Merry Christmas!

Dear Friends in Christ,

Merry Christmas! Our Christmas celebrations at St. John’s have been attended by large numbers of people, for that we are grateful. We want to share the joy of our Savior’s birth so that many more will come to know and love Him. May His Name be praised. Sincere thanks to all of you who gave us cards and gifts. Your kindness will have its reward. I would also like to thank all those who made our church’s celebration so festive, especially our environment committee and parish musicians.

A happy and healthy New Year 2010 to you and your families.

Fr. Hildebrand

Advent Penance Services

Dear Friends in Christ,

During the past two weeks I have assisted at a number of Advent Penance Services both here and in other parishes. In addition there have been extra confessions for the students both here and in other schools. The Sacrament of Penance is truly one of the greatest gifts the Lord has given to His Church. Many people have received the gift of grace and spiritual healing through this Sacrament, which is a real encounter with Christ, King of Mercy and Spiritual Healer.

When a person has finished his/her confession the priest sends him/her forth in peace. This peace is often reflected in the penitent’s voice which expresses genuine thanks for the gift of God’s forgiveness. Having celebrated the Sacrament of Penance myself many times, I still feel that sense of a burden lifted, a joy of spirit, knowing that the Lord has forgiven me.

Hearing confessions is essential to our priestly ministry; at times it can be tiring. However, I find that this ministry is also very rewarding. When a priest absolves a person from their sins, he is really acting in the Person of Christ. The priest is God’s agent of mercy, extending mercy to all those who come with a contrite heart.

What a great way to prepare to receive the Christ Child! He was born in the cold and poverty of a stable long ago in Bethlehem. Today He wants to dwell in our hearts. May these hearts be made ready to receive Him with love.

If you have not made your Christmas confession yet, I would encourage you to take the opportunity tomorrow, Monday at 7:30 PM in the church. This time period will replace our regularly scheduled Thursday confessions since this Thursday is Christmas Eve.

Let us pray for one another at this joyous season of God’s love.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand

Advent Season

Dear Friends in Christ,

We are now more than half way through our Advent season. As we continue preparing gifts, parties, and cards let us not forget two classes of people who are in danger of death during this holy season, our unborn children and our military on active duty.

The Christmas season includes the feast of the Holy Innocents on Dec. 28. For more than twenty years St. John’s has hosted the pro-life march and Mass of reparation for abortion. This public witness for life has drawn large crowds every year, and it is my wish that our parish’s 50th anniversary should be marked by an even larger attendance. Christmas is about a Child who was born to save us from our sins. Christmas is for children. Let’s pray that America will embrace its children, especially those not yet born. Let us also pray for our government leaders that they will exclude abortion coverage from the national health care program. This needs our very fervent prayers and sacrifices since the stakes are high. Our unborn children have no voice unless we speak for them and in their defense.

At Christmas time we must also remember our military brothers and sisters on active duty away from their families in foreign lands and often in danger of life and limb. If you know a soldier, why not include him/her on your Christmas card list? More important, remember our service personnel in your prayers. Pray that the Lord protect them and bring them home safely. Offer your Christmas Mass and Communion for them. There is no better gift.

Meanwhile let us accompany Mary, the Mother of Jesus during the remainder of this Advent season. She brought forth the Author of life and wants us to recognize Him in the poor and the forgotten. May Mary help us to understand the true meaning of Christmas so that we may come to know and love her Son Jesus more perfectly.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand

Second Sunday of Advent

Dear Friends in Christ,

On this Second Sunday of Advent we begin to hear about our patron St. John the Baptist. Today’s Gospel is from St. Luke. Here is a commentary on this passage by Fr. Tony Kadavil: John called people to repent as a way of preparing their hearts and lives for the Lord's visit. He is calling us, too, to get ready for something so great that it fills our emptiness with expectation. A smooth road means nothing to God, but a repentant heart means a great deal. Hence, the truly important goal for us is to prepare our hearts to receive the Lord. By emphasizing the last line of the quotation, "All flesh will see the salvation of God," Luke stresses the universal aspect of God's salvation. Having begun the section with a list of rulers who did not bring wholeness or salvation, Luke ends with the expectation of a true Lord Who can bring these about. We don't live in a perfect world and we don't look to this world to see God's salvation. For salvation, we have to look to Jesus -- Jesus present in Scripture, Jesus present in the sacraments, Jesus present in our coming together in his name, Jesus present in the lives of his followers. Perhaps if we began to see Jesus in each other and in ourselves, and started to treat one another (and ourselves) as we would treat Jesus, more of the world might come to see God's salvation.

The Jordan River was the place that represented the border between the desert — where the Jews had wandered aimlessly for 38 years after centuries of slavery in Egypt — and the Promised Land. By preaching his message there, John was inviting the Jews of his day, to come out of the bondage of slavery, to leave their faults, their wandering, and their sinful lives behind, and to enter into the Promised Land full of God’s blessings. The Fathers of the Church have called the Sacrament of Reconciliation our “second baptism,” in which we’re brought back to the Jordan and cleansed internally as we were on the day of our Christening. Advent, like Lent, is a season given to us so that we may repent of our sins and be reconciled with God and His Church by receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Please take advantage of confessions during this holy season, following the wise counsel of our patron saint: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord!”

Advent blessings to all.

Fr. Hildebrand

Advent

Dear Friends in Christ,

The season of Advent inaugurates a new liturgical year. With the First Sunday of Advent we begin a new cycle of readings which will continue until Advent of next year. The texts for the readings are spread over a three year period (Years A, B, and C). Having just completed Year B last Sunday, we are now beginning Year C.

The Gospel and the other Scripture readings at Mass are “proclaimed” from the Ambo. I use the word “proclaim” because we are hearing God’s Word, a message that is very important. Such a message should be heard loud and clear. Those who proclaim the readings at Mass are trained for their ministry. They read the texts before Mass and reflect on the meaning so that when they read them aloud the message comes through.

During the Advent season we have some very important messages in the readings, and I hope all of you will take the time to read them in advance so that you can prepare yourselves for Sunday Mass. Why not make this Advent a time of renewing your acquaintance with the Bible. Every Sunday our bulletin includes the Biblical references for the Sun-day readings and the readings for the coming week on page 3. You could cut out that part of the page and use it as a book mark in your Bible. Then every day reserve a time, maybe 20 minutes, to read the day’s Mass readings. You’ll find that you will learn more about how your Bible works and you will also find spiritual nourishment for your day. An easier way to find the readings is to subscribe to a monthly missal like Magnificat which also has prayers, articles and meditations. If you’re in front of the computer a lot, you can find the daily and Sunday readings on the web, www.ewtn.com, and many others. Too busy to sit with the Bible? Get an audio Bible! There are several out there on CD’s and MP3 versions. The Word of Promise audio Bible includes readings by famous actors such as Max von Sydow and Jim Caviesel.

