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
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
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
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Adoration Chapel's Holiday Schedule
Dear Adorers,
The following schedule will be followed for Christmas:
Tabernacle panels will be closed from 4 PM on Dec. 24 to 6 PM on Dec. 25 due to the Mass schedule in the church.
Questions? Email us at adoration@sjboc.org
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Appreciation and Thanks
Dear Friends in Christ,
As we approach the end of 2007, I would like to show
Fr. Norbert, Fr. Philip, Fr. Pascal, and Fr. Luke.
They are brother priests, confreres, and a great support in ministry.
- Bob Grant - Music
- Edgar Rojo - Extraordinary Ministers
- Jay Smith - Ushers
- Arnis Dela Cusack- Youth and Confirmation
- Zomy Herman - Environment
- Maryann Ngo - Vietnamese Community/ Environment
- Dean Dobkins - Lectors
These persons help in planning parish liturgies, especially those that
Do you have a talent or interest to share? Is it music? We have a wonderful parish choir. Is it teaching? We have an excellent Religious
Have a blessed week.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The Golden Compass and Catholicism
Dear Friends in Christ,It is the duty of the pastor to protect his flock from any dangers that threaten. It is in that spirit that I write to you about the recently released movie, The Golden Compass. The promoters of this movie are marketing it as a children’s film and have cleverly chosen the Christmas season for its release because it is based on a trilogy of “children’s” novels by Philip Pullman, a professed atheist from England. While the movie appears to promote ethical values, it openly ridicules Christianity. Many Catholic and other Christian organizations have come out against this movie because it opposes all organized religion.
The hope of the producers is that people will see the movie and then buy the three book series for children as Christmas gifts. Even atheist societies are somewhat critical of the movie because it doesn’t go as far as the book does in bashing Christians. That is what makes this so dangerous. The movie is a wolf-in-sheep’s clothing because it clothes its anti-religious message as a children’s fantasy tale. You may think that this is just another children’s movie like the Chronicles of Narnia, but Phillip Pullman has gone on record that he dislikes C.S. Lewis. Not only that, he openly states that his purpose in writing the trilogy “His Dark Materials” is to kill the idea of God in the minds of children. We can only hope that the mixed reviews the movie has already received will be enough to limit its audience.
You who are parents should read the reviews of this movie. A very informative website is www.snopes.com. It is not Catholic or Christian, but it simply an informative website that investigates urban legends to find out whether they’re true or not. They have extensive information on The Golden Compass. Philip Pullman’s claim that all organized religion is evil is not fair. While everyone would admit that organized religion includes individuals who commit terrible crimes, we are not thereby permitted to conclude that organized religion is itself evil. That our Church has had its share of first class sinners is proven by history (and even by contemporary events). However, the presence of sinners in the Church is not a proof of her illegitimacy as a divine institution. Even St. Paul admitted that he was a sinner, and so are we all. The Church’s legitimacy (and the legitimacy of Christianity as a whole) is derived from the holiness of her divine Founder, our Lord Jesus Christ. He came to this earth and was born to save man kind from sin. That some choose to reject His way and follow the path of evil is a sign of their free will. God does not force anyone to love Him. He wants us to make that choice freely.
Pullman’s writing shows that he does not understand the constitution of the Church. He makes a caricature of the Church and sets that up as the evil force that crushes people’s freedom. But his sense of absolute freedom from moral norms sounds like the freedom St. Peter warns against when he says, “Be free, yet without using freedom as a pretext for evil” (I Peter 2, 16).
Happy Advent,
Fr. Hildebrand
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Advent 2007
Dear Friends in Christ,The season of Advent begins a new year of grace for God’s people. Grace is a free gift from God, not something God owes us for good deeds or good behavior. Nevertheless, the good works that God inspires in us can gain us his grace because of our union with Jesus in Baptism. “Filial adoption, in making us partakers by grace in the divine nature, can bestow true merit on us as a result of God’s gratuitous justice. This is our right by grace… making us ‘co-heirs’ with Christ and worthy of obtaining ‘the promised inheritance of eternal life.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2009)
Of the different ways that we can merit God’s grace, the corporal works of mercy deserve special mention during this season of giving. Among these works are feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless. During this season some of our parishioners are serving at the Armory in Santa Ana or helping at S.O.S. (Save Our Selves) or other charitable works. When we serve our brothers and sisters in need we know that we are serving Christ Himself because He identifies with the hungry, the homeless, and all those in need.
