October 27, 2006

Catholic san Francisco

(PHOTOS BY SYLVIA WU)

Northern California’s Weekly Catholic Newspaper

Representatives of some of the many ethnic communities of Catholics represented in the Archdiocese of San Francisco are shown at a special Mass Oct. 21 at St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Ethnic communities gather for special Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral

By Maurice Healy celebration of the Eucharist for the evangelization of peoples at St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco Oct. 21 brought together members of the many ethnic groups represented in the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

Archbishop George H. Niederauer was the principal celebrant at the Mass, which was concelebrated by San Francisco Auxiliary Bishop Ignatius Wang and more than 20 priests of the Archdiocese.

In his homily, Archbishop Niederauer drew upon the Scripture Readings for the Mass, which focused upon diversity and unity. He noted Isaiah’s words that “all nations shall stream toward [the] mountain of the

A Nellie Hizon, a member of St. Steven’s parish in San Francisco, presents a statue of San Lorenzo Ruiz on behalf of the Filipino community to Archbishop Niederauer at the reception following the Mass .

Lord’s house.” He called the Mass a celebration of unity of the many peoples that make up the Archdiocese of San Francisco, and urged those present, “Let us work for the unity of our Catholic faith in our parishes and schools.”

The Archdiocesan Office of Ethnic Ministries, headed by Canosian Sister Maria Hsu, works with more than two-dozen ethnic communities of local Catholics.

These ethnic groups vary in size and include peoples from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America and the Pacific Islands. While these Catholics participate in their own parish, the Ethnic Ministries office seeks to help acculturation and continue respect ETHNIC MASS, page 6 for ethnic heritage.

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S EDITION ‘Wisdom and intelligence’. . . 7 ‘This Catholic Life’ . . . . . . . . 8

Grieving & Healing

News analysis, columns . 12-13 Opinion – far and wide. . . . 14 Scripture and reflection . . . 15

~ Pages 9-11 ~ Datebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Middle East instability

News-in-Brief

‘Flags’ movie review . . . . . . 17

~ Page 3 ~

~ Pages 4-5 ~

www.catholic-sf.org

October 27, 2006

SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS

VOLUME 8

•

No. 31

2

Catholic San Francisco

October 27, 2006

On The Where You Live

by Tom Burke

Lifelong pals are Ben Cardinalli, left, Primo Dente, and Edmund O’Brien.

Much was afoot in Southern California August 19 especially of the family and longtime friends kind of stuff.

The highlight of the day was the marriage of Kristen O’Brien and Joseph Olson. “Kristen married her true love,” friend of the family, Gloria Dente, told me. Gloria was also part of another special moment that evening. “Married couples were invited to dance and then sat down when their number of years married was announced. When 50-and-over years came up, only three couples remained – all in their eighties – my husband Primo and I, Barbara and Ben Cardinalli and Kristen’s grandparents, Marie and Edmund O’Brien. The couples were together on the dance floor and have been together for life, Gloria said, especially the guys “who have been friends since kindergarten at Daniel Webster Elementary School on Potrero Hill. They have been in each others weddings and are still swinging.” Gloria told me to “be sure to point out” that the O’Brien’s are parishioners of St. Vincent De Paul in Cow Hollow. The Cardinallis are parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy in Westlake and she and hub Primo are parishioners of St. Gabriel’s in the Sunset District….Talk about much afoot, how many steps do you think have been taken in processions at the Novenas to St. Anne at her patronal Sunset parish over the last 99 years? That’s right, the 100th Novena at St. Anne of the Sunset Parish is comin’ up and no summer would be complete without it. Father Raymund Reyes is the eighth pastor to be at the helm of the cherished event.

LIVING TRUSTS WILLS ●

●

PROBATE

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

(415) 664-8810

www.mtslaw.info FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION Cathlic shelter for women in crisis pregnancy pregnancy

Tuguegarao, Philippines Bishop Diosdado Talamayan visited San Francisco’s St. Patrick Parish in September.

Dining with the prelate, seated right, were pastor, Father Edward Dura, seated left, and Preciosa Agaton, with Faye Lee, standing left, Father Noel San Vicente, Father Ray Reyes, administrator of St. Anne of the Sunset Parish, Father Engelberto Gammad, and Msgr. Fred Bitanga, retired pastor of St. Patrick’s.

“Yes, we’re celebrating next year the 100th Year of the as a great opportunity to renew the faith and devotion of the Annual Novena in honor of Good St. Anne here at St. Anne many of the faithful.” By the way, St. Anne’s is anxious for of the Sunset Parish,” tales of olde and new about Father Ray told me. the novena from anyone “These nine days of masswho has attended regularly es, from July 18-26, proor off and on – pictures, vide those who come with too. Contact the rectory at a special blessing from the (415) 665-1600…Tickets relics of St. Anne; healing are still available for next services; the sacrament of Saturday’s Sail Away the sick, daily confessions; With St. Paul’s! a great and the distribution of evening to help build the blessed oils of St. Anne. Of Preservation Fund of the course July 21st, the closNoe Valley and Sister Act est Saturday to the actual church. Where’s my feast day, is the Solemn Dramamine??

See Mass with Archbishop Datebook….Remember George Niederauer as this is an empty space Catching the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi on the famed principal celebrant with the without ya’!! The email animal lovers’ feast day are Sara Garcia, a 7th grader at traditional procession of address for Street is St. Timothy Elementary School, 3rd grader Jose Garcia burket@sfarchdiocese.org. the Blessed Sacrament and their pet dog, Laila. Conferring the blessing is Father Mailed items should be around the block. I am personally excited about this Honesto Gile. More than 100 animals were brought for the sent to “Street,” One f o r t h c o m i n g event including dogs, cats, fish, hamsters, turtles and birds – Peter Yorke Way, SF celebration because the “Our largest turnout ever,” said principal, Evelyn Nordberg. 94109. Pix should be hard copy or electronic jpeg at Novena is what connects us with many of the faithful who moved from the neighborhood 300 dpi. Don’t forget to include a follow-up phone number. to various cities far and near. I see the 100 years celebration Call me at (415) 614-5634 and I’ll walk you through it.

RETROUVAILLE Weekend – Nov.10-12 GIVE US YOUR CAR AND Are you in a troubled marriage?

Perhaps RETROUVAILLE, a program for couples with serious marital problems, can be of help.

Call Tony and Pat Fernandez at (415) 893-1005 for more information.

West Coast Church Supplies 369 Grand Avenue South San Francisco

* Mary’s House is a pro-life ministry of Divine Mercy Eucharistic Society on El Cerrito, CA. It is a 12-bedroom facility for hoemless, battered pregnant women. Please support Mary’s House with your prayers, financial donation and items for their thrift store.

All donations are tax deductible.

1850 Church Lane, San Pablo, CA 94806 Tel.: 510-236-0383; Fax 510-236-0395; email: maryshouse@sbcglobal.net

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.

1-800-767-0660 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

WE’LL GIVE THEM HOPE Donate to SV

St. Vincent de Paul Society Marin – San Francisco – San Mateo Serving the poor since 1860 Donate your Car, Boat or RV

1-800-YES-SVDP (1-800-937-7837)

CHILDCARE CAREERS The Source for Child Care Professionals

Teachers & Assts. for ECE Programs (0-12 yrs) all over the Bay Area ➢ Min. 6 ECE units required ➢ Prior F/P clearance pref. ➢ Must be able to commute

(650) 372-0211 AUFER’S

DONATE YOUR OLD AUTO To help St. Denis Catholic High School in Uganda Father Joseph tells us 60% of his students are orphans from AIDS and need your love and help!

Classics to Clunkers, running or not.

We do everything for you and you’ll receive a tax deduction for your car.

Please give us a toll free call today. God Bless!

800-511-4409 www.unchildren.org • United Fund For Children, Inc.

DP

RELIGIOUS SUPPLIES

Serving The Catholic – Christian Community since 1904

Your complete source for the finest offering of Religious Goods 1455 Custer Avenue, San Francisco 94124 415-333-4494 • FAX 415-333-0402 e-mail: sales@kaufers.com www.kaufers.com

Catholic San Francisco

October 27, 2006

3

Mideast patriarchs: Instability must end if Christians are to remain

By Michael Hirst

On Sunday, Oct. 29, at St. Thomas More Church in San Francisco, Archbishop George H. Niederauer will concelebrate the 12 noon Mass with Archbishop Fouad Twal, newly named Coadjutor Archbishop of the Latin Patriachate of Jerusalem and the next Latin Patriarch.

(CNS PHOTO/MIKE HIRST)

BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNS) — Catholic patriarchs of the Middle East said political instability across the region must be tackled if the current Christian exodus is to be stemmed.

The negative impact of this instability on local economies and services, as well as on the psychology within communities, are key factors driving Christians away from the region, said the council of Catholic patriarchs.

The council’s 16th assembly closed with a statement focusing on the dwindling presence of Christians in Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories, Iraq and the wider region.

The statement said that Eastern Christian churches acted as a bridge between Western Christianity and Islam, creating an avenue for dialogue between the faiths. The Christian leaders were adamant that this link should not be broken.

Despite this summer’s 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Islamic militant group, the patriarchs said Lebanon “remains a source of hope” that “must play an effective role” in solidifying the coexistence of religions in the Middle East.

Reinforcing this message during his homily at a Mass outside Beirut Oct. 22, Cardinal Nasrallah Sfeir, Maronite patriarch, criticized Lebanon’s political

A painting by volunteers of Offre Joie (Offer Joy), a small nondenominational charity, shows the Lebanese flag, with Offre Joie's symbol of the white dove carrying the traditional Lebanese emblem of a cedar tree. The painting, on the wall of a primary school playground in the village of Houla, Lebanon, symbolizes unity between Muslims and Christians, as represented by a mosque and church. More than 50 Christian and Muslim volunteers of Offre Joie worked together to repair the school following the war.

infrastructure for failing to pay sufficient attention to the role of the

Todos Los Santos – All Saints Day at Holy Cross Mass Oct. 28 San Francisco Auxiliary Bishop Ignatius Wang will be the principal celebrant of a Mass in honor of All Saints Day - Todos Los Santos, Saturday, Oct. 28 at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma. Holy Cross, operated by the Archdiocese of San Francisco, is the only Catholic cemetery in the San Francisco-Daly City area. The public is invited to the Mass, and a reception that follows. See www.holycrosscemeteries.com.

25 RUSSIA AVENUE SAN FRANCISCO Since 1937 Lunch & Dinner Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

ICONS

Buy one lunch or dinner and receive the second one for free (at equal or lesser value).

Coupon good 10/13/06 to 11/4/06

visit our web site www.iconsbymarice.com.au

415-585-8059

By Maurice Sariola

600 PICTURES

Parking lot across from club Manager: Rich Guaraldi, a YMI member

Lebanese family, which he said was a crucial factor in maintaining a unified society.

“Especially in these difficult days, the Lebanese family needs the help of the state to be able to take on its economic, educational, cultural and social responsibilities, since many families have lost one or more members, have been forced

to emigrate or have lost their homes and source of livelihood,” he said.

In their statement, the patriarchs expressed hope that the Lebanese people would “work together in rebuilding what has been destroyed in order to regain their normal life.”

“Our message is in the first place that of safeguarding coexistence in the face of aggravating conflict of cultures and religions,” said the patriarchs. The meeting included the Eastern Catholic patriarchs of the Maronite, Coptic, Melkite, Syrian, Armenian and Chaldean churches and the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem.

Emphasizing the need to promote dialogue among religions across the region, the patriarchs expressed their “solidarity with the Islamic world in its efforts to consolidate peace and eradicate violence.”

Calling on Muslim organizations to “vigorously condemn terrorist actions committed, at times, in the name of the Muslim faith,” the patriarchs added: “We know that the true Islam and the Quran are innocent of any violence. These actions do not only harm Islam, but they also destroy (the) coexistence that has been there for so many generations, especially in Iraq.”

4

Catholic San Francisco

NEWS

October 27, 2006

in brief

Doctor says Catholics who won’t perform abortions face pressure ROME — Catholic obstetricians who respect the dignity of motherhood and the life of the unborn risk disappearing in societies where abortion is legal, said the head of an international group of Catholic obstetricians and gynecologists. Obstetricians who oppose having to perform abortions as part of their training or in their practice at public or private health care facilities sometimes face “a sort of medical totalitarianism” and feel tremendous pressure to “do it this way or not at all,” said Dr. Robert Walley, founder and executive director of MaterCare International. Walley and some 60 other obstetricians from 14 countries were in Rome in mid-October as part of the fourth MaterCare International workshop for Catholic women’s health specialists. Part of the World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations, MaterCare was founded in 1995 to “serve the culture of life” wherever mothers and their children are neglected or abandoned, said the British-born doctor. This year’s workshop looked at ways to protect and promote the dignity of motherhood and practice of obstetrics.

Bishops to vote on guidelines for ministry to homosexuals WASHINGTON — When the U.S. Catholic bishops meet in Baltimore Nov. 13-16, they will be asked to vote on guidelines for ministry to those with homosexual inclinations. The proposed document clearly reaffirms and explains church teaching against any sexual activity — homosexual or heterosexual — that takes place outside marriage, and it says authentic ministry must be based on that teaching. But it also says a homosexual inclination is not itself sinful and those who are homosexually inclined “must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity.” It sharply condemns hatred or “violent malice in speech or action” against homosexuals. “Those who would minister in the name of the church must in no way contribute to such injustice,” it says. The 23-page document, prepared by the Committee on Doctrine of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, is titled “Ministry to Persons With a Homosexual Inclination: Guidelines for Pastoral Care.” A large portion of the document is devoted to the framework of church teaching within which such pastoral care is set.

Pope asks university students to help heal culture, identity crisis VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI urged university students to help heal “the crises of culture and identity” by searching for truth and meaning in their studies and their lives. Inaugurating the academic year in Rome, where university classes begin in October, Pope Benedict visited Pontifical Lateran University Oct. 21 and met students and professors from all the city’s pontifical universities after an

Oct. 23 Mass. In speeches to both groups, the pope said education should hone a student’s thirst for truth and for meaning, especially when his or her studies are taking place at a Vatican-chartered university. When the student bodies and staffs are combined, the pontifical universities in Rome make up a group of about 15,000 people from all over the world.

Papal nuncio remembers work of Italian nun slain in Somali capital NAIROBI, Kenya — Archbishop Alain Lebeaupin, the Vatican’s nuncio to Kenya, celebrated a memorial Mass Oct. 21 in Nairobi for Consolata Sister Leonella Sgorbati, a missionary sister who was gunned down in Mogadishu, Somalia Sept. 16. During his homily, the archbishop said it was sad that Sister Leonella died at the hands of the people to whom she had dedicated her life, but he added that religious life was simply a sacrifice for others. Sister Leonella, an Italian nun, worked at a children’s hospital and was running a nurses’ training school in Mogadishu when she was killed. Archbishop Lebeaupin told the hundreds of Consolata nuns who attended the memorial service that missionaries like Sister Leonella must be ready to give their lives to others. Among those present were three of the four nuns who had worked with her.

