Sunday, June 22, 2008
Note from the Pastor
This Sunday we will celebrate the feast of St. John the Baptist at all Masses. Readings and other liturgical texts will all be taken from the Mass of June 24.
Recent California Supreme Court decision
Dear Friends in Christ,
The recent California Supreme Court decision which attempts to change the definition of marriage shows how far people are willing to go to legitimize a way of living that directly contradicts the law of nature. That men and women are physically different is undeniable. That marriage is a natural institution, created by the God of nature, for the procreation of children is a fact that is written in the very fabric of our being. Since God is the Lord of nature, the Church will not permit same-sex couples to be married in a Catholic ceremony. Nor will the Church validate these unions once they are performed by court justices or other ministers. Marriage involves the lifelong commitment of one man to one woman for their mutual love and support, and for the procreation and education of children. Domestic partners in California and most other states already have benefits equivalent to a husband and his wife. This issue is not really about rights and benefits; it is about making a lifestyle acceptable and equivalent to the established institution of marriage between a man and a woman. This is what many reflecting persons and the Church are opposed to.
In a few weeks we will mark the 40th anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s Encyclical Humanae Vitae (Of Human Life). In that prophetic document the Holy Father spoke of marriage in this way:
As responsible citizens the people of California have already spoken regarding the nature of marriage, that it is the union of a man and a woman. We must not tolerate this contradiction of our voice by a few judges. The happiness we seek to preserve as members of this free country is at stake in this crisis. Moreover, our happiness as human beings in society is also threatened by this decision. Here is the Holy Father’s concluding statement in the Encyclical:
For man cannot attain that true happiness for which he yearns with all the strength of his spirit, unless he keeps the laws which the Most High God has engraved in his very nature. These laws must be wisely and lovingly observed. (no.31).
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Hildedbrand
The recent California Supreme Court decision which attempts to change the definition of marriage shows how far people are willing to go to legitimize a way of living that directly contradicts the law of nature. That men and women are physically different is undeniable. That marriage is a natural institution, created by the God of nature, for the procreation of children is a fact that is written in the very fabric of our being. Since God is the Lord of nature, the Church will not permit same-sex couples to be married in a Catholic ceremony. Nor will the Church validate these unions once they are performed by court justices or other ministers. Marriage involves the lifelong commitment of one man to one woman for their mutual love and support, and for the procreation and education of children. Domestic partners in California and most other states already have benefits equivalent to a husband and his wife. This issue is not really about rights and benefits; it is about making a lifestyle acceptable and equivalent to the established institution of marriage between a man and a woman. This is what many reflecting persons and the Church are opposed to.
In a few weeks we will mark the 40th anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s Encyclical Humanae Vitae (Of Human Life). In that prophetic document the Holy Father spoke of marriage in this way:
Married love particularly reveals its true nature and nobility when we realize that it takes its origin from God, who "is love," (6) the Father "from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named." (7) Marriage, then, is far from being the effect of chance or the result of the blind evolution of natural forces. It is in reality the wise and provident institution of God the Creator, whose purpose was to effect in man His loving design. As a consequence, husband and wife, through that mutual gift of themselves, which is specific and exclusive to them alone, develop that union of two persons in which they perfect one another, cooperating with God in the generation and rearing of new lives. (no. 8).
Later in the same document he addresses rulers of nations: “Do not tolerate any legislation which would introduce into the family those practices which are opposed to the natural law of God. (no. 23, emphasis added).
Later in the same document he addresses rulers of nations: “Do not tolerate any legislation which would introduce into the family those practices which are opposed to the natural law of God. (no. 23, emphasis added).
As responsible citizens the people of California have already spoken regarding the nature of marriage, that it is the union of a man and a woman. We must not tolerate this contradiction of our voice by a few judges. The happiness we seek to preserve as members of this free country is at stake in this crisis. Moreover, our happiness as human beings in society is also threatened by this decision. Here is the Holy Father’s concluding statement in the Encyclical:
For man cannot attain that true happiness for which he yearns with all the strength of his spirit, unless he keeps the laws which the Most High God has engraved in his very nature. These laws must be wisely and lovingly observed. (no.31).
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Hildedbrand
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Novena at SJB
Dear Friends in Christ,With our parish festival coming next Saturday and Sunday, I wanted to write you about our Novena which has already begun. The Church has made novenas (nine days) prior to major feasts as a means of preparing the faithful spiritually for the celebration of the feast. The original novena was made by Our Lady and the Apostles during the nine days between the Ascension of the Lord and the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. In some cultures, the nine days preceding Christmas are celebrated with prayers and Masses.