Whatever version you get you can listen while driving, exercising, or walking the dog. We spend a lot of time using different media from iPods to email and from TV to twitter. Why not use our media for something that will benefit our soul? The Word of God is made to be heard, and there’s nothing like a good live rendering of a Biblical text. Let this Liturgical New Year be a time to prepare the way for the Lord through His Word. By the way, we’re looking for lectors to read at Mass. Have you thought about serving in this ministry?

A blessed Advent to all.

Fr. Hildebrand

Thanksgiving

Dear Friends in Christ,

As Thanksgiving approaches I want to thank the LORD for many things. So I thought I would make a “Thanksgiving List” for all we have received.

A BIG THANK YOU TO:

• Our priests for their generous pastoral service to our diverse community,
• Our parish staff for all the things they do for me and all of our parishioners in service, maintenance, religious education, Those who made Fr. Philip’s and my 25th Anniversary a memorable occasion,
• Our St. Vincent de Paul Society for its dedication to serving Jesus in the poor,
• Our Pastoral and Finance Councils for their collective wisdom and advice,
• Our Offertory Program Committee for hard work and timely achievements,
• Our parish choirs for their dedication to the service of the liturgy,
• Our parish ministers, servers, lectors, and ushers for their gifts of time and talent,
• Our School staff for their love and dedication to forming our children's hearts, minds, bodies, and spirits,
• Our Knights of Columbus for the projects that have enhanced our parish,
• Our Youth Group for restoring Coffee & Donuts on Sunday to enhance parish community,
• Our 50th Anniversary Committee for their time and energy in preparing beautiful and interesting events,
• Our Eucharistic Adorers for your prayers that strengthen us daily and nightly,
• Our Festival Committee for their committed efforts that bore great fruit this year,
  

And THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU for your patience, love, support, and all the little things you do to make our parish a place where Christ is welcomed and worshiped.

Fr. Hildebrand

What does it mean to be a Catholic?

Dear Friends in Christ,

The recent congressional debate over health care reform surfaced a serious conflict between a Catholic Congressman and his bishop. Rep. Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island stated publicly: “The fact that I disagree with the hierarchy on some issues does not make me any less of a Catholic.” Kennedy was referring to his public stance favoring abortion coverage by the new health care plan. Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence wrote an open letter to Kennedy in which he corrected the congressman’s understanding of what it means to be a Catholic.

The bishop’s letter is very clear, and I consider it important for all of us. The bishop points out that the Church’s Code of Canon Law states that lay persons are bound to acquire a knowledge of Christian doctrine adapted to their capacity and condition so that they can live in accord with that doctrine (cf. Canon 229, #1). He also reminds the Congressman that Catholics in political life cannot claim autonomy from the moral and social teachings of the Church. To claim such autonomy as the Congressman does when he says he disagrees with the hierarchy on the immorality of abortion is to hold a position at odds with the Church’s teaching.

What does it mean to be a Catholic? That is the question. Bishop Tobin answers simply: “Being a Catholic means that you’re part of a faith community that possesses a clearly defined authority and doctrine, obligations and expectations. It means that you believe and accept the teachings of the Church, especially on essential matters of faith and morals; that you belong to a local Catholic community, a parish; that you attend Mass on Sundays and receive the sacraments regularly; that you support the Church, personally, publicly, spiritually, and financially.”

Here we have a statement that all of us can understand. While we may find that we are confused about some teachings of the Church, we can rely on the Church to help us to know the truth. We have our Holy Father, our bishops, the Catechism, and many other resources that can help us to understand the Catholic teaching on modern questions. Let us make good use of these resources so that we are well-informed about our faith and can call ourselves Catholic in deed and in truth.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand

SJB Updates

Dear Friends in Christ,

Today I would like to share with you some news from around the parish. First, after our recent celebration of unveiling the six new stained glass windows we are now proceeding to prepare for the next phase of the project, the large window in the choir loft, the windows alongside the bronze doors, and the eight small windows in the sanctuary. We have already received some preliminary sketches and they really look wonderful. The scheduled date for installation is May 2010 in time for our 50th anniversary celebration.

Speaking of our 50th anniversary, our special Memorial Mass for deceased parishioners over the past 50 years will take place this Saturday, Nov. 14 at 12noon. The Mass will include a special
remembrance ceremony for those who passed away during the 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s, 1990’s, and 2000’s. Each decade will be marked by a parishioner who will light a candle in remembrance
of the deceased. Please invite your friends and relatives to this special Memorial Mass.

As you may have noticed our youth group now provides coffee and donuts on Sunday mornings (except the 4th Sunday when the Knights have their pancake breakfast). This is an opportunity
to visit with fellow parishioners and build community. Thank you to the youth group.

On Friday, Oct. 30 our school children celebrated the saints by coming to school dressed as their favorite saint. What imagination and creativity! I visited the classrooms during the morning and saw a little St. Francis of Assisi, St. Elizabeth Seton, St. Herman Joseph, St. Patrick and many others. This project is helping us teach the children the true meaning of Halloween, which is the vigil of All Saints. It’s not about witches and goblins.

It’s about the Saints, persons to inspire our young people. During this month of November let us not forget to pray for our brothers and sisters who have passed from this life. They may be in Purgatory, waiting for our prayers and Masses to set them free. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand

Medjugorje

Dear Friends in Christ,

The recent “Medjugorje Peace Conference” held at UC Irvine motivates me caution those who promote this so-called apparition that the Church has not approved it and it is unlikely that she will ever approve it. One of the criteria for authenticity of any apparition is obedience to Church authority. A very powerful example of this is the apparition of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century. At one point during the apparitions Our Lord said to her:

“I desire that you should do what your Superiors command, but also that you should do nothing of all that I order you without their consent. I love obedience, and without it no one can please Me.” (Diary of St. Margaret Mary). Now this is the Son of God Himself telling Margaret Mary to obey her superior above all, even when it comes to His requests. It seems clear that the Lord holds obedience in very high esteem.

Obedience is an acid test for the authenticity of any purported apparition. The apparition of our Lady of Guadalupe shows St. Juan Diego obedient to the local bishop. St. Bernadette willingly submitted to lengthy interrogation related to the apparitions at Lourdes.

However, when we examine the situation of Medjugorje we find a serious lack of obedience on the part of the local parish priest, who consistently ignored the local bishop and finally had to be removed from ministry as the following quotes from Catholic News Service show:

Pope Benedict XVI has laicized a Franciscan priest who served as the
spiritual adviser to the Marian visionaries in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina…

The pontiff, in a document issued "motu proprio" (on his own initiative), returned Father Tomislav Vlasic to the lay state and dispensed him from his religious vows as a member of the Order of Friars Minor…

Vlasic was confined to a Franciscan monastery in L'Aquila, Italy, in February 2008 after he refused to cooperate in a Vatican investigation of his activities for suspected heresy and schism.”(From CNS website for July 28, 2009).

With regard to the supernatural nature of the visions of our Lady there remain serious doubts. Three church commissions failed to find evidence to support the visionaries' claims and the bishops of the former Yugoslavia declared in 1991 that "it cannot be affirmed that these matters concern supernatural apparitions or revelations."(CNS) When we have such powerful messages of hope, conversion, and prayer from Fatima, Lourdes, Paray le Monial, and other approved private revelations, it would seem unnecessary to seek spiritual guidance from a source that has prompted such reactions from the Magisterium of the Church.