Pope calls on world leaders To help Iraqis rebuild nation VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI called on religious and political leaders in Iraq and around the world to help the Iraqi people rebuild their country which is so troubled by insecurity and “savage violence.” The

Abortion notification, consent laws said to reduce risky teen sex

By Catholic San Francisco Staff California voters considering Proposition 85, the Parental Notification Initiative, on the Nov. 7 statewide ballot could draw a lesson from a study conducted by two university professors. Their conclusion: Laws that require minors to notify or get the consent of one or both parents before having an abortion reduce risky sexual behavior among teens.

Jonathan Klick, the Jeffrey A. Stoops Professor of Law at Florida State University, and Thomas Stratmann, professor of economics at George Mason University, came to that conclusion after they looked at the rates of gonorrhea among teenage girls as a measure of risky sex in connection to the parental notification or consent laws that were in effect at the time.

The researchers found that teen gonorrhea rates dropped by an average of 20 percent for Hispanic girls and 12 percent for white girls in states where parental notification laws were in effect. The results were not statistically significant for black girls. The study will be published in an

upcoming edition of The Journal of Law Economics and Organization.

“Incentives matter,” Klick said. “They matter even in activities as primal as sex, and they matter even among teenagers, who are conventionally thought to be shortsighted. If the expected costs of risky sex are raised, teens will substitute less risky activities such as protected sex or abstinence.”

In this case, the incentive for teens is to avoid having to tell their parents about a pregnancy by substituting less risky sex activities. In doing so, the researchers say, the rates of gonorrhea among girls under the age of 20 went down.

“This suggests that Hispanic and white teenage girls are forward looking in their sex decisions, and they systematically view informing their parents and obtaining parental consent as additional costs in obtaining an abortion, inducing them to engage in less risky sex when parental involvement laws are adopted,” Klick said.

The researchers ruled out the possibility that teens simply substitute risky sexual behaviors for which pregnancy

Friendship, Family & Faith

is not a concern, because these activities still could transmit gonorrhea. The use of birth control pills also would not protect against the sexually transmitted disease.

The researchers used data from the Centers for Disease Control to determine the rates of gonorrhea for women by age and race for the years 1981 through 1998. Gonorrhea rates for teenage girls were compared to those of women 20 and older whose behavior would not be affected by the notification and consent laws. Using the rate of gonorrhea among older women as a control, the researchers were able to ensure that the decline in incidence among the teens was not simply reflective of an overall decline of the disease in the state.

Forty-four states have adopted laws requiring minors to obtain consent or notify one or both parents prior to an abortion, but the laws are not enforced in nine of those states because of lawsuits brought by organizations opposed to parental notification.

The Catholic Bishops of California have strongly endorsed Proposition 85. San Francisco Archbishop George H. Niederauer has personally endorsed the initiative and is urging a Yes vote on Proposition 85.

LOWEST RATES AVAILABLE! “NO MONEY DOWN LOANS” WE WILL PROVIDE THE LOWEST INTEREST RATE FOR YOU! For experience, knowledge & integrity call

Alma Via of San Francisco

Kara Fiore GUARANTEE MORTGAGE C O R P

415.337.1339 w w w. a l m a v i a . o r g

Retirement • Assisted Living • Dementia Care An Elder Care Alliance Community Elder Care Alliance is cosponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Burlingame Region and the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. RCFE Lic # 385600270

Catholic san Francisco Newspaper of the Archdiocese of San Francisco

Most Reverend George H. Niederauer, publisher Maurice E. Healy, associate publisher & executive editor Editorial Staff: Maurice E. Healy, editor; Evelyn Zappia, feature editor; Tom Burke, “On the Street” and Datebook

Advertising: Joseph Pena, director; Mary Podesta, account representative Sandy Finnegan, advertising and promotion services Production: Karessa McCartney, manager Business Office: Marta Rebagliati, assistant business manager; Judy Morris, circulation and subscriber services Advisory Board: Jeffrey Burns, Ph.D., James Clifford, Fr. Thomas Daly, Joan Frawley Desmond, James Kelly, Deacon William Mitchell, Kevin Starr, Ph.D.

The Symbol of Very High Customer Satisfaction

650-212-5050 Extension 878 We offer

• “NO COST” Home Loans • FREE Pre-Approval • 100% Financing • No Documentation Loans • 100% Equity Lines Serving the Peninsula Since 1986 E-Mail Address kfiore@gmwest.com Web Site: www.GMMortgage.com

Real Estate Broker, Calif. Dept. of Real Estate (tel. 915-227-0931). License #00930036

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.

October 27, 2006

Catholic San Francisco

Homebound, ill or incapacitated?

(CNS PHOTO/COURTESY OF DONNA KARBER)

Watch the TV Mass each Sunday morning at 6:00 a.m. with Msgr. Harry Schlitt.

The TV Mass airs on WB-Channel 20 (cable viewers Channel 13) and Channel 26 (cable viewers Channel 8).

Urs Leonhardt Steiner and the San Francisco Sinfonietta present

Donna Karber, a registered nurse from Kansas, poses with a boy during her mission trip in August to Comayagua, Honduras. The boy had undergone surgery to release leg muscles constricted by cerebral palsy. Karber works with Mission Honduras, founded in 1970 by Conventual Franciscan Father Emil Cook.

pope expressed his deep concern for Iraq’s Christian community as well as all victims of the increase in violence and intimidation throughout the country. After praying the Angelus Oct. 22 with thousands of the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pope first sent his “cordial greetings” to Muslims around the world who were about to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan, wishing them all “serenity and peace.” This “joyous atmosphere” of celebration, however, has been clouded by the “very serious situation of insecurity and savage violence” faced by so many innocent people in Iraq solely “because (they are) Shiites, Sunnis or Christians,” he said.

Vatican says controversy shows importance of Muslim dialogue VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Relaying Pope Benedict

XVI’s best wishes to Muslims around the world, the Vatican said recent controversy over a speech he made in Germany shows just how important it is to continue dialogue. At an Oct. 20 press conference, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue released its 40th annual message to Muslims set to celebrate the end of their monthlong Ramadan fast. French Cardinal Paul Poupard, who signed the message, said the discussion surrounding the pope’s message and especially an Oct. 15 letter to the pope from 38 Muslim scholars demonstrated not only the importance of Catholic-Muslim dialogue, but also the willingness of Muslims to engage in the process. The Muslim scholars’ letter offered a critique of Pope Benedict’s remarks in Regensburg, Germany, and pointed out Islamic teachings they felt he misunderstood, but praised his commitment to dialogue, specifically on the relationship between faith and reason.

Anja Strauss, Soprano Theresa Cardinale, Alto John Davey-Hatcher, Tenor Richard Fey, Baritone

November 27, 2006 ● 8 PM Davies Symphony Hall

Tickets: Symphony Box Office (415) 864.6000 For more information please call (415) 401.9229 or visit our website at: www.sfsinfonietta.org

5

6

Catholic San Francisco

October 27, 2006

Ethnic Mass . . .

■ Continued from cover Some of the Catholic Americans attending the Saturday morning Mass came in native dress — including African, Arab, Chinese, Croatian, Filipino, Hispanic, Irish, Japanese, Korean, Nigerian, Polish, Samoan and Tongan representatives, among others, — making a brightly colored tapestry in

the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption.

Following Mass the Archdiocesan ethnic communities shared foods from many countries at a reception in St. Francis of Assisi Hall below the cathedral. Sister Maria Hsu said she received many expressions of gratitude for the willingness of Archbishop Niederauer and Bishop Wang to meet with people at the reception. “People really felt welcomed,” she said.

(PHOTOS BY SYLVIA WU)

Chinese-American Catholics pose with Archbishop Niederauer, center, and Auxiliary Bishop Wang at a reception following Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Canosian Sisters Esther and Sister Maria Hsu are at left.

Archbishop Niederauer shown with representatives of ethnic groups at reception following Mass.

FALL PRE VIEW DAY

Learn about our Catholic, Lasallian, and Liberal-Arts traditions.

Sunday, November 12th 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Moraga, California 925.631.4224 or 800.800.4SMC www.stmarys-ca.edu/fallpreview.html

EDUCATION Please Join Us...

Saturday, November 4 and Saturday, December 9 1:00-3:00 PM

...For An Open House JRLQ XV IRU D GD\ RI IXQ DFWLYLWLHV DQG OHDUQ DERXW WKH ÀQH HGXFDWLRQ 6W 5DSKDHO 6FKRRO KDV WR RIIHU :H·G OLNH WR LQWURGXFH \RX WR RXU QHZ VWDWH RI WKH DUW &RPSXWHU 7HFKQRORJ\ /DE DQG 6FLHQFH ODE &RPH HQMR\ WKH ZRUN RI RXU VFKRRO VWXGHQWV DQG OHDUQ KRZ \RXU FKLOG FDQ UHDFK WKHLU SRWHQWLDO ZLWK RXU H[FHOOHQW FXUULFXOXP $OO IDPLO\ PHPEHUV DUH LQYLWHG 6DLQW 5DSKDHO 6FKRRO WK $YHQXH $W WKH WRS RI $ 6WUHHW

6DQ 5DIDHO

Follow Your Dream Graduate Studies in Theology at USF

The M.A. in Theology at USF is a Saturday program designed to serve the needs of professionals and lay students who want advanced education in theological and pastoral studies at the graduate level.

JOIN US AT OUR UPCOMING INFORMATION SESSION!

Thursday, November 16, 6pm USF Campus, McLaren Center, Rm. 250 Free parking at Koret Rec Center on Turk & Parker Call 415-422-5135 or email asgrad@usfca.edu for details.

THE PROGRAM PROVIDES: Generous financial aid packages for all admitted students.

An advanced degree for teaching and administrator positions in Catholic, private, and church-affiliated schools.

Foundational training for careers in campus ministry, community organizations, social services, hospital ministry and chaplaincy and nonprofit organizations.

Integration of theological studies with a commitment to spirituality and service.

Sound preparation for Ph.D. or M.Div. studies USF educates women and men to fashion a more humane world.

REQUEST AN INFORMATION PACKET AND OTHER DETAILS AT:

www.usfca.edu/matheology

We look forward to seeing you!

Z Z Z V W U D S K D H O V F K R R O F R P

October 27, 2006

Catholic San Francisco

7

Editor on priestly formation calls for priests with ‘wisdom and intelligence’ He said morality is another issue that calls for great wisdom from priests. “Although our moral principles and directives are clear and correct, we have not been so clear and helpful in providing people with a moral infrastructure for living them out,” he said. “A moral infrastructure means those resources and supports that enable persons to deal with the challenges of embodying the values of the Gospel, most especially in a nonsupportive world.”

Some of the “ferocious hostility of gay activists toward the Catholic Church has something to do with the moral position of church teaching, but even more perhaps with the church’s failure to provide a moral infrastructure to live out the values that the church enunciates,” he said.

In that connection he praised Father John Harvey, the Oblate of St. Francis de Sales who started Courage, a network of Catholic support groups dedicated to helping homosexuals live chastely. “This outreach is a rare and practical example of what I mean by providing a moral infrastructure,” Father Cameli said.

He said priests face similar complex challenges demanding intellectual engagement on a variety of other issues, ranging from abortion, artificial contraception and divorce and remarriage to just wages and immigration issues.

By Catholic News Service SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — The church needs priests with “wisdom and intelligence” to preach the faith effectively amid the challenges of today’s culture, Father Louis Cameli told the National Catholic Educational Association’s annual seminary convocation in Schaumburg, a Chicago suburb.

Father Cameli, a pastor in Norridge and former Chicago archdiocesan director of ongoing formation for priests, suggested that the two main models of priesthood often discussed in U.S. church circles over the past four decades have not put enough emphasis on the intellectual demands of the priesthood.

“It seems that the intellectual capacity of priests is of lesser importance than it was in years past,” he said. “It also seems that the exercise of intellect in the course of ministry is not so prominent as it might have been previously.”

Father Cameli received the NCEA’s John Paul II Seminary Leadership Award during the convocation. He was chief editor of the fifth edition of the U.S. bishops’ Program of Priestly Formation, which was published this summer after receiving Vatican approval, and of the National Plan for the Ongoing Formation of Priests adopted by the U.S. bishops in 2000.

In his talk he said one view of priesthood, often linked with those ordained between 1965 and 1985, was the servant-leader model, or the pastoral person who “brings not special teaching or a privileged body of knowledge but rather a knack for support, affirmation and solace when needed.”

He said another view, often associated more commonly with priests ordained in the past 20 years, is the cultic model, that “priests act in the name and person of Jesus Christ, shepherd and head of the church,” especially in the celebration of the sacraments.

The second view is certainly theologically correct, he said, but it can lead to “a confused personal identification with Christ.”

He reminded his listeners that immediately after pronouncing the words of consecration and raising the host, the priest genuflects before it. “This gesture that follows so quickly his acting in the person of Christ says that he is not Christ, that he falls in adoration before his crucified and living Lord,” he said.

One problem with both those widely used models of priesthood is that they do not address the question of a priest’s intellectual engagement, Father Cameli said. “He only needs to be who he is. If ideas are required, he has available to him the

Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Code of Canon Law. ... The issue is not thinking but repeating the relevant texts.”

“We very much need a priesthood and priestly ministry that is marked by a strong and integral intelligence,” he said, because priestly ministry is where church teaching and theology meet the issues of the world “on the front line.”

Since the era of Constantine the church has been moving in the direction of what has been called “‘massive Christianity,’ baptizing large numbers with the hope that catechesis and formation would follow initiation,” he said. He said that worked after a fashion in Christian-infused cultures, but in a culture more hostile to the faith “we are shifting and calling people to a more intentional and deliberate Christian commitment.”

He noted that a priest needs a deep understanding of the faith to assess the complex questions raised by those issues and to act effectively.

He cited the issues of resistance to culture and accommodation to it as another area requiring priestly intelligence.

“It is a complicated dance to make faith come alive in a culture and at the same time to critique and purify that culture, to embody faith in culture and to resist the culture prophetically,” he said. “All this takes wisdom and intelligence. And it is a task that daily confronts a knowing priest.”

E DUCATION notre dame high school, belmont

Our Alumnae Say It Best! ❝I loved my time at NDB and certainly emerged a confident, empowered young woman. While I always wanted to be a math teacher, in the 60’s there were not many women in that field. Due to my experience in a single gender environment I was not afraid to challenge myself. Notre Dame gave me a love for learning in a Catholic school environment that continues to flourish today. As I work as a Principal, I share my passion and vision about my beliefs. When I speak to my students about high school choices, they all know that for young adolescent women, there is no better choice than an all girls’ high school.❞ ~ Maureen Sweeney Velasquez ’68, Principal, St. Cyprian School

Developing responsible young women of active faith, strong intellect, and Christian leadership Accepting applications for Class of 2011 and transfer students. Financial aid available.

