December 13, 2013 by Catholic San Francisco

GUADALUPANA:

SIMBANG GABI:

HOLINESS:

Annual march venerates Our Lady of Guadalupe

Archbishop celebrates Mass to start annual Filipino tradition

A look at classic cinema’s depiction of saintly character

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CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO Newspaper of the Archdiocese of San Francisco

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DECEMBER 13, 2013

$1.00 | VOL. 15 NO. 35

Arab Catholic family balances American dream, Holy Land roots EDISON TAPALLA CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO

Finding a balance between living out the American dream and honoring a unique cultural identity from the Holy Land is of great importance to St. Veronica parishioners Sam and Nancy Shihadeh and their children, Adeeb, Nader and Serena, a family with deep roots in both South San Francisco and Palestine. The Shihadeh family has belonged to the South San Francisco parish for more than 30 years. The children are enrolled in St. Veronica School, where Nancy went to school in her childhood and currently serves as a room mother for the eighth grade class. But the Shihadehs also visit Palestine every other summer, and participate in a local Arab social club where they have been involved since their youth, delivering food and gifts to other Arabs who worked at corner stores through the holidays. Like many immigrant groups, Arabs began operating family-owned grocery stores when they first arrived in the U.S. SEE FAMILY, PAGE 22

(PHOTO BY CHRISTINA M. GRAY/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

Making a wish The children of St. Benedict at St. Francis Xavier Church for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing signed their wish list to Santa Claus during the San Francisco parish’s annual Christmas party Dec. 5. Here, Santa makes the American Sign Language sign for “love.” The tight-knit community of deaf or hard-of-hearing adults, seniors, teens, children and their families trek from San Jose, Sacramento, Stockton, Monterey, Fresno and beyond for Mass, fellowship and study in ASL.

Mandela ‘touched my heart, soul, life,’ says ex-fellow prisoner CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

JOHANNESBURG – Former South African President Nelson Mandela looked down on the tens of thousands of people gathered at his memorial service in Johannesburg and smiled as he watched them celebrate his legacy, said Andrew Mokete Mlangeni, a Catholic who was imprisoned for decades with the late anti-apartheid icon. The first to address the crowds at the FNB Stadium Dec. 10 after prayers by Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu leaders, 87-year-old Mlangeni said it was a “privilege and honor to say how Madiba touched my heart, my soul, my life.” Madiba was Mandela’s clan name. “He touched many lives around the world. I am overjoyed by the outpouring of love and admiration by all of you here today,” Mlangeni said.

(CNS PHOTO/ADREES LATIF, REUTERS)

Mlangeni, who was on trial with Mandela in 1963-64 and imprisoned with him on Robben Island, said he had occupied a cell next to Mandela. In prison, “Madiba exuded leadership,” said Mlangeni, who was released in late 1989, shortly before the start of negotiations that ended apartheid. Mandela strongly influenced “my own evolvement as a man, South African citizen and ANC (African National Congress) member,” he said, noting that “without his guidance and leadership I would not have been the person I am today.” Mandela’s greatness stemmed from his humility “and his belief in collective leadership,” Mlangeni said. “He created hope when there was none” and was

A woman prays outside the house of former South African President Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg Dec. 7.

SEE MANDELA, PAGE 22

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INDEX On the Street . . . . . . . . . . 4 Christmas Liturgies .10-18 Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Faith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . 28

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CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

Thousands of marchers in archdiocese venerate Our Lady of Guadalupe ENRIQUE QUIJANO SAN FRANCISCO CATÓLICO

The celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe acquired a special meaning this year thanks to Pope Francis. In a gesture of cordiality and respect to the Patroness of the Americas and the people of Mexico, last month Pope Francis sent to the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City a bough of golden roses that was placed at the feet of the virgin. The pope sent this special gift, which consists of four roses between two golden leaves, to open the “Our Lady of Guadalupe, Star of the New Evangelization” conference, led by the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and co-sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and the Guadalupe basilica. “Lady of Guadalupe, receives from Pope Francis this rose which symbolizes gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and it is the sign of our love and enthusiasm for you and our evangelization mission in the world,” said Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Cardinal Ouellet added that our hearts, more than our heads, know the debt of love we owe to the virgin and that is why we beg her to receive this special gift as a gesture of grateful love. During the opening of the event, Pope Francis sent a recorded video message to the gathering of 85 bishops, 300 representatives from different countries and 600 priests from throughout the Americas. In the Archdiocese of San Francisco, about 20,000 people marched from All Souls Church in South San Francisco to St. Mary’s Cathedral Dec. 7 in the annual Cruzada Guadalupana commemorating the Marian apparition known as the Virgin of Tepeyac. Tepeyac is a hill outside Mexico City where the virgin appeared four times in December 1531 to St. Juan Diego and left a miraculous impression on his cloak. The image of “la virgen Morena” was reflected

(PHOTO COURTESY HOLY CROSS CEMETERY)

The annual Guadalupana march from All Souls Church in South San Francisco to St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco venerating Our Lady of Guadalupe made its first stop at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma Dec. 7. in shirts, zarapes, candles and pictures, while the people sang and prayed with devotion. Such was the case of Hortensia Casillas, 48, originally from Zacatecas, Mexico, who has come to this

march for five years in a row to give thanks to the virgin for all the blessings received. This year the celebration had a very special meaning to her. “This year I come to give thanks to the virgin because she granted me a very special miracle,” she said. “I thought I would not see my 79-year-old mother because she was very sick in Mexico. I asked our mother to heal her and give me the opportunity to see her after so many years and now she’s here with me in San Francisco very healthy and we are making up for all the lost time.” The pilgrimage started at 6 a.m., stopping at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma and St. John the Evangelist Church in San Francisco before ending at the cathedral, where Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone celebrated the closing Mass. “With the apparition of Virgin de Guadalupe a new nation and a new Christian culture of evangelization emerged and she has been the star of that evangelization,” the archbishop said during his homily. He added that the face of the virgin has been an example of evangelization in the world, especially in America, where she is venerated with the title Queen of the Americas. During the celebration a dramatization of the apparition of the virgin took place with the participation of young Catholics who played the parts from the story of the miracle. “To me is very important to represent the virgin of Guadalupe because she has helped me a lot in my life; this is my way of saying thanks to her for all her blessings,” said Isabel Rodríguez, 17, who played the virgin. She recently healed from a boil on her head, she said. A group of priests from different churches, including a delegation from the Philippines, took part in the Mass. “The virgin of Guadalupe provided the symbol that allowed Mexico to discover its identity and has been the cultural link among all races around the world,” said Father Móises Agudo, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in San Francisco.

NEED TO KNOW NEW OFFICERS FOR BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE: Sacramento Bishop Jaime Soto has been elected by his brother bishops to lead the California Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of the two archdioceses and 10 dioceses in California. Bishop Robert W. McElroy, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, was elected vice president, and Bishop Richard Garcia of MonBishop McElroy terey was re-elected treasurer. Bishop Soto succeeds Bishop Gerald Wilkerson, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Ange-

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les, and begins a three-year term as the conference president. “The Gospel’s message of the sacredness of life and the dignity of every human often goes unheard in the Capitol of California while increasing economic disparities and deteriorated social infrastructure underscore a lack of political will to serve the common good,” said Bishop Soto. “Pope Francis has recently reminded us to construct a new culture of encounter, ‘encuentro,’ that defies the prevailing ‘culture of exclusion.’ Gathering together as a conference of bishops helps us address those inequities at the local and state level as well as provide teaching, resources and support to Catholics in California committed to justice.”

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BISHOPS’ SEASONAL RESOURCES: The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops continues the tradition of providing online resources for the Advent and Christmas seasons with daily suggestions for prayer, reflection and action. The resources are presented in a clickable calendar format, with each date opening a page of suggestions and links. The calendars feature audio retreats in English and Spanish for the four Sundays of Advent and the three Sundays of the Christmas season. Visit www. usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-resources/ index.cfm and click on the Advent or Christmas links on the menu on the left.

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone Publisher George Wesolek Associate Publisher Rick DelVecchio Editor/General Manager EDITORIAL Valerie Schmalz, assistant editor schmalzv@sfarchdiocese.org Tom Burke, On the Street/Calendar burket@sfarchdiocese.org Christina Gray, Content & Community Development grayc@sfarchdiocese.org Edison Tapalla, Content & Community assistant tapallae@sfarchdiocese.org ADVERTISING Joseph Peña, director Mary Podesta, account representative Chandra Kirtman, advertising & circulation coordinator PRODUCTION Karessa McCartney-Kavanaugh, manager Joel Carrico, assistant HOW TO REACH US One Peter Yorke Way San Francisco, CA 94109 Phone: (415) 614-5639 | Fax: (415) 614-5641 Editor: (415) 614-5647 editor.csf@sfarchdiocese.org Advertising: (415) 614-5642 advertising.csf@sfarchdiocese.org Circulation: (415) 614-5639 circulation.csf@sfarchdiocese.org Letters to the editor: letters.csf@sfarchdiocese.org

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CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

(PHOTO BY VALERIE SCHMALZ/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

Advent, Christmas around the archdiocese ST. BARTHOLOMEW PARISH, SAN MATEO: Parishioner Carol Marchi and granddaughter Angelica Marchi took some time to look at the various Nativity sets at the parish crÃ¨che festival Dec. 8. Started by a parish family 15 years ago, the annual tradition draws people from various parishes for a little peek ahead at Christmas.

ST. PIUS. PARISH, REDWOOD CITY: The Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club did some heavy lifting recently unloading trees at the parish Christmas tree lot. The lot

will be open through Saturday, Dec. 21, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays. ST. IGNATIUS COLLEGE PREP, SAN FRANCISCO: Jesuit Father Ed Harris, SI â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;63, superior of the SI Jesuit community, led the Friday morning liturgy Dec. 6, marking the first Advent celebration at SI. Students each year collect food, toys and money to give to needy families in San Francisco, in collaboration with the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, through the Christmas store at St. Dominic Church.

(PHOTO COURTESY PAUL TOTAH/ST. IGNATIUS COLLEGE PREP)

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CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

Judo martial arts masterpiece for Riordan freshman TOM BURKE CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO

Archbishop Riordan High School calls freshman Greg West their “resident judo champ” and it’s a title well deserved. The St. Dunstan School graduate recently took a silver medal home for the United States from the Pan American Judo Championships in El Salvador, a contest featuring competitors from North, South and Central America and the highest level of competition for Americans under age 15. Greg has been training in judo since the Greg West age of 4 under Olympic coach Willy Cahill, and Allen Kipper, a 50-year veteran of the sport and former member of the Russian national team. Greg is a two-time California state champion, a 12-time national medalist, and currently ranked No. 1 in the United States in his age/weight class. “I like the sport of judo because it is not only fun but it is exciting,” Greg told Catholic San Francisco via email, noting that competitive judo has been a part of his life since age 6. Greg trains every day but Saturday but that isn’t a real day off since he does sit-ups and push-ups seven days a week. He competes in about a dozen tournaments a year and in each tournament engages in four to six matches. Greg’s dad, Jim says he and Greg’s mom, Michele are big supporters of judo. “It can be practiced year round, provides an opportunity for just about any level of competition, and develops confidence, discipline, humility, and real self-defense skills,” Jim said in the family composed Internet note. Martial arts are a family hobby, too. Jim holds a black belt rank in aikido and judo, and is currently training in Brazilian jujitsu. Both mom and dad are frequent fixtures watching their son compete on the judo circuit. PRO-LIFE HELPERS: San Mateo Pro Life gathered for dinner and encouragement Oct. 20 at St. Mark Parish in Belmont. “We had a nice turnout, and raised sufficient funds to continue our pro-life mission to San Mateo County,” said member Jessica Munn. Guest speaker was Father Joseph Richard, retired pastor, St. Cecilia Parish, Lagunitas, “who has been very active in Caite Fitzgerald the pro-life battle against Planned Parenthood in South San Francisco,” according to Jessica. “He had an inspiring talk, and a spirited question and answer period following it covering a wide spectrum of related questions from the audience,” Jessica said. “He was roundly applauded.”

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POTTERY BARNSTORMERS: Students from Mercy High School, Burlingame recently took lessons in ceramics from artisans of Heath Pottery Studios in Sausalito. Teachers Nadine Baroudi-Salamé and Nazira Kury-Arnold, a 1998 Mercy alumna, guided the trek. Students watched the making by hand of tableware, vases, and tiles from mud into workable clay, into bisque fired pieces, and then into finished dinnerware sets. Among the volunteers for the evening were Kira Costello, Maria Healy, and Caite Fitzgerald.

FAMILY MASS: Salt Lake City Bishop John Wester presided at a Thanksgiving liturgy for St. Anthony Immaculate Conception School Nov. 26 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, San Francisco. Bishop Wester, a former pastor of St. Stephen Parish, was ordained to the priesthood from St. Patrick’s Seminary & University May 15, 1976, and named an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of San Francisco in 1998. In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI named him as the ninth bishop of Salt Lake City. Bishop Wester’s niece Jennifer Barbi, pictured here with her uncle, teaches kindergarten at SAIC.

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BIG PICTURE REUNION: I am a fan of reunions and Kevin Birmingham has come up with a great idea: a reunion for all who attended Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of San Francisco. It rings of a very successful series of reunions for grads from schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia held at a popular and large tavern down the shore each summer. The big afternoon is Dec. 13 at the United Irish Cultural Center in San Francisco. Kevin attended St. Cecilia and St. Philip schools and Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory. He said he came up with the reunion idea in talks with fellow Catholic school alums. “We thought those of us that benefited from a Catholic school education would like to enjoy the holiday season while raising funds for current students to attend Catholic schools in the city,” he told me. Tickets at $45 include lunch with proceeds benefiting scholarship funds for students attending ADSF schools. There will be a no-host bar. Email Kevin at Kevin@parknorth. com or visit the “I went to Catholic school in San Francisco” Facebook page. Just go! Forget about the diet and the “how do I look?” routine. You look great! Reminds me of how when I go back home now the old people I’m running into are no longer my friends’ parents, they are my friends. Email items and electronic pictures – jpegs at no less than 300 dpi to burket@sfarchdiocese.org or mail to Street, One Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco 94109. Include a follow-up phone number. Street is toll-free. My phone number is (415) 614-5634.

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO Catholic San Francisco (ISSN 15255298) is published (three times per month) September through May , except in the following weeks: June, July, August (twice a month) and four times in October by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco, 1500 Mission Rd., P.O. Box 1577, Colma, CA 94014. Periodical postage paid at South San Francisco, CA. Postmaster: Send address changes to Catholic San Francisco, 1500 Mission Rd., P.O. Box 1577, Colma, CA 94014

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ARCHDIOCESE 5

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

New tradition of Chinese-language Christmas Eve Mass begins at St. Anne VALERIE SCHMALZ CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO

A special treat is in store for Chinese Catholics – and for anyone wanting to experience a uniquely Chinese Christmas liturgy here in the Archdiocese of San Francisco. A Christmas Eve liturgy will be celebrated at St. Father Peter Anne of the Sunset Zhai Church at 8 p.m. Dec. 24. Caroling – in Mandarin and in Cantonese – will begin at 7:30 p.m., said Divine Word Missionary Father Peter Zhai. Auxiliary Bishop William J. Justice and retired Bishop Ignatius Wang will be among the dignitaries joined by St. Anne pastor Father Raymund Reyes and parochial vicar Father Dennis Barlaan to celebrate the Mass, said Father Zhai, who was recently appointed chaplain of the Chinese Catholic community. The Mass on Christmas Eve will feature both Mandarin and Cantonese, but the homily will be in Mandarin, Father Zhai said. The Mass is being advertised on Chinese radio and television and in local Chinese newspapers. “Our goal is to really reach out,”

said Father Zhai, 41, of the Chinese Catholic ministry, “to build up a team to reach out to new immigrants and to old immigrants.” One of six children in a devoutly Catholic family that practiced its faith despite severe penalties for practicing Catholicism in the People’s Republic of China, Father Zhai said his goal is to evangelize the faith to Chinese living in the Bay Area. He came to this country in 1997 as a seminarian with the Society of the Divine Word and lived in Chicago and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles before coming to the archdiocese. Two sisters are religious in China, and a brother was recently ordained a Jesuit priest in the Philippines, he said. When his mother and father came for his ordination seven years ago, his mother spent all her time during a trip to San Francisco visiting churches because all the Catholic churches were destroyed in China, he said. His mother’s first sentence on arriving in the U.S. for the visit was “Finally I can breathe the air of freedom,” Father Zhai said. Celebrating the Mass, and sharing social events together – as a larger community, joining together the individual parish groups – is one of his top goals for evangelizing, Father Zhai said. Creating community, in Mass and outside of the church

walls, is critical to reaching the many Chinese who have no faith, he said. While Chinese make up 12 percent of the general population within the geographic boundaries of the archdiocese, they comprise a small percentage of archdiocesan Catholics. The Chinese Catholic community is notable for its active young adult group, which networks with peers throughout the Bay Area, Southern California and the East and West coasts of the U.S. and Canada. The group organizes evangelization concerts, which are attended by both Catholics and non-Catholics of all ages. He hopes to emulate the success of the Protestant Chinese churches in the area who have thousands of members, he said. Father Zhai recently formed special Chinese language Rite

of Christian Initiation of Adults teams at St. Matthew Parish in San Mateo and at St. Anne of the Sunset Parish in San Francisco, where he is in residence. He said the teams are already drawing interest. There is also a vibrant Chinese youth and young adult group at St. Monica, he said. He recently spent time with the Chinese foreign students attending Notre Dame High School in Belmont, and said while just one of the 30 girls is Catholic and two Christian, he found, “they have a passion to know more about Catholicism.” He was scheduled to give a retreat this month on “Jesus Christ the Evangelizer” and he said the retreat would focus on Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel,”) which was all about evangelization. “That’s what we’re supposed to do,” he said. “That’s my passion too.”

