December 2, 2005

Catholic san Francisco Northern California’s Weekly Catholic Newspaper

Asian quake called worse than tsunami in some ways

By Paul Jeffrey

(CNS PHOTO FROM REUTERS)

Kashmirian earthquake survivors sit in a makeshift hospital in a refugee camp in Pakistan-administered Kashmir Nov. 21. Humanitarian aid agencies are in a race against winter weather to provide tents and provisions for some 3 million people left homeless by the Oct. 8 earthquake.

MANSEHRA, Pakistan (CNS) — In some ways, the earthquake that devastated northern Pakistan and parts of India Oct. 8 was worse than last year’s tsunami, yet the international community’s response has lagged far behind its response to the tsunami, said a top Catholic relief official in the region.

While the tsunami had a higher initial death toll, the logistical difficulties of reaching remote villages in Pakistan’s mountainous north, especially with the onset of winter, mean the quake death toll — 77,000 — is expected to climb, said Kevin Hartigan, Catholic Relief Services’ regional director for South Asia. He described “valley after valley of destruction, which has limited the ability of people to help each other.”

He said relief workers fear they will be unable to reach thousands of victims who, as a result, will perish in the bitter winter weather.

In a telephone interview from his office in Delhi, India, Hartigan told Catholic News Service that the large number of those left wounded by the quake also “leaves a big burden on society in the coming years.”

Hartigan said the global outpouring of support for tsunami victims was an anomaly.

ASIAN QUAKE, page 8

Head of U.S. Bishops Conference calls Vatican Instruction “Christian realism”

By Catholic San Francisco Staff The Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education and Seminaries Nov. 29 released a long awaited document entitled “Instruction on the Criteria for Vocational Discernment with Regard to Persons with Homosexual Tendencies in View of Their Admission to the Seminary and to Holy Orders.”

The nine-page document said the church cannot ordain men who are active homosexuals, who have “deeply rooted” homosexual tendencies or who support the “gay culture.” Those who have overcome “transitory” homosexual tendencies, however, could be ordained, it said.

An “Instruction” is an official statement by a Congregation of the Roman Curia, issued with the approval of the Pope, which usually contains norms to be observed. An Instruction does not include new teaching, but is meant to confirm and clarify.

Bishop William S. Skylstad, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, called the Instruction of the Holy See on the admission of men with deeply-rooted homosexual tendencies to seminaries and to Holy Orders “a timely document.”

In his statement on the release of the Instruction, Bishop Skylstad said,

“We live in an era when the issue of sexual orientation is much discussed.”

He went on to say that the Church affirms “the dignity of all human beings and the respect that should be shown all people irrespective of sexual orientation,” while also teaching that “God has given this gift [of sexuality] to humanity to bring about a loving relationship between a man and a woman in the lifelong union of a marriage open to the creation of new life.”

Bishop Skylstad said that, in the Instruction, “the Congregation for Catholic Education is exercising a Christian realism about what is expect-

ed in candidates for the priesthood.

This realism understands the challenges of our time.”

He noted that “it expresses the valid concern that all candidates must display an ‘affective maturity’ which enables them to relate properly to others as chaste, celibate priests who can faithfully represent the teaching of the Church about sexuality, including the immorality of homosexual genital activity.”

Thus “it is certainly not acceptable if a candidate practices homosexuality or, whether active or not, if he identifies himself principally by a homosexual CHRISTIAN REALISM page 7

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S EDITION Violence in the City . . . . . . 3 News-in-brief . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Second Sunday of Advent

Fort Benning protest . . . . . 6

Dec. 4

Datebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

December 2, 2005

Commentary . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Scripture and reflection . 10-11

Christmas giving opportunites

Jubilarians 2005 – Part I

‘Harry Potter’ review . . . . . 22

~ Pages 12 – 13 ~

~ Pages 14 – 19 ~

www.catholic-sf.org

SIXTY CENTS

VOLUME 7

•

No. 37

2

Catholic San Francisco

December 2, 2005

On The

St. Paul Elementary School held a reunion October 1st for all graduates from the 1970s.

More than 300 former students attended raising more than $3,000 and “renewing friendships” said event co-chair Joe Tassone. From left: Ana Curtin, Matt Brady, Karen Ryan, Natalie Powell, St. Paul’s pastor, Father Mario Farana, Nick Powell, Kathy Molina, Ann Luevanos, Joe Tassone, Anne Campbell and Anne Powell.

Where You Live

by Tom Burke Happy Birthday to Alice Puccetti, a longtime member of San Francisco’s Church of the Visitacion Parish and 97 years old November 2nd. Alice stays busy with the Vistacion Mothers’ Club, Over 55 Club and the Over 50 Club of nearby St. Elizabeth Parish.

Helping her commemorate the occasion at San Mateo’s Macaroni Grille – which for several hours was, of course, Alice’s Restaurant - were her sisters, Wilma Moroni of St. Dunstan Parish, and Evelyn Fonseca of St. Gregory’s. Thanks to Alice’s daughter, Barbara Puccetti for the good news…. Appropriately enough, the speech team at Mercy High School, San Francisco is called Talking Heads. Several of the chatterboxes-in-training recently took honors in oratory. Congrats to senior, Karen Chu, juniors, Dekara Whiteside and Eticia Brown and sophomore, Roshelle Chan….Bustin’ at the seams over nephew, Jonathan Galligan, is Joe Galligan of Burlingame’s Our Lady of Angels Parish. The lad – a Bellarmine Preparatory School and Santa Clara University grad

– is taking his MBA at the University of Beijing. This no satellite campus course. The boy is in China. He’ll accept his new degree however on home soil at the Jesuits’ Fordham University in January…. Hats off to freshman class officers at Notre Dame High School in Belmont – Laura Yim, Christine Scannell, Charlene Gemora, Alexandra Mongiello, Jessica Malekos-Smith, Lauren Druml. Makin’ music with the books are this year’s members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. A symphony salute to Ariana Afshar, Alison Bollbach, Megan Boyle, Nicki Bushue, Katie Coleman, Emily DeRuy, Jessica Diego, Trisha St. Louis Cathedral Academy in New Orleans is the new sister school of Megan Furth Academy at Sacred Heart / St. Dominic in the City’s Western Addition. Students raised $340 for the storm-struck Louisiana school’s benefit and the help will be ongoing said Megan Furth principal, Norma Dahnken.

Eighth graders Ebony Johnson, left, Eloise Sarmiento, Alvin Jackson and Troy Boyland helped in the counting with PE teacher, Mike Ward, school staffer, Ruthie Malone and Norma Dahnken.

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St. Anne of the Sunset Elementary School raised $7,400 for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The proceeds were personally delivered to New Orleans Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes by school Science Specialist and Louisiana native Helena Carmena who headed up the collection. “The students and school families had very generous hearts as always,” Helena said.

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December 2, 2005

Catholic San Francisco

3

Catholics join other religious leaders to confront violence epidemic

By Jack Smith Catholic leaders joined clergy of other faiths on the steps of Mission Dolores Nov. 18 to pray and plead with San Francisco officials to help stem the tide of youth violence in the City. The group was organized by the San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP) and hosted by Father Bill Justice, pastor of Mission Dolores. SFOP is a federation of 40 different congregations and schools throughout the City.

When the gathering was announced Nov. 15, San Francisco had registered 78 homicides for 2005, many involving youth violence. Until October, the homicide rate in San Francisco for 2005 was below last year’s level. A spate of violence in recent weeks has pushed the current tally to 90, a figure higher than the total number of homicides in 2004.

The religious leaders presented an “Interfaith Covenant with the people of the City of St. Francis” committing themselves to help “reweave the social fabric” of the City. The statement which was read by several members of the group described and decried the violence, lack of affordable housing and healthcare, and shortage of jobs faced by many communities in San Francisco in the face of great wealth. “The City of St. Francis is in danger of losing its soul,” they said.

The leaders also called on elected officials to increase efforts to expand healthcare; employment and educational opportunities for youth; and create “safe and healthy” communities in which to “raise children, work, and grow old.”

Catholic participants included San Francisco Apostolic Administrator, Bishop John C. Wester, Brian Cahill, Director of Catholic Charities CYO; Deacon Nate Bacon of St. Peter Parish; St. Anthony Pastor, Father Gabriel Flores; St. Paul of the Shipwreck Pastor, Father Paul

San Francisco Apostolic Administrator, Bishop John C. Wester, speaks on religious response to youth violence at Mission Dolores.

Gawlowski; Father Bruce Lery of Notre Dame des Victoires; Monsignor Maurice McCormick, former pastor of Mission Dolores; and George Wesolek, director of the Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns for the Archdiocese. Several Jewish and Protestant congregations were also represented.

The gathering of religious leaders served in part as prelude to a larger event Nov. 20 at Mission High Auditorium bringing together 1,500 San Franciscans with elected officials including Mayor Gavin Newsom, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, members of the Board of Supervisors and San Francisco Unified School District Board. The event was sponsored by SFOP, endorsed by the religious leaders, and included many members of their congregations, including a large contingent from Mission Dolores.

The purpose of the meeting was to secure the support of City leaders for the proposals contained in “Avenues of Hope,” a response to violence and its causes based on months of research by SFOP and its member institutions.

Among the report’s findings are: ● San Francisco has the smallest percentage youth population of any large city in the U.S., but the highest rate of youth incarceration for any California county. ● In the Mission and Bayview, 40 percent of the crime is committed by 2 percent of the youth. ● Forty-seven percent of families in highcrime neighborhoods struggle to meet their basic needs. ● The City provides 4,000 subsidized job opportunities for youth, while 12,000 youth are on waiting lists. ● Although San Francisco is ranked first in education attainment, 49 percent of

African-American, Latino, and American Indian students who enter 9th grade do not graduate 12th grade.

Of those only 50 percent are college ready. ● Seventy-four percent of youth detained at the Youth Guidance Center in 2004 had prior probation contacts.

Solutions based on this and other evidence was summed up by Deacon Nate Bacon, “Nothing stops a bullet like a job.”

Toward that end, SFOP said it received commitments from the responsible elected officials for several goals including: ● Funding juvenile justice reform to include access to job training and educational programs. ● Sponsoring an employment Summit with City businesses in 2006. ● Community involvement in SFUSD Superintendent selection. ● Support the development of “small schools by design,” giving them the autonomy to be successful. ● Implement CityBuild, a pilot apprenticeship program in construction and expand it to other industries including biotech and digital arts. ● Pass legislation to provide health coverage for all California children.

George Wesolek told Catholic San Francisco the response to community concerns by elected officials at the event was “very good,” however, “the work now is going to be in the details.” He said that SFOP which works in cooperation with the Archdiocese on many projects would “continue to monitor the City’s response in terms of follow through.”

Visit website SFOP.org for more information. Visit www.sflifeandjustice.org for more information on the public policy and social concerns activities of the Archdiocese.

You, me, we.

With your support we will continue to: Visit homes of our neighbors in need Help women and their children overcome domestic violence Feed thousands in our Bay Area dining rooms Clothe the poor and needy Shelter thousands of homeless men and women Help the working poor survive in difficult times Promote restorative justice for all impacted by crime You, me, we. Together we make the Bay Area a better place for all. God bless you this Christmas.

Catholic San Francisco

NEWS

December 2, 2005

in brief

(CNS PHOTO FROM L'OSSERVATORE ROMANO)

4

Legacy of churchwomen said to live in those who work with poor MARYKNOLL, N.Y. — The legacy of the four churchwomen killed in El Salvador in 1980 survives in those committed to serving the poor through Christ’s example, said family and friends of the murdered missionaries. “Wherever the Gospel is preached, this story is going to be told,” said Megan McKenna, an author and former Maryknoll Sister, at a 25th anniversary program held at the Maryknoll Sisters headquarters Nov. 27 to commemorate the women’s deaths. When McKenna travels in Latin America, she said, she constantly encounters locals who have heard about the late churchwomen’s work. Many have named children, even boys, after them, she said. A morning Mass and afternoon discussion honored Maryknoll Sisters Maura Clarke and Ita Ford, Ursuline Sister Dorothy Kazel and lay missioner Jean Donovan. Five Salvadoran National Guardsmen raped and shot the women at close range Dec. 2, 1980.

Cardinal Gabriel Zubeir Wako of Khartoum, Sudan, greets Pope Benedict XVI during the pontiff's meeting with a delegation of Sudanese Catholics at the Vatican Nov. 28.

years in its first installment, and devotes all of the second part to the period of Wojtyla’s papal tenure at the Vatican starting in 1978.

What distinguishes CBS’ production is Jon Voight’s Emmy Award-worthy performance as the pontiff, superbly matched by Cary Elwes, who essays the pope’s younger days.

and Muslim leaders, including Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, Wash., who is the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Cardinals Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington and William H. Keeler of Baltimore.

WASHINGTON (CNS) — A U.S. interreligious peace organization thanked Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for helping advance efforts to open Gaza and said its members would welcome a chance to meet with her. The National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East wrote to Rice and Karen Hughes, undersecretary of state for diplomacy, Nov. 20 to thank them for their efforts toward an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement. “We believe that IsraeliPalestinian peace is possible, that active, fair and firm U.S. leadership is essential to achieving this goal, and that achieving peace is vitally important to protecting U.S. national security interests and reducing the threat of global terrorism,” said the group. The organization represents nearly 40 Christian, Jewish

of hope for many people around the world — including Iraqis — who lack religious, political and economic freedom, said a top Vatican official. “No matter what terrorists may do, Iraqis who seek freedom and opportunity, especially religious freedom, think first of the United States,” said U.S. Archbishop John P. Foley. “When we hear distressing news from Iraq, we should think also of the fact that many Iraqis identify the United States of America with the freedom for which they yearn,” he said in his Nov. 24 homily marking Thanksgiving Day at Rome’s American parish, Santa Susanna. Immigrants who traveled to the United States during the 19th century saw its “economic opportunity, the freedom to practice their beloved faith and a chance to forge their own destiny, politically and socially,” he said.

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‘Pope John Paul II’ miniseries airs Dec. 4 and 7 on CBS NEW YORK — The latest network production of a Pope John Paul II biography is the most comprehensive of all. “Pope John Paul II,” a two-part miniseries, airs on CBS Sunday, Dec. 4 and Wednesday, Dec. 7. Recent programs on the life of John Paul have followed different approaches. The gripping Hallmark Channel presentation, “A Man Who Would Be Pope,” concentrated on Karol Wojtyla’s youthful days in Poland, as he, his family and friends struggled to survive under Nazi and then communist occupation, and hurriedly dispatched his election to the papacy, ending there. ABC’s “Have No Fear: The Life of John Paul II” tried to squeeze a lifetime into its two-hour running time, registering for the most part as mere moving snapshots. CBS covers the Polish

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December 2, 2005

Catholic San Francisco

5

John Jay College chosen to do major clergy sex abuse study

By Agostino Bono WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. bishops’ National Review Board selected the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York to conduct a major study of the causes and context of clergy child sex abuse.