God bless you and your families.

Fr. Hildebrand

Family Vocation Day at SJB

Dear Friends in Christ,

Please note that we are holding a special event this week. On Saturday, Oct. 24 we are holding our first ever Family Vocation Day. This free all day event is for everyone. We extend the invitation to all families, big and small, from seniors to second graders, and from teens to young adults. The reason this event is for all ages is very simple: We all have a vocation! Yes, each and every one of us received a vocation at Baptism. That vocation is a call to holiness in Christ’s Church. However, it is not just for us personally; our vocation impels us to share Christ’s good news with others. How do we accomplish our special mission? This Saturday you will find out.

The accomplishment of our mission is related to our gifts. This Saturday several religious communities will be represented. These sisters and priests will share how the charism of their orders helps them to fulfill God’s plan in their lives. They will have materials available to show how their communities spread the Gospel message and help many people come closer to Christ. They will pray together with us at Mass and Benediction. They will speak to us about their own vocation and how to discern a religious vocation. There will be activities for the younger children and group meetings for young people and adults. And if that were not enough, we are pro-
viding a free lunch!

I strongly encourage you to sign up for this unique and exciting event. You can register online or by calling our office. You can also register after Mass at the tables outside.

During this Year for Priests we are especially encouraged to promote vocations to the priesthood. Let us pray for more priestly vocations from our parish. May the seed sown by the Good Shepherd bear fruit for his harvest of eternal life.

God bless you and your families.

Fr. Hildebrand

Preventive Measures at SJB

Dear Friends in Christ,

The onset of the flu season this year brings the added threat of swine flu. While we must avoid exaggeration, we must also exercise caution because this strain of virus has proven very strong and has caused serious illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 27 states including California report widespread incidence of flu cases. This prompts us to take measures to prevent infection, which can occur especially when large numbers of people are gathered together in church.

Here are some basic guidelines and some practical measures we are offering here at St. John’s:

• If you develop flu symptoms (upset stomach, chills, fever, cough, etc.) please stay home and take care of yourself. Sick persons are excused from Mass on Sunday.
• Please cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. This is an act of courtesy and charity to those around you. Doctors have told us that hand contact is a primary way that germs are spread. Therefore, we are asking that everyone cooperate with two changes that we have initiated during the Mass:
  

During the Our Father we will not hold hands with our neighbor. This practice has no precedent in our Catholic tradition. It has developed among some Protestant and charismatic groups over the past few decades. The priest will remind us not to hold hands before the Our Father begins for hygienic purposes in order to prevent possible spread of disease.

At the greeting of peace, the priest will say “The peace of the Lord be with you always” and we will respond as usual “And also with you.” Then the choir/cantor will immediately continue with the Lamb of God (Agnus Dei) and the sign of peace will be omitted. This gesture of peace, which is entirely optional, has habitually been expressed by shaking hands. Since we have pointed out that infection is spread by hand contact, it seems important to initiate this change during the flu season. The words of the greeting of peace already contain a wish for peace directed toward everyone.

Let us pray that this flu season is a mild one and let’s do our part to stay healthy and show courtesy to others.

God bless you all.

Fr. Hildebrand

40 Days for Life: Pray and fast for an end to abortion during the period

Dear Friends in Christ,

October is Respect Life Month. As human persons blessed with the gift of life ourselves we also maintain that every conceived human being has a right to life, and that life must be respected from the first moment of conception until natural death.

As Christians we value human life because every human being is created in God’s image and is redeemed by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore we oppose all efforts to promote abortion, euthanasia, and other threats to human life, including the death penalty and human trafficking. These threats to human life and dignity are directly opposed to our Christian and Catholic faith.

We begin our observance of Respect Life Month this weekend with our “Pennies from Heaven” campaign. Our extra change adds up to benefits for pro-life centers throughout Orange County. Thank you for your generosity.

Here are some examples of pro-life activities you could participate in:

Conference: Dialogue about the miracles God is working today in the pro life movement with Kathleen Eaton, founder and CEO of Birth Choice, and Dr. Paul Selecky of Hoag Hospital

Where: St. Bonaventure Parish Center

16400 Springdale St.
Huntington Beach, CA

When: Oct. 13, 7 PM

40 Days for Life: Pray and fast for an end to abortion during the period Sept. 23-Nov. 7

Fr. Hildebrand

50 YEARS OF MERCY

Dear Friends in Christ,

This past week has been a golden week for our parish school as we celebrate 50 years of Catholic education at St. John’s. The celebrations began earlier in the week when we received three Irish Sisters of Mercy who traveled here from the Emerald Isle to join us for this anniversary. They are Sr. Mary, Sr. Annunciata, and Sr. Nora, all of whom taught our children over the past five decades. Sr. Annunciata was the principal just before Sr. Vianney took over. We are blessed to have had such dedicated religious who have shared their faith and formed our children in the likeness of Christ.

On Thursday, we celebrated a Mass with all the school children present and our three guest Sisters were joined by Sr. Vianney and Sr. Rosaline (the provincial superior). During the Mass we unveiled the new stained glass window depicting Mother Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy.

On Friday evening we began with the unveiling of all the stained glass windows. Present were more than 20 Sisters of Mercy from southern California and several priests from St. Michael’s Abbey and other special guests. At the Mass we prayed through the intercession of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy, who is patroness of the Sisters of Mercy. How appropriate that we should celebrate God’s mercy during this year for priests. Priests are dispensers of God’s mercy especially in the confessional where they offer God’s mercy to all who come with a contrite heart.

Since each of our new stained glass windows contains a symbol of one of the sacraments, we thought it proper that Mother Catherine’s window should have the keys, symbol of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which unlocks the font of God’s mercy for us. I hope all of you have the opportunity to spend some time viewing our six new stained glass windows. They are a sign of the communion of saints who surround us as we gather together for divine worship. May they all pray for us and help us to persevere in faith and love until we join them in the kingdom of heaven.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand

EXCERPTS FROM A LETTER OF BISHOP AQUILA ON HEALTH CARE

The Dignity of Human Life

Made in the image and likeness of God, each and every human person bears the mark of the Trinity’s own character and life. Because of this inherent dignity, each man and woman is to be reverenced with great care from the moment of conception through every stage of their life. From the right to life flow all other human duties and rights, including the duty to preserve and protect one’s own life and health with the right to the means of achieving this goal.

Any attempt to provide greater access to health care without safeguarding human life from the moment of conception is inherently inconsistent. Pope Benedict XVI shares this great wisdom of the Church in his latest encyclical letter, Caritas in Veritate, when he recalls the words of John Paul II, “A society lacks solid foundations when, on the one hand, it asserts values such as the dignity of the person, justice and peace, but then, on the other hand, radically acts to the contrary by allowing or tolerating a variety of ways in which human life is devalued and violated, especially where it is weak or marginalized”(Caritas in Veritate, 15; Evangelium Vitae, 101).