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CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

Opponents call for outcry against new Planned Parenthood clinic VALERIE SCHMALZ CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO

A new Planned Parenthood clinic opened this month in the Redwood City area, just north of the Atherton border, and is drawing daily protests by area Catholics and other pro-life supporters. The clinic opened the first week of December but is operating with limited hours – 19 hours a week – pending state approval of its license, said Planned Parenthood Mar Monte director of public affairs Lupe Rodriguez. Until state approval of its medical license, it is operating as a satellite under the license of another Planned Parenthood Mar Monte clinic located in Mountain View, Rodriguez said. The 2907 El Camino Real clinic was not required to get San Mateo County zoning approval because the area is already zoned commercial, Rodriguez said. The site is in unincorporated Redwood City, near a largely Latino area with many immigrants and close to a wealthy area of Atherton. The clinic will offer

(PHOTO BY VALERIE SCHMALZ/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

Maria Campo and petition organizer Linda Potter were among those demonstrating against the Planned Parenthood clinic near Redwood City. chemical abortion but at this time there are no plans for performing surgical abortions, Rodriguez said. Planned Parenthood Mar Monte plans to work

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with the county to become a primary care clinic under the Affordable Care Act, she said. Seminarians from St. Patrick’s Seminary & University in Menlo Park, Catholic priests, a 93-year-old couple, and members of Church of the Nativity parish are among those taking turns holding up signs and praying the rosary on El Camino Real outside the clinic, said Linda Potter, who collected 1,600 signatures opposing the clinic in 11 days. While there appear to be no legal options for shutting down the clinic, opponents plan to continue their vigil until Planned Parenthood leaves, said Potter, a member of Church of the Nativity parish. “They claim they do not have surgical abortions but I don’t believe them,” said Potter, pointing to newly installed double doors – in addition to the double doors for the reception area – which are wide enough to allow a hospital gurney direct access to the parking lot in case of a surgical emergency that required an ambulance. “Have you ever seen an abortion?” asked Mark Fitzpatrick, who was standing outside the clinic Dec. 2. “That should never happen.” The clinic was in the works for more than a year, but pro-life advocates only learned of it about two weeks before its scheduled opening, said Kelly Connelly, one of those picketing the clinic who designed two 18-foot signs in Spanish and English for the demonstrators. “I don’t think there are any significant legal options here. I think it’s going to have to be a matter of public pressure,” said Katie Short, legal director of Life Legal Defense Foundation. A little more than a year ago, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte opened a clinic at 29 Baywood Ave. in San Mateo. Two other attempts by Planned Parenthood Mar Monte to set up clinics in San Mateo County have been blocked –at least temporarily – by pro-life advocates invoking zoning laws. In September 2011, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte withdrew its application for a clinic at 2890 El Camino Real in Redwood City. An approved Planned Parenthood Mar Monte clinic in South San Francisco is on hold pending a court appeal by pro-life advocates.

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CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

Patient recognizes Marin doctor with $5 million hospital gift CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO

Charles Gibbs had been a regular but not necessarily chummy patient of cardiologist Dr. Frank Malin for more than three decades when he died this year. He stunned both Malin and St. Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco, Dr. Frank Malin where the doctor had practiced until his retirement last year, when they learned that Gibbs had left a $5 million gift to the St. Francis Foundation in the doctor’s name. Gibbs, a mechanical engineer who worked on a number of prominent buildings in San Francisco over his career, requested that his gift be used to renovate the hospital’s intensive care unit, which will be named after Malin. The gift, one of the largest bequests in the history of the St. Francis Foundation, recognized Malin’s extraordinary compassion and care for his patients and their families over a distinguished career. In addition to his cardiology practice, Malin served as the hospital’s chief of staff and board chairman.

Malin, a parishioner at St. Anselm, acknowledged that while he is “like family” to some patients, he and Gibbs were simply doctor and patient. “That’s one of the reasons the gift was such a surprise,” he said in a phone conversation with Catholic San Francisco from his home in Ross, where he lives with his wife Doreen. In a statement from the hospital, St. Francis CEO Tom Hennessy said Malin “treats his patients and their families with care, compassion and skill, developing bonds that span generations. No one deserves this recognition more than Dr. Malin for his lifetime of service to medicine and his contributions to St. Francis.” Though officially retired, Malin still sees a number of patients at the hospital and remains active in the St. Francis community and is a parttime partner in a downtown medical practice. When asked about the intersections between his Catholic faith and his lifelong career as a physician, Malin said there is a natural confluence between the two. “Physicians are dedicated to helping people live better lives,” he said. “So are Catholics.”

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CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

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Around this time last year, Kelly had to find a way to keep her 18-month-old daughter, Kalie, cared for and safe after getting evicted and finding herself homeless. Having limited options, she spent more than three months sleeping on friends and families’ couches while she tried desperately to find a solution. Every day the uncertainty of their situation weighed heavily on her. “I knew I had to figure out a better way to raise Kalie, but just couldn’t make any progress on my own,” said Kelly, whose real name and that of her daughter have been changed for this article to protect their privacy. “We weren’t technically ‘on the street,’ but I felt so overwhelmed by how difficult it was to never know for sure where we would stay next.” At just 21 years old, Kelly was making every effort to find a permanent place, but found that her eviction and lack of rental history was a major obstacle. Diagnosed with severe depression, she became increasingly frustrated by the seeming hopelessness of her situation. After pursuing help through multiple agencies and getting placed on waiting lists for shelters, Kelly’s efforts paid off when she was assigned to Star Community Home. A collaboration among Catholic Charities CYO, the Salesforce.com Foundation, Star of the Sea Parish and the city of San Fran-

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Kelly and daughter Kalie – not their real names – are settled into an apartment and anticipating the holidays. cisco, Star provides temporary shelter and support services to homeless mothers and their children. Kelly and Kalie moved into Star in early spring. “I liked it from the moment we first came to visit,” she said. “The sense of community here made me realize I am not alone.” Kelly was already employed when they moved in, so from the beginning

she and her case manager diligently worked on submitting applications for permanent housing. Five months later, she and her daughter excitedly moved into their own apartment. “Star offers so much support. It was amazing how not having to worry about basic things like buying diapers or food freed me to focus on what I needed to do to find a good place for us,” she said. Participating in community activities taught Kelly to speak up for herself and even helped little Kalie learn how to share and interact with other

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children. “The encouragement I got from the staff pushed me to become more independent,” Kelly said. “I have learned how to explain my feelings and not just be angry.” Now settled into their apartment and eagerly anticipating the holidays, Kelly has started studying to become a medical assistant and home health aide. Like many others who have come to Star and received the support they needed, she is more optimistic about her future than ever before. Through the support and resources of the Star Community Home, mothers like Kelly are able to build a strong foundation to improve their lives. Passionate advocates in the fight against homelessness, Marc and Lynne Benioff and the Salesforce.com Foundation, together with the city of San Francisco and a host of other donors, have made this wonderful program possible. “Our challenge is far from over. Families who find themselves homeless need our support to better their lives and the lives of these children now,” said Jeff Bialik, executive director of CCCYO. “We are incredibly grateful for the financial support from our collaborators as we continue to pursue additional means to extend this program that has already helped more than 51 families rebuild their lives with shelter, support and assistance.” This is one in a series of Catholic Charities CYO’s Advent Season of Caring stories. CCCYO is making a difference in the lives of 35,000 people in need every year. To support Season of Caring, visit www.cccyo.org/seasonofcaring or call (415) 972-1291.

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CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

Simbang Gabi commissioning Mass The Filipino novena tradition of Simbang Gabi got its official start Dec. 6 with the annual Simbang Gabi commissioning Mass and parol lighting ceremony celebrated by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone at St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral. Archbishop Cordileone blessed the parish coordinators of Simbang Gabi as they held their star-shaped parol lanterns, which symbolize the light of Christ. Simbang Gabi begins Dec. 15 and Dec. 16 at 28 parishes in all three counties. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We celebrate Advent precisely at this time of the year when there is the most darkness. The nights are the longest in this time of the year,â&#x20AC;? the archbishop said in his homily. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But we know the season will end around the time of Christmas, when Christ our light appears.â&#x20AC;?

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10 ARCHDIOCESE

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

FAITH-BASED ANTI-POVERTY GROUPS MERGE

San Francisco Organizing Project and Peninsula Interfaith Action, faith-based organizing groups that support the work of the Catholic Church on immigration, housing, education and other social justice issues, are combining resources and merging Jan.1. More than 20 archdiocesan parishes are member congregations or affiliated with SFOP and PIA, including St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco and St. Francis of Assisi in East Palo Alto. In 2012 the organizations were awarded grants from the U.S. bishops’ Catholic Campaign for Human Development for their work with economic development and immigration, among other issues. “I look forward to this merger because it will allow for a more effective use of resources and an increased ability to train leadership in our parishes,” archdiocesan public policy director George Wesolek said in an email. “Parishioners have been trained to become leaders in their communities to effect change for justice and equality.” Both groups said the merger opens new possibilities for social justice work. “Based on what we are hearing in neighborhoods across the region, we anticipate launching new campaigns, focused on economic opportunity and equity,” said Jennifer Martinez, PIA executive director. The new organization, called the San Francisco Organizing Project/ Peninsula Interfaith Action, will be co-directed by Martinez and Erika Katske.

Around the archdiocese ST. HILARY SCHOOL, TIBURON: Students are taking the poor under their wing during December and planning to help 280 families with boxes of food. Back, sixth grader Mia Barns; middle from left, eighth graders Sofia Kashefi, Jacqueline Massey-Blake; sixth grader Anna Lika Scholl-Thurman; eighth grader Sofie Devincenti; sixth graders Katie Mannix, Sarah Snyder, Charlie Ashendorf; seventh grader Brady Olitsky; fourth grader Molly Ashendorf; front from left, eighth graders Lauren Lombardi, Natalie Long.

ST. TIMOTHY SCHOOL, SAN MATEO: Students went right to work when they heard about the damage and injury caused by the recent Philippine typhoon. “Students began to pray, as a community, for those who were suffering through what some are saying was the largest storm to ever hit land,” the school said. Students dressed in the country’s national colors – red, white, blue and yellow – to start a fundraising campaign that raised more than $1,420 for the work of Catholic Relief Services in the Philippines. Sixth graders Caitlin Woo and Portia Council, pictured here, created special T-shirts for the good work.

DE MARILLAC ACADEMY, SAN FRANCISCO: More than 200 young adults and friends came out to test their knowledge and sing their hearts out at the sixth Annual Triviaoke Extravaganzafest, which benefits De Marillac Academy in the Tenderloin. Pictured from left: Maura Lafferty, Kayleigh O’Keefe, Kristin Schellinger, Liam Connolly, Rachel Teixeira, Caroline Grider, Raul Yepez, Jonathan Grider.

ST. ANDREW CATHOLIC CHURCH 1571 Southgate Avenue, Daly City, CA 94015 (650) 756-3223

2013 CHRISTMAS Liturgies

December 15 -23 Simbang Gabi 7:00 pm except Sat @ 4:45 pm December 24 5:00 pm Children’s Liturgy 7:00 pm Vigil of Christmas Mass 11:45 pm Christmas Eve Mass December 25 Christmas Day Masses 9:30 am & 11:00 am A Blessed Christmas to All!

CHRISTMAS LITURGIES

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Tuesday Dec. 24th - 3:00 pm Eve of the Nativity Divine Liturgy Wednesday Dec. 25th - Christmas Day Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

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Mass Schedule For Christmas and New Year Confessions Tuesday, December 24, 2013 10:30 am to 12:00 pm and 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm

Christmas Masses Tuesday, December 24, 2013 6:00 pm Bi-lingual Children’s Mass Followed by Pastorela Midnight Bi-lingual Mass

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 7:30 am English 9:30 am Spanish 11:30 am English 1:30 pm Spanish

New Year Masses Wednesday, January 1, 2014 7:30 am English 9:30 am Spanish 11:30 am English 1:30 pm Spanish

LET GRATEFUL HEARTS NOW SING, A SONG OF JOY AND HOLY PRAISE TO CHRIST, THE NEWBORN KING.

Welcome to the celebration of our faith at

St. Thomas Apostle Catholic Church 3835 Balboa Street San Francisco, CA 94121 415-387-5545

Christmas Eve, December 24 4:00 p.m. Children's Mass 8:30 p.m. Carols 9:00 p.m. Midnight Mass

Christmas Day, December 25 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Masses

NATIONAL 11

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

ARCHDIOCESE DISCLOSES DATA ON CLERGY ACCUSED OF ABUSE

ST. PAUL, Minn. – As part of its ongoing efforts to address issues related to clergy sexual misconduct, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis is releasing information related to priests who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors in the archdiocese. The information can be found in The Catholic Spirit, the archdiocesan newspaper, which can be found online at http://thecatholicspirit. com, and on a special page titled “Disclosures Regarding Clergy Sexual Abuse of Minors” on the archdiocese’s website, www.archspm.org. In his column this week in The Catholic Spirit, Archbishop John C. Nienstedt said the disclosure is part of the archdiocese’s safe environment efforts, which he hopes “will contribute to the healing process for victims and others who have been harmed, and serve to protect God’s children and foster trust in the church.” The disclosure includes the following information: the cleric’s name; his year of birth and age; year of ordination; if deceased, the year he died; the cleric’s prior assignments; the date of his removal from ministry and current status; and the city and state where he presently resides. The information being released, which is part of an ongoing comprehensive review of clergy files, is mostly related to reported incidents that occurred between

the mid-1950s and 1980s, the archdiocese said in a Dec. 2 statement. Most of the men identified have been previously identified in media reports. All of them have been permanently removed from ministry or are deceased.

PHILADELPHIA ARCHDIOCESE REBOUNDING FINANCIALLY

PHILADELPHIA – The latest audited financial statements for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia show a dramatic turnaround in church finances with a reported $3.9 million surplus for the 2013 fiscal year, up dramatically from the $39.2 million deficit reported for fiscal year 2012. The accounting firm Grant Thornton audited the financial statements and dated their opinion Nov. 22. The archdiocese released the information Dec. 5. “Since my arrival in Philadelphia, we’ve worked hard to be transparent about the financial health of our local church,” Archbishop Charles J. Chaput said in a statement. “We’ll continue to do so.”

GUN CHECK MEASURE SAID TO BALANCE ‘LIBERTY, SAFETY’

SEATTLE – The Catholic bishops of Washington state support a legislative measure to place some limits on gun sales, calling it “a prudent balance between concerns for personal liberty and public safety.” The Washington measure, called Initiative 594, would require background checks on the sale or transfer of all firearms and adds background checks for online sales and sales at gun shows.