Patricia O’Donnell Ewers, board chairwoman, made the announcement Nov. 17 during a meeting with the U.S. bishops in Washington for their annual fall meeting. The aim of the study is to better help church leaders understand the problem and improve prevention measures.

The $3 million study was called for in the 2002 “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” approved by the bishops.

The charter contains church policies to stem child sex abuse.

The charter said the study was needed “to understand the problem more fully and to enhance the effectiveness of our future response.”

The study plan calls for John Jay College to work with Jesuit-run Fordham University in New York and other experts across the country.

A news release by the U.S. bishops’ Department of Communications said that issues to be examined in the study include: — Epidemic aspects of the sexual abuse incidents that surged in the 1970s and subsequently declined in the 1980s.

— Prominence of young adolescent males among the victims.

— Content and influence of seminary admission policies and priest formation programs before and after the 1980s.

— Differences between the lifestyle and formation of diocesan clergy and that of religious order priests that might explain any differences in cases of abuse perpetrated by members of the two groups.

— Ecclesiastical environment and the ways in which the church responded to reports of sexual abuse.

— Behavioral and psychological problems of abusers.

— Circumstances that enhanced the vulnerability of the victims.

— Cultural, social and psychological factors in U.S. society and the Catholic Church which contributed to sexual abuse of children, particularly during the 1970s’ surge of incidents.

— Response of law enforcement to reports of clergy sexual abuse in the 1970s as compared with current responses.

— Common psychiatric treatment models of the 1970s as compared with current treatment models.

The study also plans to examine environmental aspects that influenced the risk factors for victims and predators.

This will be the second study conducted by John Jay College for the all-lay National Review Board appointed by the bishops to advise them on prevention policies and to monitor compliance with policies.

The first John Jay study, published in 2004, provided statistics collected from U.S. dioceses and Eastern-rite eparchies on the nature and scope of the problem covering the 1950-2002 period. It reported that about 4 percent of U.S. priests ministering from 1950 to 2002 were accused of sexually abusing a minor.

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The 2004 study said that 4,392 clergymen — almost all priests — were accused of abusing 10,667 people, with 75 percent of the incidents taking place between 1960 and 1984. It was the first comprehensive, national statistical

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Ewers told Catholic News Service in a telephone interview that work on the study would begin immediately and take three years to complete.

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Catholic San Francisco

December 2, 2005

Local Catholics join in protest at U.S. Army training school

By Catholic San Francisco Staff About 100 Catholics from the Archdiocese of San Francisco joined thousands of demonstrators Nov. 19-20 at Fort Benning, a U.S. Army base near Columbus, Georgia, to demand the closure of a facility that trains military personnel from Latin America and South American countries.

A diverse crowd of demonstrators gathered outside the gates of Fort Benning for the 16th year in a row to protest a training facility that critics say teaches military personnel to violate human rights and torture suspected political dissidents and alleged subversives in their home countries.

The Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation is the U.S. Army’s principal Spanish-language training facility for Latin American military personnel. It is the successor to the School of the Americas (SOA), a facility established in 1946 and legally closed in 2001. The WHINSEC is located in the same building and offers many of the same courses as the school it replaced.

In the past, critics of the school have tied it to Latin American military personnel involved in murders and human rights violations. However, an institute spokesman told Catholic News Service Nov. 21 that the charge that the facility teaches torture methods is “a ludicrous accusation.”

SOA Watch, which organized the protest, said 19,000 people participated, noting that this was the largest crowd since protests started in 1990 with 12 people. According to press reports, the Columbus police estimated the crowd at 15,000.

Judy Liteky, a parishioner at St. John of God Church in San Francisco, said the large turnout this year reflected deep concerns about the Iraq War and U.S. policy on torture.

“The protest was more solemn this year,” she said. Mrs. Liteky said the protest was also marked by a strong intergenerational aspect, and she expressed admiration for the many youth and young adults in attendance.

Notre Dame de Namur Sister Pat Hoffman described the Ecumenical nature of the SOA demonstration as “very powerful” and “an inspiration to continue working for peace and justice.”

Sister Hoffman attended the SOA protest specifically to honor Sister Dorothy Stang, who was murdered in Brazil in February. Notre Dame de Namur Sister Stang had worked with peasants in Brazil for 22 years before her death.

Thirty-nine people, including Franciscan Father Louis Vitale, were arrested after they breached the fence and entered the grounds of the Army base. Father Vitale, retired pastor of St.

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Students from the University of San Francisco were among many younger people at the Fort Benning demonstration.

Students represented other local schools, including Dominican University, Notre Dame de Namur University, St. Ignatius College Prep and Immaculate Conception Academy.

Boniface Parish, did not post bail and remains in jail awaiting a January trial.

Following the SOA protest in 2002, Father Vitale was arrested for trespassing and spent three months in jail.

In opposing the use of torture as a U.S. policy, some demonstrators carried photos of U.S. personnel abusing prisoners and cited news stories saying that secret CIA detention facilities exist where torture is used against alleged terrorists.

A spokesman for the Western Hemisphere Institute said “absolutely not” when asked by Catholic News Service if the institute teaches torture methods.

“This is a ludicrous accusation. The institute is open to outside scrutiny at any time,” said Lee Rials, institute public affairs officer.

Rials cited the board of visitors composed of 13 members from outside the institute to recommend and monitor policy.

Among the members are Bishop Robert C. Morlino of Madison, Wis., and Father Cletus Kiley, executive director of the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Priestly Life and Ministry.

Also on the board are members of Congress and people from the human rights, academic and business communities.

The School of the Americas, originally called the Latin American Training Center, began instructing Latin American military personnel in 1946. It was named the School of the Americas in 1963 and moved to Fort Benning from the Panama Canal Zone in 1984 when the zone came under Panamanian rule. The school was closed in 2000 and the Western Hemisphere Institute opened in 2001.

FORT BENNING, page 7 ST. CLARE’S RETREAT Santa Cruz

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MARRIED COUPLES RETREAT JAN. 20-22 Celebrate, Deepen, & Renew Rusty Shaughnessy, OFM, & Richard & Karla Obenessar

DEC. 30.........NEW YEARS RETREAT JAN. 1 A New Year...A New You Rusty Shaughnessy, OFM & Cheryl Thomsen, MS

Jan. 6 - 8

A Silent Retreat for Men & Women Open to all. Fr. Michael Barry, SS.CC. “Personal Vocation”

JAN. 2-6.........SILENT DIRECTED RETREAT Spiritual Direction Team

Jan. 13 - 15

Vietnamese Retreat

Jan. 30

Monday Day of Recollection 9:30 am – 2:30 pm $20.00 Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR

Feb. 3 - 5

Mother Daughter Retreat Open to all. Fr. Brian Mullady, O.P. “Catholic Womanhood”

JAN. 6-8.........SINGLE ADULTS RETREAT Longing For Union Victoria S. MacDonald, MA & Mark Schroeder, OFM JAN. 13-15.....FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY RETREAT A God Of All Kenan Osborne, OFM

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Conferences and Meetings Retreats and Spirituality Programs DECEMBER 8, 2005 “Mary, Woman Wrapped in Silence” Sister Toni Longo, ASC $35 includes lunch and program materials 10:00 am - 4:00 pm As we celebrate this holy day in honor of Mary, we are in awe of the ways she responded to God's call in her life with joy and simplicity. These same gifts are ours, too, for the receiving. Let us gather together and reflect on the ways God touches our lives deeply as we become men and women wrapped in silence. Mass will be celebrated.

DECEMBER 9 – 11, 2005 “Coping with Loneliness and the Holidays” Father Tom Madden and Carol Kaplan $170 for a single room; $150 for a shared room Holidays often are reminders of our aloneness and our loneliness.

During this weekend, participants will have an opportunity to learn techniques that will bring them through the holidays with ease.

DECEMBER 31, 2005 – JANUARY 1, 2006 “Were Not Our Hearts Burning Within Us...?” $100 per person Bishop John Wester This past year of 2005, like our lives, has been a journey. As we look back, our hearts are filled with gratitude. As we look forward, our hearts are filled with hope. This retreat will allow us to reflect and pray along the way with Jesus.

VALLOMBROSA CENTER

250 Oak Grove Avenue (650) 325-5614 Menlo Park, CA 94025 Fax: (650) 325-0908 E-mail: host@vallombrosa.org Web: www.vallombrosa.org

JAN 20-22

On Pilgrimage with Ignatius Silent Retreat for Men - Fr. Joseph J. Fice, S.J.

JAN 27-29

In the Service of God Our Lord Silent Retreat for Women - Fr. Thomas Weston, S.J.

FEB 3-5

Freedom: Gift of the Discerning Heart Retreat for Men / Women - Fr. Thomas J. Carroll, S.J.

FEB 10-12

For I Am Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Silent Retreat for Men - Fr. David Haschka, S.J.

FEB 17-19

Companions with Jesus on the Hero’s Journey Retreat on Male Spirituality - Fr. Max Olivia, S.J.

MAR 1 (WED)

Why Lent? Why All the Bother?

Ash Wednesday – Day of Prayer for Men / Women - Fr. Bernard J. Bush, S.J.

MAR 3-5

Jesus Christ Requests the Pleasure of Your Company at a Dinner to be Served in Your Home Tonight Silent Retreat for the Knights of Columbus - Fr. Peter F. Filice, S.J.

Call (650) 948-4491 for information / flyer 300 Manresa Way, Los Altos, CA 94022 E-mail: retreat@elretiro.org

Web: www.elretiro.org

Spiritual Retreats for Men and Women

Fort Benning . . .

■ Continued from page 6 SOA Watch was founded by Father Roy Bourgeois in 1990 as an effort to convince the U.S. government to close the facility. Central and South American officers who had been trained at the school have been implicated in numerous high-profile human rights violations and acts of terror in their home countries, including the murder of six Jesuit priests and two of their companions in 1989.

SOA critics say many of its graduates have been engaged in torture and human rights abuses, especially during the civil wars in Central America and during the mili-

Christian realism . . .

■ Continued from cover inclination or orientation,” Bishop Skylstad said. Also it is not acceptable for a candidate “to support the ‘gay culture’ and to be so concerned with homosexual issues that he cannot sincerely represent the Church’s teaching on sexuality.”

Bishop Skylstad said that the discussion in the media about this document raised the question “whether a homosexually-inclined man can be a good priest.”

Bishop Skylstad said that “the answer lies in the lives of those men who, with God’s grace, have truly been dedicated priests, seeking each day not to be served but to serve their people, faithfully representing in word and example the teaching of the Church in its fullness, including God’s revelation that sexual expression is intended only to take place between a husband and a wife in a loving, faithful, and life-giving marriage.”

Bishop Skylstad urged “all bishops and major superiors to make this Instruction the occasion for a comprehensive discussion with seminary rectors and vocation directors about the affective maturity which every priesthood candidate must manifest.” He also urged a “prayerful and honest discussion of the norms presented in the Instruction by

Catholic San Francisco

tary governments in South America in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

According to the Center for International Policy, the Western Hemisphere Institute has a budget of about $10 million per year and trains an average of 750 Latin and South American military personnel annually.

Defenders of the SOA and its successor, however, argue that the facility does not teach abuse, and that today the curriculum includes human rights as a component of every class. They also argue that no school Evangeline Mix, Don Haselfeld, Notre Dame de Namur Sister Pat Hoffman, should be held accountable for the actions Andrea Gross, Judy Liteky, and Arlene Schaupp at the SOA protest. of only some of its graduates. bishops and major superiors with their presbyterates, religious communities, and seminary candidates.”

In closing Bishop Skylstad said that “bishops and major superiors should be available to speak directly with brother priests and seminarians who personally face the problem of homosexual inclinations.” He added that “these discussions should manifest both fidelity to the truth about the priesthood expressed in the Instruction and also the respect, compassion, and sensitivity which the Catechism of the Catholic Church says should be extended to all those who face this struggle.”

Sulpician Father Gerald Brown, rector/president of St. Patrick Seminary in Menlo Park, said the Vatican document deserves study and discussion. He noted that the Vatican Instruction and the formation process share a recognition that the candidate for ordained ministry must possess an emotional maturity. “This maturity renders him able to put himself in the proper relation with men and women, and develops in him a true sense of spiritual fatherhood toward the ecclesial community entrusted to him,” he said.

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Retirement Fund for Religious The appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious, while national in scope, recognizes the urgent need of religious communities stricken by natural disaster in 2005. Numerous communities suffered losses and sometimes irreparable damage to offices, motherhouses and retirement facilities. Many sisters, brothers and order priests are now dispersed at health care sites that are far removed from all that is familiar.

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For the frail elderly religious who are our neighbors, as well as frail religious throughout the nation, we ask your prayers and donations.

Make your check payable to: Retirement Fund for Religious Send to: National Religious Retirement Office Attn: RFR/SF 3211 Fourth Street NE Washington DC 20017 Contributions are tax deductible.

Please ask your employer to match your donation.

Amount Enclosed: ❑ $500

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(PHOTOS BY JUDY LITEKY)

December 2, 2005

8

Catholic San Francisco

December 2, 2005

Asian quake . . .

■ Continued from cover “Most emergencies in the world, like the earthquake in Pakistan, sadly inspire inadequate responses on the global level,” he said, adding that the impressive response to the tsunami was, in part, a product of good media coverage.

“Images of the tsunami were extremely compelling and enabled people to empathize with the victims,” he said.

By comparison, there was no video footage of the recent earthquake, and the first reports of the emergency, according to Hartigan, “underestimated the tragedy, and it hasn’t remained as much in the news as more complete information has come out.”

Hartigan said the tsunami response was also helped by the disaster’s proximity to last year’s holiday season, whereas the earthquake followed a series of disasters — including Hurricane Katrina in the United States — that have left many feeling overwhelmed by appeals for humanitarian assistance.

Nonetheless, Hartigan said CRS, the U.S. bishops’ international relief and development agency, is receiving increasing support for its operations in Pakistan. “It took a little while for people to understand from the media coverage the extent of the problem, but people are continuing to give, and we are getting increasing support, even though the earthquake happened more than a month ago,” he said.

A Nov. 19 donor conference in Islamabad, Pakistan, produced a commitment by governments and multilateral institutions to provide $5.8 billion for relief and rehabilitation in earthquakeaffected areas. Yet much of the money is in the form of loans, and many aid experts worried that increasing Pakistan’s indebtedness will work against the country’s poor in the long run.

Aid workers also expressed concerns that the money they need to save lives simply will not arrive in time.

Elizabeth Byrs, spokeswoman for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said the United Nations has received only 23 percent of the almost $550 million it needs for its operations, and U.N. agencies are “currently working hand to mouth” with the money they have.

“Obviously, if the aid dries up or the money stops coming in, it’s like a house of cards. Everything could fall apart,” Byrs said Nov. 18 in Geneva, according to Agence France-Presse.

