December 17, 1999

in

«

B

b § |S :9

I On

z u .1

Pope John Paul II sits below Michelangelo's "Last Judgment " Dec 11 during a ceremony marking the completion of a 20-year restoration of the Sistine Chapel. The pope blessed the chapel' s brightened frescoes saying they constituted a "visual hymn " to God. ilwiWW'iini'iiMiiiHijmiiM iiMiriiiwiiHWin-—i I ¦ ¦

5

JI I _ 1IIM>III

m^.i in nnrwii

n- Miii -nun!MnMiW>m»

MmnrMm

1 W 8 k

' oly Land TfcmA H Tour also oasis of p eace

Vatican ready to raise curtain on Great JubileeYear 2000

Christmas/New Years liturgy schedules — see pages 10 through 13

3

Guadalup e shrine blessed at Olemap arish

In this issue . . .

On The

8

Where You Live

Inf o

by Tom Burke

New directory for Archdiocese comes off press

12-13

Song

'Silent Night' transcends culture, time

Z2"Zd

Justice

Debt, coffee and quilts make impact

Archbishop:

5

Pastoral Plan : renewing vision

HI 1V

STREET 1

Marriage:

Bishops address ballot initiative

A A Santa Rosa:

ulU Clerical sex abuse addressed

£) Jt Booh:

Ut) St. Therese letters collected.

_ JCATHOLIC

SAN FRANCISCO

Official newspaper of the Archdiocese of San Francisco Most Reverend William J. Levada, publisher Maurice E. Healy, associate publisher Editorial Staff: Dan Morris-Young, editor; Evelyn Zappia , feature editor; Tom Burke , "On the Street " and Datebook; Sharon Abercrombie, Kamille Maher reporters.

Advertising Department: Joseph Pena , director; Britta Tigan , consultant; Mary Podesta , account representative; Don Feigel, consultant.

Production Department: En rico Risano, manager; Julie Benbow, graphic consultant; Ernie Grafe, Jody Werner, consultants.

Business Office: Marta Rebagliati, assistant business manager; Gus Pena, advertising and subscriber services; Karessa McCartney, executive assistant.

Advisory Board: Noemi Castillo, Sister Rosina Conrotto , PBVM , Father Thomas Daly, Joan Frawley Desmond , James Kelly, Father John Penebsky, Kevin Starr, Ph.D., Susan Winchell.

Editorial offices are located at 441 Church St., Sail Francisco, CA 94114 Telephone: (415) 565-3699 News fax : (415) 565-3631 Circulation: 1 -800-563-0008. Advertising fax: (415) 565-3681 Catholic San Francisco (ISSN 15255298) is published weekly except Thanksgiving week and the last Friday in December, and is published bi-weekly during the monlhs of June, July and August by the Raman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco, 1595 Mission Rd., South San Francisco, CA 94080-1218. Annual subscri ption rates are $10 within the Archdiocese of San Francisco and $22.50 elsewhere in the United States. Periodical postage paid at Sout h San Francisco, California.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Catholic San Francisco, 1595 Mission Rd., South San Francisco, CA 94080-1218 Corrections: If then: Es an error in lUc mailing Label affiled to this newspaper, call Catlmlic Sm Franciscoat 1-800-563-0008. It is helpful lo refer to ilie current mailing label. Also, please let us know if die household is receiving duplicate copies. Thank you.

An all hats off to Patsy Soltau , receptionist at the Pastoral Center of the Archdiocese from 1981-94, who died on Thanksg iving Day. Patsy made my first visit here for job interview s much less daunting than it could have been and her gentle sty le was a benefit , I'm sure , to many who were also beginning new journeys. Father Harry Schlitt , vicar for administration , remembered Patsy 's good work at a recent meeting of the building calling special attention to her ready smile and willingness to help. Thanks always to Patsy and those like her who welcome callers and visitors to places of the Church....Had a chance to say "Hi" recently to retired Msgr. John Heaney, longtime chaplain to SFPD. He says he 's enjoy ing the liberties of retirement but is happy to be able to continue his ministry to the City 's cops and living at Apostleship of the Sea where he was pastor/friend to so many for so long....

Visited for a bit with Father Kirby Hanson , pastor of the Richmond District 's St. Thomas the Apostle Parish who was happy to go on record about his "most wonderful parishioners and exceptional school." Prayers and good thoughts p lease for St. Tom 's principal Thomas Lambre who is recuperating from back surgery....Father Fidel Palisoc, who lives at St. Anne of the Sunset Parish while serving the chaplaincy at St. Mary 's Medical Center, has been recognized by the stateside alumni organization of his alma mater in the Phili ppines.

Thomasians, USA , which represents graduates of Manila 's University of Santo Tomas, honored the priest at Father Fidel recent ceremonies in SSF, Prayers Palisoc please for Father Palisoc 's dad who died in September and his mom who died in November.

Prayers , too, p lease for sacristan Joe Li who is back on the job after illness and school maintenance person , John Castro , whose heart is beating better after recent surgery.... Father Terence Horan presided at a Mass for deceased members of the Immaculata praesidium of the Legion of Mary at St. Matthew Parish, San Mateo, where he is a parochial vicar. Father Horan called evangelization, the Legion 's hallmark , "every Catholic 's responsibility. "...

This year 's Dickens ' "Christmas Carol" at College of Notre Dame featured talent from several area schools including Kenny Dolin , Michael Marconi , Kate Butchko, Carolyn Giannini , Nicole Monney and Maggie Naunheim of Notre Dame Elementary, Belmont; Steven Nordberg of Juni pero Serra Hi gh School; and Heather Ferrai, Lexi Sange, Maureen Ashiku, Melissa Fisher, Megan Elkins and Gina Marconi of Notre Dame High School. Teri and Jim Marconi , parents to the already mentioned , Gina and Michael , were also in the show. Teri is music director at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish , Belmont. Evelyn Nordberg, princi pal , St. Timothy Elementary is mom to

Surrounding Providian Financial's $25,000 gift to Holy Family Day Home are, front from left; Kelly Simms, Delsey Paiz , Henry Quintero , William Martin; middle row, from left: Valentina Feldman , Jonathan O rtiz, Tamera Neor, Adrians Silva , Sean Caceres , Betty Lopez; standing is Providian 's Loren Brown. thespian , Steven....Longtime St. Stephen parishioner , Marygrace Dunn , has been admitted to the rank of Obedience with the Knights and Dames of Malta. Marygrace took her latest step at a special Mass at Woodside Priory in Portola Valley on Nov. 13. After the first of the year, she and her husband , Richard, a Knight Marygrace Dunn of Malta , take up residence in Italy where Richard will begin his five-year term with the order 's sovereign council. "The hardest part of getting ready for the trip is learning to speak Italian ," Marygrace said, adding that the two are studying the language daily at San Francisco State. "I'm drained by it ," she laug hed offering an "arriverderla" or "goodbye " to us all. She and Richard will return to SF each summer as well as continue on the international order 's annual pilgrimages to Lourdes which last year brought several thousand people from 21 countries to the holy site. Marygrace is a St. Mary Cathedral Assumpta Award winner; a former officer of the Archdiocesan School Board and the current communications officer and historian of the Order of Malta 's Western Association....

They don 't do it any better than at San Francisco's Holy Family Day Home, a safe and proud tradition in children 's day care for 100 years. Donna Cahill directs the program many have called the City 's "best kept secret" which will increase new millennium building efforts after the first of the year to make room for 50 more pre-school children each day, Earlier this month, Providian Financial Corp. donated $25,000 to Holy Family, the oldest child care center in San Francisco. To learn more about Holy Family Day Home, call (415) 398-0639. Officers of its board of directors are Michael Carroll , prez ; Jay Morrissey, v.p.; Tiffany Smith, sec; Rich Waters, treas....

7"' and 8,H grade students from St. Gabriel Elementary School took on schools from around the City in a debating contest on Nov. 20, arguing pro and con on propositions including outlawing some kinds of art and the death penalty. Teacher, Mara Hill , was a coach. First grade students at the Sunset District school sold more popcorn than ever before raising $460 for the Martin de Porres Kitchen. Organizing the kernel carnival were teachers Marta Courtrighf and Courtney Seeronen with classroom aides Holly Dore and Jane Gibbons also pitchin ' in. Prayers , please, for parish secretary Diane Earnshaw who is recuperating from surgery and thanks to Mary DiMartini and Attie Carolan for fillin ' in...

St. Gabriel debaters, back from left: 7th grade teacher Richard Moseley, Kary Man, Sharon Yep, Felicia Berryessa-Erich , Annie Lee, Mick Terrizzi; front from left: Brendan Winans, Michael DiGrande , Amy McDevitt, Jacqueline Chein.

Holt + Collins Slock Brokers

Since 1928

Bayside Plaza ¦The Embarcadero Suite 760 • San Francisco, CA 94105-1235

"Serving Investors Since 1928" (415) 543-8500 • Fax (41 5) 764-1064 (800) 443-2227

DOINI T SELL [^^I^I j f FJa^ THAT CAR! j B & B s sDonate il to v atnolic v narilies.

^

We II g ive 50% oi me sale price to ij our parish and take ca pe ot the paperwork.

Call 1-800-733-8000

Guadalupe shrine dedicated in Olema

v?

O

6 sc Pk CO

sa

t/i

5

id

More than 600 persons took part in Dec. 12's dedication ceremony for a recently comp leted shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe in a stand of redwoods at Olema 's Sacred Heart Parish. The rugged , Aztec-style building was built by volunteer labor and donations to enshrine an impressiv e three-by-six-foot image of the Patroness of the Americas — Our Lady of Guadalupe. "It's a glorious addition to our parish ," said Father Richard Bain (above left), pastor. "It's a great way to begin a day by praying at the shrine and then taking advantage of our beautiful hiking trails. " Celebrated in conjunction with the third Sunday of Advent , the feast day began with Mass. Father Jose Corral (above right) of St. Joseph Parish, Cotati, presided. It was followed by a procession to the chapel • for a blessing by Father Bain. The day continued with mariachi music and traditional Aztec dancing. The project was spearheaded largely by parishioner Alfonso Ramirez "who worked long, hard days," Father Bain said.

L

—

I

,

Archdiocesan Pilgrimage sites include 5 locations A Y^ruru-sj |pir §i|| HBiillll ij M

^(V^

Archbishop William J. Levada has designated five locations in the San Francisco Archdiocese as local pil grimage sites which the faithful of the Archdiocese can visit and thereby receive Holy Year

2000 Pil grimage graces:

• Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption 1111 Gough St. San Francisco 94109 Tel: (415) 567-2020

• Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi 610 Vallejo San Francisco 94133 Tel: (415) 983-0405

• Mission Dolores 16th and Dolores San Francisco 94114

• Mission San Rafael in San Rafael I 104 5th Avenue San Rafael 94901

Tel: (415) 621-8203

|MJ | L J. |RCT IVCX

r /~ ? 9\

$&~~J£ ^£

Call

\Ls iouddmoA &£truj

ChristmasCatalog

Symbol of Love, Loyalty ,& Friendship

Wide selection of styles in Sterling Silver, 10k and 14k gold.

415/989-6279

J§ lRish » •*Castle*^

Mirhv a Mall , 728 Pacific (at Grant) San Francisco-Chinatown 1 blk & North beach , 2 fr Financial Dist, 2 bus stops ft Union Sq M-F 11-6:30 Sat 11:30-6:00 Sun 1:00-6:00 (Closed Wed)

For Advertising Information Call (415) 565-3699

Featuring overSOselections!

Herb roasted leg of lamb

SHOP

,

,

537 Geary Street, San Francisco 2 blocks from Union Square • 38 Muni * (415) 474-7432 taa

"

'

— .. —

...

(

„ _

, ,

—_^_j

Dry aged certified Angus prime rib

Oven roast Iree range turkey

Fresh winter vegetables

Fresh king salmon

Garlic mashed potatoes

Portuguese sausage w/macadamra stuffing Miso glazed Pacific snapper

CATHOLIC BOOKS RELIGIOUS ARTICLES English • Chinese

asshouse

R F S T A U R A N T

SO

. 1/

£s^l^%3

nUVWIl 1 IWtllU Til l O

Ideas

\D e/tcc (D/ IO<SS;

FREE

' | i wni* <*rM* ii ik i #* -il lA WI JUF K TI \ I M l f l PwVQ

Tel: (415) 454-8141

^; ™! ^l™ ^^^ Christmas Gif t

for

• St. Patrick Seminary 320 Middlefield Road Menlo Park 94025 Tel: (65Q) 325-5621

Yams Amaretti Jasmine risotto Murray's caviar pie

Aged prime rib rosemary au jus Honey glazed ham on the bone

Fresh garden salads

House smoked salmon and trout

Chocolate raspberry decadence

Oyster and cornbread stuffing

Pumpkin, apple and pecan pies

Reservations: (415) 474-6478 Adults: $29.95, Kid* 5-12, $14.95, 4 and under FREE

740 Sutter near Taylor, San Francisco • Valet Parking Available •

Osman Jalloh, center, and two women from CalabaTown , Sierra Leone , each had a hand hacked off by rebels who raided their village in January. A fragile peace now exists in the country where Catholic Relief Services is helping citizens rebuild their lives after years of violent conflict.

Fear Chinese WTO membership

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Witnesses at a congressional hearing Dec. 8 condemned China 's human rights record and said Chinese admission to the World Trade Organization would neither forcenor persuade Chinese authorities to treat their citizens any better. The human rights and labor advocates who testified on Capitol Hill cited a number of Chinese violations , including crackdownson the Falun Gong reli g ious movement , the Tibetan people and independent labor groups; coercive famil y p lanning and organ harvesting policies; and police and prison brutality. They said thesecould worsen with China ensconced in the WTO.

n z v. ¦v

x

o

C3 ¦<

H O

H

> n ? o X

5 o

1 o r n

press conference. The team held its firs t meeting in New York Dec. 6-7.

people accused of planning or carrying out the bombing of military sites in Khartoum.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Joh n Paul II is expected to declare Pope John XXIII venerable late this month and beatify him next September. Fami glia Crisfiana , Italy 's top-selling weekly magazine , devoted the cover of its Dec. 12 issue to Pope John and said his beatification would take place Sept. 3. Pope John Paul' s calendar for the Holy Year 2000 includes a beatification ceremony Sept. 3 in St. Peter 's Square, although the person or people to be beatified were not named.

Pope John headed the Catholic Church from 1958 to 1963 and convoked the Second Vatican Council.

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Drawing on beliefs of both faiths , the National Jewish/Catholic Consultation is calling for an end to the death penalty. From a second-century Jewish teaching that the death penalty is destructive , through last January 's statement by Pope John Paul II calling it "cruel and unnecessary, " the consultation found shared beliefs in the sanctity of human life and the role of capital punishment. The consultation , representing the National Council of Synagogues and the Committee on Ecumenical and Interreli gious Affairs of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops , issued its statement , "To End the Death Penalty," Dec. 6.

John XXIII beatification p redicted Panel : end death p enalty

Pope asks China reconciliation

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Holy Year celebrations in mainland China should focus on reconciling underground and government-recognized Catholic communities , Pope John Paul II said. Celebrate the Holy Year "by breaking down all barriers to overcome every possible cause of division ," the pope said in a special letter to Chinese Catholics. In the letter released Dec. 10, Pope John Paul said Catholics of China who continue to suffer because of their faith will be in his thoughts and prayers during the year 2000.

"The time of trial in some places has not yet come to an end ," the pope said. China 's communist gov ernment continues to arrest Catholics who do not comply with its strict limits on reli gious activities , and it continues to forbid direct contact between Catholics and the Vatican. The pope praised the fidelity and steadfastness of Chinese Catholics "who cannot as yet show forth in a full and visible way their communion with this Apostolic See. "

Worcester griexes

WORCESTER , Mass. (CNS) — An outpouring of grief and support have flooded throug h this city of 166 ,000 in the wake of the deaths of six Worcester firefi ghters in a warehouse conflagration Dec. 3. Two city parishes immediately opened their doors to rescue workers and the families of the fallen fireli g hters when it became clear the men were lost in the fire that broke out in a vacant building. The men who perished were Paul A. Brotherton , Timothy P. Jackson , Jeremiah M. Lucey, James F. Lyons , Joseph T. McGuirk and Fire Lt. Thomas E. Spencer. Reports that homeless people often lived in the abandoned building sent the firefi ghters inside to search for them.

Macau transition being watched

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A.S Macau prepares to return to Chinese rule , the Churc h there must strengthen its missionary vocation , said Pope John Paul II. The Church in Macau must "become a point of reference and spiritual support also for the many brothers and sisters in the faith who live dispersed in the vast reaches of China ," the pope said in a message released at the Vatican Dec. 9. An autonomous Portuguese terri tory, Macau returns to mainland Chinese control Dec. 20, according to term s of a 1987 agreement between Portugal and China.

A prayer service for Macau and its people has been scheduled tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Holy Names of Jesus Church , 3240 Lawton St., San Francisco. Mass in Chinese will be celebrated at 3 p.m., according to a spokesperson for the archdiocesan Office of Ethnic Ministries which is sponsoring the service.

Moscow cathedral to reope n

MOSCOW (CNS) — The formal reopening of a Catholic cathedra] in Moscow on Dec. 12 nearl y 70 years after its Soviet closure is a "v ictory of God over atheism ," said a priest whose U.S. foundation helped fund the structure 's restoration.

"At a time when the people hav e lost faith in nearly every institution in Russia , this churc h represents a visible sign of hope ," said Father Marcel Guarnizo , president of the Virg iniabased Aid to the Church in Russia foundation , which committed $1.5 million to the reconstruction of the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Holocaust study: scholars want more Sudanese archbishop p rotests NEW YORK (CNS) — Historians commissioned to review Vatican documents relating to the Holocaust indicated Dec. 7 their primary thrust would be pushing for the opening of all Vatican archives that might contain pertinent documents. "The search for truth , wherever it may lead , can be best promote d in an environment in which there is full access to archival documentation and other historical evidence ," said the team of Catholic and Jewish historians in a joint statement read at a

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The archbishop of Khartoum , Sudan , is pleased that two of his priests were released from jail , but he protested that their freedom was granted throug h a presidential amnesty. Archbishop Gabriel Zubeir Wako told the Vatican 's Fides news agency he wants a government recognition of the priests ' innocence: A presidential pardon is not good enoug h. Fathers Hilary Boma , 57, and Lino Sebit , 31, were arrested in the summer of 1998 along with 18 other

ReadingOtoic TUTORING UNDAMOOD-BELL

PROGRAMS

Diagnostic evaluation One-to-Oue Tutoring

Lmdamood-BeU* and v/v 1 programs addressing: ADD / LIPS *

,

Dyslexia ..

*

Attention deficit disorder Central auditory processing disorders Comprehension weaknesses

H ov«w a* y**« •*t H»t-i..n»* tt*t«rt»9 M«HI«H«»*4I•*•!!* P* ¦»>-"¦

Help is here, call now

800-790-5302,

San Francisco • San Mateo • Saratoga Ask about our after school Homework Club.

Writing Skills S.A.T preparation

study skais

^j fcto

^ipeJIfllc

$11 million for p rivate schools

WORCESTER , Mass. (CNS) — In a move that is being hailed as a significant victory for students and parents in Catholic schools , Massachusetts state lawmakers have approved more than $11 million for private-school services in the latest state budget. Stephen A. Perla , executive director of the Parents ' Alliance for Catholic Education (PACE) said students in Catholic schools and the state 's other private institutions will now have access to a wide range of services. These include nurses , transportation , dual enrollment , a teacher Internet discount program and restoration of special education programs.

Pop e: use canal to benefit poor

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Panama must use its recovered control over the Panama Canal and its income to benefit its poore st citizens , Pope John Paul II said. The Dec. 31 return of the canal will have "great juridical , practical , economic and political consequences ," the pope said Dec. 4 in a speech to Panama 's new ambassador to the Vatican. In 1978 the United States agreed to restore Panama 's sovereignty over the canal , which the United States has run since 1914.

Welcome refugees charges pontiff

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As desperate circumstances force an increasing number of peop le to flee their homelands , wealthy countries must welcome them in a spirit of solidarity, Pope John Paul II said. In many countries , "the lack of understanding seen regarding foreigners manifests the urgency for a transformation of structures and for a change in mentality, " the pope said in remarks released at the Vatican Dec. 6 in a message for the 86th Worl d Day for Migrants and Refugees.

A gift that pays you\

Consider a Charitable Gift Annuity with Catholic Charities.

Your Age: Your Rate: Your Deduction: * 65 7.0% $3,546 70 7.5% $3,895 75 8.2% $4,265 80 9.2% $4,674 85 10.5% $5, 148 * Based on $10, 000 gift made in 1999. Minimum gift amount is $5,000.

Two-life rates and deduction estimates also available. Partial bypass of capital gains tax.

Your gift will support shelter for the homeless, home care for the elderly, counseling for families , and other vital services to the needy of all faiths .

For more information call: (4 1 5) 844-4868

if Catholic Charities C| ^fJ^

ARCHDIOCESE OF SAN FRANCISCO Web site: www.ccasf.org

O RDINARY T IME

Pastoral Plan: renewing the vision Four years ago this week Archbishop Quinn and I, then Coadjutor Archbishop, formally signed the Pastoral Plan of the Pil grim Church of San Francisco titled "A Journey of Hope Toward the Third Millennium. " As I look forward with you to the proclamation of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 by our Holy Father Pope John Paul II at the Christmas midni ght Mass in Rome, to mark the 2,000th year since the birth of our Lord in Bethlehem on the firs t Christmas , my thoug hts turn once again to the Pastoral Plan , and to my own arrival here as Archbishop four years ago this fall , and to my own fourth anniversary as the seventh Archbishop of San Francisco this Dec. 27.

Since the vision and the hard work by so many that produced the Pastoral Plan had the Third Millennium as its focal point , I thoug ht it would be timel y to review its pri orities and recommendations now. In this way we can recapture the spirit of that vision for our pil grim Church in San Francisco. We can recommit ourselves not only to its implementation , but also to renewing the vision as we begin this new millennium of Christianity.

The Pastoral Plan focused on five goals, with companion strategies to achieve these goals. The goals describe the nature of the Church herself , and were expressed in an invitation or "call" : our call to worship, to lead, to evangelize , to educate, and to serve.

After three years of meetings throug hout the Archdiocese to review, discuss and prioritize these goals, the Pastoral Plan articulated 12 goals to be major focus for the Archdiocese , based on "the tremendous response to these goals by the Catholics of the Archdiocese, [and] also because of their inherent importance to each Catholic of the Archdiocese and to the community as a whole."

What did these priority goals recommend? A comprehensive plan , to be sure . Many of them have begun to be addressed , either through a particular program such as RENEW 2000 (evangelization , small faith communities) or the School of Pastoral Leadershi p (formation of the laity, adult education), or through the appointment of staff in our Department of Pastoral Services to provide ongoing structure and program development in the various areas recommended: • Liturg ical renewal (Office of Worship); • Support for families (Office of Marriage and Family); • Integration of youth and young adults as full members of the Church (Office of Young Adult Ministry /Campus Ministry/St. Thomas More University Ministry to San Francisco State, and appointment of a youth ministry coordinator in the Office of Religious Education); • To ensure the values of the Gospel in our culture (Ecumenical and Interreligious Office; Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns; Justice and Peace; Respect Life).

The Pastoral Plan was concerned as well about vocations , and our Vocations Office is in the process of implementing the national strategy for vocations , one aspect of which envisions a Vocations Committee in every parish.

The enrollmen t of St. Patrick Seminary has boomed , now up to 85. And even if San Francisco seminarians are a small minority, the challenge from our neighbors is one we can 't ignore !