Since St. John the Baptist is our patron we are honoring him with a novena of Masses that began Friday evening at our 5:30PM Mass. Here is the schedule of the remaining novena Masses with the names of the homilists:
- Saturday, June 14 at 5:00PM - Rev. Hildebrand Garceau, O. Praem.
- Sunday, June 15 at 5:00PM - Rev. Leo Celano, O. Praem.
- Monday, June 16 at 5:30PM - Rev. Gregory Dick, O. Praem.
- Tuesday, June 17 at 5:30PM - Rev. Vincent Gilmore, O. Praem.
- Wednesday, June 18 at 5:30PM - Monsignor Joseph Herres
- Thursday, June 19 at 5:30PM - Rev. Pascal Nguyen, O. Praem.
- Friday, June 20 at 5:30PM - Rev. Luke Laslavich, O. Praem.
- Saturday, June 21 at 5:00PM - Rev. Robert Hodges, O. Praem.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Hildebrand
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Our commitment to Christ
Dear Friends in Christ,
Now that June is here many of us are probably thinking of summer and vacations. With the price of gas and airline tickets going up however, you may be like me thinking of a shorter trip this year. I was talking to our first year Confirmation students and parents the other night and reminding them that wherever we go and whatever we do this summer, we always carry with us our commitment to Christ.
By our Baptism we are marked people, marked as Christians, followers of Jesus Christ. As a consequence we must remember to “pack” our faith along when going on our summer vacation. What does this mean in the concrete?
For example, save gas by going on a “journey of the mind”. We can do that by reading that great spiritual book we promised ourselves. Do you remember the reading list we published here several weeks ago?
There are some books that would make great summer reading, for example The Story of a Soul, the autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux. Pope Pius XI called her the greatest saint of modern times, and Pope John Paul II named her a doctor of the Church. St. Augustine’s Confessions gives us the spiritual journey of one of the greatest minds the Church has produced. Another modern saint, Faustina Kowalska, reveals her struggles and joys as “the Secretary of Divine Mercy” in her Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul. If you’re still looking for a great book that’s not on the list you could go online and check out Ignatius Press or Roman Catholic Books. Both of these publishers have lives of the saints, histories of the Church, children’s books, and books on prayer. Or if you’re more of a visual person, they have DVD’s with great stories and films both fictional and historical.
If you do take a trip this summer, check out this website: masstimes.org to find a Catholic Church and the time for Sunday Mass anywhere in the country or throughout the world. You can even find Masses in different languages and churches that are wheelchair accessible. Our Church is called Catholic because we’re universal; we’re found all over the planet. So don’t leave your religion at home this summer, get connected with your Church wherever you go. You may be surprised and make new friends at the same time.
Have a great week and see you in church.
Fr. Hildebrand
Sunday, May 25, 2008
A Special Message From Our Bishops
“The California Catholic Conference of Bishops must express its disappointment in the California Supreme Court decision to declare Proposition 22 unconstitutional. “Proposition 22, which states, ‘Only marriage between one man and one woman is valid and recognized in California,’ passed eight years ago by a vote of 61.2 to 38.8 percent. That statute reflected the wisdom of the voters of California in retaining the traditional definition of marriage as a biological reality and a societal good. Unfortunately, today (May 15), the Court saw fit to disregard the will of the majority of people of California.
“Catholic teaching maintains that marriage is a faithful, exclusive and lifelong union between one man and one woman joined in an intimate partnership of life and love—a union instituted by God for the mutual fulfillment of the husband and wife as well as for the procreation and education of children.
“Partnerships of committed same-sex individuals are already legal in California. Our state has also granted domestic partners spousal-type rights and responsibilities which facilitate their relationships with each other and any children they bring to the partnership. Every person involved in the family of domestic partners is a child of God and deserves respect in the eyes of the law and their community. However, those partnerships are not marriage—and can never be marriage—as it has been understood since the founding of the United States. Today’s decision of California’s high court opens the door for policymakers to deconstruct traditional marriage and create another institution under the guise of equal protection.
“Although we strongly disagree with the ruling, we ask our Catholic people, as well as all the people of California, to continue to uphold the dignity of every person, to acknowledge individual rights and responsibilities, and to maintain support for the unique and irreplaceable role of traditional marriage as an institution which is fundamental to society.”
“Catholic teaching maintains that marriage is a faithful, exclusive and lifelong union between one man and one woman joined in an intimate partnership of life and love—a union instituted by God for the mutual fulfillment of the husband and wife as well as for the procreation and education of children.
