January 16, 2009 by Catholic San Francisco

(CNS PHOTO/NEIL COHEN, IDF, VIA REUTERS)

(CNS PHOTO/IBRAHEEM ABU MUSTAFA, REUTERS)

(CNS PHOTO/MOHAMAD TOROKMAN, REUTERS)

Gaza conflict relief appeal made An appeal for support of Catholic Relief Services emergency response work in Gaza was issued Jan. 9 by the archdiocesan Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns. See pages 12-13 for a report and other stories on the conflict there. From left to right above: Palestinian children in the West Bank city of Jenin take part in a Jan. 13 protest against the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip; an explosion is seen following an Israeli airstrike in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip; Israeli soldiers advance Jan. 12 in the northern Gaza Strip.

San Francisco police chief warns of hate-based crimes Religious congregations in the Bay Area should be prepared and vigilant in the wake of what “appear to have been incidents of hate-based acts” in recent weeks, San Francisco Chief of Police Heather Fong wrote in a Jan. 9 letter addressed to the San Francisco Interfaith Council for distribution to its members. Fong urged congregations to be on the look-out for “suspicious or threatening phone calls, voice mails, e-mails or letters” as well as “any suspicious packages, particularly if the item displays evidence of powder, residue, stains or liquid, or if it shows any sign that it may be a potential explosive device or biohazard.” She asked that the police be contacted if graffiti or other damage was detected at church or memorial sites and that “suspicious persons hanging around religious or memorial facilities” be reported.

“I write at this time out of concern born of recent events,” she said, citing incidents of “vandalism and threatening communications.” On Jan. 4 San Francisco’s Most Holy Redeemer Parish was defaced by a spray-painted message apparently alluding to Church support of the passage of Proposition 8, the state constitutional amendment to define marriage as only valid between a man and woman. On Jan. 5 archdiocesan personnel discovered Pastoral Center walls, windows and walkways hit by anti-Prop 8 graffiti. On Nov. 21 Star of the Sea Church in San Francisco received a suspicious package containing batteries and a purple liquid in a plastic bag. No message was included. “These indidents of intolerance are in direct conflict with the spirit of the city that we all love,” Fong wrote.

Urged to care for migrants By Patricia Zapor WASHINGTON (CNS) – More than a week before he was to take office, Presidentelect Barack Obama met with Mexican President Felipe Calderon, prompting advice and recommendations about how the two leaders’ governments should be handling immigration, among other matters. Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, chairman of the U.S. Catholic bishops’

migration committee, encouraged the two men to end abuses against migrants and put more effort into economic development to deter people from leaving their homelands. “The issue of illegal immigration transcends borders and must be addressed on a regional, if not hemispheric level,” Bishop Wester said in a statement released by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington Jan. 12, the day Obama and Calderon met.

Catholic san Francisco Northern California’s Weekly Catholic Newspaper

Archdiocese issues statement about County Recorder action The Archdiocese of San Francisco is contesting a plan by the San Francisco County Recorder’s Office to impose a property transfer tax on the Archdiocese based on an internal reorganization of Church property begun last year. Following is a press statement released Jan. 12 regarding the matter: “San Francisco County Recorder Phil Ting has taken a step that is unprecedented in the history of the state of California. He has determined that an internal reorganization of Church property, without consideration, within the family of corporations of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, constitutes a ‘sale’ and is subject to a property transfer tax. The Archdiocese, therefore, has filed a formal appeal to contest this determination. As noted in the Dec. 7, 2007 issue of Catholic San Francisco, in which Archbishop George H. Niederauer outlined certain archdiocesan corporate struc-

ture changes, ‘The goal here in San Francisco has been to allow the day to day operations of our parishes and schools to continue in a cohesive, efficient manner while at the same time establishing simple ownership models that clearly distinguish the canonical assets of the parishes and schools from those of the Archdiocese in general.’” The statement concluded: “The law is overwhelmingly in favor of the Archdiocese in holding that Church property ‘transfers’ of this nature are exempt from transfer taxes. The California legislature, courts, the State Board of Equalization and the Attorney General have repeatedly stated that religious corporations are merely permitted as a convenience to assist in the conduct of the temporalities of the Church – which is the real owner of Church property. Counties throughout the state have recognized this fact in connection with similar corporate reorganizations in other dioceses.”

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S EDITION Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . 8-11 Scripture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Datebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Archbishop: are we timid of heart? ~ Page 3 ~ January 16, 2009

Rookie NFL coach relies on his faith ~ Page 7 ~

Eucharistic adoration inspires many faithful ~ Page 14 ~

SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS

‘Frost/Nixon’ review . . . . . . 21 Classified ads . . . . . . . . 22-23

www.catholic-sf.org VOLUME 11

•

No. 2

Catholic San Francisco

January 16, 2009

On The Where You Live By Tom Burke It’s always a pleasure to get back to jargon from my show business days including the old expression “paper the house” which is exactly the gift of Ruth Sieber to Mary’s Pence, a ministry that funds women’s projects in North, South and Central America. Ruth has bought every seat for the Feb. 4 evening performance of “The Philadelphia Story” – catches my eye right away, of course – at Hillbarn Theater in Foster City, where Ruth and her husband, John Schueler, are members of St. Luke Parish. Proceeds from your purchase of said ducats will benefit Mary’s Pence. “I hope readers will seize this unique opportunity to enjoy an evening at the Hillbarn Theater and support Mary’s Pence,” Ruth told me. “I strongly believe in the mission of Mary’s Pence that includes supplying critical resources and opportunities to women-led projects in communities throughout the Americas. In turn, these women transform their communities and present hope for a more just and peaceful world.” Ruth has “always loved theater” but started treading the boards only four years ago. Favorite plays she’s appeared in include “Rumors,” a 1988 work of Neil Simon. Also a singer, Ruth has been seen in musicals including “Bye, Bye Birdie” and “Oliver.” The actress/benefactor will play the role of photographer Liz at the Feb. 4 performance. Many of us remember the musical version of “The Philadelphia Story” on film as “High Society” with Grace Kelly – a Philly hometowner – Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Celeste Holm in the role of Liz. Ms. Holm has always been an inspiration to me as a performer since I saw her as “Mame” in a national tour of the Anniversary couples from left, Jim and Barbara Mosso, Jean and Renee Pourrouquet, and Jean and Raymonde Moustirats.

LIVING TRUSTS WILLS ●

●

PROBATE

beloved musical more than 40 years ago in Chicago. Community theater and community reality both benefit from this worthy effort. Please think about pitchin’ in! Break a leg, Ruth! For “The Philadelphia Story” ticket information, call (650) 349-6411 or visit www.hillbarntheatre. org. For information about Mary’s Pence visit www. maryspence.org….On their way to a grand celebration of 100 years are friends, supporters and graduates of Star of the Sea Schools in San Francisco. Auxiliary Bishop William J. Justice presided at a centennial-opening Mass Jan. 5 where he was presented with a 1909 photo of opening day at the Richmond District school by its principal, Terrence Hanley. Terrence Hanley, principal, Bishop William J. Justice and Msgr. Floro Arcamo, pastor, at Mass opening centennial year of Star of the Sea Schools in San Francisco. Msgr. Floro Arcamo, pastor, concelebrated. Guests included former Star of the Sea Elementary School principal, St. the milestone Nov. 29 at the Basque Cultural Center in South Joseph of Carondelet Sister Rosemarie Carroll; former Star San Francisco. The “all” who had a good time included “the of the Sea Academy principal, St. Joseph of Carondelet Sister honorees, their children and grandchildren, family members of Sharon Ann Bredon, and the congregation’s regional superior, each family as well as hundreds of guests including close priest St. Joseph of Carondelet Sister Diane Smith. For information friends,” said Tina Zanoni, Barbara Mosso’s sister and bearer about other anniversary events, call (415) 221-8558 or visit of the good news….This is an empty space without you! www.starsf.net. …The gym at St. Charles Parish in San Send items and pictures via e-mail to burket@sfarchdiocese. Carlos hosted its annual winter basketball tourney in December. org. Mailed items should be sent to “Street,” One Peter Yorke More than 120 middle and junior high school boys’ teams Way, SF 94109. Pix should be hard copy or electronic jpeg at from Catholic and other schools took part in the 158 games that 300 dpi. Don’t forget to include a follow-up phone number. Call make up the contest. St. Charles School parents Mary Feeley me at (415) 614-5634 and I’ll walk you through it. (Caiti, eighth grade and Aiden, first grade); Pat O’Hara (Bobby, seventh grade and Annie, fifth grade); and Kevin Philpott (Patrick, seventh grade and Maggie, third grade) chaired the event. First place finishers included teams from St. Gregory’s, St. Cecilia’s, St. Dunstan’s, St. Raymond’s, Our Lady of Angels, St. Robert’s and Central Middle School of San Carlos. Thanks to Kevin’s wife and Patrick and Maggie’s mom, Carol Philpott, for fillin’ us in…. Congrats on their 40th wedding anniversaries to Barbara and Jim Mosso, Jean and Raymonde Moustirats, and Renee Pat O’Hara, left, Mary Feeley and Kevin Philpott and Jean Pourrouquet of St. Pius are chairs of this year’s Christmas Basketball Parish in Redwood City. The couples Tournament at St. Charles Parish in San Carlos. joined in a combined celebration of

AUFER’S

RELIGIOUS SUPPLIES

West Coast Church Supplies

Serving The Catholic – Christian Community since 1904

369 Grand Avenue South San Francisco

MICHAEL T. SWEENEY ATTORNEY AT LAW 782A ULLOA STREET SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127

(415) 664-8810 www.mtslaw.info FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

McCoy Church Goods Co. Inc 1010 Howard Aveune San Mateo, CA 94401

(650) 342-0924 Competitive Prices & Personalized Service HELPLINES FOR CLERGY/CHURCH SEXUAL ABUSE VICTIMS 415-614-5506 This number is answered by Barbara Elordi, Archdiocesan Pastoral Outreach Coordinator. This is a secured line and is answered only by Barbara Elordi. 415-614-5503 If you wish to speak to a non-archdiocesan employee please call this nunmber. This is also a secured line and is answered only by a victim survivor.

Your complete resource of Religious Goods

1-800-767-0660

1455 Custer Avenue, San Francisco 94124 415-333-4494 • FAX 415-333-0402 Hours: M-F 8:30 am – 5 pm Sat. 10am – 4 pm e-mail: sales@kaufers.com www.kaufers.com

Easy access: 3 blocks west of 101 Bibles, Books, Rosaries,Statues, Jewelry, Medals, Crucifixes, Baptism and Christening Gifts

Mon – Fri 9:30 to 5:30 Sat 9:30 – 5

Donate Your Car 800-YES-SVDP (800-937-7837)

• FREE same day pickup • Maximum Tax Deduction • We do DMV paperwork • Running or not, no restrictions • 100% helps your community www.yes-svdp.org

Serving the poor since 1860 ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

Couples Weekend Workshop February 7 & 8, 2009

T F A

Day 1: Developing closeness and friendship Day 2: Managing conflict and communication skills St. Patrick’s Seminary, Menlo Park

R D

For info & registration contact:

Dr. Robert Navarra (Certified Gottman Therapist) 650-593-8087 www.robertnavarra.net robertnavarra@sbcglobal.net Register early, limited space available for 20 couples only.

Based on Dr. John Gottman’s 35 years of research on what works in relationships.

DONATE YOUR VEHICLE TAX DEDUCTION FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES of San Mateo, San Francisco Marin Counties

D O N AT E O N L I N E

vehiclesforcharity.com 1.800.574.0888

January 16, 2009

Catholic San Francisco

Archbishop Niederauer: Following is the Jan. 11 homily delivered by Archbishop George H. Niederauer at St. Raymond Parish, Menlo Park. This is the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the last day of the Christmas season, and the final event in Jesus Christ’s life which prepares for the beginning of his public ministry, his announcement of the kingdom of God and his own Messiahship. The Church begins the readings today with the prophet Isaiah, who described hundreds of years beforehand what the favored one would be like, the Savior whom God would send to his people. Isaiah foresees what God will say: “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my Spirit.” What will this savior-servant do for the people: “He shall bring justice.” How will he do that? Like all those worldly leaders who promise justice and peace, but always seem to bring in wars, bloodshed, divisions, condemnations, suffering? No! God says, through Isaiah, that his favored servant will be different: “He will not be crying out and shouting, he will not break the bruised reed nor quench the smoldering wick.” The “favored one of God” when he comes, will not give up on the smallest, weakest sign of life. He will do God’s will and be attentive to the needs of God’s people. Speaking finally to this favored servant, God says: “I have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand, I have formed you as a light to open blind eyes, to free prisoners and those who live in darkness.” In the second reading, we move forward to the first days of the Christian Church. The Apostle Peter is teaching this new faith in Jesus to the Roman soldier, Cornelius, and his family and friends. Peter teaches that all God’s promises of a savior are now fulfilled in Jesus. He teaches that this fulfillment all began with the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan river. In that moment, Jesus was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and power, and he began his ministry of good works and healing, gently, never breaking the reed or quenching the wick. Why has the Church always regarded this feast, this event in the life of Jesus as so very important, right alongside his birth and the visit of the wise men at Epiphany? We hear from Mark’s Gospel that, as Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the Spirit descending on him in the form of a dove, and heard a voice from the heavens say: “You are my beloved Son. On you my favor rests.” Here is the meaning our faith sees in this event: By his baptism, Jesus showed that he accepted his humanity and that he identified with all his human brothers and sisters, in this very baptism of repentance. He says: “I am a human among humans.” He takes everything about our living and dying on himself. And his father in heaven says: “You are my beloved Son.” But our salvation is not a “spectator sport.” We are involved; we are called to participate; we need to respond and get involved. In fact, when John baptized Jesus, baptism didn’t change Jesus; instead, Jesus changed baptism. Remember what John said earlier in that reading: “One more powerful than I is to come after me. I have baptized you in water; he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.” He is speaking of Jesus. Water can wash the body, but only the Spirit of God can cleanse a life and a self and a heart. That is the power Jesus gives to baptism: in this moment at the Jordan, and later on Calvary and at his resurrection on Easter morning. And this is the leap our faith must make: because of Jesus’s baptism and our baptism in Jesus, now you and I hear the father say: “You are my beloved Son, my beloved daughter. On you my favor rests.” Maybe you resist that: “Oh no, Archbishop, it’s nice of you to say that; I know you think you’re supposed to encourage us, but you don’t know me….” NO! You cannot see yourself from God’s point of view, so it’s easy to imagine the worst. But Jesus does have God’s point of view. He tells us over and over again that we are the

(CNS PHOTO/GREGORY A. SHEMITZ, LONG ISLAND CATHOLIC

Is Jesus mistaken, or are we timid of heart?

Christ’s baptism by John the Baptist at the Jordan River is depicted in a stained-glass window at St. Therese of Lisieux Church in Montauk, N.Y.

loved children of his father in heaven. Is Jesus mistaken, or are we timid of heart? Jesus even goes so far as to say, after his resurrection, in John’s Gospel: “As the Father has sent me, so also I send you.” Combine that with: “You are my beloved daughter or son. On you my favor rests.” As the baptized disciples of Jesus, we follow in his steps. He speaks to us in these Scriptures. He feeds us with his body and blood. And he sends us out from here, as the father sent him: usually, in our circumstances, not to be great heroes, but to bring whatever light and comfort we can to those we live and work with; to work for justice (fairness among peoples, patient, compassionate judgments, and not gossipy condemnations); to help free those we love and those we meet from the dungeons and the darkness of their prejudices, their resentments, their discouragements, their depression. To witness to the saving, healing difference Jesus and his Church make in our lives. To recognize the bruised reed and the smoldering wick, and not to break or quench, even more, to strengthen with love and example, to gently fan the guttering ember of frightened confusion back into the flame of confident love. In each effort, in each step, hear your father saying: “You are my beloved daughter, you are my beloved son. On you my favor rests.” Which brings us to this Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, at St. Raymond Parish in Menlo Park. Why do we even need a church? Lots of competing outlooks on spirituality these days: relationship to God and to each other--e.g., “I’m spiritual, but I’m not religious.” They may say, “I worship God outside in the beautiful world of nature he created, not in some stuffy church on Sundays. I take a hike in the hills or mountains he made.” We don’t mock that, because people are sincere, but we don’t have to agree either. We Catholics are entitled to be who we are, too. Who are we? Well, by our baptism, we are people who share a faith in Jesus Christ.

We believe that Jesus, at the Last Supper, on the night before he died, did not say to his first followers, “Go take a hike in memory of me.” No, this is what we believe: At the Last Supper, on the night before he died, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, “This cup is the new covenant in my Blood, which will be shed for you.” Then Jesus said, “Take and eat. This is my Body.” Then he took the cup with wine, and said, “Do this in memory of me.” So each Sunday, the Lord’s Day, we do this in memory of Jesus Christ, and we believe that it strengthens and inspires us to go forth and live as he has taught us to do. We believe that it gives profound meaning to everything in our lives, including hikes in the woods and the hills. We are celebrating this Mass just four days after the feast of your patron saint, Raymond of Penyafort. He was born in Barcelona, Spain, around 1175. He was a contemporary of St. Francis of Assisi, patron of our Archdiocese of San Francisco, and of St. Dominic. Indeed, he joined the Dominican order that St. Dominic founded, and he was that saint’s second successor as Master General of the Order. We are told that he turned down the possibility of becoming an archbishop, and there are days when I think that is the smartest decision he ever made! Perhaps that’s why, in the 13th century, he lived to be nearly 100 years old. His most famous work was a pastoral guide for confessors to use in the Sacrament of Penance, to be gentle, just and healing in their work with penitents. He learned from the example of Christ not to break the bruised read or to quench the smoking wick. In each age, in every place, disciples of Jesus Christ hear the call to go forth, as beloved daughters and sons of God, to proclaim the kingdom of peace and justice that Jesus Christ established and proclaimed.

Committed to the spiritual well being of our residents

Services Include: Spiritual Care/On-site Chaplain Housekeeping and Laundry Service Resident Activity & Social Programs Daily Licensed Nurse on Duty Upscale Meal Program Located on the St. Thomas More Church Campus

Call Today to Schedule a Tour:

415-337-1339 www.almavia.org

Cosponsored by the sisters of Mercy of the Americas & the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church RCFE#: 385600270

Catholic San Francisco

NEWS

January 16, 2009

in brief

groups must increase efforts to have an impact on legislation and government programs. Cardinal Ennio Antonelli, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, said government decisions – particularly regarding the economy, job creation and housing – have a huge impact on families and their voices must be heard. “Policies must be developed not only for families, but with families,” he told reporters Jan. 9. Theme for the Jan. 14-18 World Meeting of Families in Mexico City was “The Family, Teacher of Human and Christian Values.”

Pope: ethical solutions needed VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Saying the future of the world was at stake, Pope Benedict XVI called for major new efforts to reduce global poverty, end regional conflicts and restore ethics to global financial systems. In an annual address to the diplomatic corps at the Vatican Jan. 8, the pope also appealed on behalf of Christian minorities in places like Iraq and India, urging governments to respond firmly to a recent increase in anti-Christian violence and discrimination. The pope’s speech, sometimes called his “state of the world” address, reviewed developments on several continents, from the refugee crisis in central Africa to the recent military offensive in the Gaza Strip. The pope decried terrorist attacks that have “sown death and destruction” in countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Algeria, but also found hopeful signs in places like the Philippines, where the government and rebels have opened negotiations.

Father Neuhaus mourned WASHINGTON (CNS) – Political, Catholic and pro-life leaders expressed grief over the Jan. 8 death of Father Richard John Neuhaus, an outspoken opponent of abortion and an adviser to President George W. Bush on bioethical issues. “Father Neuhaus was an inspirational leader, admired theologian and accomplished author who devoted his life to the service of the Almighty Father Richard Neuhaus and to the betterment of our world,” Bush said in a Jan. 8 statement. “He was also a dear friend, and I have treasured his wise counsel and guidance.” Father Neuhaus, 72, was hospitalized in New York the day after Christmas with a systemic infection, according to information posted on the website of First Things, an ecumenical journal he founded in 1990 which was published by the Institute on Religion and Public Life. A former Lutheran minister who became a Catholic priest in 1991, the prolific author was diagnosed with cancer in late November.