The concern for the vitality of the priesthood was evidenced in a recommendation for a convocation of priests , which we celebrated last year; in ongoing assistance to improve homileti c skills; and in continuing development in collaborative models of pastoral leadership. These are now goals for our Office of Continuing Education of Clergy.

The recommendation to make quality Catholic school

R EDUCE Y OUR TAXES

AND

H ELP

education available throug h the establishment of endowment funds is now becoming a reality, thanks to the enthusiastic partici pation in our capital campai gn "Today's Students - Tomorrow's Leaders." I am deeply grateful to the generosity of parishioners throug hout the Archdiocese for making this campai gn a success. I have spoken with many pastors and parish team leaders. They often beam with pride as they tell me their parish has achieved and sometimes far surpassed its target.

To make Catholic social teachings better known is an ongoing task - for the Archbishop Quinn Colloquium , for the Justice , Peace and Respect Life Commission and our Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns, for Catholic Charities and for all our parishes and institutions - indeed , for all of us as believing Catholic Christians. This goal antici pated (in its own way) one of the recommendations of the Synod of Bishops for America which closed two years ago on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec.

A J O U R N E Y OF H O P E TOWARD

M ILLENNIUM

THE T H I R D

The Pastoral Plan of the Pilgrim Church of San Francisco

YOUR

PARISH !

2000 MODELS NOW IN STOCK

A charitable trust can benef i t you and y our paris h.

[YeslWaselMdmeTO [Address: _

,

—

Zlp Code: States \City: [Mail to: Off ice of Stewardship and Develop ment Archdiocese of San Francisco 415-565-3608.

94114 or call :&.£__ San Francisco, CA .__¦_».-_ 445 Church Street,„____ -; 5,

.

—

'

«

ees and to parishes and schools. The Office of Finance continues to implement the several recommendations about diocesan internal controls (th rough a very hardworking Finance Council , with its various committees overseeing investments , deposit and loan program , insurance, etc.) and upgraded financial policies for parishes, schools and institutions.

Finally, through an enhanced Department of Communications we have begun to address the Plan 's findings regarding lack of communications available to us.

Catholic San Francisco has been well received and is providing an important vehicle for community building, for education , and for information sharing with the larger community as well. The monthl y El Heraldo Catolico, a cooperative venture among the Archdiocese of San Francisco and the dioceses of Sacramento and Oakland , is an excellent resource for the Latino community. We need to do more, of course. Radio - all too often left to angry and hostile voices - remains an important communications tool. The challenges for the new millennium will not be wanting.

Even this brief overview - I do not pretend it is comprehensive - of the steps taken to implement the Pastoral Plan will allow us to be sure of one thing: all of the above would not have been possible without the generous 'support of the faithful of the Archdiocese. This support , both for the work of the parishes, and for the work of providing resources and support at the archdiocesan level, especiall y through the Archbishop 's Annual Appeal , provided a basis and structure for the Church' s vitality and renewal of our mission going forward into the Third Millennium.

I am profoundl y grateful to so many for the dedication to spiritual renewal, and the renewal of Church structures, and of our society, which are the goals of the Pastoral Plan. The Plan recommends as well an Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, which I am planning to implement in the coming Jubilee Year.

I envision this Pastoral Council , representative of all the creative diversity of the Archdiocese , as the "keeper of the vision" of the Pastoral Plan. It will review the Plan recommendations , up date them if necessary, oversee their continued imp lementation , and provide that ongoing planning function for our local Church so abl y begun in "A Journey of Hope Toward the Third Millennium. " With the immediate Jubilee Year we will have reached this new millennium of Christianity, and our pilgrim journey will take on new energy in the Lord's own grace as we "Open the Doors to Christ " - the doors of our churches, of our homes, of our hearts.

12). Pope John Paul indicated in his apostolic exhortation "The Church in America" that he accepted the recommendation of the Synod for a Catechism of Church Social Teaching, and has asked the Pontifical Council "Iustitia et Pax " to produce it , hopefull y within the Jubilee Year.

The 12th priori ty goal of the Pastoral Plan asked us to "involve young adults and youth in service to others," even through the establishment of an Archdiocesan Young Adult Volunteer Corps. As I hear in my visits throughout the Archdiocese, our confirmation programs and our Catholic schools are exemp lary in involving our young people in programs of outreach and service.

As for a Young Adult Volunteer Corps - well, this was one of the recommendations which inspired the idea in my ^ intLayS^ (^ S *J -*.— .

Most Rev. William J. Levada mind to give the property at St. Joseph Parish to Catholic Archbishop of San Francisco Charities for St. Joseph's Village , which has developed a program to involve our young adults as volunteers. It's a beginning.

Persons interested in receiving a copy of "A Journey of Among the structural recommendations of the Plan Hope Toward the Third Millennium " may send a check for which are making a difference in the Archdiocese is the $4 per book to "Journey of Hope ", 441 Church St., San establishment of a new Office of Human Resources , so Francisco, 94114. Please allow three weeks for delivery. helpful to both Chancery and pastoral center employ- ^^_^^^^^^^^^^^^ PV nN

B y p a s s capital gains tax...

Receive income for life...

Reduce your income taxes...

|Name.-

Archbishop William J. Levada

-

j

- - - - - J.— ±- I

T UP(TOV

SN^CS/

<3E>

J|

W^

^^

SjjmM IgjgL 35 Dolores at Market , SF figrf. m 'W* Call Frank Ginotti WSSS B Bt&* (415) 431-8100 ext. 329 Star of the Sea , St. Ignatius and U.S.F. Graduate

^¦HT ¦

o h-

O

<£

;:,Juj iJSQ

Father Stephen Howeli, president of Serra High School , bestows the In Via Award on Archbishop William J. Levada at the school on Dec.8. Assisting at left is Michael Peterson, principal. Father Joseph Bradley is in background.

M BHJBH

''i&MHHH '

I ',

j m BR

¦ ai :.j^H

^w***-^«B^(l|||

i

. .; ,.

'¦, -¦¦ ¦ ' ?'¦ '

-?

HSItMu^^ .

"VPI^HBPIMHI ' ^^^^^^i HtobhL.- .'

'-1191

vl * VS "" '- ¦\

'

v^^^^B

Serra In Via Award goes to Archbishop Archbishop William J. Levada was presented with Juni pero Serra High School's In Via Award in ceremonies during Mass on the feast of the Immaculate Conception in the San Mateo school's gymnasium on Dec. 8.

In welcoming remarks , Archbishop Levada said lie was honored to be among the 32 people who have received the award during the last 17 years. In his homil y.and earlier comments , which provided a context for the day 's readings, he stressed the importance of leaving oneself open to God's plan just as Mary did in accepting one of the "greatest roles in salvation."

In presenting the award , Serra president , Father Step hen Howell cited the Archbishop 's unswerving support of the "education apostolate " of the Church and the newl y established educational endowment campai gn , "Today ' s Students , Tomorrow 's Leaders ".

In response to the award — which conveys honorary Serra alumnus status — the Archbishop granted two "Archbishop's holidays " to the almost 1,000 students at the allboys secondary school.

"Make sure I take those days off, too," Sena's newest "graduate" quipped to his . , ¦¦.

•* i. administrative assistant , Father Thomas w \ -^ ¦¦ ¦ Merson , who served as master of ceremonies fit " .. \ vat the Mass. . .. ' .

Winners of the award "have given HKK' Christian example through word and deed and have, shown ongoing support of Serra and the goals and objectives of Catholic education ," a press release states. It is named for a p ledge by Blessed Junipero Serra during the Portoia-Serra Expedition to Alta California in 1869 which translates to, "Even if I die on the way, I will not turn back."

Previous winners include retired educator, Father John L. Zoph , who taug ht at the Bay Area Region school for 56 years and for whom Serra 's Catholic Healthcare West. library is named; Dominican Sister Glenn CIIW Anne McPhee, superintendent of Catholic * schools; and Michael Peterson , who recentl y celebrated his 20'" anniversary as p rinci pal.

Father Joseph Bradley, a Serra alumnus and faculty member at the school , also concelebrated. Deacon Steve Michaelson of St. Pius Parish , Redwood City, assisted. h

-1

^iP^m *¦ <•¦

v

.,, " ;,

.

¦ i

. ..

.' ' '

Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, San Francisco St. Mary's Medical Center, San Francisco

Seton Medical Center, Daly City „

., „ , _

_

. ¦ .,

_

i

Seton Medical Center Coastside,Moss Beach Sequoia Hospital, Redwood City O'Connor Hospital,San Jose Saint Louise Hospital, Morgan Hill

Happy Holidays fr om

W.J. Britton & Co., Inc. Real Estate Brokerage

Serving San Francisco and its Peninsul a since 1 953

1811 El Camino Real Burlingame, CA 9401 0 650-697-1151

i

$12 million campaign underway

Father Josep h Sanchez dies Father Joseph Sanchez, a resident and longtime chaplai n at San Francisco 's St. Anne 's Home, died at the Little Sisters of the Poor facili ty on Nov. 24 following a long battle with cancer. He was 72 years old and a priest for 39 years.

A former New Orleans Jesuit , Father Sanchez came to the Archdiocese in 1974 and was incardinated in 1979.

Previous to his service at St. Anne 's Home, which began in 1989, the late priest served at St. Thomas More Parish; Holy Angels Parish , Colma; and San Francisco General Hospital.

Archbishop William J. Levada presided at a funeral Mass in the chapel of St. Anne 's Home on Nov. 29.

Marin Catholic High School President and CEO Msgr. Steven P. Qtellini (center) announced the public phase of the school's $12 million "Campaign for Marin Catholic " at an Oct. 22 "president 's dinner."

To date, the school has raised $4.8 million for remodeling several sections of the school.

For more information including brochures, call (415) 461-9434.

H

W t^ ^ ^ ^ ^

UrfcSpw, Oh ^H 5- 929-909 6

Salc-

FOlfWt 1-W H

Eg ftiaiici a\\m j M"

00^^^^

§ Iiey try IP

I . v::ig

•

¦ ;

'h

¦"' '' C \ l jf§ -# ** *"" \ ¦t i l \ I JJ fl l A / 1 t I N JM ^

I I H

I rt^f ^X

'"Aft .

t

wL^.^^0^^^

^^^^ ^ ''^

''

C

1

the world a message of hop e and peace for the . 1

1

.1 • • 1 t h e inside . " Z~z ^^

— John Cardinal O'Connor

"'MB

1/*

UnaerstoOCl rrom

'

1

century and sustained by unshakable faith , offers

i

1

B Jjp

I

"With polished prose and impeccab le scholarshi p, Weigel introduces us to the man who, refined in the crucible of the darkest days of the twentieth

^^^^^^000> LL Y m "i ^ ..

1 t

Sm

. ..

I

l!lC

2 1 1 5 Urfcr,pur Unding.

$¦

1 MAN OF THE CENTURY."

I IK'-'

12 th Aniwal ^thifci+ion

"A BIOGRAPHY WORTHY OF THE

I

I

NafVifieS f r o m Around The World

/ZU^

!f_

"A book that will become a standard for students of church history and that sheds light on the >¦ u twentieth - i century for r everyone. history otc the New York Times Book Review

An Imprin t of HarpetCol linsPublishers

BBSEnnaiaaa gHarperAiidio

www.hapercollins.com

¦ —1 in,,, ,,

I, n,

,,

III M

iiinir-iT^r iT.iTrin^n-TTrni-wiririmTi

n» ¦¦ >¦

.m.

1

Archdiocesan 2000 directory to be distributed at parishes An 80-page, modified version of the annual archdiocesan directory, which contains information on parishes , schools , organizations , ministries and the Archdiocese, will be available to parishioners throug h parishes beginning this week. of Published by the Office Communications , the 'Archdiocese of San Francisco 2000 Official Directory " also includes a complete schedule of Masses at churches in San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin Counties , a quick reference for Vigil , Holy Day and special Masses, and other information.

In addition to this parishioner-oriented version of the directory, a more comprehensive administrative edition will be published soon and then distributed to parish offices, schools , departments and agencies.

This is the first time a modified version of the directory has been made available to parishioners.

Catholic San Francisco holiday deadlines

Catholic San Francisco will not publish an issue between Christmas and New Years.

There will be an edition datelined Dec. 24. Advertisers and readers should, be aware that printing agreements require that materials for the Jan . 7, 2000 edition be received in CSF offices by Dec. 20.

Blessing

Blessing Archbishop William Levada (ri ght) blessed on Dec. 10 a bas relief portrait of our Lady of Guadalupe , which is part of the garden wall of the Loyola House , the newly completed University of San Francisco Jesuit residence. Leading the accompanying prayers is Jesuit Father Jack Treacy, rector of the USF Jesuit community. The blessings and dedication started earlier in the evening Loyola House 's Chapel of our Lady of Montserrat. The chapel was built through the generosity of USF trustee and alumnus Robert Granucci , '54, a San Francisco attorney, and his wife Muriel. Archbishop Levada also blessed other sections of Loyola House , including the reception area , the dining room

I

IBS TAX DEDUCTIONS

iSm TSa'p' TmKif""S iS (J-f nn f c i/ ntOC J I UjJ /\f

Patrick Nobis , Administrator Carole N obis. LVN Administrator

Cjg

Specialized

_/l1££i

Assisted Living

j \o6l$(JCU^ £ff lome&> Sincere Care for the Elderly Since 1979 (650) 401-2679

110 Vale Avenue San Francisco , CA (415)753-3762 Lie. #380504147

Short and Long-Term Stays Warm, Family Atmosphere Specialized Activities and Events Health Services Coordination Dementia & Alzheimer's Care Program Visit our website at www.justlike famil y.com Email us at info@justlikefamil y.com

Hopkins Manor 1235 Hopkins Avenue Redwood City, CA (650) 368-5656 Lic#4l0508680

Gordon Manor ] 616 Gordon Srreet Redwood City, CA (650) 562-0555 Lic#4 1 5600025

760-35th Avenue San Francisco , CA (415) 387-3292 Lie. # 380540187

DONATE YOUR CAR, BOAT, VAN OR RV.

JJ8&$^=

to hel p homeless children and their families Kj V^t^m *» year-round. 1f u t erne mi.it- 4 'Dl ^euttli

Crisis At Home

I-8QO-4 14-4285

505 Palm Avenue So. San Francisco , CA (650) 589-4338 Lie. # 410508506

¦ sfp BROADMOOR ¦ One Stofi. "THaittity f a t t e n .

• Truck Lifts • Power Wheelchairs I • NRRTS MEMBER • 1 • Ramps • Pediatric CREDENTIALED • Lift Chairs • Lightweight Wheelchairs ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY • Custom Seating & Positioning PRACTITIONER • Van Lift Repair • Vans OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK MEM BER BURLINGAME 650-342-4864 808 BURLWAY RD.

HAYWARD 510-293-3030 28301 INDUSTRIAL BLVD.

GREENHILL S Retirement Center Located next to St. Dunstan parish in Millbrae , Grcenhills Retirement Center offers tlie tranquil surroundings of a residential nei ghborhood with shops and services just minutes from your ' doorstep. GreenhilPs inviting studio and one-bedroom apartments allow one's own personal style of living within safe surroundings on a rental basis with basic amenities. We also have apartments with wheelchair access for independent individuals. And if extra care is needed, our Assisted Living apartments may be the answer.

iVzuvu.siniorf iousing.ntt/gremhills License M156001Z6

Centrally Located • Overlooking

1499 Sutter Street • San Francisco , CA 94109

SAN JOSE 408-452-9270 1691 OLD BAYSHORE HWY

(D/ ime to choose a new Home? m < )ur Elder Care Alliance Communities offer choices , comfort , independence , and neighbors who share your spiritual and personal values

/ *~) f

• Assisted Living Care

2361 E. 29th Street Oakland , CA 94606

^_ USU

"owotmSrP

Cathedral Hil

I (415) 771-9119 1

(510) 534-3637

RCFE# 015600254 CCRC# 178 SNF# CA020OO04-K

^^

I!^ T1 J^PB''^fei ^M»L JB * Jjr S^ 'S. "~

9 ^M^Hr .. ^*m I mKf^

• Skilled Nursing Care

Salem Lutheran Home

If you would like to receive further information, or schedule a tour , please call (650) 742-9150

ANIMAL COMPANIONS WELCOME

Welcome to the Security, Comfort & I Elegance of America 's Finest Retirement Hotel I

viE

MJ^fl

Mercy Retirement & Care Center

^fc ^ ^^ ^^'^k

V CARE f \ Al - LIANCfc W \ r_ f > V 7/

3431 Foothill Boulevard Oakland , CA 94601

(510) 534-8540 V

Sponsoml by the Sisters qfUercy Regional Community ofBwUng ame & The Sierra Pacif ic Synod of (he Evangelical Lurtieran Church in America.

J

ROT* 015600255 SNF# CA020000237

j ^. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY 1=1HOUSING

Archbishop Quinn hand delivers copy of new book on papal reform to pope

Blaming West, Iraq says postpone the papal visit

Retired Archbishop John R. Quinn of San Francisco personall y presented Pope John Paul 11 with a copy of the archbishop 's new book during a private audience with the pontiff Dec. 6.

Titled The Reform of the Papacy : The Costl y Call to Christian Unity, the book responds to the pope 's call for an ecumenical exploration of papal primacy.

The archbishop has been an outspoken advocate for changes in the papacy since the pope called for a reexamination of papal primacy in his 1995 encyclical on ecumenism, "Ut Unum Sint. " The book grew out of the archbishop 's June , 1966 lecture on the issue at Oxford , Eng land.

"I came to present my book to the pope and to Cardinal (Josep h) Ratzinger , Archival Photo of Pope John (prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith), so that they would have it from me first ," Archbishop Quinn told Catholic News Service after his audience with the pope.

During the audience the pope and archbishop "spoke of our past experiences together when he was a cardinal

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — After months of inconclusive talks , Iraq has told Pope John Paul II that conditions are not ri ght for his hoped-for pil grimage to the country, the Vatican announced.

Iraq cited the continuing Western economic "embargo and the U.S.- and-British-imposed no-fl y zone as two insurmountable obstacles to a papal visit , Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Vails said in a statement Dec. 10.

"The Iraqi authorities have informed the Secretariat of State that the abnormal conditions cre ated in Iraq by the embargo and the no-fly zone , along with the present situation in the region , do not allow for an adequate organization of a visit by the Hol y Father to Ur in Iraq," Navarro-Vails said.

In Washington, a U.S. official discounted the Iraqi explanation and said the trip was called off because Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was afraid the pope would highlight his "horrible" human rights record.

Earlier this year, the pope expressed his desire to make a pil grimage to the ancient site of Ur, the birthplace of the patriarch Abraham , as part of his spiritual preparation for the year 2000.

At that time , the United States voiced objections to the possible political impact of such a visit. But over recent months , Iraqi leaders have shown less and less enthusiasm for hosting the pope, Vatican sources said.

In November, a Vatican advance team made the journey to Iraq to lay the groundwork for a visit , but were unable to iron out di plomatic and logistical problems or agree on a date . Sources said an official Iraq i invitation to the pope was never formall y made.

Vatican sources said security was a significant issue.

To guarantee the safety of the pontiff and those traveling with him , Iraq would have been forced to cooperate with the United Nations and Western powers — something Ira q has steadfastl y refused to do since the time of the Gulf War in 1991.

For information about this section p lease call (415) 565-3639

at the 1974 synod on evangelization ," Archbish op Quinn told Catholic San Francisco.

"I have known the pope since 1974," he added , "and we have worked closely together. He himself raised the questions (addressed in the book), and asked the bishops to dialogue on this — and he will form his own jud gment. " Archbishop Quinn said he also provided a copy of his book to the Vatican 's president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, Cardinal Edward J. Cassidy.

In recent Bay Are a lectures Archbishop Quinn has addressed top ics covered in the book , including suggestions for potential changes in organization and processes of the Roman Curia. The Curia includes the Paul II and Archbishop Quinn administrative and judicial offices and personnel through which the pope directs operations of the Church.

President of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops fro m 1977-80, Archbishop Quinn headed the San Francisco Archdiocese from 1977-1995.

A f ull-service hospice program The finest home care available for the terminally ill

Custom-designed "All in the Ear" Sty le. This is NOT a cheap, troublesome mail-order type.

This is a professionally fit, custom-desi gned, hand-crafted , fully-guaranteed hearing instrument. m

~H»

¦ m

• Best™ Hearing Aids • NO Remake Charges • NO Add-On Charges

• NO Sales Tax (CA Law)

• Fully Electronic • Full 1 -year warranty • FREE 5-year service plan

\M(^A 1 ^B Aid Center

Northpoint Shopping Center ljJi ^ljLL ¦ Stack tfn ittwK 1 35° Bay St -' Next t0 Ra an Fmnc sco (Validated Parking) life X3K \ Y TT ^ '

^° m{ M&. 415 434-4327

'ffiis is till wt' Wear

~S ^ ;T#THS^.W

J^^^r^^ i,

Beltone Westiake Hearing Aid Center

Westlake Shopping Center Medica l Bldg. (Behind BofA) 332 S. Mayfair Ave. Daly City

s Pecia |ized care recMred in each SL Wsl ther ressive sta £e of Alzneimer ' s disease. fid wm 1 P °g ¦MESH jWNkJKID JIE Come walk through our gardens , meet out s t a f f and experience the pride we take in giving care , Short-Term stays available.

^gfcdj K ™lPp pr

1301 Ralston Avenue Belmont , Ca 94002-1904

Phone: 650 - 654 - 9700

. www .raistonvillage.com Web CA License:

#415600177

Another community by Campus Health Care Group

H

Expert Pain and Symptom Management Skilled Nursing Home Health Aides/Attendants Medical Social Services/Therapies Spiritual Care Volunteers Homemake r Services, Medical Equipment & Supplies Weekly Bereavement Support Group Educational Programs and Workshops Extensive Library of Books and Audio Thpes

(650) 554-1000 FAX (650) 554-1001

650 755-3688

Plenty of Free Parking at Both Locations

ISpE ^J

i

* ^rt/Jnil '1 yr n

•FREE BaHwte (3 Month Supply)

=1'T^S?*,PB| I Beltone Hearing

RaktnnI Village Village r\dlMUI

i

¦

¦

¦¦r=|jjp|MM Ralston Village is a secured Assisted Living Community specializing in care for individuals IJ0L wP with memory loss. All private suites offe r , residents the serenity of 17 picturesque ^P* |S§ m m acres. Our "neighborhood " approach provides

4H^

Mission Jpj lospice

HEARING AID Z Q C Special Sale|H 0 7J Special Includes:

By John Thavis

A Medicare-certified , hospice-licensed , not-for-profit agency

Serving San Mateo County since 1979 151 West 20th Avenue, San Mate o, CA 94403

Don 't live alone!

Don 't spend your precious remaining years in terrible loneliness. Why not live where you can choose friends from 150 active men and women sharing a fashionable address - and sharing fun of planned and un, planned social activities?

We'll prove to you that living in lovely surroundings, dining tastefully and being pampered costs no more. A single monthly payment (starting at $700 a month) provide s three meals per day seven days a week , including holidays . . . room cleaning service . . . sunny rooms (most with baths), suits , too, in a 10-story concrete building . . . 24-hour desk attendant . . . physician on call . . . color TV . . . hobb y rooms . . . card games and parties . . . a splendid location on major bus lines, only blocks from Union Square . . . and much more. Managed by the West's specialists in residence hotel hospitality.

Visit us today or call for brochure.