CHRISTMAS LITURGIES CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR’S DAY MASS SCHEDULE Tuesday, December 24, 2013 Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord 5:00 p.m. - Vigil Family Mass 11:30 p.m. - Christmas Carols at Church Wednesday, December 25, 2013 - (Christmas Day) Nativity of Our Lord 12 Midnight; 7:00 a.m.; 8:00 a.m.; 9:30 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2013 - (New Year’s Eve) 5:00 p.m. - New Year’s Eve Mass 29 Rockaway Avenue SF CA 94127 (415) 681-4225 www. stbrendanparish.org

Wednesday, January 1, 2014 - New Year’s Day Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Not a Holy Day of Obligation) 7:30 & 9:30 a.m.

The National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi The Heart of San Francisco Columbus and Vallejo

Christmas Day: 11 a.m. Mass New Year’s Eve: 11 p.m. Mass 610 Vallejo Street, San Francisco 415.986.4557

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ADVENT/CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE 2013 Advent Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 15 3:30 PM - Featuring the Cathedral Choir and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Choir

Las Posadas Saturday, December 21 Mexican/Latin American tradition reenacting Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and their search for lodging before Jesus’ birth 6:00 PM-9:00 PM, St. Francis Hall

Blessing of Expectant Parents at all Masses Sunday, December 22 Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24 Regular Daily Mass Schedule 6:45 AM, 8:00 AM and 12:10 PM 5:00 PM Caroling - Cathedral Choir of Boys and Girls and the St. Brigid School Honor Choir 5:30 PM - Christmas Vigil Mass 11:30 PM Caroling - Cathedral Choir and Golden Gate Brass Ensemble 12:00 AM - Midnight Mass Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, Principal Celebrant

Christmas Day Wednesday, December 25 9:00 AM - Gregorian Chant Mass with the Schola Cantorum Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, Principal Celebrant 11:00 AM - Solemn Mass with Cathedral Choir 1:00 PM - Misa en Español con el Coro Hispano The Cathedral will close after the 1:00 PM Mass

Vigil of the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord: Mary, Mother of God Tuesday, December 31 Regular Daily Mass Schedule: 6:45 AM, 8:00 AM and 12:10 PM 5:30 PM Vigil Mass

Octave of the Nativity of the Lord: Mary, Mother of God Wednesday, January 1, 2014 Regular Daily Mass Schedule: 6:45 AM, 8:00 AM, 12:10 PM

The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord Sunday, January 5, 2014 Saturday, January 4 - Vigil - 5:30 PM Sunday - 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM (Español) 3:30 PM - Lessons and Carols with the Cathedral Choir of Boys and Girls, St. Brigid School Honor Choir and Golden Gate Boys Choir & Bellringers

12 NATIONAL

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

Typhoon relief needs long-term support CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Expect the rebuilding in typhoon-ravaged regions of the Philippines to take up to five years, a Catholic Relief Services official said at a congressional hearing. Because the recovery will be slow for millions of displaced Filipinos, Sean Callahan, chief operating officer at CRS, urged congressional representatives to commit funding for the long term so that progress can continue after the disaster that has claimed more than 5,600 lives is no longer in the headlines. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not over. The disaster hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t disappeared,â&#x20AC;? Callahan told a Dec. 3 hearing of the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations. At the same time he credited the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. military for their roles in the first wave of response since Super Typhoon Haiyan swept through the central Philippines Nov. 8. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the Philippines and let that country

(CNS PHOTO/DAMIR SAGOLJ, REUTERS)

A man repairs his house at a coastal area south of Tacloban Nov. 16. go down,â&#x20AC;? Callahan continued in response to a question from Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., subcommittee chairman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thirteen million people were affected. This is going to affect the

CHRISTMAS LITURGIES

whole country over the long term. It really needs a significant three- to fiveyear response. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think the Filipino people and the Filipino (Catholic) church and the government are ready to put their shoulders to the grindstone (to rebuild). If we do it in solidarity with them, they can achieve that goal. If we let it go, frankly, shame on us,â&#x20AC;? Callahan added.

USCCB PRESIDENT: ACLU LAWSUIT OVER DIRECTIVES â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BASELESS, MISGUIDEDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

WASHINGTON â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Dec. 6 called a lawsuit filed against the USCCB over its directives for Catholic health care â&#x20AC;&#x153;baselessâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;misguided.â&#x20AC;? The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Michigan filed the suit in U.S. District Court Nov. 29. The ACLU and the plaintiff, Tamesha Means, claim she received negligent care at a Michigan Catholic hospital when her pregnancy was in crisis at 18 weeks, leading her to suffer emotional and painful trauma that resulted in a premature birth, the suit says, and the death of the baby shortly thereafter. The ACLU suit blames the bishopsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Careâ&#x20AC;? for the inadequate care it says Means received. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is important to note at the outset that the death of any unborn child is tragic, and we feel deeply for any mother who suffers such pain and loss,â&#x20AC;? said Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., USCCB president. He called it â&#x20AC;&#x153;baselessâ&#x20AC;? for the ACLU to claim the directives encourage or require â&#x20AC;&#x153;substandard treatment of pregnant womenâ&#x20AC;? because they do â&#x20AC;&#x153;not approve the direct killing of their unborn children.â&#x20AC;?

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE ST. MATTHEW C CATHOLIC CHURCH Monday, December 16 through Friday, ONFESSIONS

1853

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December 20, and Monday, December 23 Chapel 5:00pm-5:30pm

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CHRISTMAS 2013

Christmas Day BN 5SBEJUJPOBM .BTT t QN *HCP .BTT

Christ Yesterday, Today and Forever

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Devotedly in Christ Rev. Anthony E. McGuire Rev. Armando Gutierrez Rev. Dominic S. Lee

2013 CHRISTMAS LITURGIES 2013 Easter Week Liturgies Tuesday, December 24, 2013 Palm Sunday of the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Passion - March 24th

Masses: 5 p.m. (Sat. Vig.), 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 noon (Span.) Christmas Eve/Vispera de Navidad Blessing of Palms and Procession from Auditorium to Basilica 10 a.m. & 12 noon Masses 5:00atpm Family Mass 6:00 p.m. - Movie about the life of Christ and reflection Children's Choir Holy Thursday 28th 11:30pmMarch Christmas Carol Sing 6:30 p.m. - Seder Supper (tickets required - $5) Basilica 8:00 p.m. - Solemn Mass of Choirs the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Supper [Bilingual] followed by procession and adoration until 11 p.m. 12:00 Midnight Solemn Mass/ Good FridayMisa of the Solemne Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Passion - March 29th (bilingue)

Mission Dolores Basilica 16th & Dolores St., San Francisco 415-621-8203

www.missiondolores.org Rev. Arturo Albano, Pastor Rev. William Nicholas, Parochial Vicar Jerome Lenk, Director of Music & Liturgy l b f l d

Saturday. December 21: Main Church 11:30am-12Noon and 4:30pm-5:00pm Tuesday, December 24: Main Church 11:00am-12Noon

12:00 noon - Stations of the Cross and Passion Play 6:30 p.m. - Liturgy of Good Friday [Bilingual] Wednesday, December 25, 2013 followed by Santo Entierro Procession

Christmas Day/ Dia de Navidad Holy Saturday - March 30th Massof in English 3:30 -10:00 5:00 p.m.a.m. - Sacrament Reconciliation 8:00 p.m. Easter Vigil Liturgy [Bilingual] 12:00 p.m. Mass in Spanish Easter Sunday - March 31st 8:00 a.m. - Mass [cantor and organ]

MASSES Tuesday, Christmas Eve, December 24: 5:00pm Family Mass, 12:00Midnight (Spanish) Wednesday, Christmas Day, December 25: 7:00am, 8:45m, (Spanish), 10:45am, 12:30pm, 3:00pm (Cantonese Mass â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Chapel) Tuesday, New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve, December 31: 7:00pm Spanish

NEW YEARSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; DAY â&#x20AC;&#x201C;WED. JAN. 1, 2014 A Holy Day of Obligation, The Feast of Mary, the Mother of God Masses: 6:30am, 10:30am (English), 12:05pm (Spanish)

St. Dunstan Church 1133 Broadway Millbrae, CA 94030 (650) 697-4730

One of the pleasures of the Christmas Season is the opportunity to send our thoughts and prayers to those whose friendship and goodwill we value so highly. The priests and staff of St. Dunstan Parish join in wishing you a very blessed Christmas. May the gift of faith, the blessing of hope, and the peace of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love be with you and yours throughout the New Year.

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS AT ST. DUNSTAN 2013 CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES 4:30 pm Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mass with Pageant 11:00 pm Christmas Carols 11:30 pm Christmas Mass CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES 7:00 am, 8:30 am, 10:00 am, and 11:30 am

NO 5:00 pm Mass on Christmas Day

WORLD 13

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

Making Nativity-scene sheep from Bethlehem wool JUDITH SUDILOVSKY CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

BETHLEHEM, West Bank – Activity was in full swing at the Ma’an lilHayat workshop as 16 adults shaped felted wool into round balls for a large order of sheep to fill people’s Nativity scenes. “Now at Christmastime we have a lot of orders for sheep and grottos,” said Rania Hawash, administrative assistant at the workshop. Ma’an lil-Hayat is part of the international L’Arche network founded in 1964 by Canadian Catholic philosopher and theologian Jean Vanier for people with intellectual disabilities. The workshop takes a local resource closely associated with the Christmas story but normally squandered – sheep wool – and uses it to bring dignity and recognition to a population often overlooked and hidden in Palestinian society. Five years ago, Mahera Nassar Ghareeb, director and founder of Ma’an lil-Hayat – Arabic for “Together for Life” – was looking for a way to open up a workshop for adults with intellectual disabilities and was drawn to the L’Arche model of respect and mutual assistance. “There is a real need in Palestine for more places for disabled people; there are not enough places, especially for adults,” she said. “There are schools and day care centers for disabled children, but when they grow up they are usually on the streets or locked at home.” Once the connection was made with L’Arche, the founders searched

(CNS PHOTO/DEBBIE HILL)

A Palestinian with an intellectual disability makes a Nativity scene using felted wool from Bethlehem sheep at the Ma’an lil-Hayat in Bethlehem, West Bank, Nov. 14. for a project that would be suitable for the “core members” – a reference to disabled members of the workshops – as well as something that would bring in some income to the organization. A French volunteer suggested wool felting as an option, and the workshop opened its doors in June 2009. “In Palestine, we had never done that – there was knitting and weaving, but we had never heard of felting,” said Ghareeb. A French volunteer taught the basics of wool felting; the work with wool, soap and warm water was easy and relaxing for the core members. “Because we are near Shepherd’s

Field, there are a lot of shepherds, a lot of wool,” Ghareeb added. Usually, the wool is burned once the sheep are shorn, said Ghareeb. By buying the wool from the shepherds, the project adds to their income and helps protect the environment from the pollution of the burning of the wool, she said. At Christmastime, said Ghareeb, most of the project’s stock flies off the shelves, either at their workshop store, at other Bethlehem and Jeru-

salem gift shops or via Internet sales (www.maanlilhayat.ps). In addition to the gnomes and Nativity scenes, workers produce wool felted coin purses, Christmas ornaments and caterpillars. Because program officials want the work done by the core members, and not by the four associates working with them, the capacity to produce quickly in mass numbers remains low, Ghareeb said. “We work the whole year to sell for the last three months of the year,” she said. And though products are always sold, their profits cover only half of their expenses, she added, so their budget must be supplemented by organizational grants and private donations. Families do not pay for their members to attend the workshop, and all expenses such as transportation and meals are covered by Ma’an lil Hayat. Hilme Mizer, 20, one of the first core members to join the workshop, said the work provides him with an opportunity to build his self-esteem, be among his peers and increase his sense of independence. Core members also earn a small amount of pocket money from the workshop. “I love working here,” he said as he rolled out a red felted wool hat for a Swedish-styled gnome. “Here I can be with my friends and I feel I am important. I see my life here.”

CHRISTMAS LITURGIES

ST. RAYMOND CHURCHCHURCH ST. RAYMOND

St. Augustine Church

ST. RAYMOND CHURCH 1100 Santa Cruz Avenue Menlo Park, California 94025 (650) 323-1755

3700 Callan Blvd. S. San Francisco, CA 94080

CHRISTMAS 2013

Novena of masses (Simbang Gabi) December 15-23 – 7:30 P.M.

Christmas Vigil: Tuesday, December 24 4:30 P.M. Vigil Mass 7:30 P.M. Children’s Caroling 8 P.M. Children’s Mass 11:00 P.M. Caroling 12 A.M. Midnight Mass (Church & Hall)

Our Children's Christmas Nativity Play will be at 4:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve

Christmas Day: December 25 7:45 A.M., 9:30 A.M., 11 A.M., 12:30 P.M. There is no 5:30 P.M. Mass on Christmas Day.

Our Christmas Eve are 5:15at5:15 p.m., 7:30 Midnight OurMasses Massesonon Christmas Eveatare p.m.p.m. andand 7:30 p.m.

New Year’s Day 2014

Our Masses on Christmas Day are at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

ST. BARTHOLOMEW PARISH COMMUNITY

Corner of Alameda & Crystal Springs Rd. San Mateo, CA 94402 (650) 347-0701 stbarts@barts.org

Schedule of Masses: 8:40 A.M., 10:30 A.M., 12 Noon

ST. TERESA OF AVILA CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVED BY THE CARMELITES

Street at Connecticut PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR ADVENT & CHRISTMAS MASSES

CHRISTMAS LITURGIES

Sacrament of Reconciliation, December 16th at 7 pm

Christmas Eve, December 24th Children’s Mass 4:00 & 6:00 pm Caroling at 11:15 pm followed by Midnight Mass 12:00 am

Tuesdays & Fridays Wednesdays in Advent

Christmas Masses Vigil, December 24th

Christmas Day December 25th 8:00, 9:30 & 11:15 am no evening mass. New Year's Eve, December 31st 5:30 pm New Year's Day, January 1st 10:00 am

8:30am 6:15pm

Unto Us A Child Is Born

December 25th

4:15 Children’s Mass 9:00 pm Choir Mass 8:30 & 10:00 am

New Year’s Day

9:00am

For more information: Call: 415-285-5272 · E-mail: info@stteresasf.org · www.stteresasf.org

14 WORLD

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

Journey toward Christmas reflected in Ukrainian icons RAMON GONZALEZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

EDMONTON, Alberta – Catholics are called to prepare spiritually for Christmas by looking into the life and journey of Christ, said the bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton. Bishop David Motiuk compared Christmas to a book, saying people cannot only read the last chapter, but must read the whole book, page by page. “Christianity is a journey which requires preparation and, in order to prepare well for it, you need to take time to prepare the home, to prepare the table and to prepare ourselves spiritually,” the bishop said. During a November retreat on preparing for Christmas, Bishop Motiuk said icons present a “beautiful theology” of Scripture and tradition through which one can reflect on the mystery of God. The bishop picked three icons for the retreat: the Annunciation, where the Archangel Gabriel tells Mary she is the mother of God, the Nativity, and Jesus’ baptism. “All of these tell the same story. With the icon of the Annunciation the beginning of salvation is announced to Mary and to the world,” he said. “Then nine months later, she physically gives birth to Christ the child.” The small icons at St. Josaphat Cathedral in Edmonton are part of a series written, or painted, in Ukraine and brought to the cathedral to be used in worship. Bishop Motiuk asked each participant to

CHRISTMAS LITURGIES St. Patrick Church

reflect on the icons and then share how God was speaking to them through the figures or scenes depicted. Through the icon of the Annunciation, participants were reminded that God had long been preparing humanity to receive the message of salvation – a plan that unfolded with the Annunciation. “Mary, through (CNS PHOTO/ST. JOSAPHAT UKRAINIAN the workings of the CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL) This icon depicting the Nativity Holy Spirit, becomes pregnant with the is from St. Josaphat Ukrainian Christ Child. So in our Catholic Cathedral in Edmonown personal lives we ton, Alberta. reflect on this great mystery of salvation. But we are also called, like the mother of God, to be the Christ bearer,” Bishop Motiuk said. “Like Mary, we are called to be the bearers of Christ to our family members, our neighbors, our friends, strangers.” The Nativity icon enables preparation for the birth of Christ, the bishop said. “We see here, in this icon, a most strange God and a most wonderful God at the same time, because God becoming a man affords an opportunity for man to become God,” Bishop Motiuk said, quoting an early Christian theologian. In the Nativity icon, figures from the Bible help tell

the story of “a God who wants to draw near to us so that we can draw near to him.” The figures in the icon help us to live that story, the bishop said. The angels are God’s messengers who also sing God’s praises. The shepherds receive the good news that God is going to be born, “so they travel and they kneel in adoration of the Christ Child.” The Nativity icon also shows the three Wise Men who have traveled from the East to present their gifts. It also presents St. Joseph in conversation with an old man, Satan, who tries to tempt him to abandon Mary and the child, Bishop Motiuk said. “He (Satan) says, ‘Joseph, do you really think that that’s your child, or is it from another man? Who has ever heard of a virgin birth?” The icon includes midwives who, by tradition, helped Joseph and Mary in the birthing process. It also includes a representation of the Trinity, of heaven breaking into earth, “and so we see a symbol of God the Father, we see a representation through light and the Holy Spirit enlightening the Christ child, pointing to the Christ child.” In the icon of Jesus’ baptism, “you see Christ in the River Jordan as a fully grown man receiving baptism from the hand of John the Baptist.” “I’m hoping by focusing on the icon of our Lord’s baptism that we will remember our own baptism,” Bishop Motiuk said. “God rejoices in our willingness to say ‘yes’ to him and to follow him.” Our baptism is only the beginning and, in our daily lives, “we are called to renew our ‘yes’ to God in prayer, in good works, in fasting, in recognizing the need of others and responding to them,” he said. “The baptismal icon is a call to action on our part.”