Shyrl McCormick, Director of Admissions (650) 595-1913 ext. 320 www.ndhsb.org Notre Dame High School • 1540 Ralston Ave. • Belmont, CA 94002

Catholic San Francisco

October 27, 2006

Catho s i

lic

Th

8

Life

By Evelyn Zappia Seventeen years ago, Franciscan Friar Richard Purcell lost his younger brother Marty to HIV/AIDS. This loss and the death of others inspired him to establish “Marty’s Place” in 1989, a refuge for homeless men infected with the virus.

In 1986, Father Purcell received a call from Marty who was living in San Francisco. He told his brother, “My partner died of AIDS, and I am infected too.”

Not realizing, at the time, the death sentence his younger brother was likely facing, the priest responded in his usual fashion to those seeking his aid, “If you need help, just holler.”

But Marty never called, leaving his older brother to believe he was doing fine.

Three years later, a stranger in San Francisco telephoned the priest and said, “If you want to see your brother – you better come quick.”

One look at his brother lying in the hospital bed forced the priest to face reality.

Marty was losing the fight to a cruel virus that ravaged his body. The priest secretly prayed that his brother’s death would be peaceful.

Marty was one of the lucky ones. He had his Franciscan brother who, like all followers of St. Francis of Assisi, gave up everything to give himself to God, and center his life upon Jesus Christ.

Perhaps it was his brother’s great love for him that produced a stronger Marty who was told by hospital officials that he could go home. The announcement was bittersweet. Marty was being released so he could die at home. But Marty did not have a home and his brother, by choice, was a poor man.

Their sister, Marjorie, provided the monetary help needed for them to find a place to live. But the brothers only had eight weeks together when Marty died in August 1989 at the age of 37.

Father Purcell talked with his Provincial, Franciscan Father Joseph

Friar’s tribute to brother continues to help others

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CNS) — Carole Beauchemin really loved her job as facility consultant with the car company Saturn.

The Tennessee resident traveled every other week to Texas to oversee a number of Saturn dealerships. She enjoyed traveling, loved the people with whom she worked, and made a great salary.

Her life was soon to change, however, because what she didn’t realize was that God was calling her to a different way of life. Now a Passionist nun, Sister Mary Beauchemin eventually became less satisfied with her life even though she was at the height of her career. “The more successful I had become, the emptier I felt,” she said.

In 1999, after five years with the company, she asked Saturn if she could take a two-year sabbatical and the company agreed. During her sabbatical she went to Georgia to visit a Trappist monastery once a month as a lay Cistercian, and then moved to the area and lived with three other laypeople in community. Eventually, she found the Passionist nuns of St. Joseph Monastery, in Whitesville, Ky. After three weeks living there, she said, “I realized it was the right place for me to be.”

The sisters, part of a contemplative branch of the Passionist congregation founded by St. Paul of the Cross, follow a traditional monastic life of praying, work, penance and contemplative prayer. They are the female counterparts of the Passionist priests who share a mission to remember the passion and death of Jesus and to promote others to contemplate it.

The Passionist monastery in Whitesville hosts retreats for sisters from the Nashville area several times per year. Sister Mary, administrator of the retreat house on the monastery grounds, said laypeople visit and make retreats there as well.

Chinnici, and asked He located a about the possibility house in the Mission of opening Marty’s District that turned little place to homeout to be exactly less people who what he needed. have AIDS. But the asking The Franciscan price was $345,000 Order’s response — and he only had was “Yes, you can $652 to pay next do it, but there is no month’s rent on the money, and no perCastro apartment. sonnel to help you.

His openness to mirYou will just have to acles gave him do it on your own.” courage to try buyA believer in miring a house with no acles, the Franciscan money. gladly accepted the Within hours of answer and immedihis decision, extraorately took in five dinary events began homeless men with to take place that AIDS at Marty’s made it possible to small Castro District buy the house. He apartment. received a large Franciscan Father Robert Purcell Many of the men anonymous donation who found their way to Marty’s Place from a corporation, a sizeable estate donawere extremely ill. They were worn out tion, cooperation from the original owners, from living on the streets, searching each assistance of St. Boniface Parish for one night for a safe place to rest their frail year, and help from the Franciscan bodies, and eating only what begging pro- Brothers. vided them.

Currently there are seven men living at The friar often was seen in his long the Mission District home. The only staff brown robe roaming the neighborhood member who lives in the house is Father looking for recycled aluminum cans for Purcell. When needed, volunteers, nurses, extra money – anything to help make the and others visit the residence during the lives of the residents better. day. The main focus continues to offer As much as the priest prayed, death housing, support, community and social could not escape Marty’s Place. When he advocacy for persons with HIV/AIDS who looked back he recalled, “Until 1996, just have nowhere else to live. The ultimate goal about everyone who came to Marty’s of Marty’s place is to lead residents toward Place died.” healthy, independent living.

The Franciscan made certain that each man was given a dignified burial. He found someone who cared for the forgotten men Let Countrywide show you just as much as he did.

Mike Driscoll, a longtime parishioner the way home. of St. Cecilia’s Parish in San Francisco’s Sunset District, owned a mortuary. Father Countrywide® is close by and ready to help you get Purcell had heard Driscoll was “famous” the home of your dreams. for helping people. After learning about Competitive rates the orphaned men, he said, “Bring them to Local experts with the power to say “YES” to me anytime you want Father, I’ll foot the your home loan bill.”

Up-Front Approvals,† at the time of application After four years of barely surviving in the little apartment, the friar decided it was No down payment options available time to find a house for the homeless men Ted Oberson battling AIDS who continued to knock on the door of Marty’s Place.

(415) 522-7232

The Catholic Professional and Business Club (Catholics at Work)

Religion & the Workplace WEDNESDAY, NOV. 8, 2006 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

From corporate world to contemplative life

LEFTY O’DOULS 333 Geary Blvd. SF (off Union Square)

“WATER COOLER RELIGION”

DEACON ROBERT LITTLE Deacon Bob has a diverse background with a myriad of life experience; his bio could cover three people. In his career, he has had opportunity to practice what he calls, Water Cooler Religion". It could be waiting for the coffee to brew, getting your lunch ready to eat or maybe just getting a drink of water at the cooler. Deacon Bob Little will talk to us about that free time at the office as an opportunity to be true Catholic Professionals.

These are a few concepts he proposes: How to start a corporate day in Christ; How you tell someone you met Christ and not have them think you are crazy; How to mix the reality of Life with Jesus’ lessons, (on company time); Successful people are starving for Christ, DeBeers and An unused violin, you! Come hear Deacon Bob open our eyes and ears about faith in the office!

Having just retired, after 15 years as the Director of Marketing, Sales and Hospitality, from the #1 Cabernet Sauvignon Winery in the United States, Silver Oak Cellars, Bob has become unretired and is now the Parish Administrator for the St Helena Catholic Church in St Helena California.

(Partial Bio – read more on the CPBC website: www.cpbc.-sf.org)

Come hear Deacon Bob Little on Wednesday, November 8th, 2006 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Lefty O’Doul’s – 333 Geary Blvd. Mass at 6:30 a.m.

To become a member, or make a reservation for the upcoming meeting, please call (415) 614-5579.

(408) 910-4833 500 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA 94012 Countrywide Financial Corporation is America’s #1 home loan lender* and a member of the prestigious Standard & Poor’s 500 and Fortune 500. †Up-Front Approval is subject to satisfactory appraisal and title review and no change in financial condition. If the rate is not locked or rate protection expires, any rate increases may lower the loan amount for which the borrower has been pre-approved.

Equal Housing Lender. © 2006 Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., 4500 Park Granada, Calabasas, CA 91302. Trade/ servicemarks are the property of Countrywide Financial Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. Some products may not be available in California. For California residents and properties only. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. 60900

October 27, 2006

Catholic San Francisco

9

GRIEVING & HEALING Lessons from abroad about grieving and loneliness

By Father William J. Byron, SJ

When Life Hurts It Helps To Talk • Family • Work • Depression • Anxiety

(CNS PHOTO/CHRIS SHERIDAN)

I was struck by a petition in the Prayer of the Faithful for “the grieving and the lonely” at Sunday Mass recently in London’s famous Farm Street Church. It registered with me, I think, because just two days earlier I visited a memorial garden in nearby Grosvenor Square (where the American Embassy is located), honoring the memory of those who lost their lives in the 9-11 terrorist attacks.

“Grief is the Price We Pay for Love” reads the inscription on the cross beam of the unimposing wooden structure in four-column classic design. And inscribed below is a circle of words on a marble slab: “Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice. But for those who love, time is not” The absence of a concluding punctuation mark is significant.

An additional inscription underfoot reads: “This Garden/ Was Created in Memory/ of/ All those who lost their lives/ in the 11th September 2001/ Terrorist attacks on/ the United States of America.”

In praying for “the grieving and the lonely,” I also recalled an old article from The London Sunday Times Magazine, which appeared under the pagewide headline, “LONELINESS.” The article contained these paragraphs: “You don’t notice them. Loneliness is a disease without physical symptoms. Only the victims know they suffer it: the bleak sensation of walking alone through a world of other people’s friends. There is no clear sign of loneliness in the pretty girl idly window-gazing in the High Street, alone; the middle-aged shabby women lingering in tea shops,

An American flag stands with the last remaining girders of the World Trade Center towers that form a cross at a memorial inside ground zero.

Karen M.Z. Mitchell ●

Dr. Daniel J. Kugler

●

●

329 West Portal Avenue San Francisco, CA 94127

Confidential • Compassionate • Practical (415) 921-1619

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.

Trusts Wills Probate Conservatorships Trust administration

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Over 25 years experience

1537 Franklin Street • San Francisco, CA 94109

HELPLINES FOR CLERGY/CHURCH SEXUAL ABUSE VICTIMS

Attorney At Law

• Relationships • Addictions

(415) 731-7626

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.

FAX (415) 731-7628

Grief Directory ESTATE PLANNING

CEMETERY

ESTATE PLANNING

The Catholic Cemeteries Archdiocese of San Francisco

Estate Planning provides us with ways to take care of our families, our Church and others. Our family is our first responsibility, and a will or living trust are two of the most basic and powerful stewardship tools we have.

They provide a loving, swift and economical distribution to those we care about most.

If you would like more information on wills or trusts, please contact us by phone.

Archdiocese of San Francisco Office of Stewardship and Development One Peter Yorke Way San Francisco. CA 94109

415-614-5580 or visit our web site at www.adsfstewardship.org

Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery Intersection of Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025 650-323-6375 Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery 1500 Mission Road, Colma, CA 94014 650-756-2060

GRIEF COUNSELORS

● Work Family ● Relationships ● Addictions ● Depression ● Anxiety ●

Confidential ● Compassionate

(415) 921-1619 1537 Franklin St., SF 94109

Please Support Our Advertisers

Crippen & Flynn

Serving All Catholic Cemetaries

Family Owned & Operated

500 5th Ave., San Rafel

415-459-2500 C O L M A CREMATION & FUNERAL S E RV I C E S Affordable Solutions • Funerals • Cremations • Church Services • Cemetery Services

FUNERAL DIRECTOR LIC. NO. FDR2368 CA INS. NO. 0775835

977 S. EL CAMINO REAL SAN MATEO, CA 94402 TEL (650) 343-1804 TEL (650) 345-8585 FAX (650) 343-3511 LIC. NO. FD230

Traditional and Cremation Services

Serving Marin County Since 1879

FUNERAL SERVIVCES

RICHARD RIFFEL

Woodside Chapel of

Funeral Home

Dr. Daniel J. Kugler

Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery 270 Los Ranchitos Road, San Rafael, CA 94903 415-479-9020 A Tradition of Faith Throughout Our Lives.

FUNERAL SERVICES

FUNERAL SERVIVCES Mount Tamalpais

When Life Hurts It Helps To Talk

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Over 25 years experience

alone; the dark, scattered figures in the Sunday afternoon cinemas, each alone; or the old men and women who blossom suddenly on park benches in the first spring sunshine, to sit waiting and watching for conversation, alone. You don’t notice them, but there are more of them now than there have ever been.

“The number of lonely people in Britain has been rising steadily for the last 20 years. Today, general practitioners, psychiatrists and social workers recognize it as an alarming iceberg of social malaise in a country that is becoming steadily more impersonal as its mobility grows. ...

“In the dictionaries, solitude and loneliness are the same thing; in life they are not. Obviously, everyone needs some time to hear himself think. Some people are natural solitaries, content with their own company; or, if they believe they have one, with that of their God. Writers, painters, composers require more solitude than most; heavy responsibility must to some extent set a man apart.

“But loneliness is not a chosen form of isolation.

It is a sense of deprivation: the emptiness of the human being who longs for contact with others but who is, through circumstance or temperament, denied it. Solitude is an interval in living, but loneliness is a kind of death.”

They are still there, the lonely, although many are out of view, watching television, alone. We pray for them still in London and around the world. It would be wonderful if the quality of our liturgies summoned “the grieving and the lonely” out of their isolation and into the human contact of welcoming Eucharistic communities. What are we waiting for?

Joseph Stinson, Funeral Director Pamela Taylor, Funeral Director

Nationally Certified Bereavement Facilitators Serving the Bay Area

Prices Quoted Over the Phone

400 Woodside Road Redwood City, CA 94061 Phone (650) 369-4103 Fax (650) 369-2104

Chapel of the Highlands

McAVOY O’HARA Co.

Funeral & Cremation Care Professionals

S E RV I N G W I T H T R U S T

Licensed by the State, FD-915 ~ Paul Larson, President ● Feel free to call us at (650) 588-5116 and we will send info, or go to www.chapelofthehighlands.com ● El Camino Real at Millwood Drive in Millbrae

SINCE 1850

AND CONFIDENCE

●

Evergreen Mortuary

4 5 4 5 G E A RY B O U L E VA R D a t T E N T H AV E N U E For information prearrangements, and assistance, call day or night (415) 668-0077 FE 523

Duggans’s Serra Mortuary

Family Owned

Most convenient San Francisco/Peninsula location

Funeral and Cremation Services Call or write for our Free Price Brochure

THE BUD DUGGAN FAMILY

Unlimited Parking The leading Catholic Funeral Directors serving the Archdiocese of San Francisco

7747 Mission Street Colma, California 94014 650.757.1300

CALL FOR A FREE BROCHURE ON PRE-PLANNING Traditional and Cremation Services

FD #1522

FD 1098

500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City (650) 756-4500 • (415) 587-4500

10

Catholic San Francisco

October 27, 2006

GRIEVING & HEALING The universal desire for healing – mind, body and spirit It is no secret that people in today’s world want healing. Sickness is one of the major worries in any life. Over the years I have seen what a comfort the sacrament of the anointing of the sick is to people. On occasion I have seen people healed either spiritually or physically.