“Partnerships of committed same-sex individuals are already legal in California. Our state has also granted domestic partners spousal-type rights and responsibilities which facilitate their relationships with each other and any children they bring to the partnership. Every person involved in the family of domestic partners is a child of God and deserves respect in the eyes of the law and their community. However, those partnerships are not marriage—and can never be marriage—as it has been understood since the founding of the United States. Today’s decision of California’s high court opens the door for policymakers to deconstruct traditional marriage and create another institution under the guise of equal protection.
“Although we strongly disagree with the ruling, we ask our Catholic people, as well as all the people of California, to continue to uphold the dignity of every person, to acknowledge individual rights and responsibilities, and to maintain support for the unique and irreplaceable role of traditional marriage as an institution which is fundamental to society.”
Sunday, May 18, 2008
The Real Presence of Christ
Dear Friends in Christ,May is a very busy month at our parish. Here are some of the events that have already taken place. On May 3-4 we celebrated the First Communion of our 2nd Grade students. People at all of our Masses saw the little children receive Jesus for the first time. On the afternoon of May 4 we honored Our Lady in her month of May with our annual procession and crowning. We offered prayers and songs in four languages, showing the cultural diversity of our parish. On May 8 we had the joy of seeing our young people sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation and on May 10-11 twenty-two adults were also confirmed.
Next weekend there are two important events that are closely related. On Saturday May 24 a large group of Spanish speaking children will receive their First Communion. Then on Sunday May 25 we will hold our annual Corpus Christi Mass and Procession. This celebration is close to the hearts of our Norbertine community because St. Norbert was known as the Apostle of the Eucharist. In his time he vigorously defended the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament against heretics. He also traveled with a Mass kit so that he could say Mass at the different towns where he preached his missions.
I hope as many of you as possible will join us for our 2PM multi-lingual Mass and procession next Sunday. As Catholics we believe Jesus Christ is truly present in the Holy Eucharist, and on this feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ our participation in the Mass and procession is a profession of faith in this great truth.
Next Sunday we will also honor those who have committed to spend an hour before the Blessed Sacrament in our chapel. We will pray especially for them at our Masses next weekend. I want to personally invite you to join this army of prayer warriors who faithfully come to answer the call of Jesus to “watch one hour with Me”. Perpetual Eucharistic adoration was recently promoted by the Vatican as a fruitful way to increase vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The blessings received by our adorers are too many to describe.
Are you looking for a job? Are you feeling alone? Is there something you need? Come to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament; He will hear your prayers. To sign up for an hour, just take a form from the purple box at the rear of the church, fill it out and leave it at the rectory office. If you sign up for a late night hour you will receive an entry code to unlock the chapel door, which is locked after 9PM.
O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine, All praise and all thanksgiving Be every moment Thine.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Hildebrand
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Pentecost 2008
Dear Friends in Christ,
Our parish family has rejoiced recently with the celebration of First Communion and Confirmation of our young people. Today, on the feast of Pentecost, we continue to rejoice as over twenty adults receive their Confirmation. Surely this is a sign of the Holy Spirit working in the Church.
We are most grateful to God for these manifestations of His grace among us.Many of you and your families and friends have attended these sacramental celebrations during this Easter Season, and I’m sure you are happy too about the gifts of grace bestowed on our people. However, I wonder how many of you are aware of the fact that in spite of the numbers of new Catholics and Catholics that receive the Sacraments, there are many Catholics who fall away from the faith of their childhood.
I was recently reading an article on the web called “Catholics Come Home”. In the article Deal Hudson (editor of Crisis Magazine and inside-catholic.org) says:
In today’s first reading we here about the Apostles preaching and converting thousands to our faith. Why can we not do the same? Are we afraid to share the beautiful gift of our faith with others? Maybe we have family members who have stopped attending Mass or have given up their faith entirely. Here are some things we could do to bring them back. We could offer a holy hour weekly in the chapel for their “reversion” (second conversion). We could invite them to Mass on Sunday and then invite them to breakfast afterwards. We could refer them to this website, catholicscomehome.org, which has a short video about the Church.
Remember what the Letter of James says about conversion: “If anyone among you should stray from the truth and someone bring him back, he should know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20).
God bless you and your families.
Fr. Hildebrand
Our parish family has rejoiced recently with the celebration of First Communion and Confirmation of our young people. Today, on the feast of Pentecost, we continue to rejoice as over twenty adults receive their Confirmation. Surely this is a sign of the Holy Spirit working in the Church.
We are most grateful to God for these manifestations of His grace among us.Many of you and your families and friends have attended these sacramental celebrations during this Easter Season, and I’m sure you are happy too about the gifts of grace bestowed on our people. However, I wonder how many of you are aware of the fact that in spite of the numbers of new Catholics and Catholics that receive the Sacraments, there are many Catholics who fall away from the faith of their childhood.