The coordinator of CRS’ relief operations in Pakistan, Gul Wali Khan, said the agency continues to race against time to provide isolated villagers with winterized tents before heavy snows close access to mountainous areas.

He said the effort has been slowed by delays in obtaining tents from manufacturers, and CRS has begun to look at alternative methods of transitional housing, using lightweight building materials that will not collapse during the continuing aftershocks.

Khan said the cooperation of Pakistan’s military has been a key element in reaching survivors who need help.

“I’ve been involved in disaster management for years, and this is the first time I’ve seen the military working side by side with civil society. The army has been very supportive, providing us with whatever we need,” he told CNS. Such a strong involvement by the military has been necessary, Khan said, because the quake wiped away the capacity of local authorities to respond.

“The local government structures are gone. The police stations are gone. The schools are gone. Normally in disasters the public buildings serve as shelters, but here they’re all gone, along with many of the people who worked inside them,” Khan said.

Hartigan praised the response of Pakistan’s government as “quick and proactive,” saying it rapidly facilitated getting customs clearance for relief materials and visas for foreign aid workers.

This was all the more remarkable, he said, given that the quake occurred in a region — including the contested Indian-controlled

Kashmir — that Pakistan has seen as politically sensitive.

“This is an area of Pakistan with a strong military presence for historic reasons, so this probably doesn’t represent any enlargement of the military’s role in this part of the country. What’s rather unique is the openness of the authorities to the presence of foreign aid organizations in an area that they consider strategically sensitive,” Hartigan said.

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December 2, 2005

Catholic San Francisco

9

The Catholic Difference Twenty-one years in Washington, D.C., should have rendered me impervious to the bizarre. But I confess to having been taken aback in mid-October when, inside a grocery where I was vainly searching for some decent Pecorino Romano, I saw an enormous Christmas display with ersatz snow and all the trimmings. It was bad enough when stores started putting out the Christmas decorations (or, as they now say, “holiday decorations”) a nanosecond after sweeping their shelves of leftover candy corn and other Halloween goodies beloved of dentists with medical school bills to pay.

But Santa and the elves two weeks before Halloween?

It works the same way at the other end, so to speak. The estimable Father John Jay Hughes reports that the St. Louis Post-Dispatch ran a feature article last December 26 on how to disassemble and store Christmas decorations. As Father Hughes commented, “In my childhood, thanks to my Anglican priest-father, we were never permitted to put up the tree or any Christmas decorations until Christmas Eve. And once up, they stayed there until at least the Octave of Epiphany” (which, I’d perhaps better note, would be January 13 – if, that is, the bishops hadn’t moved Epiphany from its proper date to a nearby Sunday, a folly surpassed only by the biblical absurdity of Ascension Thursday Sunday).

Fifteen years of intense involvement with Poles and Poland has given me an even more capacious view of the Christmas season. In Poland, the decorations stay up, the Christmas carols are sung, and the celebration of the

Incarnation continues until February 2, the Feast of the Presentation, or Candlemas. That’s the way it was in the papal apartment in Rome between 1978 and 2004. And that’s the way it will be in Poland’s intact Catholic culture this year.

Railing against secular America’s calendrical translation of the “Christmas season” into a period between mid-October and 8 a.m. December 26 (or whenever the post-Christmas sales start at the malls) is of less importance, though, than trying to ensure that the Church’s Advent and Christmas seasons are not temporally hijacked by the surrounding culture. If memory serves, Advent got exceedingly short shrift last year, being essentially just three weeks long: which meant twentyfive percent less time to reflect on the two great themes of that wonderful time – the Second Coming and the Incarnation.

Worse yet, more and more Catholic churches seemed to be succumbing to the secular redefinition of the seasons by putting up Christmas decorations during the third or even second week of Advent. The truncation was just as bad at the far end, what with the transfer of Epiphany to Sunday, January 2.

We need more Advent and Christmas, not less – but we need them at the proper time, which is the Church’s time, not Macy’s time or Wal-Mart’s time. Taking Advent seriously would be a good beginning. The widespread use of Advent wreathes in churches is a welcome development. Even more welcome would be pastors actively encouraging every Catholic family to have an Advent wreath in their home, to learn the rituals of lighting it, and to pray together at the night-

ly lighting of the wreath during one of the most spiritually rich seasons of the Church’s year of grace.

Reconstituting the liturgical calendar would also help. The Solemnity of the Epiphany belongs on January 6, period.

George Weigel Restoring Epiphany to its proper place would do justice to a generally neglected feast; in a nifty countercultural move, it would also stretch the Christmas season back to its proper length. And while we’re on the Epiphany, why not stretch it out, too? Bringing back, say, three “Sundays After Epiphany” would give the Church a greater opportunity to pray over the mission-to-thenations, one of the great themes embedded in the Lord’s “epiphany.” What’s the rush to get to “Ordinary Time” (an illadvised moniker if ever there was one)? Wouldn’t it be spiritually beneficial to spend more time in that extraordinary time marked by Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany?

Let’s be different. Let’s let liturgical time define this unique time of the year.

I remember feeling confused, making a slight movement to go closer and then looking at my little brother and seeing the frightened look on his face. Then suddenly, the man sped away. The next thing I remember is a police officer sitting at our kitchen table and my mom crying. She told me they caught him but later when I was older she told me they didn’t. Aside from a few scattered images, this is my first real memory, and replaying it as an adult I realized that if I had gotten in the car that probably would have been the end of me.

As any parent will know, with kids, there are always “near misses” of calamity involved. Recently my son was riding his bike down my parents’ very steep driveway and lost control of his brakes. I was standing at the bottom and noticed he seemed to be picking up too much speed. “Put on your brakes!” I yelled. “I can’t!” he said back, and I could see the panic on his face. What to do, with only seconds to decide? My first thought was to just stand in front of the bike like a human barricade, but I realized there was a good chance we would both be seriously injured. I ran up to him as far as I could and I got next to him and as he shot

by I attempted to pull him off the bike. He was going so fast that he only hit my outstreched arm very hard but it knocked him off the bike and he landed next to it with only minor scratches. Him crying, Lynn Smith me shaking, we sat on the ground for a few minutes hugging.

I remember reading the “Little House” books as a child and whenever a truly horrible calamity was narrowly averted Ma would say, “All’s well that ends well.” I thought this to be a very practical way to look at things. But I would just add one more thing- “Thank you Jesus. I know you were there.”

George Weigel is a senior fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C.

Family Life

Giving thanks When I hear about something truly horrific happening, I wonder, “How could God allow this to happen?” With all the recent disasters - hurricanes and earthquakes - and all of the suffering involved, it’s been on my mind. How could this be part of God’s plan?

I know in my own life I’ve had points where I’ve felt the same - Where are you God? Why is this happening?

But I’ve also been thinking recently (and maybe this part of becoming a parent, or maybe it’s just part of getting older) of all the “near misses” in my life, and feeling extremely grateful.

When I was four and my younger brother about two, we were playing on the corner of our street, about half a block from our house. There was some new landscaping in front of the corner house, and when a car pulled up alongside of us I thought we were going to get in trouble for trying to move one of the new large rocks. The driver’s door opened and although I don’t think he ever spoke, the driver leaned forward and pulled his seat forward (it must have been a two-door car) and motioned for me to get in the back seat. He was naked from the waist down.

Lynn Smith, her husband and son are parishioners at Saint Monica’s in San Francisco.

Spirituality

Feeling God in vulnerability Sometimes we understand things through their absence.

The experience of loneliness teaches us about love.

Sometimes too the more painful the absence, the more we’re opened to what we’re missing. The more fierce and raging the loneliness, the bigger the cavern for love it creates inside of us.

That’s true too for our understanding of God and what it means to draw life from God. If loneliness is what we feel when love is absent, what do we feel when God and grace are seemingly absent? And if loneliness stretches our hearts for deeper love, what does a feeling of God’s absence create inside of us?

We feel the seeming absence of God whenever we feel these things: anxiety for no apparent reason, feelings of guilt we can’t explain, a helplessness we can’t do anything about, fear of death, a nagging sense that something isn’t right, and the inchoate feeling that nothing’s enough, that we aren’t enough, that life isn’t enough, that we’re standing on the edge of nothingness.

At one level, these feelings can all be explained away as nothing more than neuroses, signs of immaturity, over-sensitivity, as signs that we’re weak, over-timid, out-of-sorts.

That can be true, but sensitivity also indicates life, humanity, depth, feeling, faith. What’s alive is sentient, tender to feeling.

It’s what’s inanimate and dead that’s never crippled by feelings.

Brute things don’t suffer anxiety, rocks don’t worry about betrayal, and self-centred egoists aren’t concerned about sin. To be anxious, uneasy, haunted by the unseen, and worried that somehow we aren’t good enough, can also be a sign of being in touch with something deeper, namely, of being sentient and attuned to the fact that we’re creatures and not God and we must, therefore, be graced and justified by God in order to receive life and salvation.

What does that mean?

Catholics and Protestants have used different languages to explain this, though, in the end, we’ve both had the same concept.

Those of us who were raised Roman Catholics, grew up with the notion of “grace”. For us, the key to living was to be always “in the state of grace”. The big worry was to die “outside of grace”. Negatively, we understood grace as the opposite of sin.

Positively, we defined it as being alive inside the Body of Christ.

Protestants mostly used a different language (even as they wrote the timeless hymn, Amazing Grace). They spoke of “justification”, a concept they took from St. Paul. For them, life ultimately had meaning or not and one entered heaven or not on the basis of being justified by God. But what does that mean?

This isn’t an easy concept to grasp or explain. The biblical language is clear, but concept, like most deep things, is not something we easily get our minds around.

“Justification” (which can also be translated as “Righteousness”) is, first of all, something inside of God. What?

We can only dance around its meaning. It refers to a substantiality, a wholeness, a goodness, a perfection, and an immortality that we can’t imagine but can partially intuit through our experience of its absence. What are we missing that God has?

Classical theology defined God as “Ipsum Esse Subsistens”, self- sufficient being. Only God does not need anything outside of Self in order to come into existence and remain in existence.

Everything else, including every human person and humanity itself, needs someone or something outside of itself to be born and to stay in existence. Alone, all by ourselves, we lack a substance, a meaning, and a goodness that we’re powerless to give ourselves.

Alone we do stand on the brink of nothingness - and, when we’re

sensitive and attuned to things, we know it!

And what we lack is what’s inside of God substance, life, meaning, beauty, goodness, community, love. Only God can give these to us. For Roman Catholics, God Father gives them to us through Ron Rolheiser grace; for Protestants, God gives them through justification. Either way, there’s no life, no meaning, and no future outside of this gift.

And though we can deny this to ourselves, our experience belies that. We feel our vulnerability, our mortality, our powerlessness in every breath we take. We can’t give ourselves life and we can’t even protect ourselves in the life we’re living. Nobody is invulnerable.

No matter our achievements, no matter how strong our self-image, no matter how blessed we are in body, mind, and possessions, in the end, we’re all insubstantial - and we feel it! We aren’t Ipsum Esse Subsistens.

We can’t give ourselves life, meaning, love, immortality; and, when we feel this, we’re opened, soul, mind, body, to the gift of life and salvation that can only come from God. God can give to us what we can’t give to ourselves.

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

JOHN EARLE PHOTO

That incredible shrinking Advent-Christmas season

10

Catholic San Francisco

December 2, 2005

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7; Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37 A READING FROM THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH (IS 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7) You, Lord, are our father, our redeemer you are named forever.

Why do you let us wander, O Lord, from your ways, and harden our hearts so that we fear you not?

Return for the sake of your servants, the tribes of your heritage.

Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, with the mountains quaking before you, while you wrought awesome deeds we could not hope for, such as they had not heard of from of old.

No ear has ever heard, no eye ever seen, any God but you doing such deeds for those who wait for him.

Would that you might meet us doing right, that we were mindful of you in our ways!

Behold, you are angry, and we are sinful; all of us have become like unclean people, all our good deeds are like polluted rags; we have all withered like leaves, and our guilt carries us away like the wind.

There is none who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to cling to you; for you have hidden your face from us and have delivered us up to our guilt.

Yet, O Lord, you are our father; we are the clay and you the potter: we are all the work of your hands.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM (PS 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19) R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

O shepherd of Israel, hearken, from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth.

Rouse your power, and come to save us.

R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

Once again, O Lord of hosts, look down from heaven, and see;

take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted the son of man whom you yourself made strong.

R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

May your help be with the man of your right hand, with the son of man whom you yourself made strong.

Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name.

R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

A READING FROM THE FIRST LETTER OF SAINT PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS (1 COR 1:3-9) Brothers and sisters: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you, so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

A READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK (MK 13:33-37) Jesus said to his disciples: “Be watchful!

Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his own work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch. Watch, therefore; you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.

What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’”

St. John the Baptist – Andrea Del Sarto, 1528.

Scripture FATHER GERARD O’ROURKE

Be alert this New Year Coming off the celebrations of Thanksgiving is a good time for us to celebrate our New Year in the Church.

Advent is our new year; our liturgical year begins with the Advent Season.

I have noticed that people of other religions usually celebrate their new year festivals with fervor, even gusto. At best, we in the Catholic Church are nonchalant about our new year. You could say we seem to be indifferent about it, even reluctant to take it on as a celebration.

With all of the gloom and doom that comes to us in giant waves from the news, the media, and even from the drum-filled sound that passes for much of our music, let us take on the challenge of Advent this year with a new verve and enthusiasm.

Let us have a new listening for the Word of God as we begin the Advent Season. Let us give up our cowering and our fears as we listen to the lead words of the Gospel reading for the First Sunday of Advent: “Be Watchful! Be Alert!”

Notice that we have switched from Matthew’s Gospel to the Gospel of Mark.

Saint Mark tends to be less loquacious; to the point; direct; requiring us to be attentive and to stay focused as we listen.

“Be watchful! Be alert!” is the kind of language we need to stay focused on as we attempt to cope with the noise and the incessant blaring of the advertising world as it urges us, pleads with us, cajoles us, even commands us to spend during what they euphemistically call the “Holiday Season”.

However, if we are watchful and alert, we do know that beyond or behind the razzle-dazzle of the “Holiday Season” that there is the possibility of a true and genuine spirit of generosity and authentic celebration. We do not have to look far to be inspired to be generous as we begin our New Year and as we prepare ourselves to authentically celebrate the birthday of Jesus. Good causes abound, including many of the most worthy and appealing causes in our own Church, with all its charitable activities both at home and abroad.

And how about being watchful and alert in making a difference with the great spiritual gifts given to us when we were baptized; gifts which were designed to be used by us throughout our lives. We Catholics in our age are the most literate and well trained over the history of our Church. We have therefore a huge challenge to listen to the Word of God with renewed and profound alertness. We need this new listening as we continue to develop, grow and expand in our spiritual lives.