At one time, we scheduled a “healing Mass” in our parish, announcing that anyone who wanted healing could come forward to be anointed. We had hoped to have an outside priest with a ministry of healing, but no one was available. So it was just me to do the anointing, and our two deacons to lay on hands in prayer.

When the night came for the healing Mass, the church was jammed — not just with our parishioners, but with people from other parishes and even some nonCatholics.

I preached on healing. I talked about various kinds of healing: the healing of memories; healing that comes with forgiveness; healing that comes with reconciliation; the healing of the troubled spirit as well and the infirm body.

I expected about a dozen or so people to

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

By Father Peter J. Daly

A woman is anointed during a special Mass marking World Day of the Sick, observed annually on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

come forward to be anointed and prayed over. We were overwhelmed when more than 250 people pressed forward. What we

thought would take only a few minutes consumed more than an hour.

The sick in body, mind and spirit lined up three and four deep across the front of the sanctuary. Many were accompanied by a companion.

As I came to each person, I leaned down to be told why a healing was wanted. Some had chronic conditions. Some had cancer or heart disease. Many mentioned things like depression. A few young people who were there came forward and asked to be anointed on behalf of a relative.

I anointed the people with holy oil on the head and the hands. Then I laid my hands on each one’s head. The deacons followed, laying hands on each head and praying over people for a while as I moved on to the next person.

After more than an hour I was exhausted. Sweat was pouring down my brow.

Someone brought me a towel and a glass of water. I had to sit down. One woman came up to me afterward and said, “Who will anoint the anointer?” Good question.

It was a wonderful experience.

Over the following weeks people would stop me and say, “My back is better,” “My depression is lifted.” Their healing had

The Leading Catholic Funeral Directors of the San Francisco Archdiocese

RICHARD RIFFEL

FUNERAL SERVICES DIRECTORY

nothing to do with me, of course. It was the power of grace.

At the healing Mass, a young man had come forward to be anointed for his uncle who was suffering from heart disease. A few days later the uncle agreed to be anointed in the hospital. The man had been away from the church for many years. He received absolution and Communion as well as anointing. Since then he has come back to the sacraments.

Sometimes the healing God gives is not what we intend but is what God knows we need.

When I was a young priest, I was skeptical about what good the anointing of the sick really did. It seemed so fruitless because it often was administered just moments before death.

But now, I see things differently. I have seen various kinds of healing: spiritual, physical and emotional. I have seen families healed by the experience.

Acknowledging that the anointing really is a sacrament of the sick has opened up reception of the sacrament to those who are in need of healing, not just those who are near death.

God’s grace is raining down on us all the time. Healing grace is always there. The anointing of the sick is just a way of taking down our umbrellas and letting that grace soak in to give us what we really want, healing.

FUNERAL DIRECTOR LIC. NO. FDR2368 CA INS. NO. 0775835

Pre-planning “My Funeral, My Cremation, My Way”

977 S. EL CAMINO REAL SAN MATEO, CA 94402 TEL (650) 343-1804 TEL (650) 345-8585 FAX (650) 343-3511

LIC. NO. FD230

www.duggansserra.com

SULLIVAN’S

For Advertising Information Please Call (415) 614-5642

FUNERAL HOME

www.driscollsmortuary.com

www.arthurjsullivan.com

Duggan’s Serra Catholic Family Mortuaries Giving sincere and personalized care for over 50 years, and receiving the highest praise and recommendations by the families that we serve…

Duggan’s Serra Mortuary 500 Westlake Ave., Daly City FD 1098

650/756-4500

Driscoll’s Valencia St. Serra Mortuary 1465 Valencia St., SF FD 1665

415/970-8801

Sullivan’s Funeral Home & Cremation 2254 Market St., SF FD 228

415/621-4567

www.duggansserra.com

McAVOY O’HARA Co. S E RV I N G W I T H T R U S T A N D C O N F I D E N C E SINCE 1850

The Peninsula’s Local Catholic Directors…

Chapel of the Highlands Funeral & Cremation Care Professionals

Evergreen Mortuary

• Licensed by the State, FD-915 ~ Paul Larson, President • Feel free to call us at (650) 588-5116 and we will send info, or go to www.chapelofthehighlands.com

4 5 4 5 G E A RY B O U L E VA R D a t T E N T H AV E N U E For information prearrangements, and assistance, call day or night (415) 668-0077 FD 523

• El Camino Real at Millwood Drive in Millbrae

The Catholic Cemeteries

◆

Archdiocese of San Francisco

www.holycrosscemeteries.com

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

TRADITION

OF

Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery 1500 Mission Road, Colma, CA 94014 650-756-2060 FA I T H

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

T H RO U G H O U T O U R L I V E S .

October 27, 2006

GRIEVING & HEALING

Catholic San Francisco FD #1522

Serving the Bay Area in Historic Colma

affordable solutions 7747 Mission Street, Colma California 94014 (650) 757-1300 Toll Free (888) 757-7888 www.colmacremation.com

Do you know ...

Helping

when choices are made in advance everyone knows what to do

Safety If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him; If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.

For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear: Because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away: And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.

— from the Book of Job

when you plan in advance your arrangements cannot be changed

Caring

when planning in advance it helps everyone understand your choice

Informed

we are the Resource Center where questions can be asked and answered

We offer Funerals in Church, Cemetery Services, Memorials, Cremation Options, Celebration of Life Services, Grief Support Services

State Licensed Funeral Directors Nationally Certified Bereavement Facilitators Joseph Stinson, Pamela Taylor, Brett Anderson

Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery Christmas Remembrance Service Saturday, December 9, 2006 All Saints Mausoleum Chapel – 11:00 am (no mass) rev. John Talesfore, officiating

holy cross colma

mt. olivet holy cross san rafael menlo park

Holiday Workshops for the Bereaved San Francisco County St. Gabriel Tuesday, November 21, 2006 : ‒ : 

Burial sites | Family Estates | Mausoleum Garden crypts | Cremation niches Urn gardens | Veteran’s area

St. Mary’s Cathedral Msgr. Bowe Room Wednesday, December 6, 2006 : ‒ :  St. Dominic Wednesday, November 15, 2006 : ‒ : 

San Mateo County Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Redwood City Thursday, December 14, 2006 : ‒ : 

Advance planning Terms available

650.756.2060 www.holycrosscemeteries.com

Archdiocese of San Francisco

St. Robert, San Bruno Convent Chapel Saturday, November 11, 2006 Saturday, December 2, 2006 Saturday, December 16, 2006 : ‒ : 

Marin County Our Lady of Loretto, Novato Wednesday, November 8, 2006 : ‒ :  For More Information, Please Call (650) 756-2060 No Registration Needed

11

12

Catholic San Francisco

October 27, 2006

Catholic san Francisco (CNS PHOTO/ALESSANDRO GAROFALO, REUTERS)

Northern California’s Weekly Catholic Newspaper

News analysis Pope’s affirmation of Christianity transcends politics, local issues

By John Thavis VERONA, Italy (CNS) — Navigating the murky waters of Italian ecclesial politics is no easy task, so interest was high when Pope Benedict XVI addressed the country’s most important Catholic gathering in 10 years.

The 2,700 delegates to the Fourth National Church Convention would carefully weigh the pope’s words to find winners and losers — among bishops debating the church’s social and political role, among pastors proposing strategies for parish renewal, and among lay movements looking for a sign of papal approval.

But when the pope finished his hour-long speech in the northern Italian city of Verona Oct. 19, it was clear that his agenda did not fit the “winners and losers” model.

Like many of the most important talks of his pontificate, this one was striking not for its political arguments or topical commentary but for its eminently religious affirmation of the Christian faith.

It said very little about church factions and a lot about the church’s most fundamental purpose, saving souls.

At 20 pages, the papal talk resembled a miniencyclical. At its core was an explanation of Christ’s resurrection as the motivator of all Christian witness.

The pope described the Resurrection as a historical event to which the apostles were the witnesses, not the inventors.

The Resurrection, he said,

was not simply a “return to earthly life, but the greatest ‘mutation’ that ever occurred, the definitive leap toward a profoundly new dimension of life, the entry into a different order.”

This new order, in which love triumphs over sin and death, continually penetrates and transforms our world, he said. The concrete way in which this happens is through the life and witness of the church, he said.

Here, as he has done so often in his pontificate, the pope emphasized the positive aims of the church and the universal appeal of faith in Christ — rather than dwell on specific doctrinal teachings.

Christianity, he said, is like a great “yes” to human life, human freedom and human intelligence, and that should be seen in what the church says and does. Essentially, he said, the faith should bring joy to the world.

“Christianity in fact is open to all that is just, true and pure in cultures and civilizations, to whatever brings cheer, comfort and strength to our existence,” he said.

The pope went on to briefly allude to a number of contemporary issues like abortion, gay marriage and state aid to church schools — perennial topics on Italy’s church-state horizon. He asked Italian Catholics to help resist encroaching secularization that tends to exclude God from public life.

But he said none of this will happen unless the faithful understand that being a

Letters welcome Catholic San Francisco welcomes letters from its readers.

Please send your letters to: Catholic San Francisco One Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco, CA 94109 Fax: (415) 614-5641 E-mail: healym@sfarchdiocese.org

Pope Benedict XVI greets the faithful at a Mass in Verona during his visit to the northern Italian city for the Fourth National Church Convention.

Christian begins with a personal encounter with Christ — not with a social or political program.

In fact, the pope seemed to go out of his way to de-emphasize the church as a political player in Italy when he said it was the responsibility of Catholic laypeople — and not the church as an institution — to bring the Gospel to political life, operating “as citizens under their own responsibility.”

In the days leading up to the pope’s appearance, the Verona convention had been interpreted by most Italian media in a strictly political key, and speeches by leading bishops were frantically sifted for signals to the left, right and center.

Pope Benedict’s talk, however, attempted to transcend the usual political patterns and strike a deeper religious chord.

In a sense, the pope was continuing what he himself has dubbed a pastoral “strategy of intelligence,” presenting the faith as a fresh and compelling invitation and, at the same time, trying to liberate the church from popular prejudices.

As one archbishop remarked, the pope wants to offer the Gospel as a source of inspiration and reject the negative vision of Christianity as “a repressive faith that tramples human freedom.”

Rather than present the Italian church with a list of political objectives, the pope posed a broader challenge. He said Italian Catholics, by living their faith, need to provide “positive and convincing” answers to the ethical and spiritual questions of contemporary men and women.

Bible is the central theme for new Synod of Bishops

By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Although the next world Synod of Bishops meeting is two years away, an international group of cardinals and bishops hopes to have its preparatory document ready by the end of January. In early October, the Vatican announced that Pope Benedict XVI had set the synod for Oct. 5-26, 2008, and had chosen the theme, “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.”

Members of the synod council, who are either elected by their brother bishops or appointed by the pope, met Oct. 10-11 at the Vatican to begin preparing for the 2008 meeting. They came up with a general plan for the “lineamenta,” or outline, and questionnaire that will be sent to bishops’ conferences throughout the world for comment. The responses will be used to draft the synod’s working document.

An Oct. 24 Vatican statement said council members urged special attention to “the word of God in liturgy, in preaching, in catechesis, in theology, spirituality,” public and private meditation, inculturation and ecumenism.

Italian Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, the retired archbishop of Milan and a biblical scholar, told Vatican Radio that for 20 years when the pope would ask for suggestions for a synod topic he suggested the Bible.

“I am very happy that the pope chose this, and I think it will be very beneficial to the church,” he told the radio in early October.

“The church is born of the word of God” and “renews itself, regenerates itself every time it returns to the word,” he said.

“The word of God brings us to the will of God himself, the desire of God to communicate with us,” Cardinal Martini said. “It also tells us what God’s plan is, what he wants from us, what he wants from the church, what our obligation is, what our future is.”

October 27, 2006

Catholic San Francisco

13

Thoughts for Today

Detachment from moral and religious values Our two most recent popes have spoken out on the nature of evil. Pope John Paul II once reflected on the 20th century’s impact on human history. He concluded that modern society still acts as if it can determine good and evil without any reference to God. Pope Benedict XVI said the same thing, applying it to the Islamic jihadists who in the name of religion justify merciless killing.

The two popes are in perfect agreement that God’s will must be honored if we are to live in peace and joy. Pope John Paul II said, “If man can decide alone, without God, what is good and what is evil, then he can also decide to exterminate a whole category of human beings.” He was referring to abortion and mercy killing.

Pope Benedict XVI condemned both the secularism of the West and the irrational behavior of radical Muslims, saying, “Violence in the name of religion is contrary to God’s nature and contrary to reason.” Benedict wants a return to reason in order to have a basis for “the genuine dialogue of cultures and religions so urgently needed today.”

John Paul II condemned the communist revolution, the rise of Nazism and the installation of the Soviet regime, all of which led to the deaths of over 100 million people. He

viewed the 20th century as a stage upon which the forces of good and evil engaged in sharp combat.

Though he felt the forces of good triumphed in World War II, John Paul II was concerned that we have not yet learned our lesson — namely, that when God’s will is disregarded, a culture of death and joylessness begins to take root. The pope noted that Hitler, departing from God’s will, got his lawmakers to open the way to aggression against other European countries, to create concentration camps and to introduce the so-called “final solution” to eradicate the Jewish race. It was all done legally, but it was totally immoral.

Totalitarian regimes always proclaim that the end justifies the means. They believe in doing whatever it takes, even killing the innocent, to accomplish their goals.

Pope John Paul warned against this dangerous detachment from moral and religious values: “The most immediate association of ideas that comes to mind are the laws on abortion. The parliaments that create and promulgate such laws should be aware that they are abusing their powers, remaining in open conflict with the law of God and the law of nature. This new type of totalitarianism has taken aim at basic human values by promoting moral permissiveness,

abortion, euthanasia, genetic manipulations, contraception and divorce.”

In September, Pope Benedict condemned both the secularism of the West and the violence of Muslim Father jihadists in his speech at John Catoir Regensburg University in Germany. The Muslims protested wildly while the secularist West yawned, a clear sign of their total indifference to religious values.

Pope Benedict condemned all the violence done in the name of religion. He also chided those democratic nations who depart from the will of God, killing innocent human beings at will and doing it under legal authority.

Father John Catoir’s newest book is “Joy, the Spirit’s Gigantic Secret Behind the Church’s Survival.”

For the Journey

Stepping on my heart My mother had saying about her children, and children in general: “When they’re little, they step on your toes. When they’re big, they step on your heart.”

As a daughter, I always resented that aphorism. How exactly, I wondered, did I step on my mother’s heart?

Was I, and were my brothers, disappointments?

I never challenged Mom on that slogan, and now it’s too late.

But today, having been a mom both of “littles” and “bigs,” I have more sympathy for her sentiments.

A few years ago at a writers’ conference, I met an editor of one of the papers which ran my column. She told me that something her readers would like to see was a column on how to raise your children to be Catholic — how, in effect, to ensure that they would practice the faith as adults.