True health care begins with the unborn child in the womb. Wen a given plan to provide care fails to protect that life, it is no longer animated by a source of truth and justice, this it will not, and cannot, flourish. The killing of unborn children through abortion or as a means to do research has nothing to do with promoting health. Both encyclicals make clear the teaching of the Church that the destruction of human life by abortion and other evils can never be a neutral question or one that is promoted by any faithful Catholic.

Conscience Rights

One of the important developments that resulted from the Second Vatican Council is found in the document on religious freedom, Dignitatis Humanae. “Nobody may be forced to act against his convictions, nor is anyone to be restrained from acting in accordance with his conscience in religious matters in private or in public” (DH 2). In the arena of health care, this statement applies both to those who work directly in health care, as well as to the general public who participate in health care plans through insurance premiums and taxes.

The practice of medicine is a tremendous gift whereby the seemingly endless illnesses and maladies that afflict the human body can be studied, known and healed. This in-depth knowledge which serves the progress of human health can also be used to promote death and destruction. The doctors, nurses and health care professionals who possess such medical expertise are prime candidates for coercion from those who would destroy the most vulnerable human lives. The right to follow one’s conscience, as informed by God, must be guaranteed. It is imperative that health professionals and institutions have the freedom to refuse to perform unethical procedures and even to refuse to refer a patient to another professional or institution for treatments they believe, according to the natural law, are immoral.

The consciences of participants in health care plans must also be respected. In no way should taxpayers or policy holders be forced to participate in plans, whether private or public, which fund procedures that violate the moral precepts of the faith. In his August 11, 2009 letter to the House of Representatives, Cardinal Justin Rigali addresses this very issue as he writes, “By what right, then, and by what precedent, would Congress make abortion coverage into a nationwide norm, or force Americans to subsidize it as a condition for participating in a public health program?” The protection of the freedom of conscience is a concern not only for those directly involved in medicine, but for all members of society.

Health Care Reform

Dear Friends in Christ,

The following is an excerpt of a letter from Bishop Samuel J. Aquila of Fargo, North Dakota. In it the Bishop points out some basic principles about the current Health Care Reform legislation.

At this time in our nation’s history, we continually face new challenges as we witness to the Gospel in an ever increasing secularized society. Currently our civil leaders are discussing different proposals to provide greater access to health care in our country. Indeed, the Church has officially manifested her teaching, since Pius XI to Benedict XVI, in the recognition of the great importance of ensuring that all peoples have access to health care.

In principle, the Church ought to always promote wider and more complete access to health care; however, that does not mean that in practice the Church ought to support each and every plan which is proposed by civil leaders. At this time, I want to offer you some key principles that should always be used when evaluating the moral value and justice of a given plan to provide health care. The following is a brief summary of these principles, after which I will offer further explanation and application:

1. Any provisions for actions which deny the dignity of human life, especially abortion, euthanasia, whether passive or active, and embryonic stem-cell research must be excluded from all health care plans.
2. The freedom of consciences must be safeguarded. The moral voice of individual doctors, nurses, health professionals, as well as the general public, deserve reverence and respect.
3. Access to health care ought to be available to all people, including the poor, legal immigrants, the handicapped, and especially the elderly and unborn members of society.
4. The means of providing access to health care should be governed by the principle of subsidiarity, being reasonably and equitably distributed among members of society.

Let us pray for our legislators as they work for health care reform.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand

SJB's 50th Anniversary

Dear Friends in Christ,

During the past several months our 50th Anniversary Committee has been meeting to plan and execute the events of our parish’s 50th Anniversary. We are a community of faith and so these events are divided into two categories, community-building and spiritual. Of the community building events, we have already had some movie nights and other events are planned for the next several months.

This weekend we are holding one of our spiritual events, the consecration of our parish family to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Let me explain briefly what this means. Mary is the mother of Jesus who is God, the only-begotten Son of the Father. Therefore the One who is son of Mary is also the Son of God because He is one Person. Therefore the Council of Ephesus in 431AD declared Mary to be the Mother of God. With such an exalted position Mary is greatly favored by God. We recall that the angel called her “full of grace”. The intimate relationship Mary has with God makes her especially capable of helping us. Even though she is now in heaven body and soul, she continues to be watchful over the children Jesus entrusted to her as He died on the cross. We can think of the great Marian apparitions over the past centuries, Guadalupe, Lourdes, Fatima. Mary’s message in these different places is one of maternal care and a call to prayer and penance. She has shown herself a true Mother who looks after her children and leads them directly to her Son.

St. Maximilian Kolbe was a Franciscan priest from Poland who died a martyr of charity in the concentration camp of Auschwitz in 1941. St. Maximilian was a true spiritual son of Mary Immaculate and promoted devotion to her through the “Militia Immaculatae” which he founded
in 1917. Through communities called “cities or villages of the Immaculate” he consecrated entire groups of people to Mary as her disciples. The mission of these groups, which exist in all parts of the world, is to assist Mary in spreading the Gospel for the salvation of souls. One of the ways to achieve this is through consecration to Mary. Consecration makes us dedicated disciples of Mary who leads us to Jesus and forms Jesus in us through her powerful intercession. In this way we become apostles sent out to lead more people to Christ and advance the triumph of the Sacred Heart on earth.

May our parish consecration to Mary bear much fruit for the greater glory of God and for our salvation.

Sincerely yours in Christ and His Mother,

Fr. Hildebrand

Pastoral Services Appeal for 2009

Dear Friends in Christ,

Our Pastoral Services Appeal for 2009 continues to be very successful. We have surpassed our $80,000 goal and have been receiving rebates for a few weeks. I have sent thank you cards to all the addresses we have. However, since we may miss someone, please accept our sincere thanks for your gifts and know that the rebates are being put to good use (See bullet points below).

More good news on the parish finances: Our Parish Festival 2009 is the best in recorded history! This year’s festival netted over $75,000! Congratulations to all who worked hard to make this event so successful. Many people from our parish gave of their time and talents over the three day period. People enjoyed the great food, rides, and entertainment. It was a family event which built community among our parishioners.

Thanks to your support of the festival our parish debt will be greatly reduced. Once the debt is paid, we will be able to move forward with projects to improve and expand our overtaxed facilities.

Meanwhile, during the summer some improvements have been made. Here is a list of them:

• New wood fencing along rectory wall to provide outdoor lunch and gathering area for staff and guests,
• Remodel of rectory front office to accommodate third office station,
• Remodel of former youth ministry office to make a new hall meeting room for different groups (including youth),
• Remodel of some rooms in the convent (this was long overdue) including the convent chapel and dining room, Installation of new cabinets in school classrooms.
  

May the Lord reward you for your continued support of our parish.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand

SJB Project's Progress

Dear Friends in Christ,

This week I am happy to report more progress on our stained glass windows. Conrad Schmitt Studios has begun cutting the colored glass that will go in to making these magnificent “sermons in stone”. Today I would like to share with you more about the themes in two other windows.