It has been very startling for me to realize that we are not seen in our secular world today as a Church rich in spirituali-

ty. Yes, we are seen as a religious people rich in tradition with wonderful schools and centers of learning. But when it comes to spirituality that has a powerful depth of prayer and refined systems which give meaning and integrity to peoples lives, we are not seen as strong in those areas. In other words, when many people are searching for nourishment for their souls and minds they do not look to our Church and its resources for their spiritual needs.

They often look into the Eastern religious systems. It is as if our Church is not seen by such people, or even by our own people, specially our younger people, as having anything to offer in those areas.

I note this phenomenon not as a complaint or a censure, but as a challenge to us as we begin our new year in the Church.

Our history and our tradition as a Church is filled with wonderful spiritual masters, both men and women. It has had many spiritual and mystical systems and processes that go back to our founder, Jesus Christ. Jesus taught us and lived for us a life filled with a deep spirituality. His prayer was vocal, meditative and contemplative. The Gospels attest to this. They record Him taking time off, again and again, so that he can spend hours in silent prayer. He unabashedly proclaims his love for his Heavenly Father, a love that inspired his profound love for all the people he met, especially those in need of healing, forgiveness and mercy.

This is the legacy of spirituality that Jesus gave to us. It is full of the “Good News” of God’s love for us all. It is full of the spirit of faith, of hope and of love. It is full of a magnificent and nurturing spirituality that has inspired our people for nearly two-thousand years.

So as we begin our new year of faith, let us remind ourselves of these wonderful traditions. May we be alert as we re-search anew in our faith for the spiritual riches that are appropriate for our time now.

This is what our people in the past, including our great spiritual masters, did.

They created new ways to pray and live in their time. So can we in our time. We can become conscious of the abundant gifts of our faith. We can be open to the great gift of forgiveness that frees us and cleanses us. We can be a people of prayer, including the prayer of silence, that calms us and fills us with peace and the love of Christ as we joyfully approach the celebration of his birthday at our Christmas Mass.

Father Gerard O’Rourke is Director Emeritus of the Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

Prayer for Advent Father, all-powerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan.

Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces his glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

December 2, 2005

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11; Psalm 85:9-10-11-12, 13-14; 2 Peter 3:8-14; Mark 1:1-8 A READING FROM THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH (IS 40:1-5, 9-11) Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an end, her guilt is expiated; indeed, she has received from the hand of the Lord double for all her sins.

A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the Lord!

Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low; the rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country, a broad valley.

Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

Go up on to a high mountain, Zion, herald of glad tidings; cry out at the top of your voice, Jerusalem, herald of good news!

Fear not to cry out and say to the cities of Judah: Here is your God! Here comes with power the Lord God, who rules by his strong arm; here is his reward with him, his recompense before him.

Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM (PS 85:9-10-11-12, 13-14) R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

I will hear what God proclaims; the Lord – for he proclaims peace to his people.

Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss.

Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

The Lord himself will give his benefits;

our land shall yield its increase.

Justice shall walk before him, and prepare the way of his steps.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

A READING FROM THE SECOND LETTER OF SAINT PETER (2 PT 3:8-14) Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard “delay,” but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar and the elements will be dissolved by fire, and the earth and everything done on it will be found out.

Since everything is to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be, conducting yourselves in holiness and devotion, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved in flames and the elements melted by fire. But according to his promise we await new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Therefore, beloved, since you await these things, be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace.

A READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK (MK 1:1-8) The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way.

A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.”

John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Birth of Jesus (detail) – Giotto, 1306.

Catholic San Francisco

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Scripture FATHER PHIL BLOOM

They acknowledged their sins Recently I asked a medical professional if marijuana causes any long-term effects. He told me that some studies suggest it may affect the part of the brain that enables a person to move from intention to action. They might form good plans, which they announce to friends, but when it comes to realizing their goals, they seem stymied or even indifferent - as if their good intention was the only thing which counts.

Whether these studies are accurate, I will let others judge. However, it seems all of us have some difficulties in bringing good intentions into reality. Today’s Gospel offers a remedy. When the people came to John seeking a “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,” they did not passively participate in a rite. Rather, “They acknowledged their sins.”

(Mk 1:15) The Anglican author, C.S. Lewis encouraged confession of sins to a priest. The practice can help a person move beyond vague goals. “I want to be a better, more loving person.”

(Whoopee!) You know, those people near you don’t care about your wonderful plans; they would like some specific changes. It’s amazing what happens when one reviews the Commandments and expresses to another human being where one has fallen short - not ten years ago, but in the last ten days: I lost patience, took out my anger on the wrong person, I swore five times, I looked at Internet pornography, I returned a barbed comment.

C.S. Lewis suggested that if a person does not practice confession to a priest, he, at least, should list his most significant failings.

Acknowledging specific sins can have a salutary effect. It not only enables us to make genuine progress, but to do something even more profound. Unless we recognize our failings and make an effort to correct them, we will never face who we truly are.

John preached a baptism of repentance.

Why? To prepare the way for one mightier than himself. Our striving - and at some point, failure - to live God’s law can open us to the gift John prophesies: a baptism with the Holy Spirit (1:8). The near unanimous Christian tradition testifies that he is referring to the Sacrament.

Jesus tells us that in order to enter the kingdom of heaven, it is necessary to be “reborn by water and the Holy Spirit.” (Jn 3:5) That is the greatest gift the Church has to offer, whether conferred upon an adult or a child of faithfilled parents. But it sometimes can be like a Christmas gift which gets lost in the shuffle and somehow remains unopened. For that reason we have the Sacrament of Reconciliation which the Fathers described as a “second baptism.” I encourage you to avail yourself of that stupendous grace by acknowledging your sins.

Father Phil Bloom is pastor of Holy Family Parish in Seattle.

The Season of Hope

By Joseph Previtali Have you ever looked forward to something? I mean really looked forward to something. Maybe it was a birthday party, or a ballgame, or a nice dinner out on the town.

Whatever the long-awaited event or activity, didn’t the time leading up to it have a different quality than other times? Wasn’t there a certain spring in your step as you went about your daily business, filled with excitement and anticipation? Maybe the moments of excitement and anticipation were only momentary and sporadic, but didn’t they bring a zest to life that wasn’t there before?

Well, if you answered yes (which I bet goes for everyone who has thought about it long enough), then you can say with all certainty that you have experienced hope.

‘Hope?’ you ask. Yes, hope. Natural hope.

God has made human beings in such a way that we are creatures of hope. We live in the present and we remember the past, but we are always looking ahead to the future. While this can be destructive if not placed in its proper context, this looking-ahead can also be the source of a new joy in Jesus Christ. And this new Christian joy is what our Catholic tradition calls the theological virtue of hope; “theological” because it comes from God and leads us back to God, and “virtue” because it becomes in us a permanent capacity for the good action of looking-ahead to God and life forever in His kingdom.

Our need for theological hope in our lives stems from the truth about human beings: that we are made for God, and that our ultimate end is not in this life, but in the next life with Him. We are pilgrims and wayfarers on the earth, seeking a lasting city that is yet to come.

There are two kinds of hopelessness: despair and presumption. Despair denies that human beings are made for life with God, and instead decides that our ultimate purpose is to be found during our lives on earth.

Presumption does not take seriously the ability of the human being to choose for or against

God. Rather, presumption decides that we will all go to Heaven no matter what we do, and lives as if Heaven were something due to us.

Hope, on the other hand, fiercely maintains the reality of eternal life. Hope declares that this world is passing away, and that our fulfillment is to live with God forever in the next life. Hope desires above all else the coming of the Lord Jesus again in glory. At the same time, hope is also deeply aware of the great dignity that God has given to human beings in creating us the authors of and morally responsible for our own actions. Hope knows that we cannot presume that we are already saved, but that we must beg God for the help to persevere in grace to the end of our lives.

As far as liturgical seasons go, Advent is unique in that it is the one time of the liturgical year that the Church focuses primarily on the virtue of hope. The liturgical texts of the Advent season are filled with rich imagery of this looking-ahead to Jesus: “The mountains will sing praise to God; the trees of the forest will clap their hands, for he is coming, the Lord of a kingdom that lasts forever…on that day sweet wine will flow from the mountains, milk and honey from the hills.”

During this season of hope, the Church awaits anew the first coming of the Messiah, born of the Virgin Mary, and, in so doing, looks ahead in theological hope to the second coming of the Messiah in all His glory and majesty, when God will be all in all.

And as our days and hours acquire a new joyful and textured quality when we experience the passion of natural hope, our entire lives can acquire a new joy and peace and meaning when we exercise the theological virtue of supernatural hope. The passing joy that is ours during these particularly festive December days is but a shadow of the lasting, deep, peace-bringing joy that can be ours through hope in every moment of our lives.

Joseph Previtali is a seminarian for the Archdiocese of San Francisco studying in Rome.

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Catholic San Francisco

December 2, 2005

December 2, 2005

Catholic San Francisco

13

Local charities have many opportunities for Christmas giving “Come, you who are blessed by my Father For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.”

(Mt. 25: 34-36)

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY OF SAN FRANCISCO

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY OF SAN MATEO COUNTY The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of San Mateo County serves as a critical component in San Mateo County’s continuum of care. When personal and public resources are exhausted, SVDP is a lifeline for people struggling to survive. In the spirit of Christ, who leads our ministry, we help all individuals based solely on their verified need – without judgment or qualification.

Rain ponchos, new sleeping bags, socks, underwear for men and women, gloves and knit hats, gift certificates to shoe stores (e.g. Payless Shoes). Toiletries, razors and shaving cream, feminine hygiene products.

Food items such as canned tuna or nonperishable proteinrich entrees, individual packets of hot cocoa mix, instant soup mixes.

SOMEONE SVDP

The St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco is an independent Catholic lay organization that serves people in need — without judgment, whatever their situation. SVDP’s city-wide programs help more than 1,000 individuals per day and include operation of the largest shelter for homeless men and women in Northern California, as well as a trio of programs at the Riley Center for women and children victims of domestic violence.

The Vincentian Help Desk located in the Tenderloin, provides food and clothing to 60-80 homeless individuals per day and provides emergency food baskets to the poor. For information on other SVDP San Francisco programs visit www.svdp-sf.org.

TO DROP OFF/MAIL DONATIONS

Food, clothing and shoes donations can be dropped off at: The Vincentian Help Desk, 470 Ellis St., San Francisco, CA 94102, or call Sally Rosen at (415) 202-9955.

Cash donations can be mailed to: St. Vincent de Paul Society, 425 Fourth St., San Francisco, CA 94107, or made online at www.justgive.org, or call (415) 977-1270 x3021.

WISH LIST Cash Donations — At this time of year the St. Vincent de Paul Society utilizes cash donations to provide food baskets to poor families. More than 185 food baskets were delivered in San Francisco at Thanksgiving.

Foods most urgently needed include canned vegetables and canned meats. Other canned foods that do not require extensive preparation are also gladly received. Nutritious dried foods such as rice, beans, pasta and cereal are appreciated too.

SVDP is especially in need of men’s shoes in large sizes 11+ as well as belts, and warm coats, and personal hygiene items including toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, razors, combs and brushes. New socks and underwear are always needed.

Small microwaves, crock pots, electric fry pans, can openers, eat-

SOMEONE SVDP

WISH LIST Household appliances, restaurant and grocery store vouchers, clothes, computer. Contact CCCYO at (415) 972 - 1200.

Our perpetual shortage at St. Vincent’s of Marin is meat of any kind, especially during the holidays. We treasure any donation of ham, roast beef, chicken, or ground beef to create well-balanced and fortifying meals for those who depend on us. Last year in November and December alone, St. Vincent’s served 25,000 meals to individuals and families struggling to make ends meet during the holidays, and our wish is to serve hearty, wholesome meals to all who need them.

DROP OFF/MAIL DONATIONS People of all ages are made to feel TOContributions can be dropped off at 820 “B” Street, at home by the St. Vincent de Paul Downtown San Rafael, from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., seven days Society of San Mateo County. a week. Call (415) 454-3303.

tance helped her stay housed and stable, as she waits to give birth. Her child is Christ for us as we are all called to be Christ for one another.

ST. ANTHONY FOUNDATION For more than 55 years, St. Anthony Foundation has worked to restore health, hope and human dignity for San Francisco’s poor and homeless population. Our services, provided free to guests, include St. Anthony Dining Room; St. Anthony Free Medical Clinic; a social work center and a justice, education, volunteer, and advocacy program. We provide these essential resources in a community of dignity and respect where guests find opportunities for empowerment and personal transformation.

Toiletries, new underwear, new socks, warm coats, umbrellas, gloves, scarves, pajamas, backpacks, ear plugs, towels, wash cloths, new linens, blankets, wallets, rain coats, art supplies, alarm clocks, gift cards and gift certificates, office supplies, clothing — especially of for men and infants, strollers in good condition, dishes, pots and pans, silverware, new or likenew toys.

TO DROP OFF/MAIL DONATIONS

119 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102 12/17, 12/18 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

12/19-12/24 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

12/25 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Mailing Address: 121 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102 Contact Phone: (415) 241-2600

SOMEONE THE DEREK SILVA COMMUNITY

SOMEONE THE HAS HELPED Monique is a single mother with a 4-year old son. She and ST. ANTHONY FOUNDATION

her son were homeless for years, living in and out of shelters.

The Derek Silva Community helped her acquire subsidized housing; case management services for recovery and mental health issues; parenting classes; enrollment of her child in Head Start Program; and connected mother and child with primary care providers. Now mother and son are healthy and happy in a stable housing with many resources to assist and guide them.

HAS HELPED

Kneeling down to carefully inspect the selection of picture frames, Jeanette said, mostly to herself, “I don’t have any pictures. I have to take some new ones.” Jeanette, 20, and her cousin, Allison, 21, had lost their home and all their belongings in a crisis when she came to St. Anthony’s Clothing and Furniture Program. She had been in college, and was just nine months from graduation when her life

There was a young woman who entered our Dining Room just to get something to eat. She was hungry, cold, homeless and drug addicted. She was tired of looking in dumpsters for food. She was tired of sleeping on a bench. Mostly, she was tired of what her life had become. On the streets, she heard about St. Vincent’s, and all she wanted was some food. She came once, and she kept coming back. She started to get to know the volunteers, who always

had a smile and a listening heart. She got to know the other diners, who were looking for jobs and a better way of life. One diner in particular caught her eye, and he became her husband.

Together, they used the resources at St. Vincent’s to conquer their addictions and find entry-level jobs, but they struggled to afford an apartment, which they needed desperately because their baby was soon to arrive. An opening arose in one of St. Vincent’s lowincome apartments over the Dining Room, and St. Vincent’s offered it to her. By the time her baby boy was born, she had an apartment, an income, and a stable family life.

Founded in 1907 and rooted in our faith traditions of charity and justice, Catholic Charities CYO supports families, aging and disabled adults, and youth through social services and opportunities for healthy growth and development. CCCYO is one of the largest nonprofit providers of social services in the Bay Area. Today we operate more than 30 programs throughout San Francisco, Marin and San Mateo counties, helping people of all faiths; everyone is welcome.