Asks families to lobby VATICAN CITY (CNS) – On the eve of the Sixth World Meeting of Families, a Vatican official said Christian family

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Benedict XVI thanked members of the Neocatechumenal Way for generous service to the Church and called for greater efforts toward unity with local bishops and parishes. Unity with the Church and among Christians is indispensable for helping the Church’s evangelical efforts “be fruitful and credible,” he told thousands of members of the movement during a special audience in St. Peter’s Basilica Jan. 10. The audience marked the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Neocatechumenal Way in the Diocese of Rome. The movement’s founders, Kiko Arguello and Carmen Hernandez, were present along with thousands of members of Rome’s 500 Neocatechumenal communities. The pope praised the Way’s work and its “meek compliance to the guidelines of priests and communion with” other Catholics. He thanked members for “fresh energy” and “generous service” to the mission of bringing Christ to all. The recent approval of the Way’s statutes by the Pontifical Council for the Laity is proof of “the esteem and benevolence with which the Holy See follows the work” of the movement, he said. The Vatican gave final approval last June to statutes that confirmed the movement’s unique approach to adult evangelization but insisted on close ties with local bishops and parishes.

Parish occupations ended NEW ORLEANS (CNS) – The Archdiocese of New Orleans, with help from the New Orleans police, ended a 10-week occupation of two closed Churches with the arrest of two people. Police gained entry into Our Lady of Good Counsel Church to ask parishioners to leave or face arrest Jan. 6. Two people were arrested and another, a cancer patient, was escorted home. About 12 blocks away at St. Henry Church, police charged one parishioner with criminal trespassing. New Orleans Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes made the decision Jan. 5 to request police intervention when it became apparent that the people occupying the closed Churches would not leave. During a press conference, the archbishop said the decision to close Our Lady of Good Counsel was in response to safety issues uncovered during inspections.

$2.6 million Chicago settlement CHICAGO (CNS) – The Archdiocese of Chicago has agreed to pay $2.6 million to settle two cases of clergy sexual abuse. The sum was in addition to a $12.6 million settlement announced in August with 16 victims of clergy sex abuse in the archdiocese. A $1.2 million settlement involved a teenage boy who said he was abused by Father Daniel McCormack, the former pastor of St. Agatha Parish in Chicago who is serving a prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2007 to abusing five boys. A second payment

(CNS PHOTO/MAURIZIO BRAMBATTI/POOL VIA REUTERS)

Neocatechumenal Way praised

In an annual liturgy, Pope Benedict XVI baptized 13 infants and emphasized the duty of parents and godparents to educate them in the faith. The Mass Jan. 11 marked the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. The pontiff celebrated the liturgy in the Sistine Chapel, where the crying of babies reverberated off the frescoed walls and ceiling. He strongly defended the practice of infant baptism, saying it acts as a “bridge” between human beings and God, and helps lead children along the path of grace.

of $1.38 million went to a man who accused Father Chester Przybylo of having abused him from 1987 to 1992. Przybylo is now a pastor of an independent Church in Winfield, Ill. The settlements will be funded by insurance and proceeds from the sale or lease of undeveloped property, the archdiocese said.

Spain atheists continue campaign MADRID, Spain (CNS) – Catholic and religious leaders have denounced slogans questioning the existence of God planned for buses in Barcelona and other Spanish cities. The message, “Probably, God does not exist. Stop worrying and enjoy life,” were to be placed on buses in Barcelona by Jan. 12. The advertisement campaign, organized by the Madrid Association of Atheists and Freethinkers and Atheists of Catalonia, will arrive in the capital city of Madrid by Jan. 26, Madrid Vice Mayor Manuel Cobo announced Jan. 8. Ads in Valencia, Bilbao, Zaragoza and Seville are set to follow, organizers said. In anticipation of the bus ads, an evangelical group in a Madrid suburb placed a bus ad in late December that said: “God does exist. Enjoy life in Christ.”

MORTGAGE RATES PLUMMET IN 2009! “Lowest fixed rates in 30 years!”

4.5% 1528 S. El Camino Real Suite 307 San Mateo, CA 94402 650-212-5050 Real estate broker, california dept. or real estate license #01370741 exp. 3/12/2007

30 year fixed apr. 4.63%

REFINANCE NOW! Call me today . . .

KARA FIORE Loan Consultant

415.999.1234 kfiore@gmwest.com

Catholic san Francisco

Advertising: Joseph Pena, director; Mary Podesta, account representative Sandy Finnegan, advertising and promotion services

Newspaper of the Archdiocese of San Francisco

Most Reverend George H. Niederauer, publisher Maurice E. Healy, associate publisher & executive editor Editorial Staff: Dan Morris-Young, editor: morrisyoungd@sfarchdiocese.org; Rick DelVecchio, assistant editor: delvecchior@sfarchdiocese.org; Tom Burke, “On the Street”/Datebook: burket@sfarchdiocese.org; Michael Vick, reporter: vickm@sfarchdiocese.org

Production: Karessa McCartney-Kavanaugh, manager Business Office: Marta Rebagliati, assistant business manager; Julio Escobar, circulation and subscriber services Advisory Board: Fr. John Balleza, Deacon Jeffery Burns, Ph. D., James Clifford, Fr. Thomas Daly, Nellie Hizon, James Kelly, Sr. Sheral Marshall, OSF, Deacon Bill Mitchell, Teresa Moore.

Catholic San Francisco editorial offices are located at One Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco, CA 94109. Tel: (415) 614-5640;Circulation: 1-800-563-0008 or (415) 614-5638; News fax: (415) 614-5633; Advertising: (415) 614-5642; Advertising fax: (415) 614-5641; Advertising E-mail: penaj@sfarchdiocese.org Catholic San Francisco (ISSN 15255298) is published weekly (four times per month) September through May, except in the week following Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, and twice a month in June, July and August by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco, 1500 Mission Rd., P.O. Box 1577, Colma, CA 94014. Periodical postage paid at South San Francisco, CA. Annual subscription price: $27 within California, $36 outside the state. Postmaster: Send address changes to Catholic San Francisco, 1500 Mission Rd., P.O. Box 1577, Colma, CA 94014 If there is an error in the mailing label affixed to this newspaper, call 1-800-563-0008. It is helpful to refer to the current mailing label.

for subscriptions or cancellations please call 1-800-563-0008 or 415-614-5638

January 16, 2009

Catholic San Francisco

Cardinal Laghi, former nuncio to U.S., dies at 86 By Cindy Wooden

Land in 2001 to promote disarmament, peace and dialogue in the Middle East. Cardinal Laghi was a seasoned diplomat who spent a total of 17 years in the United States, first as an assistant to papal representatives in the late 1950s, then as the Vatican representative. When the Vatican and the United States established full diplomatic relations in 1984, he was named the first apostolic nuncio. In 1990, Pope John Paul named him head of the Congregation for Catholic Education, a position he held until his retirement in 1999. Even in retirement he continued serving as Pope John Paul’s personal envoy to troubled parts of the globe. After renewed tensions between Israelis and Palestinians erupted in late 2000, Pope John Paul sent the cardinal to the Holy Land to try to convince Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to halt violence and return to negotiations. The Italian was known as an urbane diplomat with a ready wit who was fluent in English, Spanish and French, in addition to his native tongue. He was an avid player of racquetball, squash and tennis, which he reportedly used to play with President George H.W. Bush. He entered the Vatican diplomatic service in 1952, six years after he was ordained a priest, and was named apostolic delegate in the United States in December 1980. During his years in Washington he was CARDINAL LAGHI, page 18

A PE

Mail your gift to: Catholic Charities CYO •180 Howard Street, Suite 100 • San Francisco, CA 94105-1617 • Phone 415-972-1200 Donate online at any time: www.cccyo.org/donate

REMEMBER THE MAN . . . . REMEMBER THE VISION

24th Annual Solidarity Mass

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Email Phone _____________________________________________________________ Parish

(CNS PHOTO/ALESSIA PIERDOMENICO, REUTERS)

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Italian Cardinal Pio Laghi, a former Vatican nuncio to the United States who tried to convince President George W. Bush not to invade Iraq in 2003, died Jan. 10 at the age of 86. Cardinal Laghi had been suffering from a blood disorder, but told a conference just before Christmas that he thought the worst had passed. On that occasion, speaking by webcam from his Vatican apartment, he again expressed deep disappointment that President Bush did not heed Pope John Paul II’s warnings about the possible consequences of the war in Iraq. Those possibilities, the cardinal said, have now become realities: a drawn-out war, massive casualties, new tensions among Iraqi religious and ethnic groups, and greater Muslim hostility toward Christians. Pope Benedict XVI swings a censer over the coffin of Italian Cardinal Pio Laghi Pope John Paul had sent Cardinal Laghi as during his funeral Mass in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Jan. 13. his personal envoy to attempt to persuade Bush to avoid military action in Iraq. The cardinal later said he felt Bush and his aides had already have occurred if the war had been avoided. cardinal’s funeral Mass Jan. 13 in St. Peter’s made up their minds to invade and did not seem In a telegram Jan. 12 offering his condo- Basilica. Pope Benedict was present at the end willing to listen. lences to the cardinal’s nieces and nephews, of the Mass to deliver remarks and preside over The president acted almost as if he were Pope Benedict XVI praised the cardinal for the final commendation. divinely inspired and “seemed to truly believe “long and generous service to the Holy See, Pope Benedict praised the late cardinal for in a war of good against evil,” Cardinal Laghi particularly as papal representative in various “his precious pastoral and diplomatic” service. said. He recalled with gratitude some of the countries and as prefect of the Congregation San Francisco Archbishop George Niederauer for Catholic Education.” “delicate missions” Cardinal Laghi had been said he first met the cardinal in September 1989 In a statement released by the White House assigned – specifically as a special envoy to when the nuncio “came to the 50th anniversary Jan. 11, Bush offered his condolences to Pope Washington in March 2003 and to the Holy celebration of St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo Benedict and to all Catholics. where I was serving as rector.” “Cardinal Laghi was a friend who, in his “I met him again last May in Lourdes more than 60 years of service to the Catholic (France) at Sunday Mass in the large under- Church, worked tirelessly for peace and justice Help change a life ground church,” the Archbishop said, adding: in our world,” Bush said. “Cardinal Laghi in 2009! “He was an accomplished diplomat and he always strove to unite people of all religions supported the life of the Church in this country and promote reconciliation, religious freedom I will make my gift of $ ________ to support those in need with: in a most effective way.” and tolerance.” At the Dec. 22 conference on the future Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the • a check, payable to Catholic Charities CYO of U.S.-Vatican relations, Cardinal Laghi said College of Cardinals, presided over the the Vatican was concerned • my Visa, Mastercard, or American Express about President-elect Barack All-Night _________________________________________________________ Obama’s positions on the Eucharistic Adoration for Life Card Number Expiration family and on the unborn, Join us anytime between 8PM on _________________________________________________________ but looked forward with hope Friday, January 23 and 7AM on Signature to his presidency fostering Saturday January 24, as we prayermore attention to the poor _____________________________________________________________ fully support all those harmed by and easing violence around abortion, and prepare for the 2009 Name the globe. Walk for Life West Coast. _____________________________________________________________ He noted the “huge exodus” Park in our well-lit lot, and enter Address of Christians from Iraq and the through the parish office. “real persecution” of those _____________________________________________________________ who have remained in the City State Zip Ss. Peter and Paul Church 666 Filbert Street 421-0809 country, and said it would not _____________________________________________________________

....

SHIPWRECK WELCOMES!

Who are we? Since 1883, thear Young W ho e w e?Men’s Institute (YMI) has been operating as a fraternal Catholic order supporting its motto of “Pro Deo, Pro Patria” (For God, For Country). Today, over 2500 members (called brothers) honor this motto by working together on worthwhile programs & activities for our Catholic faith & communities.

Sister Anita Price Baird, D.H.M. Chicago, Illinois

DATE:

In addition, the YMI sponsors a variety of fun, social events (e.g., dinners, tournaments, picnics) and offers generous benefits (e.g. scholarships, death benefits) for members & their families.

Sunday, January 18, 2009 10:30am Gospel Mass

PLACE: St. Paul of the Shipwreck Catholic Church

Can I Join?

1122 Jamestown Ave. San Francisco, California

Father Paul Gawlowski, OFM Conv, Pastor Rev. Mr. Larry Chatmon, Deacon

U Y

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED

LI T

IMMEDIATELY AFTER MASS,

Yes, we are looking for new members to join us. If you are n I Jmale, oi n? simply email us at ymius@aol.com a CatholicCa adult or call us at 1-650-588-7762 orsimp 1-800-964-9646. ly m a il us at You can also visit our website for more[ Minfo ym ius@a ol.c om or ca ll us d uring F 9at a m to 5 pm] a t 1 -6We 5 0- can 58 8- 7 76 2 or 18 00a-9brief 6 4- 96YMI 46 . www.ymiusa.org. provide you ur website info at YMI council. application formvisit andothe locationfor of mor the enearest www. ym iusa.or g. Membership fees are very affordable (as low as $2-$5 per month)

The YMI.....Join the Brotherhood! The YMI .....J oi n the Brotherhood!

Catholic San Francisco

January 16, 2009

CCCYO ‘Kid’s Club’ reaches at-risk youth in Marin Canal District and was prone to outbursts and tantrums at school. Kid’s Club has built a trusting, consistent and nurturing relationship with Jaime while also working in close collaboration with his mother and the school to maintain seamless communication throughout each day. After four years at Kid’s Club, Jaime has shown great progress both in school and in interaction with adults and other children. His outbursts have stopped and the staff has watched as his confidence and self-esteem have grown. This year he is participating in the Bike Mechanics Program and even attempted to ride a bike for the first time. Kid’s Club was able to connect Jaime with a Big Brother through its collaboration with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the North Bay. His mentor is able to spend time with him at Kid’s Club and he has been very excited to have this special attention from a caring adult. Jaime is a good example of the potential children have to succeed when provided with opportunity. “Kid’s Club has been a great blessing in my family’s life. Since my son has been attending Kids Club his social skills have improved and his character and confidence have grown,” insists Salinas. “When I was going through financial

By Carlos Garcia Lisa Salinas is a parent. Her 11-year-old son Jaime attends fifth grade at Bahia Vista Elementary School in San Rafael. Like many parents living in the Canal District, she holds down a stressful, full-time job to provide for Jaime and his brother. When Jaime started the second grade, he began having trouble in school and required special education support. A dedicated mother, Salinas faced the tough question of potentially losing her job that provides for her family’s basic needs if she worked a schedule which would allow her to spend afternoons helping Jaime. That’s when Salinas found Kid’s Club at Canal Family Support, a Catholic Charities CYO-subsidized enrichment program serving the Canal District in Marin. Kid’s Club and the Canal Family Support program provide after-school and summer enrichment programs for 120 at-risk kids in grades 1-5. The program fosters educational achievement and improved academic performance, social skill development, physical activity and creative expression among children who might not otherwise have those opportunities. Jaime has trouble learning and requires special support. Before attending Kid’s Club he also had significant behavior issues

Jaime and Lauren Muszynski, program coordinator for Catholic Charities CYO’s Canal Family Support Program.

tribute about $35 per week for their child’s care and for families in extreme poverty to receive additional assistance.

difficulty they worked with me. When my son was going through difficult times, they worked with us, and never once did they give up on us,” she continued. Kid’s Club serves 120 youngsters at a cost of around $125 a week per child. To provide enrichment activities to children from low-income families, CCCYO, with the help of individual and foundation donors, subsidizes the cost of Kid’s Club. This makes it possible for low-income parents to con-

Carlos Garcia is the program director for Catholic Charities CYO’s Canal Family Support Program. For ways to help, visit www.cccyo.org/seasonofcaring or call Marti Sullivan at (415) 972-1291.

(PHOTO BY MICHAEL VICK/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO

‘MBA for a Day’ provides students taste of real world By Michael Vick The University of San Francisco hosted more than 50 students from San Leandro High School and Oakland’s Lighthouse Community Charter School for the first “MBA for a Day” program Nov. 18 and 20. The program, sponsored by the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, paired high school students with USF’s MBA students for a day of classroom study, a tour of campus and an introduction to college life. The NFTE program took place with a backdrop of plummeting stock prices in the wake of the financial meltdown. Students

SCRIPTURE SEARCH Gospel for January 18, 2009 John 1:35-42 Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B: the first disciples find Jesus. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle. TWO DISCIPLES LAMB TURNED TEACHER FOUR SIMON PETER BOUGHT

JESUS OF GOD SAW THEM COME AFTERNOON MESSIAH CALLED

WALK BY HEARD RABBI THAT DAY ANDREW ANOINTED KEPHAS

Siobhan Cohee, left, and Virginia Luu, both 17, recently took part in a program called “MBA for a Day” at the University of San Francisco.

heaven can’t wait

who participated, ranging in age from 14 to 17, seemed upbeat and willing to take on a career in business in spite of, and in some cases because of, the worrying financial situation. Siobhan Cohee, a San Leandro High School senior, said the economic turmoil made her even more determined to succeed in business. She hopes an ethical business model would help her avoid the problems plaguing Wall Street. “The problems don’t scare me,” said Cohee, 17. “All the problems make me want to get into business more.” Cohee said the program was a good opportunity to see what is in store for her when she goes to college. “I didn’t have too many expectations, but it exceeded expectations,” Cohee said. MBA FOR A DAY, page 7

DONATE YOUR VEHICLE TAX DEDUCTION FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV

Serra for Priestly Vocations Please call Archdiocese of San Francisco

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES of San Mateo, San Francisco Marin Counties

D O N AT E O N L I N E

Fr. Tom Daly (415) 614-5683

vehiclesforcharity.com 1.800.574.0888

THEY FOLLOWED D

W W

Sponsored by Duggan’s Serra Mortuary 500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City 650-756-4500 ● www.duggansserra.com

25 RUSSIA AVENUE SAN FRANCISCO Since 1937 25 Russia Avenue, San Francisco

Three beautiful halls for all types of functions. Wonderful Italian Catered Food

The BASIC Fund is a privately funded program dedicated to broadening the educational opportunities for children by helping low-income families afford the cost of tuition at private schools. SCHOLARSHIPS ARE FOR A MAXIMUM OF $1,600 ANNUALLY PER CHILD. For information and Application Please Call

www.iascf.com

415-585-8059 FREE PARKING

Manager: Rich Guaraldi, Jr. Past Grand President of the YMI

Bay Area Scholarships for Innercity Children 268 Bush Street, No. 2717 / San Francisco, CA 94104 Phone: 415-986-5650 / Fax: 415-986-5358 www.basicfund.org

January 16, 2009

Catholic San Francisco

‘ I want God to stay close,’ says Rookie head coach BALTIMORE (CNS) – One day this fall, John Harbaugh walked into a barbershop near his home. As the wholesome-looking 46-year-old sat in the barber’s chair, a young hairdresser carefully snipped his closely cropped brown hair. “What are you doing this weekend?” she asked casually. “Oh, I don’t know,” he replied, “a little bit of this and that.” The hairdresser kept up her poker face a little longer. She was trying to tease a man whose visage has quickly become one of the more recognizable in the region. A year ago, Harbaugh, a lifelong Catholic, was plucked from relative obscurity to become the third head coach in Baltimore Ravens history. As the regular season of the National Football League came to a close in late December, he had achieved an 11-5 record and taken his team into the playoffs. Harbaugh steered the conversation with his hairdresser away from his career. He never boasted about his high-profile job or tried to embarrass his playful tormentor. The Ohio native wanted to stick to the ideals that have defined his life: treating others with respect and staying humble. Catholicism, he says, gave him those principles and they apply to the hairdresser just as much as they do to the multimillion-dollar athletes he coaches. Earlier this season, Harbaugh sat in his office at the Ravens’ training facility to discuss his faith and profession, and how the two mix, with The Catholic Review, Baltimore archdiocesan newspaper. When Harbaugh was growing up, his family moved from Ohio to Iowa to Michigan over the course of a decade. When his father coached at the University

(CNS PHOTO/JOE GIZA, REUTERS)

By George P. Matysek Jr.

Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, left, hugs Ravens head coach John Harbaugh after the Ravens defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars Dec. 28. A life-long Catholic, Harbaugh will lead the Ravens against the Pittsburg Steelers for the American Football Conference championship this Sunday, Jan. 18, having beaten the Tennessee Titans 13-10 on Jan. 10.

of Michigan, Harbaugh attended a public high school in Ann Arbor, but he spent most of his elementary school years in various Catholic schools. Harbaugh has fond memories of the nuns who kept him in line. After he clapped erasers on the walls, one punished him by making him write a sentence hundreds of times on the chalkboard. Another made him work as a janitor for two weeks after he scaled a church tower so he could clang the bell.

MBA for a day . . . ■ Continued from page 6 “It made me feel excited and eased some fears about college.” Fellow San Leandro High School senior Virginia Luu also found the program to be a worthwhile foretaste of higher education. “I talked to students who actually helped me see what college life is like, and got to meet some MBAs,” said Luu, 17. Luu echoed Cohee’s outlook on the economic downturn. “It’s a good opportunity for new businesses,” she said. “The next generation needs to take over with new technology and new ideas.” Among the university students involved in shepherding the MBAs-to-be was Bret Sweet. A 31-year-old former teacher and second-year MBA student at USF, Sweet said young people like Cohee and Luu are an inspiration. “I’m always impressed with the kids,” Sweet said. “Over

EDUCATION Pettingell Book Bindery Klaus-Ullrich S. Rötzscher Bibles, Theses, Gold Stamping. Quality Binding with Cloth, Leather or Paper. Single & Editions. Custom Box Making

2181 Bancroft Way Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 845-3653

“Accountability was a big part of it,” said Harbaugh, whose favorite duty as an altar boy was ringing the bells at Mass. “They made you be courteous and respectful and not be judgmental of others,” he said. “To understand right from wrong was the biggest thing.” Father Christopher Whatley, Catholic chaplain for the Ravens, said the head coach is always at Sunday Mass with other Catholic coaches before games. On the

five years of teaching, my greatest heroes and inspirations were high school students. I wish I were as brave as them when I was their age.” Sweet said as a teenager in Oakland he had been involved in “both markets,” criminal endeavors and above-the-board entrepreneurship, and was “desperately trying to transfer” from the former to the latter. “For an African-American, the people to look at were Kobe Bryant and Sean Combs,” Sweet said. “I wanted to be like Steve Jobs. There were not a lot of role models for that in Oakland.”

road, local priests are called ahead of time to lead worship. “He’s very prayerful during Mass and very attentive to what I have to share in the homily,” said Father Whatley. “He’s there to gain some spiritual nourishment.” It was Harbaugh who revived Catholic Masses for the Ravens after several years without them. He also attends a weekly Bible study at the training facility with his fellow coaches. Even though Sundays are the most high-pressure days of his life, Harbaugh said it’s critical to make time for God. “I think it’s a way to honor God and praise God,” he said. “You just humble yourself a little bit before God and let him know that these things that we do are for you.” Harbaugh likened his job to that of a shepherd who keeps everyone “moving in the right direction to get them to the pasture we want them to graze in.” “I care enough about the players to be demanding of them – to make sure that everything we do is about attention to detail,” he said, “sticking to the plan and not backing out from the values and principles that we think are important.” Before, during and after games, Harbaugh said he’s always praying – not for a win, but for God to draw near. “I used to pray for other reasons, and every now and then, I’d pray for a turnover,” he said, “but more than anything else, I want God to stay close to me so I don’t get caught up in myself and basically embarrass myself. That’s selfish behavior.” While he’s not necessarily praying for a win, the coach gladly encourages fans to do some praying for his team. “Catholic fans! Hey, you know, say a rosary!” he exclaimed with a grin. “Sunday morning for the Ravens!”

A teacher working with NFTE set Sweet on a course to achieve his dreams, and since then, he has looked to be that type of influence in the lives of other young people. Sweet said beyond helping the students, “MBA for a Day” will also help the university see the value of reaching students as early as possible. “I want to expose students to the campus but also expose the campus to the students,” Sweet said. “Some of these 14-year-olds have a better understanding of the economy than outgoing MBAs.”

STERNE SCHOOL

A Program for Students with Learning Differences Grades 6-12 4-1 Teacher/ Student Ratio Teaching Strategies for: • Reading • Math • Comprehension • Organization & Study Skills Now Accepting Applications for 2009/10 School Year

415.922.6081 • www.sterneschool.org

Catholic San Francisco

January 16, 2009

By Jennifer Brinker ST. LOUIS (CNS) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; When Maureen Day was just 11 weeks into her pregnancy, she learned the devastating news that her baby was not developing properly. Recalling that day years ago when she learned at the doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office that her daughter Katieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart was no longer beating, Day said she was shocked at â&#x20AC;&#x153;how devastated I was. It caught me off-guard.â&#x20AC;? In the days and weeks following her miscarriage, Day, the mother of five, spent much of her time on the Internet, reading stories of others who had experienced the same kind of loss and anything else she could that had to do with miscarriage and infant death. By the end of that year, Day had taken that energy, and her background as a professional graphic artist, and turned it into a tangible source of comfort for women grieving the loss of their baby. Launched in 2002, Dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nonprofit

organization, Heaven Born, provides small, handmade fleece pillows to mothers who have suffered an early pregnancy loss. Tucked inside a small pocket on the front of the pillow is a booklet with tips on how to cope with the emotions that follow a pregnancy loss. The pillow â&#x20AC;&#x153;is just something for a mother, when you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have anything to hold,â&#x20AC;? she noted. The attention is in the details, too. Before the pillows are stuffed and sewn by her and a small crew of volunteers, the fleece material is washed in a detergent especially made for laundering infant clothing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted it to have a nice, soothing smell,â&#x20AC;? Day said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A woman e-mailed me once and said â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the smell is what I smell when I have dreams about my baby.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Since its inception, Heaven Born has handcrafted about 1,000 pillows, which have been provided at cost to several hospitals in St. Louis. Day also has since expanded

(CNS PHOTO/JENNIFER BRINKER, ST. LOUIS REVIEW)

Brings comfort to moms of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;heaven bornâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; babies

Maureen Day, founder of the Heaven Born project, holds one of the miniature pillows she makes for mothers who grieve from an early pregnancy loss

(CNS PHOTO/ENRIQUE DE LA OSA, REUTERS)

the effort to other hospitals outside the St. Louis area. Individual pillows also can be ordered at the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, www. heavenborn.com.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have sent them to England, Ireland â&#x20AC;&#x201C; places all over, for people who just happened upon the website,â&#x20AC;? she said. Tips in the booklet include some of the feelings an individual might experience after the loss, how to take care of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self and communicate with a spouse and specific suggestions on how to honor the baby. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to make something in a small, digestible format,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just a little something to read.â&#x20AC;? Dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s physician, Dr. Kent Snowden at St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis, offered support and provided several suggestions for the booklet. St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mercy was the first to show interest in the effort, after Day was connected with Maggie Loyet, coordinator of the Mercy HeartPrints program at the medical center. Day also has established a Heaven Born craft community for small groups who would like to sew pillows on their own, â&#x20AC;&#x153;to help those moms and honor their babies,â&#x20AC;? she said.â&#x20AC;?And then thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the craft therapy part. This is a nice opportunity to get together and share,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I told God, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;This is your deal. This is whatever you make it. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10 pillows or 10 million pillows, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all yours.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

,IFE S A JOURNEY &OR PART OF IT YOUR PARENTS TAKE CARE OF YOU &OR ANOTHER PART YOU ,IFE S A JOURNEY &OR PART OF IT YOUR PARENTS TAKE CARE OF YOU &OR ANOTHER RETURN THE FAVOR 7HEN THE TIME COMES WE CAN HELP -OSTLY BY MAKING SURE TO HONOR PART YOU RETURN THE FAVOR 7HEN THE TIME COMES WE CAN HELP -OSTLY BY MAKING SURE TO HONOR YOUR PARENTS FOR A LIFE WELL LIVED )F YOU NEED IT YOUR PARENTS FOR A LIFE WELL LIVED )F YOU NEED IT CHECK OUT OUR !LZHEIMER S AND CHECK OUT OUR !LZHEIMER S AND $EMENTIA CARE WITH REVOLUTIONARY 3NOESELEN $EMENTIA CARE WITH REVOLUTIONARY 3NOESELEN THERAPY #ALL US AT OR GO THERAPY #ALL OR GO TO AEGISLIVING COM TO AEGISLIVING COM

ÂŤFHJT PG (SBOBEB )JMMT -JOEMFZ "WFOVF

RCFE # 197603894

Latin America collection this weekend Ă egis of Corte Madera 5555 Paradise Dr. Corte Madera, CA 94925 SDGF

Father Teodoro Becerril celebrates Mass at Our Lady del Carmen Church in Havana. The Catholic Church in Cuba is one of the beneficiaries of the annual U.S. collection for Latin America which will be taken this weekend in parishes of the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

(415) 927-4200

NOTICE TO SENIORS AND THE DISABLED What would you say if we told you - you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to pay your credit card bills? Most of our clients say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thank youâ&#x20AC;?. If your only income is from social security, disability payments, pensions or veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s benefits â&#x20AC;&#x201C; federal law states that your income canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be taken away to repay debt. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to pay, and you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to endure frustrating calls and letters from collection agents. You can live worry free as thousands of our clients do.

DCSD shelters you from harassment DCSD protects your income DCSD is not a bankruptcy Stop creditors from breaking the law trying to collect debts you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay. There is an alternative for seniors and the disabled who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need a bankruptcy and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afford one. But you could afford to employ a DCSD Attorney for $20 a month to deal with your debts.

Accessible Home Lift Company

Adobe House

Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Dementia Care Even with the devastating diagnosis of dementia and the sadness it brings, there is a place of warmth and caringâ&#x20AC;Ś a staff that believes thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of living to doâ&#x20AC;Śa place whereâ&#x20AC;Ś

&DOO 'HEW &RXQVHO IRU &DOO 'HEW &RXQVHO IRU 6HQLRUV DQG WKH 'LVDEOHG )RU )UHH &RQVXOWDWLRQ DW )UHH &RQVXOWDWLRQ DW (;7 (;7

(510) 521-9526 or (800) 606-1115 Call us for: * Free in-home consultations and stair lift demonstrations * Fully licensed and bonded CA contractorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lic. # 822635 * 10-plus years experience * Expert service and maintenance for the life of your lift * Custom curved and outdoor applications * Rentals

Senior Living

â&#x20AC;Śthere are moments of joy Founded in 1998 Jerome S. Lamet Founder and Supervising Attorney Former Bankruptcy Trustee

750 N. McDowell Blvd. Petaluma, CA 94954 Phone 707. 775. 4330 Fax 707. 773. 0913 Adobemarketing@comcast.net RCFE LICENSE #496803088

www.debtcounsel.net

January 16, 2009

Catholic San Francisco

Pro-life events set from marches to church bell ringing By Chaz Muth

For information about advertising in the next

On the morning of the annual March for Life, the Washington Archdiocese expects more than 20,000 Catholic teens and young adults from all over the U.S. to attend its youth rally at the Verizon Center, Washington’s largest sports arena, from 7:30-11:30 a.m., with a 10 a.m. Mass celebrated by Washington Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl. The Filipino Family Fund and Culture of Life Foundation will host the third annual “Champions for Family” awards reception Jan. 22 at the Phoenix Park Hotel in Washington. On Jan. 23 the American Life League will hold a conference from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel in Washington, followed by a 6 p.m. concert sponsored by Students for Life of America and featuring Barlow Girl and Laura Ingraham. Speakers at the conference will include Judie Brown, American Life League president; Catholic political commentator and sometime candidate Alan Keyes; and David Bereit, director of the nationwide 40 Days for Life campaign that combines prayer, fasting, vigils and community outreach in 204 U.S. cities and 49 states, said Marie Hahnenberg, project director for the Jan. 21-23 “training and activism week” sponsored by the American Life League in Washington.

OPEN 365 DAYS A YEAR

ACE PHARMACY

Probates, Conservatorships, Guardianships and Adoptions

MARGARET LAUGHLIN MARTIN ATTORNEY AT LAW Telephone (650) 340-1166 Facsimile (650) 342-9560

The Westlake Building 520 South El Camino Real Suite 700 San Mateo, CA 94402-1720

Confidential Consultation and Referrals

HOME CARE SPECIALISTS

Serving San Francisco Since 1933 Reasonable Rates – Quality Service Mon-Sat 9 to 6:30 – Sun & Holidays 10 to 4 Prescriptions • Crutches Diabetic & Convalescent Supplies • Canes & Wheel Chairs Prompt City-Wide Delivery

731-3535

Events across the U.S. will include the ringing of all Catholic church bells within the Diocese of Wichita, Kan., at 3 p.m. Jan. 22. The Walk for Life West Coast will be begin at 11 a.m. Jan. 24 at the Justin Herman Plaza in San Francisco. The 2.5-mile journey will end at the city’s Embarcadero’s Marina Green. The Walk for Life West Coast group is promoting the walk with a 20-foot-by-60-foot billboard in front of the San FranciscoOakland Bay Bridge. The website is www.walkforlifewc.com.

• protection for loved ones of all ages • suggestions for managing a difficult relative • guidance in closing down or selling a home • assistance with trust transfers and probate • mediation of elder care and/or visitation disputes

2505 Noriega at 32nd Ave.

INTAGE GOLDEN GATE VINTAGE SENIOR LIVING

Senior Living

P A RT

S A N F R A N C I S C O H I S T O RY !

Call Today for a Complimentary Tour & Dining Experience. Tours Daily. 1601 19th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122 (415) 664-6264 — www.vintagesenior.com

section

Please call (415) 614-5642

(CNS PHOTO/GREG TARCZYNSKI)

WASHINGTON (CNS) – Thousands of pro-life marchers are expected to rally in Washington Jan. 22 to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe vs. Wade decision legalizing abortion, just days after President-elect Barack Obama is inaugurated. In San Francisco, the Fifth Annual Walk for Life West Coast will take place Jan. 24. Organizers predict that this year’s participation will exceed the 25,000 who took part last year. Abortion opponents also will hold multiple events in the nation’s capital and throughout the U.S. the day before and the day of the official 2009 March for Life, as well as the following days. The main event will begin with a noon rally on the National Mall, followed by a march along Constitution Avenue that will end at the U.S. Supreme Court. From there, participants are encouraged to meet with members of Congress to lobby on abortion-related issues. “The first session of the 111th Congress will convene in January, with all newly elected members of the House and many newly elected members of the Senate,” organizers of the march wrote on the official website, www.marchforlife.org. “We shall be a large group of Americans to bring our prayers and our important, simple pro-life message to this new administration and new Congress.” With millions expected in Washington for inauguration events the week of Jan. 19 and the thousands of participants anticipated for the march and related activities, organizers said it will be a “crazy week” in the capital. The theme of this year’s march is “Remember – The Life Principles Mean ‘Equal Care’ With No Exceptions,” meaning the intentional killing of even one unborn human is never justified or necessary, the website said. Organizers are stressing that the U.S. must provide equal care for both a pregnant mother and her unborn child. The National Prayer Vigil for Life will begin with a 7 p.m. Mass Jan. 21 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, and conclude with a 7:30 a.m. liturgy Jan. 22. For the first time since the all-night vigil has been held, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will direct people who won’t fit into the basilica for the events to similar Masses within walking distance, said Deirdre A. McQuade, assistant director for policy and communications for the USCCB’s Office of ProLife Activities. “We estimate that 12,000 people were at the vigil last year,” McQuade told Catholic News Service. “If we have such a crowd this year, we may not be able to accommodate everyone in the basilica. So, we’re making sure they have a place to worship close by. We want everyone to have an opportunity to participate.” In addition to the San Francisco march, other events will take place in Washington and around the country to mark the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1973 decision. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 21 the Cardinal O’Connor Conference on Life will be held at Georgetown University in Washington; the conference is intended to educate college and high school students.

An estimated 25,000 pro-life activists participated in the fourth Annual Walk for Life West Coast last year in San Francisco.

Please visit us at www.vintagesenior.com for more information. Lic# 385600368

*Contact community for details. Restrictions apply. Offer available to qualified applicants, subject to change without notice.

Catholic San Francisco

January 16, 2009

You probably want to see photos of my grandchildren… By Dan Morris-Young If you grow bored looking at people’s snapshots of their grandchildren as quickly as I do, you might be as surprised by this revelation as I have been: People do not become bored when I show them photos of my grandchildren! To be candid, this makes me a little self-conscious because I know loads of people who will corner you with a wad of these pictures and just blather along about each one like they (the photos and the kids) are some kind of artistic eighth wonder of the world. Typically, they have snapped an almostin-focus shot of an 18-month-old sitting in his or her highchair with spaghetti in his or her hair.

Humor What I see is a pretty average looking kid doing what pretty much every 18-month-old does sooner or later. Yet these people will oogle and google and look to you for authentication that you, too, find this to be incredibly bright, entertaining, precocious, unusual, special and in general an indicator that this pasta-decorated child is destined for greatness. Give me a break. I have learned to watch for warning signals that a session of “Hey, want to see the latest snapshot of my grandson/daughter?” is about to begin. One big hint is a grandparent sporting a backpack with photo albums protruding in several directions. For grandfathers, it can be a giveaway if they are listing way over to the port or starboard because they are sitting on a wallet crammed Willis White Reverse Mortgage Specialist

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage MAC A0122-011 540 California Street San Francisco, CA 94104-1001 415 282-9455 Office 415 634-2001 Fax 415 421-1399 Cell willis.white@wellsfargo.com www.ReverseMore.com

Independent Living | Assisted Living Memory Care | Skilled Nursing

with snapshots. In severe cases these grandparents have to seek the help of chiropractors for strained muscles or curvature of the spine, nicknamed Braggingduffus Syndrome. So you can understand how surprised I am that my grandchildren’s photos are so universally greeted with unbridled enthusiasm. How do I know this? I just ask. Yesterday, for example, I asked my friend Bud if he wanted me to come over and go through my granddaughter’s first-birthday-party photos. I knew I had captured an especially great shot when she rubbed the chocolate cake and ice cream into her hair. “Just a second,” he answered. I could hear him talking excitedly in the background with his wife, Marjorie, even though he was covering the receiver with his hand. “Listen, this is really disappointing,” he said sadly, but Marjorie says I have to go to K-Mart right now and pick up some dental floss for her. You know how she is when she’s low on dental floss.” “Perfect,” I laughed. “They have a special on those little photo albums that fit into your pocket. I will meet you in the coffee shop in 20 minutes.” I am sure I heard Bud sigh with excitement. “You sitting on a brick or did you already fill a couple of those little albums with pictures?” Bud said when we met. “Hah, hah,” I said, and motioned for him to go ahead and sit down in the corner against the wall. “Oh, no, no,” he smiled, his eyes narrowing. “I, I, I, I have to get back to the house with this dental floss or there will be heck to pay. If you have triplicate copies like you

Senior Living Columbian Retirement Home An Independent Living Facility Located in Historic Marysville, California

always do, why not send me home with a set, and I can show them to Marjorie too?” “Better yet,” I exclaimed. “I’ll just follow you home.” As I picked up my backpack and shoved the new pictures into it, I think I detected Bud’s eyes becoming misty. See what I mean? Dan Morris-Young is editor of Catholic San Francisco.

UCSF SHORTNESS OF BREATH STUDY Shortness of breath and fatigue? Interested in learning how to manage your symptoms? Can you use the internet? We are comparing programs to help people with COPD manage their shortness of breath.

(p) 415-476-5375 (e) dyspnea@nursing.ucsf.edu website: www.managesob.org

Rates Starting at $1150 per Month Includes

we believe...

Comfortable Private Rooms, 24 Hour Medical Emergency Monitoring, Complete Dining Program with Delicious Meals, Snacks, Full Housekeeping Services, Spacious Living Room with HD TV, On Site Chapel,Two Spacious Courtyards, Free Lighted Parking and Security

230 8th Street Marysville, CA (Across from St. Joseph’s Parish)

age is an honor.