During this holy season of Advent we remember that Jesus came among us in the poverty of the stable 2000 years ago. He will come again at an unknown time in glory to judge all people. Let
us make it our aim to receive Christ when He comes today in the poor and the outcast. Thus we will make this season a time of grace and salvation with a joy beyond our expectations.
Sincerely,
Fr. Hildbebrand
Sunday, November 25, 2007
“Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship”
The bishops of the United States recently held their annual meeting in Baltimore. At that meeting they
prepared a document “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship”. The document is directed to American Catholics as they study the issues and the candidates in making choices as responsible citizens. This is not a “voter’s guide”, but rather a guide to making intelligent decisions based on the moral law and rooted in the Gospel.The citizen is called to live the Gospel within society and work to promote the common good of all, especially in a government “by the people and for the people”. This is a type of “social charity” (cf. Deus Caritas Est, Benedict XVI). As Christians we should be known as those who love and serve one another, both at home and in social life. That is why the Catholic Church has always been active in charitable works for the most vulnerable in society, the poor, the outcast, the persecuted.
In that spirit of charity the Catholic citizen is responsible for forming his/her conscience in order to make the right decisions in political and moral questions. “Conscience is a judgment of reason whereby the human person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act…It is by the judgment of conscience that man perceives and recognizes the prescriptions of the divine law” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1778). Now the divine law is the norm in all cases; it is the inviolable source and standard for all human laws. Therefore, any human law which contradicts the divine law is fundamentally flawed. A person would not be bound to obey such a law.
The political climate in the United States today presents the Catholic citizen with some serious moral challenges. The bishops list several of these in their document. The first and most fundamental right is the right to life. Citizens are responsible for opposing laws that would permit the destruction of innocent human life. Legalized abortion is a scourge on our nation’s conscience. The Catholic citizen must oppose abortion and any legislation that would promote it or any other immoral practice such as euthanasia, assisted suicide, or human cloning. Other themes include the support of the traditional family and respect for God’s creation.
With regard to voting, while Catholics are not single issue voters, a candidate’s immoral position on one issue that is gravely evil may lead them not to vote for that candidate. Besides the obligation to avoid doing evil, the Christian must also seek to follow the positive law for the common good. Citizens must seek to provide for basic human needs, food, shelter, just wages for workers, health care, justice for immigrants, and education.
The complete text and a summary of this new document can be read at www.usccb.org. This is required reading for all of us who seek to contribute positively in the political arena.
May God bless you.
Fr. Hildebrand
Friday, November 16, 2007
Letter from Fr. Francis Reginald
Dear Friends in Christ,
The following letter arrived from Father Francis Reginald, who preached our Mission Co-op in September. Each year the Propagation of the Faith assigns preachers from Mission countries to appeal to your church of St. John the Baptist, to obtain help, to alleviate the pain and suffering of our brothers and sisters in other countries. This year the Mission Appeal was for the Diocese of Mannar in Sri Lanka. I was privileged to make this Mission Appeal in your church on September 8 and 9 at all the Masses, on behalf of the people of Mannar Diocese.
We are proud to record that the sum of $12000 was raised to help the people of Mannar Diocese, especially to take care of the basic needs of the children who have been orphaned and the elderly people who have been affected by Tsunami and the ongoing brutal Civil War for twenty five years. The Catholic Church is deeply involved in humanitarian work among the suffering people of Sri Lanka, where the majority of the people are Buddhists and Hindus. This way of witnessing brings Christ’s love and compassion to the people. Pope John Paul II said, “Our faith in Christ opens our eyes to see beyond our own parish community to the life of the Universal Church and the needs of the world around us.” These children and the affected fami-
lies who are blessed with your generous help are praying for you and remembering you with love and gratitude.
It is incumbent upon me to thank you most gratefully for your concern, care, prayers and generous financial support, on behalf of the suffering people of Mannar Diocese. A famous poet William Wordsworth once reminded us that “More things are wrought by prayer than the world dreams of.” In this spirit, your generosity was a response to our prayers, in the hope that God would reward all those who trust Him for many blessings that come to those who trust in His ways. “Thoughts are deeper than words but feelings are deeper than thoughts” so goes the saying. With a feeling of profound gratitude and love that just cannot be expressed in words I say a big “THANK YOU”. May I plead with you to continue to pray for Peace in the world, in Sri Lanka and for one another.