St. Patrick Window

St. Patrick, patron of the Irish, represents the first major ethnic group in the history of the parish, and indirectly, all those of white European ancestry. This window is the primary “dedication” window of the stained glass donor – dedicated to the memory of Msgr. Daniel Brennan who brought him into the Church. He is donating all the windows in the Church in gratitude for what this Irish priest of our parish did for him.

St. Patrick will be wearing the vesture of a bishop – mitre, crosier, ring (with a green chasuble and the white pallium covered with crosses hanging over the chasuble. He will also be shown administering the Sacrament of Confirmation to the donor, who is kneeling at his feet.
St. Juan Diego Window

St. Juan Diego represents another large cultural group in the history of the parish, the Mexican and/or Latin American community. He is known as the one to whom Our Lady appeared in 1531 and who received the miraculous image on his cloak or tilma. In the window he will be holding the tilma in front of him with roses spilling out and showing the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. St. Juan Diego was on his way to seek the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick for his uncle who was seriously ill when Our Lady appeared to him.

Therefore, included in this window is a flask of the oil of the sick to remind us of the importance of this Sacrament in the Church.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand

SJB Stained Glass Window Project

Dear Friends in Christ,

Now that the poster explaining our stained glass window project is up, some of you have come to me very excited about this new addition to our church. Several have expressed that they look forward to the enhancement of our church with this beautiful stained glass. However, I have also heard some objections to the project. This week I would like to address these questions, which I will number below:

1. Why are we buying windows when we need to reduce our debt?

First of all, the donor has a right to restrict his donation to a specific project. In this case the donor wants to donate stained glass windows. We often receive smaller donations that are also restricted. For example, some donations are given for flowers or for the school. We want to respect the wishes of every donor. Now, reducing the debt is also necessary and when we receive unrestricted donations I will usually apply them to reduction of our debt. This year our debt has shrunk from about $230,000 to about $175,000 due to some generous donations. To those who think the donor should donate to the debt I would challenge to match his donation with a donation to reduce the debt or fund another project. Generosity is a virtue and deserves to be imitated.

2. Is the donor just trying to make a name for himself?

As I said in an earlier letter, the donor wishes to remain anonymous. I don’t see how he can make a name for himself if he doesn’t want his name to appear in any acknowledgement. This is what Jesus asked us to do when He said, “Don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” We’re in a recession. Isn’t this bad timing to make such a large gift? Ironically enough fund-raising specialists tell us that hard economic times are often better for non-profit organizations than prosperous times. People begin to think more seriously about how they use their money and want to use it for good causes.

In general, generosity breeds more generosity. If you are unable to match the donor’s dollar amount, what about volunteering to offer your time and talent? Here’s a practical suggestion: I’m looking for a couple of new members for our pastoral council. Are any of you interested in joining us, or do you know of a good candidate?

Blessings on your summer vacations.

Fr. Hildebrand

Mother Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy

Dear Friends in Christ,

Last week I introduced the general program for the stained glass window project. This week I would like to begin a series on the saints depicted in the windows and why we chose them.

Mother Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy

On the school side of the church one window will show Mother Catherine, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, who have been teaching in our school from the beginning. Mother Catherine began her work in Dublin in 1827 by opening a home for poor and underprivileged girls and women. The Archbishop saw the great value of her work and asked her to start a congregation of sisters. Catherine and two companions formed the first community in 1831. By the time of her death in 1841 there were 10 houses in England and Ireland with 150 sisters. In 1843 the sisters were invited to Pittsburgh and in 1854 they had houses in New York and San Francisco. From there they spread to other parts of the country, including southern California. Today more than 4100 Sisters of Mercy serve in the British Isles, the Americas, the Caribbean, and Pacific rim countries.

Mother Catherine recognized the Sacrifice of the Mass as the heart of the Catholic Christian life. That is why she is shown looking toward the altar. She had compassion on the poor, oppressed and uneducated and so lived the works of mercy. For this reason she is shown with the crossed keys, symbol of the Sacrament of God’s Mercy (Confession).

Next week we shall look at another saint depicted in the windows.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand

Natural Family Planning Awareness Week

July 19th, 2009 - July 25th, 2009 SJB will be participating in the Diocese's NFP Awareness Week. On Tuesday, July 21st, 2009, there will be Eucharistic Celebration at 7:30pm in SJB. Father will celebrate Mass with the intention that couples will live God’s plan for their union, and for a strengthening of marriages and families. For more information, see the flyer below for more details on Diocese's daily NFP events. NFP Awareness Week Event Flyer PDF Learn more about NFP

Stained Glass Windows Project at SJB

Dear Friends in Christ,

Last week I introduced you to our special 50th anniversary project of new stained glass windows, initiated by an anonymous donor to enhance our worship space.

Here is the overall program for the windows:

We will use an artistic style that blends well with the existing artwork/décor in the church. Background colors will emphasize the elements of creation: water, land, sky, birds, plants, animals, and fish; also the heavenly sphere with angels and the Holy Spirit as a dove.

The large windows will depict saints: on the school side, saints dedicated to education, Mother Catherine McCauley, St. Elizabeth Seton, and St. Herman Joseph. On the opposite side, saints representing the major ethnic groups of the parish, St. Juan Diego, St. Patrick, and St. Andrew Dung Lac. Their positions in these large windows remind us that they accompany us in our journey through this world to God’s kingdom. In the bottom panes there will be shields of our Orange county bishops, our Norbertine abbot, and our donor’s membership in the Knights of Malta and the Order of the Holy Sepulcher.

The large window at the front of the church will depict the Holy Spirit hovering over the waters, the scene of Jesus’ Baptism by John (on our bronze doors). The coloring of this window focuses on light and water.

As we cross this threshold we are reminded of our own baptism in the Spirit that began our Christian life. Simple symbols of the other six sacraments are incorporated into the six saints windows with a special connection between the saint and the sacrament.

In the sanctuary, the eight small windows will show angels facing the altar and demonstrating different postures of reverence and adoration. The colors used will connect with the lighter tones of the Holy Spirit window at the rear.

To get some idea of the first phase of the project (the six saints windows), please stop to look at the poster set up in the church vestibule.

Please remember to pray for our anonymous donor, who has so generously funded this project.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand

50th Anniversary Parish Project

Dear Friends in Christ,

Over the past several months I have been involved in a top secret project with one of our priests and a parishioner (donor) who desires to remain anonymous. This is a very special project which is related to our recent church renovation. Let me give you a bit of history.

When our project for renovating the church was planned out a few years ago, we planned to renovate the sanctuary, church interior, and add the chapel of adoration. Part of the plan included stained glass windows, but after we calculated the costs, we decided to wait until a later time to do the stained glass.

Some time late last fall Fr. Robert gave a homily at which our anonymous donor was present. Fr. Robert mentioned stained glass in the homily and the donor looked at our present windows, noticing that they were not too remarkable as stained glass. As a result the donor contacted me and proposed to fund a project to replace the present windows with beautiful stained glass. What a great way to celebrate our parish’s 50th anniversary!