FOR DISTINGUISHED SENIOR CITIZENS |H

g|g g|j | £5§s gg|? glU iggg g|g gg§ Bjgg gj|| gj|j ! jj$gs ggg ggg

1 5 ||| 2g&

TUbe <3rana6a

1000 Sutter Street, San Francisco, California 94109 Corner of Sutter and Hyde • (415) 673-2511

§

|g| pis g||j KEg v§© «§§ § || jsp §§§1 §§§ fell sgl §§§ f*|| j | |

I

1 11 O

Definition of Marriage Initiative

San Jose s' Bishop McGrath and Bishop DuMaine issue statement on Califo rnia bishops ' s upport of March 2000 ballot p rop osition

Following is the joint state ment of San Jose ' s Bishop Patrick .I. McGrath and recently retired Bishop Pierre DuMaine on the Californ ia Catholic Conference of Bish ops ' endorsement of the Definition of Marriage In itiative which will be on the March 2000 ballot.

The proposed law was recently re-named the Limit on Marriage Initiative by the state attorney general 's office.

In the statement the bishops address the Christian understanding of marriage , the stale Catholic Conference ' s f inancial support of the initia tive campaig n , and dissent. In the case of the Archdiocese of San Francisco , il should be noted that its $31 ,724 share of the state ' s total contribution was derived from a bequest made to the Archdiocese some time ago earmarked for training the laity in the principles of Catholic action and social teach ing. The Archdiocese 's ordinary budget was not affected , according to archdiocesan officials.

We have received .some letters from concerned , and often angry, Catholics about the financial contribution of the Catholic bishops of California...to the Definition of Marriage Initiative.

This initiative provides: "Onl y marriage between a

man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. " (entire text) Many of ihe letters received have been cogent and temperate , others , less so. We would like to respond briefl y, without expecting to address all facets of issues which are comp lex and emotionall y charged. There appear to be three distinct levels of concern: 1) The fundamental issues, that is, the legal and social rationale and implications of the initiative; 2) The motives and intentions of the bishops in addressing these issues; 3) The rationale and implications of the bishops ' financial support of the initiative .

Traditional understanding of Christian marriage The first set of issues seems to divide further into two aspects: 1) The legal affirmation of established definitions of marriage as a social institution; 2) The legal interests of homosexual persons in committed relationshi ps to secure certain personal prerogatives legally accessible through (and limited to) the marriage contract.

On the issue of legal definition(s), the bishops ' interest in the ballot initiative rests firmly on the t raditional Christian and Catholic understanding of marriage as a sta-

CHRISTMAS WEEK LITURGIES

IK Cathedral of St. Mary $ *\J*r of the Assumption ^ **3f

old Saint Mary's Cathedral

66 o California Street (Grant at California.)

(4 15)2.88-3 800 San Francisco, CA 94108

Christmas Blessings to yau and yours!

Come ceie&rate witi) us!

5PM Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Vigil Mass Christmas in Song and Carol 11PM Dec. 25 Christmas Midnight Mass 12 Midnight Mass at Dawn 8:30AM Mass during the Day 11AM No Saturday Vigil Mass at 5PM Dec. 26 Feast of the Holy Family Sunday Masses at 8:30AM and 11AM Dec. 31 Weekday, New Year 's Eve Masses at 7:30 AM, 12:05 PM & 5:30 PM Eucharistic Adoration from 12:30-5:30 PM Confessions: 12:30-5PM Jan. 1 Feast of Mary, Mother of God Mass at 11 AM Jan. 2 Feas t of the Epiphany Saturday Vigil-5PM; Sunday-8:30 & 11AM __________________________________________

1111 Gough Street San Francisco, CA 94109-6686 (415) 567-2020

Masses on Christmas Day Saturday, December 25 7:30 a.m. -Cantor 9:00 a.m. - Adult Choir 11:30 a.m. - Cantor

Saturday, December 25th 7:30 am - Cantor and Organ 9:00 am - Gregorian Chant 11:00 am - Cathedral Choir Archbishop Levada, presiding

Saturd ay, January 1st 6:45 am, 8:00 am (Chapel), 12:10 pm, 5:30 pm 7:30 pm - Charismatic Jubilee Prayer and Mass at 9:00 pm Sunday January 2nd 7:30 am, 9:00 am • 11:00 am - Mass and Reception of relics of St. Therese of Lisieux Veneration following Mass 1:00 pm Mass in Spanish Veneration of relics until mid-afternoon

JL *\ifefe

m.

Christmas Vigil 8:00 pm Friday, Midnight

(Dec. 24th)

8:30 am 10:30 am

(Dec. 26th)

Mary Mother of God Saturday 10:00 am Vigil Mass 5:30 pm (for Epiphany)

(Jan. 1st)

Epiphany of our Lord Sunday 8:30 am 10:30 am

(Jan. 2nd)

Baptism of the Lord Saturday Vigil 5:30 pm 8:30 am 10:30 am

(Jan. 8th) (Jan. 9th)

Church of The Epiphany

1

Vienna Street & Amazon Avenue, San Francisco Wednesday, December 22, 1999 Sacrament of Reconciliation 10:30 a.m. &. 7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 24 , 1999

5:30 p.m. Children's Liturgy 9:00 p.m.

12:00 Midnight (Carols begin at 11:30 p.m.)

Saturday, December 25, 1999

JL "\jfifc

TT\ xh ^

(Dec. 20th)

Holy Family Sunday

Friday, December 31st 6:45 am, 8:00 am, 12:10 pm 3:00 - 5:30 Prayer Vi g il for the beginning of a New Millennium

Mass on New Year 's Day Feast of Mary, Mother of God Saturday,January I 9:00 a.m.

Communal Reconciliation 7:00 pm Monday,

Christmas Day (Dec. 25th) 8:30 am Saturday , 10:30 am (no evening Vig il Mass for Sunday)

Sunday, December 26th 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm Spanish

Feast of the Holy Family Sunday, December 26 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

5:30 p.m.

JL *^j ^

286 Ashton Avenue (one block from Ocean Ave.) Serving the Ingelside community of S.F., Since 1913, St. Emydius is a multi-cultural , multi-racial , all inclusive faith sharing community.

Friday, December 24th 3:00 pm - 5:00 pin Confessions 5:30 pm — Cathedral Choirs of Boys and Girls 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm Confessions 8:00 pm - Spanish 11 :30 pm - Caroling by Cathedral Choir 12 Midni g ht - Opening of the Jubilee Doors Archbishop Lev ada , presiding

880 Tamarack Avenue, San Carlos, CA 94070 Phone: (650) 591-7349 * Fax: (650) 637-1968 Masses on Christmas Eve Friday, December 24 1:00 p .m. - Children's Choir 6:00 p .m. ¦ Youth 8:00 p .m. - Contemporary Ensemble Midnight - Adult Choir Caroling begins at 11:30 p .m.

St. Emydius Catholic Church

1999 Christmas Mass Schedule

St. Charles Church

ble , committed union between a man and a woman who are open to and take respon sibility for begetting and rearing children.

Contempora ry social science , as well as traditional doctrine and mores, abundantl y support this definition as an essential element for a health y, stable society throug h successive generations. This fundamental princi ple is not negated or impugned by childless marriages , divorce or other exceptions to this essential norm.

On the issue of homosexual partners ' legal access to certain prerogatives inherent in the marriage contract , the bishops first of all resist the "equation " of heterosexual and homosexual unions , legal ly or socially.

We believe our state and society must work toward other legal solutions to the personal concerns of homosexual partners. Appropriating the term "marri age" for such partners appears to us to diminish one state without enhancing the other. We consider this principle to be essential to our social fabric. We concede that it is debatable , but we will not consent to being excluded from the debate because our v iews are unpopular or reli giousl y based.

MARRIAGE , page 11

-

6:30 a.m.

8:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:10 a.m. (Spanish) 12:30 p.m.

Marria g e...

Mfrom previous page Motives and intentions The second set of issues - the motives and intentions of the sponsors and supporters of the initiative - is even more weighted with emotion and subject to intemperate rhetoric that does not contribute to constructive debate.

The bishops must disavow motives attributed to others , including the sponsors and some supporters of the initiative. We will activel y oppose any attempt to use the Definition of Marriage Initiative to discriminate against homosexual persons.

We merel y assert the basic rationale outlined above , and refer to recent and consistent statements on the subject from Pope John Paul II ("Letter to Families ," 1 994); and our American bishops 'conference ("Always Our Children: A Pastoral Message to Parents of Homosexual Children ", 1997).

We call special attention to the Pastoral Guidelines for Ministry to Homosexuals in the Diocese of San Jose , first published in 1986.

These documents themselves have been the subject of criticism. For many critics , anything short of an abrupt and categorical denial of traditional Christian sexual morality, ultimately grounded in the marriage covenant , will not be satisfactory. We cannot disavow this constant tradition , and we cannot accept the imputation of anti-gay or even "gay bashing " motives on our part.

Financial contribution The issue that has broug ht this to the fore in such contentious form is the published financial contribution to the initiative campai gn of $311 ,418 by the California bishops , including $24, 130 from the Diocese of San Jose.

Such political action and financial support are not new, have been engaged in many past ballot initiatives , and have

CHRISTMAS WEEK LITURGIES Our ^g^

our Lady qf Angets.

previousl y been challenged political ly and legall y.

However, the right of bishops collectivel y to voice the moral tradition of the Catholic Church when it is relevant to or threatened by legislative action is firmly grounded in the First Amendment rights of freedom of conscience, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. The bishops cannot be denied these rights just because we try to exercise all three at the same time or because our political intervention is religiously grounded and motivated.

Political action by bishops Concerning the issue of political action by the bishops , we will onl y note the public position (and sometimes financial commitment) taken by the bishops on recent ballot initiatives on affirm ative action (Proposition 209, 1996), immi grant ri g h t s (Proposition 187 , 1994), and p h ysician- • assisted suicide (Proposition 161 , 1992).

These actions have been taken in accord with the principles already noted and in consultation with the California Catholic Conference which was established in 1970, with offices in Sacramento, as the public policy arm of the state 's Catholic bishops.

Dissenting Catholics The final issue is perhaps the most contentious , namely the objection of Catholics who dissent from the Church' s teaching or object to its application to a particular public policy or political issue. They especiall y object to the use of "Church funds ," includ ing their own contributions , for such purposes.

On this we make two observations: • First , the bishops cannot expect absolute unanimity from

...the bishops cannot exp ect absolute unanimity f rom the faithful (the "Catholic constituency" in p olitical terms) before asserting the Catholic moral teaching in the publi cforum.

#i^ ST. FINN BARR CHURCH *«N !i!r&!

415 Edna Street , San Francisco , CA 94112 K/fea= - -"

172] Hillside Drive, Burlingame

650-347-7768

1 999 Christmas Schedule Christinas Eve 5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m. (Childre n 's Mass) Midnight Mass

Christinas Day 8:00 , 10:00 & 1 1:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m.

(No 5.-00 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass)

December 24, Friday

Saturday, December 18

9:30 a.m. - Communal preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation Rite II , followed by individual confession.

3:30 - 4:30 p.m. - Sacrament of Penance

December 25, Saturday

Masses at 8:30 , 10, 11:30 a.m. (Spanish)

SS PETER & PAUL PARISH Filberl Street on Washington Square

SATURDAY Christmas Day - December 25'"

New Years Day Masses at 8:00 and 10:00 a.m.

The Capuchin Franciscans & Parish Staff wish our Parishioners and Friends Peace, Hope, and Unity this Season of Christmas and in the new Millennium .

SBS un B

Confessions Vigil Mass Christmas Carols Midnight Mass

Ho 5 PM 5:30 PM 11;15 PM MIDNIGHT

Friday, December 24

M | |

CHRISTMAS SERVICES - 1999 FRIDAY Christmas Eve - December 24*

J

flm ivCO^fl IW B H M 1 g

j t^ M I 1

7:30 AM 8:45 AM 10:15 AM

Christmas Mass at Dawn Christmas Children Mass Christmas Day Mass

11:30 AM

Christmas Day Mass

WlMteS&Li

12:45 PM Christmas Day Mass [There will be no 5:30 PM Mass Christmas]

I Bi |8* /niKir

JUBILEE YEAR 2000 OPEN WIDE THE DOORS TO CHRIST

II

M M/

WWA

nUH|l

RECONCILE

CELEBRATE

National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi

L( J Wj ^J^L

Ift^fl

EVANGELIZE

^f

t !fi& t iL

610 Vallcjo St @ Columbus, San Francisco, CA 94133

Dec. 24

11:15 Vigil *Blessing of the Creche Followed by Midni ght Mass The Schola Cantprum & orchestra

a,

Dec. 25

12:15 Solemn Mass of Christmas Day The Sehola Cantontin & orchestra

Dec. 26

4:00 Three Sopranos Christinas Conceit

Dec. 31

10:15 pin New Year Eve Organ recital 11:00 pin Solemn Mass & Blessing of the City

L

Jan.l

12:15 pm Solemn Mass — Mary, Mother of God

Jan. 2

12:15 pm Solemn Mass — Epiphany of the Lord 4:00 pin Epiphany Carol Service

J|| |g f '. , ';¦>

M Sj II f|a

Saturday, December 25

Masses: 6:30 a.m. - Fr. Michael Harriman 8:00 a.m. - Fr. Heribert Duquet 9:30 a.m. Family Mass - Fr. Thuan Hoang 11:00 a.m. - Fr. Joe Landi with Choir and orchestra 12:30 p.m. - Msgr. John Foudy

Saturday, January 1, 1999

The Solemnity of Mary , the Mother of God , is not observed as a Holy Day of Obligation) Masses: 6:30, 7:30 and 9:00 a.m.

17th Avenue and Vicente Street San Francisco, CA 94116

I ¦Inlthff Wti 1I11 Al 11 MH. H II E l M l l

p § || l l

December 19: 3:00 p.m.

i H S fJ

December 24: CHRISTMAS EVE - MASSES

Sein Francisco Boys Chorus Concert

^

MMf] -^tM p«| fir

MM

^ AH M

Sacrament of Penance 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Christmas Eve Masses : 5:00 p.m. - Fr. Joe Landi 8:00 p.m. - Fr. Michael Harriman & Children 's Choir 11:15 p.m. - Christmas Carols Midnight - Concelebrated Mass Fr. Harriman and other priests with Choir and orchestra

IHml M BPllTf fll

m JH ¦A T§5 T

st- Ceci,ia 's Wl Parish ^E^

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE

10-11 a.m. .

2 - 4 a.m.

Christmas Vigil Mass 4:30 p.m.

Midnight Mass

Confessions Thursday, Dec. 23 10-11 a.m., 3-4 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 24 10-12 noon , 3-4 p.m.

¦k

(415) 333-3627

Confessions:

Lady Angels Catholic of Church

Capuchin Franciscans

the faithful (the "Cathol ic constituency " in political terms) before asserting the Catholic moral teaching in the public forum. Dissent of any kind cannot bar the bishops from what they perceive as their moral and public duty.

• Second, for those Catholics who choose to withhold or reduce their contributions to "the Church" because they disagree with the teaching or its political application , we would onl y urge thoug htful and cautious distinctions.

As noted , we have drawn on diocesan funds (0.41 % of the current fiscal year budget) which is largel y supported by the Annual Diocesan Appeal. However, contributions to parish services and facilities , to the works of Catholic Charities , and to national appeals for missions, overseas relief, etc. were not used in the initiative contribution.

We simp ly ask our peop le to consider the broad perspective of Catholic teaching and to avoid damage to the pastoral and social activities ~~ of our local and national Church when deciding how and where to curtail financial support.

We reaffirm the 1999 statement ("Faithful Citizenship: Civic Responsibility for a New Millennium ") of our national bishops ' conference th at "The leaders of the Church have the right and duty to share the Church's teaching and to educate Catholics on the moral dimensions of public life, so that they might form their consciences in li ght of their faith."

S

5:30 p.m. - "Family " Vigil Mass 11:15 p.m. - Christmas Music,

followed by MIDNIGHT MASS %*M WkWM December 25: CHRISTMAS DAY - MASSES 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., L:30 p.m. (espanol) jKflran|

W\] December 31: NEW YEARS EVE I 'A

ffiffig fi

*i l

jjfi § j

10:30 p .m. - Millennium Mass

January 1: NEW YEARS DAY

10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Masses

Transcends culture, language

'Silen t Nig ht ' written for guitar 181 yea rs ago

By Brother John M . Samaha , S.M. One of the world' s best-known and best-loved Christmas carols was born 181 years ago in a small Austrian town. That song is "Stille Nacht " in the original German , but we know it as "Silent Ni ght. " Actually this popular and touching Christinas carol is known the world over in more than 300 languages, While all the facts are not clear, the legend of "Silent Ni ght " is quite reliable. On Dec. 23, 1818, Father Josef Mohr realized that the church organ of St. Nicholas Parish in Oberndorf , Austri a, was not functioning. Rust had set in. It was too late to repair the organ before Midni ght Mass. Father Mohr, who had written the lyrics for a carol about the birth of Jesus while serving a pilgrimage church in Mariapfarr, Austria, gave the words to the organist, Franz Xaver Gruber.

mf O Cf wurcf i of St. Isabella One- Trinity "Way. San 'Rgfixel , CA (415) 479-1560 '

JK *J

1999 £f i.ri&tma& ScMedule, Cf iristinas T&e f Aasse& 5:00 'TM (¦f amily Mass};9:00 T'M; 11:00 TM Cf iristma& Da^ rMaA6e& 7-30 cA f ri; 9:00 Jf M; 11:00 cVM tVlas&far TPeace j *"**J) £ »w 'Friday, 'December 31 , 1999 f \\m£ at 6:00 VM i^Jp

St. Phili p 's Church

£ **

725 Diamond Street San Francisco, CA 94114

5f

~%

%

May the Peace and Happiness of Christmas he yours today and everyday throughout the coming year.

This is our prayer f o r you , Christmas 1999 , New Year 2000.

The Clergy and Relig ious of St. Philip ' s.

/, \ ST. MATTHEW CATHOLIC CHURCH uMt^m * 1 NOTRE DAME AVENUE \Sffiv7 / N

SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA

^/

. Gruber quickl y wrote guitar music for them. With Father Mohr play ing guitar and sing ing tenor , and Gruber sing ing bass , "Silent Ni g ht " made its debut on Dec. 24, 1818.

It is not clear wh y Father Mohr wanted to develop a new Christmas carol. ^^ Some indicate he was a guitar ^^ enthusiast and may have ^T wanted to sing a new song g with a guitar accompani- ¦ f W ment. The one certain fact is \ y ^ that the priest and Gruber J&"^

^^

had not the slightest inkling ^^^ of the impact their composition ^QttbHMI would have on the world.

When Karl Mauracher, a master

Saturday, December 18: I 1 :30 a.m. - 12:0O noon; 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Friday, December 24: 1 1 :00 a.m. - !2:00 noon; 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

MASSES December 24 - Christmas Eve: 5:30, 7:30 p.m. and Midnight December 25 - Christmas Day: 6:30 , 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

%. \0

%

j

\»# W, *5

gp \l

St. Stephen Catholic Church

^ w

Friday 4:30 p.m. "Family " Vigil Mass 12 u 'clock Midnight Mass • Carols and choir music at 11:40 p.m.

lies of folk singers took a liking to >>^|^^ M "Stille Nacht " and spread the Christmas 0n song across Europe ami , in 1839 , to ^0

jj ^ r All this time , the composer was unknown. ^ Several persons even hypothesized it was the ^r work of Haydn , Mozart , or Beethoven. When Franz Gruber learned of this , he wrote to the music authorities SILENT NIGHT, page 12

St. Anne of the Sunset Church

Christmas Day Masses

850 Judah St., S.F., CA 94122 415-665-1600

# 1999 Christmas Schedule # Christmas Eve. Friday. December 24 5:00 p.m. Famil y Mass 7:00 p.m. Cantonese Mass 8:30 p.m. Arabic Mass 11:15 p.m. Choir Concert Christmas Day. Saturday. December 25 12:00 a.m. Midni ght Mass 7:30 a.m. Mass (English) 9:00 a.m. Mass (English) 10:30 a.m. Mass (English) 12:00 p.m. Mass (Cantonese) 1:30 p.m. Mass (Arabic)

•J

£ \l if y*

*»i| gjL

Saturday 8:00, 9.30 & 11:30 a.m. • Carol & choir music at 9: IS a.m.

Tltere is no evening Mass on Christmas Day New Year's Day Masses al 8:00 & 10:00 a.m.

'V*

Community Penance Service .

Saturday, December 18th 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

J? ® A# «

601 Eucalyptus Dr. (at 23rd Ave.) S.F. 415-681-244% #) ,% «t^* ^ ^>f ^*^Vf ^t f^ &-

^j iohda rj

/;™

650-591-5937 ¦

12 AM

Mass

Saturday Dec. 25

Sunday Dec. 26

1066 Guerrero St. San Francisco, CA

1999 Christmas Schedule

M Friday, December 24 Family Mass 5:00 p.m. - Eng lish u |f \ 9:00 p.m. - Espanol P&L | jfc |Jl ~ Midnight - Eng lish ITrhM flMlW£ th

Saturday, December 25th 9:00 a.m. - English (no 4:15 Mass)

.

'

PENANCE SERVICE [With individual Confessions] 7:30 PM Monday, December 20

MASSES:

Christmas Eve , Friday, December 24

Christmas Schedule Midnight

-m.

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE 1999

Our Lady of the Pillar Parish 400 Church St., Half Moon Bay

5 :00

j

325 MARINE VIEW AVENUE H l ^~ '¦ BELMONT, CA 94O02 "[] -

Jiw iL

Friday Dec. 24

;/'

ST. MARK'S CHURCH

!%

4

S^ree/inas m

St. James Church

A

jj

Confessions , Friday, Christmas Eve 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve Masses

|>*

ML %A *

$

#

•There will be no 5:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday, December 25.

December 26 - Sunday: 6:30 , 7:30, 9:00 (Spanish), 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

¦

CHRISTMAS WEEK LITURGIES

CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE 1999 CONFESSIONS Daily: 5:00 - 5:30 P.M. in the Chapel

organ builder , passed throug h Oberndorf , he obtained a copy of the new carol. In showing it to others he /*-\, /'i r">

7:00 PM, Children's Mass 1 2:00 AM, Midnight Mass [Chri stmas Carols from 11:15 to Midnight]

PM

Christmas Day, Saturday, December 25 8:00, 9:45, and 11:30 AM

7:45

- 9:00 am 11:15 am , 12:45 pm (Spanish)

NEW YEAR'S SCHEDULE MASSES: Friday, December 31

Regular Schedule

Saturday, January 1 #

6:00 PM 10:00 AM

St. Penis Parish Christmas Schedule

St. Denis Church, 2250 Avy Avenue, Menlo Park

- ijfeiL ^ N K

December 24, Friday Christmas Eve

3:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

Children's Mass and Pageant Mass with Choir & Carols Mass with Carols

December 25 , Saturday Christmas Day

7:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

Mass with Carols Mass with Carols

Our Lady of the Wayside Church, 930 Portola Road, Portola Valley December 24 , Friday Christmas Eve

4:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

10:00 p.m.

Children's Mass and Pageant Mass with Carols Mass with Choir & Carols

December 25, Saturday Christmas Day

8:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

Mass with Carols Mass with Choir & Carols

( '

'

Silent Ni g ht. . .

M f r om previous page

in Berlin claiming author shi p, but he was not believed.

Father Mohr had alread y died of pneumonia in 1848.

Onl y five years ago was the doubt over authorshi p resolved when a hand-written arrangement of the song was discovered. It was the handwr iting of Father Josef Mohr. In the upper right-hand corner were the words , "Melodie von Fr. Xav. Gruber " (Melod y by Franz Xaver Gruber) .

In this way did the world' s leading Christmas carol hav e its ori gin in the creative imag inations of a humble country priest and a musician who was unknown outside his village. Yet the message of heavenl y peace proclaimed by this captivatin g carol has transcended all borders of culture and language. "Silent Ni ght " resounds in the hearts of peop le everywhere.