I’ve thought of that suggestion many times because, like most Catholic parents, I struggle with that issue, not as a professional writer but as a mom to whom the question is near and dear to the heart — the same heart, I’ve discovered, that may be susceptible to being stepped on.

How could I, I wondered, give suggestions to other parents while I was in the midst of my own trial-anderror attempt at bringing up future Catholics?

I suppose I could share what we’ve tried. We always

attended Sunday Mass as a family, we brought Catholic publications into the home. In a town with limited Catholic education, we sent our children through Catholic school kindergarten through sixth grade. We exposed our children to home Masses, friendships with priests, friendships with other Catholic families.

I let my children see me pray each morning. We took them on Good Friday faith walks, and they never missed a day of services during the Triduum. Christmas was rich in religious symbolism. They were altar servers, they were confirmed.

We did, or are doing, all of those, and not in that particular order of importance.

Did it work? Ask me again in 10 or 20 years.

With one adult daughter who is an active, progressive Catholic, an 18-year-old who said he doesn’t plan on going to Mass while in college and another teenager still at home, I stand, the mother bird a little befuddled as her nest empties.

Where will their journeys eventually lead? Have I, the mother bird, given them the right aerodynamic training? Or have I made a mess of things?

Wait a minute. I really don’t have a lot to do with their aerodynamics, do I? I gave them what I could — love, nourishment, a warm nest.

Their Creator gave them their wings, their freedom,

their need to break loose and chart their own course. Their God gave them wonderful searching souls.

Maybe that’s why I both understand and resent that little saying of Mom’s. As a mothEffie Caldarola er, I understand her hurt when, for instance, I moved thousands of miles away.

But the daughter in me diligently insists that a child’s life is not “All About Mom.” When children fly away, I don’t hold a remote control. And I know their journey will lead them through many stages as they make their way to God. Maybe the hardest, and yet most consoling thing about being a mom is remembering that ultimately my children are not really “mine.”

They belong to the God who formed them, loves them even more than I do and will continue to draw them constantly throughout their lives.

Effie Caldarola writes from Anchorage, Alaska.

Spirituality for Life

What is True Religion?

What is the essence of true religion? What, in the end, constitutes authentic discipleship? There is a lot of tension within and among the churches today about precisely that question.

For some, religion is all about proper identity, boundaries, doctrine, morality, liturgy, laws, and rubrics. The anxiety then is about measuring up, about being faithful to a tradition.

For others, religion means justice and concern for the poor. The anxiety then is always about proper sensitivity to every structure and action that impacts the poor.

Finally, for some, religion means proper interiority, inner peace, harmony with the earth and with others, forgiveness, being big of heart, and having a personal, intimate relationship with God. Who is right? In some ways, they all are.

When we look at the development of Judaism, which gave us Jesus, we see that their understanding of religion went through three phases: Deuteronomy, Prophecy, and Wisdom.

Deuteronomy: When the Jewish people first began to form into a religious community, their religious practices (and anxieties) were very much concerned with establishing an unique identity, having proper boundaries, adhering to a certain moral code, and observing, and quite rigorously too, a huge number of rubrics. And this did make for a certain clarity as to who was in and who was out, who

belonged and who did not, who was faithful and who was not.

Prophecy: But that notion of religion was eventually challenged. After a time, prophets came along who looked at their religious community and, in the name of true religion, demanded a different focus. Simply put, they began to say: “God cares less about our religious observance than about the poor!” True religion, for them, was about caring for the poor. This became their mantra: The quality of your faith is judged by the quality of justice in the land, and the quality of justice in the land is judged by how the poor, the most vulnerable in society, are faring. Nobody gets to heaven without a letter of reference from the poor.

Wisdom: But the Jewish scriptures do not end with the prophets, eventually something else developed. Another group of religious leaders and teachers came along who, while not discounting the value of proper boundaries and morality or care for the poor, brought another insistence, namely, compassion, the need for a huge, generous heart that can embrace differences. True religion then became compassion, understanding, a wide, generous heart.

Where does Jesus land? He ratifies all of these.

On the one hand, he makes it clear that proper identity, teaching, morality, doctrine, and liturgical practices are not negotiable items that may or may not form an integral part of religion. He warns, clearly and strongly, not to be cavalier about the commandments, the law, community prac-

tices, the tradition.

Jesus is also clear, as were the great Jewish prophets, that, at a point, religion is about how we care for the poor, pure and simple.

There is perhaps no more frightening text in Father scripture than Jesus’ Ron Rolheiser teaching on the last judgement in Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 28. He tells that, on the last day, we will be judged by God on one basis: Did we care for the poor? Did we give bread to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked? Notice that there are no orthodoxy tests, no creedal formula to recite, no catechetical requirements to measure up to, nor even questions about private morality, only the question of how we treated the poor.

But there is still a further strand of teaching in Jesus that challenges even beyond the requirement of caring for the poor. He tells us, “Be compassionate as your heavenly father is compassionate.” True religion, for Jesus, is, at a point, about the size and quality of our hearts, about how wide or narrow they are, about how mellow or bitter they ROLHEISER, page 14

14

Catholic San Francisco

October 27, 2006

Opinion — far and wide Peace leaders say rise in Iraqi deaths should spur troop withdrawal WASHINGTON (CNS) — The sharp rise in civilian deaths in Iraq should increase pressure on the United States to remove its troops from the war-torn country, said the leaders of several Catholic peace and justice organizations.

U.S. troops are a magnet for violence, they said, and their removal would be a first step toward getting the warring factions in Iraq to the bargaining table under some form of international supervision.

For Franciscan Father Louis V. Iasiello, however, a Navy chaplain on active duty from 1983 until his military retirement earlier this year as chief of Navy chaplains, the escalation in the number of civilian deaths emphasizes the need for a country going to war to have a well-developed postwar plan for bringing peace and political stability to the country it defeats.

This includes sending in troops specially trained in peacekeeping operations, he said.

Father Iasiello, president of the Washington Theological Union, said he has not decided yet whether U.S. troops should be withdrawn in the foreseeable future.

Father Iasiello and the leaders of several Catholic peace and justice groups were interviewed by Catholic News Service after the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Al Mustansiriya University School of Medicine in Baghdad, Iraq, published a study estimating that 601,000 Iraqi civilians have died through violence since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in March 2003. Iraq’s population is 26 million.

The study’s methodology has produced controversy as to its validity, with some critics saying that the research concentrated on areas of high warfare. President George W. Bush called the study “not credible.”

But its methodology has been defended by some pollsters such as John Zogby, head of Zogby International, who has done surveying in Iraq.

The study said that 31 percent of the violent deaths since the invasion were attributed to the U.S.-led coalition forces, but this ratio dropped to 26 percent in 2006 although the total number of deaths attributed to coalition forces rose in 2006.

The Johns Hopkins study interviewed 47 clusters of 40 households each throughout the country to gather its figures, which it then projected on a national level. The interviews were conducted from May to July 2006. The researchers said their methodology was the same used by others to determine civilian deaths in wars in the Congo, Kosovo and Sudan.

The study was published in the mid-Oct. issue of The Lancet, a British medical magazine.

The rising number of civilian casualties shows that civilians are the targets of this war, said Sister Simone Campbell, executive director of Network, which lobbies Congress on peace and justice issues.

“I don’t know how we can square that with our Catholic Gospel values,” she said.

Sister Simone, a Sister of Social Service, said Network maintains contact with 14 Iraqi women, several of whom came to the United States earlier this year to talk to lawmakers.

“They don’t think this (601,000) is a wrong number,” she said.

Four of the women have lost close relatives, she added.

“Often they don’t know what happens to the loved ones.

They just disappear.”

A key problem in the civil strife is that different branches of the Iraqi military and police forces are infiltrated by militia members of rival political factions who use the security forces for partisan attacks, she said.

“There is not a strong sense of identity to Iraq. Identity is more toward a sectarian militia or clan,” she said.

Marie Dennis, vice president of Pax Christi International, a Vatican-recognized Catholic peace movement, said the rising civilian death toll is morally intolerable.

“When the U.S. started the war, the peace movement and churches said this could lead to a mess and it did,” said Dennis, also the director of the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns.

“The presence of U.S. troops is fueling the violence,” she said.

But a pullout needs to be accompanied by U.S. political and financial support for a multinational peacekeeping process that could include the United Nations, Arab states and other regional powers, she said.

The U.S. also “needs to foot the bill” for rebuilding Iraq, she said.

Another piece of the puzzle is stimulating international pressure to get the various ethnic and religious groups in Iraq to seriously negotiate the country’s future, Dennis said.

“The U.S. leaving won’t be a magic wand” to solving Iraq’s problems, she said. “There is no quick solution.”

Dave Robinson, executive director of Pax Christi USA, said the Johns Hopkins research was “the first credible study of what effect the war is having on civilian life.”

The U.S. needs to spend less money on military operations and more on reconstruction and to restore the country’s infrastructure, he said.

For Iraqi youths “there is no work, no hope. Few schools are working,” said Robinson.

The U.S. should not be imposing its views on what the future Iraqi society should be, he said.

Instead, it should be “empowering Iraqis to build their own country according to their own priorities,” said Robinson.

Father Iasiello said that it is critical in the postwar period for the victor to provide for the security of the people in the occupied country, especially the most vulnerable, in addition to the security of its troops.

Planning for the postwar situation needs to be taken seriously before a war is started, he said. “We must know what we will be doing in that phase.”

The Iraq War is evolutionary and planning needs to be constantly re-evaluated to meet new realities such as an increase in violence, insurgency and tribalism, he said.

Regarding the current debate about U.S. policy in Iraq, Father Iasiello said, “I’m glad we’re taking seriously all options.”

The drop in civilian deaths attributed to coalition forces from 31 percent to 26 percent shows “that most of our people who fight are moral people” trying to limit the damage to civilians, he said.

Avoiding civilian deaths is also good strategy, he added.

“Commanders realize that if you want to win a counterinsurgency war, you have to win the hearts and minds of the people. You don’t do that when you kill family members,” said Father Iasiello.

‘Mosaic’ TV program airs Oct. 29 on KPIX-Channel 5 Guests on Mosaic this Sunday, Oct. 29, are Bill May and Ron Konopaski, members of Catholics for the Common Good, an organization of lay Catholics formed in response to the call of Pope John Paul II for an evangelization of culture and the U.S. Bishops’ call for faithful citizenship. They talk with host Tom Burke about Proposition 85, the Parental Notification Initiative, on the Nov. 7 ballot. Mosaic, which airs at 5 a.m., is a co-production of KPIX and the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s Office of Communications.

City responsible for broken promises at Laguna Honda Hospital

By Sister Miriam Walsh Planning to rebuild Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center (LHH) began in 1980. After 19 years of studies, community debates, and development of an Institutional Master Plan and a four-volume Facility Master Plan approved by the Department of Public Health and the Planning Department, San Francisco voters in 1999 were asked to authorize a bond measure for LHH to be rebuilt as a healthcare facility. Seventy-three percent of voters approved the $299 million bond measure to rebuild LHH to safely care for poor, elderly, and physically disabled San Franciscans. The bonds were for healthcare, not housing.

Now 26 years into the LHH planning process and seven years after voters were led to believe that LHH would be built with 1,200 skilled nursing beds plus an additional 140 “assisted living” beds, construction is underway on four of the five buildings that project architects were paid $30 million to design in the intervening seven years. But the fifth building, designed to contain 420 skilled nursing beds, may be scrapped entirely.

Unexpectedly, just three months after the defeat of Prop. D – a June 2006 ballot measure to preserve the safety of LHH skilled nursing care for elderly and disabled San Franciscans, a new plan has suddenly emerged to spend $562,800 to study and develop a

Rolheiser . . .

■ Continued from page 13 are, about how forgiving or angry they are, and about how much they can imitate God’s love which goes out warmly and equally to all, to the bad as well as the good. The final challenge of Jesus is for each of us to have a heart that, like the father of the prodigal son and the older brother, can

“Senior Housing Plan” for the LHH campus, possibly including fully-independent senior housing apartments. The “study” does not fund architectural fees that will be required to design actual housing, only conceptual schematics. Consultants with experience in integrating senior housing projects with commercial and retail projects have suddenly been hired to help design a new plan for housing on the LHH campus.

Will commercial and retail uses replace skilled nursing care at LHH? Although San Francisco desperately needs housing projects of all types, the crisis of an insufficient number of skilled nursing beds, particularly for medically indigent San Franciscans relying on Medi-Cal, is even more desperate. The Health Department eight years ago projected the City would be short 2,380 skilled beds by the year 2020 even if all 1,200 beds at LHH were rebuilt. Between a disputed number of beds that accept Medi-Cal patients and current proposals to eliminate 420 of LHH’s skilled nursing beds by not constructing the fifth building, the City may end up more than 3,700 skilled nursing beds short by 2020.

The City’s long-term care ombudsman has said that between 1992 and 2004, a total of 1,693 new assisted living units were built, most out of the reach of MediCal patients. Since 2005, many more assisted living and supportive housing beds have also been built. So why are we cutting skilled nursing beds at LHH to build even more senior housing apartments?

embrace both the weakness of one and the anger of the other. God’s heart is not a ghetto, neither is heaven, and for us to go to heaven we need to have hearts that are not ghettos.

Perhaps this perspective can help us sort through some of the tensions we live in today as different groups claim one or the other of these emphases as the core of religion.

Boundaries, identity, morality, liturgy, rubrics, are important, as is a non-negotiable commitment to the poor.

Meanwhile, senior and disabled San Franciscans are being shipped to out-of-county nursing facilities away from their homes and families, and City officials now are authoring documents describing the LHH replacement project as building housing and only secondarily as building a healthcare facility. We may end up with fully independent senior apartments and retail establishments at LHH, sacrificing sorely needed skilled nursing beds. That’s not what voters were promised in 1999.

We must not abandon senior and disabled San Franciscans. Selling us LHH as a safety net for “Old Friends,” then changing LHH’s mission from a medical model to a new so-called “social–residential” model for housing, is another injustice. Until the City builds LHH’s 1,200 skilled nursing beds as promised, and until we are absolutely certain that City officials will use bond financing on what we vote for, voters should reject future bond measures. If the City really wants the school bond measure passed this fall, and the San Francisco General Hospital bond measure passed in 2008, they’ll deliver on their 1999 promises for use of the Laguna Honda bond measure first. After all, a first promise actually kept helps make subsequent promises believable.

Sister Miriam Walsh, Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart, has been Laguna Honda Pastoral Care Director for 25 years.

But, in the end, all of these have to be shaped by a heart that radiates God’s all-embracing compassion, understanding, forgiveness, gentleness, warmth, and non-discriminating love. Otherwise it is an easy and logical step to bitterness, hatred, and violence - all done in the name of God and true religion.

Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is a theologian, teacher, and award-winning author.