To start this project we formed a small committee composed of the donor, Fr. Norbert (who had worked on a similar project for St. Michael’s Abbey several years ago), a project manager who had helped in building the school security wall, and myself. This project will be done in two phases during our 50th anniversary year.

The first phase is due to be installed in late September 2009. This will include the six windows on both sides of the church. They will depict saints and holy persons who are dear to our community of St. John the Baptist.

The second phase to be completed in the spring of 2010 for our 50th anniversary celebration will include the eight small windows above the sanctuary, the windows on either side of the main entrance, and the large window in the choir loft.

Color posters with sketches will be shown in the vestibule in the coming weeks. Please keep this project in your prayers, and especially remember the anonymous donor who has so generously funded this project.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand

The Sacrament of Holy Orders

Dear Friends in Christ,

As I have told many who ask me about my 25 years as a priest, I can still remember the hands of Cardinal Timothy Manning of Los Angeles as he laid them on my head on June 16, 1984. That was an unforgettable day when the priesthood of Jesus Christ was conferred on me so that I
could participate in His eternal priesthood. For this I will always be grateful.

The Sacrament of Holy Orders that confers this power on men is given for the service of others. The priesthood is not for the benefit of the priest but for the good of the Church.

Over the past 25 years I have served in a number of different assignments.

My first assignment was Our Lady Chapel in downtown Los Angeles, which closed in 2001 when the new Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels opened. I used to commute to the chapel from Pasadena two or three days a week. The principal ministry at the chapel was confessions because thousands of people commute to Los Angeles daily.

In 1991 I was made associate pastor at St. Francis of Assisi parish in Silver Lake (east Hollywood). That parish had a large Latino population with a good proportion of Filipinos. For the first time I had to work with three different ethnic communities in two languages. We celebrated Simbang Gabi with the Filipino community and Las Posadas with the Latinos. In 1999 I became pastor of St. Francis.

In 2001 I was transferred to Santa Paula in Ventura County, where I was made pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe parish. There my Spanish really had a workout because the parish was almost all Mexican with all the Masses in Spanish except one. I enjoyed the fiestas, the pageant of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12, the “Jamaica” (parish festival), and the other celebrations of the community. At certain times of year the migrant workers would add to our congregation during the fruit and vegetable harvest.

In 2003, after having discerned with my spiritual director a more monastic vocation, I transferred to St. Michael’s Abbey of the Norbertine Fathers. I spent about a year learning about the Norbertine way of life. Then in August 2004 I was assigned here to St. John the Baptist. I am grateful first of all to God for my vocation, but I must also thank many others, my parents, priests who have guided me through the years, and many others who have worked with me and who have prayed for me. Please continue to pray for me as we all move forward to spread God’s Word in north Costa Mesa and serve God’s people.

Thank you for your kindness and continue to keep me in your prayers. We are about to celebrate our parish’s 50th anniversary. Let’s keep going ever forward with God’s help to continue His work.

Fr. Hildebrand

Graduation

Dear Friends in Christ,

On Thursday our parish school graduated its 8th graders. To prepare for their graduation ceremonies I asked the students to write a short paragraph about their wish for their future. I thought you would like to read some of their thoughts.

“I think it is very sad that many people don’t have a home and a warm bed to sleep in. I want to dedicate my time helping out at a homeless shelter since I don’t think it is enough just to give money.”

“I would like to use my success for (a) good (purpose). I will go to Mass every Sunday and give donations to the less fortunate. I want to be a good faith-filled husband that can provide for my family.”

“Since I was young I had dreamed of doing missionary work…I would like to provide education to those children who cannot afford to go to school…I would like to build a school for the children, hospitals for the sick.”

“I vision my future using my talents in a good and positive way. I would like to work for a company that helps better my community and the world around us.”

“I hope that I will be able to bring the example of Christ wherever I go…I know that God has a plan for me and I am willing to accept any path that He chooses.”

“The most important gifts that God has given me are my family and friends. I have been blessed with a loving family…They allow my siblings and I to attend a Catholic school to help guide our faith. My friends also help me in many situations. They give me advice and the laughter I need to continue each day.”

“My greatest hope for the future is to become a nurse for third world countries…to help children who have cancer or other diseases…I would like to encourage them to know that they should never give up on their faith, because with God everything is possible…I would like to be a nurse when I grow up to reflect God’s power working through me to save others.”

“My talent is that I can sing and I think God gave me this talent because he wants me to sing in churches…Although it is abnormal for a lot of eighth graders to sing in church I believe it is a great, important necessity…I intend (to use) this talent to help people believe in the good
news of God.”

“Most of all I want to do whatever God has planned for me.”

These are truly words of wisdom from our 14 year old graduates. Let us pray for them as they grow toward the full stature of adults in our Church and in our world.

God bless you all.

Fr. Hildebrand

Parish Home Visitation Project

Dear Friends in Christ,

Our Parish Home Visitation project has been reaping good fruit this month. We visited a Spanish speaking home on May 15 and an English speaking home on May 26. There were interesting conversations and questions; I was able to meet parishioners whom I had only seen briefly at Mass. If you live in the north Costa Mesa area you may want to schedule a visit at your home.

The next home visit will take place on June 12 in the north central area of our parish. There is a subdivision with streets named after places in Ireland. It is bounded by the Baker St. on the south, Harbor Blvd on the west, Gisler Ave. on the north and Fairview Rd. on the east. The streets included are:

Gisler Ave.
Chemin de Fer, Deauville Pl.
Dublin St
Shamrock Ln.
Watson Ave.
Shannon Ln.
College Ave.
Galway Ln.
Killybrooke Ln.
Royce Ln.
Warren Ln.
Donnybrook Ln. Fernheath Ln.
Murray Ln.
Loren Ln.
Dorset Ln.
Stonefield Ct. McCormack Ln. Garlingford St.
Belfast Ave.
Conway Ave. Londonderry St.
Sharon Ln.
Limerick Ln.
Killarney Ln.
Kerry Ln.
Cork Ln.
Bray Ln.
Parnell Pl. Donegal Pl.

If you live on any of these streets, please call the rectory (714-540-2214) to find out the address of the host family and plan to join us for prayer, conversation, and light refreshments. You’ll be surprised how many fellow parishioners are your own neighbors!

Have you signed up for a holy hour with the Lord in our Blessed Sacrament Chapel? What are you waiting for? An invitation? Consider this a personal invitation. The rewards are out of this world!

Have a good week.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand

Congratulations to the Newly Confirmed on May 19, 2009

Holy days of obligation

Dear Friends in Christ,

Holy days of obligation are really equal to Sunday in terms of the requirement to attend Mass. Unfortunately not everyone understands this. Of course we all go to Mass on Christmas, which is one of these holy days. Nevertheless, there are other days which have very high rank as solemn feast days and which are also days when we must attend Mass.

Over the past several years there have been some changes in laws regarding these holy days of obligation. I am providing you with this information so that you will have it for future reference.