These programs change the lives of children, families in crisis, single parents, the homeless, the elderly and refugees and immigrants.

Catholic Charities CYO’s OMI Senior Center provides a sensible way to help seniors stay physically and mentally active.

WISH LIST

WHERE

SOMEONE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY OF MARIN HAS HELPED

A mother and daughter might have gone hungry but for the help of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin County.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES CYO OMI SENIOR CENTER

HAS HELPED

A long-term resident at the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s homeless shelter says he has managed to take charge of his life thanks to a case manager. Upon learning of his diagnosis of HIV+ through a street outreach team, he asked to see one of our case managers and found help with what he was going through emotionally and physically. He was linked with Shanti, a local Aids Service Organization that has support groups for homeless men living with HIV. From there he was referred to South of Market Mental Health for counseling and a medication evaluation. He was accepted for housing and is currently residing at a South of Market facility. He continues to follow-up with his case manager and is spending a majority of his time volunteering at his church.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES CYO DEREK SILVA COMMUNITY Derek Silva Community’s serves low-income individuals with HIV, many of whom have mental health and/or substance use issues. They are a diverse group and include mothers with children, elderly as well as men and women who once worked but no longer can do so due to their disability. Derek Silva Community provides safe, secure housing, and offers residents on-site access to a Social Services Program.

HAS HELPED

A 26 year-old pregnant woman — out of work for six weeks due to an illness affecting her pregnancy – did not have enough money to pay the $300 rent for the room where she lives. She had been declined aid at another service agency but St. Vincent De Paul was able to help. The assis-

ing and cooking utensils, coffee pots, rice cookers etc. are welcome.

Throughout the year SVDP is in need of volunteers to assist at our program sites. Please visit our website at www.svdp-sf.org or call Michael Lynch at (415) 977-1270 x3003 for further information.

WHERE

WISH LIST

TO DROP OFF MAIL DONATIONS

Donations for SVDP-San Mateo’s three homeless help centers may be dropped off at 50 North B Street in San Mateo.

Monetary donations may be mailed to 50 North B Street, San Mateo, CA 94401. For more information call Margaret Jung at (650) 373-0622.

A young woman about to break bread at the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s Multi-Service Center/Homeless Shelter.

St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin County provides services to the poor and needy who might not otherwise receive help.

Often, St. Vincent’s is the County’s most accessible and nonthreatening resource for those trying to get off the streets and end cycles of poverty and/or addiction. While free food is the draw for many of our first-time visitors, diners find a gentle kind of love, acceptance, and assistance that enables them to envision and seek out a better life. SVDP/Marin served 200,000 meals last year at its San Rafael Dining Room. The organization’s Assistance Desk assists some 1,400 clients each year.

WISH LIST

WHERE

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY OF MARIN COUNTY

A family enjoys a midday meal at St. Anthony Dining Room. was turned upside down. Now, with little to call her own, she had to rebuild. She needed to get a job, furnish her new apartment, and begin this new and unexpected chapter of her life.

When Jeanette arrived at the Clothing and Furniture Program, she only owned the clothes she was wearing and the slippers on her feet. It was relief when staff helped her find a change of clothes before her job interview the next day. She also chose housewares and furniture for the new apartment she shares with her cousin. Staff walked Jeanette through the furniture showroom, helping her pick out enough pots and pans to start their kitchen, decide on a dining room table, and select the right sized couch. The next morning, St. Anthony’s delivered the furniture right to their doorstep.

WISH LIST Fax machine (non carbon), two- or four-slice toasters, combination printer, scanner and copier, 15-20 chairs, sound system, microphone with amplifier, surround stereo system, cable TV Installation and one year subscription, DVD player, exercise DVDs, Karaoke CDs, piano tuning, 70 holiday gifts for seniors.

WHERE

TO DROP OFF/MAIL DONATIONS

OMI Senior Center 1948 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94127 (415) 587-1443

SOMEONE CATHOLIC CHARITIES CYO HAS

HELPED

An 85-year-old woman, living alone in the Sunset District, has been coming to the OMI Senior Center for more than five years.

First she participated in one of our field trips, invited by a friend.

Soon she was socializing in our hot lunch program, parties and Bingo. Two years ago, she underwent heart bypass surgery. During

Arts and crafts are a highlight for seniors at CCCYO’s San Francisco Adult Day Support. her recovery, a CCCYO Social Worker set her up with one of our Home Care Workers to help with household chores and meal preparation. Recently, the Home Care Worker began to notice the woman’s increased forgetfulness. A call was placed to the woman’s daughter, who was aware of the memory loss, but was not aware of the services available to her. She still enjoys her lunch and BINGO at the OMI Senior Center on Tuesdays and Fridays, and is simultaneously transitioning into the Adult Day Support Program on Mondays and Wednesdays. Our programs, combined, have provided relief and support for her and her family.

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Catholic San Francisco

December 2, 2005

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JUBILARIANS

2005

DOMINICAN SISTERS OF MISSION SAN JOSE 70 years Sister Margaret Hewelcke, OP, was born in San Francisco and attended St. James Elementary School and Immaculate Conception Academy where she later taught. She now lives in Queen of Peace Community in Fremont servibg as a library assistant and bookkeeper.

60 years Sister Mary Helen Williges, OP, was born in San Francisco and attended St. Anthony Elementary School, where she later taught, and Immaculate Conception Academy. She served for more than a dozen years at St. Vincent Home for Boys in San Rafael and today lives at St. Joseph Priory in Fremont.

Sister Mary Stephen Sartoris, OP, attended schools in Southern California. She is a former member of the faculty at St. James Elementary School and today lives in Los Angeles.

Sister Mary Hilary Miller, OP, was born in San Francisco and attended St. James Elementary School and Immaculate Conception Academy. She taught and served as principal at schools in the East Bay and in Los Angeles.

50 years Sister Maria de Los Angeles Prado, OP, was born and educated in Mexico and is currently a teacher’s aide there.

Sister Barbara Darby, OP, formerly known as Sister Mary Leonard, taught at St. Anthony and St. James elementary schools in San Francisco. She lives today in Los Angeles.

Sister Patricia Layman, OP, formerly known as Sister Mary Ignatius, taught at St. Vincent School for Boys in San Rafael as well as at schools in Oakland. She lives today in Los Angeles.

Sister Ramona Bascom, OP, was born and educated in Southern California and taught at many schools there. Today she lives and teaches in Los Angeles.

Sister Sylvia Conant, OP, is a former member of the faculty at St. Vincent School for Boys in San Rafael. She lives today at Queen of Peace Community in Fremont.

Sister Clara Irene de Santiago, OP, was born in Mexico and serves today in that country.

Sister Denise Lazaro, OP, attended schools in Oakland. She is a former member of the faculty at San Francisco’s St. Anthony elementary and the restructured St. Anthony-Immaculate Conception elementary schools. She lives to day in Fremont where she teaches.

SINSINAWA DOMINICAN SISTERS

DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY

Bottom from left: Sisters Maria de Los Angeles Prado, Margaret Hewelcke, Mary Henry Williges, Mary Stephen sartoris. Middle from left: Sisters Barbara Darby, Mary Hilary Miller, Patricia Layman, Ramona Bascom. Top from left: Sisters Sylvia Conant, Clara Irene de Santiago, Denise Lazaro.

25 years

50 years

Sister Mary Hale, DC

Sister Christina Heltsley, O.P.

Sister Susan Ostrowski, O.P.

Sister Mary Hale, DC, attended All Hallows Elementary School and St. Vincent High School – later Cathedral High School and merged in 1987 to become Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory - in San Francisco.

For many years, Sister Mary taught at the high school level including her alma mater. She is also a former Director of Investment Services for the Daughters of Charity National Health System and Vice President of Mission Services at Seton Medical Center in Daly City.

Today, she serves as Treasurer for the Daughters of Charity, Province of the West in Los Altos Hills.

SALESIAN SISTERS – DAUGHTERS OF MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS

25 years

50 years

Sister Christina Heltsley, O.P., formerly known as Sister Margaret Christine, was born in Southern California. Sister Christina's ministry has been dedicated to social work and education in posts in Chicago, Pennsylvania, and Milwaukee. She is also a former Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Monterey and today is executive director of St. Francis Center, a low-income housing and support program in Redwood City.

Sister Susan Ostrowski, O.P. was born in Wausau, Wisconsin. Sister Susan has taught elementary school at St. Peter’s, San Francisco, All Souls, South San Francisco as well as at schools in New York, Florida, and Chicago. She currently serves at St. Francis Center in Redwood City.

Sister Antoinette Pollini, FMA

Sister Antoinette Pollini, FMA was born in Italy and came to the United States in1956. She has served in many capacities: teacher, principal and community superior. Many in her family including a sister were called to religious life. In San Francisco Sister Antoinette has served both at Corpus Christi and Sts Peter and Paul for a total of 23 years. Her former pupils delight in visiting her and recalling their school days with her. Today, she serves as assistant before school, at midday and after-school at Sts. Peter and Paul.

December 2, 2005

Catholic San Francisco

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SISTERS OF THE HOLY NAMES OF JESUS AND MARY 75 years

70 years

Sister Christina Maria Weber, left, and Sister Estelle Mary Hains.

Standing from left: Sisters Mary Baptista Dean, Cecilia of Mary Guichard, Mary Elizabeth Bernadette Mulvany. Seated from left: Mary Frances Catherine Smith, Mary Gregory McLean and Mary Ambrose Devereux.

60 years

Standing from left: Sisters Jean Elizabeth Griffin, Catherine Irene Thoeni, Sally Thompson formerly Sister Mary Anselma and Maureen Patricia McCall.

Seated from left: Sisters Alice Tobriner, formerly Sister Marian Leona, Virginia Ghigliotti, formerly Sister Miriam Eloise, Jane Lewis, formerly Sister Mary Gertrude Theresa, Nora Christian formerly Sister Thaddeus Mary and Michaeline Falvey.

50 years

Sister Jean Cather, SNJM

Sister Helen Garvey, SNJM

Sister Maureen Hester, SNJM

Sister Guadalupe Maria Johnston, SNJM

Sister Jennie Lechtenberg, SNJM

50 years Sister Jean Cather, SNJM, formerly known as Sister Therese Elizabeth), attended Holy Names High School and Holy Names University in Oakland. She has taught at schools including the Richmond District’s St. Monica’s. She has also served in Retreat Ministry and as a nurse at the free clinic of the St. Anthony Foundation. Sister Jean is currently engaged in Peace and Justice Ministry in the Bay Area and resides in San Francisco.

Sister Helen Garvey, SNJM, formerly known as Sister Joanne Michele, attended St. Anselm Elementary School and Marin Catholic High School where she later taught. She holds an undergraduate degree from Holy Names University in Oakland. She currently serves in resides and serves Nicaragua.

Sister Maureen Hester, SNJM, formerly known as Sister Robert Michael attended schools in Oakland earning and undergraduate degree from Holy Names College. She later complete postgraduate studies in Psychology at St. Louis University. Since 1965, she has been a Professor in Psychology at Holy Names University in Oakland.

Sister Guadalupe Maria Johnston, SNJM, attended schools in Southern California including UCLA where she completed graduate studies in Spanish. She also holds an undergraduate degree from Holy Names University in Oakland. She is a former member of the faculty at St. Cecilia Elementary School in San Francisco and today serves in San Jose at St. Maria Goretti SISTERS OF THE HOLY NAMES OF JESUS AND MARY, page 16 Parish.

Sister Shirley Sexton, SNJM

Sister Mary Berchmans Trentacoste, SNJM

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December 2, 2005

SISTERS OF THE HOLY NAMES OF JESUS AND MARY Continued from page 15 50 years Sister Jennie Lechtenberg, SNJM, formerly known as Sister John Dominic attended elementary and high school in Los Angeles. She holds an undergraduate degree from Holy Names University in Oakland. Her Bay Area teaching experience was in Oakland. Sister Jennie is regarded as a pioneer in family literacy. In 2000 the White House invited her to participate in discussions related to academic achievements among Hispanic children and youth. Sister Jennie resides in Los Angeles.

Sister Shirley Sexton, SNJM, formerly known as Sister Maureen Theresa holds an undergraduate degree from Holy Names University in Oakland and a graduate degree from San Francisco State University. She is a former member of the faculty at St. Cecilia Elementary in San Francisco as well as at schools in Southern California and her native Oakland. She lives today in Emeryville.

Sister Mary Berchmans Trentacoste, SNJM, a nurse, holds an undergraduate degree from Holy Names University in Oakland and studied Midwifery in Africa where she has served as health worker and teacher. She has also served as head nurse at the free clinic of St. Anthony Foundation in San Francisco and retired in 1997.

Sister Jeanenne Weis, SNJM, formerly known as Sister Paula Jean, grew up in Iowa. She holds an undergraduate degree from Holy Names University in Oakland and a postgraduate degree from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley. Sister Jeanenne is a former member of the faculty at schools including San Francisco’s St. Monica’s and Marin Catholic High School. She has served at the pastoral level at parishes including St. Pius in Redwood City, St. Andrew’s in Daly City, St. Paul’s in San Francisco and Holy Angels in Colma. Today, she lives in San Francisco and serves as a tutor at Holy Names University.

Sister Jeanenne Weis, SNJM

DOMINICAN SISTERS OF SAN RAFAEL

Sister M. Claire Maher, O.P.

Sister M. Agnes McLean, O.P.

Sister M. Edith Muller, O.P.

Sister M. Wilfred Lehn, O.P.

Sister Joanne Cullimore, O.P.

Sister M. Norah Geddis, O.P.

Sister M. Aquinas Nimitz, O.P.

Sister Marie Sagues, O.P.

Sister M. Stella Van Winkle, O.P.

Sister Patricia Ottoboni, O.P.

75 years

50 years

Sister M. Claire Maher, O.P., graduated from Dominican College in San Rafael and taught for 38 years at schools including Sacred Heart and St. Dominic School elementary in San Francisco and St. Raphael Elementary School in San Rafael where she also served as principal. She is also a former principal of Our Lady of Mercy Elementary School in Daly City. Sister Claire currently lives at her congregation’s Our Lady of Lourdes Convent in San Rafael.

Sister M. Agnes McLean, O.P. is a graduate of Dominican College in San Rafael. and taught for 50 years at schools including St. Raphael elementary in San Rafael, St. Rose Academy and Sacred Heart elementary in San Francisco. Sister Agnes also served in a pastoral capacity at St. Dominic Parish, Los Angeles for 16 years. She retired in 1996 and currently lives in Our Lady of Lourdes Convent in San Rafael.

Sister Joanne Cullimore, O.P. is an alumna of Dominican College in San Rafael and holds a graduate degree in art from Stanford University. Sister Joanne was a member of the Art faculty at Dominican College for 39 years. She lives, today, at Dominican Convent in San Rafael and ministers as an artist.