October 27, 2006

Catholic San Francisco

15

THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY

TIME

Jeremiah 31:7-9; Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6; Hebrews 5:1-6; Mark 10:46-52 A READING FROM HE BOOK OF JEREMIAH (JER 31:7-9) Thus says the Lord: Shout with joy for Jacob, exult at the head of the nations; proclaim your praise and say: The Lord has delivered his people, the remnant of Israel.

Behold, I will bring them back from the land of the north; I will gather them from the ends of the world, with the blind and the lame in their midst, the mothers and those with child; they shall return as an immense throng.

They departed in tears, but I will console them and guide them; I will lead them to brooks of water, on a level road, so that none shall stumble.

For I am a father to Israel, Ephraim is my first-born.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM (PS 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6) R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming.

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing.

R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”

The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad indeed.

R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the torrents in the southern desert.

Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown,

They shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves.

R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

A READING FROM THE LETTER TO THE HEBREWS (HEB 5:1-6) Brothers and sisters: Every high priest is taken from among men and made their representative before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people. No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. In the same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself in becoming high priest, but rather the one who said to him: You are my son: this day I have begotten you; just as he says in another place: You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

A READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK (MK 10:46-52) As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”

So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.”

Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

“Christ Healing,” Carl Bloch, 1875, Hope Gallery.

Scripture FATHER GERARD O’ROURKE

‘What do you want me to do for you?’

I do hope that all of us notice the won- of David have pity on me.” In his heart he derful spirit of inclusion that runs through knew that Jesus was different. In fact his the Readings for the 30th Sunday in pleas and request were a statement of faith Ordinary Time. They start with a Reading in which he recognized Jesus as the from Jeremiah the Prophet. He is experi- Messiah. It was the kind of recognition that encing a moment of joy and exultation. He Peter used in his moment of inspired faith is delighted to celebrate the return of his when he recognized Jesus as his Messiah.

Certainly Jesus noticed and paid attenpeople from captivity. The Lord is delivering his people “from the land of the North” tion to the voice of the beggar. He stopped where they have been languishing in dis- the processing and said, “Call him.” grace, dishonor, exile and exclusion from Instantly the mood of the unsupportive crowd changed. Now they became his advotheir beloved homeland.

Jeremiah’s words are full of the ecsta- cate, his boosters and even his comforters. sy that true freedom brings to people who “Take courage, Jesus is calling you.”

Bartimaeus, of course, heard Jesus. Like have been deprived of their freedom.

These were people who had been exiled, a powerful athlete, he threw aside his begenslaved in captivity and torn away from gar’s cloak and “sprung up.” He literally ran to the voice of Jesus. He ran to Jesus full of their homeland. enthusiastic hope, Freedom surely the kind of hope is a longing in the that all of us could hearts of vast num- Are we ready for such a use in our lives. bers of people in It was the kind our world today. question when we reach of declared hope Huge numbers of that inspired Jesus people like our- out to God with our to ask him, “What selves are unjustly do you want me to condemned to live requests and petitions? do for you?” in prisons, gulags, Take a moment concentration and be with that camps and refugee camps. Such places dot much of the world question. Bartimaeus, the beggar, did.

Are we ready for such a question when we live in today. May we ask our loving we reach out to God with our requests and God to return them to their homelands.

In the second reading from the Letter to petitions? Or are we not clear, not sure and the Hebrews the high priesthood of Jesus is hesitant when we ask God for our needs, extolled. He was able “to deal with the blessings and favors? Then afterwards we ignorant and the erring.” He was able as may sulk or complain when our prayers are High Priest to include us all, no matter what not answered and fulfilled.

Bartimaeus was totally clear and certain our condition, as the beloved children of about what he wanted, “Master, I want to God. As the Reading reminds us, Jesus is the see.” This request was totally clear and Son of God and a priest forever. Therefore transparent to Jesus and Bartimaeus through his priesthood he is our “represen- “immediately received his sight.”

It was like a perfect dance between the tative before God” and is dedicated to our well being forever! As our High Priest he two of them as a double miracle was perincludes us all in the blessings of God that formed. Bartimaeus received his sight. He also received a powerful faith that empowflow through his priesthood forever.

Next, we switch to the Gospel Readings, ered him to follow Jesus as a truly liberated truly a gem of a story. It pictures Jesus leav- person. No longer is he the outcast. No ing Jericho, which was his last journey to longer is he an isolated, rejected, cast off that great city. On his way he was sur- member of society. He is the included librounded by his disciples, his apostles and as erated disciple who follows Jesus “on the way.” That way is the path of faith, hope, Mark puts it “ a sizeable crowd.”

Included in the account, the star of the redemption and love.

I hope that this Gospel story is one that story is mentioned. Mark names him for us, which is unusual in so many of the Gospel inspires us. I hope that it is a story that stories. This is especially true when the per- moves us to shake off any feelings of rejecson is a beggar — and in this case a beggar tion: or any hesitation: or any uncertainty: who is blind. Bartimaeus, the son of or self-doubt: or any unenthusiastic boredom: or any doubts about our relationship Timaeus, was his name.

It is very important for us to know that with God: or shortsightedness about our Bartimaeus, as a beggar, was truly margin- faith: or any diminishment about our vision alized and an outcast in his society. This of God’s great love for all of us.

If we have any such blindness in our was true about most if not all of the societies of the ancient world. Yet in this story hearts about such dark questions, may we this beggar, Bartimaeus, breaks the mold. be inspired by the aliveness and enthusiasm He heard the news that Jesus of Nazareth, of Bartimaeus. May we also be inspired by the Healer, was passing by the spot where the openness of Jesus to listen to us, to accept us as we are, to include us and to he was begging.

Instead of staying silent and keeping heal us as we continue on “the way” quiet like any homeless beggar should, throughout our lives.

May the words of Jesus ring in our Bartimaeus, as Mark recounts for us, “began to cry out” and to shout “Jesus, Son hearts as they did in Bartimaeus, “Go your way; your faith has healed you.” of David, have pity on me.”

Now let us notice what happened. He was rebuked! He was told to shut up! He Father Gerard O’Rourke is Director was ordered to be silent! The same old, Emeritus of the Office of Ecumenical same old story: shut up; keep quiet; keep and Interreligious Affairs for the silent. But not this beggar, not Bartimaeus.

He called out, he shouted all the more, “Son Archdiocese of San Francisco.

16

Catholic San Francisco

Food & Fun Oct. 28: St. Thomas More Elementary School’s Halloween Carnival, 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., at the school off Brotherhood Way in San Francisco. Great family fun! Food, booths, bouncers, costume contest, raffle and haunted house. Contact Michelle McGhee at (415) 699-2124 or Sal Torres at (415) 203-0070.

Nov. 3: Catholic Marin Breakfast Club gathers for Mass at 7 a.m. in St. Sebastian Church, Bon Air Rd. and Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Kentfield. Breakfast and presentation follow in parish hall. Today’s speaker is San Francisco Archbishop George H. Niederauer who will additionally preside at the Mass. Members Breakfast: $7. Visitors Breakfast: $10 . Call 461-0704 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or contact Sugaremy@aol.com.

Nov. 4: Oldies But Goodies Dance benefiting St. Paul of the Shipwreck Parish, 1122 Jamestown at 3rd Street in San Francisco from 8 p.m. – midnight.

Tickets $30 per person and only available in advance. Age 21 and over please. No host bar and food. Call (415) 468-3434.

Nov. 4, 5: Annual Christmas Boutique benefiting St. Andrew Parish, 1571 Southgate Ave. in Daly City. Sat.: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Refreshments available at Mrs. Santa Shopp. Call (650) 756-3223.

Nov. 4: Sail Away With St. Paul’s! – St. Paul’s Annual Dinner Dance and Auction to benefit St. Paul’s Preservation Fund at Patio Espanol. Silent auction and drinks sail at 1800 hours, and dinner will be served at 2000 hours with dancing until midnight. Contact Katy O’Shea at St. Paul’s Rectory (648-7538) for tickets and more information.

Nov. 4: Moonlight Over Monte Carlo Auction 2006, an evening benefiting St. Gregory Elementary School at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Burlingame, beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person and includes $5 gaming chip. Call (415) 345-8506.

November 11: St. Stephen Women’s Guild will present “Designing Women” Fall Fashion Show, benefiting St. Stephen School. The day begins at 11 a.m. at the Olympic Club Lakeside with no-host tails and a silent auction, and luncheon at noon. Tickets are available at $70 each or $700 for a table of 10.

Raffle tickets are also available for purchase at $5 per ticket or six tickets for $25. Raffle prizes include a $500 Stonestown Galleria Shopping Spree. For more information, please contact Julie Keith at (415) 664-1031 or e-mail at icejules2002@yahoo.com.

Nov. 11: St. Emydius Fil-Am Unity Club will hold its annual semi-formal fundraising dinner and dance at the Clarion Hotel, Millbrae. Dinner will be at 7:30 p.m. Donation is $50 per person. Proceeds benefit parish and works of Fil-Am club. Music by George Elizalde. Contact Estele Oloresisimo at (415) 5959248 or Edna Casteel at (415) 370-0862 Nov. 11, 12: St. Peter Parish Women’s Guild Holiday Boutique, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. both days. Pix with Santa 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sat. and 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sun. More than 25 vendors will showcase a wide variety of handcrafted gifts. Snack Bar is complete with soup, sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers and desserts. At the parish, 700 Oddstad Blvd. in Pacifica.

Nov. 17: Auxiliary Bishop John C. Wester is guest of honor at this year’s Brennan Award Dinner, a principal fundraiser of the St. Vincent De Paul Society of San Francisco. The Brennan Award is presented annually to individuals who have distinguished themselves in their commitment to serving the needy, said information promoting the event. Tickets are $150 per person

2007

official directory

ORDER FORM Name City Credit Card #: Signature:

12:30 – 4 p.m. at the school, 321 Fair Okas St. in San Francisco. Call (415) 647-8972.

Nov 4: St. Emydius Class of ’56 at noon at McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant in Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco. We welcome any other St. Emydius graduates, perhaps brothers, sisters, cousins or any others who may have attended St. Emydius or the Doran Club to join us in this celebration. Please contact: Joy (Joylene Boito) at joy.walsh@sbcglobal.net, 408-996-3162 or Jack Sutcliffe at jaksut@aol.com, 408-257-4671.

Nov. 5: St. Peter Alumni Family and Friends are invited to the 26th Memorial Mass and Brunch at St. Peter Churh, 24th and Alabama St. in San Francisco. Adults $15 and $5 per child. Call Irma Vargas at (415) 846-5966.

Nov. 10: Class of ’57, St. Paul High School, San Francisco is looking for members of the class. Call Carol Kennedy Toomey at (650) 756-4586 or ctoomey@ci.millbrae.ca.us.

Nov. 11: Class of ’47, St. Paul High School. “Join your classmates at the annual Alumnae Mass at 11 a.m. and lunch after,” said Mary Loughran O’Keefe.

Call (650) 588-6873.

Datebook

Prayer/Lectures/Trainings

Never too late to report the goodhearted and effective effort of youth. The Junior Youth Group of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Novato was present and accounted for in the Marin County town’s Relay for Life a few months ago. This is their fifth year ambulating for cancer research, this time raising $6,000. The relay is a 24-hour event and, at least, one of the group’s 37 members was on the track for the entire time. Youth Group leader is Thu-Ha Rae. Pastor is Father Tom Hamilton. and proceeds benefit the works of St. Vincent De Paul Society. The evening includes cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by a silent auction and dinner. All takes place at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Gough and Geary Blvd. Call Laura Hare at (415) 977-1270 or lhare@svdp-sf.org Bal de Paris 2006: Café des Artistes: Notre Dame des Victoires Elementary school will celebrate French culture at its 56th Bal de Paris - “Café des Artistes” on Saturday, November 18th at San Francisco’s Grand Hyatt Union Square. The Bal will pay tribute to the 150th Anniversary of Eglise Notre Dame des Victoires’ service to the community. For tickets, information and information on how to donate, call (415) 421-0069; (415)929-0675

Shows/Entertainment/Auditions Nov. 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18: Dracula, the play, at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory School. Curtain at 7:30 for all performances.Tickets are $10 general admission/$5 students and seniors. Call (415) 775-6626, ext. 715. An ages-old favorite of horror and laughs.

Nov. 10 – Dec. 3: Dominican University’s Fringe of Marin Festival featuring one-act and solo performances. Now in its 18th year. Call for curtain times and titles. Tickets are $12, $8 students/ seniors, $4 children. Call (415) 673-3131.

Nov. 11: A Choral Odyssey featuring the voices of the Philippine Saringimig Singers at St. Gregory Church, 2715 hacienda St. in San mateo at 7:30 p.m. Ticket are $20 per person. Contact Merle Talens at (650) 703-1415. Sponsored by Filipino Communities of Deanery 10 and the Filipino Ministry of St. Gregory Parish.

1st and 3rd Tues.: Noontime Concerts – 12:30 p.m.

- at Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, 660 California St. at Grant, SF. $5 donation requested. Call (415) 288-3800.

Sundays: Concerts at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Gough and Geary St., SF at 3:30 p.m. Call (415) 567-2020 ext. 213. Open to the public. Admission free.

Reunions November 3: Our Lady of Mercy – Westlake Class of 1966 – Where have Forty Years Gone? Let’s find out Class Reunion! Dinner Suisse Italia Restaurant in San Francisco. Contact Patty Dwyer at 650-4031275 pdwyer@cashin.com or Don Gordon 925-8313667 or donaldgordon@sbcglobal.net.

Nov. 3, 4: Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, classes of ’61, ’66, ’71, ’76, ’81, ’86, ’91,’96 - Relive your school days beginning Friday at 9 a.m. in the school’s Herbst Library and Information Center. Visit a class, enjoy lunch in the Dining Hall, and meet with students and faculty members. The morning will begin with an assembly and prayer. On Saturday, it’s the annual Alumni Mass at 5 p.m. followed by the dinner dance till midnight in the Sister Teresa Piro, DC, Life Center. Individual classes will be seated together for evening of food, friends, and fun. Music

by Hollywood Swingers, an all-star ensemble of musicians who specialize in soul, and do a whole lot more. Class photos will be taken, as well as candid photos throughout the evening. Register online at www.shcp.edu or contact John Brown ’88 at john.brown@shcp.edu or (415) 775.6626 ext. 682 for more information.

Nov. 4: St. James Elementary School, class of ’76

Auxiliary Bishop John C. Wester is guest of honor November 17th at this year’s Brennan Award Dinner, a principal fundraiser of the St. Vincent De Paul Society of San Francisco. The Brennan Award is presented annually to individuals who have distinguished themselves in their commitment to serving the needy, said information promoting the event. Tickets are $150 per person and proceeds benefit the works of St. Vincent De Paul Society. The evening includes cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by a silent auction and dinner. All takes place at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Gough and Geary Blvd. Call Laura Hare at (415) 977-1270 or lhare@svdp-sf.org.