(Marianist Brother John Samaha lives in Cupertino. He is a well-known Bay Area educator and retreat master.)

St. Pius Church 1100 Woodside Road, Redwood City

Christmas Schedule 1999 Christmsds Eve

Friday, December 24th

Mass: 8:00 a.m.

1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Sacrament of Penance (Confession) Mo 12:10 p.m. mass

Dominican 'Play-In' Susan Nitta, 6, concentrates on her performance during the recent Suzuki Celebration Violin Play-In coordinated by Dominican College Suzuki School of Music at the San Rafael campus. Young musicians ages 3 to 17 took part in the event commemorating the 101s1 birthday of renowned music instructor Shinichi Suuki.

CHRISTMAS WEEK LITURGIES Dolorosa Church ^81 307Mater Willow Avenue, South San Francisco , CA 94080

kvpyyl

CHRISTMAS 1999

Sacrament of Reconciliation Individual Confessions Saturdays - 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Christmas Eye Mass: 4:30 p.m.

Special Christmas Music Program begins at 4:15 p.m.

FAMILY PENANCE SERVICE

Tuesday, December 21", 7:30 p.m. //Q-\\ Christmas Eve, Friday, Dec. 24,h f< \ J t l) 5 pm ,, 8 p.m., and 12 Midnight Christmas Day, Saturday, 25"' I _r r Cj y:^) 8 p.m., 10 a.m. and 12 Dec. Noon '

___

Christmas Eve Mass: 10:00 p.m.

Special Christmas Music Program begins at 9:45 p.m.

No Midnight Mass

8:00 PM, Midnight L| A f|B HP Saturday, December 25: j t f S k.

S S 7, 8:30, 10, 11:30AM & 5:10 PM

V^JT

2559 40rh Avenue San Francisco, CA 94116 (4 1 5) 731-6161

Christmas 1999

2000 NEW YEAR 2000

New Year's Eve - Friday, Dec. 31", 5 p.m.

New Year's Day, Saturday, Jan. V '& M * 10 a.m. Mass of Thanksgiving bj >««¦&'.'

5 p.m. Feasl of the Epiphany 'iifajg?'

Saturday, December 25th Masses: 8:00; 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. " No 5:00 p.m. mass

,

Friday, December 24: 4:30 PM (Children 's Liturgy),

^ jj m

St, Gabriel Church xP§k ^

NO EVENINQ MASS DEC. 25"'

Christmas Day

j" Sjjiik ^

1999 Christmas Week Liturgies

MASSES

/3

Christmas Eve Mass : 7:00 p.m.

Special Christmas Music Program begins at 6:45 p.m.

St. Dunstan Church

1133 Broadway Miflbrae, CA 94030 650-697-4730

Christmas Eucharistic Celebrations (Masses)

A VERY BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND A JOYFL/L NEW YEAR TO ALU

ST. BARTHOLOMEW CHURCH

ST . A NTHONY

^ 300 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo »-"1l ^ ^|i§'

13 ^ CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE - 1999 / j f

12 MIDNIGHT . Mass at Midnight Preceded at 11:15 PM by Christmas Hymns Music - St. Bart 's Adult Choir SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25,h (Christmas Day) 8, 9:30, 11 AM Christmas Music and Carols at all Masses • Families are invited to bring a small bell to ring in the "Gloria " of Christmas at these Masses.

M ASSES CHRISTMAS E VE DECEMBER 24 5:0O PM CHILDRENS M ASS

7:30 PM 11:00 PM CANDLELICHT CHRISTMAS MUSIC THIRTY M INUTES BEFOR E THESE M ASSES .

NO 5:30 PM EVENING MASS ON CHRISTMAS DAY

CHRISTMAS DAY 7:00 AM 9:00 AM 11:0O AM

NEW YEAR'S WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE SATURDAY, JANUARY 1" (New Year's Day)

* 8 AM S:30 PM

J SUNDAY, JANUARY 2" (Regular Sunday Schedule)

8, 9:30, 11 AM 5:30 PM

PADUA -

l OOO G/VMBR.1PCE STREET N OVATO , CALIFORNIA

MASSES

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24"' (Christmas Eve) 6 PM • Christmas Vigil , Famil y Mass Children 's Nativity Pageant Music - St. Bart's Children and Youth Choirs

OF

( NO

EVENINC

have dispensed the faithful from the * The Bishops of California obligation of attendi ng Mass on this Holy Day, lanuary 1"

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions)

Saturday, December 18, 3:30 pm Communal Celebration Friday, December 24 5:00 pm Family Mass. Children 's Choir.

8:00 pm Guitar Accompanist.

12:00 am Christmas Midni ght Mass. Choir.

Sat u rday , December 25 7:00 am Christmas Mass at Dawn.

8:30 am Cantor.

10:00 am Guitar Accompanist.

11:30 am Choir and Brass Ensemble No Saturday evening Mass.

December Sunday, 26-Regular Sunday Mass Schedule 7:00 am, 8:30 am, 10:00 am, 11 :30,5:30 pm

New Years

Friday, December 31

5:00 pm Vigil Mass: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

|

M ASS CHRISTMAS DAY ) 4*

Saturday, January 1 10:00 am Mass of the Solemnity of Mary.

5:00 pm Vigil Mass for Sunday - Feast of the Epiphany.

Sunday, January 2 - Regular Sunday Mass Schedule 7:00 am, 8:30 am, 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 5:30 pm

*2^v

Church St. 555Bruno W. San Bruno Avenue

|'m I !

LI ft I ?

1999 Christmas & New Year 's Schedule

priday December 24th: 4:30 pm: Christmas Eve Mass 8 00 pm- Christmas Eve Mass (Posadas , & Cultural Presentation in Spanish) 12:00 am: Midni ght Mass in English 25th - Masses: 9:00 am - 10:30 am: Spanish - 12:00 pm December Saturday,

Q

W

I j

Sunday December 26th - Feast of the Holy Family am -10:30 am Spanish - 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm Our regular Sunday Mass Schedule: 9:00 31st - New Year's Eve December Friday, Midnight Mass (12:00 am) Masses at 8:00 am & 6:00 pm , and a Special to begin the New Millennium and the Jubilee Year Saturday, January 1st, 2000 - New Year's Day Masses: 12:00 noon - 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm Spanish of the Epiphany 12:00 noon 6:00 Sunday, January 2nd - Feast-10:30 MaM Sd»dul am pm am Sunaj v ^.Jar n..r e^

1

1 [

St. Brendan's 29 Rockaway Ave • San Francisco, CA 94127 415/681-4225 Christmas Schedule Friday, December 24: Christmas Eve 5:00PM Vigil Saturday, December 25: CHRISTMAS Midnight, 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:15AM, 11:00AM, 12:15PM NO 5:00PM Vigil Mass Sunday, December 26: FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:15AM, 11:00AM, 12:15PM Saturday, January 1: FEAST OF MARY THE MOTHER OF GOD Holy Day without obligation Friday, December 31 , 4:00PM and 10:00PM Vigil, 7:O0AM,9:OOAM,l 1:00AM Sunday, January 2: EPIPHANY OF THE LORD - regular Sunday schedule Saturday, January 1, 5:00PM Vigil, 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:15AM, 11:00AM , 12:15PM

'Living Bible study '

Parish's virtual Holy Land tour also serves as 'oasis of peace'

By Kamille Maher

L I small San Francisco parish has opened an "Oasis of Peace" featuring a virtual Holy Land Tour. /jj P I Organizers have designated it a place for peace , healing, and prayers , as the Great Jubilee 2000 4mL 4JL approaches and Pope John Paul II prepares to visit the Holy Land.

Intended to serve families visiting nearby UC San Francisco Medical Center as well as its staff , St. John of God Newman Center/Parish is making "a contribution to the work of the Archdiocese to give peop le and schools a way to visit the Holy Land in San Francisco," according to Father Labib Kobti , pastor. "It is unique in San Francisco , if not in the USA, where the Holy places are displayed to pray and visit," he said.

For a quick trip to the Holy Land, one only need travel to 5th Avenue and Irving Street. Visitors will find several galleries with images and artifacts from the Holy Land inchidingjerusalem, Bethlehem, Jordan , and Egypt.

The center has a place to sit and reflect. Or, visitors may wander through the galleries as a virtual tri p along the pathways walked by Jesus 2,000 years ago.

Pictures , statues , musical instruments , clothing and other artifacts fro m Father Kobti's personal collection adorn several galleries. Visitors can listen to the river Jordan as they relax on a sofa , reading a book or watching a video fro m the library, which features information about grief , faith , and the Holy Land. Plans include an upcoming children's library, as well as a stash of toys and writing materials.

Father Kobti describes the center as "a living Bible study, where you visit the place where the events of the Gospel took place." Catholics of the Hol y Land are celebrating 2 ,000 years of continuous and Father Labib Kobti , a diocesan priest from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem , relaxes near permanent presence in the Holy Land, he noted. the library in a new "Oasis ol Peace" at St. He explained no connection exists between the Holy Land tour and unrest in Nazareth where John of God Newman Center/Parish.

Christians and fundamentalist Muslims have been experiencing increasing tension.

So far, Father Kobti says the center has seen "a lot" of visitors. A group of 36 German tourists stopped at the "oasis" because they found it on the Internet.

At a time when families usually spend hour after hour in an uncomfortable hospital cafeteria or wailing room, UC families can enjoy the Oasis of Peace as a hospitable alternative, he said.

Visitors need not be Catholic.

However, confession and counseling are available by appointment.

Located in the parish rectory, the center is open 1: 30 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and other times by appointment.

As par t of a parish dedicated to serving the UCSF Medical Center, organizers hope the staff , patients and families will find the parish center to be an oasis. Organizers ask for donations, but there is no fee. The Web address is w\ia:.vSJog.A)Ig and the phone number is (415) 566-5610.

Photos by Enrico RisUito

A traditional heater graces the "Bethlehem gallery" (right) , one of several galleries in a virtual Hol y Land tour at St. John of God Newman Center/Parish.

The Jerusalem gallery (above) features pottery, photos and information about some of the holy sites of Christ's life on earth. Coins and other artifacts (below) give visitors a glimpse into time past and cultures half a world away.

Vatican p rep aresf or 380 days of religious celebrations

By John Thavis

A

JL Xfter years of spiritual and logistical preparation , the Vatican is about to raise the curtain on the Great J ubilee of the Year 2000 and its packed , 380-day calendar of religious events.

Pope John Paul II, the main architect of the Holy Year activities, will open the bronze Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica on Christmas Eve, signaling the start of celebrations for Jesus' 2,000th birthday.

When the clock reaches midnight on New Year's Eve, the pope plans to deliver a special blessing to the world to mark the entrance into the third millennium of Christianity.

But as the millennium parties around the globe are dying down, the Holy Year festivities will just be getting started.

The Vatican will host more than 100 separate gatherings of professional and pastoral groups throughout the year 2000 , turning the jubilee spotlight on groups like politicians, migrants, journalists , artists , farmers , children , elderly and others. The pope will formally close the jubilee Jan. 6, 2001, the feast of the Epiphany.

The Holy Year is expected to bring more than 25 million visitors to Rome, crowding the city's streets and sidewalks and contributing to an economic boom. Most of the public works designed to make life easier for pil grims have been completed , with one notable exception: A ramp leading to a fivestory Vatican parking lot for tour buses has been held up indefinitel y by archeological discoveries.

While the media has focused on new construction and crowd projections , the Vatican has been quietly leading a spiritual warm-up program for the jubilee, emphasizing penitence , charity and a return"to the sadraments. As the pope said when he outlined Holy Year plans five years ago, one of the jubilee's main goals is to strengthen faith in a time of spiritual uncertainty.

The pope has encouraged individual acts of charity as well as global steps toward economic justice , including foreign debt relief. Likewise, he has touted the jubilee year as the perfect moment for individual examinations of conscience and a Church-wide reflection on Christians ' shortcomings through the centuries.

Picking up on a trend, the Vatican has promoted renewed interest in p ilgrimages for the jub ilee year. It has also expanded the practice of special Holy Year indulgences, saying that remission of temporal punishment for sins can be gained by going to confession and Communion, and then performing such simple acts as visiting the sick or abstaining a day from smoking.

In Rome, the traditional pilgrimages to the major basilicas of St. Peter's, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major and St. Paul's Outside the Walls will be made by millions, including the pope, who plans to personally open the holy doors in each of the churches.

dozens of experts to discuss Church renewal over the last i/1 35 years. The pope has said t/j the best way to mark the new millennium is to apply the u teachings of Vatican II, indiI> vidually and Church-wide.

• On March 12, the first Sunday of Lent, the pope preo u sides over a "Day of § Forgiveness," when Christians £ are called upon to confess perg sonal and historical faults.

Because of its implications for A mosaic of St. Peter hangs over the Holy the institutional Church, this Door in this view from the interior of St. event has been die most controPeter 's Basilica. Pope John Paul II will unseal versial on the jubilee calendar. and open the door on Christmas Eve for the Vatican officials have start of the Jubilee Holy Year. said the pope will issue a "mea culpa" statement with particular reference to Christian treatment of Jews and to the Crusades, which were the topics of two pre-jubilee study conferences at the Vatican.

• On May 7, the pope leads another ecumenical celebration at Rome's Colosseum commemorating the "witnesses to the faith" in the 20th century, particularl y those Christians martyred in wars or under political repression. ? The June 18-25 International Eucharistic Congress in Rome will give the pope a chance to develop his message on the importance of the Eucharist and to urge non-practicing Catholics to return to the sacraments.

Like other Holy Year events, it will also feature a special Vatican charity initiative: a collection to fund a health clinic near Rome's train station for immigrants, Gypsies and the poor.

• On July 9, in one of the more unusual Hol y Year celebrations , the pope is expected to visit a Rome prison and celebrate Mass to mark the "Jubilee for Inmates."

• World Youth Day celebrations Aug. 1520 could bring a million young people to a Rome park area for a papal Mass, a prayer vigil and other activities.

• Several canonizations and beatifications are foreseen during the jubilee year, inclu ding a possible Sept. 3 beatification of two popes: John XXIII and Pius IX. *• The "Jubilee for Families" Oct. 14-15 will bring representative families from all over the S" world to the Vatican. To underline his concern £ for the state of marriage in the world, the pope i vx will preside over the sacrament of matrimony Z. g for several young couples.

While the jubilee activities will keep the A Sistine Chapel fresco by Domenico Ghirlandaio depicts Christ calling pope at home most of the year, he has tenThe ceremonial highlights of the Hol y forth his first apostles. Pope John Paul II blessed the bri ghtened frescoes tatively planned two trips: to the Holy themes: Year illustrate the main jubilee during a ceremony Dec. 11 marking the completion of the chapel's 20Land in late March , where if current plans year restoration project. hold he would visit Jerusalem , Nazareth • On Jan. 18, the pope inaugurates the and Bethlehem , and to Portuga l in midin an Unity Week of Prayer for Christian May where he will beati f y two of the shepherd children who had Marian ecumenical service at St. Paul's Outside the Walls, where he is expected to visions at Fatima. amplify his appeal for a new push toward unity during the Holy Year.

The rest of the year, he will be busy presiding over some 70 liturgical cereEcumenical and interfaith cooperation are the focus of later events , monies in Rome and, as far as time and health permit , greeting a near-constant too. On Aug. 5 the pope leads a prayer vigil with Orthodox representatives , and flow of pilgrims. Many will be coming to see the aging "pope of the millennium" Oct. 3 is a special day for Christian-Jewish dialogue. and obtain his blessing.

25-27 will draw • A study conference on the Second Vatican Council Feb. LO

JCATHOLIC

SAN FRANCISCO 'Privileged interp reters '

In the excitement of the change from 1999 to 2000, we can be enthralled (or anxious) with the idea that everything is new - anticipating a new century and a new millennium in 2001. At the same time, bur media culture soon will inundate us with historical events and personages that have helped to shape the past 100 years and the second millennium. Looking to the year 2000, it is humbling to think we who enter the New Year will all have been bom in the 1900s.

There are, of course, those who bring more valid credentials to the claim of being elderly. Today, one in eight Americans nationally and one of seven living in the three counties of the Archdiocese, are 65 years of age or older. By 2030, more than 20 percent the population will be over 65. We as a society, and we as Catholics, would do well to put the issues of aging higher on our priorities for dialogue.

Two documents released recently, a "Letter to the Elderly " by Pope John Paul IT and "Blessings ofAge" by the U.S. bishops, address the subject. "In speaking to the elderly, I know I am speaking to and about people who have made a long journey," noted the Holy Father. He said elderly people help us to see human affairs with greater wisdom, because life 's vicissitudes have brought them knowledge and maturity. The elderly are guardians of our collective memory and thus the privileged interpreters of that body of ideals that support and guide life in society. "To exclude the elderly," he said, "is in a sense to deny the past, in which the present is firmly rooted , in the name of modernity without memory."

The U.S. bishops said both society and the Church are just beginning to grapple with the social, economic and spiritual implications of the rapidly expanding elder population. They noted, "Society still values youth over age, doing over being, individualism over the common good, and independence over interdependence." Stereotypes about aging persist, said the bishops, despite the growing numbers of healthy, active seniors in parishes. Three in four people aged 65-74 and two in three 75 or older say their health is good to excellent.

While individual circumstances vary, the perception of aging as a period of unrelenting decline and withdrawal is not accurate.

Pope John Paul LT said honoring older people requires a threefold duty : welcorning them, helping them and making good use of their qualities. In many cultures this happens spontaneously as the result of long-standing custom. "Elsewhere and especially in the more economically advanced nations," he noted, "there needs to be a reversal of the current trend to ensure that elderly people can grow old with dignity without having to fear that they will end up no longer counting for anything." There must be a growing conviction that a fully human civilization shows respect and love for the elderly so that despite their diminishing strength they feel a vital part of society, the pope said.

In a personal reflection, the Holy Father added, "It is natural that as the years pass we should increasingly consider our 'twilight. ' .. .If life is a pilgrimage toward our heavenly home, then old age is the most natural time to look toward the threshold of eternity. And yet, even we elderly people find it hard to resign ourselves to the prospect of making this passage." He observed : "It is in the face of death that the riddle of human existence becomes most acute." The prospect of death forces men and women to ask themselves fundamental questions about the meaning of life itself.

The pope pointed to the hope-filled outlook present in revelation as a whole and particularly in the Gospel: "God is not God of the dead, but of the living" (Lk. 20:38). The words of Jesus, himself â&#x20AC;&#x201D; "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever believes in me shall never die" (Jn. 11:25-26) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; also inspire the Holy Father. He stated, "Christ having crossed the threshold of death.. .is the first witness of eternal life."

Both documents urge elders to maintain an active spiritual and charitable life. The Holy Father noted the autumn years are to be lived with a sense of trusting abandonment into the hands of God, our provident and merciful Father. It is time to be used creatively for deepening our spiritual life through more fervent prayer and commitment to the service of our brothers and sisters in charity.

MEH

Dy namic tension

that we have hope. We thank those of you who have responded so generousl y, and for those who, upon reading your article , are beg inning to respond.

So, in closing, once again we would like to let you and your readers know how gratefu l we are for their interest in these human souls.

Be assured you are remembered in our prayers as we are remembered in yours.

Father Michael-Anthony Bethancourt Salinas Valley State Prison 31625 Highway 101 Soledad 93960-1020

Just as the San Francisco archdiocesan Monitor gave Catholics a definition of the Good News in ages past , the current Catholic San Francisco is giving Catholics of today a timel y understanding of the recurrent Good News into the Third Millennium. Kudos and blessings.

Reflecting on the numerous topics presented in recent weeks, I want to share some understanding about the dynamic tensions being played out in the Letters column , which is a reflection of the current make-up of Catholic lay brothers and sisters in our local Church.

Ours should not be a Church of Observants vs. Heretics (we vs. them), but I read with interest Archbishop a charitable institution witnessing the Levada 's Nov. 5 "Ordinary Times" coldivine with multi ple players in the com- umn titled , "Support the Living Wage munion of saints and sinners as Ordinance." I agree wholeheartedwell as different but complemen- I ly with the Archbishop 's perspectary understandings of the mission tive of the need for fair living of the Church in the modern world wages in our high cost of living as mandated by Vatican II. area.

It 's good to recall the definiHe speaks strong ly about what tion of papal infallibility in Vatican the City of San Francisco should I, but in Valican II the pastoral condo regarding this vital issue , but cept and doctrine of the collegiality my first question was, "What are of bishops as part of the we doing about it?" I thoug ht the Magisterium was reiterated (from article would address how the patristic evidences) and expanded Church in our Archdiocese is from the sciences of sociology, addressing the issue in its own hirmissiology, ecclesiology, and orgaing policies. The first question nizational psychology that were begs a second , "Do we have a fair used to guide the bishops in their wage scale in our diocese and if so, fruits of the Hol y Sp irit. are our pastors and other Church For us American Catholics , emp loyers imp lementing it?" In the late John Courtney Murray, addition , I wonder about overall S.J., from Fordham University fair emp loyment practices. Do we played a key peritus role during the have an office or board or person Council's deliberations. responsible for human resources?

Afte r the Council promul gaDo we offer due process in our tions , such American theologians emp loyment contracts throug hout as Jesuit Father Avery Dulles , also the Archdiocese? from Fordham , amplified what is The living wage issue is the tip possibl e as expounded in his book, of the justice in the work place Models of the Church, a classic. He issue. The more involved I have has further developed his thinking become in ministry, the more in a new book , The Theology of the aware 1 am of how nationwide , the Church, A Bibliograp hy, that he co- I Church is not always practicing authored with Patrick Granfield , O.S.B., what it preaches. I would love more artipublished by Paulist Press this year. cles on this critical subject , especially as In a rap idl y expanding worl d fos- we as Churc h are called to celebrate tered by enhanced communication , there Jubilee Justice in this coming new year, is indeed a paradi gm shift (term most 2000. commonly used in industry and technoloLaurie Coulter gy, but also well known to "speculative " Redwood City theolog ians who are creative , competent Ed. note: In a response to this letter, members of the ordinary Magisterium). the Office of the Vicar for Administration Whether the discourses are about "Ex points out that the Archdiocese estabCorde Ecclesia e," the viewpoints of lished a Human Resources Department George Weigel, or the charismatic Pope nearly five years ago. "Since that time we John Paul II, the recognition of theologi- have been meticulous in our oversig ht of cal shifts in understanding the signs of the employment laws, taxes, rights of employtimes is always a reassuredness of the ees (in regard to requirements). . fro m the Divine Presence in the world, even into city, state and national level " the the Third Millennium of the Incarnation . response stated, adding that: "Each Raymond A. Lew parish is required to follow the emp loy San Francisco ment policies of the Archdiocese. . .(which ' LETTERS, page 19

Practice what we preach?

L

TT

T T E R S

Thanks f rom Soledad

As Catholic chaplain here at Salinas Valley State Prison , I would like to personally thank you for publishing portions of our plea for help in your excellent newspaper. We received a copy of the Nov. 12 issue from an unknown donor, address: 341 Pacheo St., San Francisco.

We were delighted to see our letter included in your "Letters" section. We appreciate your help in asking your parishioners to help us in our prison ministry.

Jt brings joy to our souls to know that there are people in your Archdiocese who care enough and have concern for these fallen men. Many of these inmate s, upon release , will be starting new lives with new direction , thanks to having excellent and inspiring literature to think upon while incarcerated. It is not easy to reenter a society that one has once violated.

It is these men 's repentance and sincerity

Letters "welcome

Catholic San Francisco welcomes letters from its readers. Please: >- Include your name, address and daytime phone number. >- Sign your letter. >- Limit submissions to 250 words. >ÂŚ Note that the newspaper reserves the right to edit for clarity and length.