For Information and a Tour (530) 743-7542 kofccenter@comcast.net www.columbianretirementhome.org California Knights of Columbus Retirement Facilities

Mercy Retirement & Care Center 510.534.8540 | Oakland www.mercyretirementcenter.org

Salem Lutheran Home

510.534.3637 | Oakland www.salemlutheranhome.org

AlmaVia of Union City 510.489.3800 | Union City www.almavia.org

AlmaVia of San Rafael 415.491.1900 | San Rafael www.almavia.org

Licensed Agent of Genworth Life Insurance Company. AARP and its affiliate are not insurance agencies or carriers and do not employ or endorse individual agents.

AlmaVia of San Francisco 415.337.1339 | San Francisco www.almavia.org

“residents are the heart of our community” Elder Care Alliance, a non-profit organization, is cosponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Regional Community of Burlingame & the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. RCFE Lic # 015600255, SNF Lic # CA020000237, RCFE Lic # 015600254, SNF Lic # CA020000442, CCRC Lic #178, RCFE Lic # 015601209, RCFE Lic # 216801868, RCFE Lic # 385600270

44804CA 08/08/08

QUALITY HOME CARE SERVING THE BAY AREA SINCE 1996 * Attendants * Companions * Hospice * Respite Care

Competitive Rates All service providers carefully screened We are insured and bonded Full Payroll Service 2021 Taraval Street #2, SF www.irishhelpathome.com

Tel: 415 759 0520

Catholic San Francisco

(PHOTOS BY JILL ORTIZ, DM

January 16, 2009

San Francisco Archbishop George H. Niederauer took part in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, France with the Western Association U.S.A. of the Order of Malta. At left, the Archbishop blesses Msgr. Ray Kirk of Sun City, Calif., before entry into the famous baths of the Marian shrine. At right, the Archbishop pushes the wheelchair of Rosa Mejia-Rojas of Daly City accompanied by Maureen Sullivan who is a Dame of Malta and John Porter, a volunteer.

World Day of the Sick Mass Feb. 7 at Cathedral A Mass in conjunction with World Day of the Sick that will include anointing of the sick, blessing of caregivers, and blessings with holy water from Lourdes, France is scheduled for noon on Saturday, Feb. 7, at St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral, 1111 Gough St., San Francisco. Archbishop George H. Niederauer will be principal celebrant at the liturgy which will honor Our Lady of Lourdes. Last year the Church celebrated the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin at Lourdes to a young peasant girl who would later be declared a saint, St. Bernadette Soubirous. The Western Association U.S.A. of the Order of Malta will host the event. The universal Church officially marks the17th

Annual World Day of the Sick on Feb. 11. In his message for World Day of the Sick last year, Pope Benedict XVI asked that it be â&#x20AC;&#x153;a propitious occasion to invoke in a special way the maternal protection of Mary over those who are weighed down by illness, on health-care workers and workers in pastoral health care.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think in particular of priests involved in this field, women and men religious, volunteers and all those who with active dedication are concerned to serve in body and soul the sick and those in need,â&#x20AC;? the pontiff said, adding: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I entrust all to Mary, Mother of God and our mother, the Immaculate Conception. May she help everyone in testifying that the only valid response to human pain and suf-

fering is Christ, who by rising defeated death and gave us life that knows no end.â&#x20AC;? Last April 29 to May 7, the Order of Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Western Association made its annual pilgrimage to Lourdes. The 325 persons taking part included 50 â&#x20AC;&#x153;malades,â&#x20AC;? individuals who are ill. San Francisco Archbishop George H. Niederauer was also a guest of the organization and played an active role in supporting and caring for the malades. The Order of Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full name is the Sovereign Military Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of

Malta. Founded in Jerusalem at the end of the 11th century to run a hospice for pilgrims, the Knights of Malta received papal recognition as a religious order in 1113. Today the order operates numerous hospitals and clinics around the world. It has ambulance corps and mobile first-aid facilities to care for the wounded in wars or natural disasters. It operates relief programs for refugees and the needy. It sends millions of dollars of food, medicine and relief supplies around the world each year. Most of the Knightsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 12,500 members are lay associates, men and women.

Senior Living Steven T. Kmucha, MD, MS, FACS Nearly 20 years of providing conservative, patient-centered medical and surgical treatment of all disorders of the ear, nose, throat and associated structures in the Bay Area. Board Certified: â&#x20AC;˘ Head & Neck Surgery â&#x20AC;˘ Allergy of the Ear, Nose & Throat â&#x20AC;˘ Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat)

1800 SULLIVAN AVENUE, SUITE 604 â&#x20AC;˘ DALY CITY, CA (650) 756-2900 â&#x20AC;˘ WWW.DRKMUCHA.COM Conveniently located near BART, 280, SamTrans and Muni. Free parking and free BART shuttle to our building.

To Offer the Best Quality Care at New Affordable Rates Mission Villa is an Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Residence that offers: â&#x20AC;˘ Full activities program featuring art, music therapy, and safe outings â&#x20AC;˘ New restructured rates - offering more affordability to families â&#x20AC;˘ Spiritual services including weekly Communion â&#x20AC;˘ Compassionate care by specially trained staff

(650) 756-1995 License #415600381

Mission Villa Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Residence

995 East Market St. â&#x20AC;˘ Daly City, CA 94014

,IFE S CALLING 3O ANSWER 4HERE ARE TOO MANY THINGS TO SEE AND DO NOT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERY SECOND !ND WE CAN HELP ,ET US GIVE YOU A HAND #ONSIDER US YOUR SECOND FAMILYÂ&#x2C6;WE LL CERTAINLY TREAT YOU LIKE YOU ARE #ALL OR GO TO AEGISLIVING COM FOR MORE INFORMATION RCFE # 415600314

ÂŤFHJT PG 4BO 'SBODJTDP (FMMFSU #MWE 4PVUI 4BO 'SBODJTDP $B

Catholic San Francisco

January 16, 2009

Catholic San Francisco

RAFIDIA, West Bank (CNS) – During a pastoral visit to the Holy Land, the vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed solidarity with Palestinian Catholics in the West Bank and focused on the situation in Gaza. “We have come here at a troubled time with the escalation of violence in Gaza so clearly on the minds of people resurrecting the history of hurts and struggles of Palestinian and Israeli existence,” said Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz., who was in the Holy Land as part of the Coordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church of the Holy Land. The bishop said he saw how “deeply ingrained” the historical wounds are and said he sensed discouragement about possible change and or peace in the region. Bishop Kicanas had hoped to visit Gaza, but the ongoing Israeli military attacks on Gaza made that impossible. The delegation, in the Holy Land Jan. 9-15, also was to meet with Archbishop Antonio Franco, Vatican nuncio to Israel and the Palestinian territories, Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal of Jerusalem, Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas. The purpose of the episcopal conferences’ group is to express support and solidarity with Palestinian Catholics, said Bishop Kicanas, and to express to the world the desire for Holy Land peace. During Mass Jan. 11 at tiny St. Justin Parish in Rafidia, adjacent to Nablus, Bishop Kicanas offered prayers for peace and hope for the victims of violence. “Our prayers go especially for those who are suffering and experiencing so much fear in Gaza,” the bishop said in English, lamenting the fact his Lebanese-born parents had not taught him Arabic. “We love you as sisters and brothers. We share our faith together and that faith brings us great hope for peace and security for all people.” Israel launched its aerial attacks Dec. 27 to stop an eightyearlong campaign of rocket attacks into Israeli border towns by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. Demonstrators and church and political leaders around the world have called for a cease-fire and an end to the violence as hundreds of civilians have been killed and many more are in desperate need of humanitarian aid. On Jan. 9, an Israeli airstrike destroyed a clinic in Gaza run by Caritas Jerusalem, a local Catholic aid agency. On Jan. 11 a family health care clinic sponsored by the Near East Council of Churches in the Shija’ia neighborhood of Gaza City was leveled as fighting between Israel and Hamas continued. Constantine Dabbagh, the council’s executive director, reported no casualties as the area had already been evacuated. More than 10,000 families, including nearly 32,000 children,

Gaza City

GAZA STRIP

Muslims make up more than 99 percent of the population. There are a small number of Christians and one Catholic church, located in Gaza City. The Missionaries of Charity operate a home for disabled children and elderly women near the church. Dir el Balah

Population: 1.5 million

ISRAEL

Khan Younis

Rafah

EGYPT Source: The World Factbook and CNS

Bishops warn war could spread; rockets from Lebanon hit Israel BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNS) – One day after Lebanon’s Maronite Catholic bishops warned that Israeli-Palestinian violence in the Gaza Strip could spread to Lebanon, several rockets were launched from southern Lebanon into northern Israel. In a Jan. 7 statement at the end of their monthly meeting, the bishops said one of the dangers of the Gaza war “is that it spreads to other areas and countries, including Lebanon.” The bishops said, “The massacres committed in Gaza,” clearly visible in media coverage, “stir up anger in the souls for the cruelty they show. This requires the condemnation of this war. An immediate end should be put to it by the U.N. Security Council.” On Jan. 8 at least three rockets were launched from southern Lebanon into northern Israel. Israel responded by firing five shells into southern Lebanon. The Lebanese government condemned the strikes against Israel, and a Lebanese Cabinet member belonging to Hezbollah, an Islamic political and paramilitary organization, said it was not behind the rocket attacks.

Gaza resembles concentration camp, says top Vatican official

Ramallah, rarely receives foreign guests, said Father Vincent Nagle, St. Justin’s parish priest. Several older parishioners come to Mass from villages where they are the only Christians left. About 750 Christians live among 200,000 Muslims in Nablus and the surrounding area, added Father Nagle. Visits make them feel there are people concerned about them, said parishioner Deema Hanna, 27, who was among the youngest of the mostly female worshippers at Mass. “The Islamic world here is very strong. Any Christian who wants to do something here in Nablus, they don’t have an opportunity. Sometimes we feel encircled,” she said. “Our Christian community is not strong like in” the Bethlehem area. Hilda Shyradeh, 58, described the Christians of Nablus to the bishop. “All our neighbors are Muslims. In Nablus the Christians who have left have sold their homes to Muslims. Who else will buy them?” she said. “We need everyone to come here and encourage us for everything, to be in our homes, to be in our country. We are small. The youth are leaving when they finish their studies. “Sometimes it is the (Israeli) occupation pushing us out and sometimes it is the Muslims getting us out,” she said. Bishop Kicanas said he was impressed by the dedication of the parish to its small Catholic school and efforts to provide a Catholic education to the children. “They are eager to do what they can for the young people. Obviously to educate children in a Catholic context anywhere is expensive,” he said.

(CNS PHOTO/EMANUELA DE MEO)

By Judith Sudilovsky JERUSALEM (CNS) – The pastor of the Catholic parish in Gaza City described Gaza as “drowning in blood” as hospitals overflowed with patients. In a message to participants in a special Mass for peace at St. Stephen Church in Jerusalem last week, Msgr. Manuel Musallam, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Gaza City, wrote: “What you see on television cannot be compared to what is happening. The word love is choking in my throat. ... We are living like animals in Gaza. We cry and nobody hears us. I am asking God for mercy and pray that the light of Christianity continues to shine in Gaza.” Church leaders from the Holy Land attended the Mass at St. Stephen’s while local and international Christians gathered elsewhere in Israel and the West Bank to pray for a halt to the violence. When Israel began its military operation in Gaza in late December, the heads of Christian churches in the Holy Land called for Jan. 4 to be a day of prayer for peace. At St. Stephen’s, retired Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah of Jerusalem said the Israeli incursion into the Gaza Strip means death for both sides. “What is happening now is death for Palestinians as well as Israelis,” Patriarch Sabbah said at the Mass. “What is happening in Gaza has made us all come to pray and join in a prayer that says stop the massacre. We are calling to God to look at Gaza and see what is happening there and to all of us.”

Israeli soldiers mourn during the funeral of a comrade at a cemetery in Beersheba, Israel, Jan. 7.

Peace only can come through justice, not war, he said. “We are looking at ourselves and we are not doing our best. Israel should stop this and will stop, but then after this destruction there will be more destruction,” he said. He called on Palestinians to realize the only way to regain freedom and independence is through nonviolent means. Earlier in the day at St. Catherine Church, adjacent to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, West Bank, Christians attended a special Mass. “This is genocide,” said Bethlehem resident Adel Sahouri, 70, who attended the Mass. “Israel is so strong and has all the weapons the world

can afford. What does Hamas have? Just rockets, nothing.” Israel launched a ground attack in Gaza after several days of airstrikes to stop the Palestinian militant group Hamas from launching rockets into Israel. Israel says that during the past year Iranianbacked terrorist groups in Gaza have fired more than 3,000 rockets, missiles and mortars at civilian targets in the southern Negev region of Israel. In a center pew of St. Catherine’s, Victor Zoughbi knelt in prayer. He told Catholic News Service after Mass he was praying “not just for the people in Gaza but also for those in Tel Aviv. Every (Israeli) soldier going into Gaza now has a mother who is sitting glued to the television with her heart in her

Injured Palestinian Loay Soboh, 10, waves as he is transferred from Shifa hospital in Gaza City to Saudi Arabia for treatment Jan. 12. Doctors said the boy lost his eyes in an Israeli airstrike.

Crisis in the Holy Land: call for Catholic response The humanitarian crisis in Gaza prompted George Wesolek, director of the archdiocesan Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns, to appeal to the Catholic community for aid and for help bringing about a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On Jan. 9, he wrote the following letter to pastors, parochial vicars, deacons and pastoral associates

By George Wesolek The constant state of unrest in the Holy Land has boiled over into violence. As the press has been reporting, the number of people killed and wounded has been escalating. Most unfortunate is the fact that many of the victims are innocent civilians. It has been estimated that approximately a third of the killed and injured are Palestinian children. This letter to you is not to try to analyze the situation there and, most of all, it is not to cast blame. The blame can be shared by many in that troubled region who respond to violence with more violence. We can, however, pray for all the victims of war and take action. Bombing in the Gaza Strip has left many residents in need of food and basic supplies. The Israeli military began the Gaza air strikes Dec. 27 in retaliation for repeated Gazabased rocket attacks on civilian targets in Israel since Dec. 19. Catholic Relief Services, the agency that represents American Catholics in meeting the needs of the poor internationally, has been in Jerusalem and the Gaza for more than 50 years. CRS and partners on the ground have already begun helping civilians affected by the air strikes. Palestinian Gaza is one of the most densely populated areas of the world, with about 1.5 million residents in an area of about 139 square miles. Many live in high-rise buildings. Fifty percent of the people are in immediate need of food assistance. There is a medical emergency because of lack of medicine and other supplies. Lack of fuel is severely threatening the ability to keep the water and sanitation system working. CRS aims to support peace with justice for all people in this troubled region, while responding to the humanitarian needs of Palestinians. Please consider the following resources for action: Donate Online: www.crs.org/jerusalem/gaza-bombing/ Phone: If you prefer to donate to Catholic Relief Services by phone, call 1 (800) 736-3467 between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Gaza priest’s message: ‘We cry and nobody hears us’

By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The Gaza Strip increasingly is looking like “a big concentration camp” while egoism, hatred, poverty and injustice are fueling the continual slaughter in the Holy Land, said a top Vatican official. “We are seeing a continual massacre in the Holy Land where the overwhelming majority has nothing to do with the conflict, but it is paying for the hatred of a few with their lives,” said Cardinal Renato Martino, head of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. “Let’s look at the conditions in Gaza. It’s looking more and more like a big concentration camp,” he said in an interview published Jan. 7 in the Italian online newspaper IlSussidiario. Israel’s ambassador to the Vatican, Mordechay Lewy, criticized the cardinal’s comments calling them “way out of line.” However, the remarks have not negatively affected VaticanCardinal Renato Martino Israeli relations which are still “good as before,” said the ambassador, according to the Italian news agency ANSA Jan. 8. That the cardinal would make the comparison “shows he has never visited a concentration camp,” he added. Meanwhile, Israel’s foreign ministry spokesman, Yigal Palmor, said Cardinal Martino’s comments “seem to have come directly from Hamas propaganda” and did nothing “to help bring people closer to the truth and peace.” By saying the Gaza Strip resembled a concentration camp, the cardinal was ignoring “the unspeakable crimes” committed by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, he said. Palmor said Hamas “has derailed the peace process and has turned the Gaza Strip into a giant human shield.” In an interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica Jan. 8, Cardinal Martino defended his description of the Gaza Strip, saying those who criticized his remarks “can say what they want. The situation in Gaza is horrible.” “I say, look at the conditions of the people who live there. Surrounded by a wall that is difficult to cross – in conditions (that are) contrary to human dignity. What has been happening recently there is horrifying,” he said. He said there was nothing in his comments “that may be interpreted as anti-Israeli” and he condemned Hamas’ use of violence against Israel. “Israel certainly has the right to defend itself and Hamas must keep that in mind,” he added.

were registered with the clinic, which was one of three family health care centers operated by the council with funding in part from CNEWA. During a Jan. 9 session of the U.N. Human Rights Council concerning the situation, Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, the Vatican representative to U.N. agencies in Geneva, called on the international community. He said, “It is evident that the warring parties are not able to exit from this vicious circle of violence without the help of the international community that should therefore fulfill its responsibilities, intervene actively to stop the bloodshed, provide access for emergency humanitarian assistance and end all forms of confrontation.” Meanwhile, Bishop Kicanas, who has visited the Holy Land on six previous occasions, noted that only by actually seeing things on the ground can one begin to understand the complexity of the situation. “There is nothing more important than to come see firsthand. You learn much more and become open to the complexities of the situation,” he told Catholic News Service. Driving to Rafidia from Bethlehem, the bishop saw the Israeli settlements in the West Bank and witnessed the lines of Palestinian cars waiting to go through the numerous Israeli checkpoints along the way. Bishop Kicanas was “impressed” by the enthusiasm of the singing of the parishioners of St. Justin and their expression of faith. The remote northern parish, some 20 miles north of

Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz., vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, visits with a child at a home run by the Missionaries of Charity in the West Bank city of Nablus Jan. 11. During his visit to the Holy Land, Bishop Kicanas offered prayers for the victims of violence, “especially for those who are suffering and experiencing so much fear in Gaza.”

(CNS PHOTO/MOHAMMED SALEM, REUTERS)

Jebaliya

(CNS PHOTO/ DEBBIE HILL)

By Judith Sudilovsky Erez

A Palestinian carries the body of his daughter who was killed in an Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip Jan. 9.

throat. He who truly has God in his heart loves everybody.” Zoughbi said he did not understand the purpose of Hamas’ rockets, given their inaccuracy, and he emphasized the fact there is only one Palestinian government headed by Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas. In June 2007, Hamas split with Abbas’ Fatah movement and took control of the Gaza Strip. Abbas’ government still controls the West Bank. “What are we fighting over – for a piece of land? Take the land. In the end the land will swallow us all,” he said, noting that, given the situation, he was not able to speak so freely with many of his friends and acquaintances lest his loyalty be called into question.

Mail You can also mail a donation. Mail your check to: Catholic Relief Services, For Gaza Relief, P.O. Box 17090 Baltimore, Md. 21203-7090. Letter to President-elect Obama Sign and/or help spread the word about the ecumenical Christian letter to President-elect Obama from Christian leaders and congregants nationwide urging him to make Israeli-Palestinian peace an immediate priority during his first year in office. See http://action.cmep.org. More information CRS online: www.crs.org/jerusalem/gaza-bombing Office of Social Justice online: www.sflifeandjustice.org Prayers of the Faithful for peace in the Holy Land May the Prince of Peace guide leaders in Israel, Gaza and the international community to end the violence in Gaza and southern Israel. For this we pray. O God, as you revealed Christ in the world, we ask that you show us – leaders and citizens of the United States – how to speak and act for peace in the Holy Land during the year ahead. For this we pray. God of compassion and love, give us the peace to come to the aid of the victims of war and violence in Gaza and Israel. For this we pray. An Israeli woman and her two children lie on the ground during a rocket attack near Kfar Aza in Israel just outside the northern Gaza Strip Jan. 7.

(CNS PHOTO/BAZ RATNER, REUTERS)

At about 25 miles in length, the strip covers an area twice the size of the District of Columbia.