Oct. 28: Todos los Santos Celebration and Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma in All Saints Mausoleum at 11 a.m. Call (650) 756-2060. Refreshments follow.

Nov. 4: 1st Saturday Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma in All Saints Mausoleum at 11 a.m. Call (650) 756-2060.

October 29: Confused About Catholicism? – Let’s Figure It Out Together! –An open discussion of the book: The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Understanding Catholicism, 3rd Edition by Bob O’Gorman and Mary Faulkner. Everyone must obtain their own copy of the book. All begins at 10:30 a.m. at St. Pius Parish Parish Center, 1100 Woodside Rd, Redwood City. For more information call (650) 365-0140 or email Kevin@pius.org.

Oct. 28: Training for New Lectors. Offered by the Office of Worship. $15.00 fee. 9a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Mater Dolorosa Church, So. San Francisco. Please pre-register at (415) 614-5585 or vallezkellyp@sfarchdiocese.org.

Come pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Scriptural Rosary, and special intentions before the Blessed Sacrament at the beautiful Monastery of Perpetual Adoration. Saturdays 10:00 to 11:15 am, 771 Ashbury Street at Waller in San Francisco. Some parking available adjacent to the monastery.

Contact Steve at (415) 290-5598.

Saturdays: Prayer meeting at St. Hilary Church, 761 Hilary Dr. Tiburon, at 9:30 a.m. Father James Tarantino, presiding. Hospitality follows. All are welcome. Call Moriah at (415) 756-5505 Saturdays: Bible Study at St. Hilary Church, 761 Hilary Dr. Tiburon, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. All are welcome. Call Moriah (415) 756-5505.

Single, Divorced, Separated Separated and Divorced support group meets 1st and 3rd Wed. at 7:30 p.m. at St. Stephen Parish Center, SF, call Gail at (650) 591-8452 or Vonnie at (650) 873-4236.

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.

ARCHDIOCESE OF SAN FRANCISCO 2007 DELUXE DIRECTORY

of

Archdiocese San Francisco

Nov. 3: Catholic Marin Breakfast Club gathers for Mass at 7 a.m. in St. Sebastian Church, Bon Air Rd. and Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Kentfield.

Breakfast and presentation follow in parish hall.

Today’s speaker is San Francisco Archbishop George H. Niederauer who will additionally preside at the Mass. Members Breakfast: $7. Visitors Breakfast: $10 . Call 461-0704 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or contact Sugaremy@aol.com.

October 27, 2006

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. . . .

Please send me

copies of the Directory Address Zip Code

Copies @ $20.00 Each: $ Includes Postage and Handling

Method of Payment: ❑ Visa ❑ Mastercard Exp. Date: ❑ Check ❑ Money Order

Catholic San Francisco, One Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco, CA 94109

Catholic San Francisco

October 27, 2006

17

By David DiCerto NEW YORK (CNS) — Few photos in American history are more iconic than that of six U.S. servicemen raising the flag on the Pacific island of Iwo Jima during World War II. But many may not know the story behind the photograph or the faceless men immortalized in it. That story is powerfully told by director Clint Eastwood in “Flags of Our Fathers” (Paramount).

Based on the book by James Bradley — the son of one of the flag-raisers — and Ron Powers, the drama unfolds in “Citizen Kane” style, as James (played by Tom McCarthy) seeks out insights about his father, John “Doc” Bradley (Ryan Phillippe), by searching out veterans who served alongside him. This shapes the narrative.

Shuttling between interviews in the present and the wartime events, the film revolves around the battle for the Japanese-held island, the capture of which was key to the Allies’ victory in the Pacific. After a pre-invasion assault to weaken Iwo Jima’s entrenched defenses, Navy corpsman John — who remained very private about his experiences until his death in 1994 — was among the 30,000 troops to storm the beach and later take the strategically vital Mount Suribachi, atop which Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal captured the indelible image on Feb. 23, 1945.

The other flag-raisers — all Marines — were Rene Gagnon (Jesse Bradford), Mike Strank (Barry Pepper), Harlon Block (Benjamin Walker), Franklin Sousley (Joseph Cross), and American Indian Ira Hayes (Adam Beach), whose later life would be marked by tragedy.

The film also addresses the controversy surrounding the identities of the men in the photograph whose faces are obscured, a confusion compounded by the fact that the photo was actually of a second, later flag-raising.

Of the six men, only three — John, Rene and Ira — survive the subsequent fighting. When the widely circulated photo makes them instant celebrities, they are pulled from battle to help boost national morale back home and sell war bonds by touring packed stadiums.

While all three wear the label of “hero” uncomfortably,

TRAVEL GUIDE PACIFIC I’NTL TRAVEL AGENCY FOR ALL YOUR TRAVEL NEEDS SPECIALIZING IN

Ira drowns his gnawing sense of unworthiness in alcohol, believing that his fallen comrades are the ones who deserve the accolades. (He also encounters both subtle and blatant racism.)

The performances by the relatively unknown cast are all superb, but it’s Beach’s poignant turn that strikes the deepest chord.

Cinematically, Eastwood is at the top of his game. The combat re-creations, including an intense landing sequence that grimly echoes the Normandy invasion in “Saving Private Ryan,” are horrifying in their realism, showing the obscenity of war. (Eastwood is also directing “Letters from Iwo Jima,” which deals with the battle from the Japanese perspective.)

With Iceland standing in for the charred, cratered Iwo Jima, the scenes are shot in slate-gray tones also similar to the ashen palette of “Saving Private Ryan.”

There’s quite a bit of carnage — at one point the Americans stumble across the grisly remains of Japanese soldiers who committed suicide by blowing themselves up — but Eastwood leaves a more brutal atrocity to the darker imaginings of the viewer.

In exploring the power of images, Eastwood acknowledges that one strong visual can exploit as easily as inspire.

But while some may interpret the film’s subtext as commenting on the propagandizing potential of pictures — as much a concern today as in 1945 — the film is essentially about heroism. In exploring that theme, Eastwood does not subvert the traditional ideal of valor, but honors it by reminding us that the heroes of Iwo Jima were not supermen, but ordinary boys who rose to the occasion, sacrificing their lives to do what was needed, not for glory, but for the greater good and the guy next to them in the foxhole.

The film contains graphic images of combat violence and gore, as well as recurring rough and crude language and profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III — adults. The MPAA rating is R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

More reviews are available online at the U.S Bishops Conference website, www.usccb.org/movies.

Apostleship of the Sea/Asia Holiday

CHINA March 6 - 22, 2007 17 days R/T Air, 5 day Yangtze Cruise All meals, 4-5 Star Hotels, and tours Five cities, Four in-flights

CHINA • INDIA • PHILIPPINES VIETNAM • INDONESIA • THAILAND KOREA • JAP AN • TAIWAN JAPAN AIWAN • EUROPE EUROPE MANILA SPECIAL $696 Limited availabillity

800-886-5944 PACIFICTRAVEL.COM CST # 1010514

(CNS PHOTO/PARAMOUNT)

‘Flags of Our Fathers’ - an icon, sacrifice and heroism

Ryan Phillippe, left, and Stark Sands appear in a scene from the movie “Flags of Our Fathers.”

GLORY TOURS invites you to join us on pilgrimages.

We are a wholesale pilgrimage tour company serving groups, organizations, churches leaders and travel agents on wholesale basis.

We are dedicated to serving pilgrims, giving the best experience possible on their journeys. Once you taste our loving service, you’ll never think of going on pilgrimages without Glory Tours. So come and join us, with your family, friends and relatives.

Glory Tours run and operate the tour and offer one free travel for every ten pilgrims.

We will meet or beat every legitimate offer in the market.

Please feel free to contact by phone 1-866-352-5952 or e-mail: ruby@glory-tours.com Glory Tours will be happy to serve you.

$2,499 Space limited

See Shanghai, Beijing, the Terra Cotta Soldiers, Mystic Guilin, The Three Gorges Dam, Tianamen Square, The Great Wall . . . & more

For information contact Elizabeth Jones • 415-669-1463 • sfbayfarer.org

For individuals you may join the ff. public tours: FATIMA, LOURDES & ITALY Nov. 19-30, 2006 SFO $2,295 +Tax FATIMA, LOURDES & ITALY March 19-30, 2007 SFO $2,490 +Tax PRAGUE, MEDJUGORJE, DUBROVNIK & SPLIT May 3-13, 2007 SFO $2,290 +Tax CST# 2082730-40

Catholic San Francisco invites you to join in the following pilgrimages IRELAND

FRANCE

May 5 – 15, 2007

January 13 – 23, 2007

Departs San Francisco on an 11-Day Pilgrimage

Departs San Francisco 11-Day Pilgrimage

only

$

2,499

only

($2,599 after Jan. 25, 2007)

Fr. Ralph Fratts, Spiritual Director Visit: Shannon, Galway, Knock, Croagh Patrick, Kylemore Abbey, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Shannon Castle, Limerick, Adare, Tralee, Gallarus Oratory, Slea Head, Killarney, Kinsale, Blarney Castle, Kilkenny, Bunratty Folk Park, Waterford and more.

Bunratty Castle

April 16 – 25, 2007 Departs San Francisco 10-Day Pilgrimage

only

($2,399 after Oct. 4, 2006)

Visit: Paris, Lisieux, Chartres, Nevers, Paray-Le-Monial, Ars, Lyon, Toulouse, Lordes, Pau

2,399

Notre Dame

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

(415) 614-5640

Please leave your name, mailing address and your phone number

($2,499 after Jan. 6, 2007)

Fr. Donald Eder

California Registered Seller of Travel Registration Number CST-2037190-40

Spiritual Director Visit: Paris, Lisbon, Fatima, Alba de Tormes, Avila, Segovia, Burgos, Pamplona, Lourdes and more

2,299

Fr. Chris Crotty, C.P.M. Fr. Frank Sherry, C.P.M.

FATIMA, SPAIN & LOURDES $

$

Lourdes

(Registration as a Seller of Travel does not constitute approval by the State of California)

18

Catholic San Francisco

October 27, 2006

Catholic San Francisco

classifieds

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

chimney cleaning Real Estate Sotheby’s I N T E R N AT I O N A L R E A LT Y

CHIMNEY CLEANING SPECIAL!

is pleased to announce that

Mary Laughlin Fenton has joined our office at

San Francisco and Marin Counties

117 Greenwich Street, San Francisco, CA 94111 Direct (415) 901-1721 Fax (415) 901-1701 Cell (415) 205-5218 E-mail: mary.fenton@sothebysrealty.com

415- 485-4090 HOME CARE Need A Change?

LOVING HOME CARE ASSISTANCE We provide live-in & hrly home assistance.

You Change Your Ad As Often As You Like! Your Message Mailed To 85,000 Households

Ph: 650.834.4307

PLEASE CALL

415-614-5642

Lovingcarehomeassistance.com

COUNSELING When Life Hurts It Helps To Talk • Family • Work • Depression • Anxiety

• Relationships • Addictions

Dr. Daniel J. Kugler

SERVICE DIRECTORY

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

AUTOS WANTED

Gydesen Const., Inc. General Contractor

SELL YOUR CAR TODAY!

● ●

For Advertising Information Call 415-614-5642 E-mail: penaj@sfarchdiocese.org

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Over 25 years experience

Featuring Pressure Washing ● Repairs ● Safety Grab Bars ●

MICHAEL A. GYDESEN Lic. # 778332

(650) 355-8858

HANDY MAN

ONE STOP MAINTENANCE AND HANDYMAN ●

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

Do you want to be more fulfilled in love and work – but find things keep getting in the way?

Unhealed wounds can hold you back - even if they are not the “logical” cause of your problems today. You can be the person God intended.

Inner Child Healing Offers a deep spiritual and psychological approach to counseling: ❖ 30 years experience with individuals, couples and groups ❖ Directed, effective and results-oriented ❖ Compassionate and Intuitive ❖ Supports 12-step ❖ Enneagram Personality Transformation

Lila Caffery, MA, CCHT San Francisco: 415.337.9474 Belmont: 650.888.2873 Complimentary phone consultation www.InnerChildHealing.com

Handyman

CALL MITCH AT (650) 557-9106 ● Cell (650) 784-6544 LIC.

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

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

Painting & Remodeling

Expert Plumbing Repairs ●

General Repairs Clean Drains & Sewers Water Heaters ●

Ca. Lic 391053 General Contractor Since 1980

FAMILY OWNED

415-661-3707

FINE SERVICE, BETTER EVENTS.

SM

TABLES SEATING LINENS SETTINGS SERVEWARE STAGING

ABBEY party rents sf

1- 800-717-PARTY 411 ALLAN STREET DALY CITY, CA 94014 FAX 415-715-6914 TEL 415-715-6900

WWW.ABBEYRENTSSF.COM

Lic. # 663641

24 HR

HOLLAND Plumbing Works San Francisco ALL PLUMBING WORK PAT HOLLAND CA LIC #817607

•Interiors •Exteriors •Kitchens •Baths

100 North Hill Drive, Unit 18 • Brisbane, CA 94005

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.

23 years in Westlake Center

Custom Framing ✧ Needlework & Oriental Picture Framing ✧ Competitive Prices Many 3D Religious Pictures

313 WESTLAKE CENTER, DALY CITY 94015

Catholic San Francisco

reaches 85,000 households by mail, 41 times per year. If you would like to reach over 225,000 potential customers please call: In Marin County 415-472-3861

SPECIALIZING IN SAN MATEO COUNTY REAL ESTATE If I can be of service to you, or if you know of anyone who is interested in buying or selling a home, please do not hesitate to call me . . . * Parishioner of St. Gregory’s Church, San Mateo

Today

BEST PLUMBING, INC. Your Payless Plumbing

In San Francisco In San Mateo County County 415-614-5640 650-591-0190 415-614-5642

REAL ESTATE

Phone: 415.468.1877 Fax: 415.468.1875 Lic. No. 390254

MIKE TEIJEIRO Realtor (650) 523-5815 m.teijeiro@remax.net

Lic. # 872560

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

GARAGE DOOR REPAIR Discount

PROMPT AND UNPARALLELED SERVICE

(650) 557-1263 CELL (415) 205-2801 PAGER (415) 313-0195 EMAIL: bestplumbinginc@comcast.net

Garage Door

Repair

ELECTRIC NEEDHAM ELECTRIC, INC Calif. Lic. No 549434

FERGUS

650-992-7219

Advertising Works!