Send your letters to: Catholic San Francisco 441 Church St. San Francisco, CA 94114 Fax: (415) 565-3633 E-mail: dyoung@catholic-sf.org

On Being Catholic^

Incarnation: myth becomes history

Father Milton T. Walsh

c

w^/hould you want to distract people from fretting about Y2K , start an argument as to when the third millennium begins. I will not enter into the debate, but as we gear up for Dec. 31 , it might be good to remind ourselves of a simple fact which gets lost in millennial madness: we are celebrating the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ. The Jubilee is the celebration of the eternal God entering into human history.

Joseph Campbell and other students of comparative religion have popularized the idea of "the power of myth."

Certainly, there are parallels between the story of Jesus and the stories of legendary mythic figures. But C.S. Lewis, with his customary directness, writes that "the heart of Christianity is a myth which is also a fact." This is why in the Creed there are two people mentioned by name, Mary and Pontius Pilate.

The coming of Christ did not take place "once upon a time," but at a specific time and place. Jesus was bom of this woman at this moment in history.

Jesus himself proclaims this when he announces the Jubilee. Preaching in the synagogue of his home town at Nazareth , he quoted the prophet Isaiah: "The spirit of the Lord is upon me ... to announce a year of favor from the Lord." He then begins his homily with a sentence disarming in its simplicity : "Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing!"

(Lk 4:18-21) The prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled , not in some dreamy never-never land , but in a modest synagogue in an insignificant village. (Should you want to know the reputation of Jesus' home town, recall the words of Nathaniel, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?")

(Jn 1:46) The promises of God are fulfilled in a particular time, "today." and in a particular place, "in your hearing." In the Incarnation, myth becomes history.

In preparing us for our Jubilee, Pope John Paul reminds us that we are not only celebrating the fact that in Christ God entered into human history, but why he did: "Here we touch upon the essential point by which Christianity differs from all the other religions, by which man 's search for God has been expressed from the earliest times. Christianity has its starting point in the Incarnation of the Word. Here, it is not simply a case of man seeking God, but of God who comes in Person to speak to man himself and to show him the path by which he may be reached." (Tertio Millennio Adveniente, No.6)

The Son of God put aside his divine glory and entered into our history, with all its hopes and frustrations. Even death could not keep him from us. On Easter evening he walked the road to Emmaus with his disappointed disciples.

Only by hindsi ght did they recognize him by the power of his word and his presence in the breaking of the bread. He continues to walk with us in our personal histories. Our faith recognizes him in word and sacrament when we gather to celebrate the Eucharist. We may pray in a great cathedral or in a modest parish church, but just as it happened in the synagogue of today this Nazareth , prophecy is fulfilled in our hearing. Emmanuel , "God with us."

The power of myth lies in its drama, which lifts us out of the humdrum conditions of dail y life and speaks to us of heroic adventures in some fantastic world. The power of Christ is something very different: it is the power of love , which enters into our ordinary lives. Jesus does not bring us out of our world into the world of myth, he comes into our world to transform it through the power of his love. As we count down the seconds to a new year, and a new millennium, let us celebrate, not the power of myth, but the power of reality.

The Son of God p ut aside his divine g lory and entered into our history, with all its hopes and frustrations.

Father Milton T. Walsh is dean of students and an assistant professor of systematic theology at St. Patrick Seminary, Menlo Park.

CatholicPersp ective .

A Nobel nobly earned

George Weigel An late September, Rome was awash with rumors Pope John Paul II would receive the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize. When I checked with people in a position to know, it seemed that, yes, the Holy Father was on the Nobel Committee 's short list.

But when the winner was announced on Oct. 15, the Peace Prize went to the French group, Medicins Sans Frontieres, "Doctors Without Borders."

Like the Nobel Literature Prize, the prime qualifications for which seem to be a) anti-Catholicism and/or b) antiAmericanism, the Peace Prize has fallen on hard times in recent years, the victim of Norwegian political correctness.

Soviet sympathizers (Joseph Rotblat , founder of the Pugwash Conference), Guatemalan fantasists (Rigoberto Menchu), arms controllers whose theories of peace were dramaticall y falsified by history (International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War), and terrorists (Yasser Arafat , in what we must hope was a previous incarnation) have all been honored. Vaclav Havel, president of the Czech Republic and one of the emblematic figures of the nonviolent Revolution of 1989, has not received the accolade. Neither has the Dalai Lama.

But with the award to Doctors Without Borders, the

Nobel Peace Prize has recovered at least some of its lost luster. As Arch Puddington wrote, the only reasonable complaint was that the award wasn 't made 15 years ago, when DWB volunteers were risking their lives in Sovietshattered Afghanistan and saving the starving victims of Ethiopia 's lunatic communist regime.

Puddington also noted, correctly, the award to DWB was a long-delayed but nonetheless welcome admission that "communist totalitarianism was the root cause of the death, starvation, poverty, and general mayhem that afflicted the Third World during the Cold War's waning years."

DWB is, in some respects, an apolitical organization, whose concerns are primarily humanitarian: saving the innocents who are always the worst losers in Third World conflicts. Yet DWB's work, and its leaders, carried a political message: these tragedies are not accidents. They happen for definable reasons.

Recognizing those reasons is the first step toward preventing similar tragedies in the future.

DWB's humanitarian politics are all the more impressive because they represent a genuine political — and moral — conversion on the part of the organization's founders.

Once romantic revolutionaries of the 1968 generation, DWB's organizers had the moral courage to see that the fashionable leftism of the Sorbonne and Parisian cafe society was a lethal threat to those they were committed to serving. That lesson was learned the hard way, by experience: first in Cambodia and Vietnam, where the human wreckage caused

by Pol Pot 's genocide and the vengeful Hanoi regime demanded a reassessment of Indochinese Marxism; then in Afghanistan, where DWB's aid stations were bombed by Soviet helicopters and its doctors targeted for assassination

by the Red Army; finally, in Ethiopia, where DWB exploded the myth that mass starvation was the result of drought , overpopulation , and an absence of Western economic aid.

In recent years, DWB leaders have been crucial in putting the concept of "humanitarian intervention" — the use of force by the international community to stop a genocide that is under way or to forestall one that is on the verge of breaking out — on the world's agenda. It 's a concept that needs a lot of refinement, morally, politically, and militarily.

But DWB's willingness to challenge the sacred cow of state sovereignty, if carefully thought through, may help make the 21st century less of a slaughterhouse than its predecessor, now drawing rapidly to a close. Similarl y, DWB 's insistence on facing squarely the political roots of so much of the Third World's suffering — a brave stance that has now been given the endorsement of the Nobel Peace Prize — has put down a marker that future generations will find it difficult to ignore.

Breaking ranks on the left is the secular high culture 's equivalent of heresy. DWB, by its courageous willingness to challenge the false orthodoxies of the world 's chattering classes, has helped make possible a genuine development of doctrine in moral reflection on international relations. And prevention, as doctors are wont to say, is far better than the necessity of cure.

As for the pope and the Nobel Peace Prize — as the denizens of Ebbets Field, Brookl yn, used to put it, wait 'til next year!

Doctors Without Borders'

humanitarian pol itics are all the more imp ressive because they rep resent a genuine political — and moral — conversion.

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

LITURGY &SCRIPTURE The Christ Child is alive and well in our midst In the Eskimo crib scene carved in limit tribal style, the' Holy Famil y huddled together in front of an igloo.

They were dressed warmly for the icy weather with polar bears for company and g ifts from three lavish fishermen sharing their catch. Between the Croatian and Brazilian creches were several hand-carved sets from Nigeria with wonderfull y expressive faces , angels clothed in local garb , and elep hants and lions sharing space with donkey and ox near the Christ Child's crib.

Sister Mary and I walked awe-struck through a display of over 500 Christmas crib scenes from over 65 countries presented by a local Mormon community. We so enjoyed the Mexican nacimientos , dep icting the fervent devotion of their artists especiall y evident in the beautiful faces of the Virg in Mary. Next to them were the Italian presepios, featuring the Holy Family hospitabl y surrounded by 19th century villagers of every occupation. And then there were the figures made from com husks from Appalachia!

It was so easy to get lost in nostal gia for the past. It was so easy to think of Christ as past history rather than present reality. It was so easy to think that we needed to go back to that holy time to meet Christ.

The Advent Christ we long for is the risen Lord present now in our midst. The child Jesus we sing about this Advent season grew up; advanced in wisdom, age and grace; revealed the face and heart of God through his teaching, healing, loving; suffered , died, rose from the dead and sent his Spirit; and dwells here and now among us. The child whose image smiles out of the crib scenes from so many nations lives within us at every moment.

Sister Sharon McMillan, SND

When we sing "0 come, 0 come, Emmanuel," it is not as though we pretend to be back in Palestine of 2,000 years ago and imagine we are still awaiting the Messiah.

Emmanuel , the adult Christ , is present at our side, in our prayer, in our worship, in the poor, in the little and least in our cities , in his hol y word , in the sacraments.

Christ was indeed born into human history and we celebrate with abundant joy the truth of the Incarnation.

The child, now risen Lord , brings the light which never dies to everyone who lives in darkness. This reality of the Incarnation unfolds, before our eyes every day. We celebrate the events of the Incarnation which has made

all things new, while attentive to the coming of Christ now, and longing for the coming of Christ in glory.

The late Scri pture scholar , Sulp ician Father Raymond Brown , liked to remind readers that the crib lies under the cross. I love the stunning juxtaposed images in that phrase! He insisted that Christmas is about the dy ing and rising of Christ. Advent is about the dying and rising of Christ. The one theme of liturgy is the dy ing and rising of Christ.

Advent and Christmas are feasts of discipleship for those who follow the crucified and risen Lord . In the Gospels of these holy seasons, the good news of Christ is proclaimed. God has appeared in Christ. Some receive him. Some reject him. Shep herds and wisemen acknowledge his divine identity. Others plot his death . Even the crib lies under the cross.

Yes, Sister Mary and I found it a prayerful experience to spend an evening among so many unique crib scenes. She had a special fondness for the Hawaiian , I for the Celtic. But the truth of the season for us is the knowledge that the risen Christ walks at our side here and now.

As tapes in the background were play ing "Away in a Manger " and "O Little Town of Bethlehem ," I couldn 't resist humming a few verses of "Jesus Christ is Risen Today."

Notre Dame Sister Sharon McMillan is assistant professor of sacramental theology and liturgy at St. Patrick Seminaiy, Menlo Park.

Mary â&#x20AC;&#x201D; moving from Mother of Jesus to his disciple Each year the Church offers us three biblical characters who embody the components of a focused Advent celebration: Isaiah , John the Baptizer, and Mary of Nazareth.

Isaiah proclaims that any hope for our deliverance comes not from human strategies but from God who alone deserves our hope; the Baptizer invites us to repent , to change our hearts because we welcome the new vision of the way things can be. Mary of Nazareth models Church response to the heart-changing Word who brings deliverance for God's People. May we look at how Luke presents her?

The Acts of the Apostles has Mary as part of the group of disciples at prayer, longing for the gift of Spirit and Jesus ' return: "All of these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus...." With the Pentecost experience Mary sees the results of the Lord God giving Jesus "the throne of David his father " as the Holy Spirit "comes upon " the gathered community and "the power of the Most High" overshadows it, sending it forth to proclaim "the mighty works of God." Mary was an active , worshipping member of this newly launched Church because she both heard and kept with the community the word Jesus had spoken : "Before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit." (cf. Acts 1) It is no wonder Luke retrojects this posture of Mary to both the beginning of Jesus ' ministry of preaching and to his very annunciation. We are given this notice by the author that what Jesus says is "the Word of God." (Lk 5:1) We learn further that Jesus longs for receptive listeners as he ends the parable of the sower: "And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundred-fold."

(Lk 8:8) Short ly after this saying, Jesus is informed that "your mother and brothers and sisters are standing outside waiting to see you. But he said to them, 'M y mother and brothers and sisters are those who hear the Word of God and do it."' (Lk 8:19-21)

Fourth Sunday of Advent

// Samuel 7:1-5 , 8b-12 , 14a , 16: Psa lm 89; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1 :26-38

Father David M. Pettingill Again in Chapter 11, a woman in the crowd cried out to Jesus , "Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that you sucked ," meaning you 're all right and so is your lucky mother. "But he said , 'Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it!'" (Lk 11:27-28) Obviousl y at the beginning of Jesus ' ministry of preaching, Luke sees Mary as that receptive soil, welcoming the Word that transforms her from mother into disciple , from Mary of Nazareth to Mary joining Jesus and his "favored ones" on his exodusjourney. (Lk 9:31) It is then that we arrive at the annunciation story in Luke where the enthronement of Jesus is promised as the creation of God's kingdom and the Hol y Spirit overshadowing Maiy will anticipate the production of the Church. Once again her response is total: "Behold , I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."

Thus Luke presents Mary as the model of our response to Jesus Christ , the Word, who creates us as his Spirit-filled Church. He is, after all, the one about whom

Paul writes so eloquently: "For all the promises of God find their yes in him." (II Cor 1:20) Thus our first reading from II Samuel ushers us into the wide ways of God's fulfilling his promises for his people. To a David who plans to build a house-temple for God, God promises a house-d ynasty. Says Nathan the prophet to the king: "The Lord also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you ... Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me." Yes, to come into God's presence, drawn by his word is to be embraced by a fidelity to promises that will never be defeated . To welcome this word proclaimed is to become part of God's enterprise which he dreamed before the beginning and has made known to Israel and to all the nations, as Romans insists in its concluding hymn of praise.

The scri ptural word is merely essential for the Church and the growth of its members. Non-biblical Catholics are some danger to themselves and to the Church's witness because they ignore Jesus ' insistence that Mary, the perfect disci ple, listened to the word and did it. Blessed shall we be when God's Yes, Jesus , enables us to say and become Yes to all his promises.

RENEW 2000 questions: 1. How can the biblic al presentation of Mary help our small communities of faith? Our parish? Our Archdiocese? Ecumenical outreach?

2. What are the chief obstacles to our hearing of the biblical word and how can we overcome them?

Father David Pettingill directs the archdiocesan Office of Parish Life.

Famil y Lif e-

On Advent and time... he 's taken to timing me. "You said it would just take you a minute to run in and check the post office box," he reported when I climbed back into the car. "But it took one minute and 28 seconds."

"Only 28 seconds late," I replied. "That 's not so bad ."

"Mom, that 's almost 50 percent more."

Oddly, it 's Advent, the season of waiting, that makes me most aware of how quickly time passes . The baby who once squealed with delight at the Advent calendar and called the animals "bow-bows" is now a bright , creative fourth grader with a good head for math .

And was it just six Advents ago that our littlest angel kicked inside me as we had tea and petit fours with the midwives-intraining who would join us at the hospital for his birth?

Gabe 's in kindergarten now, painting Christmas trees and snowflakes. We still order petit fours each Advent , even though Gabe says he hates "those oldfashioned cakes."

The child who was born in a stable 2,000 years ago grew up—all too soon his Mother might tell you—to be the Savior of the world.

For a long time, a bottle of sparkling cider sat in our garage, left over from some holiday dinner. "We'll

save it for the next big celebration ," I said. But birthdays , anniversaries , great report cards , blue ribbons came and went , and nothing seemed big enough. The longer we waited, the more we needed something truly spectacular. The cider sat there, half-forgotten , waiting for A Big Event.

Finally, I said, "This is ridiculous." I brought the cider upstairs and served it for dinner.

Advent is not an endless waiting for something that may or may not happen. It's an affirmation that the joy we wait for will come — has come — in Jesus. Advent inv ites us to celebrate the love and the light of God in our families now. As our children remind us, sometimes you just can 't wait. .

Don 't wait to tell your children how much you love them. Don 't wait to reach out to others . Don 't miss your chance to play Go Fish, drink hot chocolate, read a Christmas story, color a picture, shoot hoops , or build a snowman together.

Break out the sparkling cider. Christ is bom in us.

Advent invites us to celebrate

JL 'm tired of waiting !" Gabe wailed from the back seat.

"When are we going to get there?"

My kids hate to wait. Child development experts say children should be able to wait one minute for each year of their age. But even that can seem like a long time when you 're stuck in traffic , standing in line at the grocery store, or waiting for your mom to get off the phone.

Part of the problem is that , sometimes, what they 're waiting for never comes. "Wait just a minute, I'm almost done ," I'll say, and I can hear them groan.

They know it won ' t be a minute. Too often , the phone call takes longer than I thoug ht , and by the time I'm done, it 's time for bed—too late to play that game or make those cookies I promised.

Now that 10-year-old Lucas has a digital watch,

the love and the lig ht of God in our families — now.

Christine Dubois is a widely published freelance writer who lives with her famil y near Seattle.

Contact her at: chriscolumn@juno.com.

Can a godparent be changed years later?

Is there way we can change the godmother of a C^our child? The person we chose several years ago has left the Catholic faith and is carry ing on a lifesty le destructive for her and the peop le around her.

She has had nothing to do with our son ever since and is certainly not the example we feel a godmother should be for him, now or later on. Another relative has shown much love and care for our children and would be an excellent baptism sponsor. She ..'-""* godmother, is willing to be named as i We ' ve heard that 's possible.

Would you exp lain what we need to do? (North i Carolina) \

tated , which of course is one reason sponsors should be chosen carefull y.

The process of changing is not simple, however. The Congregation for the Sacraments, acknowledging such circumstances as yours , states that the bishop of a diocese may officially designate a substitute sponsor, whose name would be inscribed in the official parish baptism register.

(Reply of Nov. 13, 1984, to bishops of the United States and Canada; in 1985 issue of Roman Replies of the Canon Law Society of America).

Baptism records can be quite important for civil and religious puiposes in later years, which is why a parish priest or secretary, for example, cannot simply make such changes on his or her own initiative.

There may on occasion be a good reason for this kind of official change of godparents. However, a loving, concerned friend or relative, such as the one you mention , can usual ly do just as much for the child , now and in the future, without going through all this formality.

You might even make it "official " for your family by asking the adult you speak of to act as godparent for your

QUESTION = CORNER

A. Unfortunatel y, your circumstance is not uni que. Some situations are more painfu l than others , but when a child's godparent has died or has proven unwilling or unable to serve appropriatel y in that role, it 's understandable th at good Christian parents want someone else in that capacity for their child.

Having a caring godparent is always important. It is particularl y so should the parents die or become incapaci-

Letters... ¦ Continued from page 16 are) quite clear as what is to be done and what is p rohibited." In addition , it noted , "We have a long standing and successful examp le in the administration of our Catholic schools. Even thoug h our pay scale mig ht not match the publi c sector, we are still quite in line with the rules and regulations of government. " The response conceded , however , that "we are not able to police every individual" emp loyment situation in all organizations , including parishes.

You missed one

I attended a marvelous service on Saturday, Nov. 13, at St. Mary 's Cathedral. I happened upon it purely. by chance. It was a closing service and Mass which followed two weeks of prayer for all America 's bishops, priest and religious.

Procession of the Blessed Sacrament , prayer and wonderful choir music occurred. I was shocked that nothing was said about it in parishes, or your paper. It seems to

me everyone should be made aware of this important undertaking, especially for our clergy who so need this type of thing. I am very disappointed with our Catholic San Francisco and feel you owe us an explanation.

Grace Bondersey San Francisco Ed. note : The "Fortnig ht of Prayer " sponsored Oct. 31-Nov. 13 by Fide Christo Aposto late was described in the Oct. 29 Datebook section. Regrets more space was not allocated.

West Coast Church Supplies

369 Grand Avenue South San Francisco (Easy access: 3 blocks west of the 101 freeway) l-{800}-767-0660 Bibles, Books, Rosaries, Bible Studies, Statues Jewelry, Medals , Crucifixes, Pictures, Teaching Aids ill; Baptism , Wedding and Anniversary Gifts '

^W*

'

"' YVjbJ l-<,AiU~

Men-Fri 9 to 5:30 Sat -9 to 5:00

Father John Dietzen child. When your son is old enough to understand , explain what you have done.

Among other advantages, it could hel p him be aware of the importance of baptism and how you are concerned that this sacrament be lived out properl y in his life.

Finally, is it possible that a note from you to your son 's present godmother would be an act of goodness toward her? And maybe move her to reflect a little on where she has turned?

After all , only a few years ago you did see her as having those qualities you want in a sponsor. If she has changed so drasticall y, maybe she would be helped spiritually to hear what you are telling me about your disappointed hopes in her, the hurt she has been to you and your son, and what you plan to do.

If you can bring yourself to do this , even thoug h you follow up on your present plan , who knows what God' s grace might do for her?

(Questions for this column may be sent to Father Dietzen at Box 325, Peoria, 111, 6165J ; or e-mailjjdietten@aol.com.)

Copyrig ht (c) 1999 by Catholic News Service

Kaufer 's *

Religious

Supplies

Your complete sourcef o rholiday goods, articles and books f o rchurch,

home or gif ts

55 Beverl , CA 94132 y Street *San Francisco For excellent service in the Kaufer TRADITION,

Call (415) 333-4494 or FAX: (415) 333-0402

Santa Rosa Diocese

Walk for justice

Archbishop exp resses sorrow f or p riest misconduct; audit released Archbishop William J. Levada , apos- pendent accountants for the years ended tolic administrator for the Diocese of June 30 , 1999 and 1998 along with a Santa Rosa until a new bishop is named summary of the financial condition of for the six-county diocese , apologized to the diocese and outline of recent steps victims of priest misconduct in the dio- taken by the new Finance Council to deal with cese in the the finanpast and cial crisis. promised to T h e examine diocese is any new reportedly claims of more than abuse that $16 milare broug ht lion in to him. debt.

A stateAt a in e n t meeting released by held Dec. the Santa the Finance Council decided the 16Rosa Diocese last week said , 8, "Archbishop Levada , on behalf of the page report would be distributed to Santa Rosa Diocese , expresses his sor- parishioners throug h parishes at Masses row to those individuals who have been this weekend and the financial audit and the victims of sexual misconduct or summary report also will be posted on diocesan Web site: abuse by priests of the diocese in the the ww.santarosacatholic.org. past."

The statement by the Archbishop also said , "We pray for forg iveness , reconciliation and healing for those who have suffered."

Serving Novato and Marin Archbishop Levada 's County Since 1879 Statement to. the Santa "We Support All Catholic Charities " Rosa Press Democra t ¦ Prices Quoted by Phone . newspaper was in response to correspondence from Church mem2500 5th Ave. • San Rafael bers who said they feare d CA-4aj Lic.ffh/U 1410 too much emp hasis is being placed on the dio- .

Dedicated To Service cese 's financial woes at the expense of a focus on a history of sexual misconduct in the diocese.

The Press Democrat Serving the Entire Bay Area Since 1975 characterized the statement as Archbishop Levada 's most direct response yet to concerns about sexual misconduct LORENZO LEWIS ALMAR1B1K, BA,MA ,JA by clergy. In the story, President & C.S.O. Semt&yTreautnr the Archbishop is quoted as say ing, "We take seriousl y all reports of misconduct , and we will review and examine all valid claims that are broug ht to our attention."