(CNS PHOTO/ISMAIL ZAYDAH, REUTERS)

U.S. bishop expresses solidarity with West Bank Catholics

Gaza Strip

(CNS PHOTO/ERIC GAILLARD, REUTERS)

Catholic San Francisco

January 16, 2009

Eucharistic adoration: ‘… just there, overwhelmed in silence’ By Rick DelVecchio

Jordan Lindsey: “Sometimes when you’re in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, you’re so overcome with love that you can’t even pray. Your prayer is just to be there, overwhelmed in silence.”

(PHOTOS BY RICK DELVECCHIO/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

aurie Murdock teaches third-grade at a San Francisco public school. David O’Brien is the project engineer on the suspension span portion of the new Bay Bridge project. Both are as devoted to prayer as they are to their work. And both participate in one of the most intensive forms of prayer the Catholic faith offers: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Murdock and O’Brien are active in the adoration ministry at St. Dominic Parish in San Francisco. Along with some 100 other worshipers, they devote at least an hour a month to silent prayer in the presence of the living Body of Christ, which is embodied as a host in a monstrance placed on the altar in a dimly lit, silent chapel. “Adoration is a time for me to really get centered in a chaotic world,” Murdock said during a 10 p.m. break during a first-Friday adoration. “It just centers me. I come seeking blessing and usually when I come I sit down and just let the hour be God’s hour, however it’s going to happen. I close my eyes and kind of imagine being in a place where I receive blessings. I imagine God just showering his love over me.” Murdock said the hour she spends in adoration stays with her the rest of the week as she works in the classroom. “My time in adoration becomes a prayer for these students,” she said. “When I come to work they’re able to receive the blessings I received.” O’Brien said Friday night adoration rejuvenates him and prepares him for the coming work week. “It’s where I can spend time in a quiet place, where I’m in His house, talk to Him, meditate and sit back and hope I get responses back from Him,” he said. “It’s to be in His house and feel His presence. I am eternally grateful there’s something like this every month.” The St. Dominic adoration group has been growing since it began in early 2007. Most participants are parishioners, but as word spreads Catholics are attending from as far away as the East Bay. There are plans to schedule additional adoration times. In addition to the first-Friday adoration for which participants are asked to register in advance, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament also takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30-9:30 a.m. and from 6-7 p.m., and on Tuesdays from 8:30-9:30 p.m. Some 60 parishes in the Archdiocese of San Francisco hold a form of eucharistic adoration, according to a list kept by Carlos Pantoja, a parishioner at Our Lady of the Pillar in Half Moon Bay. Prayer times range from an hour to the 24-hour First Friday adoration at St. Mary’s Cathedral to perpetual adoration at Church of the Nativity in Menlo Park. St. Hilary in Tiburon, for example, holds a Solemn Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pantoja, who heads San Raphael Ministries and has been promoting adoration since 1995, said more parishes are adopting it at the request of parishioners. Older parishioners were interested at first but now adoration is popular with younger Catholics as well, he said. The traditional adoration, as enacted by Pope Clement VIII in Rome in 1592, entails 40 hours of prayer. The vocation traces its roots to apostolic times. The evangelists and St. Paul believed in the living presence of Christ in the form of the Eucharist, and early Christian hermits kept the Blessed Sacrament close to them. At St. Dominic, adoration begins at 8 in the evening and concludes with a priest placing the monstrance back into the tabernacle before Mass at 8 the next morning. There are at least a few people in the pews at every hour of the adoration, said Jim Burke, who coordinates the ministry.

For first-Friday adoration at the St. Dominic Parish chapel, the monstrance holding the Body of Chris is placed on the altar at 8 p.m. and returned to the tabernacle in time for 8 a.m. Mass.

Burke said Catholics of all backgrounds are drawn to the spiritual refreshment of being in the presence of Christ in the flesh. “They come in and say all their needs and all the things they want resolved,” he said. “And sooner or later they run out of words and you’re sitting there and that’s when it really starts to happen. The difference in being a Christian is to accept the love God wants to give you. That’s where it can happen: when people stop talking to God, this communication can start.” Adoration is growing nationally, said Loretta Winn, eucharistic coordinator at St. Joseph Parish in Phoenix. “It’s on fire here in Arizona,” said Winn, who just started the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Coordinators Exchange. “You talk to the laity and they know this is the answer to not only saving the Catholic Church but to evangelize, to save their families.” St. Dominic parishioner Leota Jones has missed only one adoration in 23 months, and that was because she was on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Jones, who prays with an adoration handbook given to her by her mother 40 years ago, survived a horrific car crash in February and believes the Blessed Sacrament was watching over her. “It’s been a wonderful journey,” said Jones, who attends adoration with her husband, Gary Harder. Harder said, “I feel like I’m just here with Him, that he’s my friend and I can talk to Him.” Jordan Lindsey and Michelle Cardemas arrived for the most recent adoration at 8 p.m. and planned to stay at least until 1 a.m. “It’s an awe-inspiring time,” Cardemas said. “It reinforces your faith.” Lindsey said, “Sometimes when you’re in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, you’re so overcome with love that you can’t even pray. Your prayer is just to be there, overwhelmed in silence.” The only other object placed on the altar for the St. Dominic adoration is a clear plastic box filled with peti-

Leota Jones uses the adoration prayer book her mother gave her 40 years ago.

tions from people seeking God’s grace, usually to help resolve a personal ordeal. These days the box is as full as it has ever been. Burke said the popularity of the box is a reflection of the economy. “Rough times,” he said. “Rougher times are coming.” Burke has a petition of his own, which he brings to each adoration. It is for the recovery of his godson, Raymond Berry, who recently suffered a stroke. “He’s been my right-hand person around here for adoration,” Burke said. “We’re all praying for him. I feel kind of a loss he’s not here with me.” For more information on adoration at St. Dominic, contact Jim Burke at (415) 517-8172 or jim@allnightadoration.org. Carlos Pantoja’s list of parishes holding adoration is online at www.straphaelministries.org/eucharist/srm_ eucharist.html. Contact Pantoja at (650) 726-2114.

January 16, 2009

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time I Samuel 3:3b-10, 19; Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10; I Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20; John 1:35-42 A READING FROM THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the Lord where the ark of God was. The Lord called to Samuel, who answered, “Here I am.” Samuel ran to Eli and said, “Here I am. You called me.” “I did not call you,” Eli said. “Go back to sleep.” So he went back to sleep. Again the Lord called Samuel, who rose and went to Eli. “Here I am,” he said. “You called me.” But Eli answered, “I did not call you, my son. Go back to sleep.” At that time Samuel was not familiar with the Lord, because the Lord had not revealed anything to him as yet. The Lord called Samuel again, for the third time. Getting up and going to Eli, he said, “Here I am. You called me.” Then Eli understood that the Lord was calling the youth. So he said to Samuel, “Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply, Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” When Samuel went to sleep in his place, the Lord came and revealed his presence, calling out as before, “Samuel, Samuel!” Samuel answered, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Samuel grew up, and the Lord was with him, not permitting any word of his to be without effect. RESPONSORIAL PSALM R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will. I have waited, waited for the Lord, and he stooped toward me and heard my cry. And he put a new song into my mouth, a hymn to our God. R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will. Sacrifice or offering you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me. Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not; then said I, “Behold I come.” R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will. “In the written scroll it is prescribed for me, to do your will, O my God, is my delight, and your law is within my heart!” R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will. I announced your justice in the vast

assembly; I did not restrain my lips, as you, O Lord, know. R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will. A READING FROM THE FIRST LETTER OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS Brothers and sisters: The body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body; God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one Spirit with him. Avoid immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the immoral person sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body A READING FROM THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” — which translated means Teacher — “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where Jesus was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” — which is translated Christ. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas” — which is translated Peter.

7KH /HJLRQ RI 0DU\ LQYLWHV \RX WR WKH« «

7KH WK $QQLYHUVDU\ RI WKH %LUWK RI 6DLQW 3DXO

5HIOHFWLRQV RQ 6DLQW 3DXO DQG (YDQJHOL]DWLRQ Save the Date!

January 25, 2009 (Sunday) 1:45 p.m. “Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul” Saint Paul Church - 221 Valley Street San Francisco CA Will conclude with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at 5:00 p.m.

Main Celebrant: Bishop William Justice Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of San Francisco

Speakers STEVE RAY - International Speaker, author and regular guest on EWTN, Relevant Radio, Ave Maria and Catholic Answers Live DR. RUTH OHM - Professor, Saint Patrick’ Patrick’s Seminary For details or more information contact… contact… Dave Marten, President SF Senatus at (415) 331331-9279 or Ando Perlas VP SF Senatus at (650) 892892-5728. 5728. Plenary Indulgence A Plenary Indulgence may be obtained by those who attend Mass or other solemn prayers in honor of Saint Paul or by those who take part in a special liturgical or devotional action to honor Saint Paul.

Catholic San Francisco

Scripture reflection FATHER BILL NICHOLAS

Year of St. Paul: made to be moral In the verses of St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians that immediately precede the passage from which the second reading of the 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year B) is taken, St. Paul quotes and responds to what some scholars believe to be Corinthian slogans regarding popular morality of the time, or misinterpretations of the Christian doctrine. “Everything is lawful for me” is answered with “but not everything is good for me” (1 Cor 6:12). “Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food and God will do away with both in the end” (1 Cor 6:13a) is countered by Paul stressing the resurrection of the body. In the 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul counters the popular Greco-Roman attitude of “eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” (1 Cor 15:32b) with the Christian faith in the Resurrection. Therefore, in affirming Christian moral principles and teachings, Paul had a lot to contend with in writing to the self-indulgent, pleasure-seeking Greco-Roman culture of Corinth. Not much has changed over the last 2,000 years since Paul’s birth. After the moral upheaval of the Sixties, we hear new slogans regarding popular morality in our culture in which right and wrong, sin and virtue are more often than not measured according to pleasure, emotion and its effect or non-effect on others. Popular slogans including “I feel good about it,” “It doesn’t hurt anyone,” “All you need is love” or “It can’t be wrong when it feels so right (because you light up my life (?!)” are used to justify values that often run counter to traditional Christianity. Others limit moral culpability only to the public realm, believing in the absolute universality of the American “right to privacy,” even over personal morality. In St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, however, the measure of morality is not how we feel, or how our actions affect others, but, rather, how they glorify God. The measure of personal morality is how we glorify God in our own physical being. This is borne out in Paul’s assertion: “The body is not

for immorality, but for the Lord” (1 Cor 6:13b). He asks the Corinthians, and us, the rhetorical question – as if the answer is already second nature to us – “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?” (1 Cor 6:15). The implication, therefore, is if we behave immorally, we do not recognize this simple universal truth. We may mistake certain actions, certain manners and certain choices as moral, while political correctness and pop-morality have grown more accepting and tolerant of various lifestyles and behaviors within our modern culture. Given all of this, how often, if ever, do we consider morality, sin or virtue, and right or wrong based not on how it pleasures us or affects others, but on whether God would be pleased or displeased? The slogans will no doubt continue. Some will assert personal independence: “It is my body and I can treat it as I wish!” or “It’s my life and I will do as I please [and God will love me anyway]!” Paul, however, reminds us, “You are not your own. You have been purchased at a price.” Others may try to be a little more elevated: “God made me this way.” Paul, however, reminds us that God did not make us for immorality; a more universal truth. Let us rejoice in “the way God made us,” not as license to live and behave in a manner that is offensive to God. Let us not retreat behind popular slogans and secular morality. Rather, let us remember, as Paul reminds us, that our bodies, and all their attributes, appetites and orientations, are given to help us discover the higher purpose for which we were made – not to descend to base immorality, but to ascend to the glorification of God in whom we live and move and have our being. Father Bill Nicholas is parochial vicar at Our Lady of Loretto, Novato, and author of “I Saw the World End: An Introduction to the Bible’s Apocalyptic Literature.” Contact him through his website: www.frwcnicholas.com.

Interfaith prayer service to honor Rev. King and ask focus on peace The life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., will be the theme of a Jan. 19 interfaith prayer service at the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse Chapel , 2300 Adeline Dr., Burlingame, a community spokesperson said. Scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., the service “will honor Dr. King and also pray for President-elect Barack Obama as he takes office in a chaotic time,” the spokesperson said, adding, “All those present will be invited to consider their commitment to the struggle for a just, peaceful and green planet.” The service will be led by Mercy Sisters Suzanne Toolan and Pat Ryan. For more information, call (650) 340-7474.

NDNU to ‘big screen’ Jan. 20 inauguration The inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama will be shown on a largescreen display Jan. 20 at Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont and will be augmented by panel discussions by scholars and community leaders, according to a school news release.

The free screening and discussions will take place from 8 a.m. to noon at the NDNU Theatre on campus, 1500 Ralston Ave. For more information, contact NDNU’s director of communications, Richard Rossi, at (650) 508-3585.

Catholic San Francisco

January 16, 2009

Catholic san Francisco Northern California’s Weekly Catholic Newspaper

Freedom of Choice Act has nothing to do with freedom By Archbishop George H. Niederauer At this time of serious national challenges, Americans should unite to serve the good of all, born and unborn. The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), the most radical and divisive pro-abortion bill ever introduced in Congress, would create a “fundamental right” to abortion that government could not limit but would have to support. That is the text of the postcards addressed to our Senators and Representatives, which the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has developed for a nationwide postcard campaign to inform Congress and educate the public about this threat to the common good. For the first time in our history, abortion would become an “entitlement” the government must fund and promote. Common sense and widely supported laws at federal and state levels would be eliminated. Among the hard-fought restrictions on abortion that would be put at risk are those that mandate parental involvement in a minor’s abortion, provide for informed consent and waiting periods, regulate the safety of conditions at facilities that perform abortions, and prevent late-term abortions that border on infanticide. Equally troubling is the chilling effect that this legislation would have on the conscience rights of physicians, nurses and hospitals that oppose abortion on religious, moral or ethical grounds. Health care providers must be free to serve the public without violating their deeply held moral and religious convictions on the sanctity of human life. Conscience rights would be trumped by a woman’s right to unimpeded access to abortion, which would be protected as a positive right rather than an evil that society strives to eliminate. Making abortion rare would give way to actually promoting and encouraging it at home and abroad through government subsidies using taxpayer dollars. For these reasons, there is some urgency to letting the new Congress and Administration know that aggressively pro-abortion policies like FOCA will alienate those many Americans who want to see the number of abortions decrease, not increase. I ask that the FOCA postcard and educational campaign that is scheduled for the later part of January be embraced by our parishes and schools. This should not be a partisan issue directed for or against a political party. As Catholics we are motivated by the social principles of our faith, no matter our political preference, to speak out against this unjust and hurtful legislation. Our clear voices are needed now more that ever. A united response to this threat has been laid before us in the nationwide Bishops’ FOCA Campaign. Please pray for an end to abortion and work toward that goal.

Spiritual worship By Pope Benedict XVI Dear Brothers and Sisters – At the beginning of this New Year, I offer all of you my cordial good wishes! In the coming months, may our minds and hearts be opened ever more fully to Christ, following the example of St. Paul, whose life and doctrine we have been considering during this Pauline Year. Today we turn to the meaning of “true worship” as highlighted in Paul’s Letter to the Romans. In uniting us to himself, Christ, a temple “not made with human hands,” has made us a “living sacrifice.” Paul thus exhorts us to offer our own “bodies” – meaning our entire selves – as a “spiritual worship” – not in the abstract, but in our concrete daily life. At the same time, this true worship does not come about merely through human effort. Rather, through baptism, we have become “one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28), who took upon himself our human nature and has thus “assumed” us into himself. Only he has the power, by joining us to his body, to unite all people. Thus, the goal of the Church’s missionary activity is to call everyone into this “cosmic liturgy,” in which the world becomes the glory of God: “a pleasing sacrifice, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” Pope Benedict made these remarks at a papal general audience Jan. 7 at the Vatican.

Special ministry This past Jan. 9 issue of Catholic San Francisco is one of the best produced. Rick DelVecchio’s article highlighting Catherine’s Center skillfully captured the essence of all the facets of such a spiritual program. As an Ambassador and volunteer working with these truly special women, I was thrilled to read this feature imparting valuable information to the public. I am proud to be a part of the committed and diligent women of all walks of life who strive to make Catherine’s Center, a collaborative effort of St. Vincent de Paul and the Sisters of Mercy, such a welcoming place for all. Special kudos to Jane Sears, Catholic San Francisco columnist, who also drew attention to this beautiful ministry in her Potpourri article, “Looking into the eyes of hope” (June 27, 2008). Donna Wright Burlingame

Matt. 19:24 As a Catholic who has visited Rome and viewed all the riches of the Vatican, for example, jewels of the Vatican, paintings and sculptures located in the Vatican Museum. I can’t help but think of all the poor people without food that could be fed if some of the jewels or paintings were sold and the money given to feed the poor and needy. The Church should examine its assets and put them to a better use. Thomas Notaro San Mateo

Fight FOCA

Letters welcome Catholic San Francisco welcomes letters from its readers. Please: ➣ Include your name, address and daytime phone number. ➣ Sign your letter. ➣ Limit submissions to 250 words. ➣ Note that the newspaper reserves the right to edit for clarity and length. Catholic San Francisco One Peter Yorke Way San Francisco, CA 94109 Fax: (415) 614-5641 E-mail: morrisyoungd@sfarchdiocese.org

Middle East peace I am a parishioner at St. Anselm’s Church in Marin. We recently started a peace and social justice group with Father Joe Egan. One issue that I feel very strongly about is the plight of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. With the number of Palestinian deaths increasing daily, I feel we have a responsibility to speak out. I would like to refer your readers to a letter to President-elect Obama from the group U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation which, along with other information, may be accessed online at www.endtheoccupation.org. This letter encourages the president-elect to break with policies of unconditional support for Israel’s illegal military occupation of the Palestinian West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza, and to change U.S. policy toward Israel/Palestine to support human rights, international law and equality. It is my hope that as many people as possible would sign it and encourage our new president to take the right steps to bring justice and peace to the people of the Middle East. Cormac Gannon San Anselmo

L E T T E R S

The headline: “Congress Passes FOCA.” The headline: “Prayer defeats FOCA.” Which is it, America? You choose. FOCA, Freedom of Choice Act, comes before Congress 36 years after Roe vs. Wade gave American women the right to choose – what? Abortion, that’s what. More specifically, the abortion of their own children. Mother Teresa counsels: “We cannot fight credibly against other social and moral evils, including poverty and violence, while we tolerate mass killings by abortion.” Last count, 48 million unborn American children destroyed since ‘73. Now, just a generation later, FOCA. Now, just a generation later, carte blanche for “mass killings by abortion.” How? 1) Hospitals, including Catholic, required to abort. (If passed, some Catholic bishops vow to close down all Catholic hospitals. Is America prepared to do without them? That’s 30 percent of U.S. hospitals.) 2) Partial birth abortions: legal and without limitation. 3) Taxpayers – no exceptions – forced to fund abortion. 4) Parental notification: gone. 5) Number of abortions: to increase substantially. But all isn’t lost. There’s a plan out there to stop FOCA. Prayer. Simple, easy prayer. Goes like this. Do nine consecutive

Send your letters to:

days of prayer along with fasting. Fast at least two of those days. Enlist five or more people in prayer. Oh, and yes, write/call your federal legislators about your visceral opposition to FOCA. Sara Lockwood Novato

Grateful for faith

I am so grateful to be a Catholic. I became one because I believe the God of the universe is real, that he loves us and that he revealed himself to us. I am a Catholic because my Protestant parents taught me to love God and follow him wherever he would lead. I did not want to become a Catholic initially because of learned prejudices, but I am because it is the only Church which can trace its roots to the beginning of the Church, to St. Peter himself. It is the only Church to maintain the truth revealed by Christ without change. For example, I had to decide if I would stay in a church that taught that artificial contraception was acceptable, even though all of Christendom once condemned it. Either the truth revealed by Christ had changed or man had changed it. I was fortunate enough to know about the effectiveness of Natural Family Planning, which made it easier for me to accept and live this doctrine. I read calls by fellow Catholics for doctrinal change in birth control, male priesthood, homosexuality and marriage, as well as other core teachings. This can never happen. When Christ established the Church he gave it authority and protection from his Holy Spirit to teach his truth, not its own. In Protestant churches, disagreements lead to splits and new churches. This does not happen in Catholicism because the Holy Spirit really does keep us from teaching error. It is our job to conform ourselves to God, not his to conform to us. He establishes what is true, good, right and holy; we follow if we are wise. If we find a teaching difficult, we must study it and struggle with it, but never deny it and go our own way. Our Protestant brothers show where that leads; at last count there were well over 20,000 denominations all going their own way. The more I study the more in love with the Church I fall. Jesus’ prayer was that we would be one, as he and the father are one – so that the world would know that the father sent him. I pray that all of us who call ourselves Catholic will learn about our faith, struggle with our difficulties, and be one. Cheryl Amalu Belmont

January 16, 2009

Catholic San Francisco

Twenty Something

Snow day: surrendering to a higher plan The swirling snow and howling wind make a vivid demonstration of how swiftly the best-laid plans can be overturned. Tonight was supposed to be the annual Capecchi ladies’ dinner at a family-style Italian restaurant in St. Paul. We gather there to consume enormous quantities of pasta and conversation. We toast with wine to the blood that binds our friendships. But Mother Nature had a different agenda, unleashing a blizzard that made a mockery of our plan. You thought it would be so easy to all meet at the same location on the same day? Ha! Much as I looked forward to our gathering, its cancellation sparked a glee that harkens back to grade school and the unbridled ecstasy of a snow day. Our days are splintered into intervals of activity, one locked beside another. So when a larger force wipes out the schedule, it brings a certain relief and bestows a rare gift: unallocated time. What a wonder! A million ways to spend the time! Where to begin? Humans are planners. Every week we craft well-intentioned, neatly-laid, thoroughly-coordinated plans. Dinner plans, career goals. Romantic schemes, recreational ideas. Weekend plans, five-year plans. We plot, we project, we anticipate.

