008 May2008 Jun2008 |