Christmas Schedule

The Parish of St. Catherine of Siena 1310 Bayswater Ave. Burlingame CA 94010

Saturday December 14 - 21, 2013

4:00-5:00 p.m. Advent Confessions (all priests)

December 16 - 24, 2013 6:00 a.m. Misa de Gallo Reception after the Mass

Tuesday, December 24, 2013 6:00 a.m. Misa de Gallo Reception after the Mass 7:30 a.m. Mass 12:10 p.m. Mass

(please note there will be no Mass at 5:15 p.m.)

7:00 p.m. Christmas Carols 8:00 p.m. Traditional “Mass at Midnight”

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 Christmas Day *Holy Day of Obligation* 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 a.m. (Latin) and 12:15 p.m. (please note there will be no Mass at 5:15 p.m.)

Tuesday, December 31, 2013 7:30 a.m., 12:10p.m. & 5:15 p.m.

756 Mission Street San Francisco

Wednesday, January 1, 2014 New Year’s Day *Holy Day of Obligation* 7:30 a.m., 12:10p.m. & 5:15 p.m.

Christmas Masses: Christmas Eve (Tuesday, December 24)

The angel said to them “A Savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord” LUKE 2:11

4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 12 Midnight

Christmas Vigil Mass Christmas Family Mass Christmas Midnight Mass 11:30 p.m. - Christmas Concert

Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25) Masses: 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12 Noon

Celebrate the Christmas Season in the heart of Noe Valley!

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Saint Philip the Apostle Church

STAR OF THE SEA CHURCH SAN FRANCISCO

8th Avenue at Geary Boulevard (415) 751 0450 Pre-Christmas “0 Antiphon” Latin Masses Tuesday, December 17th 6:30pm Fr.Anselm Ramelow Wednesday December 18th 6:30pm Fr.Anselm Ramelow Candlelight Rorate Mass Stella Maris Choir Thursday, December 19th 6:30pm Canon Oliver Meney Friday, December 20th 6:30pm Fr. Mark G. Mazza Saturday, December 21st 10:00am Fr. Mark G. Mazza Monday, December 23rd 6:30pm Fr. Mark G. Mazza Christmas Schedule 2013 Individual Confessions Christinas Day Masses Saturday, December 21st from 2:15-4:15pm Wednesday, December 25th Christmas Eve Masses 8:00am Tuesday, December 24th 9:30am Mass 4:30pm Children's Mass David Lorentz musicians and singers David Lorentz musicians and singers 11:00am Traditional Latin High Mass 10.30pm Christmas Carols Stella Maris Choir 11:00pm Traditional Latin High Mass 1:00pm Mass Stella Maris Choir David Lorentz musicians and singers The parish staff joins me in wishing all of you a very Blessed and Merry Christmas and our promise of prayers for all of you in the New Year. - Fr. Mark G. Mazza

725 Diamond Street @ 24th Street San Francisco, CA 94112 - Phone: 415-282-0141 Dec. 21 - Saturday 8:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. Dec. 22 - Sunday 8: 00 a.m. & 10:30a.m. Christmas Eve - Tuesday, December 24 Vigil of Christmas Children’s/Family Mass: Christmas Carols: Evening Mass:

5:00 p.m. 9:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m.

Christmas Day - Wednesday December 25 Mass of the Lord’s Nativity - 9:30 a.m. We wish you a Happy and Holy Christmas Season.

Dec. 28 Saturday 8:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. Dec. 29 - .Sunday 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. January 1, 2014 Wednesday Solemnity of Mary Mass: 9:30 a.m.

WORLD 15

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

Pope asks that no one be indifferent to elderly, children, sick, poor CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

ROME – Pope Francis prayed that people would never be indifferent to the cries of the poor, the suffering of the sick, the loneliness of the elderly and the fragility of children. “May every human life always be loved and venerated by all of us,” he prayed on the feast of the Immaculate Conception Dec. 8. Pope Francis marked the feast day with a traditional afternoon visit to a statue of Mary erected near the Spanish Steps. He traveled between the Vatican and the heart of Rome’s tourist and shopping district riding in the passenger front seat of a four-door Ford Focus sedan. The visit was to pay homage to Mary by praying before the statue, which commemorates Pope Pius IX’s proclamation in 1854 that Mary, by special divine favor, was without sin from the moment she was conceived. The pope offered a large basket of white roses trimmed with a white- and yellow-striped ribbon decorated with the pope’s coat-of-arms. The basket was set among scores of other floral arrangements at the foot of the column topped by the statue. While he did not give a speech or make any formal remarks to the crowds gathered for the event, he spoke from a prepared prayer asking that Mary would

(CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING)

Pope Francis greets the crowd as he arrives to lead a Marian prayer service in Rome Dec. 8. renew in everyone the desire to be holy, charitable, pure and chaste and to speak words that “glow with the splendor of truth.” Standing before the statue, he asked Mary to “help us stay attentive to listen to the Lord’s voice: that the cry of the poor never leave us indifferent, that the suffering of the sick and those in need not find us distracted, that the solitude of the elderly and the

Christmas Eve 3:30pm Confessions 4:30pm Family Mass 10:00pm Mass (Prelude music 9:30pm)

1721 Hillside Drive, Burlingame Capuchin Franciscans 650-347-7768

Eucalyptus Drive @ 23rd Avenue (near Stonestown Mall)

2013 Christmas Schedule Christmas Eve, Tuesday Dec. 24th 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. (Children’s Mass) and 10 p.m. (No Mass at Midnight)

415.681.2444 www.SaintStephenSF.org

Christmas 2013

Christmas Day, Wednesday Dec. 25th 8:00, 10:00 and 12 noon

Christmas Day 8:00, 9:30, & 11:30am Mass No evening Mass on Christmas Day

New Year’s Day Masses Vigil Mass Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013 -7:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 1, 2014 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 a.m. at Marian Convent

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph Regular Weekend Mass Schedule 12/29 Saturday 3:30pm Confessions 4:30pm (Sunday Vigil) Sunday 8:00, 9:30, 11:30am, 6:45pm

Saint Agnes Church A Welcoming Jesuit Parish Reconciliation Service Saturday, December 14 — 11:00am

If you have been thinking about going to Confession, this service may be for you. All are welcome. There will be no all-day reconciliation.

CHRISTMAS LITURGIES

Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church

Saint Stephen Catholic Church 4th Sunday of Advent Regular Weekend Mass Schedule 12/22 Saturday 3:30pm Confessions 4:30pm (Sunday Vigil) Sunday 8:00, 9:30, 11:30am, 6:45pm

fragility of children may move us” and that everyone seek to love and respect every human life. At the end of the prayers, Pope Francis kissed, hugged, greeted and blessed a long line of people in wheelchairs and their caregivers. He received a few individual white roses from people and a few notes and presents. After the ceremony, he stopped at Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major to pray before the basilica’s famous Marian icon “Salus Populi Romani” (health of the Roman people). Reciting the Angelus earlier in the day to the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pope said Mary never strayed from the love and plan that God had for her even when accepting that plan fully “was certainly not easy for her.” However, God’s love and plan for Mary, he said, are not something “alien” or irrelevant to the rest of humanity, despite the presence of sin. “All along, we, too, have been chosen by God to live a holy life free from sin,” he said. It is a plan of love that God renews every time we approach him, especially in the sacraments.”

The Capuchin Franciscans & Parish Staff wish our Parishioners and Friends Peace, Love and Hope for Christmas and the New Year.

St. John of God Church 1290 5th Ave. San Francisco

Christmas Schedule Vigil of Christmas Tuesday, December 24 4:15 PM: Christmas Eve Family Mass with Children’s Pageant 10:00 PM: Carols followed by Christmas Eve Night Mass at 10:30 PM The Nativity of The Lord Wed., December 25 Masses at 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM

Christmas Blessings!

Christmas TV Mass Special with Monsignor Harry Schlitt

Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24 Liturgies of the Nativity of the Lord 5:00 pm Children’s Liturgy with Children’s Choir & Woodwinds 10:00 pm Christmas Vigil with Choir, Woodwinds, Brass & Timpani

Christmas Day Wednesday, December 25

WILL BE AIRED ON CHRISTMAS MORNING

Liturgy of the Nativity of the Lord 8:30 am with Cantor & Organ 10:30 am with Choir, Woodwinds, Brass &Timpani

KOFY-TV 20

New Year’s Day

FOX 40 - Sacramento

Wednesday, January 1, 2014 Liturgy at 10:00am

1025 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco (415) 487- 8560 www.SaintAgnesSF.com Parking is available in our Oak Street Lots.

Inclusive + Diverse + Jesuit

6:30 am 9:30 am

KTSF 26 - San Francisco 9:30 am Your donations make the TV Mass possible Please join us Christmas morning and every Sunday

Have a Blessed Holiday season. You are always in my Prayers Msgr. Harry Schlitt

16 WORLD

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

UKRAINE PROTEST IS SPIRITUAL MOVEMENT, BISHOP SAYS

ROME – When Ukrainian Catholic Bishop Borys Gudziak addressed the crowds in Kiev’s Independence Square Dec. 8, he focused on the youth and told them they could change the country. The U.S.-born bishop and former rector of the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv currently serves as the bishop for Ukrainian Catholics in France but was in Kiev for a meeting of the synod of bishops of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. Bishop Gudziak was not the only prelate at the large Dec. 8 demonstration. Retired Cardinal Lubomyr Husar, the 80-year-old former head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, spoke from the main stage early in the morning. The protest area includes a tent chapel where liturgy is celebrated, Bishop Gudziak said, and Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant clergy have been assisting the demonstrators. “It’s very much a spiritual movement, a movement of hearts and values,” Bishop Gudziak told Catholic News Service Dec. 9. Speaking by telephone from Kiev, he said the protesters want “a country where corruption doesn’t reign, where a mother doesn’t have to pay a bribe to get a doctor for her child,

where students don’t have to pay bribes to get into university.” Corrupt politicians, he said, are getting rich, while the population gets poorer and more people try to emigrate in search of work.

EUROPEAN BODY ACCEPTS VATICAN REPORT ON FIGHTING FINANCIAL CRIME

VATICAN CITY – A European body that investigates government efforts to combat financial crimes has confirmed the Vatican has made significant progress in reducing the risk that its institutions could be used for money laundering and financing terrorism. “Moneyval” – the Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism – approved the Holy See-Vatican progress report at a meeting Dec. 9 in Strasbourg, France. The committee plans to publish the full report on its website Dec. 12. “The adoption of the progress report confirms the significant efforts undertaken by the Holy See and

Vatican City State to strengthen its legal and institutional framework,” said Msgr. Antoine Camilleri, undersecretary for relations with states and head of the Vatican’s delegation to Moneyval.

POPE, WITH EGYPTIAN CATHOLIC LEADER, PRAYS FOR MIDDLE EAST CHRISTIANS

VATICAN CITY – Concelebrating Mass with the leader of Egypt’s Coptic Catholics, Pope Francis prayed for the safety and religious liberty of Christians in the Middle East. “Let real guarantees of religious liberty be given to all, together with the rights of Christians to live peacefully in the places where they were born, in the native country they love as citizens of more than 2,000 years, in order that they might contribute as always to the good of all,” the pope said Dec. 9 during morning Mass in the Vatican guesthouse, where he lives. As many as 300,000 Christians have left Egypt for other countries since 2011, when a popular revolution ended the nearly 30-year secular rule of President Hosni Mubarak.

CHRISTMAS LITURGIES St. Bruno’s Church

St. Anthony of Padua 1000 Cambridge Street Novato, California 94947 (415) 883-2177

(650) 588-2121

555 W. San Bruno Avenue, San Bruno, CA

2013 CHRISTMAS WEEK SCHEDULE

C hristmas Masses

Christmas Masses Tuesday, December 24 Tuesday, December 24 Family Vigil Mass with Children’s Choir

December 16 & 24 Posadas

4:00 pm

Father Gregory Bonfiglio, S.J., Presider 6:00 pm

12 Midnight

Vigil Mass with Combined Choirs Father Stephen Sauer, S.J., Presider Solemn Mass with the St. Ignatius Combined Choirs & Chamber Orchestra Father Gregory Bonfiglio, S.J., Presider

Wednesday, December 25 8:00 am

With Organ and Cantor Father Paul Devot, S.J., Presider

9:30 am

With the Contemporary Ensemble Father John Coleman, S.J., Presider

Wednesday, December 25

11:00 am

With the St. Ignatius Motet Choir Father Paul Devot, S.J., Presider

There will be no 5:00 pm Mass on Christmas Day.

PARKING AVAILABLE IN ALL UNIVERSITY PARKING LOTS

650 Parker @ Fulton, San Francisco, CA 94118

SAINT EMYDIUS CHURCH 286 Ashton Avenue San Francisco, CA 94112 (415) 587-7066 Fax (415) 587-6690

ADVENT / CHRISTMAS / EPIPHANY SEASONS PARISH CELEBRATIONS 2013 – 2014 Sunday, December 22 Fourth Sunday of Advent – 8:30 am, 10:30 am Tuesday, December 24 Christmas Vigil Mass – 8:00 pm Wednesday, December 25 Christmas Midnight Mass – 12:00 midnight Christmas Day Mass – 10:00 am Sunday, December 29 Feast of the Holy Family – 8:30 am, 10:30 am Wednesday, January 1, 2014 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God 10:00 am Sunday, January 5, 2014 Solemnity of the Epiphany – 8:30 am, 10:30 am Saturday, January 11, 2014 Anointing of the Sick Mass (no 8:00 am Mass) 10:00 am

December 18 -20 5 AM Misa de Gallo December 23 7 PM Street Drama December 7 PM 9 PM 10 PM

24 - Christmas Eve Vigil Mass in Spanish Christmas Carol Midnight Mass

December 25, Christmas Day Masses 8 AM 10 AM Spanish 12 PM 6 PM MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

Our Lady of Mercy Parish 5 Elmwood Drive, Daly City

Between South Mayfair and South Avenues with plenty of free parking!

Sunday, December 15, to Mon. Dec. 23: 7:00pm Rosary and Confession (except Saturday, 2:30pm) 7:30pm Simbang Gabi Masses (except Saturday, 5:30pm), followed by a Reception downstairs in our Church Hall.