There is nothing wrong with that impulse. God asks us to use our gifts to the fullest, to work hard and be deliberate about how we assign our energies and apply our talents. But we cannot grow too attached to our plans. We must guard against the false notion that we possess control, that we’re calling the shots. There is a larger force, a grander scheme. This month’s readings remind us of that bigger picture. Isaiah speaks to troubled people, Israelites whose plans for peace and prosperity were trampled. He tells them, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways,’ says the Lord. ‘As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts.’” This message can be hard to hear because we like our plans. They are guideposts in an otherwise hazy future. But God’s plans are higher – better, wiser, richer. They come from another realm, from the heart of our Creator, whose timing is perfect and whose wisdom is infinite. Believing in God’s plan and waiting on its fruition demands a mature faith. I saw that in my friend Wendy last summer. We had been discussing our eagerness to achieve certain goals. She had earned a master’s degree in a specialized field and had been searching at length for a job in the industry. One night she e-mailed me, “I have really come to accept

that God has some kind of crazy plan for me and I will find out what it is at some point.” Three months later Wendy landed her dream job. “Two years and three months of patience, prayer and faith have finally paid Christina off,” she e-mailed. Capecchi Wendy met a formidable challenge, releasing her own plan and trusting in God’s master plan – long before it had been revealed to her. She set her uncertainty and impatience aside and, like Samuel, said, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” God’s plans always provide for us. In the darkest hour at our greatest need, he fulfills our deepest desires. And so, as we gaze at that blank calendar and imagine 2009, let’s remember the master planner and write our plans in pencil. Christina Capecchi is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, Minn. E mail her at christina@readchristina.com.

The Catholic Difference

The incarnation and the inauguration The Gospel reading for the vigil Mass of Christmas Eve is the genealogy of Jesus according to Matthew: a terror to priests and deacons with poor Hebrew pronunciation and a bore to most congregants. Once, it was a string of “begats;” now, it’s a catalogue of strange names with which most Catholics are unfamiliar. Why would the Church appoint such an odd Gospel reading on Christmas? Matthew’s point, in his time, was to locate Jesus within one stream of the Jewish messianic expectation: the belief that the Promised One of God would be a descendant of David. Thus there’s all that begetting, from Abraham to David, from David to the Exile, and from the Exile to St. Joseph. Jesus, Matthew is telling his readers, is the fulfillment of both the covenant with Abraham and the promises made to David. Which point was, I suspect, clear to the Jewish communities of the first century for whom Matthew wrote. It’s not, perhaps, self-evidently important to 21st-century Christians, most of whom are gentiles. No, were I to have preached recently on Matthew’s genealogy, I’d have pointed out that its most interesting feature is that it isn’t air-brushed. At the risk of blasphemy, and to take an example from the contemporary “art” of spin-control, this is a “narrative” that includes Bill Ayers, Tony Rezko, Jeremiah Wright, and Rod Blagojevich, rather than air-brushing them out of the picture. To be sure, Matthew’s genealogy has patriarchs, heroes, psalmists, and saintly men and women; but it also includes scoundrels, idolaters, apostates, vicious kings, inept

kings and foreigners. Jesus is “located” amidst the very mixed bag that proceeds from Abraham, our father in faith. Why? Because Matthew is determined to underscore the realism of the incarnation. The coming of the Son of God is not magic. And it’s not sugar-coated. The Son, in the power of the Spirit, will fulfill the Father’s covenantal promises despite every obstacle that human weakness and wickedness can throw into the path of the divine fidelity. Moreover, in writing to his Jewish-Christian readers (and to potential converts to Christianity from the tribe of Abraham), Matthew takes pains to highlight Ruth, the Moabite woman whose fidelity to her Jewish mother-in-law becomes one of the instruments by which God’s messianic promise to Israel is fulfilled. In doing so, Matthew helps prepare his Jewish-Christian readers for two revolutionary ideas: that the new covenant in Jesus is universal in character, and that the gentiles, the wild branches grafted onto the tree of Israel, are full inheritors of the promises to Abraham. Matthew’s brutal honesty about the messy history of the messianic line is more than a matter of authorial honesty. Matthew refuses to engage in spin-control to make an important theological point. That point – face the facts squarely, God is in charge, and God will ultimately prevail – speaks as much to us as it did to the first century. Which brings me back to Ayers, Blagojevich, and the rest. In the weeks after Nov. 4, some Catholics have taken an apocalyptic view of the period ahead, seeing in Presidentelect Obama a man with whom serious Catholics can do no

serious business. Others have taken the precise opposite tack, arguing that the Church has to “stay in play,” that Catholics must “find common ground” with the new administration, that “we have to George Weigel talk with these people,” even if that means muting some of the Church’s core issues and fudging its sacramental discipline. Neither of these approaches strikes me as satisfactory. I’m all for talking with everyone. But in this instance, when certain issues at stake are of fundamental moral gravity, and the interlocutors respond primarily to power rather than reason, I believe that, after the initial amenities, the conversation has to begin by the Church and its leaders defining some non-negotiables – and pointing out, politely but directly, the consequences that will follow if, for example, the new administration signs off on a federal override of state laws providing conscience-clause protections for Catholic health care professionals. The realism at the root of Christian faith demands no less. St. Matthew would have understood that. George Weigel is Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C.

Spirituality for Life

The struggle with terrorism There’s an old axiom that says that the country with the best poets eventually triumphs. The strength of a people, in the end, lies not in its military power, but in its faith, moral fiber, imagination, and in the vision of its poets, artists, philosophers and priests. Never has this been more true, and harder to believe, than today in our struggle with terrorism and the merciless violence it has unleashed. To make peace with terrorism, as we are painfully learning, will require more than guns and military might. It is going to require new imagination, new poetry, and a moral stretch to which we are unaccustomed. This is a different kind of enemy, one that seems to grow the more it is crushed. Novelist Barbara Kingsolver, in a book of essays titled “Small Wonder,” brilliantly describes what we are facing: “This new enemy is not a person or a place. It isn’t a country; it is a pure and fearsome ire as widespread as some raw element like fire. I can’t sensibly declare war on fire, or reasonably pretend that it lives in a secret hideout like some comic-book villain, irrationally waiting while my superhero locates it and then drags it out to the thrill of my applause. We try desperately to personify our enemy in this way. Who can blame us? It’s all we know how to do. Declaring war

on a fragile human body and then driving the breath from it - that’s how enmity has been dispatched for all of time, since God was a child and man was even more of one.” But now we are faced with something new: an enemy we can’t kill because it’s a widespread anger so much stronger than physical want that its foot soldiers gladly surrender their lives in its service. We who live in this moment are not its cause; instead, a thousand historic hungers blended together to create it. But, we are its chosen target. We threaten this hatred, and it grows. We smash the human vessels that contain it, and it doubles like a magical liquid poison and pours itself into many waiting vessels. We kill its leaders, and they swell to the size of martyrs and heroes, inspiring more martyrs and heroes. This terror now requires of us something that most of us haven’t considered: how to defuse a lethal enemy through some tactic more effective than simply going at it with the biggest stick. The enemy, in the end, as Kingsolver points out, is not a person, a country, or a religion, but hatred itself. Only hatred can call forth this kind of sickness, indiscriminate murder in God’s name. Only hatred sees murder as martyrdom. And, as Kingsolver points out, we’re not its cause, but its target. This is not to say some of the things we have done in

history and some of the things we still do today are not to blame for helping produce this, but the kind of hatred that foments murder in God’s name draws upon more sources than those for which we are to blame. Father Moreover, this kind of Ron Rolheiser hatred can’t simply be beaten with guns. It isn’t like fighting an army; it’s like fighting a plague; people die but the disease continues to infect millions of others. What’s to be done? While military strength can never ultimately subdue this, this doesn’t mean that it isn’t necessary to contain it. A disease needs to be contained even while being fought. But, winning this battle will require something beyond guns and bombs. To win, which ultimately means to win over, will require poetry, imagination, and a vision drawn from genuine religion. ROLHEISER, page 18

Catholic San Francisco

January 16, 2009

Cardinal Laghi . . .

obituary

■ Continued from page 5

‘Innovative teacher’ remembered Sister Angela Julie Gutierrez, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur for 73 years, died Dec. 28 at a senior residence in Millbrae where she had made her home since 2000. Born in Santa Barbara, the late religious was 92 years of age. Described by her congregation as an “innovative and successful mathematics teacher,” Sister Angela Julie served at Notre Dame secondary schools in Marysville, Watsonville and San Jose with additional classroom time in elementary schools in Washington State and California. “Always ready to learn something new,” she volunteered in retirement as a bookkeeper for Notre Dame Villa in Saratoga and assisted with the congregation’s archives in Belmont, a congregation spokesperson said. In more recent years “she was always ready to offer her prayers for those who would ask and, often, kindly taught

and guided others in their own p r a y e r,” t h e Notre Dame Sisters said. Sister Angela Julie is survived by nieces and nephews including Franciscan Sisters Celeste C l a v e l a n d Sister Angela Julie Butierrez, SNDdeN Joanne Clavel, Franciscan Brother Didacus Clavel, Ramona and Robert Clavel, and Diane and Ronald Clavel as well as by the Sisters of Notre Dame. A funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 13 at St. Dunstan Church in Millbrae with interment at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. Remembrances may be sent to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, 1520 Ralston Ave., Belmont 94002.

Rolheiser . . . ■ Continued from page 17 Kingsolver draws upon the Greek story of Jason and the Argonauts. Jason finds himself facing a particular kind of dragon which when it is slain and its corpse falls to the ground becomes even more deadly because each of its teeth germinate and instantly produce a new enemy,

also the Holy See’s permanent observer to the Organization of American States. He played a mediating role in a number of difficult issues in the U.S. Church, including widely publicized tensions between U.S. bishops and the Vatican in the mid-1980s, the Vatican’s 1986 attempt to strip Seattle Archbishop Raymond E. Hunthausen of some areas of pastoral authority, and a two-year controversy surrounding a group of nuns who signed an ad on abortion in The New York Times and were ordered by the Vatican to recant. When he entered the Vatican diplomatic corps in 1952, his first assignment was for two years at the Vatican Embassy in Nicaragua. After assignments as an assistant to Vatican diplomats in the United States and in India, in 1964 he returned to Rome to work at the Secretariat of State. In 1969 he was made an archbishop and was appointed apostolic delegate in Jerusalem and Palestine. In 1971 he was given the additional post of papal pro-nuncio to Cyprus, and in 1972 the job of apostolic visitor to Greece was added to his duties. In 1974, he moved

fully armed. So each time he kills an enemy, the enemy multiplies. He sees the impossibility of his situation. Every time he kills something, he has more to fight. Eventually a woman who loves him, Medea, tells him a secret: Hatred only dies when it is turned upon itself. Jason takes her advice, gives up his sword, and instead finds a way to throw a rock cryptically so that it triggers an internal riot within which his enemies fight each other. Later Medea also shows him a way to slip an elixir of

(CNS FILE PHOTO)

Cardinal Pio Laghi

to South America as nuncio to Argentina, a position he held until 1980. Pope John Paul named him to the College of Cardinals in 1991. Cardinal Laghi’s death leaves the College with 190 members, 116 of whom are under age 80 and eligible to vote in a papal conclave.

contentment into the mouth of sleeping dragons so they remain peaceful. Hatred only dies when it is turned upon itself. We are right in trying to contain it, but eventually it can only be defeated from within. In the interim, we need better poetry. Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser can be contacted through his website: www.ronrolheiser.com.

Funeral Services Directory

In Historic Colma

For Advertising Information Please Call (415) 614-5642 or Fax (415) 614-5641 or Email penaj@sfarchdiocese.org

Church | Cemetery | Cremation Service

affordable solutions

Handmade Artisan Urns | Specialty Caskets 30 Years Expertise providing Healthy Grief Support When Loss Occurs 7747 Mission Street Colma, CA 94014 FD 1522

111 Industrial Road Suite 5 Belmont, CA 94002 FD 1923

650.757.1300 | fax 650.757.7901 | toll free 888.757.7888 | www.colmacremation.com The Leading Catholic Funeral Directors of the San Francisco Archdiocese

Pre-planning “My Funeral, My Cremation, My Way” www.duggansserra.com

McAVOY O’HARA Co. SE RV IN G W IT H T R U S T A N D CO NFIDENC E S IN CE 1 8 5 0

www.driscollsmortuary.com

E vergreen Mortua r y 4 5 4 5 GEARY B O ULE VARD at T E N T H AV E N UE For information prearrangements, and assistance, call day or night (415) 668-0077 FD 523

The Catholic Cemeteries

www.sullivanfuneralandcremation.com

Duggan’s Serra Catholic Family Mortuaries Duggan’s Serra Mortuary 500 Westlake Ave., Daly City FD 1098 Driscoll’s Valencia St. Serra Mortuary 1465 Valencia St., SF FD 1665 Sullivan’s Funeral Home & Cremation 2254 Market St., SF FD 228 www.duggansserra.com

◆

650/756-4500 415/970-8801 415/621-4567

Archdiocese of San Francisco

www.holycrosscemeteries.com

Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery Intersection of Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025 650-323-6375 A

Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery 1500 Mission Road, Colma, CA 94014 650-756-2060

Tr a d i t i o n o f F a i t h

Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery 270 Los Ranchitos Road, San Rafael, CA 94903 415-479-9020

Th r o u g h o u t O u r L i v e s .

January 16, 2009

Taize/Chanted Prayer 1st Friday at 8 p.m.: Mercy Center, 2300 Adeline Dr., Burlingame with Mercy Sister Suzanne Toolan. Call (650) 340-7452; young adults are invited each first Friday of the month to attend a social at 6 p.m. prior to Taize prayer at 8 p.m. The social provides light refreshments and networking with other young adults. Convenient parking is available. For information contact mercyyoungadults@sbcglobal.net. Tuesdays at 6 p.m.: Notre Dame Des Victoires Church, 566 Bush at Stockton, San Francisco with Rob Grant. Call (415) 397-0113. 3rd Friday, 8 p.m. : Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, Motherhouse Chapel, 43326 Mission Blvd in Fremont. Contact Maria Shao at (408) 839-2068 or maria49830@aol.com or Dominican Sister Beth Quire at (510) 449-7554 or beth@msjdominicans.

Datebook

Vallombrosa Center The retreat center of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, 250 Oak Grove Ave. in Menlo Park. For details and fees, call (650) 325-5614 or visit www. vallombrosa.org Jan. 24, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.: “The Body as a Healing Temple” focuses on honoring the human body as an instrument of healing. The retreat will include the use of senses, movements, yoga, breathing and intuition. Dominican Sister Joan Prohaska holds a master’s degree in education from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Sister Joan is a Healing Touch Practioner, a certified massage therapist, an Energy Medicine Specialist and has been leading healing prayer retreats and workshops in northern California. Jan. 31, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.: “A Retreat for Caregivers.” As advanced medical technologies stretch life spans, more and more family members, especially people in their 40s, 50s and 60s, are caring for fragile, elderly relatives. This retreat will allow participants time to recharge emotionally and spiritually, to reflect, and to receive support. Carol Kaplan has given retreats at Vallombrosa Retreat Center on honoring elders, gardening, eco-spirituality and grief. She has a private practice in Monterey.

TV/Radio Sunday, 6 a.m., KOFY Channel 20/Cable 13 and KTSF Channel 26/Cable 8: TV Mass with Msgr. Harry Schlitt presiding. Saturday, 4 p.m.: Religious programming in Cantonese over KVTO 1400 AM, co-sponsored by the Chinese Ministry and Chinese Young Adults of the Archdiocese. First Sunday, 5 a.m., CBS Channel 5: “Mosaic,” featuring conversations on current Catholic issues. Third Sunday, 5:30 a.m., KRON Channel 4: “For Heaven’s Sake,” featuring conversations about Catholic spirituality. KSFB Catholic Radio 1260 AM offers daily Mass, rosary and talk on the faith – visit www.ihradio.org EWTN Catholic Television: Comcast Channel 229; Astound Channel 80; San Bruno Cable Channel 143; DISH Satellite Channel 261; Direct TV Channel 370. For programming details, visit www.ewtn.com.

Arts & Entertainment Jan. 25, 3 p.m.: Concert by Michael Schmitz, director of piano studies, at Notre Dame de Namur University, Ralston Hall Mansion Ballroom, 1500 Ralston Ave. in Belmont. A reception follows the performance. Tickets are $20; $10 for seniors and students. Call (650) 5083729 or e-mail concerts@ndnu.edu. Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m.: “The Gospel of Mark” performed by Michael Reardon and directed by Patrick Lane at Notre Dame des Victoires Church, 566 Bush St. in San Francisco. Reardon and Lane have performed the spellbinding proclamation of Scripture more than 1,000 times around the world. A meet-the-artists reception follows the play. Admission to the two-hour event is free though free-will offerings will be accepted. Call (415) 397-0113 for more information. Visit www. gospels.org for more about the group.

Jan. 24, 6 – 11 p.m.: Cioppino Dinner benefiting Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory School, Ellis between Franklin and Gough in San Francisco. Evening includes no-host bar, appetizers, dinner, dessert, live music and dancing plus raffle and Super Bowl pool. Tickets are $50. Visit www.shcp.edu for more information or to purchase tickets. Doing their part to get the evening underway are SHCP juniors, Mari Pinotti, left, Natalie Mazzucco, and Mariah Salamy. Sponsored by SHCP Parents Association.