May God bless you.
With love, prayers and gratitude,
Fr. Francis Reginald
The following letter arrived from Father Francis Reginald, who preached our Mission Co-op in September. Each year the Propagation of the Faith assigns preachers from Mission countries to appeal to your church of St. John the Baptist, to obtain help, to alleviate the pain and suffering of our brothers and sisters in other countries. This year the Mission Appeal was for the Diocese of Mannar in Sri Lanka. I was privileged to make this Mission Appeal in your church on September 8 and 9 at all the Masses, on behalf of the people of Mannar Diocese.
We are proud to record that the sum of $12000 was raised to help the people of Mannar Diocese, especially to take care of the basic needs of the children who have been orphaned and the elderly people who have been affected by Tsunami and the ongoing brutal Civil War for twenty five years. The Catholic Church is deeply involved in humanitarian work among the suffering people of Sri Lanka, where the majority of the people are Buddhists and Hindus. This way of witnessing brings Christ’s love and compassion to the people. Pope John Paul II said, “Our faith in Christ opens our eyes to see beyond our own parish community to the life of the Universal Church and the needs of the world around us.” These children and the affected fami-
lies who are blessed with your generous help are praying for you and remembering you with love and gratitude.
It is incumbent upon me to thank you most gratefully for your concern, care, prayers and generous financial support, on behalf of the suffering people of Mannar Diocese. A famous poet William Wordsworth once reminded us that “More things are wrought by prayer than the world dreams of.” In this spirit, your generosity was a response to our prayers, in the hope that God would reward all those who trust Him for many blessings that come to those who trust in His ways. “Thoughts are deeper than words but feelings are deeper than thoughts” so goes the saying. With a feeling of profound gratitude and love that just cannot be expressed in words I say a big “THANK YOU”. May I plead with you to continue to pray for Peace in the world, in Sri Lanka and for one another.
May God bless you.
With love, prayers and gratitude,
Fr. Francis Reginald
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
"Extraordinary Form" of the the Mass
Dear Friends in Christ,
As you know this week we will held an informational meeting on the traditional Latin Mass, which Pope Benedict calls the “extraordinary form” of the Mass. The fact that it is the extraordinary form indicates that there is also an “ordinary form”, which is the form in use since 1970. By calling the old Latin Mass “extraordinary” the Pope wants to tell us that it does not replace the ordinary form, but offers another use of the same rite.
Essentially both forms are the same because the Mass is one sacrifice of Christ. If you come to the meeting on Monday night you will see how they are the same and in what ways they differ. Here at St. John’ s we strive to present the liturgy as faithfully as possible according to the authentic Roman rite. We recognize that the liturgy is not something created or invented by the presiding celebrant according to his own whims and opinions. Rather the liturgy is something handed down to us by the Church. It is the work of centuries of refining and distilling what was entrusted to us by the Lord Jesus Himself, who said, “Do this in memory of Me”. The order of worship, the prayers, chants, and readings have been developed ever since the early Church to form an organic whole that inspires those present while it offers praise to God.
If we are interested in the possibility of offering Mass in the extraordinary form at St. John’s it is because of our concern for the spiritual welfare of our people. We want to increase reverence at our Sunday Masses. We want to use texts that are inspired by the Scriptures. We want to offer music that comes from the rich tradition of our Church. Can we celebrate Mass in Latin in the ordinary form? Yes, that is also a possibility. We could offer a Mass in the ordinary form with the current cycle of readings in English, but with the chants and prayers in Latin. We could also have Communion kneeling along the edge of the sanctuary and more traditional elements that were never forbidden. Would the parish prefer this to the traditional Latin Mass? You must make your voice heard on this subject. Our informational meeting will spell out clearly how the two forms compare with each other. Hopefully with this explanation we can make a decision that will respond to the spiritual needs of the parish.