Tuesday, December 24: 4:00pm Christmas Eve Mass with our Children’s Choir. 5:30pm Christmas Eve Mass 11:30pm Sing-Along Christmas Carols with our Parish Choir. 12:00am Midnight Mass with our Choir

Wednesday, December 25: Christmas Day Masses at 7:30am and 9:00am 10:30am with our Children’s Choir 12:00pm with our Parish Choir

Tuesday, December 31: 7:00am and 9:00am 6:00pm Vigil Mass for New Year - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Wednesday, January 1, 2014 - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God 9:00am & 12:00pm

Chri

t stmas a St. Anthony of Padua Tuesday, December 24, 2013 – Christmas Eve Confessions from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Masses at 5:00 p.m. (Children’s Mass), 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 25, 2013– Christmas Day Masses at 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2013 – New Year’s Eve Vigil of the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God Mass at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 1, 2014 – The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God A Holy Day of Obligation Masses at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

SAINT VERONICA CHURCH 434 Alida Way South San Francisco, CA 94080 650-588-1455 www.stveronicassf.com

CHRISTMAS LITURGY SCHEDULE 2013 Dec. 15-23, 2013 SIMBANG GABI ADVENT MASSES Sunday Masses (Dec. 15 & 22) at 4:00 p.m. Weekday Masses at 6:30 p.m. Saturday Mass (Dec. 21) at 5:00 p.m. *****

SATURDAY, DEC. 21, 2013 CONFESSIONS 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. *****

TUESDAY, DEC. 24, 2013 CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES 4:00 p.m. (Children’s Mass) & 9:00 p.m. 8:15 p.m. - Christmas Cantata *****

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25, 2013 CHRISTMAS DAY 6:45, 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. (Spanish) *****

TUESDAY, DEC. 31, 2013 8:30 a.m. *****

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 1, 2014 (A HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION) 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

WORLD 17

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

Pope calls for action against scandal of hunger in a world of plenty CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY – People must stand united against the scandal of hunger while avoiding food waste and irresponsible use of the world’s resources, Pope Francis said. People should “stop thinking that our daily actions do not have an impact on the lives of those who suffer from hunger firsthand,” he said in a video message Dec. 9, launching a global campaign of prayer and action against hunger. Organized by Caritas Internationalis, the Vatican-based federation of Catholic charities, a global “wave of prayer” was to begin at noon Dec. 10 on the South Pacific island of Samoa and head west across the world’s time zones. Pope Francis offered his blessing and support for the “One Human Family, Food For All” campaign in a video message released on the eve of the global launch.

(CNS/COURTESY OF CARITAS INTERNATIONALIS)

This is the logo for the “One Human Family, Food For All” Caritas effort against hunger. With about 1 billion people still suffering from hunger today, “we cannot look the other way and pretend this does not exist,” he said in the message. There is enough food in the world to feed everyone, he said, but only “if there is the will” to respect the “God-

CHRISTMAS LITURGIES

given rights of everyone to have access to adequate food.” By sharing in Christian charity with those “who face numerous obstacles,” the pope said, “we promote an authentic cooperation with the poor so that, through the fruits of their and our work, they can live a dignified life.” Pope Francis invited all people to act “as one single human family, to give a voice to all of those who suffer silently from hunger, so that this voice becomes a roar which can shake the world.” The Caritas campaign is also a way to invite people to pay attention to their own food choices, “which often lead to waste and a poor use of the resources available to us,” the pope said. Caritas Internationalis invited its 164 member organizations and local

churches to pray for an end to hunger and malnutrition, by acting on a local, national or global level against food waste and in favor of food access and security worldwide. Caritas is urging Catholics to take a few moments at noon Dec. 10 to join the world in praying against hunger, and to engage in long-term action through raising awareness, advocacy, charitable work or other efforts supporting food security. The right to food is part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the “Food For All” launch date of Dec. 10 marks the U.N.’s Human Rights Day. People can contact their local Caritas organization for more information or the campaign’s main site at food. caritas.org.

Christmas at Saint Cecilia Seventeenth Avenue and Vicente Street The Parkside District in San Francisco

LIVE BROADCAST: WWW.STCECILIA.COM CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES 5:00 p.m. - Msgr. Michael Harriman 7:00 p.m. - Fr. Felix Lim with our Children’s Choir 11:15 p.m. - Singing of Carols Midnight Mass - Msgr. Michael Harriman with our Adult Choir and Orchestra

CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CHURCH 60 Wellington Avenue, Daly City, CA 94014 SCHEDULE OF CHRISTMAS WEEK LITURGY

7:30 a.m. - Fr. Felix Lim with instrumental by Christopher and Matthew Jereza 9:30 a.m. - Msgr. Michael Harriman with Holy Spirit Music Ministry 11:30 a.m. - Fr. Felix Lim with Adult Choir and Orchestra

NINE DAYS NOVENA AND MASSES (Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo) from Monday, December 16 to Tuesday, December 24, 2013 @ 5:30 AM SCHEDULE OF CHRISTMAS MASSES: Tues, December 24, 2013- CHRISTMAS EVE:

5:30 PM-Children’s Mass 11:00 PM-11:45 PM: Christmas Carols 12:00AM: Midnight Mass

Wed, December 25, 2013- CHRISTMAS DAY:

8:30; 10:00; 11:30 AM 1:00 PM (Spanish)

2013 Christmas Schedule CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES Tuesday, December 24, 2013 5:00 PM (Family/Children’s Mass) 7:00 PM (Vietnamese Mass) 11:30 PM Christmas Carols (Holy Name Choral Ministry) 12:00 Midnight Concelebrated Mass CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES Wednesday, December 25, 2013 7:30 AM 9:30 AM 11:30 AM NEW YEAR’S MASS Wednesday, January 1, 2014 9:00 AM Holy Name of Jesus Parish

holy name

holynamesf.org

San Francisco, California

Advent 2013 Family Pageant & Las Posadas, Sunday, December 15, 3:15 p.m., Church Nave Annual Christmas Concert, Monday, December 16, 7:30 p.m., Church Nave, St. Dominic’s Solemn Mass Choir with strings and harp Advent Reconciliation Service, Thursday, December 19, 12:00 Noon – 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Church Nave

Christmas 2013 Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24 Advent Mass: 8:00 a.m. Christmas Eve Vigil Masses: 4:00 p.m. (Family Mass), 6:00 p.m. (Family Mass), 11:15 p.m. Carol service followed by Solemn Mass at Midnight (No confessions today) Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25 Masses at 8:30 a.m. (Parish Mass with Carols), 11:00 a.m. (Solemn Mass with Choral Music), 1:30 p.m. (en español) (No confessions today and no Masses at 5:30 p.m. or 9:00 p.m.) Solemnity of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph, Sunday, December 29, Masses at 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. & 9:00 p.m. Vigil Mass on Saturday, December 28, 5:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve Prayer Vigil, Tuesday, December 31, 10:30 p.m., Church Nave Solemnity of Mary the Holy Mother of God, Wednesday, January 1, 2014 (A Holy Day of Obligation) Mass at 9:30 a.m. Vigil Mass on Tuesday, December 31, 5:30 p.m.

18 WORLD

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

Vatican tree’s many shades of ‘branches green’ CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY – If Germans are known for being punctual, it turns out even their trees show up early. This year’s Christmas tree from Bavaria’s Bohemian Forest was scheduled to arrive on the feast of St. Nicholas, Dec. 6. Instead, cameramen and photographers had to scramble Dec. 5, when images started showing up on the Vatican’s 24-hour live video feed of a giant crane hoisting an 82-foot-tall evergreen in St. Peter’s Square. Bavarian television was the only crew there for the tree’s dawn debut. They had been tipped off in the middle of the night by the German company trucking the precious cargo to Rome. “We got here early because the weather was good, the Alps were clear (of snow on the roads) and there was no traffic,” Alois Frank, the trucking company manager, told Catholic News Service. Holding his lemon-yellow hardhat, Frank said he and his team had left the town of Waldmunchen at 7 a.m. on Dec. 2 and got to Rome exactly 72 hours later. They had left earlier than planned to beat bad weather expected in the North, he said. This despite an earlier bit of trouble, when a mechanical defect grounded the helicopter with which they had intended to lift the cut tree from its forest home. They ended up using a crane to transfer the conifer onto the open semi that took it to Rome. Though not the tallest tree ever to grace the square, it was perhaps one of the fattest. Vatican workmen struggled for nearly an hour to cut and fit the threefoot-wide trunk into the metal stand’s two-foot-diameter hole.

Saints Peter and Paul Church Dec. 16 Dec. 17 – 24

7PM 5PM

Advent Penance Service Christmas Novena

Christmas Eve 4:00 to 5:00 PM 5:00 PM 11:15 PM 12:00 AM

Confessions Vigil Mass Christmas Carols Midnight Mass

Christmas Day Masses 7:30 AM In English 8:45 AM In English 10:15 AM In Cantonese/English 11:45 AM In Italian 1:00 PM In English No 5:00 PM Christmas Day Mass

(CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING)

A worker trims the Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square Dec. 6. The seemingly endless paring and pruning prompted one Italian onlooker to joke that the 7-ton majestic evergreen would end up as a toothpick. Using ropes and a large metal pipe as a lever, the men eventually managed to twist, turn and lodge the spruce snuggly into the stand. Other trucks from Waldmunchen had brought another 60 smaller trees, destined for the Paul VI audience hall and other areas around the Vatican. It was Blessed John Paul II who started the tradition of mounting a large Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square, and beneath it a Nativity scene, which is not unveiled until Christmas Eve.

CHRISTMAS LITURGIES St. Thomas More Church 1300 Junipero Serra Blvd.

at Brotherhood & Thomas More Ways

San Francisco (415) 452-9634

660 Filbert Street San Francisco 415.421.0809

Christmas Schedule 2013

Mater Dolorosa 307 Willow Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080

Simbang Gabi Masses December 15th through December 23rd at 7:00 p.m. (Except December 21st Mass at 5:00 p.m.) December 23rd – Pot Luck Dinner

Christmas Masses Christmas Eve, December 24th 5:00 p.m. – Annual Children's Pageant 9:30 p.m. Christmas Caroling (Hallelujah Chorale) 10:00 p.m. (Midnight Mass) Christmas Day, December 25th 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., & 12 Noon

New Year's Eve, December 31st 10:00 p.m. (Midnight Mass)

New Year's Day, January 1st Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God Holy Day of Obligation 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. & 12 Noon

Every year since 1982, a different country or Alpine region has donated the tree. And every year, after admiring it from his window in the Apostolic Palace, the pope has highlighted the Christian significance of the tree bedecked with lights. Blessed John Paul often recalled how the evergreen symbolizes “life that does not die,” and teaches that people’s lives can remain “ever green” if they offer the gift of themselves in service to others. Pope Benedict XVI called the Christmas tree a sign of the shining presence of Jesus, who “shattered the darkness of error and sin and has brought humanity the joy of his blazing divine light.” Yet sometimes, the Vatican evergreen has also taken on other shades of meaning. In 2002, the president of Croatia called the tree it donated a stark reminder of Serbian aggression during his country’s struggle for independence. Then-President Stipe Mesic, in Rome to present the tree to the pope, told Vatican Radio the tree came from a farm owned by a man who had been run off his land by Serb soldiers. An 82-foot-tall tree from the forests of Transylvania became a symbol for another former-communist country, this time, of Romania’s “hope for the unity of Europe” and of the “deep roots of our Christian faith,” then-President Ion Iliescu said in 2001, noting the tree was also the first to come to the Vatican from a predominantly Orthodox country. The 1999 tree, from the Czech Republic, reminded U.S. Cardinal Edmund C. Szoka of the Czech people’s resistance under communism. “This tree has weathered strong winds and many storms, but it survived,” the cardinal told a delegation from the country. “It reminds me of the long winter of dictatorship that your people had to overcome.” Czech seminarians from the donating diocese saw the tree in a still different light and jokingly described it as an innocent victim of a “serious environmental crime.” After putting their bishop on a mock trial, they sentenced him to plant a new tree in its place. The seminarians expressed their ecological concerns with a friendly jest, but the following year, protesters at the dedication of the Vatican tree made their point by throwing smoke bombs and bottles, to which Italian police responded with canisters of tear gas. The demonstration, about three blocks from St. Peter’s Square, was aimed at Jorg Haider, governor of the Austrian province that had donated the tree. Haider, who briefly met Blessed John Paul when the pope greeted the delegation of donors, had drawn criticism throughout Europe for past comments opposing immigration and expressing sympathy with some Nazi policies.

December 14, Saturday: Annual Christmas Party in Carroll Hall, 7:30pm

December 15-23: International Christmas Novena (Simbang Gabi), 7:OOpm (8pm Dec. 15)

December 18, Wednesday: Confessions at 6:30pm and during the Novena Mass

December 20, Friday: 3rd Friday Adoration, 7:00pm

December 22, Sunday: Annual Cable Car Caroling Distribution of Holy Communion to the homebound and singing Christmas carols, 2:00pm

December 24, Tuesday: 6:00pm: Parish Mass and Christmas Pageant 9:00pm: Arabic English Mass, with sweets; and Santa afterward in Carroll Hall 12:00am: Midnight Mass preceded by Christmas carols at ll:30pm

December 25, Wednesday: 10:00am: English Mass 12:00pm: Brazilian Mass 8:00pm; English Mass

December 31, Tuesday; 5:30pm: Mass 8:00pm-l:00am: New Year’s Eve family-style dinner with Chef Juan

January 5, Sunday: Feast of the Epiphany (regular Sunday Mass schedule)

ST. MONICA PARISH Geary Boulevard at 23rd Ave, San Francisco (415) 751-5275

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE 2013 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 Confessions 4:00 - 4:45 p.m. * Mass 5:00 p.m.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 Masses: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. (Cantonese) 10:30 a.m.

CHRISTMAS EVE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 5:00 p.m. Family Christmas Eve Mass with Children’s Choir and Nativity Play 11:30 p.m. The Saint Monica Choir will present festive music of the season 12:00 a.m. Solemn Midnight Mass Gregorian Chant and Victoria’s O magnum mysterium

CHRISTMAS DAY WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25 Masses: 8:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m. with Choir No Cantonese Mass and no evening Mass

NEW YEAR’S EVE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31 Mass: 8:30 a.m.

NEW YEAR’S DAY WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2014 Mass: 10:30 a.m.

FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 2014 Masses, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. (Cantonese) 10:30 a.m. with Choir, Evening Prayer and Benediction at 4:00 p.m.

OPINION 19

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

A Catholic writer not for the faint of heart

n Flannery O’Connor’s novel, “Wise Blood,” the protagonist senses Jesus moving “from tree to tree in the back of his mind, a wild ragged figure.” I fell in love with that phrase long ago, and imagined Jesus, intriguing, mysterious and persistent, flitting in and out of our consciousness, EFFIE CALDAROLA but at the end of the day, still nagging at our attention. Wild and ragged, this Christ who pursues us. Unfortunately, that was the end of my involvement with Flannery O’Connor until my online Catholic writers’ group began to discuss her. How, I wondered, had I majored in English and not read the great Catholic writer Flannery O’Connor? I decided to remedy that and began with two O’Connor novels. Then I took a break. O’Connor is not for the faint of heart. This Southern writer, who died in 1964, has been in the news lately because her “Prayer Journal,” written when she was a young writer at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, has just been published. The pastor at my parish devoted his weekly bulletin column to O’Connor.

“She really didn’t write words – she punched them into the reader’s face,” he wrote. Don’t pick up an O’Connor novel thinking you’re going to read sweet, pious Catholic stories. O’Connor’s writing is troubling, her characters grotesque. That wild ragged figure moving from tree to tree draws her subjects into conversion. Flannery O’Connor is all about Jesus, but so intense is her portrayal of that figure that you may hardly recognize him. The stories’ main characters often come to conversion after lives of graphic violence. They are, in general, freaks whose behavior – but persistent call – leaves you gaping. I know I’m not the only one who put down my first O’Connor novel with a bit of confusion, even revulsion. I’m told that to really understand O’Connor and her Catholicism, one must read her letters. That, and her prayer journal, are next for me. Meanwhile, I read a 2007 lecture on O’Connor by Archbishop George H. Niederauer, the retired archbishop of San Francisco, whose accomplishments include a Ph.D. in English literature and a life as a former college English teacher who has a masterly command of O’Connor. In his lecture, “Flannery O’Connor’s Vision of Faith, Church and Modern Consciousness,” Archbishop Niederauer said, “Flannery O’Connor expressed impatience with the kind of Catholicism – and Catho-

lic fiction – which kept everything nice, shallow, cute and safe.” He continued: “Genuine Catholicism, she felt, must be as radical and demanding as its founder’s teaching.” Like Pope Francis, O’Connor doesn’t buy into part-time Christianity. She focused on the mystery of the Incarnation. Accepting Jesus was a matter of life or death, not a Sunday morning nicety. O’Connor famously responded to the writer Mary McCarthy, a former Catholic, who described the Eucharist as a symbol. The young O’Connor retorted, “If it’s only a symbol, to hell with it.” It was all or nothing for O’Connor. In a lecture entitled “The Catholic Novelist in the Protestant South,” O’Connor delivered an image that particularly appeals to me as a Catholic writer but speaks to all of us as we struggle with truth. “The poet is traditionally a blind man,” she said, referring to a literary image. “But the Christian poet, and the storyteller as well, is like the blind man Christ touched, who looked then and saw men as if they were trees – but walking. Christ touched him again and he saw clearly. We will not see clearly until Christ touches us in death, but this first touch is the beginning of vision.” As perhaps our greatest Catholic American writer, O’Connor deserves our attention.