Separatel y, the members of a newl y formed Finance Council for the Santa Rosa Diocese, which stretches from Sonoma County and Napa County north to the Oregon border, committed themselves to rebuilding the trust and 500 W ESTLAKE A VENUE , D ALY C ITY confidence of the peop le (650) 756-4500 (415) 587-4500 of the diocese. The 19FD 1098 member group, which Most convenient San Francisco/Peninsula location includes 14 lay people, Unlimited Parking th ree priests , a woman reli gious and a permanent deacon , have held three meetings in the past The leadi ng Catholic Funera l Directors six weeks. serving the Archdiocese of San Francisco The Diocese of Santa Rosa was scheduled to CALL FOR A FREE BROCHURE ON PRE PLANNING release today an audit Traditional and Cremation Services report prepared by inde-

The Press Democrat

characterized the statement as Archbishop Levada 's most direct

Students from Serra High in San Mateo , Notre Dame High in Belmont , and Mercy High in Burlingame raised over $3,500 for St. Bruno Parish's Catholic Worker Hospitality House by walking nearly 10 miles and securing pledges from friends and family on Dec. 4. The 92 students were accompanied by many family and faculty members. "We left school at 9:30 a.m., stopped for a halfhour for juice and bagels at St. Catherine of Siena in Burlingame , and reached the Catholic Worker House by 1 p.m. for a reception and prayer," said Serra campus minister Lynne Mullen. The Walk for Justice was an effort by the students to raise consciousness and money for the local homeless. Many students volunteer at St. Bruno Hospitality House. Peter Stiehler and his wife Kate Chatfield in conjunction with St. Bruno Parish operate the facility. Four days a week the Hospitality House serves meals to 60 people. A medical van visits once a month to offer free basic medical care. For further information , call (650) 827-0706.

respo nse yet to concerns about

sexual misconduct by clergy.

MOUNT TAMALPAIS MORTUARY

[415 459-2500

L ET

WHEN

YOU HAVE A ROUGH ROAD TO TRAVEL ,

OUR EXPERIENCE HELP MAKE IT A LITTLE EASIER .

In the 1840's, a local stage line ran their coaches for a number of years over the rough and dusty roads of the New West. In those early days, the founders of this firm , the Beaudry Brothers , were successful in maintaining the comfort and safety of their patrons on a difficult and unfamiliar journey. The Beaudry 's eventuall y developed their business to encompass a carriage, stable, livery and funeral service , which was soon to become known as McAvoy O'Hara Company.

unis ^ Msis itsfifflf

Today as one of California 's oldest independent business firms , McAvoy O'Hara Company owes it 's continued success to the trust and confidence of the community we serve.

Accordingly, we continue to provide for the comfort and safety of families we have the privilege of serving with a truly dedicated , experienced and understanding staff that is fully committed to professional service and personal care . ;

-w."'*' " '.' .

'¦ . .

,V¦

¦ '

¦¦

' *¦ ' . '

' "'

' " ¦¦

• %fl ¦

'¦

:' :

'

•

.

'

.

" '

.

.

.

¦

*- ' ' LL.¦- ..¦ .'

'" <=* ¦ ' ' >*"

THE EVERGREEN M ORTUARY

MCAVOY ~ O'HARA COMPANY

THE BUD DUGGAN FAMILY

4545 G EARY BOULEVARD SAN F RANCISCO , CA 94118 FD-523

I

415-668-0077 888-668-0077

Dec. 1 ruling keeps case alive

Lawsuit: F irst Amendment or f air emp loymen t issue?

By

Kamille Maher

A conflict of First Amendment ri ghts versus fai r employment practices simmers at the core of a former Jesuit seminarian 's sexual h arassment lawsuit against individual members of the Order as well as three Jesuit provinces.

Bollard 's civil suit names the California , Maryland and Oregon Jesuit provinces, the Jesuit Conference, and individual Jesuit priests .

A Dec. 1 Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision reversed a May 14, 1998, District Court dismissal of the suit for want of subject-matter jurisdiction . ¦ The Dec. I ruling slates a future court inquiry into the Jesuits ' handling of Bollard's claim would not infringe upon First Amendment protections of freedom of religion.

In his complaint , John Bollard alleges superiors in the California Province of the Society of Jesus sexuall y harassed him. Bollard claims he reported the harassment to Jesuit officials, but that they took no corrective action. The harassing conduct was so severe, Bollard alleges, he was forced to leave the Order.

The Jesuits ' attorney plans to petition the Ninth Circuit to review the Dec. 1 ruling.

In the 3-0 appel late decision , Ninth Circuit Jud ge William A. Fletcher wrote, "The Jesuits did not offer a religious justi-

1s o

§

a.

z

Cfl

u

An Orthodox priest and a policeman look at the flooded Tomb of the Virgin at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem Dec. 13.

Sewage floods tomb; priests and nun rescued JERUSALEM (CNS) — Five priests and at least one nun were rescued when a combination of rain water and sewage came rushing into the Tomb of the Virgin next to the Basilica of Gethesemane during the first bi g winter rain Dec. 13.

Israeli police and soldiers were called to the scene, and army scuba divers were sent in to search for anyone trapped under the nearl y 50 feet of water after the priests and nun were rescued. A Franciscan spokesman said he had been told one nun was still in the tomb; but he could not confirm the information.

"It was very tragic," said Father Maurice Di gnard , superior of the Franciscan monastery at the basilica.

"One of the fathers at our grotto called us to come save him. A father went to save him , and they locked the door behind them."

MARCHETT I CONSTRUCTION INC.

"o. tSVSF

fication for the harassment Bollard alleged; they condemned menl inquiry into a religious institution would ever be approit as inconsistent with their values and beliefs. There was thus pri ate. no danger that by allowing this suit to proceed , secular courts "There is plenty of case law that says the First would be thrust into the constitutionall y untenable position of Amendment does not insulate action," Gaspari noted. "One passing jud gment on questions of reli g ious faith or doctrine." cannot engage in a tortious act in the name of reli gion. But Bollard's attorney agrees the question is not one of First this (ruling) is a large generalization. " Officials at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley are Amendment law, but rather of emp loyment practices.

"We brought this suit under Title VII basic employment law working to distance themselves from the case, pointing out theories," explained Mary Patricia Houg h. "What also gets JSTB is not named as a defendan t in the suit.

One of the defendants , Father Thomas Gleeson, was presraised, because this is a relig ious institution , arc First " Amendment issues. However, First Amendment protections ident of JSTB from 1987-95.

"We (as an are not imperiled " because this case institution) are not 'There has been no factual determination by doesn 't have to do being sued by with the hiring and John Bollard ," any court as to the accuracy of any allegations maintained April firing of employ1 ees," Houg h Collier, vice presi' of this comp laint. dent for advanceargued .

"As it stands, ment at JSTB .

— Paul Gasp ari , attorney f o r Society o f f e s u s She said the what the opinion proposes is if imp lication has there is a church or a religious organization that has members had "an affect on donors, foundations , alumni and students." engaging in sexual harassment, they can be sued for that conRegarding religious institutions in general , attorney duct and they can be held liable ," Hough explained . "1 don 't Gaspari predicts a chilling effect on employment and discithink any citizen in this country should be subjected to sexu- p linary decisions.

"We argued that there 's 150 years of constitutional federal harassment in their employment whether they are in a reli" al case law that says a civil court may not interfere with g ious organization or otherwise.

The Jesuits maintain any inquiry into the provinces ' han- administrative, disci plinary, or employment decisions of a dling of Bollard 's claim would infringe upon First reli g ious institutiwi," Gaspari said. "Plaintiff and Fletcher Amendment protection. . draw a distinction between faith-based employment decisions "While 1 have lot of respect and admirati on for Judge and non-faith based decisions. 1 disagree....The very act of Fletcher, his major premise misses the point ," argued an attor- inquiry, of asking those questions - 'What was the motivation ney for the Jesuits , Paul A. Gaspari. "His major premise is for your decision? Wh y did you do this?'" would i nvolve civil this is a case about sexual harassment and not reli g ion , that courts in "second-guessing " reli g ious institutions , he said.

"I would emphasize th at this case was dismissed and then because it is obvious the Jesuits have a policy not allowing sexual harassment , it would not interfere with their First appealed as a matter of law," Gaspari added . "There has been Amendment rights to inquire." no factu al determination by any court as to the accuracy o f ' "In part," Gaspari continued , "the lawsuit will focus on any allegati ons of this complaint. The tacts were not deterwhat die province did in response to complaints and what mined. The merits of the claim still have to be resolved." administrative action it took. Those are administrative and Bollard entered the Order and began his studies to become disciplinary acts dealing with not only the complainant but a Jesuit priest in 1988, a process that typicall y lasts 11 years. also the defendants. Those are core religious issues."

As a Jesuit scholastic he taught and studied in the Bay Area Gaspari said he could not see where a civil sexual harass- until ] 996 when he left the Order. •

The Catholic San Francisco invites you to tour the

H OLY LAND Visit Tel Aviv, Mt. Carmel, Mount of Beautitudes , Upper Galilee, Tiberias and Jerusalem

Departs San Francisco March 5, 2000

x

B

¦ Ep-^^jr

y^v /C i

/^. v^\, * ; iSsff&siaSI

Project Management Construction Management General Conduction

So. San Francisco, CA 94083-3045

n™ 'G50> 588-3893 FAX (650) B73-4605

"O VER 30 Y EARS O F SERVICE T O T HE BAY A REA A ND T HE W ORLD "

JL

JK $$%''•.'"* *¦ ¦•*¦ -t *>,' • *

- ¦3i?' :' jvSfc'i.'x* * '*Mu*it * -«iinHE^^H

Partial List of Clients Notre Dame High School Sisters ol Noire Dame Salesians Western Province St. Peter and Paul's Church Daughters of Charity ot St. Vincent de Paul Sefon Medical Center Capuchin Franciscan Western Province St. Vincent de Paul Society Our Lady of Angels, Burlingame

J

Westin St. Francis Hotel the Plaza Hotel, Newtek Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim Mark Hopkins Intercontinental Hotel The Claremont Hotel & Spa, Oakland United Air tines The Biltmore Hotel, Los Angeles JR Towers, Nagoya Japan Hilton Hotel Corporation

Catholic San Francisco

441 Church Street San Francisco, CA 94114

Where Jesus

^,Over Jerusale m

npMS J ENTECOST

(415) 565-3699 mj unj M ^ ' ffel ¦ } Z PAY nfi 1^ 3681 i-UY (A r y ^ l o\\ ; JUJ-JUOl

BSI ^I^ll

bTA/' 4iaiMV

CaStofna Registered SeBer olTravBl * Regis(rationNun*er:CST-£03f?190-« (Registration as a Seller ot Travel does not constitute approval by the Slate of California.)

Social justice: Central America

'B ysta nder victims ' of international debt: Santa Lucia, Honduras

address debt cancellation and In earl y 1998 , the the intricate issues it World Bank estimated involves. that every Honduran repIn Honduras , Archbishop resented $665 in debt. Yet Oscar Rodri guez of it also reported that Tegucigalpa has been an outalmost half of Hondurans spoke n advocate of debt canlived on less than $1 a cellation. Pope John Paul II day, so that debt payment has said , "Debt relief is would equal about twice urgent , in many ways a prethis particular populacondition for the poorest tion 's annual income. In countries to make progress in the wake of Hurricane their fi ght against poverty."

Mitch , World Bank memWhile Dr. Heck and othbers agreed to reduce debt

By Tara Carr ers with whom we visited payments for this year.

Shoulder-to-Shoulder , a project that brings North However, the interest on agree that debt cancellation American doctors and medical students to the remote vil- the debt would continue to will not somehow magically lage of Santa Lucia in western Honduras boasts a 10-year accrue. solve all the problems of relationshi p with the community.

Santa Lucia and other comWill Honduras ever This has been no easy task. As Dr. Jeffrey Heck , a par- pay its entire debt? If the munities like it, he and othticipating physician , points out , the program has offered debt is cancelled , will the ers do agree that structural "consistent care " to the village — either a 45-minute ride poor there experience change , like debt cancellaby helicopter , or an eight-hour journey by land vehicle , relief through improved tion, must occur — accomfrom the capital city of Tegucigalpa. panied by effective scrutiny social programs and Medical teams travel to Santa Lucia twice a year for expanded prosperity ? Will and follow-up by lender and two weeks to offer medical consultations and exams to debt cancellation onl y o borrower alike. ¦ 15,000, who come from both Santa Lucia and neighbor- provide a means by which Regardless , meeting the £ ing communities to receive the free care. peop le directl y impacted by international money len03 < ders can renew, under the v world trade and debt measures , hel ps one take the dissame, or even more cussion out of the abstract — advantageous guidelines , a cycle of lending and and provides a sense of Jessica, a Honduran orphan, would probably agree In Santa Lucia , where individual average annual < profiteering ? Will the urgency to addressing the with experts and Church leaders who say tieing debt income hovers around $80 and average life span is 45 international community injustice of a system that relief for developing nations to assurances it leads to years , the Cincinnati-based doctors see malnutrition rates face the same crisis in punishes people, by no fault investment in education , health care , and other of 40-50 percent in the genera l population and 10 percent another 20 years? of their own. improvements in nations ' infrastructures is a key part severe malnutrition in children under 12, as well as hi gh Religious leaders , For updated inform ation on of the discussion. incidences of depression and post-traumatic stress in advocates for the poor, the debt, log onto the National adults. Severe malnutrition in the first few years of life and the poor themselves U.S. Conference of often translates into mental retardation. If it takes place have been calling for debt cancellation in the Jubilee year Bishops/United States Catholic Conference web site: in the first six months of a baby 's life , the child has a 50 proclaimed by the Church and recognized by the worl d at www.nccbuscc.org/sdwp/debt . Persons may also access the percent chance of dying. large.

Web site of the Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns: After the doctors initiated a relationship with Santa Likewise, they stress that debt reduction should be www.sljustlife.org .

Lucia , a local committee consulted with the community tied to greater openness in financial agreements , the parEd. note : the annual Quinn Colloquium on Ca tholic and gathere d requests fro m residents on essential issues tici pation of civil society, and the commitment of gov- Social Teaching scheduled for March 11 at the University for the medical team to tackle. The overwhelming ernments that savings throug h debt reduction will be of San Francisco will deal with international trade, bankrequest was to establish a permanent health clinic in the translated into investment in education , health , and infra- ing and debt issues. Its title will be "So lidarity, and community, which Shoulder-to-Shoulder then staffed structure. Legislation in the U.S. House of Justice in the Americas: Debt Relief f o r Develop ing with two full-time Honduran doctors.

Representatives and the Senate throug hout 2000 will Nations. " After sketching a pictu re of the doctors ' work in Santa Lucia, Dr. Heck told our contingent of journalists , "The first need is food—if the peop le are eating then we doctors can do our work."

The message is clear: without adequate nutrition there are few long-term health improvements the community will enjoy. Expertise and technical know-how of the doctors cannot supp lant basic nourishment.

Meanwhile , Dr. Heck underscored , in the past year Honduras has designated just over one percent of its public spending to health care — which includes nutrition.

From Oct. 24-30 Tarn Can look part in a press tour of Hurricane Mitchdevastated regions of Nicaragua and Honduras representin g Catholic San Francisco. It was organized

by Food for the Poor, a U.S.based relief organization. A staff member of the archdiocesan Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns, Carr files her third report on the trip below.

i

Reflection

I

i

m Washington Mutual

wl,

Patricia A. Carlisi

W&

^^ 1 i mm

San Mateo Home Loan Center 1730 S El Camino Real Fifth Floor San Mateo, CA 94402

mt phone fax . home

j

Jik

«^Hk

ip "m: l

Ell

ipiir

I "^

sP^

**"

m J-^m Pj , %k _La& JL m Nik . ¦*& « J.. -J . Ff -'

'

^

650.525.2200 650.525.2205 650.794.9323

Bi

C^nlyfl! ^«» Ric*arcl Gold/Patti Carlisi *Sales Associate j Sk '^» jaS8g .Z^ Sales Assistant iP:: £-\„.

Alliance 2488 Junipero Serra Boulevard

mk I Email RGOLDC21@AOL.COM

J3

Each Office is independently Owned and Operated £¦)¦ l_~Jftft

ft f . 1 g^ HM T ifftl 199M9W

¦

Jp? ft l i /A l ^C n 9L '

B ftk

Wk ft

CatholitiMa^adio

I Lookin g to Fill the Following Positions: Sales Executive , Promotion Manager, and Promotional Volunteers!

Fax Resumes: 415-331-5688 BSBSw?ff»Tmra?n n^ff

Social justice: Central America

'F air trade ' advocates ask cup of fai rness from consumers

By Carrie McCllsh Take justice in your coffee?

Coffee growers like Santiago Rivera are asking Americans who cannot get through the day without a quaff of cappuccino or espresso to consider a new brand of "joe" that not onl y satisfies the palate but makes a difference in the lives of the farmers who harvest the aromatic bean .

Rivera , who recentl y visited the Bay Area , belongs to an export cooperative in his native Nicaragua that produces gourmet coffee under a growing movement known as "fair trade."

Begun in Europe in the 1980s, the grassroots movement consists of a coalition of organizations committed to improving employment opportunities and ensuring Santiago Rivera that farmers and other small businesses in developing countries receive fair prices.

In the early 1980s fanning communi- the crop down a winding dirt road on Coffee has become a major focus ties began banding together to pool their their backs. because it is the second most traded com- expenses and export their own crops. The Buy ing a mule seemed out of the modity - behind petroleum - in the world. resulting cooperatives found buyers question . Rivera said the money for his While small farmers make up 15 million of throug h fair trade organizations who cer- beans did not cover his family's basic the world's 25 million coffee tif y importers who agree to needs. Most of his eigh t children dropped producers , they receive the buy their coffee throug h out of school by the fifth or sixth grade to smallest portion of the them. The buyers agree to work to help the family stay afloat.

"Life was hard before ," said the lank y profits , say fair trade pay the growers at least $1.26 per pound for their man whose pensive eyes shone from his activists , who also note the coffee , almost double the haggard face. "It was difficult to survive." average coffee farmer earns That changed when Rivera 's 15-family average current price. less than $800 a year.

The farmers , who barely For Santiago Rivera the cooperative entered the fai r trade moveresult was dramatic. Unlike ment. Now, after three years of producing earn enough to support their "Juan Valdez" , who has long fair trade coffee, Rivera can buy clothes and families between harvests , do not produce enough to pitched Colombian coffee in shoes for his children , put more beans and TV ads, Rivera didn ' t have a rice on the table, strengthen a dilapidated export crops directly. As a mule to transport his beans house, and purchase mules. His children result they are forced to sell their harvest at lower prices to buyers. For years he can also remain in school.

'Fair trade ' coffee Despite advances, difficulties continue, and other growers in to mid-level traders, who in carries a logo similar he said through an interpreter. "People turn keep a significant his Nicaraguan community to the one shown here. 't all have sufficient money. They need lugged 100-pound bags of don percentage of the profits.

the financial and moral support throug h fair trade."

Hurricane Mitch , which devastated much of neighboring Honduras , also had an impact on many Nicaraguan farms as well , said Rivera , who lost nearly half of his coffee crop to the storm.

The coop is currentl y working six acres of land to replace the lost crop, but it will take four to five years for those plants to produce a harvest, he explained . As this rebuilding takes place, the cooperative is working with Transfair USA, an Oakland-based organization , to build consumer support for fair trade coffee in the U.S. Currently Transfair is leading a campaign to convince Bay Area city governments to offer fair trade coffee in their offices and agencies. The organization also hosts visiting farmers like Rivera and arranges for them to speak with community groups and the media.

Transfair , a member of Fair Tr ade Labeling Organizations , provides independent certification of buyers which ensures that fair trade practices are being followed.

Transfair , for example, helps monitor the paperwork betw een coffee importers and cooperatives like Rivera 's to make sure growers receive the fair trade price.

Fair trade coffee sells for between $7.50 and $ 12 a pound in Bay Area stores, a price comparable to other gourmet coffees.

Church and community groups can also buy fair trade coffee at wholesal e prices in larger amounts. For more information , Transfair USA can be contacted by phone at (510) 663-5260 or at its Web site: www.transfairusa.org .

Consumers can identif y "fair trade" coffee by looking for coffee bags that bear the "Fair Trade Certified" label.

Tiburon students reach out to orphaned youngsters in Bolivia and presentation of slide shows, traditional clothing and Bolivian objects .

Miletich challenged the children to Many of the orp haned children of think about heritage, famil y and country. this spring be a little happier will Bolivia â&#x20AC;˘ "What makes to the thanks our country rich?"

St. of efforts Miletich asked H i l a r y second graders.

Eleme ntary "Freedom ," School students a nswered Tiburon. in Brandon Hatter.

With the guid"Great answer, ance of Juneau , what else?" asked Ann artist Alaska "Love, Miletich. the stu, Miletich friendshi a good p, selfcreated dents the peopresident, quilt portra it " money... ple, to be patches "In Bolivia ," assembled by volMiletich told the parents unteer "It's , children delivthen and cloth.

Cloth is spring to ered in more important Dios, a de Madre than gold."

Catholic orphanMiletich disCoachain age layed a piece of p Bolivia. bomba, cloth and said, Miletich , who "This p iece of founded "Hands cloth is called the AmerAcross '. 'awayo In has " in 1997, icas ' ' Bolivia , awayo hthroug traveled tries on a traditional represents a Nelson Daniel United the out woman 's wealth , Bolivian hat.

States teaching ~ family, heritage children about poverty and the needs of developing coun- and more. The designs and patterns on them have been handed down for generatries.

Miletich conducted two-hour work- tions. It is used to carry a woman ' s baby on shops for grades k-8 during the week of her back .

"Due to poverty and abuse thousands of Nov. 29. The childre n learned about Bolivian children either run away or live on 's personal stories the artist through Bolivia

By Evelyn Zappia

Ann Miletich disp layed an "awayo " (baby blanket) from Bolivia as Hannah McGovern (right) looks on.

the streets. Many have never been earned in an 'awayo' or given the pri de of owning one." The example made the children aware of the importance of the patch work quilts they created , teachers said.

Through Miletich' s efforts, children

have made hundreds of quilts for orphaned children in other parts of the world.

Work on the quilts should be completed in February. In March, Miletich will deliver them to Bolivia. A child' s quil t could quite possibl y become his or her only possession, she said.

School of Pastoral Leadership For registration materials and additional information , call Joni Gallagher at (415) 242-9087.

Jan. 25-Feb. 29 (Tuesdays, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.): "The Sacraments: Doors to the Sacred" with Sister Sharon McMillan at St. Gregory Church , 2715 Hacienda St., San Mateo. $45. The class will also be offe red Jan. 26-March 1(Wednesdays , 2-4 p.m.) at St. Dominic Church, 2390 Bush St. at Steiner , SF. Jan. 26-March 1(Wednesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.): "Catholic Mora l Theology and Social Teaching" at Riordan High School, 175 Phelan Ave., SF. $45.

Jan. 27-March 2(Thursdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.): "The History and Theology ot the Mass" with Father James Aylward, includes 2-session practicutim for lectors with Susan Sikora and for eucharistio ministers with Father Bill Cipriani at St. Hilary Church, 761 Hilary Dr., Tiburon.

Jan. 29: Mass and SPL stude nt recognition ceremonies preceded by a keynote address by Alexie Torres of Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice, 10 a.m. at St. Mary Cathedral, Gough and Geary Blvd., SF. Torres spoke at the recent Jubilee Justice Conference in Los Angeles. All are welcome.

Retreats/Days of Recollection VALL0MBR0SA CENTER 250 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park. For fees, times and other offerings call (650) 325-5614.

Presentation Sister Rosina Conrotto, Program Director.

Jan. 7-9: "Discover/Recover Your Soul: Living Passionately in an Anxious World", a retreat for young adults in their 20s and 30s with Presentation Sister Monica Miller and Holy Names Sister Molly Neville.

Jan. 9: "Beatitudes for the 21st Century " with Father Jack Bonsor, Jesuit Father Bill Wood , Capuchin Father Gerald Barron and other presenters . This is a continuing monthly series through Sept. 2000. Retreatants may attend one or more and still benefit.

Jan. 15: "Getting a Fresh Start in the New Millennium", a retreat tor single parents with marriage and family counselor Caro l Kaplan.

Childcare available.