I was recently reading an article on the web called “Catholics Come Home”. In the article Deal Hudson (editor of Crisis Magazine and inside-catholic.org) says:
One out of every ten Americans is a lapsed Catholic, according to the Pew Forum's recently released "U.S. Religious Landscape Survey." Though the Pew statistics could be disputed, the survey confirmed what any observer of the Church knows: Many cradle Catholics leave the Church never to return.
In response to the Pew survey, Inside Catholic sponsored a symposium with over 30 Catholic leaders discussing the question, "Why Are They Leaving?" One reason is obvious -- a lack of concern for evangelism, reaching out to those who have either stopped attending church or never did in the first place.
In response to the Pew survey, Inside Catholic sponsored a symposium with over 30 Catholic leaders discussing the question, "Why Are They Leaving?" One reason is obvious -- a lack of concern for evangelism, reaching out to those who have either stopped attending church or never did in the first place.
In today’s first reading we here about the Apostles preaching and converting thousands to our faith. Why can we not do the same? Are we afraid to share the beautiful gift of our faith with others? Maybe we have family members who have stopped attending Mass or have given up their faith entirely. Here are some things we could do to bring them back. We could offer a holy hour weekly in the chapel for their “reversion” (second conversion). We could invite them to Mass on Sunday and then invite them to breakfast afterwards. We could refer them to this website, catholicscomehome.org, which has a short video about the Church.
Remember what the Letter of James says about conversion: “If anyone among you should stray from the truth and someone bring him back, he should know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20).
God bless you and your families.
Fr. Hildebrand
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Ministries
Dear Friends in Christ,
My apologies go out to all of you who have renewed your financial commitment to our parish. This week most of you received a letter from us regarding your commitment of treasure. A few of you have contacted us regarding the accuracy of the figures recorded in these letters, and with good reason. It was discovered too late (after the letters had already gone out) that a clerical error caused us to miscalculate the donations from one month of this quarter. Please excuse us for this error.
I am encouraged by the generosity all of you have shown over the past months. We are sincerely trying to be responsible with your gifts, especially during these tough economic times. As a community of priests, we have decided to be more frugal in what we spend on food, especially extras like wine and desserts. We are also trying to keep our parish budget within reasonable limits without sacrificing important ministries.
Our festival is getting closer. We have some very creative people working on the festival this year. Have you signed up to help out? Do you have a special talent you would like to share? Please contact Annette Kelly. Let us give thanks to God for the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to our country. May the Lord grant him health to continue witnessing to the truth of Christ in our world.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Hildebrand
My apologies go out to all of you who have renewed your financial commitment to our parish. This week most of you received a letter from us regarding your commitment of treasure. A few of you have contacted us regarding the accuracy of the figures recorded in these letters, and with good reason. It was discovered too late (after the letters had already gone out) that a clerical error caused us to miscalculate the donations from one month of this quarter. Please excuse us for this error.
I am encouraged by the generosity all of you have shown over the past months. We are sincerely trying to be responsible with your gifts, especially during these tough economic times. As a community of priests, we have decided to be more frugal in what we spend on food, especially extras like wine and desserts. We are also trying to keep our parish budget within reasonable limits without sacrificing important ministries.
Our festival is getting closer. We have some very creative people working on the festival this year. Have you signed up to help out? Do you have a special talent you would like to share? Please contact Annette Kelly. Let us give thanks to God for the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to our country. May the Lord grant him health to continue witnessing to the truth of Christ in our world.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Hildebrand
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Easter and Life
Dear Friends in Christ,
A glorious and blessed Easter to all! May the grace of the risen Christ fill your hearts with hope and joy.
Easter is the season of new life, the life promised us by our Lord when He said, “I came that they may have life and have it more abundantly” (Jn. 10: 10). Jesus, the Son of God, is the Author of life, the Creator. All life comes from Him and returns to him.
When God created Adam and Eve He made them stewards of life. As members of the human family we share in the work of building the earth and caring for life.
The political process whereby we enact laws to order our society is ordered to the common good of the members of the state and nation. Since we have a government of the people and by the people, we all have the responsibility to participate in the governing process. The current presidential campaign is a very clear example.
In addition to our elected officials, we also have a say in the development of laws for our government, including those of our own state. In past weeks we have provided information about an important law, Sarah’s Law, which seeks to protect the rights of parents and the health of our youth. Many of you have already signed the petition to put Sarah’s Law on the November 8 ballot.
The California Bishops are strongly supporting this initiative because it protects minor girls. The “Sarah” for whom the law is named was a 15 year old girl who died from the complications of an abortion without her parents’ knowledge. Sarah’s Law would protect girls under 18 from abortion and abuse. Please take a blue envelope from the rear of the church and send in your signed petition. You will have made an important contribution to saving innocent lives, the lives of the unborn children and the lives of our youth.