Set your spiritual alarm clocks

n his autobiography “Report to Greco,” Nikos Kazantzakis recounts a conversation he once had with an old monk. Kazantzakis, a young man at the time, was visiting a monastery and was very taken by a famed ascetic, Father Makarios, who lived there. But a series of visits with the old monk left him with some FATHER RON ambivalent ROLHEISER feelings as well. The monk’s austere lifestyle stirred a certain religious romanticism in Kazantzakis, but it repelled him too; he wanted the romanticism, but in a more palatable way. Here’s their conversation as Kazantzakis records it: “Yours is a hard life, Father. I too want to be saved. Is there no other way?” “More agreeable?” asked the ascetic, smiling compassionately. “More human, Father.” “One, only one.” “What is that?” “Ascent. To climb a series of steps. From the full stomach to hunger, from the slaked throat to thirst, from joy to suffering. God sits at the summit of hunger, thirst and suffering; the devil sits at the summit of the comfortable life. Choose.” “I am still young. The world is nice. I have time to choose.” Reaching out, the old monk touched my knee and said: “Wake up, my child. Wake up before death wakes you up.” I shuddered and said:

“I am still young.” “Death loves the young,” the old man replied. “The inferno loves the young. Life is like a lighted candle, easily extinguished. Take care – wake up!” Wake up! Wake up before death wakes you up. In a less dramatic expression that’s a virtual leitmotif in the Gospels. Jesus is always telling us to wake up, to stay awake, to be vigilant, to be more alert to a deeper reality. What’s meant by that? How are we asleep to depth? How are we to wake up and stay awake? How are we asleep? All of us know how difficult it is for us to be inside the present moment, to not be asleep to the real riches inside our own lives. The distractions and worries of daily life tend to so consume us that we habitually take for granted what’s most precious to us, our health, the miracle of our senses, the love and friendships that surround us, and the gift of life itself. We go through our daily lives not only with a lack of reflectiveness and lack of gratitude but with a habitual touch of resentment as well, a chronic, gray depression, Robert Moore calls it. We are very much asleep, both to God and to our own lives. How do we wake up? Today there’s a rich literature that offers us all kinds of advice on how to get into the present moment so as to be awake to the deep riches inside our own lives. While much of this literature is good, little of it is very effective. It invites us to live each day of our lives as if it was our last day, but we simply can’t do that. It’s impossible to sustain that kind of intentionality and awareness over a long period of time. An awareness of our mortality does wake us up, as does a stroke, a heart attack, or cancer; but that heightened-awareness is easier to sustain for a short season of our lives than it is for 20, 30, 40 or 50

years. Nobody can sustain that kind of awareness all the time. None of us can live 70 or 80 years as if each day was his or her last day. Or can we? Spiritual wisdom offers a nuanced answer here: We can and we can’t! On the one hand, the distractions, cares, and pressures of everyday life will invariably have their way with us and we will, in effect, fall asleep to what’s deeper and more important inside of life. But it’s for this reason that every major spiritual tradition has daily rituals designed precisely to wake us from spiritual sleep, akin to an alarm clock waking us from physical sleep. It’s for this reason we need to begin each day with prayer. What happens if we don’t pray on a given morning is not that we incur God’s wrath, but rather that we tend to miss the morning, spending the hours until noon trapped inside a certain dullness of heart. The same can be said about praying before meals. We don’t displease God by not first centering ourselves in gratitude before eating, but we miss out on the richness of what we’re doing. Liturgical prayer and the Eucharist have the same intent, among their other intentions. They’re meant to, regularly, call us out of a certain sleep. None of us lives each day of our lives as if it was his or her last day. Our heartaches, headaches, distractions and busyness invariably lull us to sleep. That’s forgivable; it’s what it means to be human. So we should ensure that we have regular spiritual rituals, spiritual alarm clocks, to jolt us back awake – so that it doesn’t take a heart attack, a stroke, cancer or death to wake us up. OBLATE FATHER ROLHEISER is president of the Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, Texas.

LETTERS 25 years of addressing homelessness In a Dec. 6 letter to the editor (“Shelter for homeless women”), Susan Black alleges some “juxtaposition” between Pope Francis’ reference to the church as “my mother, our mother” and the Interfaith Winter Shelter housing 100 men without also being able to assist women. Is Ms. Black criticizing the San Francisco Interfaith Council for 25 years of multi-faithful response to mayors Agnos, Jordan, Brown, Newsom and Lee’s annual request for help with this specific need? Is this a case of suggesting they do nothing, because they cannot do everything? Mother Teresa said “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” Ms. Black does not share with us what she herself is doing to address homelessness in San Francisco for women or for men. Perhaps if everyone assisted and we each added our drop of assistance to the great work the Interfaith Winter Shelter provides we would all be better off. Laura Bertone San Francisco The writer is a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish.

Liturgically breathing ‘with both lungs’ Re “Geary Boulevard is new Latin Mass row,” Nov. 22: To the ordinary form and extraordinary form of the Roman rite being celebrated on Geary Boulevard at St. Monica Church at 25th Avenue and at Star of the Sea Church at Eighth Avenue, add the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima Russian Byzantine Catholic Church at 5920 Geary Blvd., in the former convent of St Monica, every Sunday and on feast days of the Eastern churches’ liturgical calendar. On Geary Boulevard you can fully “breath with both lungs” of the Catholic Church, east and west, as Blessed John Paul II encourages Catholics to do. Mary Louise Lambert Alameda The writer is a parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Russian Byzantine Catholic Church.

Clash of loyalties Father Ron Rolheiser’s article on loyalty (“Misguided loyalties,” Dec. 6) was one of the most well thought out and accurate commentaries that I have seen. He has pointed out exactly what the problem within Catholicism is today. We have one group who think it is sinful to question authority and another group who feel that those in authority are killing Christ’s message. The USCCB should read this column. Denis Nolan Daly City

LETTERS POLICY EMAIL letters.csf@sfarchdiocese.org WRITE Letters to the Editor, Catholic San Francisco, One Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco, CA 94109 NAME, address and daytime phone number for verification required SHORT letters preferred: 250 words or fewer

20 OPINION

2 bishops dialogue with Catholic peace activists

uring the U.S. Catholic bishops’ Nov. 11-14 General Assembly in Baltimore, two bishops took time to share a simple supper – soup and bread – and dialogue with about 20 Catholic social justice and peace activists, including myself. On the evening of Nov. 12, several blocks away from the Waterfront Marriott Hotel, where the bishops were meeting, Archbishop Joseph Tobin of Indianapolis and Bishop John Michael Botean head of the Romanian Catholic eparchy (diocese) of St. George in Canton, TONY MAGLIANO Ohio, sat down with us to dialogue about war making, peacemaking, poverty and military chaplains in light of the teachings of the compassionate, nonviolent Jesus. In the basement of historic St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Martha Hennessy, a granddaughter of Dorothy Day said, “Based on my understanding of my grandmother’s life, I would conclude that priests should not serve in the military, as one cannot serve Christ and the chain of command at the same time. Part of a chaplain’s job is to make soldiers feel OK about doing their job, which is to kill, which Christ said we can’t do.” And Hennessy added that Dorothy Day would not have approved of the earlier bishops’ dinner hosted by the Archdiocese for the Military Services – with military recruiters lobbying the bishops to send more chaplains. She thought her grandmother would have said the bishops are being complicit with the permanent war economy. Bishop Botean, who during the Iraq war courageously and prophetically wrote that the war was “objectively grave evil, a matter of mortal sin,” said unfortunately the culture has more of an influence on the church than the Gospel. He added, “It takes a lot of vision to see the simple message of Jesus in the Gospel.” He said, “Our ‘yes’ to the Gospel has gotten weaker because other interests have made their way into church thinking, causing a fog around the Gospel. Since Christianity’s legalization by the Roman emperor Constantine, church and state are largely seen as one.” And sadly, the church has been defending empires ever since – “accepting homicidal violence.” Bishop Botean said, “We need your prayers and witness, if the people lead, the leaders will follow.” Archbishop Tobin shared an inspiring story told by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu during a speech in Indianapolis. He said when the Dutch came to South Africa, they had Bibles and we had the land. They asked us to close our eyes and pray. When we opened our eyes, they had the land and we had the Bibles. But that was their big mistake, to give oppressed people the word of God. Because the word of God teaches that we have God-given worth and dignity, and that God desires our liberation from all that oppresses us. Archbishop Tobin said the most powerful word spoken to injustice is “No!” We asked Archbishop Tobin and Bishop Botean why the bishops during their annual meetings were not praying and dialoguing about how faithful or unfaithful of a witness they were giving – in light of our highly militaristic and unjust economy – to the nonviolent Jesus who always sided with the poor and oppressed. They said that they weren’t sure. And that they weren’t sure how to encourage this radical dialogue to happen. But they said they would try. Words of hope from two humble bishops earnestly striving to challenge America’s war machine and system of economic injustice. MAGLIANO is an internationally syndicated social justice and peace columnist.

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

The joy of evangelizing

n emergency tends to focus one’s mind and energies and clarify one’s priorities. If a fire breaks out in a home, the inhabitants will lay aside their quarrels, postpone their other activities and together get to the task of putting out the flames. If a nation is invaded by an aggressor, politicians will quickly forget their internal squabbling and put off their legislative programs in order to work together for the shared purpose of repulsing the enemy. Christianity is grounded FATHER ROBERT in what its earliest propoBARRON nents called “good news.” There is, therefore, something permanently fresh, startling and urgent about the Christian faith. It is not a bland spirituality or generic philosophy; it is news about something amazing and unprecedented, that a carpenter from Nazareth, who declared himself the son of God, has been raised from the dead. This is why there is a grab-you- bythe-lapels quality about the early Christian witness: The authors of the New Testament are not trading in generalities and abstract principles; they are telling the world about a revolution, an earthquake, an emergency. Jesus is risen from the dead, and therefore he is the king. And because he is the king, your whole life has to be rearranged around him. This evangelical urgency, which Pope Francis gets in his bones, is the leitmotif of the pope’s apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”). He knows that if Catholicism leads with its doctrines, it will devolve into an intellectual debating society, and that if it leads with its moral teaching, it will appear fussy and puritanical. It should lead today as it led 2,000 years ago, with the stunning news that Jesus Christ is the Lord, and the joy of that proclamation should be as evident now as it was then. The pope helpfully draws our attention to some of the countless references to joy in the New Testament: “Rejoice!” is the angel’s greeting to Mary; in her Magnificat, the Mother of God exults, “My spirit rejoices in God my savior”; as a summation of his message and ministry, Jesus declares to his disciples, “I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete”; in the Acts of the Apostles, we are told that “wherever the disciples went there was great joy.” The pope concludes with a wonderfully understated rhetorical question: “Why should we not also enter into this great stream of joy?” Why

not indeed? Displaying his penchant for finding the memorable image, Pope Francis excoriates Christians who have turned “into querulous and disillusioned pessimists, ‘sourpusses,’” and whose lives “seem like Lent without Easter.” Once this basic truth is understood, the rest of the church’s life tends to fall into place. A church filled with the joy of the resurrection becomes a band of “missionary disciples,” going out to the world with the good news. Ecclesial structures, liturgical precision, theological clarity, bureaucratic meetings, etc., are accordingly relativized in the measure that they are placed in service of that more fundamental mission. The pope loves the liturgy, but if evangelical proclamation is the urgent need of the church, “an ostentatious preoccupation with the liturgy” becomes a problem; a Jesuit, the pope loves the life of the mind, but if evangelical proclamation is the central concern of the church, then a “narcissistic” and “authoritarian” doctrinal fussiness must be eliminated; a man of deep culture, Pope Francis loves the artistic heritage of the church, but if evangelical proclamation is the fundamental mission, then the church cannot become “a museum piece.” If there is one thing that bothers Pope Francis above all it is the endless bickering within the Catholic Church itself: “How many wars take place within the people of God and in our different communities!” Elitists on both the left and the right want to establish a church of the pure, those who hold all of the right positions on the key issues, and they are none too shy about critiquing, attacking and excommunicating those who don’t agree with them. But the church is meant to be a countersign to the divisiveness and violence of the world, a place where love, compassion and mutual understanding hold sway. When we become but an echo of the fallen world, then we are like salt that has lost its savor, and our evangelical persuasiveness is fatally compromised. Twice in the exhortation, Pope Francis references the ancient principle “bonum diffisivum sui” (“the good is diffusive of itself ”). When we find something that is good or beautiful or compelling – whether it is a movie, a work of art a book or a person – we don’t keep it to ourselves. Rather, we are filled with a missionary fervor to share it. This principle applies to our experience of Christ Jesus risen from the dead. We want, with a reckless abandon, to give this supremely good news away. This energy, this compulsion – “woe to me if I do not evangelize” – is, for Pope Francis, the beating heart of the church. FATHER BARRON is the founder of the global ministry Word on Fire and the rector/president of Mundelein Seminary, Mundelein, Ill.

Enjoying Christmas to its fullest

fter experiencing Christmas for so many years, it’s easy for it to become “just another” Christmas. It makes me think of a quote by A.J. Conyers in his book, “The Listening Heart: Vocation and the Crisis of Modern Culture.” “To be modern is to exist increasingly in a state of distraction. Our attention is drawn away from those things that have been placed in our care, away from the center of our apparent concern to something abstractly related FATHER EUGENE to that concern, and thus HEMRICK away from God himself who is the center of all things.” What exactly is Conyers’ point? He tells the story of his wife’s father, a skilled cabinet maker, taking him to his shop to see a desk he completed. Its unvarnished wood is beautiful white oak and its drawers are made to perfection: “No steel tracks or ball bearings; no gimmicks; they fit perfectly in place.” In contrast to this proud cabinet maker is a furniture factory not far from his father-in-law’s shop. Its main object, however, is bottom-line

profit. Unlike his father-in-law, whose eyes are focused on perfection and beauty, it is focused on making money, which in turn distracts it from the time needed to produce perfection. It’s no exaggeration to say Christmas is filled with distractions that encourage us to focus on everything but what it truly means. Sales abound, the latest and best products are touted, and there is the devilish marketing ploy, “Your loved ones deserve the best!” Christmas is anything but this. It is a time to celebrate God loving us so dearly that God came to live with us. It is a special opportunity to show our gratefulness and let joy fill our hearts. In the book, “Advent and Christmas Wisdom From St. Augustine,” author Agnes Cunningham has a meditation for each day of Advent leading up to Christmas. On the first day, she quotes St. Augustine, who invites us to reflect on our body and how God endowed it with senses, coordinated its limbs and gave it a beautiful form. At the end of the meditation is an Advent action: “Take time today, in gratitude for the gift of life and the grace of life in Christ, to pray for your parents and for the priest who baptized you.” These thoughts are what Christmas is about, a time in which we don’t allow anything to distract us from its true meaning.

FAITH 21

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

SUNDAY READINGS

Third Sunday of Advent ‘… There has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.’ MATTHEW 11:2-11 ISAIAH 35:1-6A, 10 The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing. Those whom the Lord has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; they will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee. PSALM146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10 Lord, come and save us. The Lord God keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets captives free.