MERCY CENTER 2300 Adeline Dr., Burlingame. For fees, times and other offerings call (650) 340-7474.

Jan. 9: "Dreams and Spiritual Exercises" connects the movement of dreams with the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius. Mainly for those familiar with the exercises.

Jan 10: "The Second Half of Life", a day-long journey exploring heart , meaning and creative fire in later years for seniors and those ministering to them.

MARIANIST CENTER A Place of Discovery

22622 Marianist Way, Cupertino. For fees, times and offerings call (408)253-6279.

10-session course, Jan. 11 through May 30, on "Shepherding Small Communities" with pastoral associate , Betsy Lamb, at St. Augustine Parish Hall, 3700 Callan Blvd., SSF. $25 fee includes text. Call (415) 821-0419.

SILVER PENNY FARM offers retreat facilities near the wine country, 5215 Old Lakeville Rd., Petaluma, 94954. All quarters have bedroom and sitting room with fireplace. Call Father Ray Smith for a brochure at (707) 762-1498.

Taize Prayer Around the Cross 3rd Tues. at 8:30 p.m., St. Dominic Church, 2390 SF. Call Delia Molloy at Bush St., (415) 563-4280. "

1st Thurs. at 5:30 p.m. at Old St. Mary ' s Cathedral, 660 California St. at Grant, SF. Call {415) 288-3809.

3rd Thurs . 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Vallombrosa Center, 250 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park, facilitated by Sister Toni Longo. Call (650) 325-5614.

2nd Fri. at 8 p.m. at Presentation Sisters Motherhouse Chapel, Turk and Masonic, SF. Call Sister Monica Miller, PBVM at (415) 751-0406 , ext.

22: and at 7:30 p.m. at St. Luke Parish, 1111 Beach Park Blvd., Foster City.

Call (650) 345-6660.

Ecumenical & Interrehgious Jan. 28: 21st Paul Wattson Lecture, featuring Yale History Professor Jaroslav Pelikan on "Comprehensiveness or Catholicity", 8 p.m., at University of San Francisco's Pacific Rim Room, 1st floor, Lone Mtn. Campus , 2800 Turk St., SF. Call (415) 422-5555.

72 Hours is an interfaith peace-building project set to take place on Dec. 31, 1999 and Jan.1-2 , 2000. People of faith are invited to mobilize their communities around five specific actions including a Peace Vigil and Call to Political Leaders .

For information, call (415) 561-2300.

Consolation Ministry Drop-in Bereavement Sessions at St. Mary Cathedral, Gough and Geary St., SF on 2nd and 4th Wed., 2:30 - 4 p.m. Sponsored by Catholic Charities and Mid-Peninsula Hospice. Call Sister Esther at (415) 567-2020, ext. 218.

Ongoing Sessions: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish at the Parish Center, Fulton and James St., Redwood City, Thurs., 6-7:30 p.m. Call (650) 3663802. Our Lady of Angels Parish, 1721 Hillside Dr., Burlingame; 1st Mon. 7-9 p.m. Call (650) 3477768. St. Gabriel Parish, 40th Ave. and Ulloa, SF; 1st S 3rd Tues., 7-9 p.m. Call Barbara Elordi at (415)

Datebook

¦ HE.' .

•^MHHWM MMHHI

564-7882. St. Hilary Parish, 761 Hilary Dr., Tiburon; 1st S 3rd Wed., 3-4:30 p.m. Call Sister Colette at (415) 435-7659.

Structured 8-week Session: Our Lady of Loretto, 1806 Novato Blvd., Novato, evenings or afternoons available. Call Sister Jeanette at (415) 897-2171. St. Isabella Parish, One Trinity Way, San Rafael , evenings. Call Pat Sack at (415) 479-1560.

For Parents Who Have Lost a Child: Our Lady of Angels Parish, 1721 Hillside Dr., Burlingame, 2nd Mon. Call Ina Potter at (650) 347-6971 or Barbara Arena at (650) 344-3579.

Children/Teen Groups: Call Barbara Elordi at (415) 564-7882.

"Compassionate Friends," a non-profit organization offering friendship and support to families who have experienced the death of a child, meet on 2nd Wed. at 7:30 p. m. St. Anne of the Sunset Parish, 850 Judah St. at Funston, SF. Call Marianne Lino at (415) 892-7969.

Young Adults Dec. 31: Y2K New Year's Eve Party, St. Andrew Church, Daly City. Contact: www.jps. net/standrew/light.

At the Cemetery Mass is celebrated on the 1st Sat. of the month in All Saints Mausoleum Chapel. All liturgies begin at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Colma. For more information , call (650) 756-2060.

Vocations Jan. 15: A morning of reflection for women considering religious life at Mater Dolorosa Convent, 377 Willow Ave., SSF. If you plan to attend or have questions, call Sister Agnes Haddock at (650) 5835817. Sponsored by Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace.

Prayer/Devotions For information about events sponsored by the Office of Charismatic Renewal of the Archdiocese, call (415) 564-7729.

Dec. 31: Mass and Blessing of City, 11 p.m., St, Francis of Assisi National Shrine, Columbus and Vallejo St., SF.Call (415) 983-0405.

Weekdays: Radio Rosary, 7 p.m., 1400 AM KVTO, includes prayer, meditation, news, homilies.

Call (415) 282-0861.

2nd Sun.: Pray lor Priests ,3:30 p.m. at Star of the Sea Parish, 4420 Geary Blvd. at 8th Ave., SF. Call (415) 751-0450.

Centering Prayer: Mon. 7 p.m.- 8:15 p.m., Most Holy Redeemer Church, 100 Diamond St., SF. Call Sr. Cathy Cahur at (415) 553-8776; Tues. 7:30 p.m.

- 8:30 p.m., Star of the Sea Church, 4420 Geary Blvd., SF. Call Chuck Cannon at (415) 752-8439; Sat . 10 a.m. - 12 noon, St. Cecilia Church, 2555 17th Ave., SF. Call Coralis Salvador at (415) 7531920.

Thursday: The laity prayer cenacle of Marian Movement of Priests meets at 7 p.m., St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 180 Harrison Ave., Sausalito.

Call (415) 331-3306.

Family Life Jan. 28-30: Marriage Encounter Weekend for Spanish speaking, facilitated by three married couples and a priest. For detailed information, call Guillermo or Maria Elena Canjura at (415) 585-5428.

Feb 2: Open House at Holy Name of Jesus Elementary School, 1560 40th Ave., SF, 8:30 a.m. noon. Earlier opportunities to learn about the school are available by calling (415) 731-4077.

Feb. 12: Anniversary Mass for couples celebrating 25, 50 or more years of marriage in the Jubilee Year. March 31-April 2: "Catholic Family Life 2000" at the SSF Conference Center, with and outstanding lineup of speakers on topics including marriage and marriage prep. Call Office of Marriage and Family Life (415) 565-3680.

Catholic Charities Foster Care and Adoption Program offers tree information meetings the 2nd Wed. of every month at 7 p.m. Adults and couples are invited to learn more about adoption and the growing need for permanent families for children.

Meetings are held at Catholic Charities, 814 Mission St., 5th Fl„ SF. Call (415) 844-4781.

Introductory sessions of Seton Medical Center's Natural Family Planning program will be held through this fall.. The office also offers educational programs for youth on topics including the changes that occur during puberty and the responsibility of relationships. Health educators are also available to speak about NFR infertility, adolescent sexuality, preparing for pregnancy, perinatal loss and drug abuse in pregnancy. Call (650) 301-8896.

Retrouvaille, a program for troubled marriages, has upcoming weekends. Call Lolette or Anthony Campos al (415) 893-1005.

Single, Divorced, Separated Dec. 18: New Wings Advent liturgy, 5:30 p.m. with potluck dinner following. From 8:30 - 11 p.m. join a caroling tour of the City by motorized cable car with stops at shelters and Union Square. Call Ron Landucci at (650) 583-6016.

Dec. 31: New Wings liturgy at 7:30 p.m. followed

by New Year's Eve party in Burlingame home.

RSVP. Cathy Arnold (650) 299-4787 or Ron Landucci (650) 583-6016 Catholic Adult Singles Assn. of Marin meets for support and activities. Call Bob at (415) 897-0639.

For information about additional ministries available to divorced and separated persons in the Archdiocese, call (415) 273-5521.

New Wings at St. Thomas More Church meets on 3rd Thursdays. Call Claudia Devaux at (415) 334-9088 or e-mail stmchurch@hotmail.com.

Leetures/Biscussions/Exhibits Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m.: Father Jim Aylward presents and discusses Vatican II at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, 3 Oakdale Ave., Mill Valley. All welcome. Coffee and refreshments , too.

Through Jan. 5, 2000: The work of illustrator and printmaker David Lance Goines at USF's Thacher Gallery and Donohue Rare Book Room, 1st and 3rd

About Health Free Flu Shots at St. Mary 's Medical Center, SF, for elderly and at risk individuals. Call (415) 7505800 for an appointment.

Performance The Archdiocesan Priests' Choir will perform Dec. 19, 4 p.m., at St. Cecilia Church, 17th Ave. at Vicente, SF Free 75-minute concerts. Donations benefit the Priests Retirement Fund.

Dec. 17: Christmas Concert by Marin Children's Choir, Martha Wall, director, St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 180 Harrison Ave., Sausalito. $8 adults/$5 students and seniors. Call Gerald Holbrook at (415) 332-1765.

Dec. 18: "Voices Leaning into Light," a benefit concert for the St. Boniface Church Retrofit Campaign, 3 p.m., St. Boniface Church Theater, 135 Golden Gate Ave. Free. Donations accepted. For info: (415) 995-2350.

Dec. 19: Concert by St. Sebastian Parish Choir, 4 p.m. in the church at 373 Bon Air Rd. at Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Greenbrae. Includes sacred selections and carol sing-along accompanied on new Rodgers Organ.Call (415) 461-0704.

Sundays in December: Concerts at St. Mary Cathedral featuring various artists, 3:30 p.m. Gough and Geary Blvd., SF. Call (415) 567-2020 ext. 213.

Sundays in December: Concerts at St. Francis of Assisi Shrine by various artists at 4 p.m. following sung vespers at 3 p.m., Columbus and Vallejo, SF. Also Dec. 19: Carol Concert; Dec. 26: Three Sopranos Christmas Concert; Dec. 31: New Year's Eve Organ recital by John Renke, 10:15 p.m. Call (415) 983-0405.

Volunteer Opportunities Be a guardian at St. Mary's Cathedral, Gough and Geary Blvd., SF. Call the cathedral at (415) 567-2020.

Docent opportunities to lead student and adult tours are available at Mission Dolores, SF. Share the rich California mission history with some of Mission Dolores' thousands of visitors. Call Paula Zimmerman at (415) 621-8203.

The Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns offe rs volunteer opportunities in social justice, respect life , advocacy and other areas. Call (415) 565-3673.

Help special needs children with The Learning Tree Center, a non-profit organization that will train, supervise and provide ongoing feedback to you in a unique home-based program. Learn how to share energy, enthusiasm and acceptance. Call Arlene (415) 457-2006.

Most Holy Redeemer AIDS Support Group is looking for volunteers to support people living with AIDS; call Harry Johnson at (415) 863-1581 .

St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary Cathedral invites you to join them in service to the poor: (415) 977-1270, ext 3003.

Mass in American Sign Language is celebrated each Sun. at 10:30 a.m. at St. Benedict Parish, 1801 Octavia (between Pine and California) in SF. A sign language Mass is celebrated at St. Anthony Parish, 3500 Middlefield Rd., Menlo Park on the third Sat. of the month at 10:30 a.m. and later that day at 4 p.m. in the chapel of Marin Catholic High School, 675 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. (at Bon Air Rd.), Kentfield. For information, call St. Benedict at (415) 567-9855 (voice) or (415) 567-0438 (TDD).

Women in Community Service, seeks people to assist women making the transition from public assistance to the workforce. Call Gwen at (415) 397-3592.

Bernal Heights Neighborhood Elders Support Team helps seniors remain at home with rides , food delivery and companionship. Interested volunteers should call Lisa Lopez Coffey at (415) 206-9177.

California Pacific Medical Center is always in need of volunteers. Call (415) 750-6038.

Blessed Sacrament Exposition Church of the Nativity, 210 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park , 24 hours everyday, (650) 322-3013. St. Sebastian Church, corner of Bon Air Rd. and Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Greenbrae, M - F 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Adoration Chapel, (415) 461-0704. St. Agnes Church, 1025 Masonic (near Page) SF, Fri., 9 am to 10 a.m., (415) 487-8560. Our Lady ot Angels Church, 1721 Hillside Dr., Burlingame, MF after 8 a.m. Mass until 7 p.m. St. John the Evangelist Church, 98 Bosworth St., SF, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. M -F. in Parish Center Chapel, (415) 3344646. St. Isabella Church, One Trinity Way, San Rafael, Fri., 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Our Lady of Loretto Church, 1806 Novato Blvd., Novato, Fri. 9:30 a.m. 6 p.m., 1st Fri. 9:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Sat. St. Bruno Church, 555 W. San Bruno Ave., San Bruno, 24 hours everyday,' Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel. St. Francis of Assisi Shrine, 610 Vallejo St. at Columbus, SF, Fri. following 12:15 p.m. Mass until 4:15 p.m. 2nd Sat. at St. Matthew Church, One Notre Dame Way, San Mateo with Nocturnal Adoration Society of .San Mateo County. Call Lynn King at (650) 349-0498 or Jim McGill at (650) 5743918 for times. Corpus Christi Monastery, 215 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park, daily from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call (650) 322-1801. St. Bartholomew Church, 300 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, 1st Fri. from after 8 a.m. Mass until just before next day's 8 a.m. Mass.; St. Dominic Church, Bush and Steiner St., 8:30-9:30 a.m. and 6-7 p.m. each Mon. and Wed. (415) 567-7824. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 3 Oakdale Ave., Mill Valley, Tuesdays, 8:15 a.m. - 5 p.m. St. John of God Church, 1290 5th Ave. at Irving, SF. Mondays after 12:10 p.m. Mass, (415) 566-5610.

"Milestone Class Reunions " for Notre Dame High School, Belmont , classes 1939 through 1994, are being planned now. For information , call Donna Westwood , '64, alumnae relations director, at (650) 595-1913 , ext. 351 or e-mail alumnae® ndhs.pvt.k12.ca.us.

Attention Alumni and former students of Good Shepherd Elementary School, Pacifica. The school is develop ing an alumni newsletter. Please leave your name and address with the development office at (650) 738-4593 or fax to (650) 359-4558.

Our Lady of Angels Elementary School, Burlingame: Attention alumni/former students, parents, grandparents. OLA is developing an alumni newsletter. Please leave your name, address and phone number with the development office at (650) 343-9200 or fax to (650) 343-5620, attn: Susan Baker.

James Alderson

fl. of school's Gleeson Library. Artist speaks at USF Nov. 14 at 3 p.m. Call (415) 422-2434.

Food & Fun Dec. 19: Traditional English feast benefit for the Golden Gate Boys Choir and Bell Ringers at Mark Hopkins Hotel, SF; begins at 4:30 p.m. Includes pageantry, five-course prime rib dinner, and entertainment by choir and others. $100 per person; $60 for children. For information: (510) 887-4311.

Dec. 31: Millennium New Year's Eve Party, St. Anthony of Padua Hall, 1000 Cambridge St., Novato, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m., Adults $10. No host bar.

Bring appetizer or dessert for 8. Dancing and prizes with complimentary champagne at midnight Call (415) 382-7828.

Knights of Columbus of the Archdiocese meet regularly and invite new membership. For information about Council 615, call Tony Blaiotta at (415) 661-0726; Dante Council , call Vito Corcia at (415) 564-4449; Mission Council, call Paul Jobe at (415) 333-6197; Golden Gate Council, call Mike Stilman at (415) 752-3641.

Reunions SF's St. Cecilia Elementary School's class of 1950 is preparing to celebrate its golden jubilee. Class members should call Doris Grimley at (415) 664-2247.

Catholic Charities' St. Joseph Village needs ongoing volunteers for its children's activity program and offers a variety of opportunities in gardening, cooking, clerical and maintenance. Contact Denise Botcheos at (415) 575-4920, ext. 218.

San Francisco's St. Anthony Foundation needs volunteers tor outreach programs to the poor: (415) 241.2600.

Birthright needs people to work with women faced with unplanned pregnancies. For more information, call Mary Alba at (415) 664-9909.

San Mateo County's Volunteer Center: call (650) 342-0801. For San Francisco Volunteer Center, call (415) 982-8999.

Laguna Honda Hospital , SF is in need of volunteers to serve as eucharistic ministers, lectors and chapel escorts at Tues. and Sun. morning Masses. Call Sister Miriam at (415) 664-1580, ext. 4-2422.

Datebook is a free listing for p arishes, schools and non-profit groups. Please include event name, time, date, place, address and an information phone number. Listing must reach Catholic San Francisco at least two weeks before the Fridaypublica tion date desired. Mail your notice to: Datebook, Catholic San Francisco, 441 Church St., S.F. 94114 , or f a x it to (415) 565-3633.

December 's Bestsellers Here is the Catholic Bestsellers List for December 1999 , according to the Catholic Book Publishers Association: Hardcover 1. "She Said Yes." Misty Bernall (Ploug h Publishin g) 2. "Recovering Life." Darry l & Charisse Strawberry.

(Plough Publishing) 3. "Witness to Hope." George Weigel (HarperCollins) 4. "Life of the Beloved. " Henri J.M. Nouwen (Crossroad) 5. "Imitation of Christ." Thomas a Kempis (Catholic Book Publishing) 6. "Lives of the Saints" Vol. 1. Hugo Hoever (Catholic Book Publishing) 7. "Maurice and Therese." Patrick Ahern (Doubleday) 8. "Here and Now." Henri J.M. Nouwen (Crossroad) 9. "Wounded Prophet." Michael Ford (Doubleday) 10. "Holy Rosary." (Catholic Book Publishing) Paperback 1. "Workbook for Lectors & Gospel Readers " (RNAB translation — Year 2000). Susan E. Myers (Liturgy Training Publications) 2. "At Home With the Word 2000." Martin F.Connell (Liturgy Training) 3. "The Catechism of the Catholic Church." (Doubleday) 4. "Sourcebook for Sundays & Seasons, Year 2000." Peter J. Scagnelli (Liturgy Training) 5. "Catholic Book of Prayers." M. Fitzgerald (Catholic Book Publishing) 6. "Together for Life with Nuptial Mass." Joseph M. Champlin (Ave Maria) 7. "Return of the Prodi gal Son. " Henri J.M. Nouwen (Doubleday) 8. "Handbook for Today 's Catholic. " John O'Connor (Liguori) 9. "In the Name of Jesus." Henri J.M. Nouwen (Crossroad) 10. "The Cup of Our Life." Joyce Rupp (Ave Maria) Children and Young People 1. "Whal Is God 's Name?" Sandy Eisenberg Sasso (SkyLi ght Paths Publishing) 2. "Picture Book of Saints." Lawrence Lovasik (Catholic Book Publishing) 3. "Pray ing to God" board book. D. Brumi (Regina Press) 4. "New Catholic Picture Bible. " (Catholic Book Publishing) 5. "Precious Moments Catholic Bible. " Girl' s edition (Regina Press) 6. "Children 's Book of Saints." Louis Savary (Regina Press) 7. "M y First Missal ." Maria Luisa Benigni (Pauline) 8. "The Rosary." Victor Hoagland (Regina Press) 9. "My Rosary." Daughters of St. Paul (Pauline) 10. "Catholic Children 's Bible. " Mary Theola (Regina Press)

California Conference on Internet Information on state legislation , texts of episcopal statements, background material on stands taken by California 's bishops and other material is available on the California Catholic Conference 's recentl y activated Internet Web site, according to CCC officials.

Located at www.CACatholic.org on the Internet , the Web site next month will begin posting selected legislative testimony, a bill-tracking capabilit y, and po sition statements on future bills.

The CCC Web site is also linked to related Internet locations including most of the state 's (arch)dioceses and the United States Catholic Conference. The USCC site offers access to U.S. bishops ' statements and other texts.

'Little Flower ' book more than collection of letters Ed. note: The national tour of the relics of St. Therm of Lisieux will arrive in San Francisco on Jan. 8. The relics will be at the Carmelite Monastery, 721 Parker Ave., where Masses have been scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8, and on Jan. 9 at 6:30 a.m. and 8 am. On Jan. 9 at 10 am. the relics are scheduled to be moved to St. Mary 's Cathedral , I 111 Gough St., where an 11 am. Mass is p lanned in Eng lish , and a 1 p.m. Mass is scheduled in Spanish. For a complete schedule of the tour, call (800) 621 2806 , or see the Internet Web site www.thereserelicsusa.org.

Maurice and Therese: The Story of a Love, by Bishop Patrick Ahern . Doubleday (New York, 1998). 285 pp., $19.95.

Reviewed b y Peggy Weber The title, Maurice and Therese: The Story of a Love, sounds a bit provocative. Maybe it needs to be because most people might not be inspired , to read some letters between a young, cloistered nun and an aspiring but confused seminarian . But once the reader begins this book nothing else is needed to keep one involved and interested.

Bishop Patrick Ahern , auxiliary bishop of New York, has done a masterful job with the correspondence between St. Therese of Lisieux and Maurice Belliere , a young seminarian and future missionary. The book includes the letters written between the two from Oct. 15, 1895 to Oct. 2, 1897. The last letter was written by Belliere two days after St. Therese had died .

But this book is much more than a collection of letters. It is wonderful to read the actual words of "Tire Little Flower," as St. Therese is known , but Bishop Ahern 's commentary, analysis and historical information are what make the book much more special.

He provides a brief biograp hical sketch in the introduction.

He notes how when she was d y ing she overhead a conversation between two sisters who were wondering what could be written in St. Therese 's obituary "since she had never done anything exceptional. " However, he notes, "her life did seem uneventful. ... At the age of 15 she entered the Carmelite cloister , a short walk across town from her home, and there she died nine years later. Nobody knew her but her famil y, a few friends and schoolmates, and two dozen nuns who shared her life in the convent. Today she is known all over the world."

OF SM1 ** He also writes that she is "a saint for our times " and notes

Lock on to . . .

Mercy !

^V"" i^ ^t ° ^ Jr L^

that she was subject to depression and dark ni ghts of the soul.

Her life , he says, "is not the stuff of hi gh adventure. It is rathe r the ordinary and unexciting tale of what appeared to be a common , little life. But in the framework of that life she became a great saint. "

ni | OPEN mUm&M$k

JL WJ

Tuesday, January 11, 2000 7:00 PM 00 'l*^**Bft |Hs ft '> I f ; .'*kv''C'*1 |

|M* *"'

IPreparing y<stn \g cuanien f i r life since 1923

N OTRE DAME H IGH S CHOOL 1540 Ralston Ave., Belmont , CA 94002 www.ndhsb.org or call 650/595-1913, ext. 320

SOCIETY

| J FOR THE -^; .%^* PROPAGATION

V'

LJ ^ Hi

:' . - ' OF THE FAITH

JI^^^V fw M

I

^^^d I IJffifo ^ M^^^^^^^^^

m

Rev. Msgr. Ignatius C. Wang Archdiocesan Director

Bethlehem was a small, unknown village, overshadowed

by Jerusalem. I often wonder why did God choose such an insignificant place to be born, and to grow up in Nazareth . "What good can come out of Nazareth", was the saying.

Look at today 's world. The evangelized are graduall y becoming evangelizers. While there is a shortage of vocations here in the Western world , seminaries in African and Asian countries are filled to capacity.