Sister M. Norah Geddis, O.P. taught for more than two decades at schools throughout California. She is also a former pastoral associate St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in Vallejo. Sister Norah currently lives at Our Lady of Lourdes Convent in San Rafael.

Sister M. Aquinas Nimitz, O.P. completed undergraduate and postgraduate work at Stanford University. She is a former Chair of the Biology Department at Dominican College where she also served as Dean of Students. Sister Aquinas lives today at her congregation’s Dominican Convent in San Rafael.

Sister Marie Sagues, O.P. completed undergraduate studies at Dominican College in San Rafael later earning a graduate degree from University of California, Berkeley. Sister Marie is today an assistant professor of English at Dominican College where she has been a member of the faculty for 30 years. She is also a former member of the faculty at Sonoma State University and a former principal of San Domenico High School in San Anselmo. She resides at Dominican Convent in San Rafael.

Sister M. Stella Van Winkle, O.P. holds a graduate degree from Dominican College and taught for 47 years at schools in Reno, San Leandro, Oakland, Vallejo and Napa where she currently resides at Siena Convent. Dominican Sisters of San Rafael.

70 years Sister M. Edith Muller, O.P. graduated from Dominican College in San Rafael and taught for 38 years at schools including St. Dominic elementary in San Francisco and St. Raphael elementary in San Rafael. She also served in a pastoral capacity in San Rafael for 14 years and currently lives at Our Lady of Lourdes Convent in San Rafael.

60 years Sister M. Wilfred Lehn, O.P. is a graduate of Dominican College in San Rafael. She has taught at St. Dominic School and Sacred Heart School in San Francisco as well as Our Lady of Mercy School in Daly City and St. Raphael School in San Rafael. Sister Wilfred currently lives in Stockton.

40 years Sister Patricia Ottoboni, O.P. holds and undergraduate degree from Dominican College and graduate degrees from from University of San Francisco and Sonoma State University. She taught at San Francisco’s St. Rose Academy as well as in schools in napa Vallejo and Stockton. She also served with Catholic Charities in several dioceses as a counselor and is a former counselor at St. Raphael Elementary School in San Rafael. Sister Patricia currently resides at Dominican Convent in San Rafael.

December 2, 2005

Catholic San Francisco

17

SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET

Sister Mary Esther McCann, CSJ

Sister Mary Elaine Stevens, CSJ

Sister Anne Gertrude Fitzgerald, CSJ

Sister Alberta Cammack, CSJ

Sister Michael Flaherty, CSJ

Sister Grace Ann Loperena, CSJ

Sister Frances Margaret Darling, CSJ

Sister Mary Gregory Porterie, CSJ

Sister Mary Evelyn Flynn, CSJ

Sister Kathleen Maier, CSJ

Sister Rita Mary Roemlein, CSJ

Sister Marcella Fabing, CSJ

Sister Frances Marie Hansen, CSJ

Sister Dorothy Elaine Stack, CSJ

Sister Claire Marie Williams, CSJ

75 years Sister Mary Esther McCann, CSJ, born in San Francisco in 1909, is a graduate of Star of the Sea Academy and entered the field of nursing in 1935. Sister Esther spent her entire ministerial life in Hospital work. She was always a “San Franciscan.”

Sister Mary Elaine Stevens, CSJ, served at St. Thomas the Apostle School as principal and eighth grade teacher.

70 years Sister Anne Gertrude Fitzgerald, CSJ, served at St. Emydius School as Eighth Grade teacher.

Sister Alberta Cammack, CSJ, taught fourth grade at Star of the Sea Elementary School.

60 years Sister Michael Flaherty, CSJ, was born in San Francisco. She attended Star of the Sea elementary and high school and has served in the Archdiocese of San Francisco since 1971. Sister Michael is currently at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish as a volunteer in Parish Ministry.

Sister Grace Ann Loperena, CSJ, served in the Archdiocesan Office of Catholic Schools as school supervisor.

Sister Frances Margaret Darling, CSJ, is a former principal of the now-closed St. Emydius Elementary School.

Sister Mary Gregory Porterie, CSJ, taught 8th grade at Star of the Sea Elementary School.

Sister Mary Evelyn Flynn, CSJ, served as principal at St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary School.

Sister Kathleen Maier, CSJ, attended Star of the Sea Elementary and graduated from Star of the Sea Academy in 1944. She later taught at both schools.

Sister Joan Mary O’Dwyer, CSJ

Stephen Elizabeth Daly, CSJ

50 years Sister Rita Mary Roemlein, CSJ, is a former principal at Star of the Sea Elementary School.

Sister Marcella Fabing, CSJ, was born in San Francisco and attended St. Cecilia Elementary School graduating from Star of the Sea Academy. She is a former member of the faculty and teacher at St. Thomas the Apostle School. She has also served in the Office of Religious Education of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET, page 18

Sister Joan Goulden, CSJ,

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December 2, 2005

SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET Continued from pg 17 Sister Frances Marie Hansen, CSJ, was born in San Francisco and attended grade school and high school at Star of the Sea Academy. She currently serves in the Diocese of San Jose.

Sister Dorothy Elaine Stack, CSJ, ministered as grade school teacher at St. Albert the Great School in Palo Alto.

Sister Claire Marie Williams, CSJ, is a native San Franciscan. She attended grade school at St. Emydius and high school at Star of the Sea Academy Sister Joan Mary O’Dwyer, CSJ, was born in San Francisco. She is a gradute of the now-closed St. Emydius Elementary School and Star of the Sea Academy.

Stephen Elizabeth Daly, CSJ, was born in San Francisco, and attended Star of the Sea Academy grade school and high school.

Sister Joan Goulden, CSJ, is a native of San Francisco. She attended Star of the Sea grade school and high school and served as a Pastoral Associate at St. Cecilia Parish.

DOMINICAN SISTERS OF CORPUS CHRISTI MONASTERY, MENLO PARK 50 years Sister Mary of the Sacred Heart Desmond, O.P. was born and raised in Vallejo, and serves in the ministry of prayer Cloistered Dominican Nun.

Sister Mary of the Sacred Heart Desmond, O.P.

SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR

Sister Matilda Berryessa, SNDdeN

Sister Mary Wilma King, SNDdeN

Sister Agnes Anzoli, SNDdeN

Sister Janet Marie Egan, SNDdeN

Sisterr Rose Franci, SNDdeN

Sister Angela Julie Gutierrez, SNDdeN

Sister Lauretta Thompson, SNDdeN

Sister Barbara Hanagan, SNDdeN

Sister Bernice Heinz, SNDdeN

Sister Peggy Offley, SNDdeN

80 years

70 years continued

Sister Matilda Berryessa, SNDdeN (Sr. Matilda Carmel) entered religious life on February 2, 1925. Sister Matilda taught primary grades for 45 years at schools including Notre Dame Elementary in Belmont and San Francisco, Mission Dolores and St. Charles in San Carlos. Now, at 102 years of age, Sister resides at Mercy Retirement and Center in Oakland where she continues to crochet gift items, cultivate beautiful plants and share her enthusiasm for life.

Sister Mary Wilma King, SNDdeN, studied at Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont and has taught at the elementary, secondary and college levels, at schools including Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Redwood City, Notre Dame High School , San Francisco and Belmont, and Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont where she also served as Registrar and Reference Librarian. Sister now resides at Mercy Retirement and Center in Oakland where she continues her dedication through prayer and unfailing kindness to all.

Sister Rose Franci, SNDdeN (Sr. Julie Dolores) is a graduate of Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont. An elementary teacher and aide for more than 65 years, she taught locally at Notre Dame Elementary, San Francisco and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Redwood City. Sister Rose currently lives in Watsonville.

Sister Angela Julie Gutierrez, SNDdeN is an alumna of Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont. She taught in elementary and secondary schools in California and Washington State and served in Belmont as an Archives Assistant for the Sisters of Notre Dame. She now resides in Millbrae where she ministers through prayer and community service.

Sister Lauretta Thompson, SNDdeN (Sister Mary Lauretta) entered the Sisters of Notre Dame of Coesfeld on February 2, 1935 and transferred to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur on the same date in 1980. Sister taught at the elementary and secondary levels in Ohio, California and Hawaii, and spent 10 years as a missionary in India. She now resides at Notre Dame Province Center Residence in Belmont and recently completed her 15th year of volunteer service at O’Connor Hospital in San Jose.

70 years Sister Agnes Anzoli, SNDdeN (Sister Marie Josepha) is a San Francisco native who attended local schools, including St. Agnes and St. Anne (San Francisco) as well as Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont. For more than 60 years, Sister Agnes served in elementary schools, including Mission Dolores, Notre Dame and Immaculate Heart of Mary in Belmont and St. Charles, San Carlos. Today she lives at Notre Dame Province Center Residence in Belmont, volunteers as a minister to the sick at Immaculate Heart Parish, and ‘helps out’ wherever she can.

Sister Mary Emmanuel Donnelly, SNDdeN was born in San Francisco and educated locally at Notre Dame High School in San Francisco and Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont where she later taught. She lives today at Convent of the Holy Names in Los Gatos where she keeps in touch with former students and parishioners and prays for benefactors, the needs of the community and for vocations.

Sister Janet Marie Egan, SNDdeN is a native San Franciscan and attended Notre Dame Elementary and High Schools San Francisco as well as Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont. She served as an educator, administrator and librarian in schools including Mission Dolores San Francisco, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Belmont and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Redwood City. She now resides in Millbrae and serves as Assistant Archivist for the Sisters of Notre Dame in Belmont.

60 years Sister Barbara Hanagan, SNDdeN (Sister Raymond Teresa) studied at Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont and holds a graduate degree from the University of San Francisco. In addition to her years as a teacher in elementary and secondary schools in California, Washington and Hawaii, Sister Barbara served as Coordinator of Silver Penny Farm in Petaluma and as a Freewheelers Volunteer at Laguna Honda Hospital in San Francisco. Sister Barbara now resides in Belmont at Notre Dame Province Center Residence where she assists with events and activities. She also assists in Grade 3 at Immaculate Heart of Mary elementary school.

Sister Bernice Heinz, SNDdeN (Sister Madeline Marie) is a graduate of Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont. Sister Bernice is in her sixth decade as an elementary school educator, including four years at Immaculate Heart of Mary school in Belmont. She currently lives in Salinas where she teaches 6th Grade Literature and Language Arts at Madonna del Sasso School.

Sister Peggy Offley, SNDdeN (Sister Robert) graduated from Convent of the Sacred Heart High School in San Francisco. Sister Peggy, an elementary educator, taught in California, Washington and Hawaii, including at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Redwood City and Notre Dame Elementary School in Belmont. Now in her 12th year at NDE, Sister Peggy assists part-time in Grade Four and lives in San Carlos.

December 2, 2005

Catholic San Francisco

19

SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR CONTINUED

Sister Joan Bernhart, SNDdeN

Sister Jacinta Martinez, SNDdeN

Sister Eileen McCarthy, SNDdeN

Sister Sharon Ann Skain, SNDdeN

Sister Vivian Snow, SNDdeN

50 years

50 years continued

Sister Joan Bernhart, SNDdeN (Sister Marie Estelle) is a graduate of Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont. Sister Joan taught in elementary and secondary schools, including St. Dunstan in Millbrae and Notre Dame Elementary in Belmont. She worked for 16 years in the Business Office at Notre Dame de Namur University. Sister Joan now serves as a teacher’s aide at Notre Dame Elementary in Belmont and lives in a nearby Notre Dame community.

Sister Jacinta Martinez, SNDdeN (Sister Mary Jacinta) was educated at Notre Dame Elementary and High School in San Francisco. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont and is certified as a Medical Spanish Translator. Sister Jacinta taught at schools including Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Redwood City. She now serves as a chaplain at St. Luke Hospital in San Francisco and lives in San Carlos.

Sister Eileen McCarthy, SNDdeN (Sister Mary Daniel) is a native San Franciscan and graduate of Notre Dame Elementary and Notre Dame High School inSan Francisco as well as Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont. Sister Eileen taught at every elementary grade level in schools in California and Washington State. She now lives in San Jose where she is a volunteer service provider.

Sister Sharon Ann Skain, SNDdeN (Sister Mary Fidelis) is a native San Franciscan who attended St. Emydius elementary and Notre Dame High School. She holds an undergraduate degree from Notre Dame de Namur University and completed graduate studies at the University of San Francisco. Sister Sharon taught at Mission Dolores and Notre Dame elementary in San Francisco, St. Dunstan in Millbrae and St. Charles in San Carlos. In addition, she taught at Notre Dame and St. Paul high schools in San Francisco.

Sister Sharon currently lives in San Jose and serves as Parish Minister at St. Christopher Parish.

Sister Vivian Snow, SNDdeN (Sister Mary Vivian) is a Licensed Vocational Nurse and devoted many years to caring for sisters at Notre Dame Villa Infirmary in Saratoga. She also served as a school nurse. As an elementary educator, she taught at Notre Dame Elementary in San Francisco. Sister Vivian now lives in San Jose and serves as an Administrative Assistant at Notre Dame Province Center in Belmont.

SISTERS OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Sister Josephine Gilbert, PBVM

Sister M. Damien O’Connor, PBVM

Sister Veronica Podesta, PBVM

Sister Eileen Canelo, PBVM

Sister M. Carl Fischer, PBVM

80 years Sister Josephine Gilbert, PBVM, formerly, Sister Mary Vincent, has held elementary school posts at several schools in the state retiring in 1972. She has also taught blind adults in Berkeley and worked with children in a hospital setting in Santa Clara. Today, Sister Josephine lives at the Presentation Motherhouse in San Francisco serving in a ministry of prayer.

70 years Sister M. Damien O’Connor, PBVM, is a graduate of St. Agnes Elementary School and Presentation High School in San Francisco. She taught at the elementary and high school level for 54 years including almost a quarter century in her congregation’s schools in the City and Berkeley from 1967-91. Sister Damien currently lives at the Presentation Motherhouse, San Francisco, and is engaged in volunteer ministries.

Sister Veronica Podesta, PBVM, formerly, Sister Mary John Bosco, is a graduate of Presentation High School in San Francisco and was an elementary school teacher for 41 years teaching every grade from kindergarten through seventh in schools in northern and southern California, as well as New Mexico. Sister Veronica currently lives at the Presentation Motherhouse, San Francisco, and is engaged in volunteer ministries.

60 years Sister Eileen Canelo, PBVM, formerly, Sister Mary Jerome, has taught at San Francisco’s Epiphany Elementary School for more than 30 years. She has also taught at schools in New Mexico and Washington. She makes her home in the City.