John Bianchi

For more information, contact:

Contractors State License Board 800-321-2752

WESTLAKE ART & FRAMING CENTER

BONDED & INSURED

Plumbing • Fire Protection • Certified Backflow

a NOTICE TO READERS

ART AND FRAMING

415-205-1235

Painting & Remodeling

Contractor inspection reports and pre-purchase consulting

PARTY RENTALS

●

SANTI PLUMBING & HEATING

John Holtz

AS IS – NO SMOG OK FRIENDLY & HASSLE FREE We Come to You! CALL VIC TODAY 415-759-7782

# 687359

PLUMBING

(650) 355-4926

SPIRITUAL HEALING

Tile ● Painting ● Carpet ● Bathrooms ● Kitchens ● Electrical ● Plumbing ● Fences ● Decks

CASH FOR CARS & TRUCKS

Phone (415) 724-5645 Fax (415) 952-4272

Lic #376353

Broken Spring/Cable?

Operator Problems?

Lifetime Warranty All New Doors/Motors

One Price 24 /7

415-931-1540 0% Financing Available

October 27, 2006

Catholic San Francisco

classifieds Tell our advertisers you saw their ad in

Catholic San Francisco

Voice / Piano Lessons

Piano Lessons PIANO LESSONS BY

CAROL FERRANDO. Conservatory training, masters degree, all levels of students.

CALL (415) 921-8337.

Voice/piano lessons by former university professor.

(415) 587-8165

PUBLISH A NOVENA Pre-payment required Mastercard or Visa accepted

Cost $25

If you wish to publish a Novena in the Catholic San Francisco You may use the form below or call 415-614-5640

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. B.B.A.

Room For Rent

Many years experience, excellent local references, responsible and reliable.

Available days and nights.

Room for rent, near City College, SF State, utilities included, $550/mo.

Please call for info (415) 490-7468

Call Mary Grace (415) 623-4390

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin never known to fail.

Most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel Blessed Mother of the Son of God, assist me 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.

S.F.

Your prayer will be published in our newspaper

Prayer to St. Jude

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 $25 Payable to: Catholic San Francisco Advertising Dept., Catholic San Francisco 1 Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco, CA 94109

Oh, Holy St. Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near Kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need, to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return I promise to make you be invoked.

Say three our Fathers, three Hail Marys and Glorias. St. Jude pray for us all who invoke your aid. Amen.

This Novena has never been known to fail. This Novena must be said 9 consecutive days. Thanks.

N.W.

St. Jude Novena

\

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved & preserved throughout the world now & forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus pray for us. St. Jude helper of the hopeless pray for us.

Say prayer 9 times a day for 9 days.

Thank You St. Jude.

Never known to fail.

You may publish.

PRINCIPAL URSULINE HIGH SCHOOL is a private, Catholic, all girls, college preparatory high school, serving 330 students in grades 9-12. The school was founded by the Ursuline Sisters. Ursuline is located in Santa Rosa, in beautiful Sonoma County, in northern California. Ursuline High School is in the midst of a successful capital campaign. This position provides a unique opportunity to continue a rich 125-year heritage, of educational excellence while advancing innovative ideas that enrich the school’s future.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: The principal reports to the Board of Trustees and serves as the educational leader of the school, directly responsible for overseeing the faculty, staff, and students.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The principal has the primary responsibility for carrying out the mission of the school: committed to excellence in educating young women through a strong spiritual and academic program which empowers young women to clarify their values, pursue community service, and develop leadership skills. The Principal will maintain and develop a strong academic program, a spiritual community, and be involved in fundraising, advancement, and strategic planning.

THE

Studio Apartment Wanted Quiet, retired male, who opens and watches out for Star of the Sea Church every day so that people can worship before and after our Noon Mass, is being evicted from his long time apartment.

Caregiver Available Elderly care companion or housekeeper, cook, Spanish speaking, references.

(650) 574-3308

Please call (415) 751-0450 immediately if you have such property available, or if you have a large room and separate bathroom available.

LUCKY CHECK CASHING

Help Wanted

1028 Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94103 * Customer Service Clerk* Bilingual – English / Spanish Computer Literate

(415) 558-8265

S.F.

Help Wanted

19

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

Irish Caregiver

N O V E N A S

Catholic San Francisco

heaven can’t wait

ADVERTISING SALES For The Largest Publisher of Catholic Church Bulletins

This is a Career Opportunity!

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

• Generous Commissions • Minimal Travel • Excellent Benefit Package • Stong Office Support • Work in Your Community. E.O.E.

Call 1-800-675-5051, Fax resume: 925-926-0799

Special Needs Companion Services We are looking for you.

• Honest • Generous • Compassionate • Make a Difference • Respectful

Work Full or Part-time in San Francisco – Marin County • Provide non medical elder care in the home • Generous benefit package Fax your resume to: Jeannie McCullough Stiles, RN 415-435-0421 Send your resume: Jeannie McCullough Stiles, RN Special Needs Nursing, Inc. 98 Main Street, #427 Tiburon, Ca 94920

IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

1. Be a practicing Roman Catholic 2. Possess a valid administrative credential and teaching credential 3. Have administrative and teaching experience 4. Excellent oral and communication skills 5. Development and fundraising skills

COMPENSATION: Competitive salary with full benefits APPLICATION: Send a resume, a short personal statement, and a description of your educational philosophy (one page) to:

John Wehde President, Board of Trustees of Ursuline High School 1260 Farmers Lane Santa Rosa, CA 95405 Phone: (707) 542-4544, 542-4545 E mail: john@johnwehde.com FAX: (707) 542-3043

RNs and LVNs: we want you.

Provide nursing care for children in San Francisco schools.

Full or part time.

Generous benefit package.

Send your resume to: Email: Fax: Mail:

Jeannie McCullough Stiles, RN, PHN RNTiburon@msn.com 415-435-0421 Special Needs Nursing, Inc. 98 Main Street #427 Tiburon, CA 94920

Special Needs Nursing, Inc.

20

Catholic San Francisco

October 27, 2006

Cardinal’s pitcher talks with students about his faith ST. LOUIS (CNS) — St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jeff Suppan wowed his fans recently and he wasn’t even on the mound. He received a standing ovation from a large audience of young people following his talk on how he lives out his Catholic faith as a professional baseball player and in his daily life.

The Cardinals hurler, whose team is playing the Detroit Tigers in the World Series, encouraged the middle school and high school students “to keep Jesus No. 1” in their lives. “I try to put Jesus in front of everything I do.” He lets Jesus “really lead me and not try to do it on my own,” he said.

As Catholics, they will be regularly questioned about their faith, Suppan told the youths. Now, he said, is the time for them to gain a good foundation. “You need to know why you believe in what you believe in because you will be challenged” by others, he said.

Suppan grew up in California, attending St. Bernardine of Siena School in San Bernardino and Crespi Carmelite High School, an all-boys Catholic school in Encino. At 18, he signed to play baseball right out of high school. It was his first time away from family and friends. Drugs, promiscuity, sex and pornography were readily available. He turned to God for help. At the encouragement of a friend, he began to seriously study

his faith so he could be better prepared to defend it.

“People always ask me why I believe what I do. And the only response I had was ‘because I believe.’ My biggest challenge was to learn, to take my formation and learn more about why I believed.

A priest he met in Boston got him going to confession regularly.

He found that the more he went to confession and examined his conscience, the more he felt Jesus was helping him “carry the load.”

Suppan said he encounters Christ in confession and receives grace to help overcome future temptations.

Suppan also spoke about the importance of the Eucharist, attending Mass and taking part in Eucharistic adoration. He told the crowd, “I love going to Mass.”

Now in his 12th season in the majors, Suppan noted that playing sports is good preparation for life. “I always made baseball practice. That’s discipline, and you can apply that to your faith and many areas of your life. That dedication and fortitude that I learned going through rough times, I’ve applied that to my life as a Christian.”

Prayer, he said, also plays a big role. He tries “to remain in prayer. When I struggle, I pray. When I’m not struggling, I pray,” he said, noting that he keeps a rosary in his ballpark locker.

Nearly three-dozen priests played in the annual Clergy Golf Tournament hosted by Auxiliary Bishop John C. Wester at Sharp Park in Pacifica, Oct. 17. The foursome above turned in the lowest score of the day: Father Joseph Walsh, Pastor of St. Stephen Parish; Father John Ryan, Pastor of St. Gabriel Parish; Father Brendan McBride, Chaplain to the Irish Community, St. Philip Parish; and Father Michael Healy, Pastor of St. Bartholomew Parish in San Mateo. Highest team score went to Father Tom Daly, Director of Vocations and Marin Catholic High School President; Father Kevin Gaffey, Chaplain at Vallombrosa Retreat Center; Msgr. Steven Otellini; Pastor of Nativity Parish in Menlo Park; and Father Piers Lahey, Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Pacifica. Father Ed Dura, Pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in San Francisco and Father Vincent Ring, Pastor of St. Denis Parish in Menlo Park won “closest to the pin,” while “longest drive” went to Father Ray Reyes of St. Anne of the Sunset Parish.

Tigers manager and his priest brother both serve as shepherds

By Kristin Lukowski DETROIT (CNS) — There are many ways in which managing a baseball team is similar to managing a parish, said Father Thomas J. Leyland, brother of Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland.

In a sense, they are both shepherds to their “team,” with

Father Leyland’s team being an active parish with 8,000 parishioners and a school and Jim Leyland’s team being the Tigers, who are playing the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series.

In either role, the leader must affirm people, encourage them to do their best, encourage them to work as a team toward a common goal — all while keeping the teammates’ different personalities in mind. Also, Father Leyland said, it’s important to

keep in mind where your team is going, and what its vision is.

Father Leyland has been pastor at St. Rose Parish in Perrysburg, Ohio, just south of Toledo, for more than seven years. It is the parish in which he and his family, including his six siblings, grew up. He disagrees with the idea that he has a harder job than his brother. Jim Leyland has to deal with media exposure, Father Leyland reasons.

“A Doctor’s Confession to San Francisco . . . ” And why, despite all, I still do what I do . . .

Dear friend,

C

onfessions are tough. Real tough. But, sometimes a confession can set the record straight, and I want to give credit where credit is due. Before I talk about my confession, though, let me say a few other things first.

Let me start by explaining the photo in this letter. You know, when I meet people in town they usually say, “Oh, yeah, I know you, you’re Dr. Leung. I’ve seen your advertisment with that picture of you and the cute little baby.”

Well, I’m the guy on the right.

Years ago something happened to me that changed my life forever. Let me tell you my story.

“Back then I was a student just about ready college, when my younger brother developed a painful leg condition known as ‘sciatica.’ In his case it came on suddenly. The pain in his leg was so intense that he couldn’t walk without limping, and sometimes he couldn’t straighten his legs to put on his socks. I remember him telling me it felt like someone was stabbing his leg with a screwdriver. He was afraid that he would be confined to a wheelchair if the disability continued. It all happened so fast, one week he was competing as an athlete at the national level and the next week he could barely take care of himself. He was devastated.

After considering surgery (that was the only option, according to the surgeon) he decided against it. I remember feeling so helpless, I wish there was something I could do for him. It was a very scary time . But there’s more . . .

A friend of mine convinced me to have my brother give their doctor a try. This new doctor did an exam, took some films, and then ‘adjusted’ his spine. He told me that the adjustment didn’t hurt, it actually felt good. He got relief, and he can use his legs again. Oh, did I mention that this doctor is a chiropractor? It worked so well for my brother, and I’m so impressed with the other ‘miracles’ I see in this doctor’s office, that

I eventually go to chiropractic school myself.

And that’s how it happened!”

Now for my son Rion (pronounced Ryan), who is the baby in the photo. He’s not old enough to know how chiropractic works, but he loves to get his spine adjusted. Along with making sure that his spine develops properly, spinal adjustments keep Rion’s immune system working at its best. Rion rarely gets sick. That seems like a small thing, but it makes a huge difference to him. It seems like only a new puppy will be able to keep up with his energy.

It’s amazing how life is, because now people come to see me with their sciatica problems.

Also they come to me with their headaches, Forty-eight million Americans no longer migraines, chronic pain, neck pain, shoulder/ have health insurance, and those who do have arm pain, whiplash from car accidents, backfound that their benefits are reduced. That’s aches, ear infections, asthma, allergies, numbwhere chiropractic comes in. Many people find ness in limbs, athletic injuries, just to name a that they actually save money on their health few. care expenses by seeing a chiropractor. Another Several times a day patients thank me for way to save . . . studies show that a chiropractor helping them with their health problems. But may double your I can’t really take immune capacity, the credit. My Here’s what some of my patients had to say: naturally and withconfession is that “Body building takes toll on my neck and back. out drugs.

I’ve never healed Dr. Leung keeps me tuned up so I can be at my best.”

The immune anyone of any(Daryl Gee, marketing rep. for nutritional supplements) system fights colds, thing. What I do is the flu, and other perform a specific “No more migranes and no more neck pain!” sicknesses. So you spinal adjustment (Petra Anderson) may not be to remove nerve running off to the pressure, and the “I feel better than I have in a long time!” doctor as much. body responds by (Cathy Cheung, CPA) This is especially healing itself. We important if you are self-employed. And an get tremendous results. It’s as simple as that! entire week of care in my office may cost what Being a chiropractor can be tough, because you could pay for one visit elsewhere. there’s a host of so-called experts out there.

You Benefit from an Amazing Offer – Look, They tell people a lot of things that are just it shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg to correct plain ridiculous about my profession. But the your health. You are going to write a check studies speak for themselves, like the Virginia to someone for your health care expenses, you study that showed that over 90% of patients may as well write one for a lesser amount for who saw a chiropractor were satisfied with chiropractic. When you bring in this advertisement their results. That’s just incredible!

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

(by November 10th, 2006) you will receive my entire new patient exam for $37. That’s with consultation, orthopedic and neurologic exams, x-rays and the second day Report of Findings . . . the whole ball of wax. There are never any hidden fees at our office.

This exam could cost you $275 elsewhere.

And further care is very affordable and you’ll be happy to know that I have affordable family plans. You see I’m not trying to seduce you to come see me with this low start-up fee, then to only make it up with high fees after that.

Further care is very important to consider when making your choice of doctor. High costs can add up very quickly. By law, this offer excludes Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

Great care at a great fee . . . Please, I hope that there’s no misunderstanding about quality of care just because I have a lower exam fee.

You’ll get great care at a great fee. My qualifications . . . I’m a Cum Laude graduate of Life College West who has been recognized by the California State Assembly for community service. I’ve been entrusted to take care of tiny babies to other health professionals such as Nurses, Physical Therapists, Dentists, Surgeons and Attorneys. I have been practicing in West Portal for four over years. I just have that low exam fee to help more people who need care.

My assistants are Angela and Josephine.

They are really great people. Our office is both friendly and warm and we try our best to make you feel at home. We have a wonderful service, at an exceptional fee.

Our office is called West Portal Family Chiropractic and it is at 380 West Portal Avenue, Suite D (at 15th Avenue).

Our phone number is (415) 564-1741.

Call Angela or Josephine for an appointment.

We can help you. Thank you.

– Kam Leung, D.C. P.S. When accompanied by the first, I am also offering the second family member this same examination for only $10.

P.P.S. “If you don’t feel that coming to us exceeded your expectations then your first visit is at no charge.”

PAID ADVERTISEMENT