Let us share the joy of Easter by our union with the Lord of life.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Hildebrand
A glorious and blessed Easter to all! May the grace of the risen Christ fill your hearts with hope and joy.
Easter is the season of new life, the life promised us by our Lord when He said, “I came that they may have life and have it more abundantly” (Jn. 10: 10). Jesus, the Son of God, is the Author of life, the Creator. All life comes from Him and returns to him.
When God created Adam and Eve He made them stewards of life. As members of the human family we share in the work of building the earth and caring for life.
The political process whereby we enact laws to order our society is ordered to the common good of the members of the state and nation. Since we have a government of the people and by the people, we all have the responsibility to participate in the governing process. The current presidential campaign is a very clear example.
In addition to our elected officials, we also have a say in the development of laws for our government, including those of our own state. In past weeks we have provided information about an important law, Sarah’s Law, which seeks to protect the rights of parents and the health of our youth. Many of you have already signed the petition to put Sarah’s Law on the November 8 ballot.
The California Bishops are strongly supporting this initiative because it protects minor girls. The “Sarah” for whom the law is named was a 15 year old girl who died from the complications of an abortion without her parents’ knowledge. Sarah’s Law would protect girls under 18 from abortion and abuse. Please take a blue envelope from the rear of the church and send in your signed petition. You will have made an important contribution to saving innocent lives, the lives of the unborn children and the lives of our youth.
Let us share the joy of Easter by our union with the Lord of life.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Hildebrand
Monday, March 17, 2008
Last Week of Lent & Easter
Dear Friends in Christ,
You have noticed that the statues and images in our church have been covered with violet cloth since last Sunday. You may wonder why. The tradition of covering statues and crosses in Lent is very old. It goes back several hundred years to the times when many people could not read. While everyone knew that Lent began on Ash Wednesday with the distribution of ashes, they also needed a reminder that the last part of Lent included the celebration of the Passion of the Lord.
Hence, the last two weeks of Lent are traditionally called Passion-tide. Part of the reason for the covering of statues comes from the gospel that used to be read on the Fifth Sunday of Lent (formerly called “Passion Sunday”). That gospel was taken from John 8:46-59. The text relates that Jesus encountered some fierce opposition from the Jews, who responded by trying to seize Him and stone Him. The gospel says that Jesus slipped from their grasp and hid Himself. That is why the statues, images, and crosses are “hidden” during this time. However, there is also another very good reason to cover the statues. The Church is contemplating the Passion of her Lord; she is in mourning because He has been taken away from her.
The statues and images will remain covered until just before the Easter Vigil. Crosses will be uncovered at the Good Friday services and left for veneration through Holy Saturday until before the Easter Vigil. At the Easter Vigil the uncovered statues and crosses as well as the other flowers and decorations will remind us that He is risen as He promised. The Church’s mourning for the loss of her suffering Savior will be turned into joy at His resurrection.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Hildebrand
You have noticed that the statues and images in our church have been covered with violet cloth since last Sunday. You may wonder why. The tradition of covering statues and crosses in Lent is very old. It goes back several hundred years to the times when many people could not read. While everyone knew that Lent began on Ash Wednesday with the distribution of ashes, they also needed a reminder that the last part of Lent included the celebration of the Passion of the Lord.
Hence, the last two weeks of Lent are traditionally called Passion-tide. Part of the reason for the covering of statues comes from the gospel that used to be read on the Fifth Sunday of Lent (formerly called “Passion Sunday”). That gospel was taken from John 8:46-59. The text relates that Jesus encountered some fierce opposition from the Jews, who responded by trying to seize Him and stone Him. The gospel says that Jesus slipped from their grasp and hid Himself. That is why the statues, images, and crosses are “hidden” during this time. However, there is also another very good reason to cover the statues. The Church is contemplating the Passion of her Lord; she is in mourning because He has been taken away from her.
The statues and images will remain covered until just before the Easter Vigil. Crosses will be uncovered at the Good Friday services and left for veneration through Holy Saturday until before the Easter Vigil. At the Easter Vigil the uncovered statues and crosses as well as the other flowers and decorations will remind us that He is risen as He promised. The Church’s mourning for the loss of her suffering Savior will be turned into joy at His resurrection.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Hildebrand
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Feast of St. Joseph on March 15!
Feast of St. Joseph has been transferred this year to March 15th!
GO TO JOSEPH! by Saint Teresa of Avila
(From her Autobiography, Chapter VI)
Finding myself so crippled and so young too, and earthly doctors having failed to cure me, I looked to heavenly physicians for help...