Trainings/Lectures/Respect Life Jan. 21, 1 p.m.: San Francisco Police Captain Richard Corriea invites Richmond District residents to discuss public safety issues and learn about community safety. Community Police Academy, a program designed to inform and teach interested citizens the various aspects of municipal policing, will speak. The program covers procedures from patrol and investigations, vehicle operations, arrest and control techniques, firearm procedures and communications / 911. Meet at Zephyr Café, 3643 Balboa St. between 37th and 38th Ave. Contact Officer Jill Connolly at (415) 666-8000 or Kitty Ha at (415) 668-5955, ext. 375. Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m.: Annual Interfaith Prayer Service for the Sanctity of Human Life at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Gough and Geary Blvd. in San Francisco. Rev. Aris Metrakos, pastor, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, San Francisco; and a representative of the Sisters for Life of New York are scheduled to speak. Former San Francisco Archbishop John R. Quinn who instituted the event 22 years ago has been invited to speak. Reception follows the rite in the Cathedral’s downstairs rooms. Call (415) 664-3590 for more information. Sponsored by the Interfaith Committee for Life. Jan. 24, 11 a.m.: Fifth Annual Walk for Life West Coast begins at San Francisco’s Justin Herman Plaza lawn at the Embarcadero. To organize groups or get further information, e-mail info@walkforlifewc.com or call (415) 586-1576. Jan. 27, 8:15 a.m.: San Francisco Police Department invites Richmond District residents to breakfast. Current issues and services available in the neighborhood will be discussed. Supervisor Eric Mar will speak. There will be announcements from the community at the end of the meeting. Meet at Congregation Beth Sholom at 301 14th Ave. All welcome. Light breakfast provided. Contact Kitty Ha at (415) 668-5955, ext. 375 or kittyha@ramsinc.org

Food & Fun Jan. 21, noon: Spaghetti and meatball lunch at Immaculate Conception Chapel, Folsom off Cesar

Chavez/Army St. in San Francisco. Tickets are $8. The family-style meal includes salad, bread, pasta and homemade meatballs. Beverages are available for purchase. The meal is served in the church hall, beneath the chapel. Call (415) 824-1762. Jan. 23, 6:30 p.m.: CYO Athletics Hall of Fame Dinner in the Father O’Reilly Catholic Charities CYO Center at St. Emydius gym, Ashton at DeMontfort St. in San Francisco. Tickets are $75. Call Meghan Livingston at (415) 972-1213 or visit http://athletics.cccyo.org/home/ halloffame09.php Jan. 24, 5:30 p.m.: Junipero Serra High School Booster Club Crab Cioppino Dinner and Dance, 451 West 20th Ave., San Mateo, featuring live music by The Jack Aces. No host cocktails until 7 p.m. followed by cioppino, salad, garlic bread and dessert. Tickets are $40 and must be paid by Jan. 20. For information, call Melanie Ryan, Boosters Club president, at (415) 6997926. Reservation form available at www.serrahs.com Click on “Booster Club” from the “Athletics” or “Parents” homepage No tickets sold at door. Jan. 24, 5 – 9 p.m.: Wine and cheese tasting benefiting Immaculate Conception Academy, 24th and Guerrero St. in San Francisco. Event includes silent auction. Entrance fee of $25 includes commemorative wine glass. Adults only admitted -21 years of age and older. Call (415) 824-2052 or visit www.icacademy.org. Jan. 25, 11 a.m.: “Magic” is theme of annual luncheon, fashion show and silent auction benefiting work of San Francisco County Council of Catholic Women at Olympic Club, Lakeside. Tickets are $55. Contact Diane Heafey at (415) 731-6379. No-host cocktails begin at 11 a.m. followed by lunch at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 25, 5:30 p.m.: Evening benefiting SVdP’s Catherine’s Center’s at Kohl Mansion in Burlingame and honoring longtime volunteers and supporters, Ann and Bill Regan. Evening includes champagne reception and entertainment by the classical music ensemble, Musica Sacra. Dessert and Irish coffee reception closes the event. Tickets are $100. The center relies on donations to cover its operating expenses of $24,000 a month. For more information, call (650) 373-0637. Catherine’s Center

Catholic San Francisco

welcomes volunteer support. Volunteers are needed to drive women to appointments, share expertise in program areas, mentor, help cook, dine with residents, celebrate holidays, join staff and residents on outings and write grants or help with fundraisers. For more information, call (650) 246-1520 or e-mail svdpcatherine@yahoo.com. Jan. 31, 8 p.m. – midnight: Mardi Gras Zydeco Dance at St. Finn Barr’s Goode Hall, 415 Edna St. at Hearst in San Francisco. Tickets $15 in advance/$20 at door. Call (415) 585-4524 or (415) 333-3627. Jan. 31: St. Elizabeth School, 450 Somerset St. in San Francisco holds its Famous Crab Feed Dinner featuring raffle prizes, entertainment, and dancing the night away with DJ Bruce Jolly. Menu includes marinated or non-marinated Dungeness crab or roasted chicken, appetizers, antipasto, pasta, salad, coffee and dessert. All proceeds benefit St. Elizabeth School. Tickets are $40. Call (415) 468-3247. Feb. 6, 7 a.m.: Catholic Marin Breakfast Club meets at St. Sebastian Church, Sir Francis Drake Blvd. and Bon Air Rd. in Greenbrae for Mass with breakfast and talk following. Guest speaker is Father Tom Daly, director of vocations for the Archdiocese of San Francisco and president of Marin Catholic High School. Members breakfast $7/visitors $10. Call (415) 461-0704 weekdays or e-mail sugaremy@aol.com Feb. 7, 7 – 10 p.m.: Little Children’s Aid Junior Auxiliary honors Karen Leach, a member of St. Stephen Parish and active member of the LCA Jrs. for more than 25 years, with its annual Alice Phelan Sullivan Award at Forest Hills Club House, 381 Magellan Ave. in San Francisco. The honoree teaches kindergarten at St. Brendan School in San Francisco and is a past president of the LCA Jrs. Evening includes silent auction, hosted bar, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment by the Hot Frittatas. Tickets are $75. Contact Mary Rotunno at (415) 310-1315. Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m.: Annual All You Can Eat Crab Feed sponsored by Serra Club of San Francisco at St. Anne Parish’s Moriarty Hall, Judah at Funston in San Francisco. Tickets are $45. No-host bar. Call Joan Higgins at (415) 333-2422 or e-mail jhigg2390@aol.com.

Special Liturgies Jan. 18, 10:30 a.m.: 24th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Solidarity Mass at St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church, 1122 Jamestown Ave. at 3rd St. in San Francisco. Sister Anita Price Baird of Chicago will give guest reflection. Conventual Franciscan Father Paul Gawloski, pastor, will preside. Reception follows. Feb. 21, 10:30 a.m.: Bishop William Justice presides at Mass for secular and lay orders of the Archdiocese of San Francisco at St. Thomas More Church, Brotherhood Way at Junipero Serra Blvd. in San Francisco. Reception follows. Call Mary Munden at (408) 730-5385 or Linda Silverio at (415) 239-4200 for more information. Feb. 7, 11 a.m.: First Saturday Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, All Saints Mausoleum Chapel. Call (650) 756-2060 or visit www.holycrosscemeteries.com.

Datebook is a free listing for parishes, schools and non-profit groups. Please include event name, time, date, place, address and an information phone number. Listing must reach Catholic San Francisco at least two weeks before the Friday publication date desired. Mail your notice to: Datebook, Catholic San Francisco, One Peter Yorke Way, S.F. 94109, or fax it to (415) 614-5633, or e-mail burket@sfarchdiocese.org.

ARCHDIOCESE OF SAN FRANCISCO 2009 DELUXE DIRECTORY INCLUDES:

Archdiocesan Officials and Departments, Catholic Charities, Parishes & Missions, Parish Staff Listings. Latest E-mail Addresses, Phone Directory Yellow Pages, Mass Schedules. Schools: Elementary, High Schools, Universities & Colleges. Religious Orders, Religious Organizations, etc. . . .

ORDER FORM

Please send me

copies of the Directory

Name

Address

City

Zip Code

Credit Card #: Signature:

Copies @ $20.00 Each: $ Includes Postage and Handling

Method of Payment: ❑ Visa Exp. Date:

❑ Mastercard

❑ Check ❑ Money Order

Phone #:

C ATHOLIC S AN F RANCISCO , O NE P ETER Y ORKE W AY , S AN F RANCISCO , CA 94109

Catholic San Francisco

January 16, 2009

Gallup finds two-thirds view religion influence on decline By Nancy Frazier O’Brien WASHINGTON (CNS) – Two-thirds of Americans see religion as having a declining influence on U.S. society, marking one of the lowest ratings in the five decades since the Gallup Poll first began asking the question. The 67 percent of U.S. adults who said “religion as a whole” was losing its influence on American life in a poll released Dec. 23 was exceeded only by the 75 percent who saw a declining influence in 1970, at the height of the Vietnam War, and the 69 percent who saw such a decline in 1994, during the first term of President Bill Clinton. “After a long period of doubt about the influence of religion during the Vietnam War era – from 1965 through 1975 – a December 1976 Gallup Poll found nearly as many Americans saying religion was increasing in influence, as disagreed (44 percent vs. 45 percent),” said a report on the survey by Lydia Saad, Gallup Poll senior editor. “This relative high point for perceptions that religion was on the rise could have been associated with the election a month earlier of Jimmy Carter as president, an avowed bornagain Christian,” she added. The high point for those who said religion was increasing its influence came in December 2001, three months after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, when 71 percent of Americans saw a rise in religion’s influence. Saad said “this measure of public perceptions about religion has been quite volatile”

since Gallup first asked the question in 1957, “with shifts in perception often corresponding to major political events.” In the December 2008 survey, the view that religion was losing its influence was higher among men than women (70 percent to 64 percent). Among those who attend religious services weekly, 74 percent saw a decline in religion’s influence, compared to 63 percent of those who seldom or never attend religious services. The survey also asked whether Americans believe “that religion can answer all or most of today’s problems, or that religion is largely old-fashioned and out of date.” The percentage who believe religion can answer most problems has been on a relatively steady decline from 82 percent in 1958 to 53 percent in the latest survey. The percentage who see religion as old-fashioned has grown from 7 percent in 1958 to 28 percent today. “The vast majority of Americans who attend church or another worship service weekly (82 percent) say religion can answer today’s problems, as do 59 percent of those attending at least monthly, but only 27 percent of those who rarely or never attend agreed,” Saad said in her report. The results also varied by the age of the respondents, with 60 percent of those 55 years old or older seeing an answer to today’s problems in religion, compared to 52 percent of those between 35 and 54 years old and 44 percent of those 18 to 34. The margin of error for the survey, conducted Dec. 4-7 among 1,009 adult Americans, was plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Human rights groups denounce police assault on migrants in Mexico By David Agren MEXICO CITY (CNS) – Catholic leaders and human rights groups have condemned the actions of Chiapas state police accused of indiscriminately opening fire as they chased a truck carrying approximately 45 undocumented migrants. The Jan. 9 incident left three migrants dead and six seriously injured near the MexicanGuatemalan border, said the Chiapas-based Fray Bartolome de las Casas Human Rights Center. The center said in a Jan. 11 report that police “indiscriminately fired” until the driver lost control and struck a tree. Migrants interviewed by the center denied allegations that shots were fired at state police from the vehicle. Local media reported that one of the

deceased was a Chinese citizen while the other two were from Central American countries. Bishop Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel of San Cristobal de Las Casas told the Mexican news agency Notimex Jan. 11 that the incidents of abuse against migrants crossing into southern Mexico, usually on their way to the United States, are common and that his diocese is building two new shelters to provide better assistance and protection. “How is it possible that for passing from here to the northern border (smugglers) charge them $5,000 – that’s an abuse – then the abuses have to continue following them?” the bishop asked in reference to the shooting incident. Mexico’s National Human Rights Commission announced Jan. 12 that it would open an investigation into police actions it called “arbitrary” and “excessive.”

TRAVEL GUIDE 2009 HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGES With Franciscan Fr. Mario DiCicco, O.F.M. President and Rector

THE FRANCISCAN SCHOOL Berkeley, CA

Religion’s Influence on American Life Two-thirds of Americans think religion is losing its inﬂuence on American life. Over the years, opinions on this topic have been volatile, with changes corresponding to major political or historical events. 71% 67% Percent of U.S. adults who said religion as a whole is...

LOSING INFLUENCE

63%

Tour 9 56%

48%

46%

38%

INCREASING % INFLUENCE 35

37%

27%

‘80

‘83

‘86

‘89

‘92

27%

April 29-May 10, 2009

24% ‘95

‘98

‘01

Tour 90502 ‘04 ‘08

Results for 2008 are based on telephone interviews with 1,009 U.S. adults conducted Dec. 4-7. The margin of error is plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Source: Gallup Poll

Catholic San Francisco

Turk

invites you

to join in the following pilgrimages GREECE • TURKEY CRUISE April 29 – May 10, 2009 Departs San Francisco 12-Day Pilgrimage

4,249

only $

d n a l e r

($4,349 after Jan. 19, 2009)

Fr. Ron Williams, Spiritual Director Includes outside cabin and shore excursions

Visit: Athens, Istanbul, Mykonos, Patmos, Kusadas, Rhodes, Heraklion, Santorini, Piraeus, Corinth

Athens

IRELAND

May 12 – 21, 2009

$4,249 if deposit is paid by 1-19-0

Departs San Francisco 10-Day Pilgrimage

2,999

only $

($3,099 after Feb. 1, 2009)

Fr. Martin Gillespie, Spiritual Director Visit: Shannon, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Croagh, Patrick Kylemore Abbey, Connemara, Bunratty Folk Park, Killarney, Ring of Kerry and more

$2,999of if deposit is paid by 2-1-09 FRANCE – Year Bernadette

September 15 – 24, 2009 Departs San Francisco 10-Day Pilgrimage

2,499

only $

($2,599 after June 7, 2009)

THEOLOGY

May 30–June 10 and September 19–30 Both Departures Originate from Chicago O’Hara Airport

************ Follow the Footsteps of St. Paul In Turkey During This Year of St. Paul Cradle of Early Christianity April 17-29, 2009 Departures from San Francisco and Chicago

Write / Call for Free Brochures Fr. Mario DiCicco, O.F.M., 1712 Euclid Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709-1208 (510) 848-5232 • E-Mail: mdiccio@fst.edu Fr. Mario has a PhD in the New Testament, has lived in the Holy Land with the Franciscans and has 33 years of experience in leading pilgrimages to the Holy Land.

Fr. Donald Eder, Spiritual Director Visit: Paris, Lisieux, Normandy, Chartres Nevers, Paray-Le-Monial, Ars, Lyon, Toulouse, Lourdes, Pau

The Grotto

For a FREE brochure on these pilgrimages contact: Catholic San Francisco

(415) 614-5640 Please leave your name, mailing address and your phone number California Registered Seller of Travel Registration Number CST-2037190-40 (Registration as a Seller of Travel does not constitute approval by the State of California)

January 16, 2009

Music

Catholic San Francisco

Books RADIO Film stage

‘Frost/Nixon’ entertains, but also does service to history Every movie is entertainment, first and foremost. So history buffs are often prompt to disapprove if film treatment of a person or event does not conform to their perception or recollection of events. But director Ron Howard’s depiction of David Frost interviewing Richard Nixon in “Frost/Nixon” is a superior entertainment which respects the historical facts without pulling punches or needlessly tallying up the purple patches. Walter Cronkite would doubtless have declared, “That’s the way it was.” The 1970s are a television series for many people, but if you were around at the height of the Watergate events you remember the breathless excitement which greeted every day of the congressional hearings that led to President Nixon’s resignation. He was able to escape impeachment, but the interviews conducted later by TV personality David Frost proved to be a valuable documentation of Nixon’s personal involvement in the Watergate crimes. Peter Morgan has admirably adapted his stage play to the screen, perhaps providing through close-ups an essential aspect of the Nixon character. The president’s shifty, defensive glances, his self-important claims and name dropping, the moral vacuum in which he is contained, reveal a kind of psychic nakedness that only a film can provide. Obviously the extraordinary skill of Frank Langella in portraying all this commands our immediate attention. The actor does not physically resemble Nixon; he is a much bigger man in height and weight, but he has perfected the stoop (almost crouch) one remembers so well, and the inflections of the voice are quite precise.

(CNS PHOTO/UNIVERSAL)

By Father Basil DePinto

Kevin Bacon and Frank Langella star in a scene from the movie “Frost/Nixon.” The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III – adults, though acceptable for older teens. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R.

He emphasizes the money-grubbing side of Nixon without exaggerating it; he evinces the sentimentality in the character that works hand in hand with the brutal grab for self-preservation at all costs. You may understand this man, but you are not inclined to forgive. In short, Langella is not giving a Nixon impersonation, but exercising his intellectual grasp of the character and thus convincing the audience of the reality of what it is witnessing. An outstanding job.

As his antagonist David Frost, Michael Sheen, following his fine work as Tony Blair in “The Queen,” gives us a fully realized portrayal of a showbiz creature, initially out to “do a show.” He has no political perceptions and merely wants to score a coup to bolster his career. Four interviews are scheduled, and in the first three Frost seems unable to get his foot in the door; Nixon talks non-stop, keeps himself on the offensive. But in the end Frost pierces the armor with the one question which totally unsettles Nixon: “Why didn’t you destroy the tapes?” From this point on Frost is completely in command. Nixon eventually admits the hubris that is at the core of his downfall and acknowledges that he “let the country down” – a small enough admission, considering the enormity of his crimes, but in the Nixonian universe perhaps the deepest act of contrition possible in a character who felt that if the president does it, it can’t be wrong. Sheen looks the part with the bouffant haircut and the seemingly strangulating shirt collars. But more important, he shows Frost’s gradual awareness that this is not just TV, but history in the making and the deepening sense of responsibility: not to “get” Nixon” but to get the truth for all to see. His victory is to score one for the democratic process and for that reason puts us all in his debt. But as we leave the theater, the final question remains: have we failed to learn from history and thus repeated it? A movie that causes us to ask questions rather than only entertains should be on everyone’s short list of those to see. A priest of the Oakland Diocese, Father DePinto is a frequent contributor on the arts scene.

Latest ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ written for Catholics WASHINGTON (CNS) – The “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series can now add Catholics to the more than 200 groups in its targeted audiences. In mid-December, Simon & Schuster published “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living Catholic Faith,” making it the most recent addition to a series that has sold more than 112 million copies in 40 languages over the past 16 years. The “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books are filled with personal stories (always 101) and each volume is aimed toward a specific audience: moms, dads, grandparents, teens, kids, sports enthusiasts, pet lovers, coffee lovers, people with a variety of ailments, scrapbookers and even fans of the “American Idol” television show. There are books specifically directed to members of the Jewish faith, Latter-day Saints, Christians and Christian women. LeAnn Thieman, who co-authored “Living Catholic Faith,” is no stranger to the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” phenomenon. She has co-authored nine other books in the series and is currently working on a new one about miracles. When Thieman, who is Catholic, was first approached about working on a “Chicken Soup” book for Catholics, she wasn’t sure such a book was necessary since the series already had a book addressing Christians. She changed her mind in 2005 during the media coverage of Pope John Paul II’s death and funeral Mass, which she said revealed the large number of devout Catholics in the world. Around that same time, she received another call from the “Chicken Soup” publisher who said Catholics

should have their own book. She agreed, saying, “You’re not doing it without me.” The book’s stories include anecdotes about the sacraments, praying the rosary, growing up Catholic, good role models and challenges in living the faith. In a Jan. 8 phone interview with Catholic News Service from her home near Denver, Thieman said she tells fellow Catholics that they’ll find “a bit of your family, your roots and yourself in this book.” She said the stories are ones with which Catholics will identify and “should really rekindle their faith.” What impressed her during the two-year process of gathering and editing stories was “how people love this Church and their Catholic faith. Even people who have problems (with the Catholic Church) in the end are drawn to it and love it,” she said. The appeal of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books, she said, is that people relate to the stories. When Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, the series’ co-founders, initially tried to promote “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” they were rejected more than 30 times, according to Thieman, and were repeatedly told, “No one wants to buy a personal story.” It turns out people do like personal stories. Or as Thieman put it: “When people read stories they relate to, they feel understood.” They find hope, she said, from reading that “someone’s been where they are” and just learning how they handled or coped with a situation.