Sister M. Carl Fischer, PBVM, attended schools in Los Angeles as well as Presentation High School in San Francisco. She spent the first 40 years of her ministry life teaching elementary school in northern and southern California retiring from teaching in 1988. Now, Sister Carl volunteers at Regional Medical Center in San Jose in the admitting department and reads to an elderly group of women at the P.E.O. Health Unit in San Jose. She lives in San Jose in Saint Victor Parish.

Sister Virginia King, PBVM

Sister Kathleen Curtin, PBVM

50 years Sister Virginia King, PBVM, formerly Sister Mary Austin, attended schools in Berkeley and Santa Rosa. Much of Sister Virginia’s ministry experience has been in education. She taught grades 1 through 12, with the exception of second and fourth grades, in San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, Seattle, and Los Angeles. Today, Sister Virginia is the director of the Health and Retirement Office for the Sisters of the Presentation and also helps plan liturgies for the Motherhouse community. Sister Virginia lives in San Francisco.

Sister Kathleen Curtin, PBVM, formerly Sister Mary Daniel Joseph, attended Saint Anne Elementary School and Presentation High School in San Francisco. Since 1991, Sister Kathleen has been living and working with the Missionary Sisters of the Eucharist in Houston, Texas. In previous years, Sister Kathleen served as a missionary in Chiapas, Mexico, and then worked with Catholic Charities in San Jose, El Centro and Stockton. She was also a missioner in Guatemala for five years.

20

Catholic San Francisco

Our Lady of Guadalupe Rites Dec. 10: Mass and Fiesta at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 40th Ave. at Balboa in San Francisco at 6 p.m. The Mariachi Youth Group Los Cachorros will be in attendance. Call (415) 387-5545.

Dec. 12: Mananitas Mass with procession at 5 a.m. at Mission Dolores, 16th St. at Dolores in San Francisco.

Bishop John Wester will preside. Reception after Mass includes tamales, coffee and hot chocolate plus Mexican pastries. Call (415) 239-9107 or 334-3549.

December 2, 2005 the country affiliated with the Sisters of Mercy have been invited. Schools from Kentucky, Nebraska, Rhode Island, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and California will be represented. Tournament features a Welcome Reception and Mass, a gift exchange, and14 games in Mercy, SF’s McAuley Pavilion.

“Celebrate the Circle of Mercy through Basketball,” the school said. Call (415) 334-0525.

Datebook

Consolation Ministry

Advent Opportunities Fridays: Sacrament of Reconciliation, 5 – 6 p.m., at Our Lady of Angels Church, 1721 Hillside Drive in Burlingame. Call (650) 347-7768.

Dec. 3: Secular Franciscan Fraternity’s annual Christmas pageant at St. Boniface Theater, 175 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco at 2 p.m. A Tenderloin Christmas presents a musical story of the birth of Christ and includes many new and traditional Christmas carols plus a dance recital by students from DeMarillac Middle School. Tickets $10 at the door. “Dinner is included in the price of admission and kids will get a gift from Santa,” said Patrick Flanagan, an event organizer.

Dec. 3: Angel Tour at St. Dominic Church, Bush and Steiner St., San Francisco.. Learn about angels in art and the theology of angels while getting acquainted with some of the 500 depictions of angels at St. Dominic’s. Hennie Wisniewski leads the one-hour tour every year. “I read a lot and developed the tour for our parish and other folks who are interested in angels and art,” Hennie said. Meet in the main vestibule.

Binoculars are recommended. Call (415) 922-7063.

Dec. 3, 4: Follow the Star Creche Display at St. Bartholomew Parish auditorium, 600 Columbia Drive off Alameda de las Pulgas in San Mateo, 1 – 7 p.m. both days. Features 100 Nativity scenes from around the world. Music of the season and warm spiced cider accompany your visit. Free admission.

Call (650) 347-0701.

Dec. 10: Christmas with the Choirs of Church of the Epiphany, 827 Vienna St. near Geneva in San Francisco at 7 p.m. Features voices of the parish’s six choirs singing songs of the season in English, Spanish and Tagalog. Mario Balestrieri will conduct and accompany the songfest assisted by Guillermo Guillen. Donation requested is $10 adults and $5 children. Call (415) 350-6399, 244-4784 or 336-1132.

Dec. 10: Advent Morning of Prayer, Notre Dame Province Center, 1520 Ralston Avenue, Belmont, 9:30-11:30 a.m. A time of prayer and reflection, continuing the series, “To Live in Hope in Today’s World.” Notre Dame Sister. Phil D’Anna, will facilitate. Contact www.SistersofNotreDameCA.org or 650.593.2045 ext. 277.

Dec. 10, 11: The Combined Choirs from the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, under the direction of Teri Marconi, proudly present “The Heart of Christmas” Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. in IHM Church,1040 Alameda de las Pulgas at Ralston in Belmont. Free admission.

Dec. 11: Christmas Concert at St. Philip Church, 725 Diamond St. in San Francisco at 4 p.m. The adult and children’s choirs will serenade and lead songs of the season. Free will donations accepted.

Dec. 15 - 23: Simbang Gabi, a Filipino tradition of the Advent season commences at St. Gregory Church, 28th Ave. and Hacienda in San Mateo at 7 p.m. Bishop John C. Wester will preside at the Dec. 15th opening Mass. Masses continue daily at the same time through Dec. 23rd. A collaborative effort of St. Gregory, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Luke, St. Matthew, St. Mark and St. Timothy parishes.

Dec. 16: ‘Twas the week before Christmas! St. Charles Parish, 880 Tamarack Ave. in San Carlos, presents its 4th Annual Christmas Concert at 7:30 p.m. Featuring the Adult and Children’s Choirs, the concert will celebrate the rich heritage of Advent and Christmas music - carols both old and new,

San Francisco Auxiliary Bishop Ignatius Wang visited San Domenico School November 1, and offered the All Saints Day Mass before enjoying a tour of the campus. The welcoming committee included Campus Ministry Director Craig Horning, left, former school president, Dominican Sister Gervaise Valpey; 7th graders Stuart Adamson and Alexandra Cook, Bishop Wang, 9th grader Brenna Donnellan, and Campus Ministry Associate Cristina Airaghi. some for singing and some for listening. Claire Giovannetti conducts. Admission is free. An offering will be taken for the support of the music programs.

St. Mary’s Cathedral Choir performs Handel’s “Messiah”, Part I, December 7, at 7:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Gough and Geary in San Francisco, with a repeat performance on Sunday, December 11, at 3 p.m. in St. Raphael’s Church, 5th Ave and A St, San Rafael. Tickets will be available at the door for $15 for general admission and $10 for seniors and students.

Call (415) 567-2020, ext. 213 for more information.

Food & Fun Dec. 3: Christmas fundraiser for the Catholic Worker Farm at Sheep Ranch, 2 – 4 p.m. at St. John of God Church Hall, 5th Ave. at Irving, San Francisco. $5 entry fee includes complimentary cider and pastries. Proceeds benefit Catherine’s House— a respite and retreat house in the country for people with HIV/AIDS. Special activities include a silent auction, raffle, Christmas store, and candle shop, with the Sacred Heart Choir performing at 2:30. Among special auction items are a signed photograph of Martin Sheen, from television’s The West Wing, as well as a copy of the script from episode four.

Dec. 3, 4: St. Pius Women’s Club Holiday Gift Boutique, 1100 Woodside Rd., Redwood City. Sat.: noon – 5 p.m. Sun.: 10 - 3 p.m. Beautiful displays of home accessories, jewelry, decorator items, food and gifts for the entire family. Still room for vendors! Call (650) 364-5204 or contact womensclub@pius.org.

Dec. 3, 4: It’s a Wonderful Life, Christmas Boutique benefiting St. Brendan Elementary School, 234 Ulloa at Laguna Honda Blvd., SF. Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. One stop shopping for all your holiday needs. Free admission. Call (415) 731-2665.

Dec. 4: Christmas Faire benefiting St. Finn Barr School in Goode Hall, Edna and Hearst off Monterey Blvd. in San Francisco from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Great food and gift selections including wreaths, decorations, gift baskets, entertainment and pictures with Santa. Don’t miss Happy Hour from 6 – 7 p.m. Call (415) 333-1800.

Dec. 6: St. Stephen Women’s Guild presents a special opportunity to purchase unique holiday gifts hand-

crafted by St. Stephen parents. Come by Donworth Hall from 2:30-8:30 pm—take in the holiday cheer and shop for one-of-a-kind items, including jewelry, paintings, embroidered linens, original photographs and artwork, and much more. Participating artists have graciously vowed to donate 15% of their sales back to the school. Admission is free.

Dec. 8: Passport to Fun: a special shopping event at Ambassador Toys, 186 West Portal Ave., San Francisco. A portion of the evening’s sales will benefit the work of Little Children’s Aid Junior Auxiliary. The event is only for adults. Holiday drinks, hot & cold appetizers and sweets will complete this evening of private shopping with neighbors & friends. Door prizes and a raffle, too. For more information phone (415) 972-1243 or contact info@littlechildrensaid.com.

Dec. 10: 4th annual Mt. Carmel Holiday Home Tour, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., featuring five beautiful Mount Carmel area homes splendidly decorated for the holidays. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, entertainment and a holiday gift boutique including a raffle for a holiday china service for 8. Tickets $20 ($25 at the door), Benefiting Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School. Call the OLMC Parish Office (650) 366-3802 or Terri Lyon (650) 261-9820.

Dec. 10: The Auxiliary to the de Paul Youth Club is hosting its 51st Annual Noel Ball. Proceeds benefit the de Paul Youth Club CYO sports program for children. Silvana Messing, chairperson, and her commitees have put together an eventful evening with a live & silent auction, raffle prizes, dinner and dancing to live music. Event will be held at the Fairmont Hotel from 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Tickets are $175.00 per person. Black tie optional. For tickets or more information, please contact Frances Cavalieri, phone (415) 259-0890 or email cavalieri@sacredsf.org.

Reunions Dec. 3: Mercy High School, San Francisco, Class of 1970 at noon in Rist Hall on the Mercy Campus.

Tickets $30. Contact Susie Grealish Flanigan at (650) 243-7853 for more information.

Dec. 27, 28, 29: California Classic basketball tournament co-hosted by Mercy High School, Burlingame and Mercy, San Francisco! All schools in

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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.

MARILYN PRINGLE

MARCHETTI

Redwood City 650-366-6540 Fax 650-366-6799

Programs for Catholics interested in returning to the Church, have been established at the following parishes: Marin County: St. Hilary, Tiburon, Mary Musalo, (415) 435-2775; St. Anselm, Ross, call (415) 4532342; St. Sebastian, Greenbrae, Jean Mariani at (415) 461-7060; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Mill Valley, Rick Dullea at (415) 388-4190; St. Mary Star of the Sea, Sausalito, Lloyd Dulbecco at (415) 331-7949.

San Francisco: Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, SF, Michael Adams at (415) 695-2707; St. Philip the Apostle, 725 Diamond St. at Elizabeth/24th, SF. Call (415) 282-0141; St. Dominic, SF, Lee Gallery at (415) 221-1288; Holy Name of Jesus, SF, (415) 664-8590.

San Mateo County: St. Bartholomew, San Mateo, Dan Stensen at (650) 344-5665; St. Catherine of Siena, Burlingame, Silvia Chiesa at (650) 685-8336; Our Lady of Angels, Burlingame, Dorothy Heinrichs or Maria Cianci at (650) 347-7768; St. Dunstan, Millbrae, Dianne Johnston at (650) 697-0952; Our Lady of the Pillar, Half Moon Bay, Meghan at (650) 726-4337; St. Peter, Pacifica, Sylvia Miles at (650) 355-6650, Jerry Trecroci at (650) 355-1799, Frank Erbacher at (650) 355-4355; St. Matthew, San Mateo. Jim Shea at (650) 344-7622.

Financial Advisor

Construction CONSTRUCTION INC.

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Returning Catholics

For Advertising Information Please Call 415-614-5642

Business Card Directory catering

Grief Groups meet at the following parishes.

Please call numbers shown for more information.

San Mateo County: St. Catherine of Sienna, Burlingame. Call Debbie Simmons at 650-558-1015; St. Dunstan, Millbrae. Call Barbara Cappel at 650-291628;. Good Shepherd, Pacifica. Call Sr. Carol Fleitz at 650-355-2593; Our Lady of Mercy, Daly City. Call Barbara Cantwell at 650-755-0478; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Redwood City. Call Parish at 650-366-3802; St. Robert, San Bruno. Call Sr. Patricia at 650-589-2800.

Marin County: St. Anselm, San Anselmo. Call Brenda MacLean at 415-454-7650; St. Isabella, San Rafael. Call Pat Sack at 415-472-5732; Our Lady of Loretto, Novato. Call Sr. Jeanette at 415-897-2171.

San Francisco: St. Dominic. Call Sr. Anne at 415567-7824; St. Finn Barr(Bilingual). Call Carmen Solis at 415-584-0823; St. Gabriel. Call Elaine Khalaf at 415-564-7882.

Young Widow/Widower Group: St. Gregory, San Mateo. Call Barbara Elordi at 415-614-5506.

Ministry to Parents: Our Lady of Angels, Burlingame. Call Ina Potter at (650) 347-6971 or Barbara Arena at (650) 344-3579.

Children’s Grief Group: St. Catherine, Burlingame.

Call Debbie Simmons at 650-558-1015.

Information regarding grief ministry in general call Barbara Elordi at 415-614-5506.

▼

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Insurance products offered through insurance companies not affiliated with Waddell & Reed.

Mortgage loans

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MORTGAGE LOAN SPECIALIST A MORTGAGE CORPORATION

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December 2, 2005

Catholic San Francisco

21

Catholic San Francisco

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

Caregiver Available

Chiropractic

Filipino caregiver, 12 years experience, excellent references. Honest and reliable, available live-in or live-out. Please call (650) 892-3366, or leave messages (650) 997-4948.

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House Cleaning

Doctor of Chiropractic Providing quality not quantity care 500 Sutter St. #601 San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 706-1920

Commercial / Residental General Cleaning / Spring Cleaning Move in / Move out Weekly / bi-weekly / monthly FREE ESTIMATES 415-370-4341

Business Opportunity Management/Equity position with the leader in youth & sports photo business.

Some established accounts & potential for new school photography opportunity, work mostly from home, sales, marketing, & photography. Great opportunity to be your own boss. No photo experience necessary – complete training. Minimal investment.

Call Ken @ (415) 566-8963 (10 am-5 pm) for information.

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 Your prayer will be published in our newspaper

Name Adress Phone MC/VISA # Exp. ❑ 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

St. Jude Novena

\

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. S.C.M.

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.

St. Jude Novena

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin never known to fail.

\

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.

F.J.

Personal care companion.

Help with daily activities; driving, grocery shopping, doctor appts. Required: CNA, Nurse’s Aid, Certificate, honest, reliable, excellent refs, bonded.

