The Faces of SJB: Ushers and Greeters

Dear Friends in Christ,

When you have traveled to other places in our country on vacation or business, I’m sure you have had the opportunity to visit other parishes. Often the first person you meet at Sunday Mass is the parish greeter or usher. How he/she receives you often makes a lasting impression.

This task was performed by the porter in earlier times. His/her role was to welcome newcomers, ring the church bell for prayer, and keep order during the liturgical services. While there have been some changes in this ministry over the years, the ushers and greeters remain an important part of the supporting network of any parish. This week I would like to recognize these two groups of parishioners who perform a very important service in our parish. Please join me in thanking the Ministers of Hospitality/Ushers and Greeters who act as host and hostesses and warmly welcome the people of God to each liturgical celebration as well as perform various duties as required of them at the weekend Masses, Holy Day Masses, and many other special occasions. Their faithful and continuous service to our Parish is greatly appreciated.

USHERS

• Jay Smith - Head Usher, Ray Quigley, Rene Duazo
• Bob Augustine - Captain, Marilyn Wilson, Rolan Dizon
• Roy English - Captain, Duane Devincenzi, Joe Beno
• Frank Maiocco - Captain, Lito Barbar, Bart Arrington
• Ben Moratin - Captain, Chad Engroff , Edgar Rojo
• John Barnes - Captain, Denis Long, Bill Almeida
• Tom O’Brien, Alexander Kuang, Gordon Powers
• Jack Dignan, Rene Duazo, Bill Lichtenstein
• Phil Hunt, Dick Rhia

GREETERS

• Mario Banura, Leader
  
• Mari Beas
  
• Margaret Roles
• Jane McKnight
  
• Leeann Castillo
  
• Theresa Beno
• Jeffrey Farrier
  
• Stephanie Castillo
  
• Arcelia Kennedy
• Phoebe Madriaga
  
• Kaitlin Castillo
  
• Sally Frei
• Eulalia Pino
  
• Judith Phillips
  
• Avelina Agunod
• Mary Fran Kusch
  
• Pat Engdahl
  
• Guadalupe Perez
• Andrea Casella
  
• Oscar Silva
  
• Suzette Ruiz
• Zayda Arcangel
  
• Darlene Powers
  
• Maria Ramos
• Gina Aliazas

Married and engaged couples, please also remember the special presentation tomorrow evening (Mon. Jan.08) in the hall at 7:30 PM on natural family planning. The method presented helps couples when to have children and promotes open couple communication. It is also approved by the Church and good for your health. Invite your friend.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand

Sarah's Law

Dear Friends in Christ,

As we prepare to commemorate the infamous Roe vs. Wade decision that has caused so much suffering and death in our land, I would like to call your attention to a new law that is being proposed to protect the lives of teenage girls and their children.

“Sarah’s Law” is named for a 15 year old girl who died after an abortion. Unknown to her the abortionist had carelessly lacerated an organ while performing the abortion and had neglected to inform her or treat the laceration. He sent her home and she died within a few days of severe infections. Her parents could have saved her…if they had known.

This new law is a Family Notification Initiative which would require a doctor to notify a parent or guardian of a girl under 18 before performing anabortion. In addition, Sarah’s Law provides that, if a minor girl is from an abusive home, the doctor may instead notify another adult family member (such as an aunt, grandmother, or older sibling over 21) of the pending abortion. The doctor must also notify a child welfare agency of the abuse, so that the girl receives the protection she needs. Sarah’s Law will protect young girls by making sure that someone who knows and cares about them is aware of their pregnancy situation. Secret abortions allow young girls to be sexually exploited and coerced by older men, as well as exposing them to injury and even death at the hands of abortionists.

More than thirty states currently have parental involvement laws in place. These states have seen a significant reduction in teen pregnancy and teen abortion rates. Now California needs Sarah’s Law. From now until the end of March over 700,000 signatures statewide will be collected to ensure Sarah’s Law will qualify for the November 2008 ballot.

Today and next Sunday (Jan. 27), parishes throughout the state will be collecting petition signatures after each Mass. We hope to collect at least 500 signatures. Pope John Paul II wrote: “All that we do as the ‘people of life and for life’ should be interpreted correctly and welcomed with favor. When the Church declares that unconditional respect for the right to life of every innocent person-from conception to natural death-is one of the pillars on which every civil society stands, she ‘wants simply to promote a human State. A State which recognizes the defense of the fundamental rights of the human person as its primary duty.’” (The Gospel of Life, #101)

Please promote Pope John Paul II’s Culture of Life and sign a petition for Sarah’s Law.

May God bless you and your families.

Fr. Hildebrand