Lord, come and save us. The Lord gives sight to the blind; the Lord raises up those who were bowed down. The Lord loves the just; the Lord protects strangers. Lord, come and save us. The fatherless and the widow he sustains, but the way of the wicked he thwarts. The Lord shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, through all generations. Lord, come and save us. JAMES 5:7-10 Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

MATTHEW 11:2-11 When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you. Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

What are signs the presence of God is real?

ohn the Baptist in today’s Gospel is a curious figure to focus on during Advent. This is supposed to be a happy season, anticipating the birth of Jesus. What is it that people await? The Isaiah reading is full of words like exult, rejoice, glory, singing and gladness. That’s surely a promise of a bright future. But underlying the promise is a lot of human misery. Isaiah is a pastoral realist. He is speaking to a group of once- believers, now teetering on the edge of despair and disillusionment. Perhaps they are so disgusted with being oppressed, humiliated and on the losing end of a war that they wonder what good their faith in God is. Wouldn’t it SISTER ELOISE more sense to give it ROSENBLATT, RSM make up, and not expect anything of a God who didn’t answer their prayers? The prophet sees that the land is parched and dry – what has happened to the spirit of the community. People feel physically weak, frightened,

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

POPE FRANCIS CHRIST GUARANTEES AGAINST HYPOCRISY

Modern-day Pharisees know the right words, Pope Francis said, but by not putting them into practice, “they do harm; they trick us and make us believe that we have a beautiful home, but it is without a foundation” because it is not built on rock. “The rock is Jesus Christ. The rock is the Lord,” he said, concelebrating his morning Mass Dec. 5 at the Vatican with the eight members of the Council of Cardinals advising him on the reform of the Roman Curia and church governance. He prayed that God would give all Christians “the grace of humility.” The madness of the hypocrite leads to haughtiness, the pope said. “A Christian word without Christ moves you toward vanity, self-confidence, pride and power for power’s sake.”

and spiritually empty. God seems distant. They are humiliated and defeated, living without honor or self-respect. The entire population has lost direction, purpose and any ability to move forward. Like a community of the disabled, they are unable to see God, unable to hear God, unable to walk in God’s way, unable even to voice what they are going through or express their deepest spiritual needs and desires. The genius of Isaiah is his ability to reignite hope in a God who will restore the land and lift the spirit of a downtrodden, voiceless people. His poetry is so beautiful that the hearer cannot help but be caught up in convictions so persuasive that they overcome the gloom of despair and depression. The amazing thing is that life starts all over again as though no one ever suffered any limitation. What they endured was only temporary and reversible. “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing.” Today’s Gospel echoes Isaiah. John the Baptist is a weakened, disempowered man, a self-doubting prophet who is imprisoned. He wonders whether he was right to spend all his energy on reform, and on turning people’s attention to Jesus. “Are you the one?” is mostly a question John the Baptist an-

guishes over for himself. Did his life have meaning, or has he been following a mirage? Did he see the truth clearly, or was he mistaken? Jesus sends back an answer that is indirect. Look at what happens to people around me – they start their lives over. Who can imagine a congenital disability getting reversed? Yet here it happens. Who could imagine the social revolution – that nameless, unimportant, lowest of-the low in the population, would be given any attention by a healer like Jesus? “The poor have the Gospel preached to them”– as though they are important enough to be counted among the elite and educated. So many reversals. We don’t know if John the Baptist was lifted out of his despair, encouraged by Jesus’ answer or understood its meaning. We don’t know if he heard the praise Jesus gave him, or felt vindicated by the way Jesus honored him. He may have been dead by the time Jesus said these words. But the Gospel reminds us of his powerful role as the messenger for Jesus the healer. He was right in his life’s purpose. He was not mistaken. He is the messenger of hope, the promise that no matter what your life was before, you start afresh now. MERCY SISTER ELOISE ROSENBLATT holds a doctorate in theology and is a lawyer in private practice in San Jose.

LITURGICAL CALENDAR, DAILY MASS READINGS MONDAY, DECEMBER 16: Monday of the Third Week of Advent. Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a. PS 25:4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9. Mt 21:23-27.

SAMTHANN died 739 December 18

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17: Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent. Gn 49:2, 8-10. PS 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17. Mt 1:1-17.

An Irish abbess known for her wisdom, Samthann is thought to have become a nun in Donegal, after a nobleman to whom she was betrothed acceded to her wish to marry only God. She founded Clonbroney Abbey in Longford, where she chose to live a simple life. She would not accept large estates for the abbey, and its herd was limited to six cows. According to a biography, she advised a monk who inquired about the appropriate attitude for prayer that one could pray in every position: sitting, standing, kneeling or laying.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18: Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent. Jer 23:5-8. PS 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19. Mt 1:18-25. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19: Thursday of Third Week of Advent. Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a. PS 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17. Lk 1:5-25. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20: Friday of Third Week of Advent. Is 7:10-14. PS 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6. Lk 1:26-38. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21: Saturday of the Third

Week of Advent. Optional Memorial of St. Peter Canisius, priest and doctor. Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:1418a. PS 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21. Lk 1:39-45.

22 FROM THE FRONT

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

FAMILY: Palestinian Catholics balance American dream, Holy Land roots FROM PAGE 1

For the Shihadeh family, visiting the Holy Land is an integral part of their cultural identity as the number of Christians in the region dwindles. Since the mid-1990s areas of the Holy Land such as Bethlehem have seen dramatic population loss because of conflict and regional unrest. Recent estimates report that there are slightly more than 6,500 Christians remaining in Bethlehem. “Within 20 years the beautiful massive churches in the Holy Land will only be attended by tourists,” Sam Shihadeh said. “There will be no more regular parishioners; these churches will be tourist attractions.” The San Francisco Bay Area is home to more than 3,000 Arab Christians, many of whom moved here in the late 1960s, as did Sam and Nancy with their families of origin, Sam said. “The family is wonderful in terms of interacting with the community,” said St. Veronica School principal Kathryn Lucchesi. “Nancy is really active; helping with everything here in terms of festivals or faith-sharing activities.” St. Veronica pastor Father Charles Puthota said the family is engaged in the life of the parish. “They are Catholics who practice their faith and are proud of it,” he said. “They bring up their children in the faith and the kids are always ready to participate.” The two boys, Adeeb and Nader, serve enthusiastically as altar servers, he said. The children view Christmas through the prism of their family’s faith. “Christmas is about giving back to the community,” said 14-year-old Adeeb.

(PHOTO BY EDISON TAPALLA/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

Sam Shihadeh, daughter Serena, wife Nancy and sons Nader and Adeeb shared traditions and stories during a visit to their South San Francisco home. “Christmas is about spending time with family,” said sixth grader Nader, 12. For Serena, 10, Christmas is all “about celebrating the birth of Jesus.” Sam added that his hope is to one day bring the children to Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas Mass. Sam keeps his family close to their roots by visiting Palestine and Israel every other summer, connecting with relatives and friends and visiting holy sites in Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jerusalem and elsewhere. In San Francisco, the Ramallah Club helps them nurture their Christian Arab roots, Sam said. The

Ramallah Club of San Francisco is a social club that meets once a month to share family events, ethnic foods, dancing and other traditions passed down from older generations. “The Ramallah Club is where I was able to meet other Arab Christians growing up,” Nancy said. “That’s where I was really able to appreciate the community and our traditions.” Recalling his youth in the Arab community here, Sam said, “You would visit the family members in order of age on Sundays or everyday during the Christmas season. For us the Christmas season is about giving back and asking myself, what is my

responsibility as a Christian to my neighbor?” Sam and his family participate in a number of charitable activities during the Christmas season including the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots toy drive and local events with the Ramallah Club and Kiwanis Club. “We ask our kids to pick out two toys each to give to Toys for Tots,” Sam said. In recent years the family has also adopted a needy family to help provide for their Christmas dinner. “It is our responsibility to provide a better life for our family than we had,” Sam said, “but to also teach them to appreciate the things they have here.”

MANDELA: ‘Madiba exuded leadership … touched my heart, soul, life’ FROM PAGE 1

an inspiration to billions by “epitomizing the values of sacrifice and patience,” he said. Mandela “negotiated the way forward in our nation’s darkest hour,” he said. Mandela’s fight against racial domination was done “not by force, but with understanding and love,” Mlangeni said, noting that “it was his goal to unite all colors and creeds to live together in mutual respect and kindness.” Anti-apartheid political prisoners “sacrificed years” to imprisonment, which undermined their health and well-being, yet on his release Mandela “remained a man of integrity” and an “incomparable force,” Mlangeni told tens of thousands who braved rain for the memorial. The service was said to have been one of the biggest gatherings of world leaders, with nearly 100 presidents, kings, dukes, sheiks and celebrities in attendance. Pope Francis sent a special envoy, Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. Archbishop William Slattery of Pretoria represented the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference. The crowd, whose unruliness had included loud booing of South African President Jacob Zuma, was

(CNS PHOTO/KAI PFAFFENBACH, REUTERS)

A young man pays tribute to former South African President Nelson Mandela as people gather at First National Bank Stadium in Johannesburg for his memorial service Dec. 10. Madiba is Mandela’s clan name and used with affection by South Africans. silenced by a Nobel peace laureate, retired Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu. “I am not going to give you a blessing until all of you stand, and I

want to hear a pin drop,” he said. Speaking Afrikaans and Xhosa before switching to English, Archbishop Tutu said Mandela was “a great gift.”

He urged those present to join him in this pledge: “We promise God that we are going to follow the example of Nelson Mandela.” In a prayer at the start, Anglican Archbishop Thabo C. Makgoba of Cape Town asked God to “help us to build on the firm foundations left by Madiba” and to “give us the grace to live the values of Madiba and to share them with the world.” “Go forth revolutionary and loving soul .... Go home Madiba, you have certainly done all that is noble,” he said. U.S. President Barack Obama told the gathering, “We will never see the likes of Nelson Mandela again.” He said it was tempting to remember Mandela as an icon, removed from society, but the former president “insisted on sharing with us his doubts and his fears; his miscalculations along with his victories. ‘I am not a saint,’ he said, ‘unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.’ “We can choose a world defined ... by peace, justice and opportunity,” he said, noting that Mandela lived out his belief that, “’I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.’ “What a magnificent soul it was. May God bless the soul of Nelson Mandela, may God bless the people of South Africa,” Obama said.

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

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24 ARTS & LIFE

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

A look at classic cinema’s depiction of personal holiness JOHN MULDERIG

“MIRACLE OF SAINT THERESE” (1959) is the engrossing French production dramatizing the life of the saint known as the Little Flower who entered the Carmelite cloister in Lisieux at the age of 14, died of tuberculosis in 1897 at age 24 and was canonized in 1925. Director Andre Haguet makes a serious, largely successful attempt to picture the saint’s life within her religious community and the meaning of her “little way” to spiritual perfection. Dubbed.

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

NEW YORK – “Life holds only one tragedy, ultimately: not to have been a saint.” So wrote the French man of letters Charles Peguy (1873-1914). Yet, while its attainment may be every human being’s vocation, sanctity can be a difficult quality to capture in the dramatic arts. Thus the stage and screen alike have seen a procession of hollow holy ones and canonized cardboard. As the church’s observance of the Year of Faith draws to a close, here in alphabetical order are capsule reviews of 10 movies that have avoided that parade of the forgettable. Instead, these pictures have successfully risen to the challenge of depicting personal holiness in a way that’s both credible and engaging.

“MONSIEUR VINCENT” (1947) is a lucid, moving account of St. Vincent de Paul’s work among the poor and the oppressed in 17th-century France, from his first labors in a plague-ravaged village and his appeals to the conscience of the aristocracy to the founding of an order devoted to charitable works and his death in 1660. Director Maurice Cloche portrays the poverty of the times and the cruelty of the regime in starkly convincing fashion, providing a solid historical framework within which Pierre Fresnay’s performance in the title role shines with a warm compassion and spiritual intensity which most viewers will find irresistibly compelling. Subtitles.

“BECKET” (1964) is a superb adaptation of Jean Anouilh’s classic play about the deep friendship and later conflict between England’s King Henry II (Peter O’Toole) and his friend, Sir Thomas a Becket (Richard Burton), later a saint, and how their days of drinking and womanizing came to an end when the monarch appointed Becket archbishop of Canterbury, leading to Becket’s spiritual transformation and ultimate martyrdom. Director Peter Glenville’s film is rather stagy and leisurely paced, but the Oscar-winning dialogue is uncommonly literate, and the performances are brilliant. “ENTERTAINING ANGELS: THE DOROTHY DAY STORY” (1996) is a compelling dramatization of the early life of Catholic Worker founder Dorothy Day (Moira Kelly) as a young journalist whose agonizing over failed love affairs leads her to reflect on her life and, in doing so, discovers God, then meets Peter Maurin (Martin Sheen) and puts his ideas of social justice into practice during the Depression. Directed by Michael Ray Rhodes, the biographical movie depicts a woman’s spiritual journey in convincing dramatic fashion, though it is largely interior, deeply religious and specifically Catholic in its sensibilities. “THE FLOWERS OF ST. FRANCIS” (1950) is the remarkable Italian production about the beginnings of the Franciscan order as its founder sets the example of humility, simplicity and obedience for his first followers at Portiuncula, a little chapel near Assisi, from which they depart into the world to preach peace. Directed by Roberto Rossellini from a script co-written with Federico Fellini, the movie’s form is as simple and sincere as the subject of the narrative

SCRIPTURE SEARCH Gospel for December 15, 2013 Matthew 11:2-11 Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the Third Sunday of Advent, Cycle A: Jesus’ final message to John, who was in prison. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle. HEARD TELL JOHN LEPERS GOOD NEWS REED BEHOLD THE BAPTIST

OF THE CHRIST BLIND CLEANSED NO OFFENSE BY THE WIND BORN LEAST

JESUS SIGHT RAISED SPEAK GO OUT WOMEN HEAVEN

BORN OF WOMEN B

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Paul Scofield as Sir Thomas More, “A Man for All Seasons” (1966). which relates a series of little incidents realistically, yet marvelously conveyed with an infectious sense of joy by an anonymous cast of monks from a Roman monastery. Subtitles. “A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS” (1966) is the engrossing drama of the last seven years in the life of Thomas More, Henry VIII’s chancellor, who met a martyr’s death rather than compromise his conscience during a period of religious turmoil. Robert Bolt’s script is masterfully directed by Fred Zinnemann, with a standout performance by Paul Scofield in the title role, among other notable performances from a uniformly fine cast. The historical dramatization achieves an authentic human dimension that makes its 16th-century events more accessible and its issues more universal. IN “THE MIRACLE OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA” (1952), when a young girl reports seeing a vision of the Mary in 1917 Portugal, she is harassed, then arrested by atheistic government officials but nothing can stop the crowds of faithful from coming to the site in expectation of a miracle. Directed by John Brahm, the religious story is treated with reverence yet is dramatically interesting with such characters as the good-hearted thief (Gilbert Roland) who helps her. Inspirational fare.

“OF GODS AND MEN” (2011) is a brilliant dramatization of real events, recounting the fate of a small community of French Trappists (led by Lambert Wilson and including Michael Lonsdale) living in Algeria during that nation’s civil war in the 1990s. Targeted by violent Muslim extremists, the monks must decide whether to continue their medical and social work for the local population or abandon them by fleeing to safety. Using the tools of the monastic life itself, director Xavier Beauvois finds a path to the heart of the Gospel through simplicity, a compassionate sense of brotherhood and an atmosphere of prayer enriched by sacred music and potent silence. The result, a profound mediation on the cost of discipleship, is a viewing experience from which every adult as well as many mature teens can expect to profit. Subtitles. “THE PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC” (1928) is a silent-screen masterpiece portraying the heresy trial, confession, recantation and execution of the Maid of Orleans (Maria Falconetti) in a performance of such emotional power that it still stands as the most convincing portrayal of spirituality on celluloid. Directed by Carl Dreyer, the work is essentially the interior epic of a soul, consisting largely of close-ups of Joan’s face and those of her interrogators accomplished in a fashion which is never static as the camera explores the inner struggle between human frailties and spiritual strength. Some duplicitous churchmen, medicinal bloodletting and a restrained torture scene. “THE SONG OF BERNADETTE” (1943) is the durable adaptation of the Franz Werfel novel about Bernadette Soubirous (Jennifer Jones), the French schoolgirl who in 1858 saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary at a grotto near Lourdes but news of this is initially discredited by her stern pastor (Charles Bickford), the town prosecutor (Vincent Price) and an envious teacher (Gladys Cooper). Directed by Henry King, the story of a young girl’s faith withstanding the disbelief of her elders is made dramatically convincing by a fine cast, evocative photography and largely unsentimental treatment. MULDERIG is on the staff of Catholic News Service.