The writer said she’s received at least 4,000 submitted stories for “Chicken Soup” books she’s edited. From that number, only 101 can make the final cut. She knows what it’s like to write these stories after getting her start with a story in the 1997 book, “Chicken Soup for the Mother’s Soul.” In a biography in the current “Chicken Soup” book, Thieman is described as one of the series’ most prolific writers. In “Chicken Soup for the Mother and Son Soul” in 2006, Thieman wrote about the life-changing experience she had in 1975 as a nurse helping in the mass evacuation of children from South Vietnam to the United States and other countries at the end of the Vietnam War. Thieman, who co-authored a book on the experience, “This Must Be My Brother,” in 1995, has since become a nationally known speaker relating her experiences in helping transport babies out of a war zone to the challenges people face daily in “balancing life in their own war zones,” as she puts it. In her motivational speeches, she advises audience members to balance their lives spiritually, mentally and physically and be confident they can make a difference in the world. And for Thieman, it’s not all about dosing out inspiration. She said she receives her fair share of inspiration from those she meets at talks around the country. “I’m humbled that God picked me to do this,” she said. (PHOTO BY TOM BURKE/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

By Carol Zimmermann

Washington and San Francisco Walks for Life slated for EWTN coverage; also papal Mass Eternal Word Television Network telecasts this month will include a feature marking the 36th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion as well as a broadcast of Pope Benedict XVI presiding at a vespers service celebrating the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. Programming includes live coverage of the Solemn Vigil Mass for Life celebrated at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., Jan. 21 at 4 p.m. Live coverage at the Basilica continues the next day with the Solemn Mass for Life for national “March for Life” participants. It airs Jan. 22 at 4:30 a.m. EWTN cameras will follow the throng of marchers as they move along Constitution Avenue to a “Rally for Life” at the Washington Monument. Live coverage of the march and rally begins Jan. 22 at 8 a.m., with encore telecasts Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 24 at 6 a.m. Coverage will include interviews and speeches from pro-life leaders across the nation. EWTN’s telecast of the Jan. 24 fifth annual Walk for

Life West Coast along San Francisco’s scenic Embarcadero waterfront will focus on the pre-walk “Rally for Life” across from the Ferry Building at Justin Herman Plaza, where thousands of Walk participants will assemble. It will air live Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. and encore Jan. 25 at 6:30 a.m. The vespers service over which Pope Benedict will preside will take place in the Basilica of St. Paul-Outside-the-Walls in Rome. Live coverage will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 25, with an encore the same day at 12:30 p.m. Another program, “St. Paul in Greece,” takes viewers to the locations of dramatic events set forth in the Acts of the Apostles, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. All times mentioned are Pacific Time. EWTN is carried 24 hours a day on Comcast. Channel 229, Astound Channel 80, San Bruno Cable Channel 143, DISH Satellite Channel 261 and Direct TV Channel 370. Comcast airs EWTN on Channel 70 in Half Moon Bay and on Channel 74 in southern San Mateo County. Visit www.ewtn.com for more programming information.

Walk for Life is topic Before taping “For Heaven’s Sake” at KRON-TV studios in San Francisco, Dolores Meehan, co-founder of Walk for Life West Coast, talks with Maury Healy, archdiocesan director of communications and program host. They discuss contemporary Catholicism on the “For Heaven’s Sake” program airing this Sunday, Jan. 18, at 5:30 a.m. on KRON-Channel 4. Walk for Life West Coast takes place in San Francisco Jan. 24.

Catholic San Francisco

January 16, 2009

Catholic San Francisco Vocations Mountain Retreat Rental

classifieds FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION

Call: 415-614-5642 Fax: 415-614-5641 Email: penaj@sfarchdiocese.org

Moon Mountain Retreat

Desire Priesthood? Religious Life? Lay Ministries? Superb Sabbatical? Jesuit Retreats? 800-645-5347 – 24/7 gonzaga.edu/ministryinstitute

OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE Approximately 2,000 to 3,500 square feet of space (additional space available if needed) at One Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco (between Gough & Franklin), is being offered for lease — preferably to a non-profit entity. Space available includes four enclosed offices, open work area with seven cubicles, large work room, and storage rooms on the bottom level of the Archdiocese of San Francisco Chancery/Pastoral Center. We also have mail and copy services available, as well as meeting rooms (based on availability). Space has access to kitchen area and restroom facilities. Parking spaces negotiable. Ready for immediate occupancy with competitive terms. For more information, contact Katie Haley (415) 614-5556; email to haleyk@sfarchdiocese.org. ADVERTISING SERVICE DIRECTORY FORINFORMATION

Painting

Call 415-614-5642 Fax: 415-614-5641 E-mail: penaj@sfarchdiocese.org

S.O.S. PAINTING CO.

Handy Man Painting, roof repair, fence (repair/ build) demolition, carpenter, gutter (clean/ repair), decks, skylight repairs, landscaping, gardening, hauling, moving, janitorial. All purpose.

Call (650) 757-1946 Cell (415) 517-5977 NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

Carpet Cleaning Safe Non-Toxic, No Shampoo, Dry in Hours not Days Commercial & Residential Serving SF & San Mateo Co. St. Charles Parishioner

(650) 593-5959

Lic # 526818 Senior Discount

415-269-0446 650-738-9295

painting and remodeling John Holtz Ca. Lic 391053 General Contractor Since 1980

(650) 355-4926

Contractor inspection reports and pre-purchase consulting

Auto Service HABELT’S AUTO SERVICE

www.counselingforchristians.com

Complete Auto Repair

• Relationships • Addictions

Dr. Daniel J. Kugler Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Over 25 years experience

Confidential • Compassionate • Practical (415) 921-1619 1537 Franklin Street • San Francisco, CA 94109

Free Clinic For Iraqi and Afghanistani Veterans Wednesday & Friday • 10 – 4 San Francisco Individual, family and group counseling for Iraqi and Afghanistan veterans and their families for “depression”, PTSD and coping and re-entry skills.

Lila Caffery, MA, CCHT San Francisco: 415.337.9474 Complimentary phone consultation www.InnerChildHealing.com

Healthcare Agency The Irish Rose

(415) 786-0121 • (415) 586-6748

Home Healthcare Agency Specializing in home health aides, attendants and companions.

Contact: 415.447.8463

(415) 242-3355

• Family • Work • Depression • Anxiety

Roofing

Serving San Francisco, Marin & the Peninsula.

INDIVIDUAL, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY COUNSELING

When Life Hurts It Helps To Talk

Contact Larry at 707-591-3500 Visit our Website: www.MoonMountainRetreat.com

FREE ESTIMATES

•Interiors •Exteriors •Kitchens •Baths

David Nellis M.A. M.F.T.

Winter and Spring discounts. Retreats and small intimate weddings

www.sospainting.net

Counseling

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Historic Main House includes 7 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and incredible vistas. Also available, 2 private cottages in very private settings with vineyard and valley views with outdoor hot tubs.

Interior-Exterior wallpaper hanging & removal

Painting & Remodeling

• Find practical solutions for some of life’s tougher problems and situations • Short-term counseling for lasting solutions. • 20 years experience.

Absolutely stunning views of Sonoma Valley. 150 acres of Mountain Top Peace and Serenity, 12 minutes to Historic Sonoma Plaza.

3865 Irving St. at 40th Ave. – Since 1964 –

415-664-1735

Construction

Plumbing S anti Plumbing and Heating 415-661-3707

BEST PLUMBING, INC. Your Payless Plumbing

Lic. # 872560

➤ Drain-Sewer Cleaning Service ➤ Water Heaters ➤ Gas Pipes ➤ Toilets ➤ Faucets ➤ Garbage Disposals ➤ Copper Repiping ➤ Sewer Replacement ➤ Video Camera & Line locate PROMPT AND UNPARALLELED SERVICE

(650) 557-1263 EMAIL:

bestplumbinginc@comcast.net Member: Better Business Bureau

Plumbing • Fire Protection • Certified Backflow

John Bianchi Phone: 415.468.1877 Fax: 415.468.1875 100 North Hill Drive, Unit 18 • Brisbane, CA 94005 Lic. No. 390254

ALL PLUMBING WORK PAT HOLLAND

Licensed contractors are required by law to list their license numbers in advertisments. The law also state that contractors performing work totaling $500 or more must be state-licensed. Advertisments appearing in this newspaper without a license number indicate that the contractor is not licensed. For more info, contact:

Contractors State License Board

800-321-2752

1- 800-717-PARTY

ABBEY party rents sf

411 ALLAN STREET DALY CITY, CA 94014 FAX 415-715-6914 TEL 415-715-6900

WWW.ABBEYRENTSSF.COM

GALA AUCTION EVENTS Gala auctions GALA AUCTION EVENTS

BIZZARROS GALA AUCTION EVENTS GALA EVENT SPECIALISTS

TAKE YOUR GALA AUCTION TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Bizzarros Auctions

Specializing In Wood Fences

NOTICE TO READERS

TABLES SEATING LINENS SETTINGS SERVEWARE STAGING

Michael T. Santi

HOLLAND Plumbing Works San Francisco

lic. 343633

FINE SERVICE, BETTER EVENTS.

Since 1972 Ca License # 663641 24 Hour Emergency Service

MORROW CONTRUCTION (650) 994-6892

Party Rentals

CA LIC #817607

has been working with hundreds of non-profits and schools since 1984. We provide expert consultation cutting edge technology, and a phenomenal auction team for your event.

BONDED & INSURED

415-205-1235

Garage Door Repair Discount

“I can’t begin to thank you for the outstanding job you did for us as auctioneer at the UCSF Neinman Marcus event. We netted $145,000.” UCSF

Repair Lic #376353

“Please accept our heartfelt appreciation. Our 2004 event was an overwhelming success. The event raised close to $90,000.” SPECIAL OLYMPICS

One Price 24 /7

“You team helped make “Celebrate the New Sequoia Ball and Auction” extremely successful. The event netted a record breaking $ 1.2 million” SEQUIOA HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Garage Door

Broken Spring/Cable? Operator Problems? Lifetime Warranty All New Doors/Motors

“You made our event more successful than I would have been. I’m hoping we can book you for next year’s auction.” HILLSDALE HIGH SCHOOL

415-931-1540 0% Financing Available

“You and your “gang” were great to work with and a lot of fun. We raised over $490,000” SAN FRANCISCO ZOO

(650) 368-2001 www.BizzarrosAuctions.com bizzarros@earthlink.net

Catholic San Francisco

January 16, 2009

Catholic San Francisco

classifieds FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION Call: 415-614-5642

Fax: 415-614-5641

Email: penaj@sfarchdiocese.org

CLASSIFIED RATES HELP WANTED PRIVATE PARTY 4 lines for 12.00 Each additional line $2.00 26 spaces per line

PER COLUMN INCH 25 1 time 20 2 time 3 time 15 minimum 1 inch $

$ $

Leave a space between words and/or phone numbers

Add .50¢ per column inch for website listing

CALL 415-614-5642 FAX 415-614-5641 EMAIL penaj@sfarchdiocese.org

CALL 415-614-5640 FAX 415-614-5641 EMAIL penaj@sfarchdiocese.org

Help Wanted

ADVERTISING SALES For The Largest Publisher of Catholic Church Bulletins

Caregiver Caregiver Available Available

2 new flats for rent, 2,500 each flat, 1 car garage, new appliances, 3br/2ba, London near Russia & Persia. (415) 519-2210, or (415) 468-8178 $

Caregiver, companionship, live-in/ live-out, 15 yrs. experience, honest, dependable and reliable, excellent references, TLC & driving.

CONTACT FARRIDA AT (415) 573-4097, OR TESS AT (510) 962-0247.

Elderly caregiver available. Reliable and caring, with experience. Please call Mae at (415) 412-1770

Caregiver Elderly Room for Rent Available Care Room for rent, $650/mo. including utilities, non-smoker, Richmond district in SF, no pets (415) 668-2690

Personal care, daily activities, physical assistance, shopping, errands, lite housekeeping. 15 yrs. experience Call 510.706.4426

Personal care companion, Help with daily activities; driving, shopping, appointments. 27 years Alzheimer’s experience, references, bonded.

(415) 713-1366

Basement Apt. Room for Rent for Rent

Caregiver Needed

2 rooms w/bath, kitchen. Sunny, light, basement apartment, free parking for one car. $1500/mo. Household: mature, quiet, working.

$800/mo., nicely furnished, sunny, MB in house w/stairs, for one quiet adult, shared bath & kitchen. Household: mature, quiet, working. Near Ocean K line.

PLEASE CALL (415) 584-5307 BEFORE 10 PM.

PLEASE CALL 415-584-5307 before 10 pm.

Seeking a kind, healthy, mature lady for a live-in companion, 10 hours/week of cleaning in exchange for room and private bath. PLEASE CALL

(415) 921-8337

N OVENAS PUBLISH A NOVENA Pre-payment required Mastercard or Visa accepted

Cost $26

If you wish to publish a Novena in the Catholic San Francisco You may use the form below or call 415-614-5640 Your prayer will be published in our newspaper

Name Adress Phone MC/VISA # Exp. Select One Prayer: ❑ St. Jude Novena to SH ❑ Prayer to St. Jude

❑ Prayer to the Blessed Virgin ❑ Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Please return form with check or money order for $26 Payable to: Catholic San Francisco Advertising Dept., Catholic San Francisco 1 Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco, CA 94109

RNs, LVNs, CNAs, Caregivers

This is a Career Opportunity! • Generous Commissions • Excellent Benefit Package

In-home care in San Francisco, Marin County, peninsula Nursing care for children in San Francisco schools

• Minimal Travel • Stong Office Support • Work in Your Community

For Rent

We are looking for full or part time

If you are generous, honest, compassionate, respectful, and want to make a difference, send us your resume:

Call 1-800-675-5051 Fax resume: 707-258-1195

Serra for Priestly Vocations Please call Archdiocese of San Francisco Fr. Tom Daly (415) 614-5683

DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Notre Dame High School, Belmont, CA seeks a Director of Institutional Advancement to develop, implement, and manage comprehensive development, admissions, communications, and alumnae relations programs. Founded in 1851 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, NDB is an independent Catholic college preparatory school for young women with a rigorous academic program and strong athletic and extracurricular programs. The successful candidate will have a B.A. with 10+ years of successful experience in institutional advancement, a passion for Catholic women’s secondary education, demonstrated ability to lead and inspire both staff and volunteers and strong organizational skills. Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge or comparable software is a plus. Salary is commensurate with experience. Position is open until filled. Reply to:

Ms. Rita Gleason, Principal Notre Dame High School 1540 Ralston Avenue, Belmont, CA 94002 or rgleason@ndhsb.org

Jeannie McCullough Stiles, RN Fax: 415-435-0421 Email: info@sncsllc.com Voice: 415-435-1262

NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL in

Belmont is seeking a Director of Admissions for the 2009 – 2010 academic year The successful candidate will possess a profound commitment to Catholic education for young women; great energy, vision, and dedication; strong abilities to work with many different constituencies; and superior administrative, organizational, technological, and communication skills. Admissions experience in a Catholic school is highly desirable and an advanced degree is preferred. A competitive salary and beneﬁts package commensurate with experience is offered.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to: Ms. Rita Gleason, Principal Notre Dame High School 1540 Ralston Avenue Belmont, California 94002 Fax: 650-593-9330 E-mail: rgleason@ndhsb.org www.ndhsb.org

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin never known to fail. Most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel Blessed Mother of the Son of God, assistme in my need. Help me and show me you are my mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to help me in this need. Oh Mary, conceived without sin. Pray for us (3X). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3X). Say prayers 3 days. R.P.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit Holy Spirit, you who make me see everything and who shows me the way to reach my ideal. You who give me the divine gift of forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank you for everything and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from you no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory. Amen. You may publish this as soon as your favor is granted. A.F.M.

place a Help Wanted Ad in

Catholic San Francisco

EDITOR – CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco is seeking a highly qualified and motivated individual to serve as editor of Catholic San Francisco – the official newspaper of the San Francisco Archdiocese. Catholic San Francisco Editor plans newspaper content including news and feature stories; organizes and directs editorial staff, freelancers, photographers; writes and assigns stories; edits copy; selects wire service material; works collaboratively with advertising director and production manager, leads the production of each issue of the newspaper, and manages/oversees the content of the Catholic San Francisco Online website. Position reports to associate publisher/executive editor. Desirable candidates for the editor position will have a degree in journalism and 14 or more years of newspaper experience, including 7 or more years experience as editor or assistant editor. Candidates should be faithful Catholics with a commitment to Church doctrine and teaching. They also should have a working knowledge of the U.S Catholic Church and an understanding of the universal Church. Prior diocesan newspaper experience is helpful, but not required. Catholic San Francisco is published weekly most of the year and twice a month in June, July and August.

Please send cover letter, resume, and samples of work to schmidtp@sfarchdiocese.org.

Catholic San Francisco

January 16, 2009

In Remembrance of the Faithful Departed Interred In Our Catholic Cemeteries During the Month of December HOLY CROSS COLMA Regina L. Adams-Smith Dante Q. Aguas Ben Andreoli Frances Arnerich Anna L. Asdrubale George J. Badaracco Bridget Barry Romeo Ramat Bautista Flora Ann Bonsignori Martha E. Bowers Bernice M. Breen Anna Mary Brondolo Edmund J. Buckley Ruth Marion Butler Francis H. Byrd Rustico T. Calalo John R. Campos Patrick J. Canavan Marcelinus “Lito” F. Canaya III Salome S. Carillo Haskell Caro Marie P. Carroll Frances M. Carroll Angelina Casentini Jaime J. Castro Nicholas F. Cebalo Lynette Leong Chan Francisco Conde-Cruz Philip F. Conway Mary Ines Maggi Corvi Sr. Kathleen Crilly, RSM Sr. Claude Marie Crinnion Edward A. Cuevas Carla Cukar Pauline L. Dal Porto Lance C. Daniels Albert De Natale Raphael Del Castillo Odda Mariucci DelBianco John Wah Yow Dong Irene A. Duval Ronald Duval Shirley Ann Erwin John Farnham Richard B. Feldman Sixta Fernandez Nicholas L. Ferrante

Rose Ferrera Narciso G. Flores Alvina E. Flower Joan Fontaine Mario Gazzano Gloria Germanetti M. Richard Giffra Osvaldo Gnusti Norbert Gutierrez Josefa M. Gutierrez Ernest Hartl Gary J. Hutchison Cresencia A. Jimeno John A. Lacombe Rosa Chiang Lam Wallace Lee Geo. Barry Likens Florence L. Likens Lester D. Lindberg Faletui Mila Lolagi Grace Lorda Luis F. Luarte Evelyn Ellen Lynch Atanacia R. Macabasco C. Lenore Malley Teresita Manalang Josephine Eva Marie Maniaci Linda B. Maniscalco Yvonne J. Manuel Mary Ann Martinez Joyce Elaine McGovern Elizabeth Martinez Medina Mary G. Mendoza Barbara J. Meyer Pio Mezzadri Verona Miralles Florence Mlekus Eunice M. Mohrdick Celia Montano Rudolph Monte Dinnah M. Montero Thomas Mullen Helen Murray Tony Newhoff Philip F. O’Connor Dr. John J. O’Connor Conrad John Odenthal Mary O’Sullivan Rosemary O’Sullivan

Antonio P. Pacheco Celia P. Padilla Lucena V. Padua Lola Palladino John A. Parenti, Jr. Ava Joyce Datuin Pasiderio Cipriana Ancheta Pautin Ernest P. Perazzo Alba Luz Perez Petra Pesino Elizabeth L. Phillips Stanley Plante Matilda Post Bruno Charles Pustelnik Mary Read George Rescalvo Mary Catherine Roche Norma O. Rogiani Milagros Salcedo Kenneth Martin Sale Sr. Vincent S. Sangimino John P. Sans Margaret Sansa Lucille J. Santiago Lawrence A. Scrivani, Sr. Colombo Shirley Mary Beth Singleton Michael J. Smith Helen Streeter Gladys L. Tarantino Mary I. Teller Mario Tognetti Candida Urbina Antonia “Nina” Vella Gretchen L. Wiecking Mariette Ryan Wilfert Viola L. Winter John D. Wittmers John R. Wolfe

Fay Wong Richard A. Wood Liana E. Giannelli Yates Rocco C.F. Yiu

HOLY CROSS MENLO PARK Jane Irene Alexander Louis V. Bellomi Margaret A. Hart Margaret Lee Kiely Alaiviola Lesieli Pale Naomi M. Regan

MT. OLIVET SAN RAFAEL Mary R. Flannery Raymond C. Spina

HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CEMETERY, COLMA First Saturday Mass Saturday, February 7, 2009 11:00 a.m. – All Saints Mausoleum

The Catholic Cemeteries Archdiocese of San Francisco www.holycrosscemeteries.com Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery 1500 Mission Road, Colma, CA 94014 650-756-2060

Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery Intersection of Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025 650-323-6375

Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery 270 Los Ranchitos Road, San Rafael, CA 94903 415-479-9020

A Tradition of Faith Throughout Our Lives.