It is my fervent wish that our efforts will enable us to profit spiritually from the Mass so that we can go forth from our Sunday worship giving thanks to God by works of charity.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Hildebrand
As you know this week we will held an informational meeting on the traditional Latin Mass, which Pope Benedict calls the “extraordinary form” of the Mass. The fact that it is the extraordinary form indicates that there is also an “ordinary form”, which is the form in use since 1970. By calling the old Latin Mass “extraordinary” the Pope wants to tell us that it does not replace the ordinary form, but offers another use of the same rite.
Essentially both forms are the same because the Mass is one sacrifice of Christ. If you come to the meeting on Monday night you will see how they are the same and in what ways they differ. Here at St. John’ s we strive to present the liturgy as faithfully as possible according to the authentic Roman rite. We recognize that the liturgy is not something created or invented by the presiding celebrant according to his own whims and opinions. Rather the liturgy is something handed down to us by the Church. It is the work of centuries of refining and distilling what was entrusted to us by the Lord Jesus Himself, who said, “Do this in memory of Me”. The order of worship, the prayers, chants, and readings have been developed ever since the early Church to form an organic whole that inspires those present while it offers praise to God.
If we are interested in the possibility of offering Mass in the extraordinary form at St. John’s it is because of our concern for the spiritual welfare of our people. We want to increase reverence at our Sunday Masses. We want to use texts that are inspired by the Scriptures. We want to offer music that comes from the rich tradition of our Church. Can we celebrate Mass in Latin in the ordinary form? Yes, that is also a possibility. We could offer a Mass in the ordinary form with the current cycle of readings in English, but with the chants and prayers in Latin. We could also have Communion kneeling along the edge of the sanctuary and more traditional elements that were never forbidden. Would the parish prefer this to the traditional Latin Mass? You must make your voice heard on this subject. Our informational meeting will spell out clearly how the two forms compare with each other. Hopefully with this explanation we can make a decision that will respond to the spiritual needs of the parish.
It is my fervent wish that our efforts will enable us to profit spiritually from the Mass so that we can go forth from our Sunday worship giving thanks to God by works of charity.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Hildebrand
Friday, November 02, 2007
Pope's Response to the Southern California Fires
Dear Friends in Christ,
Here is a letter from The Holy Father and the Apostolic Nuncio in response to the recent fires in southern California.
APOSTOLIC NUNCIATURE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
3339 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008-3610
Your Excellency:
The Secretariat of State of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has instructed me to convey the following message:
“His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life and damage to homes and other properties caused by extensive fires in Southern California and wishes to express his sympathy and closeness in prayer to those affected. He also offers his prayerful encouragement to the firefighters, rescue workers and all involved in bringing relief and support to the victims of this disaster. Commending the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, His Holiness invokes upon their grieving families and all those injured, abundant divine graces of strength and comfort.”
I take this opportunity to join the Holy Father in extending to you and to the Faithful whom you shepherd, an assurance of my prayers. May Our Lady of Consolation intercede for the people of California during this difficult time. With sentiments of esteem, I remain
The Most Reverend Tod Brown
Bishop of Orange
2811 E. Villa Real Drive
P. O. Box 14195
Orange, CA 92863-1595
Here is a letter from The Holy Father and the Apostolic Nuncio in response to the recent fires in southern California.
APOSTOLIC NUNCIATURE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
3339 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008-3610
Prot. No. – 7303 29 October 2007
Your Excellency:
The Secretariat of State of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has instructed me to convey the following message:
“His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life and damage to homes and other properties caused by extensive fires in Southern California and wishes to express his sympathy and closeness in prayer to those affected. He also offers his prayerful encouragement to the firefighters, rescue workers and all involved in bringing relief and support to the victims of this disaster. Commending the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, His Holiness invokes upon their grieving families and all those injured, abundant divine graces of strength and comfort.”
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone
Secretary of State
Secretary of State
I take this opportunity to join the Holy Father in extending to you and to the Faithful whom you shepherd, an assurance of my prayers. May Our Lady of Consolation intercede for the people of California during this difficult time. With sentiments of esteem, I remain
Fraternally yours in Christ,
Archbishop Pietro Sambi
Apostolic Nuncio
__________________________Archbishop Pietro Sambi
Apostolic Nuncio
The Most Reverend Tod Brown
Bishop of Orange
2811 E. Villa Real Drive
P. O. Box 14195
Orange, CA 92863-1595
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)