I took for my advocate and comforter the glorious Saint Joseph, and commended myself fervently to him; and I clearly saw that it was he who both cured me of my sickness and delivered me from great dangers that threatened my good name and the loss of my soul. His aid has brought me more good than I ever desired to receive from him. I do not remember at any time having asked him for anything which he did not grant. I am quite amazed at the great favors Our Lord has given me, and the many dangers, both of soul and body, from which He has delivered me through the intercession of this blessed saint. Our Lord seems to have given to other saints the power to help us in only one kind of necessity, but I know from experience that this glorious Saint Joseph helps us in all kinds of needs. It appears then that God wishes us to understand that as He was obedient to Joseph when He was on earth (for Saint Joseph was called His father and he could command Him) so now in Heaven God grants whatever Joseph asks.
Others, on my advice, have turned to Saint Joseph and they have had the same experience; and now there are many people who honor him and keep discovering the truth of what I have told them.
I wish I could persuade everyone to be devoted to this glorious saint, because long experience has shown me what wonderful blessings he obtains for us from God. Of all those I have known with a true devotion to Saint Joseph, I have never known any who did not advance i in virtue, for he assists in a very special way those souls who place themselves under his protection. Whoever wants a model to imitate on how to pray, let him take this glorious saint as a guide and he will not lose his way!
GO TO JOSEPH! by Saint Teresa of Avila
(From her Autobiography, Chapter VI)
Finding myself so crippled and so young too, and earthly doctors having failed to cure me, I looked to heavenly physicians for help...
I took for my advocate and comforter the glorious Saint Joseph, and commended myself fervently to him; and I clearly saw that it was he who both cured me of my sickness and delivered me from great dangers that threatened my good name and the loss of my soul. His aid has brought me more good than I ever desired to receive from him. I do not remember at any time having asked him for anything which he did not grant. I am quite amazed at the great favors Our Lord has given me, and the many dangers, both of soul and body, from which He has delivered me through the intercession of this blessed saint. Our Lord seems to have given to other saints the power to help us in only one kind of necessity, but I know from experience that this glorious Saint Joseph helps us in all kinds of needs. It appears then that God wishes us to understand that as He was obedient to Joseph when He was on earth (for Saint Joseph was called His father and he could command Him) so now in Heaven God grants whatever Joseph asks.
Others, on my advice, have turned to Saint Joseph and they have had the same experience; and now there are many people who honor him and keep discovering the truth of what I have told them.
I wish I could persuade everyone to be devoted to this glorious saint, because long experience has shown me what wonderful blessings he obtains for us from God. Of all those I have known with a true devotion to Saint Joseph, I have never known any who did not advance i in virtue, for he assists in a very special way those souls who place themselves under his protection. Whoever wants a model to imitate on how to pray, let him take this glorious saint as a guide and he will not lose his way!
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Halfway in our Lenten Season
Dear Friends in Christ,
Today we reach the halfway mark in our Lenten season. As we look back on the past weeks do we find that we have been faithful to our Lenten resolutions? Probably something has prevented us from being as penitential as we had planned. Perhaps we forgot, or maybe we caught the flu (that was my excuse), or just couldn’t resist a temptation. Whatever the reason, don’t give up! Take heart that there are still three weeks to offer something to Jesus. Let me suggest some “second chance” Lenten practices that can prepare you well to renew your Baptismal promises at Easter.
Take time for prayer. Our chapel is open for adoration all day and all night. Even if you don’t have an entry code you can always go in from 6AM to 9PM and spend an hour or even 20 minutes of your busy day. Remember that a major indulgence is attached to those who spend 20
minutes reading the Bible before the Blessed Sacrament. Every Friday at 7:30PM we have Stations of the Cross in the church. If you can’t make it then, you could pray the stations on your own.
Love as He has loved us. Jesus gives us the example during Lent of self-sacrificing love. During this time we could make an extra effort to do something kind for another. Call a friend or relative you haven’t spoken to in a long time. Visit an elderly or shut-in neighbor. Help out at a soup kitchen for the homeless or sign up for the annual Walk out of Poverty sponsored by Concern America (packets available at the rectory). In general, try to make others’ Lent easier by your compassion and concern.