Call Ori 415-713-1366

Piano Lessons Piano Lessons

By a Conservatory Graduate

Adult Beginners Children of all levels

Yearly Recitals At Clarion Hotel $50 mo. once a week lesson

650-438-2846

Organist ORGANIST WEDDINGS • FUNERALS Worship Services, Catholic Experience Marie DuMabeiller 415-441-3069, Page: 823-3664 VISA, MASTERCARD Accepted Please confirm your event before contracting music!

M.L.

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.

M.L.

Christening Gown CHRISTENING GOWN FOR SALE

Beautiful white on white silk dupioni forty-eight inch long christening gown. This dress has fourteen teardrops, each teardrop has a different machine embroidered Christian symbol stitched in, surrounded by French lace. The designs range from crosses, to flowers to three circles standing for the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. White silk ribbon embroidery is found on the dress as well as hand embroidery done with white silk floss. Crosses are also to be found on the sleeves and in the center of the bodice. The sleeveless slip is made from Swiss batiste and has a very wide eleven-inch ruffle on the bottom with Swiss entredeux and gathered French lace. The horseshoe bonnet is fabulous with its scalloped silk brim with ribbon bow held in place with tiny French knots. An idea to make this a truly heirloom piece is to have the details of each christening embroidered into the slip with perhaps a biblical verse as well.

This gown won best of show at the Marin county fair and went up to the state fair to compete against other best of shows from around the state and received first place.

Please call 415-499-1287 and ask for Susie Kelly.

Price $3,500.0 For more photos please email SusieKelly@sbcglobal.net

Room for rent Room in house on Ocean Avenue. Quiet, clean, sunny, yard, share bath, near transportation, shopping.

References req’d.

Rent $650/mo.

(415) 584-5307.

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(415) 731-0816

WEST PORTAL FAMILY DENTISTRY Caring For and Enhancing Your Smile

Select One Prayer: ❑ St. Jude Novena to SH ❑ Prayer to St. Jude

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

ORI’S ELDER CARE AGENCY

26 West Portal Ave., #4 San Francisco (415) 661-7779

RICHMOND DENTAL CARE In the heart of the Richmond District at 4312 Geary Blvd.

Invisalign Braces Dentures Natural Looking Implants Crowns & Bridges Professional Oral Dental Hygienists Surgery Evening & Saturday Appointments

415.752.5605

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Crowns Bridges Dentures Bonding New Patients Welcome

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FAMILY DENTISTRY Smiles are a gift in any language.

DIANE POOLER, D.D.S. 66 San Pedro Rd., #B Daly City, CA 94014

(650) 756-6968

FAMILY DENTISTRY Specializing in Cosmetic Procedures including Invisalign Invisible Braces, and Zoom!

2 Teeth Whitening.

DOUGLAS D. BOUCHER, D.D.S. 825 OAK GROVE AVE., MENLO PARK (650) 325-8030

and comfort come together

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MONTEREY DENTAL OFFICE

DENTAL OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE

749 Monterey Blvd.

San Francisco, CA 94127 (415) 239-9140

Help Wanted ADVERTISING SALES

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DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION SALES MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITY We are: One of the largest marketers of financial products in North America, looking for people who want to succeed.

We offer an excellent educational system to teach you our business, a comprehensive support network, and competitive products that are highly desirable to most consumers. Candidates should: Desire an excellent income, be committed to working hard, and posses a strong desire to succeed.

For more information, contact Primerica Financial Services N. Margriet Rensch 866-247-2466 Lic.# OB 27214

The Office of Catholic Faith Formation of the Archdiocese of Seattle seeks a Director of Religious Education to assist the Archbishop’s Delegate for Catholic Faith Formation in developing and implementing a plan, standards, and programs of formation, education and certification for catechists, teachers and parents serving children and youth (K-12) in parishes and schools.

Minimum qualifications include: Master’s degree in religious education, theology, pastoral studies or related field; experience in faith formation leadership in schools and parish setting; and active member of a Roman Catholic parish/family community. Competitive salary and excellent benefit package.

Please call 206-382-2070 or check our web site at www.seattlearch.org/jobs and click on “Chancery Jobs” for more information and an application packet.

A DENTAL SPA 801 Brewster Avenue, Suite 255 Redwood City, CA 94063 650.367.4967 www.drbarthman.com

Cosmetic & Family Dentistry Modern, State-of-the-Art Office Special Discounts for Seniors, Low Income Families & Students

Free Info Packet: 650-931-8608

– FAMILY DENTISTRY – Fillings Root Canal Therapy

EDWARD JEAN E. BARTHMAN, D.D.S. WALTER, DDS Where beauty, health, General Dentist

BECOME A FARMERS INSURANCE & FINANCIAL AGENT

3500 Callan Blvd.

South San Francisco, CA First Floor space available

Call Charley Haggarty (650) 344-3044

DENTISTS: Reach over 215,000 readers of Catholic San Francisco in our monthly Dental Directory.

Call Mary Podesta (415) 614-5644 or e-mail: podestam@sfarchdiocese.org

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

22

Catholic San Francisco

December 2, 2005

‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ Reviewed by Jeffrey Overstreet “Things are going to change,” Harry Potter’s feisty friend Hermione (Emma Watson) observes gravely. And you know what she’s talking about ... our beloved heroes are on the verge of adulthood. The challenges they face are growing tougher.

And romance is in the air. Yep, the times, they are a changin’.

But the formula certainly isn’t changing, not one bit.

Like the zigzag on the boy’s forehead, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire careens from Point A to Point B to Point C as predictably as any of the previous episodes. Harry and friends are eagerly anticipating something (this time, it’s a festival, not school.) Then something goes horribly wrong (a terrorist attack.) The kids learn about magic in the classroom (this time from a particularly reckless teacher.) There’s a talisman that makes loud noises (this time, a golden egg). Harry is accused of things he didn’t do (this time, putting his name in the goblet to be chosen for a contest.) He is then thrust into circumstances somewhat unwillingly (namely, life-threatening games.) His sinister nemesis continues to seek a way to get at him (this time by showing up, at last, in person.) Some things (and, perhaps, people) turn out to be Not What They Seem. And it all comes down to a showdown with wands.

So yeah, while Goblet of Fire offers some extravagant new environments like a dazzling sports arena a hundred levels tall and an underwater wonderland fraught with squid-like mermaids, it’s really just the same old model with some juicy new features. Rowling the storyteller is becoming the exemplar of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

And thus it’s up to the directors to find ways to make each episode seem fresh and surprising.

Fortunately for moviegoers, Goblet of Fire is directed with nuance and extravagance by Mike Newell. He ensures that Harry Potter, brought to life by the increasingly impressive Daniel Radcliffe, and surrounded by a host of

profoundly talented supporting players, continues to be the most engaging non-hero in family entertainment.

That is to say, it would be hard to name another title character beloved by children who rarely chooses to act courageously, but who is either thrust reluctantly or against his will into adventures, and who frequently responds to challenges by cheating and skirting the rules. The boy wizard may be stuffed cheek-to-jowl with destiny, gifted with supernatural talents, guided by ethical teachers in the mandatory bathrobes of wisdom, and occasional-

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ly willing to act out of concern for his friends. But even here in his fourth film, it’s hard to root for the guy. Harry’s still just someone to whom things happen, rather than a man of action.

That doesn’t mean that our beloved passive protagonist should be overlooked. This series is proving to be a lot of fun for many reasons. The scripts are lively and amusing, far better than what we sat through in the Star Wars prequels. The special effects in the films just keep getting better, and here they’re posHARRY POTTER, page 23

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

ITALY January 9 – 19 , 2006

April 18 – 28, 2006

Departs San Francisco 11-Day Pilgrimage

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2,499

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2,299

($2,399 after Oct. 6, 2005)

($2,599 after 1/8/06)

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Fr. Tim Mockaitis

Spiritual Director

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Visit: Paris, Lisieux, Normandy, Versailles, Chartres, Nevers, Paray-Le-Monial, Ars, Lyon, Toulouse and Lourdes.

$

Eiffel Tower

Visit: Venice, Florence, Assisi, Rome (Papal Audience), Siena St. Peter’s Basilica

For a FREE brochure on these pilgrimages contact: California Registered Seller of Travel Registration Number CST-2037190-40 (Registration as a Seller of Travel does not constitute approval by the State of California)

Catholic San Francisco

(415) 614-5640

Please leave your name, mailing address and your phone number

Catholic San Francisco

December 2, 2005

Harry Potter . . .

■ Continued from page 22 itively thrilling, coming close to the standard set by Jackson’s Lord of the Rings series.

For action, this is easily the best of the series. The attack of baddies in the opening act is the most frightening thing in the series so far.

Voldemort’s agents storm through the festival like Klu Klux Klansmen in black, torching everything in sight, and the chaos is terrifying.

Harry’s bout with a particularly ferocious dragon on and around the spires of Hogwarts is exhilarating—let’s hope it doesn’t inspire an amusement park ride. Moviemakers have a lamentable record when it comes to animating dragons—a dragon should leave us in awe.

And one of the most interesting foes of all is—I’m not making this up—a most sinister variety of shrubbery.

The other constant delight of this saga is its cast of co-stars. The Potter series is a veritable who’s-who of British acting legends.

All of these elements contribute to make Goblet of Fire just about the equal of that last episode, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Just as the books grow darker and more complex as they go, so the films follow, and Harry stumbles into his most disturbing and violent predicaments this time around. And brace yourselves... people are going to die. Note the PG-13 rating.

Here, Rowling is dealing with more, um, grownup themes, as Harry, Ron, and Hermione must now start thinking about asking dates to

the ball. Harry must also survive the discomfort of sharing a bath with someone of the opposite sex (in a scene that also involves learning to open an egg), and then he must nervously enter a complex labyrinth in hopes of being the first to touch a magical talisman, which transforms ecstatically when it’s touched. How’s that for Freudian overload! Did I mention the snakes?

Yes, this is it—the end of Potter’s notso-innocent childhood and the beginning of what we have every reason to suspect will be a not-so-innocent adulthood.

But it’s not just the end of the innocence. This is also about the end of what little suspense the series has built regarding the malevolent Lord Voldemort, that immaterial beast slouching toward Hogwarts.

Oh, we know he’s coming. You can feel it right from the beginning, as Harry dreams of the encroaching danger. But the path to Voldemort leads through the events of the famous “Tri Wizard Tournament” being hosted by Hogwarts, a three-stage trial that conveniently provides structure for the narrative. Harry gets tossed unexpectedly in with older and more experienced wizards—the strapping young Cedric Diggory (Robert Pattinson), a French tough-gal named Fleur (Clémence Poésy), and the Justin Timberlake of the wizard world, Viktor Krum (Stanislav Ianevski), who is as interested in Hermione as he is in winning.

It’s far too complicated a book to distill completely into a movie. Plot threads that could have been highlights end up frail and forgettable. Goblet really blows its opportuni-

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

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The Peninsula Men’s Group, now in it’s 7th year, is a support group which provides affordable counseling in a safe and nurturing setting. Interested candidates may call for a free brochure.

PLUMBING

(650) 591-3784

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P.O. Box 214 San Bruno, CA 94066

Tell our advertisers you saw their ad in Catholic San Francisco!

CHIMNEY CLEANING

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– Senior Discount –

NOTICE TO READERS 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 statelicensed. Advertisments appearing in this newspaper without a license number indicate that the contractor is not licensed.

For more information, contact:

Contractors State License Board 800-321-2752

Painting & Remodeling

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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.

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If it weren’t for the confoundingly ludicrous story and its misconceived climax, it might have been the best of the bunch.

While the beginning proves that Harry’s nightmares can be terrifying indeed, the conclusion proves they can be like selfabsorbed playground bullies in fancy dresses. They concoct far more elaborate plans than necessary to draw Harry away from his companions and confront him. And given extraordinary opportunities to finish him off, they botch it so badly that it will be hard to fear them when they return, inevitably, in the sequels.

Still, no one should miss this opportunity to witness so many marvels. The festival at the beginning is the most boisterous big screen party since Bilbo Baggins’ birthday party. The Quiddich stadium is likely to inspire architects to build its equivalent for some U.S. sports team—it’s a stunning backdrop that makes the various Star Wars stadiums look simplistic. A ship emerges from the sea in a visual joke borrowed from Pirates of the Caribbean, but it’s breathtaking all the same, as is the chariot drawn by flying horses. And Harry’s underwater trials would be the perfect environment for a National Geographic special... if it were real. The joy of exploring such creativity is reason enough to fork over another nine bucks to the Harry Potter franchise. Newell continues to improve on the big screen realization of a world that’s enthralling to explore… in spite of the pouting, cheating little dullard at the center of it all.

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ty to develop an interesting romance between Harry and newcomer Cho Chang (the adorable Katie Leung.) Instead, it dwells on sequences in which effects—dazzling as they are—bluster and swirl around a boy who looks like he’s wondering when the madness is going to stop and let him settle down.

And when the dark lord finally arrives, he’s a complete letdown. It’s not Ralph Fiennes’ fault—you could say he’s “on the nose” with his performance, if Voldemort had a nose. He brings the necessary melodrama to the character, and the effects team gives him a particularly nasty visage. Line him up with the Emperor from Revenge of the Sith and Satan from The Passion of the Christ and you’ve got a striking family resemblance. But the scene is ridiculous.

Voldemort prances around and whines at his cronies, then engages in an astonishingly unremarkable duel with the boy wizard.

Worse, while the story’s body count makes it the darkest of the series so far, the deaths happen so quickly that we don’t have time to feel much. Perhaps readers who know the characters better will come prepared with the necessary emotion.

It doesn’t help that Harry’s friends seem to be under a spell that whittles their characters down to mere caricatures. Ron is just sullen and spectacularly narrow-minded.

While the others are acting like teens, he’s acting like a six-year-old. Hermione becomes hysterical at the slightest provocation, even though Emma Watson looks positively radiant in her gown for the ball.

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Catholic San Francisco

December 2, 2005

M emory Tree C hristmas R emembrance Service We invite you to gather with us on Saturday, December 10th at 11: 00 am In All Saints Mausoleum Chapel At Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma.

Reverend John Talesfore will facilitate our Christmas Remembrance Service as you join others to remember and share grief ’s journey and be comforted.

During this holiday service, the names of those you wish to remember and your message of love may be written on ornaments made by Catholic School students.

You will be invited to place your ornament on our Memory Trees during the service.

These Christmas Trees represent the ongoing hope of life and will remain in All Saints Mausoleum Chapel from December 10th until January 7th.

If you are unable to attend the service, please stop by the Cemetery Office to pick up an ornament and write your greetings.

We will be honored to hang the ornament for you.

There is always a staff member available in All Saints Mausoleum on weekends and holidays to assist you.They will also have memory tree ornaments available for your messages through December 31st.

We ask our Dear Lord to bless all of you during this beautiful season.

May the celebration of Christ’s birth remind you that we will all be born into a new life.

FOR

MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL (650) 756-2060 HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CEMETERY 1500 MISSION ROAD COLMA, CA 94014

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

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

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