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COMMUNITY 25

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

Seton New Life Center marks 10th anniversary Marking its 10th anniversary, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton New Life Center at Seton Medical Center in Daly City is being remodeled to include new examination room equipment and new computers, as well as decorative touches. The center serves mothers and their babies in San Mateo County and the Bay Area. “We welcome low-income expectant women regardless of age, culture, nationality or situation,” said Adilia Morales, the center’s manager. “We have served more than 7,000 women since we opened more than 10 years ago. We have managed to grow and adapt to our community’s needs. “No one is turned away, and we do serve walk-in patients,” Morales said. Formerly known as the Mother and Infant Wellness Program, the center was renamed in 2003 and comprehensive clinical programs were added. It now offers pre- and post-natal classes on health and nutrition, gestational diabetes, preparation for birth, parenting, breastfeeding and more. Support groups assist clients in navigating their changing family dynamics to our ever-changing health care system. The majority of the mothers deliver at Seton Medical Center. The center “is a celebration of life,” said Sister Arthur Gor-

“A client’s visit would include an OB exam, meeting with a dietician, psycho/social care, as well as general health information – all in one visit. A chaplain is also available for spiritual counseling,” Sister Arthur said. Clients also receive assistance with Medicare benefits and accessing dental care benefits. Counseling services are available. A bilingual social worker is on-site, along with volunteers who translate Cantonese, Spanish and Mandarin. The center is seeking an Arabic translator because of the growing number of Middle Eastern clients. For more information, call (650) 3018875 or visit www.seton.dochs.org/ services/womens-services A newborn at Seton Medical Center don, who is the center’s founding Daughter of Charity and vice president of mission integration for Seton Medical Center. “We support the women who have been given the gift of life to bear within their bodies. In addition to the clinical services, we offer a necessary support system.” For example, the center offers a same-day bundle of services to women who lack access to transportation or have difficulty getting time off from work.

A SPECIAL VISIT TO ROME Witness the canonizations of Blessed John Paul II and John XXIII

Catholic San Francisco invites you

to join in the following pilgrimages

CANONIZATION OF BLESSED JOHN PAUL II AND

BLESSED JOHN XXIII April 21 – 29, 2014

visit Pisa, Nice, Lourdes, Avila, Santiago de Compostela, Fatima April 25 – May 05, 2014 / $4250 (tour, airfare, gratuities)

Departs San Francisco 9-Day Pilgrimage under the direction of

CAMINO de SANTIAGO, THE WAY OF ST JAMES

Archbishop William E. Lori

A Walking Pilgrimage /

Santiago de Compostela, Spain

September 13 – 25, 2014 / $3999 (tour and airfare)

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico City

of Baltimore and Spiritual Director

Rev. Msgr. Robert Jaskot

3,259 + $749*per person

April 23 – April 28, 2014 / $1799 (tour, airfare, gratuities)

only $

ALASKA CRUISE from SFO

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FRANCISCAN FR. MARIO’S 2014 PILGRIMAGES In conjunction with Santours: CST#2092786-40 Holy Land May 26-June 6 | September 6-17 Fatima, Lourdes, St. James of Compostela April 22-May 6 Turkey: Following the Footsteps of St. Paul September 27-October 11 Egypt and Greece November: dates to be announced

Write, call or email for free brochure: Fr. Mario DiCicco, O.F.M. St. Peter’s Church, 110 West Madison St., Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 853-2411, cell: (312) 888-1331 email: mmdicicco@gmail.com

Departs San Francisco 11-Day Pilgrimage with Fr.

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* 2,999 + $599 per person

only $

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Visit: Dublin, Shannon, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Westport, Dingle, Killarney, Cork,Oratory, Dublin, Rock of Cashel, Gort and more.

For a FREE brochure on these pilgrimages contact: Catholic San Francisco (415) 614-5640

Please leave your name, mailing address and your phone number

California Registered Seller of Travel Registration Number CST-2037190-40 (Registration as a Seller of Travel does not constitute approval by the State of California)

26 CALENDAR

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

FRIDAY, DEC. 13 CONCERT: Choirs of St. Charles Parish, 880 Tamarack Ave., San Carlos, 7 p.m. Program includes carols, old and new and the original children’s musical, “Bright Lights.” Admission free. Sara Murphy, director of music ministry, (650) 591-7349; visit www. stcharlesparish.org. REUNION: Graduates and former students of schools in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, Irish Cultural Center, 45th Avenue at Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco, 11 a.m. Tickets at $45 include lunch, no-host bar, and seasonal entertainment from the St. Gabriel School choir. Email Kevin@parknorth. com or visit “I went to Catholic school in San Francisco” Facebook page. (415) 713-6341.

SATURDAY, DEC. 14 ROSARY FOR LIFE: Lay Catholics, priests, and seminarians pray the rosary for life. Joyful meeting on sidewalk outside the old Chevy’s, 2907 El Camino Real, Redwood City where a Planned Parenthood opened. The event is peaceful and begins at 10 a.m. Nativitymenlorespectlife@yahoo. com.

SUNDAY, DEC. 15 CONCERT: Advent Lessons and Carols, St. Mary’s Cathedral choir and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church choir perform works by Stanford, Victoria, and others; St. Mary’s Cathedral, Gough Street at Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, 3:30 p.m., (415) 567-2020, ext. 213.

SATURDAY, DEC. 14

SUNDAY, DEC. 15

CHRISTMAS REMEMBRANCE: Holy Cross Cemetery, 1500 Old Mission Road, Colma, All Saints Mausoleum, 11 a.m. Msgr. John Talesfore, pastor, St. Mary’s Cathedral, presides. Msgr. John (650) 756-2060, Talesfore www.holycrosscemeteries.com.

CONCERT: Mission Dolores Basilica Choir, Mission Dolores Basilica, 16th Street at Dolores, San Francisco, 5 p.m. Jerome Lenk conducts. Free parking. Tickets $25 reserved, $18 general admisJerome Lenk sion. (415) 6218203; visit www.missiondolores.org.

All recitals open to the public, freewill offering accepted at the door; www. stmarycathedralsf.org; ample free parking.

people are invited to join in the procession. Jessica Munn, (650) 572-1468.

CONCERT: Marin County’s St. Mary’s Church on Nicasio Square, 2 p.m., followed by wine and food reception at Druids Hall. The concert will feature Christmas and secular pieces performed by Mike Duke, Nicasio Creek Singers, Al Sailor, Timothy Murphy’s Ghost, Antonia Van Becker and Greg Lee. Tickets for adults are $50; children under 12, $10. All proceeds go to the renovation of the historic church consecrated in 1867. For reservations, call (415) 662-2057. PRO-LIFE WALK: San Mateo ProLife under the banner of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 2 p.m., meeting at the large doors of St. Matthew Church, El Camino Real and Ninth Avenue, San Mateo and continuing on El Camino Real from the church to Planned Parenthood, 35 Baywood Ave, rain or shine. Walk is about 1.5 miles. Rosary will be said during walk. All pro-life

CONCERT: Choirs and musicians of St Bartholomew Parish, Alameda de las Pulgas at Crystal Springs Road, San Mateo, 3 p.m. Program of Christmas favorites old and new accompanied by a 15-piece orchestra. Freewill donations appreciated.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18 DIVORCE SUPPORT: Drop-in support groups, Separated and Divorced Catholic Ministry, Archdiocese of San Francisco, St. Stephen Church, O’Reilly Hall, 451 Eucalyptus Drive, near Stonestown Mall, San Francisco, 7:30 p.m. Evenings begin and end with prayer and include introductions and conversation, moderated by Jesuit Father Al Grosskopf, (415) 422-6698; grosskopf@usfca.edu. GRIEF SUPPORT: A free holiday grief support workshop, 10:30 a.m.-noon,

SATURDAY, DEC. 21 LIVING NATIVITY: Knights of St. Francis of Assisi present a live Nativity at the Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, Vallejo and Columbus, San Francisco, 5-8 p.m. (415) 425-6682; visit www. knightsofsaintfrancis.com. ROSARY FOR LIFE: Lay Catholics, priests, and seminarians pray the rosary for life. Joyful meeting on sidewalk outside the old Chevy’s, 2907 El Camino Real, Redwood City, where a Planned Parenthood opened. The event is peaceful and begins at noon. Nativitymenlorespectlife@yahoo.com. TURKEY DRIVE: St. Emydius Church, San Francisco, 9 a.m.-noon, parking lot at Jules and DeMontfort avenues. All turkeys and monetary gifts benefit St Anthony’s Dining Room. (415) 587-7066; stemydius@sbcglobal.net; sfpierre@aol.com.

PUBLICIZE YOUR EVENT: Submit event listings by noon Friday. Email calendar.csf@ sfarchdiocese.org, write Calendar, One Peter Yorke Way, SF 94109, or call Tom Burke at (415) 614-5634.

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CALENDAR 27

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

SUNDAY, DEC. 22

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25

CONCERT: Christmas carol singing and concert at the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, Vallejo at Columbus, San Francisco, 2 p.m., featuring the Golden Gate Boys Choir and Bell Ringers, shrine cantors and organist. Reception follows. Admission free. Visit www.shrinesf.org. CONCERT: St. Mary’s Cathedral, Gough Street at Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, 3:30 p.m. featuring Angela Kraft Cross, organist. (415) 567-2020, ext. 213. All recitals open to the public. Freewill offering accepted at the door; www.stmarycathedralsf.org; ample free parking.

TUESDAY, DEC. 24 DIVORCE SUPPORT: Drop-in support groups, Separated and Divorced Catholic Ministry, Archdiocese of San Francisco, St. Bartholomew Church, Spirituality Center, 600 Columbia Drive., San Mateo. 7 p.m. Evenings begin and end with prayer and include introductions and conversation, moderated by Jesuit Father Al Grosskopf, (415) 422-6698; grosskopf@usfca.edu.

CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS: Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone is principal celebrant and homilist at midnight Mass and 9 a.m. Mass Christmas Day at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Archbishop Gough Street at Salvatore J. Geary BouleCordileone vard, San Francisco. The midnight liturgy will be preceded by caroling at 11:30 p.m. featuring the cathedral choir and a brass ensemble. The Mass at 9 a.m. will include Gregorian chant. The cathedral choir leads song at the cathedral’s 11 a.m. Mass Christmas Day. A Christmas Eve vigil Mass at 5:30 p.m. will be preceded by caroling at 5 p.m. by the cathedral children’s choir and St. Brigid School choir. (415) 567-2020; www.stmarycathedralsf.org.

SATURDAY, JAN. 4

SATURDAY, DEC. 28 ROSARY FOR LIFE: Lay Catholics, priests, and seminarians pray the rosary for life. Joyful meeting on sidewalk outside the old Chevy’s, 2907 El Camino Real, Redwood City, where a Planned Parenthood clinic opened. The event is peaceful and begins at 2 p.m. Nativitymenlorespectlife@yahoo.com.

FRIDAY, JAN. 3 FIRST FRIDAY: The Contemplatives of St. Joseph offer Mass at Mater Dolorosa Church, 307 Willow Ave., South San Francisco, 7 p.m., followed by healing service and personal blessing with St. Joseph oil from Oratory of St. Joseph, Montreal. RACHEL RETREAT: Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat, Jesuit Retreat Center, Manresa Way, Los Altos. Rich Bona, (650) 7871411; richbona@pacbell.net.

CEMETERY MASS: First Saturday Mass, Holy Cross Cemetery, 1500 Old Mission Road, Colma, All Saints Mausoleum, 11 a.m. Father Tony LaTorre, pastor, Father Tony St. Philip the LaTorre Apostle Parish, is principal celebrant and homilist. (650) 756-2060; www.holycrosscemeteries.com.

tery in Menlo Park will host a discernment weekend for women ages 18-40 who are discerning their vocation in life. The weekend is Friday evening to Sunday noon. The sessions will include daily Mass, adoration, chanted Divine Office, and conferences given by the Dominican nuns and friars. To register, contact the vocation directress at (650) 322-1801, ext. 19, or email vocations@ nunsmenlo.org or visit https://nunsmenlo.org/discernment-weekend.

TUESDAY, JAN. 14 FERTILITY SUPPORT: San Francisco Catholic Infertility Fellowship meets monthly to provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support to married individuals and couples who have been struggling to conceive a child for six months or more. Meetings are second Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Siena Room, St. Dominic Parish, Bush Street at Steiner, San Francisco. Visit http://sfcatholicif.blogspot.com/. SEPARATED DIVORCED: Meeting takes place second and fourth Tuesdays, St. Bartholomew Parish Spirituality Center, Alameda de las Pulgas at Crystal Springs Road, San Mateo, 7 p.m. Groups are part of the Separated and Divorced Catholic Ministry in the archdiocese and include prayer, introductions, sharing. It is a drop-in support group. Jesuit Father Al Grosskopf, (415) 422-6698; grosskopf@usfca.edu.

WEDNESDAY, JAN 15 SEPARATED DIVORCED: Meeting takes place first and third Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., St. Stephen Parish O’Reilly Center, 23rd Avenue at Eucalyptus, San Francisco. Groups are part of the Separated and Divorced Catholic Ministry in the archdiocese and include prayer, introductions, sharing. It is a drop-in support group. Jesuit Father Al Grosskopf, (415) 422-6698; grosskopf@usfca.edu.

FRIDAY, JAN. 10 DISCERNMENT WEEKEND: Is God calling you? The Dominican Contemplative Nuns of Corpus Christi Monas-

SATURDAY, JAN. 18 CRAB FEED: Archbishop Riordan High School crab feed dinner benefiting

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TUESDAY, JAN. 28 SEPARATED DIVORCED: Meeting takes place second and fourth Tuesdays, St. Bartholomew Parish Spirituality Center, Alameda de las Pulgas at Crystal Springs Road, San Mateo, 7 p.m. Groups are part of the Separated and Divorced Catholic Ministry in the archdiocese and include prayer, introductions, sharing. It is a drop-in support group. Jesuit Father Al Grosskopf, (415) 422-6698, grosskopf@usfca.edu.

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WEEKLY CATHOLIC TV MASS: A TV Mass is broadcast Sundays at 6 a.m. on the Bay Area’s KTSF Channel 26 and KOFY Channel 20, and in the Sacramento area at 5:30 a.m. on KXTL Channel 40. It is produced for viewing by the homebound and others unable to go to Mass by God Squad Productions with Msgr. Harry Schlitt, celebrant. Catholic TV Mass, One Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco 94109. (415) 614-5643; janschachern@aol.com.

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CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO | DECEMBER 13, 2013

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FUND RAISING

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HELP WANTED In 1854, a small group of Mercy Sisters landed in San Francisco to begin a system of health care, education and ministry to the poor. Today, over 150 years later, the SISTERS OF MERCY IN BURLINGAME are seeking an experienced Administrator to manage the care and operations of their assisted living center, Marian Oaks, which provides care and services to Sisters. If you have expertise in management of assisted living, long-term care or other elder services and and have the desire to give back to those who have given so much, please consider applying for this unique and rewarding position. Requirements include: Eldercare and management experience, minimum of bachelor degree in health care, administration, social work or related field. Registered Nurse a plus. PLEASE SEND YOUR RESUME TO: Paula Ruggiero Sisters of Mercy of the Americas 2300 Adeline Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010 jobs@mercywmw.org fax (650) 548-0673

DIRECTOR OF RECRUITING AND ADMISSIONS The Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology is a small, non-profit Catholic institution offering graduate degrees in philosophy and theology. Following its mission as a Center of Studies of the Dominican Order, DSPT emphasizes the relationship between these two disciplines and is the only Catholic graduate institution in the U.S. to offer students the opportunity to integrate them in a concurrent MA program. We are a small Catholic graduate school with an enrollment of just over 100 students and find ourselves at an exciting moment of program expansion. For the full job description visit www.dspt.edu/employment

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Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University (located in Berkeley) seeks candidates for a faculty administrative post at the rank of senior lecturer. Renewable term appointment, doctorate required. Experience in graduate theological education preferred. Responsibilities include course scheduling, program review, liaison to Graduate Theological Union consortium. Competitive salary, full benefits. Review of applications begins in January; position starts in June.

Contact Lisa Maglio lmaglio@jstb.edu. Visit http://scu.edu/hr/careers/faculty.cfm?id=3937