The following brief description of Holy Days of Obligation in the dioceses of the United States of America is designed to provide some clarification:

• January 1 (Mary, the Mother of God) is a day of obligation only when it falls on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Sunday. It is often dispensed in the Diocese of Orange.
• Ascension Thursday (for most of the United States) is observed on the Thursday of the sixth week of Easter, and is a day of obligation. In the western states, however, the solemnity is observed on the seventh Sunday of Easter, and the previous Thursday is not a day of obligation.
• August 15 (the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) is a day of obligation only when it falls on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Sunday.
  
• November 1 (All Saints) is a day of obligation only when it falls on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Sunday.
• December 8 (Immaculate Conception) is always a day of obligation, except in years when December 8 falls on Sunday and the solemnity is observed on December 9.
• Christmas is always a day of obligation.
  

Let us remember all of our Confirmation candidates in our prayers as they receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit this Tuesday.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand

"I am the vine, you are the branches"

Dear Friends in Christ,

Today is Thursday, May 7, 2009. In today’s Orange County Register the article about the swine flu is still not very optimistic. There has been progress in determining the origins of the virus, but the number of those infected has increased. As a result, we are continuing to suspend Communion from the cup until the danger to our children and parishioners is clearly past. However, the question arises: Are we being deprived of the fullness of Communion by receiving under the form of bread alone?

Most of us remember about 30 years ago when few if any parishes provided Communion from the cup. This was the common practice for centuries, especially after the Protestant Reformation. Many of the Protestants had begun to teach that Communion had to be distributed under both forms for it to be valid. The Church responded by explaining that the presence of Christ in the Eucharist did not depend upon the outward appearance but on the inward reality. This is true of all sacraments, which are outward signs instituted by Christ to give grace. The outward sign of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is the bread and wine. When the priest says the words of consecration, This is my Body….This is the cup of my Blood, he is speaking on behalf of Christ Himself, in persona Christi, is the theological term. During the Eucharistic Prayer the bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ. This change is very mysterious, but still very real. Many miracles of the Eucharist down through the centuries have confirmed the Church’s teaching that this is indeed the Body and Blood of Christ. The Church also explains how Christ is present in this Sacrament.

The creed tells us that after his resurrection Christ “ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father”. He is living in His glorified state, body, blood, soul, and divinity, the whole Christ perfectly sound. Therefore, his presence in the Eucharist cannot be divided. Therefore, when we say the Eucharistic bread has become the Body of Christ, His blood, soul, and divinity are also present by concomitance, that is by the very fact that He is one integral person in heaven’s glory. When we receive the Body of Christ we receive the whole Christ. When we receive the Blood of Christ we receive the whole Christ. When we receive under both species we receive the whole Christ.

At this time let us pray for those who are sick with the flu virus. Let us pray for an end to the spread of the disease. Above all, let us thank the Lord for the gift of the Eucharist, the bread of angels.

A very happy Mother’s Day to all of our mothers, both living and deceased. How grateful we are that they gave us life and the possibility of eternal life!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

Dear Friends in Christ,

Recently I visited Grade 2 in our school. I usually visit them before their First Communion to give them the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. I have found that many people don’t know about the scapular and so I thought I would dedicate this first letter of May to explain its meaning in our relationship to Mary. Like holy water, rosaries, and other religious objects, a scapular is a sacramental. The Catechism defines sacramentals as “sacred signs instituted by the Church. They prepare men to receive the fruit of the sacraments and sanctify different circumstances of life.”(§1677). Unlike Sacraments, which give grace just by the fact of being administered, sacramentals give grace according to the devotion of the person who uses them.

Scapulars are pieces of cloth worn around the neck and hanging down the front and back. They form part of the religious habit of different religious orders and come in different colors. For example, the scapular of the Norbertines is white, that of the Benedictines is black. The brown scapular belongs to the Carmelite Order and has an interesting history.

The Carmelites are especially devoted to the Virgin Mary under her title Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. In 1251 St. Simon Stock, an English Carmelite, received the brown scapular from Our Lady. She encouraged all those devoted to her to wear it and so the religious men and women of the Carmelite Order have the large brown scapular as part of their habit. However, for those lay persons who wish to benefit from the devotion to Our Lady by wearing her scapular, a much smaller version was developed that can be worn under ordinary clothing. This smaller version consists of two small squares of brown cloth with an image of Our Lady on one of them. These two squares are joined by two cords or string that make it easily worn around the neck.

A person who wears the brown scapular must first be enrolled and receive the blessed scapular from a priest. Any priest has the faculty to bless and impose the brown scapular.

Once enrolled, a person enjoys the spiritual benefits of the Carmelite Order and wears the scapular as a sign of his/her devotion to Our Lady. If the scapular is lost or wears out the person need not go through another enrollment but may simply replace the scapular.

In 1917 when Our Lady appeared to the three children at Fatima she especially encouraged people to wear the brown scapular. She promised that those who wear it faithfully and with true devotion would not suffer eternal punishment. This great promise holds as long as a person truly remains devoted to Our Lady and lives a good Catholic Christian life.

May God bless you and Our Lady protect you always.

Fr. Hildebrand

Third Sunday of Easter

The Gospel is from St. Luke 24:35-48. Our Lord's glorious resurrection is the crowning miracle of his sojourn on earth among men. It is the foundation and cornerstone of our Christian religion. His death on Calvary proved that he was really human; his resurrection proved he was also divine. During his public life he had claimed to be God. Had that claim been untrue God the Father could not have raised him from the dead. By his death he made atonement for the sins of the world — "he nailed them to the tree of the cross"; by his resurrection he opened the gates of death for all men and made them heirs to the eternal life.

We need hardly delay to prove the fact of the resurrection of Christ, for without it there would have been no Christianity, no Christian Church. In the story of the appearance which precedes today's Gospel, we are told how two of Christ's disciples were so depressed and disorientated by his death that they were giv- ing up all interest in the dead Master and were returning home at the first opportunity (the Sabbath, Saturday, had intervened and they could not travel on that day). The Apostles were no better since Good Friday. They had remained behind locked doors for fear of the Jews. They had no hope left. They too would have left Jerusalem that Sunday were it not for the story brought by Mary Magdalene that Christ's body had been taken from the tomb. When the risen Christ appeared to the ten Apostles (Thomas was absent) they thought he was a ghost, so far were their thoughts from a possible resurrection.

Of the fact of the resurrection we can have no doubts; Christianity is inexplicable without it, and Christianity has existed for almost two thousand years. A more important point for consideration today is what this resurrection means to us. "If Christ has not risen," says St. Paul (1 Cor. 15:17), "vain is your faith, for you are still in your sins." But "Christ has risen from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep." Our faith then is not in vain, for the founder and foundation of our faith is the Word of God who cannot deceive or be deceived, and his resurrection is the guarantee of our resurrection. He is the "first fruits," the earnest of the full harvest that was to follow after our earthly death. We shall all rise again, in glory if we have been faithful during our time on earth, in a less pleasant state, if we have not followed Christ here below.