College Preparatory Education Since 193 1

OPEN HOUSE Thursday, January 6 7:00 - 9:00 pm

gh

Learn About Mercy

gh Meet Our Students fih

Tour Our School Ask Your Questions

^ fih Join Our Team

Mercy High School Burlingame 2750 Adeline Drive

Mrs. Betty Duran • Admission Director

650.343.1414 Check out our web site at www.mercy hsb.com

At this moment, St. Peter 's Society - a branch of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith - is giving assistance to 81 ,481 seminarians worldwide. This does not include Religious Sisters and Brothers.

As we prepare to celebrate the Birth of Christ , let us be faithful co-workers with the church in Christ 's mission by our prayers and personal sacrifices in the formation of our future priests and religious.

Please help our Missionaries!

Send a donation to:

Society for the Propagation of the Faith 445 Church Street, Dept. C San Francisco , CA 94114-1797 Above all, remember our Missionaries in your prayers.

Capsule movie reviews...

NEW YORK (CNS) — Following ate recent capsule movie reviews issued by the U.S. Catholic Conference Office for Film and Broadcasting.

"Cherry" (Cypress Films) Inept romantic comedy in which a 29-yearold virgin (Shalom Harlow) spurns marriage yet wants to have a baby, then can find no likely candidate until suddenl y pursued by a professional clown (Donovan Leitch) and her gynecolog ist (Jake Weber), with cloy ing ly predictable results. Co-directed b y Jon Glascoe and Joseph Pierson , the attempt to make the bogus situalion and p hony characters seem whimsical is painfull y unamusing.

Considerable sexual innuendo and occasional rough language. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-IV — adults , with reservations. Not rated by the Motion Picture ¦Association of America.

"The Cider House Rules" (Miramax) Romanticized 1940s drama in . which a young man (Tobey Maguire) leaves the Maine orphanage run by the doctor (Michael . Caine) who had raised him to carry on in his footsteps , but the youth refuses to perform illegal abortions until he resorts to the procedure when a farm worker (Erykah Badu) becomes pregnant by her own father (Del roy Undo) .

Directed by Lasse Hallstrom from John Irving 's 1 985 coming-of-age novel , the movie is emotionall y manipulative in its pro-abortion stance , and the story 's humanist themes fail to apply to life within the womb. Positive treatment of illegal abortions , references to incest , violent and suicidal behavior , drug abuse , a fleeting sexual encounter and brief nudity. The USCC classification is 0 — morall y offensive. MPAA is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"The Green Mile" (Warner Bros.)

Prison drama sel in 1935 Louisiana where a death-row guard (Tom Hanks) comes to believe in the innocence of a huge , gentle black man (Michael Clarke Duncan) whose miraculous healing powers affect those around him in startling ways. As adapted by director Frank Darabont from the serialized 1996 Stephen King novel , the movie is slow-moving but presents affecting character studies of good and evil men with spiritual undertones and a sobering dep iction of capital punishment. Some violence including a horrific electrocution , occasional profanity

3 7

5

-i o

V

o

£

o

-a. w Z

Stuart Little, voiced by Michael J. Fox, takes a moment to recover after being rescued from an accidental dip in a washing machine.

The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-ll.

The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG

u

and intermittent rough language . The USCC classification is A-III — adults. . MPAA restricted.

"Stuart Little " (Columbia) Fetching live-action fantasy in which a talking white mouse (voice of Michael J. Fox) is happ ily adopted as the son of a human family (led by matriarch Geena Davis) onl y to be targeted as a meal by mean neighborhood alley

cats. As loosely adapted from E.B. White 's 1945 classic by director Rob Minkoff , the cheery tale has ample visual appeal althoug h purists may find the neatly happy ending a cop-out to the author 's more probing tale of self-discovery. Scenes of menace and a few cuss words. USCC classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. MPAA rating is PG — parental guidance suggested.

Movie ratings NEW YORK (CNS) — Here is a list of recent films the U.S. Catholic Conference Office for Film and Broad-casting lias ra ted on the basis of moral suitability.

The first symbol alter title is the USCC classification. The second is the rating of the Motion Picture Association of America.

USCC classifications: AT — general patronage; A-ll — adults and adolescents; A-III — adults; A-IV — adults, with reservations (this indicates films that, while not morally offensive in themselves, are not for casual viewing because they require some analysis and

explanation in order to avoid false impressions and interpretations); 0 — morally offensive.

MPAA ratings: G — general audiences, all ages admitted; PG — parental guidance suggested, some material may not be suitable for children; PG-13 — parents stronglyl cautioned some material may be inappropri ate for children under 13; R — restricted, under 17 requires accompanying adult ; NC -17 — no one 17 or under admitted.

The Adventures of Elmo in Groucl)]and, A-I (G) Agnes Browne, A-IV (R)

CLASSIFIEDS CALL (415) 565-3699

OR FAX (4 15) 565-3681

All About My Mother, A-JV (R) American Beauty, 0 (R) Anywhere But Here, A-III (PG-13) The Bachelor, A-IV (PG-13) Bats, A-III (PG-13) Being John Malkovich , A-IV (R) The Best Man, A-1V (R) Blue Streak, 0 (PG-13) The Bone Collector, A-IV (R) Bowfmger, A-III (PG-13) Boys Don't Cry, A-IV (R) Bringing Out the Dead, A-m (R) Cherry, A-IV The Cider House Rules, 0 (PG-13) Cradle Will Rock, A-III (R)

Deep Blue Sea, A-III (R) Dogma, O(R) Double Jeopard y, A-III (R) Drive Me Crazy, A-III (PG-13) End of Days, O tR) The End of die Affair, A-IV (R) Felicia's Journey, A-IV (PG-13) Fight Club, 0 (R) Flawless, A-IV (R) For Love of the Game, A-III (PG-13) The Green Mile, A-m (R) House on Haunted Hill, A-III (R) The Insider, A-lTl (R) The Iron Giant, A-II (PG) Liberty Heights, A-1H (R) Light It Up, A-LT(R)

The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc, A-IV (R) Music of the Heart, A-m (PG) Mysteiy, Alaska, A-IV (R) Pokemon: The First Movie, A-I (G) Princess Mononoke, A-II (PG-13) Runaway Bride, A-III (PG) The Sixth Sense, A-III (PG-13) Sleepy Hollow, A-IV (R) Sligmata, 0 (R) The Story of Us, A-m (R) The Straight Story, A-I (G) Stuart Little, A-II (PG) The Suburbans , A-III (R) Superstar, A-IV (PG-13)

Sweet and Lowdown, A-III (PG-13) The Thomas Crown Affair, A-IV (R) Three Kings, A-m (R) Three to Tango, A-IV (PG-13) Toy Story 2, A-I (G) Train of Life, A-m (R) ' The World Is Not Enough , A-IV (PG-13).

CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO CLASSIFIED AD FORM FOR SALE Puppies - Rottweiler Six weeks old; two males.

Friendly, Black & Tan; cute $150.00 each.

(415) 626-5362

PRIVATE PARTY RATE: 4 line minimum: $20.00. Each additional line: $4.00 Applies to individual selling items, garage sales, wanted ads, shared housing ads, autos, vans, trucks, boats. Private Party Ads are payable in advance by credit card, check, or money order.

'

I

'

m 2 °° 2 250

COMMERCIAL RATE: 5 line minimum: $25.00. Each additional line: $5.00.

Applies to business ads, services offered, real estate and rental ads, buying and reselling. _u B s______________^____t___ «_ a__a_ K____ H_ H_ ^_ n_ i «_ aM

_ __^_ Iwl^HEHOM mSeSSaaaMtaSSBlSxmkMi v 'M WAMiMdKiii^&lM

Enter your ad here. Be sure to include spaces and punctuation:

CATEGORIES

too Announcements 125 Appliances ,5 ° %ust™3 ,

I

Opportunities GMd Care

^SSs ___ nsB |j ng Education/Lessons

37b For Sale

400 Garage sales 425 Health & Fitness Home Furnishings f° 47b Miscellaneous 500 office equipment ° 5* PK«L 550 Professional Services Religious Articles

55° Tmve"

Estate 650 Automotive

FULL TIME BUSINESS MANAGER Ideal position friendly, assertive and self-motivate individual who wants to participate in one of the most vibrant growing Catholic Jesuit-staffed parishes in America in the heart of San Francisco next to the beautiful Golden Gate Park in the Haight -Ashbury.

Experience and knowledge of Microsoft Excel , Word and Intuit's Quick a must. Duties include overall office and plant management , bookkeeping, budgeting, monthly report generation, weekly bulletin layout, ADP payroll processing. Excellent salary plus benefits. .

NAME

___ PHONE

ADDRESS CITY

Please send cover letter with resume to the undersigned.

No phone calls please.

—

STATE

ZIP __________ CLASS. CATEGORY #:

CHECK ENCLOSED L_l

L

CREDIT CARD: Lj Visa

Rev. Russell J. Roide, S.J. Pastor

St. Agnes Church

1025 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94117 Fax (415) 487-8575

^T_TT fffw"

i_ CREDIT CARD NUMBER

A _.

___y_ _jf?r"Ps _H EXP DATE-

^^^V^^

Catholic San Francisco: 441 Church Street , San Francisco, CA, 94114

'The Twelve Apostles': inspiring pre-Christmas viewing

By Henry

NEW YORK (CNS) — The Gospe] stoiy is vividl y retold in the documentary special , "The Twelve Apostles ," premiering Monday, Dec. 20, 9-11 p.m. on cable 's History Channel .

In examining who the Apostles were and what they accomplished , the program looks at the context of their times and their relati onship with the Lord, who chose them to spread his teachings.

It 's a familiar slory for Christians, though told afresh through the perspective of historians , theologians, Scripture specialists and authors from across denominational lines, Protestant and Catholic, with a few Jewish scholars chiming in as well.

The documentary avoids controversial matters, such as Ihe sacraments, by centering on what all hold in common. The ecumenical approach is entirely appropriate for the purposes of the program .

Co-produced by Paulist Productions and Welles/ Grossman Productions , this documentary account of the beginnings of Christianity is intended for the general public , Christian as well as non-Christian.

What will hold the attention of all is the rich mixture of visuals that overlay the spoken commentary on Gospel events , the Acts of the Apostles and other writings.

Classics of Western reli g ious art are complemented by original line drawings, which include not only contemporary images but examples of Gospel-era artifacts. There is also footage filmed in the Hol y Land.

There are occasional dramatizati ons of short scenes involving the Apostles, but they are limited and not meant to stand on their own.

Pictorially, what proves especially evocative are excerpts 1

B & H TELEVISION CO.

Transfer your International video tapes to US standard and Wee versa!

& SECAM digital corwer5,ons JttCl PAL To " t0 NTSC lEjl fV/VCR sales, repair and rentals. tf_M____ We Make House Calls • Low Prices - Fast Service

We also rent or sell multi system VCR' s 415-401-9110 « 1791 Church Street at 30th, San Francisco, CA 94131

tSING | "'Mh. I

!

the Gospels to be quite familiar but agreeabl y told and not a littl e insp irational . The result is appropriale famil y fare as Christmas nears.

Herx directs the US. Catholic Conference Office for Film and Broadcasting .

Her x

S Hardwood V FLOORS .,' '

Philipp ine priest writes, produces alternative film Martin Sheen

from old silent movies portraying the life of Christ. The fading, black-and-white scenes provide a sense of antiquity, or at least of a time and p lace very different from our own.

Narrated by actor Martin Sheen , the program makes good use of the Acts of the Apostles in showing the rapid spread of Christianity through the Mediterranean world in the decades after Pentecost.

It then follows tradition in recounting how some Apostles went beyond the Mediterranean to establish Christian communities in India, Ethiop ia and Russia.

And tradition is also the source for a segment detailing how, except for John , each Apostle met a martyr 's death by crucifixion , beheading or some other form of execution.

After two millennia , the legacy of the Apostles ' evangelical zeal is a worldwide population of over 2 billion Christians.

With Paulist Father Ellwood Kieser sewing as executive producer , the documentary is a good introduction for those who know little about Christianity.

Most believers , however, will find its popular account of

MSJsfcaWJ gH^ri

CARS WANTED Private Party will pay Cash for your Car, R.V. , Trailer, Boat , Motorcycle , or Property.

CALL (650) 757-1946

Expert mms&tp

J

San FranGisco Only, Please

Reflnishlng • Repairs s^5f New Installation sS Com'l & Residential High Quality I Reasonable Rates HI TECH Hardwood Floors 415-720-1612

415-661-3707 TO PLACE AN AD, CALL (415) 565-3699

FAMILY OWNED

[jK \

¦ ¦*•

UC. # BB3B4I

IMI

fUll Upholstery

Sewer Root Foaming

sfsf^s chairs from $y5 T! ini Sofas From $20 ° * y $ &v \ Special:

KILLS ROOTS & PREVENTS REGROWTH

I

I

www.NOROOTS.com

nwn I'iHows Sale $20 * ff '* |Com!. • Churches

(415) 661-4208

BAR BARA EloRdi , MFT

*»*

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

(650) 591-3784 974 Ralston Ave. #6,

B e lmon t , CA 94 002

Christian Family Counselor ,

I

LILA CAFFERY, MA,CCHT

• Famil y • Marriage jgfl . ¦» ::l% • Divorce Recovery ™ pyjj f • Change Addictive Patterns: Eating Disorders, Etc, Smoking, aA.*"4fe[ FREE Phone Consultation st DonlcI Call for parishioner

•Slidi ng Scale •

RSVP (415) 337-9474 • (650) 593-2020 www.innerchildhealing.com lilac3@earthlink.net

:

. , . . . . - ; :?; ;:¦. ;... . ..

,

ff a r

(fjSJP

UNION BAY

Painting & Decorating

flKWMHBj I]] ., sI—_¦ w Commercial <r "

(SR

_

,

• Residential Interior • Exterior • Wall Covering

VVoo(| Work • G|,|jal p,'e i' Work ¦ y40U \Dv ) U) Oc) I

USED FURNITURE BOUGHT AND SOLD 150 VALENCIA STREET (near Market) San Francisco, CA 9410-4 (415) 431-1000

CARTY MOVING

& STORAGE 415-831-8301

House, apts., office , pianos , packing.

Hoisting, load, unload rentals.

Free estimate. Free use of wardrobe boxes.

References available .

Student & senior discounts.

C.P.U.C. T 189107 Insured PL & PD

Masters Movers"

Apt. . Home - Office

Blanket Wrapped Service \ Packing • Crafting A^n Since \979 ^J \ TOLL FREE 1-877-700-MOVE Reliable • Professional Cal-r 155500

Great Sates! *«*"%

CUMMIN QS

' '*^P^V STORAGE • RESIDENTIAL Is COMMERCIAL • LOCAL Be LOrlO DISTANCE

SM (650) 692-3000 SF (415) 387-4000

Carpenter Construction A

_ (ES, JSSJI I_ tfW ggp f^^Sr ^

p^n V •™™'K' .rnrr

___, !;;_!£_._ . ts I IMATfcb

"vST'i

SmlM Insured

Quality Craftsmanship

_ • Residential Remodeling • Custo m Homes i • Custom Kitchen Cabinets .Excellent L___J e Dryrol & Termite Repair References !__

______

PRENDIVILLE CONSTRUCTION Bonded • Lie # 604993 £_ Cf i Q7T _ f \(Z C (\ e-mail: PPrendi920 @aol.com ODU~ «J / 0-1/00 "

DON'T MOVE . ., IMPROVE! Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Tile - Marble • Granite Dry Rot and Termite Repair

Patelco Offers 400+ Seminars

LEARN ABOUT • Investing Basics 'Estate Planning • Living Trusts •Taking Control of Your Finances And Many More! Call Today for Schedule, Convenient Times, Locations, Open to Everyone

FREE Credit Union Membershi p

If you live or worshi p in one of the many Bay Area cities we serve, you can join Patelco Credit Union.

We offer: ¦ No-fee Checking • CDs • Savings Accounts • Money Market Accounts • New & Used Auto Loans • Visa Cards • Home Mortgages, Moref ..__¦—,

/ lutma^o GARAGE DOOR

• HOME, DRY ROT, FENCE & DECK REPAIR • REMODELING • PAINTING • PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL • CONCRETE PATIOS, WALKWAYS & RETAINING WALLS • DRAINING SYSTEMS • DRIVEWAYS

CA Lie, jj 740009 - BONDED & INSURED-(650)61»7564

FREE SEMINARS

For more information visit our website at www.patelco.org or call (415)442-7105

All purpose Handyman (25 yrs exper.)

:- .__:..__;¦ , ::_ ', ; V- _. - ; .:. %'%- ;

Cottrell's Moving and Storage Exchange, Inc.

fax 415-831-8334

Licensed Marriage, Family and Child Therap ist.

W^SP Offers individual, couple + family and group counseling. ^,X<

¦

Lte# «68243

Since 1905

1-877-NO-ROOTS

For information about this page call (510) 537-7391

Plumbing Repairs

SARITI PLUMBING & HEATING

MANILA, Philippines (CNS) — A movie being shown commercially in the Philippines was written and co-produced by a priest as his contribution to the current debate over what is seen as increasing sexual content in films.

"Ang Boyfriend Kong Pari " ("My Priest Boyfriend") has attracted attention — as it was intended to do — amid arguments over proliferation of soft-core pornography films and criticism of the government-mandated movie review board.

However, the provocativel y titled film by Msgr. Marcelino Reyes challenges the notion a boy friend is necessarily a lover: He could simply be a male friend , as is the case in the movie.

"Many are crying out (againsl sex in films) but are doing nothing. So I came up with the idea of wri ting a script that will be an alternative to bold films ," Msgr. Reyes told reporters .

Stationed at the Basilica of the Black Nazarene in downtown Manila , the priest said his movie dep icts a priest 's daily struggle "defending his ri ghts and life. " Popular Fili p ino star Ronnie Ricketts plays the title role as Father Ed , a young parish priest who serves youth .In the movie , Father Ed rekindles a platonic friendship with Reggie, a female reporter he dated when he was still a seminarian . Reggie is played by Vina Morales , a popular actress.

SERVICE DIRECTORY ,

• General Repairs -Clean Drains & Sewers -Water Heaters

dfcwii

Father Kieser

.

I / /

COMMERCIAL - RESIDENTIAL

\ \ 1 / / / SPARKLE CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING <?TO >\ \ // Call For Free Brochure

V

7 (650) 574-6939

Lie # 73462 1

Graham Hollett , General Contractor

/f $ sS r I Y-d&^Clf elco CREDIT UNION /

"V ^ 1

CORPORATION

OVERHEAD DOORS & OPENERS COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL 8 Radio - Dispatched Trucks

T

Wally Mooney Says Just Buy It! l'll Save you $$$ CALL 650-244-9255 (WALLY)

MARK F. GRIFFIN Riordan High School

&

St. Finn Barr Graduate

415-648-6413 FAX 415-648-7255

2501 CESAR CHAVEZ ¦SAN FRANCISCO LICENSE =671115 - BONDED 8 INSURED

y

RES NO: (650) 588-7155 RES FAX: (650) 827-1433 E Mall: www.wallyTmoon.aol.com 1799 Bayshore Hwy Sre. 141 Burlingame, CA 94010 (across from Marriott Hotel)

HOLY CROSS COLMA

Tillie Duque Morris Eleen Emma G. Eserini Raul Espinoza Alice R. Fahey Antonio O. Figueiredo Gino L. Fioranelli John E. Fogarty Jerrie E. Fong Sabina S. Fontanilla Eloisa F. Fries Louis R. Futile, Jr. Amy T. Gallagher Ralph R. Gamble Raul Gamino Bienvenido D. Garcia John P. Gardenal Mary S. Gasparich William J. Gastrock Irene H. Giannecchini Richard Ginocchio Lily C. Golden Felicitas Gomez Dorothy R. Groswird Carlo A. Guido ^, „ . T-r . „ Eleanor M. Hadsell ,.

John A. Hanratty __ ¦ »,¦' ', , ,-.

Grace M. Happoldt .

Jacqueline Hildreth _ - . . T ...

Salvma Hih Frank K. Hollenbeck Michael J. Houlihan Vincent R. Hussey Lucia I. Joanilho Bernice M. Johnson Lillian C. Juzix Dolores C. Kason Frank E. Kelly Helen C. Kenny Mildred H. Kernek Helen M. Kielty Fern Grafelman Lamaack Richard M. Ledesma

Eleanor T. Adami Nicholas M. Aiello, Jr. Thomas T. Alonzo, Jr. Manuel Pereira Araujo Agnes D. Baar Angelo J. Banchero Mark C. Barbieri Jack Barulich Mary Beccaria Angela V. Belli Esther Belli Marie (Daguerre) Bianchi Nancy H. Bradley Mary Ellen Burgoa Michael J. Caballero Nancy Camilleri D. James Capps Paciencia D. Caranto Raymond H. Carr Carmen Castillo John P. "Jack" Cavanaugh un D.^ v Ronald D. n Cecchini _ «-(¦ -« Cervieres v • Yvonne C. v nr rn. • Keung W.Choi „ „ T „ „.

Carroll J. Collins, Jr. ^r n ** Mervyn TF. Collopy Ellen F. Concannon Jennie F. Cook Victoria A. "Nana" Cummings Margaret Curran Deanna Dal Poggetto James J. Dal y Karan Ann De Angelis Lorraine De Nicolai Mary E. DeGuire Giovanna Demattei John P. Devlin Michael J. Dohert y Regina Dreiling

Mou Wah Lee Marie C. Lewis Mary F. Lewsader George A. Lynch , Sr. James J. Lyons Erminia J. Martino Anna F. Massagli Dennis McCarthy Sara McHugh Jose J. Medina Jose Garcia Mercado Lidamo Micheletti Ruth J. Monley Harriett H. Moreton Frank J. Muchna Elva M. Muchna Flora L. Murnane 4 Thomas J. Murray Josefa Oiler Magdalena Martinez Opiana John Ortega Maria T. Elena Panigada Jane Gill Pedersen '

Dennis J. Sweeney Rose T. Tatone Sophia H. Tenerowicz Margaret A. Tipton Jesse Torrez Tauiliili Likarione I. Tuimavave Consolation Y. Valdiviezo Jose R. Vasquez Elizabeth A. (Betty) Velasquez Romolo Vergano Guillermo P. Visco Eleanor F. Walkup Mary Theresa Ward Bernard J. Ward, Jr. Frank W. Watson Melva B. Whitley William E. Willoug hby Genevieve A. Ybanez Gloria U. Yturralde

^, Esperanza Perez

Vidal Gonzales Angel 6 JT ean C. Brown _ , _ Carolyn A. Tr Hernandez

Victor M. Pedersen

^ Frank R. Perez .

-Egina M. Perry Pablo D. Placido __ Ernestine E. Polzin Emmett W. Purcel Paul S. Quinn Thomas R. Reginaldo Emile L. Roucayrol Edward R. Russell Rev. Joseph E. Sanchez Catherine M. Sangalli Peter H. Seldner - Frances L. Sinnott Ethel M. Smith . Jesus Emperatriz Soto Patricia Ann Steger Dorothy J. Stout '

HOLY CROSS 7~~

MLIN LO PARK

_ .„ „ ..

Gilbert Pacini _ , TT

Gerardo Hernandez Villavicencio

_ *T 17rT( A -,- ^ f T VL 1 1| L 1 !«, M

SAN RAFAEL

Rose Antonio Dorothy Fritter Dion M. Grahame Phillip L. Inden Vernice A. Martens James F. McElroy Elio D. Taffi Wilton John Upchurch Frank Zuffinetti ___

HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CEMETERY, COLMA 1st Saturday Mass - January 1, 1999 Rev. Thomas L. Seagrave, Celebrant Pastor, Church of the Visitacion

11:00 a.m. - All Saints Mausoleum Chapel

Jf c ¦p

The Catholic Cemete ries Archdiocese of San Francisco

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

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

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