Take less and receive more. At your daily coffee/tea break instead of eating a snack, read from a book of meditations or say a decade of the rosary while taking a short walk. Instead of watching television or going on the internet, spend 20 or 30 minutes reading the life of a saint or holy person. Finally, take advantage of these days to make your Lenten confession. Jesus comes to us as the Healer of our souls. He cured the man born blind in today’s gospel. He can also cure our spiritual blindness so that we can see better and make those changes in our life that will make us His true disciples.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Hildebrand
Today we reach the halfway mark in our Lenten season. As we look back on the past weeks do we find that we have been faithful to our Lenten resolutions? Probably something has prevented us from being as penitential as we had planned. Perhaps we forgot, or maybe we caught the flu (that was my excuse), or just couldn’t resist a temptation. Whatever the reason, don’t give up! Take heart that there are still three weeks to offer something to Jesus. Let me suggest some “second chance” Lenten practices that can prepare you well to renew your Baptismal promises at Easter.
Take time for prayer. Our chapel is open for adoration all day and all night. Even if you don’t have an entry code you can always go in from 6AM to 9PM and spend an hour or even 20 minutes of your busy day. Remember that a major indulgence is attached to those who spend 20
minutes reading the Bible before the Blessed Sacrament. Every Friday at 7:30PM we have Stations of the Cross in the church. If you can’t make it then, you could pray the stations on your own.
Love as He has loved us. Jesus gives us the example during Lent of self-sacrificing love. During this time we could make an extra effort to do something kind for another. Call a friend or relative you haven’t spoken to in a long time. Visit an elderly or shut-in neighbor. Help out at a soup kitchen for the homeless or sign up for the annual Walk out of Poverty sponsored by Concern America (packets available at the rectory). In general, try to make others’ Lent easier by your compassion and concern.
Take less and receive more. At your daily coffee/tea break instead of eating a snack, read from a book of meditations or say a decade of the rosary while taking a short walk. Instead of watching television or going on the internet, spend 20 or 30 minutes reading the life of a saint or holy person. Finally, take advantage of these days to make your Lenten confession. Jesus comes to us as the Healer of our souls. He cured the man born blind in today’s gospel. He can also cure our spiritual blindness so that we can see better and make those changes in our life that will make us His true disciples.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Hildebrand
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Parish Mission & Latin Mass
Dear Parishioners,You may have seen the article and photo of our church on the front page of the Daily Pilot this week. It showed Fr. Philip celebrating the traditional Latin Mass with the relief in our sanctuary as a background. Now that we have begun celebrating the “extraordinary form” of the Mass (Pope Benedict’s term), I would like to share some reflections with you.
Photo: Christopher Wagner / Daily Pilot
First of all, let me dispel any concerns regarding the use of this form of Mass here at St. John the Baptist. While we are happy to provide this form of the Mass, we also wholeheartedly adhere to the liturgical changes initiated after the Second Vatican Council. We will always continue to have Masses in the revised rite in English and sometimes with Latin parts such as the Sanctus and Agnus Dei.
Secondly, I would invite you to assist at the traditional Latin Mass if you have not done so already. If you are under 40 you may never have seen Mass celebrated in this way. You will find that the basic structure is the same as the “ordinary form” with which we are all familiar. There is an introductory section with prayers, followed by readings and a homily. Then there follows a preparation of the bread and wine, a Eucharistic Prayer and a Communion Rite, and finally a concluding rite. The difference is that each part seems to flow into the next with the choir singing the Latin parts as a background.
Thirdly, in order to participate in the traditional Latin Mass, it is strongly urged that we use a booklet or a hand missal in English and Latin so that we can follow the parts, stand, sit, and kneel at the right times, and make the responses. We are ordering more Latin/English booklets and hope to provide enough for everyone. On another news topic, we welcome Fr. Wolfgang Seitz as our annual parish mission preacher this week. I hope you will make time to attend the mission either in the morning or evening this Monday through Friday. See elsewhere in this bulletin for the complete schedule
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Hildebrand
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
LA Times/Daily Pilot on SJB
On February 17, 2008, Daniel Tedford of the LA Times/Daily Pilot wrote a story on SJB's Traditional Latin Mass:
"Rooted in tradition, Catholicism is known for its reverence of the sacred and its historical customs. And through those cultural connections, St. John the Baptist Church has instituted the Traditional Latin Mass as a means to rekindle some of the more traditional aspects of the church..."
Sunday, February 17, 2008
UPDATE: Rules for Fast & Abstinence
Dear Friends in Christ,
They say the third time is a charm, and so here we go again on the rules for fast and abstinence:
The Church’s Code of Canon Law, Canon 1252 states as follows:
“All persons who have completed their fourteenth year are bound by the law of abstinence.”
(Abstinence refers to red meat and poultry; fish and dairy products are permitted).
“All adults are bound by the law of fast up to the beginning of their sixtieth year.”
(In the U.S. an adult is defined as one who has reached his/her 18th birthday)
“Nevertheless, pastors and parents are to see to it that minors who are not bound by the law of fast and abstinence are educated in an authentic sense of penance.”