With St. Paul then, we may well sing out today: "O death where is thy victory, O death where is thy sting?.thanks be to God who has given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 15 : 55-57). Yes, Easter time is a time of rejoicing for every true Christian. It is a time for Alleluias, for praising and thanking God. Our happy future is within our reach. Our eternal happiness has been won for us by Christ and is within our grasp, if only we hold fast to the true faith of Christ, taking the rough with the smooth, going through our lesser Gethsemanes and Calvaries as Christ went through his great ones. If we do this we can hopefully await the angel who will roll back the stone from our grave one day, and allow us to enter into the glory of the eternal Easter in heaven.

Excerpted from The Sunday Readings by Fr. Kevin O'Sullivan, O.F.M.

Divine Mercy Sunday

Dear Friends in Christ,

Today is Divine Mercy Sunday (Second Sunday of Easter). The Gospel for today shows us Jesus appearing to the Apostles and giving them the power to forgive sins. The constant teaching of the Church from earliest times has maintained that priests continue to exercise this power in the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation or Confession). On Divine Mercy Sunday we remember the message of Jesus to St. Faustina Kowalska in which He encourages all to seek for His mercy, especially those who are the greatest sinners. We should especially recommend our friends and family members who have fallen away from the faith or have become enslaved by some addiction, whether to drugs, alcohol or pornography. Let us commend them to the Divine Mercy and trust in Jesus who has won the victory over sin.

Father Robert researched the indulgences one can gain on Divine Mercy Sunday. We should all take advantage of this. Here is what he found:

Divine Mercy Sunday (the Second Sunday of Easter) has been enriched with a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions for those who recite in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament the Our Father, the Creed, and a pious invocation to the Merciful Lord Jesus (such as "Merciful Jesus, I trust in You!") while being in the state of grace (free of mortal sin) and free of all affection for sin, even venial sin. The usual conditions for a plenary indulgence are: Holy Communion and prayer for the intentions of the Pope (for example, an Our Father and a Hail Mary) either on Divine Mercy Sunday or within several days before or after the feast, Sacramental Confession on that day or within three weeks before or after the feast, and at least a general intention of gaining the indulgence.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand

Parish Home Visitation Project

Our parish home visits continue on April 28 on the west side of our parish. The streets included are:

• Java Rd. Maui Circle, Tahiti Dr. Club House Circle, Kauai Pl. Lanai Dr. Suva Circle, Simba Circle, Ayon Circle, Nevis Circle, Boa Vista Dr. Korna Dr. Lemnos Dr. Chios Rd. Baltra Pl. Balearic Dr. Inroz Dr. Capella Ct. Calvert Ave. Shantar Dr. and Europa Dr.
  

If you live on one of these streets, please call the rectory office 714-540-2214 to find out the location of the host family and the time of the visit. Please continue to pray for the success of this project, whose purpose is the evangelization and spiritual enrichment of our parish.

Thank You

Thank you to all the volunteers who prepared the worship environment for Holy Week as well as all the members of several ministries that participated in the Easter Triduum liturgy. A Special
thanks to Lee for the beautiful orchids and all parishioners who donated Easter Lilies. Job well done!!!!!!

With sincere thanks,

Fr. Hildebrand

Dear Friends in Christ,

He is risen as He promised, alleluia!

A very blessed and happy Easter 2009 to all of you! In recent months we have heard many promises, campaign promises, promises for economic recovery, and promises about ending the war. How many of these promises have been fulfilled? Not many, I’m sure you will agree. Hopefully the most important and needed promises will be fulfilled soon. Meanwhile we wait.

The promise of Jesus that He would rise from the dead is a promise we know has been fulfilled. We have the witnesses, the Apostles, who have handed down their own testimony, that they saw Him and that they ate and drank with Him after his resurrection. The good news for us is not only that Jesus Himself is alive, but that He has made it possible for us to share his life. This is the greater promise of the resurrection, that those who follow Jesus can also share in his new life.

Our candidates and catechumens who received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion on this Easter Sunday have benefited from the promise of Jesus. After months of preparation, through study and prayer, they have come to believe in the Lord and his Church. Just this weekend we at St. John’s have added 38 new members to the Catholic Church.

We have good reason to rejoice. At the same time we must be humbly aware of our responsibility to support and pray for these “neophytes” these new Catholics. Please welcome them when you see them. Their journey of faith is far from over; they will probably experience even more trials now that they have been fully initiated as Catholics.

Nevertheless, they have the grace of Christ and the Sacraments to strengthen them. The promise of Jesus continues to be fulfilled in each one of us as we live the faith we proclaim. On this Easter Sunday we renew our baptismal promises. Let us not make empty promises today but promises full of conviction in the Lord and his grace. He has promised to be with us all the way. We have every good reason to trust in Him.

Sincerely yours in the risen Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand

Pope Benedict on the World Economy to the London Economic Summit (Excerpt)

The London Summit, just like the one in Washington in 2008, for practical and pressing reasons is limited to the convocation of those States who represent 90% of the world’s gross production and 80% of world trade. In this framework, sub-Saharan Africa is represented by just one State and some regional organizations. This situation must prompt a profound reflection among the Summit participants, since those whose voice has least force in the political scene are precisely the ones who suffer most from the harmful effects of a crisis for which they do not bear responsibility. Furthermore, in the long run, it is they who have the most potential to contribute to the progress of everyone.

It is necessary, therefore, to turn to the multilateral mechanisms and structures which form part of the United Nations and its associated organizations, in order to hear the voices of all countries and to ensure that measures and steps taken at G20 meetings are supported by all.

At the same time, I would like to note a further reason for the need for reflection at the Summit. Financial crises are triggered when -- partially due to the decline of correct ethical conduct -- those working in the economic sector lose trust in its modes of operating and in its financial systems. Nevertheless, finance, commerce and production systems are contingent human creations which, if they become objects of blind faith, bear within themselves the roots of their own downfall. The only true and solid foundation is faith in the human person. For this reason all the measures proposed to rein in this crisis must seek, ultimately, to offer security to families and stability to workers and, through appropriate regulations and controls, to restore ethics to the financial world.

The current crisis has raised the specter of the cancellation or drastic reduction of external assistance programs, especially for Africa and for less developed countries elsewhere. Development aid, including the commercial and financial conditions favorable to less developed countries and the cancellation of the external debt of the poorest and most indebted countries, has not been the cause of the crisis and, out of fundamental justice, must not be its victim. If a key element of the crisis is a deficit of ethics in economic structures, the same crisis teaches us that ethics is not “external” to the economy but “internal” and that the economy cannot function if it does not bear within it an ethical component.

Accordingly, renewed faith in the human person, which must shape every step towards the solution of the crisis, will be best put into practice through a courageous and generous strengthening of international cooperation, capable of promoting a truly humane and integral development. Positive faith in the human person, and above all faith in the poorest men and women -- of Africa and other regions of the world affected by extreme poverty -- is what is needed if we are truly to come through the crisis once and for all, without turning our back on any region, and if we are definitively to prevent any recurrence of a situation similar to that in which we find ourselves today.