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. The other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence.
Fridays throughout the year are days of penance
(person may choose an appropriate penance).
Please pray for the success of our PSA 2008 campaign.
A blessed Lent to all.
Fr. Hildebrand
They say the third time is a charm, and so here we go again on the rules for fast and abstinence:
The Church’s Code of Canon Law, Canon 1252 states as follows:
“All persons who have completed their fourteenth year are bound by the law of abstinence.”
(Abstinence refers to red meat and poultry; fish and dairy products are permitted).
“All adults are bound by the law of fast up to the beginning of their sixtieth year.”
(In the U.S. an adult is defined as one who has reached his/her 18th birthday)
“Nevertheless, pastors and parents are to see to it that minors who are not bound by the law of fast and abstinence are educated in an authentic sense of penance.”
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. The other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence.
Fridays throughout the year are days of penance
(person may choose an appropriate penance).
Please pray for the success of our PSA 2008 campaign.
A blessed Lent to all.
Fr. Hildebrand
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Lenten Almsgiving
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,In his message for Lent 2008 the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI is asking us to focus on almsgiving this year. In Lent we often think of what foods/activities we will give up or what prayers we will say. Almsgiving has not been a “traditional” Catholic Lenten practice in the recent past. However, I think the Holy Father wants to remind us that giving alms to the poor has always been part of the Church’s practice, especially during Lent. One of the Church Fathers says that putting money in the pocket of a poor man earns us a spiritual recompense in heaven.
How might we express our love for the poor this Lent? One way might be to help out at the homeless shelter at the Armory in Santa Ana. Our parishioners usually go there on Mondays during the winter and early spring to help register persons looking for a hot meal and a place to sleep. There’s no need to evangelize.
Just your presence and a kind word may help bring Christ to a homeless person. Another way to give is through a favorite charity (I know there are lots of them); I often recommend Catholic Relief Services as a reliable charity because they seek to help the poorest people and those faced with catastrophic conditions (war, famine, drought). “Charity begins at home” as the saying goes. This year’s Pastoral Services Appeal (PSA) could also be an outlet for your charitable donations. A pledge to PSA is a gift to a parish that cannot meet its needs or a special ministry (like religious education for children, campus ministry, catechist training).
Before closing I would like to express my thanks to the Stewardship Team and all those who participated in our annual Ministry Fair. Even though rain and the Super Bowl provided challenges, the event was a great success. Here is a special “thank you” in Spanish for those who worked so hard to prepare a wonderful Mexican Lunch last Sunday:
Estoy muy agradecido por las familias de Roca de Salvacion, Jovenes para Cristo, RICA de Ninos 2006, y la Legion de Maria por la esplendida donacion de comida que se vendio en la Feria de Ministerios, asi como tambien a otras personas que hicieron donativos en efectivo. Que Dios los bendiga.
A blessed and fruitful Lenten Season to all of you!
Fr. Hildebrand
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Download the Flyer: Sunday, February 03, 2008
Lent
This week we begin the holy season of Lent. The Old English word “Lent” means Spring and appropriately describes the season which coincides with the re-awakening of nature after the cold grip of winter. Since Lent comes so early this year nearly all of it is in the winter, except for the end of Holy Week. As a matter of fact, our fellow citizens in colder climes may experience a “White Easter” this year. Yours truly remembers waking up to six inches of new snow on Easter Sunday back in New England.
In spite of what the weather outside brings, the new beginning that Lent inaugurates should be a spiritual renewal for all of us as we accompany Jesus in His temptations and fasting in the desert.
Fasting and abstinence have been a traditional part of Lent from the beginning. In the early Church Christians joined with those preparing for Baptism in a spiritual “spring cleaning” to “purge the old yeast of corruption”(cf. I Cor. 5, 7) and become a new creation. This renewal
by prayer, fasting, and giving to the poor helped the Christians to prepare for the renewal of their Baptismal promises at Easter. The forty days gave them time to reflect on their sins, do penance, and be renewed in heart and spirit.
Fasting is defined as refraining from food and drink as an expression of interior penance. It is recommended in Scripture and sometimes prescribed by a precept of the Church.
Abstinence is related to fasting, but differs in that it marks out a particular food (usually meat) as prohibited. During Lent we abstain from meat and poultry as part of our penance
St. Peter Chrysologous (4th century) said that fasting must be accompanied by prayer and works of mercy, otherwise it can be sterile and fruitless. Fasting helps us to focus on prayer. And when we use the money we save on food by giving to those in need we gain “treasure in heaven”.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Hildebrand
Friday, January 25, 2008
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
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
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
- 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
Monday, January 21, 2008
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
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
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